The healthcare industry is not immune from the far reaching opportunities of the Internet. In fact, according to AHA News, "information exchange via the Internet and new technologies ‘will infuse health care’s growth and development.’" Rural health providers are in a position to create even greater impact beyond that normally envisioned for eHealth. With an increasing introduction of eHealth web sites, you’ve got to be wondering how you and other health professionals should be involved and what will be expected in the future. Since so many health care providers find themselves located in rural areas, with limited staff, no excess technical experience, and communities that just don’t seem to understand the Internet, it is even more challenging to figure out how the Internet is going to affect you. We all know that individuals are seeking out more and more information on the Internet about health issues, unfortunately, that information isn’t always correct. Well maybe it’s time to take the bull by the horn. This seminar is for those who wish to see what’s going on, and really for those wanting to see what it will take to get involved. (more)

Web Broadcasting

Sometimes we miss the power of a tool we all have at our finger tips!

Each day, week or month something interesting and exciting is happening in our community, schools, parks, churches, or in our auditoriums. That’s especially true in rural communities. And each time these special events happen we only wish that someone from a large radio station, newspaper or television station would pay attention and cover the event. It’s time to take a closer look at that tool we have at our finger tips – the Internet. (more)

Regardless of the ups and downs of the "new technology" businesses on the stock market, it is still clear that the Internet, B2B (Business to Business), and eCommerce will be a part of the success of today’s business world. There is a lesson to be learned from the last month’s activities on the stock market, though. The online businesses that are struggling are those which exist only in cyberspace. Take an existing physical business, add an Internet storefront that is dynamic, well managed, and interesting, and success is a realistic possibility. According to eMarketer there is a slow trend towards the Internet by small businesses.

Making that hit in the eCommerce world can actually seem very confusing and appears to be difficult. Most important, it’s hard for a business to maintain their web presence, and at times costly, if you have to hire or contract with a web development firm. The purpose of this seminar is to provide that knowledge and expertise to begin managing, promoting and developing your own eCommerce site. The emphasis is placed on those capabilities needed to open a store, create that inventory, manage the sales, and promote the store on an ongoing basis. We want just talk about it, we’ll do it, so you can go back to your place of business and takeover or create your own eCommerce capabilities. (more)

eCommunity/eEco Devo

Rural communities continue to grapple with the issue of how to harness technology and telecommunications for the good of the community, especially for economic good. While some might argue that there is no clear cut answer to how to achieve this good, it is clear that a direction works, produces results, and is immediately available to any rural community. The mistake is believing that there is no answer, or that a better answer will come along!

It is the creation of the immediate capability and understanding that is the focus of the eSeries Seminar on eCommunities/eEconomic Development. While we'll spend some time talking about theory based on examples, we'll spend most of our time in discussion, analyzing tools we can use, and developing that strategy that will lead to an immediate outcome. You'll quickly learn in this seminar, that most change will be related to action, and your action is based on a commonsense strategy that has been around for years, just no one seems to want to use it. (more)