Things have changed in the business world. It used to be that for a company to present themselves as being well established and professional they would need a physical location supported by marketing materials such as brochures or catalogs.

Just a few short years ago, I felt more comfortable reading about a company or a product on something physical, something that I could hold in my hand or take home with me. In one of the sales courses that I attended for one of my previous employers we were taught that this was absolutely critical for installing confidence in a client or customer. This was 6-7 years ago. I think that he was right then, but I am not so sure about now.

Now, I find that I prefer reading everything I need to know about a company online and actually feel slightly nervous about doing business with a company who doesn't have an online presence. Similarly if this company is using a personal email address for business such as Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail etc I think twice about pursuing things further with them. Even if I am looking for a plumber in the middle of the night.

I have absolutely no objection to working with an individual who works out of his home, but I hesitate to work with someone who doesn't demonstrate that they take their work seriously. For me and an increasing number of others, a website and email address are what I look out for to prove this.

There is a misconception that a website is not an investment that a small company can afford. However, you'll find young companies often print hundreds of flyers, booklets, brochures and even perhaps mail them at a cost of hundreds of dollars. Putting some (or all) of this information online is actually cheaper, reaches the whole world and can be kept up to date whenever changes are needed. And remember sales@YourCompany.com is infinitely better than YourCompanySales@hotmail.com.