Email or electronic mail has been used by government and business since the early 1970’s, however it wasn’t until the internet and later the world wide webwere introduced that email became widely used.

Today most businesses around the world are using email for internal and external communications. In my workplace I receive approximately 3 emails for every phone call and send 4 or 5 emails for every phone call made.

Some benefits of email are:

Fast means of written communication

Provide an audit trail of the conversations

Messages can be checked and responses sent when convenient

Reduce interuptions

As with most technology these benefits can become negatives if the system is not used correctly or ineffectively. It is quite common for email to become a users master rather than a tool. Many users of email will read an email immediately upon receipt and reply just as quickly, often the message is not critically important and could have waited rather than interrupt.

Users need to untilise the many built in tools of most email programs such as setting rules for receipt of emails and filing emails effectively. I have rules setup on my business email account to move all courtesy copy emails to a seperate folder. These emails are sent for my information only and not for my action so I can look at these at a free time so as not to become interrupted.

Podcasting is a Web 2.0 application that is used to transfer or broadcast digital media files (audio or video) via the internet. Originally these broadcast were designed to be automatically downloaded via a software application such as Apple Itunes, hence the name Podcast (Ipod + broadcast). However the files can be downloaded by any internet compatible computer.

Podcasting has been used by radio and television businesses for a number of years, allowing them to maintain a connection with there listeners and viewers when they could not receive the broadcast via normal means. This enables the business to demand higher premiums for advertising.

Businesses in other sectors are now also using podcasting as a valuable business tool. Consulting companies can use podcasts to reach more customers. Executive management can send announcements and verbal reports throughout the organisation via podcasts, enabling them to communicate with employees and stakeholders throughout the world easily and effectively.

Blurb is a Web 2.0 application that enables users to self publish there own books of almost any type. This is a very easy and cost effective way for new authors to enter a new field. I have actually used a similar service called Lulu to publish a book of my own in the past. Along with Blurb and Lulu there are many of self publishing service providers on the internet. My book can be viewed at www.pockethappiness.webs.com

Blurb can be useful for a business to publish proffesionally presented reports, catalogues and other business publications. Petal Productions is an Events company specialing in corporate, social and private events. This business has used lurb to publish a glossy hard cover book of event images. This book can be shown to prospective clients and similar books can be included in a package for an event.

Book Cover

The major users of web publishing services are still individuals, however more businesses are discovering the potential benefits that these services can bring.

Facebook is a Web 2.0 application designed to be used for social networking over the internet. Facebook has become increasingly popular in the business environment due to the easy accessibility and diverse range of users. Many businesses have created Facebook accounts to share their business profile and products or services with the community.

With over 200 million active users and free account setup Facebook provides a cost effective medium for businesses to create awareness. Businesses can further increase the effectiveness of their account with premium advertising services available. These premium services start from $1 per day.

Some advantages of utilising Facebook in a business environment are the ability to communicate easily with your customer base in an environment they are comfortable with and also.

I have used my Facebook page to advertise my bonsai website http://www.jtbonsai.webs.com

The New York Times (NYT) newspaper uses facebook to keep readers informed of the latest news. When a new member joins the NYT Facebook group their frends are informed so the awareness of NYT group grows quickly.

Hi this is my new blog for 2009. I am currently studying communication for management and am finding it interesting.

I have a website where I share my bonsai with the world. This can be found at www.jtbonsai.webs.com

Opportunity

An opportunity exists in exporting Australian Native Flora to international markets.

Background

• Due to Australia being a dry continent, much of the native flora is drought tolerant, requiring little water and withstanding extremes in environmental conditions
• Many Australian native flora is unique in appearance, aroma and flavours
• Australian native trees can be difficult to propogate from seed, therefore requiring live export
• Growing International market for Australian native flora for use in Bonsai and other decorative uses

Markets 

• Australian native flora could potentially be exported to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and North America.

• The unique qualities of the different varieties of flora create many export markets

Legal & Other Issues

• •Most countries throughout the world require strict control of the importation of flora   

   

• Australian customs require Quarantine Inspection Phytosanitation certificates for all flora exports 

   

•  •Environment and Heritage’s artificial propagation program approval is required to export Australian native flora 

   

 

Recomendations

• •Unique marketing strategies for different international markets  

• Promote products through drought tolerance and appearance characteristics •

• Create alliances with local plant wholesale companies 

• Smart marketing of the strict requirements of Australian Customs

 

Steps

•  Make initial contact with local (international) plant wholesale companies
• 1.Gain approval for export from the Environment and Heritage’s artificial propagation program  
•  1.Phytosanitation certificates  
•  1.Sampling 
• 1.Create alliances 
• Satisfy local regulatory requirements  
• 1.Contractual agreements (if required)  
• Initial shipments