0816_TOEFL-Test-and-Score-Manual-1997

Technology and Telecommunications ● 113
Another tip: Be sure to include your phone number on every Web page
so customers can call if they’re having any issues. Offer a variety of payment
options, including PayPal®, so you don’t scare customers away.
Make sure all your back-end systems are functioning perfectly. In the
early days of online shopping, nearly 80 percent of customers failed to
complete transactions due to technical problems. Those high failure rates
soured people who were trying to save time by shopping online. Test and
retest your shopping cart program and check it every day.
Consider offering online-only specials and post coupons.
GREAT
IDEA
Visit My Favorite Web Sites
People often ask me what sites I visit frequently, so
here’s what’s on my list:
• BizSugar.com aggregates small business content in an easily accessible
manner. Readers rank the articles and provide feedback.
• OpenForum.com is the American Express small business site. I’m a
contributor. You can find dozens of other experts, including author and
marketing expert Guy Kawasaki, and John Jantsch, founder of Duct
Tape Marketing. If you have an American Express card, you can create
a business profile. It’s easy to do and you may make a few connections.
• Check out SmallBizDaily.com for great tips and advice from Rieva
Lesonsky and other experts.
• Bloomberg.com features quality content on all sorts of business topics
and issues. There are video clips, audio downloads, and stories.
Bloomberg Businessweek also has a great web site.
• I subscribe to the daily New York Times news feed. It’s a great way to
start your day, even if you just scan the headlines.
And, of course, I hope you’ll visit my site and submit a great idea:
www.201greatideas.com.