The Minister for Financial Services & Regulation, Joe Hockey, today launched a publication aimed at helping small-to-medium size businesses take advantage of opportunities offered through the new economy.
"I want to ensure that all Australian businesses - large and small - realise their full potential by exploiting the range of distribution channels that the new economy opens up," the Minister said.
"For as little as $50 per month, a small business could be attracting customers from all around Australia and from all over the world.
"As the Minister responsible for consumer affairs, I am equally determined to help broaden the range of new services available to country consumers.
"I want to alert smaller businesses to the benefits of making their services available through phone and online technology. This could open up the range of services for rural consumers.
"What was needed was a simple non-technical guide to step businesses through the types of new technology available and how these technologies could be put to work for them.
"I also believe businesses could benefit from a better understanding of the ways in which consumers prefer to transact".
In response to this, the Minister has released Attract More Customers Using New Technology to Achieve Your Full Business Potential, a 24 page guide which explains how small-to-medium sized businesses can use phone and online technologies to expand their customer base.
The guide explains the ways consumers can interact with a business and looks at the advantages, disadvantages and costs associated with each one. It also includes examples of real companies which have used technology to expand their business.
Copies of the guide can be obtained by ringing 02 6263 4000 or electronically via www.ecommerce.treasury.gov.au.