Resolving eCommerce Issues

What is important in teaming up with professionals for an Internet Presence?

Does everyone look for ways to cut corners, save money, or to get by with the least amount of effort? How many look for shortcuts or, take the road most traveled? The problem is, the road most traveled, the shortcut or trying to get the cheapest deal invariably costs more in time and money. If you’re a business owner, can you afford taking chances?

I would like to share a story and event which took place just last week; then I would like you to ask yourself what would you have done, and how easy would it have been for you to resolve the problem that faced my client.

My client, whom I will call Mr. Zee, contacted me last week with an issue concerning his shopping cart. It seemed customers ordering products from his site were receiving error codes. After a few questions I let him go about his business, he had a tight schedule so there was no need for him to waste time trying to run this to ground. I would simply put his IT team to work in resolving the issue, no matter what it is (take note of this statement, “no matter what it is”.) One of the many benefits Mr. Zee has with GrowOnlineNow.com is my maWebCenter and iTransact team which supports every aspect of his eCommerce needs.

In looking at the code, I thought that the error message may be generating from his Internet Payment Gateway which is a proprietary service of iTransact. If you have not heard of iTransact, they are a privately held payment-acceptance company based near Salt Lake City, Utah. iTransact was founded in 1994 as RediCheck, the first provider of Internet-based check acceptance services.

I contacted my iTransact Post Operations Team member Jason and explained the issue along with sending him a screenshot of the error message. Jason first confirmed all settings were correct on the client’s gateway then he had his programmers confirm there were no programming issues which would cause the error. Once Jason was satisfied that the problem was not coming from his side of the house, we contacted maWebCenters’ eCommerce tech support team to verify Mr. Zee’s System Configuration with iTransact was correct. Holly, along with her supervisor and programmers confirmed that the website was correctly setup and the error code was not being generated from their end.

Here is where this maWebCenter and iTransact team combo saved the day. Holly and Jason discussed the possibility that the problem could be the result of a communication disruption. Since the code was for a disrupted communication error, it could be that Mr. Zee’s service may have been terminated at the debit and credit card processing center. Mr. Zee has been with this one company since they first opened their business, many years before they stood up their website with GrowOnlineNow.com. In order to find out if this was the problem, Jason contacted his resource at TSYS.

Jason called his contact at TSYS to look into the possibility of a terminated connection. Once I mentioned that the credit card processing company had taken over another company, TSYS was able to identify the source of the problem. They looked into the VAR sheet provided to iTransact and found it containing incorrect information as a result of the transition between the two companies. TSYS recommended calling the new credit card processing company to obtain the correct information.

Jason contacted the new credit card processing company and obtained the correct VAR sheet information which should have been forwarded to Mr. Zee when they took over the credit card processing from the old company. Once Jason implemented the changes into iTransact’s payment gateway, we successfully retested Mr. Zee’s site by submitting an actual order. The website and gateway were now connected and working properly.

This entire process took just a little over two hours. The point to take away from this story is how important it is in having a professional team dedicated to you and your business. When I tell prospective customers that an entire team of IT experts are at their beck and call, 24/7, it often just seems impossible. This was no small issue! My professional IT experts found the issue that lay with a company my client Mr. Zee has had for years which was not a service provider with GrowOnlineNow.com. Remember above when I said to remember “no matter what it is”? Now ask yourself, how many service providers have you dealt with willing to not only find a problem that is not theirs, but resolve it for you? But here is the kicker… this entire team of experts that is at Mr. Zee’s beck and call costs only $50.00 per month. Where can any company hire an entire division of IT experts for $50.00 per month?

It doesn’t matter if you are a business owner with an online store, or a web developer or designer, our team of experts makes everyone’s business easier and far more productive.

Can you answer the question “what is important in teaming up with professionals for an Internet Presence?

Are You Prepared for a Financial Emergency?

We’ve been told from practically the beginning of our working lives (once we were independently responsible for our own finances) that we should always have six months of living expenses in our savings. But in an economy where many of us are working lower-paying jobs (or have no jobs at all), that kind of saving is unrealistic.

