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"Octane is a web design, development and internet marketing consultancy started in June 1999."

My name's Wayne Smallman and I sell ideas that change the way companies do business, usually in the form of novel web applications.

I'm also a writer for business publications (both web and print), as well as a consultant, adviser and trusted ally to my clients.

Archive for the ‘Best Practice’ Category

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Jun 7th, 10
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Why the hell should small businesses even care about brand?

Brand is something most people have an understanding of — Heinz, Apple, Ford, Nike, Sony. Just about everyone knows the value of a brand name and the perception of others towards you when you invest in those brands. But what about your own brand, and does it even make sense to talk about your own business brand when you’re a small business?

Filed under: Best Practice, Business, Help & Advice Tags: , , , , — @ 1:29 PM 1 Comment »

Apr 8th, 10
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Asking clients the right questions

Rarely do you just manage a project in isolation. To some extent, you’re also managing the client. As an added consequence, you’re also managing their expectations. So are their any questions you ought to be asking your client before, during and after a project?

Filed under: Best Practice, Business, Help & Advice — @ 5:52 PM 5 Comments »

Mar 16th, 10
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An exercise in building brand, engaging customers and creating a community

Brand. Engagement. Conversation. Community. We hear these words all of the time, but for many, making use of them is time consuming and often drags you into unfamiliar territory. So how do we make the transition from company to brand and beyond?

Filed under: Best Practice, Business, Help & Advice, Social media Tags: , , , — @ 12:49 PM 2 Comments »

Feb 1st, 10
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Creating a Landing Page for Twitter, Facebook

Congratulations! You and your staff are on Facebook and Twitter. Now what? Chances are, there are people out there who want to know a little more about who you guys are and what you do. But, as part of a corporate entity, it’s not just the individuals they’re interested in, it’s your company, too. So what do you do?

Filed under: Best Practice, Business, Help & Advice Tags: , , , — @ 1:21 PM 2 Comments »

Jan 29th, 10
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How to use LinkedIn to promote your business

LinkedIn is fast turning into a great place to meet exactly the right kind of people that can benefit your business most. Be they prospective new clients or staff, suppliers or respected industry leaders. For purveyors or information, LinkedIn can also be the venue to share what you write about.

Filed under: Best Practice, Business, Help & Advice Tags: , , , , , — @ 1:50 PM 4 Comments »

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