Cyberselling in Vermont

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	Contents:
	Welcome Step One Internet Providers Design Your Own Page Publicize Your Site	Web Page Developers Online Resources Online Security Vermont Businesses Glossary
	PDF Version of "Cyberselling in Vermont" (requires free Acrobat Reader)

Sen. Leahy's Guide to Doing Business on the Internet

Welcome

I am pleased to provide you with the eighth edition of “Cyber Selling in Vermont,” a guide for doing business on the Internet.

More than 100 million people around the world use the Internet. With advancements in technology making it easier to conduct business online, and with the tremendous growth in the number of companies making the leap, more and more users are turning to the Internet to place orders with suppliers, sell products and services to customers, and communicate with clients.

E-commerce can be a valuable component of any sized business in Vermont because the Internet offers numerous opportunities for Vermont businesses to expand their customer base. Many firms are also using the web to reduce overhead and logistics expenses. For Vermont businesses the question is often not whether to utilize electronic commerce, but rather how to most profitably apply it to your particular needs.

As the Internet continues to grow, I am hopeful that we Vermonters will continue to be leaders in tapping this market. We must use the Internet to expand our markets and eliminate the natural trade barriers that arise from being located in a rural area. To help achieve that goal, I have put together this step-by-step resource guide for doing business on the Internet. It includes a starter kit for Vermont businesses to create a home page and begin marketing their products and services on the web.

The Internet is also a great source of information to aid you in expanding your business. Many federal and state agencies have established web sites for online help. The end of this guide includes a resource section on Internet help for exporting Vermont products, selling to the government, and applying for loans and grants.

I have also put together a list of additional references that can help you to master doing business on the Internet. An updated version of this guide is available on the Internet on my home page. I encourage you to begin exploring the Internet and the many business opportunities it has to offer.

Good luck surfing and selling on the 'Net.