Hello from Melbourne

[ianrharris]

G'day my name is Ian Harris

I'm a chartered accountant in a 2 partner practice in Hawthorn.
My specific interests are in the area of small business and business development.I enjoy helping clients with their business plans and start-ups.
Ecommerce also has a particular fascination for me.Last year I started an eCommerce learning group in our firm to help flatten the learning curve for clients entering that arena. It has worked well.
I also offer a goal setting service which has been particularly effective. It produces a temporary goal for a business and a quick and dirty strategic plan.
I also offer all the normal business services that accountancy practices provide.I believe that I have a friendly competent team around me.
If you are considering using the services of a professional accountant I would be happy to meet with you for a no-cost no-obligation chat about your needs going forward.
I have a number of clients distant from Melbourne and have some capacity to service and mentor people electronically and by phone.
Please telephone me during business hours on 03 98043657 or email me at iharris@bila.com.au
Looking forward to making some new acquaintances on the forum.
Regards
Ian

[Slade]

Hey Ian, welcome to AT.

sounds really good that you are focusing some time into helping out the businesses utilizing ecommerce.. would be great to knwo what exactly this means, or where you think some of the bigger areas of this industry have been?

Do you mainly work with existing businesses making the move online? Or startups, home based businesses that earn online via say ebay or internet marketing?

[ianrharris]

g'day Slade

My daughter started an online business nearly 3 years ago. I was staggered at the steep learning curve and yet I could see the potential of online businesses. So I concluded that pooling the knowledge of those who were doing it and had done it before would flatten the learning curve.

The learning group consists of people at verious stages. One or 2 are doing business plans. Another is considering his options online.Others are experienced and looking forward for ideas.

What I have found is that by participating in the group I now have some capacity to help clients at any stage during the process. My networks have also improved so if Idont know how to help them I have a good chance of finding someone.

We have looked at the topic of internet marketing and we have also considered social media recently.Have not looked at eBay. Looking at funding start-ups at next meeting we hope.a member of the group knows an experienced head in this area and he is being invited to attend and share his knowledge.

regards
Ian

[gerryonline]

Hey Ian, sounds great - are many more accountants looking at specialising in online business as well? Can you tell me more about your eCommerce learning group.. do you have a website?