Improving Decisions Making : Using Internet Newsgroups for Online Market Research

Improving Decisions Making : Using Internet Newsgroups for Online Market Research

Exellence Connection   08.01

            The newsgroup is a discussion about variety objects consisting of notes written to a central Internet site. In a newsgroup, users can post exciting news, public messages or articles, response to the previous post, and create a new newsgroup. Newsgroups require a special newsreader software in order to read and post messages. Newsgroups can provide a small business with opportunities for networking.

            In a business group, it is welcome to do commercial discussions, such as the debate over products and services. That is the thing which supports us to market our boots in newsgroups. The newsgroup is such an inexpensive method for a new startup business to learn about the competition and gain the opportunity to wider its networking.

            As we know that new business really needs to get customers, therefore from the newsgroups we can spread the information easier and faster. We will give a brief explanation about our product in  newsgroups using SEO (Search Engine Optimization), so the customer will easier to buy our products.

Besides, we will join potential newsgroups so we will get potential customers too. Then, we will be an active participant by answering as many questions as we can. Answering will be made us look competent. Also, post the message to many newsgroups. If you only share to one newsgroup, you will feel dissatisfied with the feedbacks. Because not so many customers will visit your side.

            In our opinion, we do not violate any ethical principles in the newsgroups. Because we share something, that is fact. We list the product accurately and honestly. We think there are no rules that we break by post that kind of information. Because we do not do any victimization in sharing the information.

            This is one of the examples people use newsgroups for selling product. Anne sold hiking boots because of they too big for her. On the message, she told us about the size, color, and materials. So, the customers will know some information about her products. The location of this product at Santa Clara, California.

            Some steps you can do to contact the potential customer. Survey customers, before you offer products you should know what the customers want or need. So, we can provide what the society really need. As a seller, you should respond to every emails or comment from the customers. It will make them feel more convenience. To contact with potential customers, all things that you post to the website should have relation with the newsgroup. You should tell your customer about the benefits of your products or why your product is important.

            A newsgroup is nothing without any visitors, therefore we also have planned some strategies to attract visitors to visit our site. First, we need to make an attractive design so the visitors won’t feel boring. Some interesting poster and unique explanation about the products will really help. However you have created a wonderful newsgroup if you do not share it, it will be nothing. So, what you need to do is share the information with your family, friends, and colleague. By doing this, the newsgroup will become more popular and the number of your visitors will increase. You can spread the information through your social media like facebook, twitter, Instagram, etc.

Reference :

http://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/newsgroups-and-blogs.html

https://community.startupnation.com/discussion/3636/the-secret-of-newsgroups-marketing

http://www.frugalmarketing.com/dtb/newsgroupads.shtml

http://99u.com/articles/7070/4-creative-ways-to-attract-more-visitors-to-your-website

http://marketingland.com/10-steps-target-connect-potential-customers-effectively-147710

Pro and Cons of Allowing Companies to Amass Personal Data for Behavioral Targeting

Pro and Cons of Allowing Companies to Amass Personal Data for Behavioral Targeting

Exellence Connection   00.25

          As we know, behavioural targeting needs personal data to increase the effectiveness of advertising using user web-browsing behavioural information.

          Behavioural targeting is generally defined as identifying consumer's browsing habits to help you make educated targeted decisions when it comes to future marketing and advertising campaigns. When a consumer visits our website and the searches they make, allow sites to collect that data. As a result, site publishers can use this data to create defined audience segments based upon visitors that have similar profiles.

          In this case, we are in pro group because we agree if companies need to amass personal data for behavioural targeting. We have some reasons why personal data is needed for behavioural targeting. Let's take a look on statements below.

       1. Allows you to know your customers very well

           If we provide many useful goods such as products that can work for the consumer, and moreover it is a rare item, we may know what they really want to buy from the same data that have visited the website.

       2. Anticipate the needs and wants of your current clients

       With behavioural targeting, you can anticipate the needs and wants of your current clients, and use this information to base your marketing decisions on the assumption that the needs of your current clients will close match the needs of your future clients. Behavioural targeting can provide consumers everything they need before they even realise they need it, which almost always guarantees a sale. Online businesses can anticipate consumer browsing habits and offer suggestions that lead to your products.

