If your small business doesn't have a web site, consider launching one. The Internet is a very influential communications tool and it's growing fast. People surf for everything from news of recent scientific breakthroughs, to popular recipes, and even to choose a restaurant for tonight's dinner. The Internet levels the playing field for big and small businesses. A sole proprietor's web site can compete with a major corporation's.

Here are some valuable benefits of the Internet for small businesses:

• Facilitate communications. Email is readily accessible to most people -- Internet service with email and Internet access costs approximately $20 per month -- and it allows you to communicate instantly and inexpensively with your business partners and customers anywhere in the world. When compared with the telephone or postal mail, it is faster and cheaper, both for you and for your customers. Having a website for your business streamlines your communications. You can send people to your website from a link in an email, or have them email you from your website.
• Generate pre-qualified leads. Through promotions and special offers that you post at your web site, you can collect contact information from potential customers. Then using permission-based emails, you can market your products and services to people who have already shown that they are interested.
• Maximize your availability. Your customers and potential customers can contact you any time of day, from any time zone, through email. People can browse your site day or night to learn about your company and the products and services it offers.
• Reach around the globe. The Internet audience is worldwide. You can reach potential customers around the world without opening any new stores, or even traveling. You can translate your web site into the languages that suit your visitors' needs.
• Compete effectively. Using your website and other Internet marketing methods, you can compete with businesses that offer products and services similar to yours, but at a fraction of the cost you would incur for mounting an ad campaign in print, radio or television.
• Collaborate with business partners, suppliers, and employees. With the Internet, you have access to tools like instant messaging, virtual meetings, document sharing, and portal solutions. All of these tools facilitate on-line collaboration, with both internal teams and external business associates.