Realising the business potential of new web technologies

Hi Mark - I don't know whether it classes as a 'new' web technology, but I've been experimenting with the Google Custom Search Engine. It allows you to customise a search (no surprises there then!) and creates a chunk of HTML that you can put into your website. As an example, I set up a custom search to search only my own websites, AccountingWeb's Excel Zone and IT Counts and included it on one of the recent Excel articles on my own site: http://www.tkb.co.uk/circular.htm 

Fuller details at http://www.google.com/coop/cse/

I haven't yet investigated all the possibilities or issues with adverts etc. but the idea of being able to restrict someone's search to a set of sites that you know to have relevant information is attractive. I could see it used in practice to guide clients/colleagues to reliable sources of information. Good luck with the talk.

 

 

Correct me if I'm wrong Mark but are you asking for our tips so you can tell our competitors how to do it?

Simon - thanks

Stuart - that would be one interpretation. Another would be that I'm keen to base my talk on real life experiences rather than on speculation and pipe-dreams. I like to think of the members of the profession as willing collaborators to enhance the reputation and credibility of accountants across the UK.

I share ideas with other presenters (and previously with other coaches and mentors) elsewhere in the country as we're not really all competing against each other. The number of other accountants with whom any one accountant is REALLY competing is very low in my view.

Over the years I have seen, heard, met and worked with/for many successful accountants. The best ones have always been willing to share what works for them, the secrets of their success and also their mistakes and errors. There is some kudos in being promoted as a positive example to others and it often drives people to build on their recognised success.

That's easy Mark. As someone who uses many of the new web technologies on a daily basis then unquestionably the blogs and wiki tools have helped considerably - but then I'm no longer in practice so what do I know? (lol) But..it isn't about marketing or gaining work directly but about the indirect effects. More in a separate post.

Looking forward to it Dennis.

Not sure yet if absence of replies (not just here but in response to similar requests elsewhere too) is due to:

a) Others fearing the competitive impact of sharing their 'secrets' - as implied by Stuart above;
b) Few accountants in my network who are successfully using new web tech in this way;
c) Those accountants who are experimenting, feeling it's premature to claim any degree of success;
d) Something else.

* "Absence of replies" - Other than from Simon - although his example is of something new that even he has yet to use effectively to generate more qualified leads and profitable work.