       3. Increase your productivity

         Behavioural targeting is a tool which allows you to increase your productivity without spending much initially. This involves studying the behaviour of your average clients so you know where to search for them and ensure that your ads are being viewed by the audience. Behavioural targeting allows you to cut time and costs by utilizing behavioural targeting tactics and focusing your advertising efforts on your target audience. When you place the appropriate service or project dressed in a marketing effort they appreciate, and with a price tag that meets their expectations, your marketing sales profits will skyrocket.

       4. Marketing Research and New Innovation

        Marketing have discovered that there is another use for behavioural targeting aside from online advertising sales. They found out that it is a good way to do some research and figure out the kind of people that buy their products. For instance, what else are their clients interested in aside from their products. Cell phone can use zip code, area code and GPS data to let users know where the nearest business establishments are. Ads will show up in your cellphone, selling products sold by local businesses within your present location.

          But there is a weakness by using personal data for behavioural targeting, privacy concerns. Actually data-mining technology has raised eyebrows as privacy violation is inevitable for all of these used data without permission. Trust is a main issue, and behavioural targeting companies claim that they are highly responsible for these data, imposing bans and regulation. Ultimately, it is privacy concerns that primarily cause negative impression on consumers.

          In conclusion, we still need personal data for behavioural targeting. Therefore we may help them to obtain all the information and ways in order to buy the things they want and fulfil their satisfaction.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_targeting

http://behavioraltargeting.biz/behavioral-targeting-pros-and-cons/

Spyware

Spyware

Exellence Connection   08.57

          Spyware is software that aims to gather information about a person or organisation without their knowledge that may send much information to another entity without consumer's consent or that asserts control over a device without the consumer's knowledge.
          Some of the earliest spyware did little more than report to the authors each time the program was used. It was intended as a marketing aid or to monitor usage for licensing purposes. That still goes on, but a lot of spyware nowadays is designed to steal confidential information - user names and password for banking sites, email accounts, social networking sites and online games. You may never know you have malicious spyware on your computer, as it tends to work quitely in the background and the overt functionality and quality of the program may be very appealing.

How spyware enters your computer:

1. Advertisement on Internet
2. Fake Anti Spyware 
3. Shareware and freeware
4. Hackers, etc.

Effect of spyware on your computer:

1. Your computer is getting slower
2. Pop-up windows suddenly appearing on your screen
3. Spyware may know all your information although your privacy

How to prevent the spyware:

1. Download and install real Anti Spyware
2. Be cautious when web surfing
3. Lookout for pop-ups
4. Enable your firewall

          To sum up, spyware may give negative effects to internet users, especially if we use internet at random ways. We can prevent it by installing Anti Spyware and so on, of course we have to be careful when we open shareware and freeware.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware

http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/guides/about-spyware

https://www.lifewire.com/spyware-prevention-tips-153401

http://www.ehow.com/list_6500027_effects-spyware-computers_.html

Business Process

Business Process

Exellence Connection   10.12

WHY WE MUST UNDERSTAND BUSINESS PROCESSES ?

Article : Business Process

In doing a business we definitely will pass through a process where the process was later that will determine whether we succeed or in running a business. Understanding business processes according to experts :

Davenport (1993) "a structured and measurable Activities to produce a specific output for certain customers. There is in them a strong emphasis on the "how" it was runin an organization, not as the focus of the product which focuses on aspects of the "what".

Hammer and Champy's (1993) "a collection of activities that require one or more ofthe input and output of value for customers."

Indrajit (2002, p3) "business processes are a number of activities that transform inputs into outputs for a number of other people"

Wikipedia Indonesia "Business process are a number of activities that transform inputs into a number of a number of outputs (goods and services) to other people or processes that use people and tools"

In my opinion "business process is a set of activities that form the whole governing business resources to create added value for the business itself as well as defining the object or purpose of the business in the form of a number of inputs that generate output for others"

Accounting,business economics, marketing, management information systems, organizational behavior, organizational and management are some of the lessons we have learned. There are some students who have been unsure if pass what is done but there are also students who still do not know after graduation what will he do to work, start a business, go to College etc. But whatever the choice is an understanding of the business processes it is crucial! Why? because if someone especially those who graduated from Department of business may just be ordinary employees can become or became boss upon his employees but they are not going to be a leader or an employee as well as a good.

