As our site grows every day we want to share some information with you on the way we are operating the project. We call this section «Business Blog» as it is similar to doing a log book where data is recorded in a chronological order. «Blogging» is gaining popularity with more and more people picking up the habit of publishing their experiences and thoughts on the Internet. Our Blog covers various topics — from TOEFL, TOEIC, MBA, GMAT, ESL/EFL test preperation to cultural traditions and current political events.
There will also be some Internet marketing terminology and if you have any questions regarding the information simply let us know.

The Business Blog is written by Torsten Daerr and edited by Alan Townend.

2003 — November 05
At the end of this month we want to print and deliver 2000 copies of our Russian language newspaper and have sent enquiries via email to almost 10 companies asking for their quotes. What we are looking for is a long term partner who is reliable and sees the potential in our project. Based on my experience only a few companies will in fact respond to our email. That's not so much because they don't want our business but because they are not capable of handling another customer. Although our economy is somewhat down at the moment with unemployment rates up, consumer spending low and almost no improvement in sight, I often encounter companies unwilling to provide their services to a prospective client? and it takes real effort and a lot of time to find an appropriate partner. Or is it because I contact those companies via email? Yes, they have an email address but do they really use it? We'll get the answer very soon…

2003 — November 04
One of our users — or shall I say «students»? — has notified us several times that sometimes she can't open the tests while on other occasions they work perfectly. It took us quite some time to figure out what the problem was: She has a little program installed on her computer that prevents JavaScript windows (also known as «pop-up windows») from opening. Ever since the World Wide Web was invented it has been a medium for advertising and lately «pop-up ads» have been cluttering up many websites. These can be very annoying as you usually have no control over them. That's why a lot of people are using «pop-up blockers» or «pop-up filters» such as the Alexa Toolbar — one of the most effective programs. You can then determine which JavaScript applications you want to be active and which pop-ups you want to block.
Check it out and let us know what you think....

2003 — November 03
Fortunately the NetLog gives me a place in which I can ruminate about anything that comes to mind. I guess that's what a blog — an electronic diary is all about. Recently for example I have been thinking about how our world is organized and balanced. When it comes to business you will see that most industries are so-called «oligopolies».
This means there are a lot of consumers and customers for a particular product or service while there are only a handful of providers holding the lion's share of the market. You can take any major industry such as the production of automobiles, computer software, telecommunications, logistics, retail sales and of course web based search engines.
Back in 1998 I purchased a book on internet marketing by Corey Rudl where he describes the importance of getting your website registered with the 10 major search engines which he lists and describes. Interestingly enough Google doesn't appear in this list. Now, only a couple of years later the situation has changed significantly with Google being the market leader and at this stage of the game I really can't see who could possibly usurp Google's position within the next few years...

2003 — October 31
This week I started to teach a group of 20 adult learners who are on a two year further education program to acquire a Chamber of Commerce Certificate in the field of logistics. It goes without saying that a good command of the English language is essential in this field as most forwarding companies operate at least on a European if not world wide scale. The challenge with this group is that some students had English language training before as part of their school programme whereas others have to start from scratch.
That's why the situation requires a high level of self-discipline and good teamwork as everyone has to put the goals of the group above their individual goals. Interestingly enough our new discussion here on the forum is about how to overcome personal barriers and start speaking. I think I'll print out some of the postings and bring them into our class next time…