Conduct Business Online

A sound e-business strategy has helped many U.S. companies to reduce their costs and increase their productivity and sales. The Internet allows you to do international business independent of time differences and office hours. The resources in this section will help you better understand how e-commerce can help your export business.

In this section, you will:

Determine your online strategy for your target market

Determine what enhancements you might need to make to your website (e.g., online payment)

Understand web security requirements, potential scams, etc.

Tools & Resources:

Going Online. This section will define e-commerce, assess your company’s readiness for going online, and review the steps to going online—including taking online payments.

eScan Security Assessment. The NIST eScan Security Assessment is a diagnostic tool designed to assess the electronic security infrastructure of a small business and provide an action plan for improving it. This tool will provide you with a set of recommendations to correct your security problems, helping you to develop a more secure model for future eBusiness strategies and positioning.

Net Knowledge 101. Net Knowledge Basics is designed to provide individuals with a fundamental understanding of the Internet and eBusiness. The course attempts to present much of its content in a manner that is relevant to small and mid-sized manufacturers, but within the context of today's business environment.

Checkup:

Is the Internet a sales channel for your company?

Is your web presence merely promotional, or will you/can you handle online payments?

Do you need to translate your site into the language(s) of your target market(s)?

Stuck? Speak with a trade specialist at 800-USA-TRADE

Go! Find additional information and resources to refine your plan.

Proceed to the next section, Get Logistical Support.