A recent article says that most Americans don’t have enough savings for a financial emergency.

The article, which appeared in Forbes, says that out of 1000 Americans surveyed, 66% have no more than five months of expenses in savings, and a shocking 28% have no savings at all. Earlier last month, the same author wrote an article on the "Brutal Recession Destroyed Americans' Wealth, Net Worth Down 40% In 3 Years."

The economic environment right now is such that only those taking greater risks or seeking non-traditional ways of earning income will succeed or rise above their financial circumstances. The banks will not bail us out, and it is unlikely that we will see any great turnaround, increase in availability of domestic (U.S.-based) jobs, or pay increases to complement increased living expenses.

The stakes may be higher, but the opportunity for reward is greater than in earlier economic conditions. Now is the time to take your finances into your own hands, and stop spending your valuable hours working to fulfill someone else’s vision.

Live "Your Dream" - Explore and Evaluate all Opportunities - Start with Explore Grow Online Now!

What is in your Online Future? e-Commerce?

According to Wikipedia, "Stay the course" is a phrase used in the context of a war or battle meaning to pursue a goal regardless of any obstacles or criticism. In business it used to mean just hang in there... but in today’s economic uncertainty, a business cannot afford to simply hang in there less they experience a long slow death, or even worse sudden death. Eastman Kodak was a great example used in Margaret Case Little’s article below. Eastman Kodak never thought its business would ever be taken away by digital technology… why? They thought of themselves as a film company rather than a photography company. That was the kiss of death.

Today even the smallest business can overcome the kiss of death, but they must take action… remember David and Goliath? Today’s technology affords owners of even the smallest business to take advantage of high tech advances to level the playing field, or even beat the most successful of their rivals. Having a professional internet presence no longer costs tens of thousands of dollars… not even $5,000… and in “Most” cases, less than $3,000 with everything a business requires to conduct a fully integrated and interactive online presence.

Small budget or not budget, there is no better way to economically measure, monitor, adjust and control a business’s marketing strategy than having an all-inclusive menu of features and services that sets them on the path of becoming leaders in their industry!

U.S. vs. Europe: The future of e-commerce
By MARGARET CASE LITTLE, DIRECTOR, NRF | Published: JUNE 5, 2012
Be the first to comment | This entry was posted in Events, International

NRF is flexing its international chops this week as three of the organization’s top executives lead the charge at the 4th annual Global E-Commerce Summit held in Barcelona. Kicking off the conference, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay shared a few of statistics to put online growth in the United States and Europe in perspective.

• Forrester Research is projecting online sales of $210 billion in the United States alone in 2012. The number is expected to hit nearly $250 billion in 2014. More than two-thirds of the online population buy something online every year, and that number is growing rapidly.
• In Europe, Forrester says online retail sales in 17 major countries were close to 97 billion Euros in 2011 and are expected to hit 172 billion Euros by 2016. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 12 percent. By 2016, online sales will account for more than 14 percent of total retail sales in the UK and more than 10 percent in Germany.

In light of these statistics, Shay noted, “In the U.S. we’re hearing two key takeaways from our members on how to live in this omnichannel world—first, make sure that the way you present your brand is optimized for the devices that your customers are using—and second, upgrade your in-store technology to meet your consumers’ needs.”

Shay also used the example of the death of historic companies and products to prove that technology truly is king. Like for instance, Eastman Kodak thought of itself as a film company rather than a photography company and saw its business taken away by the digital technology it invented but failed to embrace. Movie studios that once resisted the VHS tape are now rushing out digital downloads of their blockbusters nearly as quickly as the movies appear in theaters.

Shay concluded, “The world is changing, and it’s up to us to continue to imagine the next great thing for our customers. If we don’t someone else will.”

Other executives from NRF are sharing their industry knowledge as well over the 3-day conference, as NRF SVP and Shop.org Executive Director Vicki Cantrell takes the stage on June 6 to lead the discussion on social commerce.