The overall business process including how a business is run, what are the components that make up a business as well as how these components are integrated into a single entity is an important thing that must be understood in the business process.Business processes need to be understood well because business processes gives usan overview of what needs to be done for businesses that will we make so that we are able to formulate and organize the business flow in a system with a mess and that we were not wrong in understanding the steps-the steps of manufacturing systems. Therefore we must first understand what exactly the intents and purposes of business processes.

The stages of the business process :

1. Looking For a Business Idea

is the earliest stage when it would start a business. Prospective business people looking for a wide range of information about opportunities and business ideas.

2. Starting a Business

After finding ideas and business opportunities, then starting a business.

3. Increase Profit

At this stage we focus to increase the profits of the business.

4. Bild The System

This stage gradually we begin to build a business system.

5. Develop

This stage can we run when the system we've built.

In conclusion, there are many benefits that are gained, such as being able to take decisions wisely, work more effectively and efficiently because you already understand how the business process running. To understand the business process, you need to actually implement the functions not just hearing or reading about it as it's been said above.

References :

http://www.readersdigest.co.id/investasi-dan-bisnis/5+tahapan+bisnis

http://www.inapen.ac.id/read/article/8/mengapa-proses-bisnis-penting-untuk-dipahami/ina

E-Business

E-Business

Exellence Connection   08.29

THE ROLE AND BENEFITS OF THE INTERNET FOR THE BUSINESS

Article: E-Business

As we already know along with technological developments that rapidly then the development of the information system is also rapidly just as happens on the internet. The internet has many roles and benefits in any activity conducted human, especially internet has a role and a huge benefit for the development of the business world.

The ease of using the internet encourages many business person to perform the interaction using the internet. This is due to using the company's internet business or entrepreneur will be easier to do with the manufacturer as well as interaction with consumers. The fact that is being developed at the moment is that the Internet is used as the primary means of business in promoting and publicizing their efforts. the flexibility makes the Internet as a medium that is able to answer the challenge or business constraints, such as geographical area, promotion, target marketing, the process of buying and selling, etc. For business companies and entrepreneurs on the role the internet is also sorely needed. Business companies can directly contact the manufacturer, business associates, or individual customers with low cost. So is also the case that happens to entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs find it easier to find new outlets for products and services that will be offered to consumers.

The Internet has revolutionized the way the world does business in both the local and global levels. Many small and large companies have been utilizing the Internet in order to support their business. There are even called an Online business which is solely making the Internet as a primary business. Many companies, especially those that apply to trade online, has been integrating their website with back-office system such as database, accounting, and stock control package and searches of their customers. This can reduce administrative costs and improve customer service by providing a quick and easy information about the progress of the order to the customer. Some of the benefits of the internet in the business :

1.  Recruitment of labor and employment information.

2. Access to information and the dissemination of information to consumers as            well as producers easier.

3. Communication and fast delivery of documents with a cheap cost.

4. Research new business opportunities for the beginner online business.

5. Create a base for clients or customers

6. etc.

from the explanation above it can be concluded that the use of information technology, especially the internet is helpful to business needs. Because using the internet all forms of business interactions could occur and resolved easily.

E-Commerce Fraud

E-Commerce Fraud

Exellence Connection   02.20

          Electric commerce is a transaction of buying or selling through internet. E-commerce draws on technologies such as mobile commerce, electric funds transfer, supply chain management, internet marketing, online transactions processing, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and etc. Modern e-commerce typically uses the World Wide Web for at least one part of the transaction's life cycle although it may also use other technologies such as email and so on. 

Model of e-commerce

        There are four model of e-commerce such as Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C), Consumer-to-Business (C2B).

1.      Business-to-Business (B2B)

B2B is well-known as Inter-company transactions. They do the transaction through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) which is a method of exchanging business documents between companies / institutions electronically using the standard format agreed. For instance is Garuda Indonesia. B2B is divided by two, B2B E-Commerce and B2B Exchange.

2.      Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

B2C is a business model that sales goods and services to market or public. For instance is Amazon.com Inc.

