Why Should Your Business Go O.N.L.I.N.E.

Optimize your time. How much time each day must you devote to paperwork, scheduling and accounting? You strive to meet the needs of your clients, but when chained to the obligations of business management, it's just as important to make sure the doors stay open as it is to satisfy customers. By integrating your daily tasks and taking advantage of the amazing Web-based software solutions out there, you can make more time for clients and spend less time behind your desk. Do you work from home? When your business is online, you can manage your business any place you have a connection to the Internet

Nickel here, nickel there. A close second to making your customers happy is your business's bottom line. Save money by transferring workloads. When your clients schedule classes and appointments online, you might not need a full time receptionist. If you choose an online resource that manages schedules, accounting and client information, you won't need separate software programs. Make money by offering series, packages and gift cards online. Identify the squeaking wheel through comprehensive Web-based marketing and sales reports. Find out what is selling, what is not; who is filling classes, who is not; and make necessary changes to grow your business.

Lose the appointment book. You have a staff schedule, a class schedule, a room schedule and your own schedule to manage. That's four appointment books and calendars! Using an online resource that manages all your scheduling needs at once not only streamlines your business, but lets you ditch the paper appointment books and calendars, clearing your desk, your office and your head. Plus, by publishing your calendars online, your customers can manage their own schedules better. With the click of a mouse, they know if there's a class Thursday morning they can make class or not. Plus, your teacher and instructors can see what classes and appointments they're scheduled for and prepare accordingly. Even better, allow your teachers to book themselves as unavailable for things like doctors and dentists appointments.

Innovate. An Internet presence is more than just a Web site. Offering content and information to customers online is valuable, but allowing them to interact with your business on their own time is a precious benefit. When a customer can view your calendar online, schedule a class, and pay for it all from the comfort of home when it's most convenient for them, you've taken a giant step in customer satisfaction.

News! What's happening at your studio? Have you hired a new teacher? Are you offering more classes? Are you adding a location or running a monthly special? A Web site provides the world with instant access to your latest and greatest. Keep customers in the loop and attract the attention of the local media by offering press releases, monthly newsletters, and more online. When cancellations occur, post the notice on your Web site instead of the studio door!

E-Commerce. Make your customers and your bank account happy by offering your services and gift cards for purchase online. Your customers have just about as little spare time as you do. Help them by providing them a way to pay membership fees, purchase class packages or even gift certificates where and when it's convenient for them.

Using a Web-based management tool also allows you to monitor your sales from home when it's convenient for you. Planning a much-needed vacation? Check your sales from the hotel room (or, better yet, the beach).

With over a decade of experience in technology and project management, Joyce Rimmele is an expert in helping businesses organize, focus, and execute. As Director of Marketing for MindBody Software (http://www.mindbodysoftware.com), Joyce helps yoga and Pilates studios, spas, and resorts identify and implement Web-based solutions. To reach Joyce, e-mail her at joyce@mindbodysoftware.com.

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Introductory PHP For Non-Programmers

When you started reading this sentence you assumed lo acabarķa... Read More

Web Content: How Much Should I Pay?

When web content gets discussed on webmaster bulletin boards, the... Read More

9 Simple Steps to Create a Background Tiled Image Branded with Your Name

You have seen those web pages where they have the... Read More

Five Question-Five Minute Web Makeover Quiz

If you haven't made the sales and built your clients... Read More

Seven Daft Things Not To Do To Your Website

1. Splash pagesMost of the time splash pages are uncalled... Read More

Make Your Communication Come Alive

Design and layout can make your communication come alive and... Read More

Nonsense! Why Do I Need a Website?

"I don't sell anything online, I don't advertise online, in... Read More

How to Build a Database Driven Web Site

If you ever want to create a state directory, article... Read More

Dreamweaver 8 Preview

August 8 2005, Macromedia announced a release of Studio 8.... Read More

Why Every Small Business Owner Needs Two Websites

Every small business owner knows that they need a website,... Read More

How to Get a Knock Out Website!

The first step in setting up an online business...Starting an... Read More

Does Your Business Really Need A Website?

Website, website, website, everyone says you need one. But do... Read More

Increase Your Affiliate Earnings with a Smart Webmaster Plan

Affiliate programs are a great way to earn an income... Read More

Content Management ? The New Standard in Web Design

The evolution of web development parallels the model of technology... Read More

Top 5 Webmaster Tools You Can Pick Up For Pennies

1. SiteSpinner V2 - On Sale www.deprice.com/sitespinner.htmSiteSpinner is a user-friendly... Read More

PIM Team Case Study: Creating Text Effects With PHP and GD

See how you can create graphic effects on text with... Read More

High Quality Website at Low Cost

Although designing a great web site is an important part... Read More

Pick Up Your Own Domain Name

Think up a name and check if yourname.com is available.... Read More

Why Should Your Business Go O.N.L.I.N.E.

Optimize your time. How much time each day must you... Read More

How To Convert More Sales On Your Website

One of the biggest mistakes that most online retailers make... Read More

Developing State-enabled Applications With PHP

Installment 1Developing State-enabled Applications With PHPWhen a user is browsing... Read More

How Improving Your Sites Usability Can Increase Your Buyers by 40% and Boost Each Order By 10%!

With all of the factors involved in designing and building... Read More

Making Your Website Shine! Attract and Keep Visitors at Your Site!

When you consider the billions of individuals and companies on... Read More

Wheres Your Focus, Money or Customer?

Is your website Really useful?I had a 'rep' in yesterday... Read More

Build It and They Will Come

Build it and they will come is not always true;... Read More

Building eCommerce Websites that Work - Part 2

Succeeding with an eCommerce website is a dream for many... Read More

How to Create Sizzling Sales online

"Don't Sell the Steak, Sell the Sizzle."Have you heard of... Read More

Let Your Customers Redesign Your Website!

When you purchase a new item from a Yahoo! Store,... Read More

Allocating Your Web Site?s Budget Properly

I had a client say something to me the other... Read More

You Cant Just Build A Website And Hope It Works!

Like any area of business your website needs some effort... Read More

What is SQL?

What is SQL? SQL stands for Structured Query Language and... Read More

5 Sure Fire Ways To Send Visitors Away For Good

So your traffic is going through the roof yeah? It's... Read More

How to Get a Better Web Site ROI

Better Web Site ROIHow to increase your business profitability by... Read More