Three critical factors for picking perfect keywords!

As we all know by now, SEO relies heavily on keywords - the words and phrases used by search engines to determine a website's page rankings. As SEO expert Jeff Quipp writes, "Choosing the right keywords is often the difference between getting found in search and not getting found. As a result, keyword research is the foundation of an effective online marketing strategy."

So how does one begin to research the best keywords for their business' website? Here are three things business owners can keep in mind!

Brand Names
When choosing keywords, people tend to overlook brands names, but those descriptors are vital for boosting SEO!

• What brand names do you sell? 
• What is the name of the company that makes the products you provide? 
• What are some common names or terms used to describe your services? 

Consider these descriptive words, and take into account any variations that people use (such as abbreviations for product names).

Qualifiers
Qualifiers are like brand names in that they are descriptive phrases used for specificity. But qualifiers in this case would be used to identify keywords that are geographically-oriented, or terms that narrow down a field of expertise. A doctor, for instance, would use a qualifier to describe their specialty.

If you consider the nuances of your own industry, you can creatively come up with a keyword to qualify your business.

• A hairstylist with a penchant for color services becomes a "colorist." 
• A photographer who prefers to shoot sporting events becomes a "sports photographer." 

In this way, you're not just separating yourself from the competition; you're also adding valuable SEO qualifiers.

Competitive Edge
Business owners should evaluate their own power as a competitive entity when selecting keywords. By using a tool like the one available for free on Google AdWords to evaluate the competitiveness of certain keywords, businesses can determine whether those keywords are a good fit. Generally, a keyword ranked "highly competitive" - one that is used often - means you've got a tough match against the competition...and that usually means lower page rankings.

This is something to be experimented with and modified as a business' online presence strengthens. When a business thrives online, it becomes a stronger competitive force, so those "highly competitive" keywords might not be so formidable!

Did you know... 
If your business sells to the female demographic, then you certainly will want to evaluate our solution - it's a perfect fit (no puns intended!) According to the Total Beauty Media Group:

• Women spend 20 minutes online researching products before shopping trips.
• Women spend 50 percent more time than men reading content like reviews and ratings about products. 
• Sixty-six percent of women who research products are brand-specific when they search. 
• Thirty-two percent of women said free samples convert them from browser to purchaser! 

That's valuable market research for owners of boutiques or salons that carry specific product lines.

Helpful Hint: 
When evaluating different platforms to help your business target niche markets, always look for companies providing comprehensive solutions and services. Ask if they have add-on services or capabilities and ask for a full disclosure of their costs. What sounded as a great deal at first could come back to cost much, much more.

The Story Behind "Looking for Paradise"

"We're all looking for something...that's what connects us"- Alicia Keys

I oftened wondered what makes this company so special... The story behind this song made me realize it is all about families, creating friendships, bringing people together and actually helping people find their own "Paradise". I hope you enjoy the story behind this song which was inspired by the sincerity of a couple who become friends with everyone they meet. Perhaps this story and song will spark something in you like it has for millions who have heard it; and for many of us who have been inspired by Loren and JR and the opportunity they brought to the world to help us all look for our "Paradise".

Obviously Alajadro Sanz and Alicia Keys were just as inspired! 

Serendipity brought them together. A twilight cruise on the Utopia III with mutual friends Loren and JR Ridinger, the breezy Miami air, and a shared love for music became a magical recipe for paradise for Alejandro Sanz and Alicia Keys. Alejandro strummed his guitar while Alicia hummed an intoxicating melody—one which would eventually evolve into “Looking for Paradise”, a song with the ability to transcend culture and language and speak to humanity and our common search for paradise: a place as authentic as it is uplifting.

Click to watch Alicia and Alejandro tell their story.

Alejandro Sanz and Alicia Keys perform live their World Wide Hit "Looking For Paradise"

As you watch the video below you will see Loren, JR, & Daughter Amanda Ridinger along with Ava Longoria (minute 3:15). Looking for Paradise was a #1 WorldWide hit when released and is still a favorite to this day. Enjoy and let yourself be lifted. 

