InBus_Win09_56-96:InBusiness 1-61 11/12/2009 10:44 Page 61
Getting Online | FEATURE
IN UPCOMING ISSUES
+++++++++++
We will explore top-level aspects of doing
optimisation (SEO), etc. The web has matured top-down list of importance, you are ready to see
business online. Our aim is to educate and
and now requires expert knowledge. Your job which web developers answer your needs. If you
empower Irish business to know what is
should be to find the right expertise for your don't have an outline or list of your specific
needed for success. We will be interviewing
company. You can do this without becoming a needs, you can at least make a list of the aims for
business people and web experts, and
web developer yourself. You don't need to learn your company online. This is essential.
inviting contributions from leaders in the
web development to make your business website Start by looking at their work. Don't focus on
Irish online development industry.
a success, nor do you need to learn a new design but on the fundamentals – how the
lexicon of technical jargon. But you do need to websites work. You want to look at functionality,
YOU ARE INVITED!
understand how the internet and web work on a where the links lead, what the site is offering you If you would like to contribute, comment or
general, non-technical level, so you can decide (as a visitor) and whether it delivers on this. suggest articles or topics – please email us:
what is best to do for your business. Ask the web firm if they understand your
inbusiness@ashville.com
particular business or industry. Don't be put off if Topics will include:
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT they don't have experience of it. It can be an
What is an Online Business Model?
WEB DEVELOPER advantage to “educate” your web developer. It
How will my business be found on
The Irish Internet Association (www.iia.ie) was means their approach will be fresh and they
the web?
founded over 10 years ago to bring quality and should ask lots of questions to make sure they
Understanding the role of a web
professionalism to web development. Many of really do understand it. You need to be sure that
developer.
the best web development firms in the country they do. While it can be comforting to work with
Why is Design really important?
are members. On the IIA website look for a firm that does know how your business works,
What is eCommerce?
Member Directory in top navigation. This is this can also lead to narrow vision and a lack of
Why is my eMail so important?
What is an HTML eNewsletter?
where you can search for web developers in out-of-box thinking. What you want is for your
Is Social Media good for business?
every county who are members of the IIA. You web developer to come up with fresh angles on
To Twit or not to Twit, seriously.
can also call 01 542 4154 and ask basic advice, or how to make your business prosper.
The growing business web in Ireland.
email them on
members@iia.ie.
Enterprise Ireland has a lot of solid, useful info ARE YOU UP ON THE LATEST
on their OpenUp eBusiness website TECH-SPEAK? your website as you would be any other part of
(www.enterprise- If you are interviewing a web firm and they begin your business and when talking with web
ireland.com/ebusinesssite/default.asp), which was to blind you with technical terms, let them know developers, keep your business hat on.
created to assist businesses in going online. You and give them the opportunity to ‘talk plainly.’ If All that noted, you will need to be open to
will find guides to most aspects of web they are unable to convince you, then they new ideas, and you will want to encourage your
development including a database of web probably won't convince your clients either! developer to suggest improvements to your
developers here (http://www.enterprise- The key point here is that you don't need to online business model.
ireland.com/ebusinesssite/categories.asp), where know all the ‘tech-speak’. You know your
you can choose by size of company, county business and you know what you need so don't
location and other keywords. be bamboozled into going along
We will list additional online resources in if you don't understand
coming issues. what they're talking
about. Be as precise
HOW TO SELECT THE BEST about making
WEB DEVELOPER
Take your time. Don't try to choose your web
developer under a tight deadline. It most often
leads to not choosing the best fit. If you have
made an outline of all your needs and made a
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Andrew Lovatt is MD of redmoonmedia: clear thinking – creative vision, which has been in
business in Ireland since 1996. He is an early member of the IIA. He was introduced to the
internet in 1981 by Eric Raymond, one of the founders of the Open Source movement when he
lived in the U.S. In the 1980s he worked as a newspaper and magazine editor and publisher,
and experimented with Bulletin Board Systems. He began working on the Net the moment
HTML was invented. He lives in County Kildare with two children and three cats.
InBusiness Winter 09 61
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