After browsing Ramon’s informative site I had the opportunity to ask him some questions:

Connie: What do you see as the biggest challenges that small businesses face in the economic downturn?

Ramon: I think keeping their current customers & finding how to add value with their current customers. Getting new customers & cash flow will also be factors to consider.

Connie: Do you feel that brick & mortar businesses should have an online presence?

Ramon: ABSOLUTELY. There’s no question about it. They must and it should be HIGH quality.

Connie: What advantages do you feel that brick & mortar businesses have by being online?

Ramon: They can better service existing customers (online coupons, basic contact information; buy online and get in store…etc, etc, etc)

Connie: Are there any opportunities that they should be leveraging in this economic downturn?

Ramon: For sure, marketing to their customers with ‘sales’ type information for some customers and “INFORMATION” (how to and etc) for other customers

Connie: How do you feel about small businesses utilizing social media tools to promote themselves?

Ramon: They must CONSIDER social media and see if it’s right for them. Social media is still a bit new but must be considered. Where are there customers? Online? If so, they must also be online!

Connie: Are you writing about those technologies & to what extent?

Ramon: I do indeed. At first social media was a “toy” or something for “consumers” but it is clearly a tool for business. It’s all about GO WHERE YOUR customers or potential customers are!

Here is a sampling of the great articles you can find at Smallbiztechnology.com:

Christmas & Thanksgiving: It’s Not Too Early To Prepare

Constant Contact Raises the Bar. Emails As Web Sites.

How to choose your Software as a Service (SaaS) Provider

There are also many helpful articles at My Solution Spot.com

Check out his blog then tell us what topics you’d like to see us write about here? What interests you?