OnTrak Action Brief

Using Technology To Improve Your Company’s Performance

Leverage technology to compete with the big guys and win!

The internet has leveled the playing field for small and mid-sized businesses. It provides small and mid-sized businesses the tools and solutions necessary to compete against the largest companies in the world.

Leveling the Playing Field

The internet is the great equalizer. It offers a variety of tools, solutions and communications capabilities that let companies of any size compete for business on a global scale.

Your business should be looking at the ways it can use the internet to improve sales and marketing. Most studies indicate the vast majority of your customers and prospects (94% +) are using the internet as the main source for gathering information about products and services prior to making a buying decision.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

The most popular way for small and mid-sized businesses to leverage the internet is through software-as-a-service, or SaaS. SaaS is a way to access full function solutions, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), without the complexity and expense of a full implementation.

The advantages of this approach are many. First, you do not need to install and manage the hardware and networks that are needed to run a solution. The service provider handles all of the infrastructure for you.

Next, there are no upfront costs for software license fees. SaaS solutions are priced as a subscription. You can start with just a few users and add users as you need them. Additionally, the cost and complexity of implementation is dramatically reduced. Typically you only need to train your users on the application, which means you avoid having to hire technical personnel.

Finally, using internet-based solutions provides tremendous flexibility. All a user needs to get working is an internet connection. This makes your staff highly productive by allowing them to work from the office, from home, or while traveling.

Cost Effective Marketing

The shift to the internet has made it possible for small and mid-sized business to conduct their marketing cost effectively. Everything from managing campaigns and sales cycles, through marketing communications, can be done on the internet.

© 2008 OnTrak Consulting, LLC 757-292-6019All Rights Reserved www.OnTrak.us.com

Using Technology To Improve Your Company’s Performance

It is inexpensive to establish a web site, sell your products and services, and manage communications using the internet. Most importantly, your customers and prospects are using the internet to conduct their research, so you need to have a “web presence” and make it as easy as possible for them to find you and buy from you.

Every business should consider the following ways to leverage the internet in order to generate leads and manage results:

CRM for managing lists and tracking all communications Permission based email marketing Pay-per-click advertising Online web seminars, presentation and podcasts Ecommerce web site for selling your products and services online

What Are You Waiting For?

Many companies are already using some of the tools we mention above. However, to fully leverage the power of the Internet, you need to have a comprehensive strategy in place. This strategy will ensure that you are able to compete and win against your largest competitors.

About OnTrak Consulting

We help small and mid-sized businesses increase sales and profitability by improving sales and marketing processes and leveraging technology. To learn more, visit our web site: www.OnTrak.us.com , or call us at (757) 292-6019.

© 2008 OnTrak Consulting, LLC 2 757-292-6019All Rights Reserved www.OnTrak.us.com