People have been doing their banking on-line for years. Same with payroll and taxes. There are no known breaches. The back-office order-entry, inventory, etc., is simply a logical extension of what has been going on in other sectors.

Should you switch? The answer depends on many factors. If you have many tens of thousands of customers, you are probably better off with a traditional desktop, multi-user, network system like QuickBooks or Great Plains. However, smaller businesses, especially those on a budget, will find back-office “webware” to be very attractive.

Also, if you have remote offices or if you have vendors (like fulfillment houses) that might need access to your data, web services are way to go. You can buy a “read-only” account and give that to outside vendors (or employees) and they can use it (anywhere in world) to view data, but not change anything. Large firms have Virtual Private Networks to do all of this. The small business sector will now have save advantage. The web is network!

One of best things about webware is that you can truly “try before you buy” without having to download and install anything. The “demo” that you use on vendor's web site is same system that you will use “for real” when you subscribe.

A lot of business people don't use latest software products (or they don't update software they have) because they fear they will have trouble installing it or learning how to use new system.

One of advantages of webware is that everyone knows how to use a browser. Well-designed webware is intuitive by nature... just like web. There is hardly any learning curve. Contrast that to learning how to use one of more popular back-office desktop systems.

There is no underestimating what a well-oiled office infrastructure can do for your business. Being able to take orders, create invoices, account for money, keep track of customers, do your taxes, and create reports to show you how you are doing are invaluable assets to anyone running a small business.

With webware, it finally gets easier.

Waitperson and/or Coffee Shop Owner: These folks are in trenches and know more business professionals than you may know. Coffee shops play as much a role in business as Board rooms. Regular customers often view owners and employees as familiar friends. Select a busy coffee shop and frequent it regularly. Establish a friendly rapport with boss and staff so that they know you well. As a regular, you'll benefit if they know about your business as well as fact that you write. Be personable, carry business cards and tip generously... and don't be surprised! You can't buy exposure for price of a cup of coffee but you can gain recognition by genuinely interacting with others publicly. Never dismiss potential of a contact who works in any service industry.

Charities/Community Service Organizations: While it's quicker and easier to write a check, taking your donation to next level can create a definite presence for you. Since most of these groups are nonprofit offer to contribute a free article. Try one of these article ideas: a piece about group's local efforts, a press release about a new fundraising effort or offer to write a regular column that covers positive impact of group's work from viewpoint of a business professional.

Professional Organizations: You pay your annual membership fee but attend few meetings and/or functions. Sure there's prestige with membership but anyone bearing proper credentials can join. Treat your membership as an investment, a potentially profitable one by being active within organization. Out of sight is typically out of mind, so make sure to let people see you regularly. Be first one to volunteer your business expertise and/or writing services for any projects.

Adjust your focus to potential rather than immediate and don't forget to look in your own backyard for business contacts and opportunities. As your own local awareness increases you will receive reciprocating professional recognition. It's just a matter of fine-tuning your perspective.

(c) 2004, Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights in all media reserved. Right to publish this article is granted provided article and by-line are reprinted intact.