Working and Communicating Online

By Jacci Howard Bear

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

Can you run a business, including a desktop publishing or graphic design business, without ever leaving home? Email, Web-based services, online shopping, and net conferencing have changed the way businesses and customers communicate.

Reach potential clients almost anywhere in the world with your Web site and targeted email marketing. In some cases, a Web-based portfolio and email can replace face-to-face meetings both at the initial stage and throughout the design process. When a client needs "hard copy" samples of your work, there's always the regular mail — and you can do that from your desktop too.

Instead of phone tag, communicate quickly with new clients through email. You can even transmit documents such as contracts using Internet fax services. In some cases, instant messaging such as ICQ or AIM can provide useful real-time communication with clients or business partners.

There's no need to limit yourself to local service bureaus and printers. Get printing quotes online. Transmit files electronically and follow up with faxed proofs or laser proofs shipped through a company such as Federal Express, which offers pickup and online tracking of packages. Exchange samples and proofs with clients using email attachments. The PDF format is ideal for this purpose.

When you or the client need more interaction video conferences and electronic white boards allow you to transmit images, markup documents, and discuss projects almost as if you were sitting together in your office.

Although the technology makes it possible, is it practical? There are obstacles to overcome.

• Online advertising may not be able to reach your target audience.
• Not everyone is proficient at or comfortable with sending or opening email attachments, sending/receiving faxes, or using conferencing software.
• You or your clients may not have the minimum software/hardware requirements for video conferencing and other cutting-edge (or basic) technologies.
• Not limited to online encounters, file incompatibilities can crop up at anytime — different versions of the same program and cross-platform issues can be especially frustrating for a potential customer not accustomed to these problems.
• Some people are simply uncomfortable working with someone sight unseen.
• Email, fax, and delivery may be fast but it is impersonal. The phone can personalize communications but not being able to pop over to the printer or drop off a proof and discuss it in-person can be frustrating.
• Due to the overwhelming growth of spam and email-transmitted viruses, email can be troublesome, especially for clients who are not up-to-speed on the latest spam filters and virus protection software.

If you are willing to take the time and initiative to develop reliable Internet skills, have the patience to work with the technology, teach reluctant clients, and pursue long-distance relationships with clients, printers, and other suppliers then yes, you could run a design business without (hardly) ever leaving home.