3.      Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

C2C is an individual model that sales goods and services to consumer too. For instance is an auction company through internet, eBay Inc.

4.      Consumer-to-Business (C2B)

C2B is an individual model that sales goods and services to companies. For instance is Priceline.

      

      Although now trading system has been developing, there must be something wrong such as misuse in e-commerce itself. One of e-commerce fraud is online scamming. Online scamming is an act which is conducted by an irresponsible individual or groups that provide fake information for their own good. Online scamming has been occurring now, no wonder if people are already used to this fraud. There are disadvantages of misusing e-commerce:

1.      Losing in term of financial.

2.      Theft of valuable confidential information.

3.      Lose the trust of consumers, and so on.

        We as a good consumer have to be careful when using e-commerce itself. Here is four ways to prevent e-commerce fraud:

   1. Boldly display fraud notices.

       By placing fraud notices in both the content of your site and on order forms you can deter most online scammers. Explain any that violators will be subject to the law, and that they can be tracked by using their email address, and etc.

   2. Carefully analyse orders.

      If an order seems suspicious, check it out. Orders that are for several of the same expensive item, orders that do not seems concerned about size or colour, or large orders that request expensive overnight shipping are often signs that an order may be fraudulent. Make sure customers have completely filled out all information and that all of information matches.

   3. Use Address Verification Service (AVS).

      Address Verification should be performed on all transactions to make sure that the information that a customer gives you matches the information that the card issuing bank has on the file (the service does not work outside the U.S). You cannot exclude all orders that have different addresses for shipping that for card billing statements because it would be make it impossible for customers to send gifts from your site but orders like this should be handled with caution. Remember that you can always call or email customer concerning the nature of their order.

   4. Be cautious of orders that use a free email address.

      Free email addresses are easy to get and it needs a little information. Some people perpetrating fraud will use them to hide their identity. Some of the most common free email addresses are from Yahoo and Hotmail.

     E-commerce may provide many advantages for us but we must be aware be an irresponsible persons who do online scamming for their own good. We as a smart consumer must be careful with advanced technology by using e-commerce wisely.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-commerce

http://www.storemantap.com/blog/tipe-tipe-bisnis-mulai-dari-b2b-b2c-sampai-c2c/

http://melizahandayani.blog.widyatama.ac.id/2016/03/21/artikel-tentang-e-commerce/

http://zuhritkj.blogspot.co.id/2015/12/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html

http://www.ballisticmerchantservices.com/Top_10_Ways_To_Prevent_E-Commerce_Fraud.asp

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Implementing E-Government

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Implementing E-Government

Exellence Connection   03.54

       E-Government (Electronic Government) is the using of electronic devices and information system to provide some information or public service for citizen about the government. The government uses web-based telecommunication in electronic government. There are 5 models of E-Government, between citizen to government (C2G), between government to others government agencies (G2G), between government and citizens (G2C), between government and employees (G2E), and between and business (G2B).

            By implementing E-Government, there will be so many advantages for both governance and citizen, there are:

1.      Enhanced the service quality for the citizens. The information is provided 7 days and 24 hours on the website. So, the citizens can access the information from everywhere and every time.

2.      The implementation of E-Government can be more effective. Because to coordinate with each other they can use the technology such as e-mail.

3.      Government transparency is very important because citizens can be informed about what the government is working on. Therefore, hopefully, the relation between the government and the society will be better.

4.      E-Government also gives contribution in economy policies. It can reduce the possibility of corruption because of the transparency. It will increase citizens trust to the government.

Besides advantages, every single program also has disadvantages or threat. Here some disadvantages by implementing E-Government:

1.        There is a possibility the system will be hacked. Recently, one of our government situs (KPU) has been hacked.

2.        Inaccessibility. Not all of the citizens can access the internet, especially who lives at a remote area. Because of low literacy levels, and poverty.

We realize that every program always has its advantages and disadvantages. However, we should see which is has more impact, the advantages or the disadvantages of implementing the E-Governance. Overall, implementing E-Governance gives more advantages than disadvantages for the citizens.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-government#Advantages

http://anggaidhayana17.blogspot.co.id/2014/11/artikel-e-government.html

http://virusmogare.blogspot.co.id/2012/11/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of.html