-----------------------------------------------------------
Interview with the Web Novice
by Mike Banks Valentine
Due to a sprained wrist, I had to ask my wife to type this
newsletter for me. Ouch. That hurt almost worse than the
wrist. You see, my wife is a technophobe. She hates or
distrusts all things technological and modern. So you know
I had to hear a lot of guff before she would agree to
participate.
I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share with
my readers the inner workings of the anti-web mind, so in
exchange for innumerable future favors (uh-oh!) she agreed
to be interviewed.
Mike: Why did you decide to develop a website for your new
business?
Nancy: Because you're my husband and you have to do it for
free. Seriously, although I don't like computers (I'm not
even sure how to send e-mail!), I realize that everyone is
starting to expect businesses to have a webpage. I'm afraid
I'll look amateurish if I don't have one.
Mike: What do you see as the first step in that process?
Nancy: I'm not sure. You'll have to guide me on that. I
don't know what's possible, what's not... I'll count on you
for that. As for the content, I'm working on a business plan
and think most of the important info will come from that.
Mike: It's the same as starting any business, anywhere. You
need your business plan, letterhead, business cards, checking
account, business license, phone number, fax, and now, your
website. THEN, the best thing you can do is present a rough
sketch of your website and its content to your web designer.
Essentially you are establishing a virtual identity for the
business you have planned.
What's your biggest concern in all this?
Nancy: I've heard you talk about how important it is to keep
up with your website: to respond to e-mail, update info fre-
quently, and keep giving viewers something new (like a news-
letter!) Since I don't like computers, it seems burdensome to
think I have to do all this. And I know it has to be promoted
to be effective.
Mike: I like to compare a website to a telephone, as far as
responsibilities go: If you have a website and don't respond
to your e-mail, that's the same as placing an ad in the phone
book and refusing to answer the phone when it rings. Further,
you need to stay in contact with your customers. It's
too easy for them to go elsewhere. I get postcard reminders
from my dentist, vet and eyedoctor, and a birthday card from my
insurance broker. By sending e-mails, you can have the same
impact, without the cost of printing and postage.
Are you willing to create a regular newsletter and keep your
website updated?
Nancy: Reluctantly, yes. I want my business to succeed.
I can't imagine starting a business nowadays without having a
website. You hear "something or other dot com" on most of the
ads playing on the radio. Lucky for me, I married a webmaster,
and he owes me lots of future unspecified favors, so I think I
know who will be writing my newsletter and answering e-mail.
Mike: Next time, I'll type through the pain.
--------------------------------------------------------
WebSite101 "Reading List" Weekly Netrepreneur Tip Sheet
Weekly Ezine emphasizing small business on the Internet
http://website101.com/arch/
e-tutorial online at: http://website101.com/shortcourse.html
By week's end you're ready expand your business to the web!
--------------------------------------------------------