Are you Coachable? An Interesting Perspective on the term Client Centric!

As a result of a post written by Anne Bachrach in LinkedIn’s Group The Business Growth Network™, I was directed to her blog and even though it was written in June of 2009, it is one of those pieces that will be relevant for an eternity. All I could say was Ditto to others who found Anne’s article spot on. Two sentences near the near the end of her article “What If Your Business Was Truly All About Them?” got me thinking. Anne made the statement:

It’s not an easy thing, being client-centered. But if you’re going to make it all about them, it’s what you have to do.

Those two sentences made me realize that Anne mostly had it right, but there was an additional ingredient which could be included to this stellar piece. It all has to do with the way we think.

When a business owner is client-centered, or what I like to refer as “Client Centric”, customers or clients remember and greatly appreciate the excellent service they received. And we know the influence “word of mouth” has in our business. And in today’s high tech and viral environment, the word of mouth buzz can either make or break a business. Given today’s me, me environment, isn’t it refreshing when “we” come across a service provider who is actually genuine and sincere in wanting to fulfill our needs rather than only interested in selling us something? I certainly found those two sentences in Anne’s article extremely accurate. If there was anything to add it would be people first need to mentally make a transition in their way of thinking – from “me” to “thee.” But what does that mean, mentally make a transition? What transition?

It’s all in how we think when it comes to be about ourselves, about our potential. How often have you heard the term stinking thinking? It all starts out with our thought process, and it’s that thought process which first requires changing; transitioning from one way of thinking, to another. 

It’s just like someone who has been obese and wants to not only become healthy, but also look that way. How many times have we seen major success stories after first changing their thinking and believing in themselves, developing a positive mental attitude, and building up their self esteem? It’s the same with being client-centered or client centric. By the way, I really like the definition of “client-centric” as seen in Investopedia.com: “A specific approach to doing business that focuses on the customer. Client centric businesses ensure that the customer is at the center of a business's philosophy, operations or ideas. These businesses believe that their clients are the only reason that they exist and use every means at their disposal to keep the client happy and satisfied.” 

Another approach to being client-centered or client centric is by actually considering oneself as being a servant; one who comes from the perspective that they are in business to serve the public, or as in my particular case to serve my clients and customers. Approaching from the perspective of being a servant of people makes being coached by professions like Anne Bachrach much easier, understanding and implementing tasks becomes more accomplishable because mentally the thinking transitioned in becoming more focused on “what are the needs” of the client or customer rather than how can I make a sale. “What can I do that will be of value to them” becomes a habit. Once that perspective has been achieved, implementation of corrected activities becomes easier and attainable. 

Now how to get them to that point? That may be the million dollar question… it’s like the old idiom “You can lead a horse to the water, but you can’t make it drink!” The question has to be asked of the business owner, are you coachable? Are you able to transition into becoming a servant, a professional who is client centric, or client-centered? Give it serious thought and then find a good coach to work with you and your business.

Is there opportunity for SMB Owners & Entrepreneurs?

With today’s economic uncertainty, Small- and Mid-size Business (SMB) owners are tightening their belts just to survive. Employees being laid off has had a huge impact on our economy as we all know by listening to the news. The Bureau of Labor Statistics makes it sound as if things are looking up, however layoffs have a compounding effect, and not normally in an accurate direction. Government statistics are always skewed from a political point of view, regardless of who’s in office and simply are not a credible, non-biased gauge on reality. The fact is, a great many jobs have been lost and on top of reducing employees, business owners have decreased marketing and advertising.

Over 700 small businesses responded to a survey about their marketing for 2010. This survey conducted by Zoomerang in association with Growbiz Media found that 89% of businesses employed less than 25 people, 3% employed between 26 and 50, 4% between 51 and 100, and 1% for both 250 – 500 and 501 to 1,000 employees.

