How did you become interested in Ecommerce? In other words, what motivated you to establish a web presence? I became motivated in establishing a web presence when I realized the value of being able to reach the global marketplace, through virtual technology. It makes my books and all I offer available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - at the fingertips of people around the globe.

What is the overall goal or mission of your website(s)? My website provides people with an overview of my writing and my books. I use my writing excerpts as selling techniques but also to enhance and nurture an audience. Too, my newsletter is made available through my website.

How do you market your site(s)? I have a book publicist who uses her internet skills to market it through search engines but I also take advantage of direct market advertising available through other websites as well as promoting it through any direct promotional opportunities I conduct with my books.

If you could only offer one piece of advice about ECommerce to our readers, what would that be? There is power in using e-commerce to effectively strategize, brand and market what you do. It's the best way to reach the largest market for your product and/or services.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Remember to 'brand yourself'--your product, your image and service. People associate an individual or company with a certain image, etc. Be interactive and update your site as you need to--take advantage of chats that are about your area of expertise and any other global marketing tools.

(To learn more about Larnette Phillips visit Women and Success).

© 2004 - Heidi Richards is the author of The PMS Principles, Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business and 7 other books. She is also the Founder & CEO of the Women’s ECommerce Association, International www.WECAI.org (pronounced wee-kī) – an Internet organization that “Helps Women Do Business on the WEB.” She can be reached at www.HeidiRichards.com.