Page 249 - Business Principles and Management

project:
MY BUSINESS , INC.

CORPORATE FORM
E-commerce may allow new businesses to compete equally with larger,
established businesses. Many businesses develop a simple Web site to
provide information about the business, but others use the Internet
more extensively. Some complete all of their business transactions
online. Consider how you can use the Internet in your business.

DATA COLLECTION
1. Use the Internet to identify
a. information sources that will be helpful in completing your
planning
b. examples of other beverage businesses that are using the Internet
c. e-commerce businesses from which you could purchase products
and services you will use in your business
2. Identify at least two Web-hosting companies that work with small
businesses. Collect information on the services they provide and the
costs of their services.
3. Conduct a short survey of 10 or more people who you believe would
be prospective customers of your business.
a. How regularly do they use the Internet, and how much time per
week do they spend online?
b. Do they purchase products online? How regularly and what types
of products?
c. What are their positive and negative feelings about e-commerce
and making purchases online?

ANALYSIS
1. Prepare a chart that compares the advantages and disadvantages
of e-commerce for your business. Based on the chart, make a deci-
sion about whether you will use the Internet for your business:
(a) right away, (b) after your business has operated for a few years,
or (c) probably not at all.
2. Outline the way you would use the Internet for your business if you
used it for: (a) information, (b) interaction, and (c) integration.
3. Look at privacy statements on several Web sites. Then write one
for your company. It should state the ethical guidelines you plan
to follow in the collection and use of customer data and in e-mail
communications.
4. Using three of the Internet advertisement formats shown in Figure 9-5,
develop ads you would use to encourage consumers to visit your
business’s Web site. Then go to the Internet and identify three sites
that accept advertising you believe would be good locations for your
ads. List the URL address for each site and give a brief rationale for
each choice.

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