In November of 2011, over 1,000 SMB decision makers were surveyed. When it came to the question of hiring, 66% said they would not be hiring in 2012 as a result of the impact 2011 had on their business. It was also discovered that of those surveyed last November, the top 3 areas which SMBs plan to invest are in Marketing (35%), Sales (28%) and Technology/IT (22%).

When it came to their annual marketing budget, every business owner stated cuts were necessary. Over half of the respondents stated they had reduced their marketing budget to less than $1,000. And in 2010, less than 20% had budgets up to $9,000. The survey did not specify or go into the various markets or types of businesses. Not all businesses market the same way or even use their website for marketing however, one concept which has proven to be reality is word of mouth and social marketing.

In a little over a year a great deal has changed. Of those business owners surveyed in 2010, 54% stated they had websites however most were using their websites for informational purpose only. What is important today? It’s not about information anymore; it’s about creating “The Buzz”. The purpose of a website for Informational purpose only is so counter productive. Information is passive and extremely non productive. Smart business owners are finding how to become active with their website usage.

Here is the huge difference – a passive marketing strategy only draws traffic to the site and requires a great deal of SEO effort which is still important but could become costly depending on the SEO service. Compare that to an active marketing campaign strategy that pushes traffic to the site which is accomplished through outside sources on the web promoting the site. Social Media has become the fastest growing medium by which to push traffic to sites and SMBs are beginning to catch on.

Overall, the internet is the leading marketing media among almost all businesses, with print media coming close behind (including direct mail which is a form of print media). 35% of the surveyed are using some form of social media for marketing, and among the leading social media are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. It is taking SMB owners time to realize the importance in using Social Media. When asked, 11% stated they were going to use Social Media as their primary source for getting new customers yet 25% were going to focus on Word of Mouth. It was interesting to see that 66% believe Social Media was the most affordable method and 41% saw no value.

For 2012, the top 4 areas SMB will increase their budgets will be website (17%), Direct Mail (15%), Email Marketing (15%) and Social Media (13%). Increase in SEO budget falls to only 4% for 1012.

And what was the one area SMBs will focus their attention for improving in 2012? Getting more customers; growing their customer base. Almost 60% said they plan to focus in getting new customers while only 38% would focus on retaining existing customers.

Is there a silver lining in today’s economy? Is there an opportunity for both Business Owners and Entrepreneurs? There certainly is! 
It is obvious businesses are looking for economical ways with which to improve their business. Many are beginning to see the importance in having an active rather than a passive internet marketing strategy. But it is not equally among all age groups. The younger generation of SMB owners are seen to be leaning heavily towards Social Media Channels while the older generation either do not plan on using it or just don't know but even they are looking for solutions. For those who have lost jobs may be optimistic in knowing there is an opportunity for them to help SMB owners. If one looks, there is always opportunities. The question is, how?

That is where GrowOnlineNow.com comes in. Not only do we have solutions for SMB owners, we also have opportunities for those individuals who seek out and seize opportunities. We have an Internship Program designed for individuals who have not been able to secure a job after being laid off, or those wanting to position themselves with a secondary plan of action in order to protect against having the family income totally eliminated.

The Internship Program provides a win-win solution for both individuals and SMBs:

• For the average person we provide the infrastructure through our Internship Program to start a new business. We provide tools, training, mentorship and support to get their business started including the ability to attain the necessary capital.
• Our Internship Program provides the intern tools to assist SMBs in attaining an “affordable” solution with the industry’s only “all inclusive” web site platform and services which includes high tech Web Sites, unlimited technical support, customer support, SEO support, Social Networking support, as well as Email and Domain support as well as other services.

For more information and to get details on our Internship Program, visit ExploreGrowOnlineNow.com.

For SMB owners wanting to know more information on our “All Inclusive” web site platform and services, visit us at GrowOnlineNow.com.

For details on surveys used in this article, go to SMB Bbusiness perspective for 2011 and 2012 and SMB Marketing Practices Survey for 2010.