The web isn't for everyone

Everyone thinks the web is the place to be, but being there requires time and energy you might better use elsewhere. For example, if you're a consultant doing business with a handful of companies, you're better off exchanging e-mail with people at those companies. If your business is limited to a small geographic area, a bulletin board system for your customers with a local phone number would better serve their needs and yours than a web site that can be seen by people you can't possible serve. Business-to-business services like IndustryNet serve manufacturers and industrial suppliers. And forums on online services can also be rich places to prospect for customers interested in specific hobbies or business issues. The web is often viewed as the main commercial portion of the Net, but it isn't the only one, and it isn't always the best one.