Putting the Internet to work for your business"
We take a close look at our Business Communications Processes and identify opportunities for e-commerce implementation. We study WHY you need to consider e-commerce in your current business infrastructure. 

This workshop is aimed at small to medium sized businesses who are either unaware of electronic commerce or who view it as a low priority. Either way the workshop approaches this group on the assumption that they are yet to see a commercial advantage in embracing e-commerce as part of their business strategy.

The workshop is designed to cater for business people who are motivated firstly to stay in business and secondly to grow into a larger business.

The purpose of "Putting the Internet to work for your business" is to de-mystify e-commerce and provide information that enables the attendee to make decisions on identifying opportunities for their business by clearly understanding e-commerce business communications processes.

The technical parameters of "Putting the Internet to work for your business" are wide enough to include.

• Organizations with no computers at all
• Organizations that use computers and have seen some advantage to them
• Organizations that use e-mail instead of or in addition to the fax.

Brief overview of deliverables:

• e-Commerce awareness will be raised.
• The participant will understand e-Commerce business communication processes.
• The participant will clearly identify e-commerce opportunities within their business infrastructure specifically within the areas of marketing and promotion, ordering, delivery and payment.
• The participant will develop an e-Commerce business plan to suit their level of operation
• Discuss select e-Commerce case studies.

All workshop attendees receive an "AUSe.NET Information Kit" that supports what they have learnt and sets guidelines for taking their next step.

Identify marketing opportunities on the Internet

Discuss the reasons that business are using the Internet

• Communication (internal and external)
• Information Management and Distribution
• Customer Service and Technical assistance
• Presenting a good image
• Cost Containment
• Marketing, Sales and Support
• Public Relations
• Direct Sales
• Market Research

Discuss areas for consideration in relation to an Internet marketing plan.

• Define Target Audience
• Determine Product Differentiation
• Define Marketing Objective
• Determine type and level of Internet Presence
• Create web page design
• Develop maintenance and upgrade systems.

Practical Workshop 1

Each participant will use a computer for this session concentrating on Internet connectivity, e-mail use, Internet familiarisation, online e-commerce and case studies.

This practical workshop is designed to enable each participant who has just completed their e-commerce business plan to use the internet to identify a number of organizations who are successfully using e-commerce in business and understand the principles required to successfully navigate and use the technology.

The workshop will cover:

• Netscape and Internet Explorer windows
• menu commands
• Using Toolbar buttons
• Using the location field.
• Identifying the Directory buttons
• Entering an URL
• Setting Preferences
• Making a bookmark

Each participant will learn how to:

• Connect to the Internet
• Understand and use e-mail
• Download Freeware
• Understand Computer virus issues
• Go to a number of company sites who are successfully using e-commerce.