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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 ‘Business’ Category

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Oct 26th, 12
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Creating an author platform

If running a business, or being a self-published author, is analogous to spinning plates (which, incidentally, it is), then marketing is like catching rain drops.

Filed under: Business, Help & Advice, Social Media, Web Applications, Web Development Tags: , , , — @ 2:59 PM 1 Comment »

Feb 9th, 12
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Microsoft’s adCenter Editorial Guidelines rank highly for “arbitrary” and “spurious”

So far, this week has been a swirling cloud of some very perplexing and challenging, comprised of the bizarre and the preposterous, and by way of Microsoft’s adCenter Editorial Guidelines, I have proof!

Filed under: Business, Personal Tags: — @ 4:19 PM No Comments »

Mar 7th, 11
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Why small businesses should make you think

Let’s hear it for the little guy! Seriously, small businesses are, well, the business. So here’s my take on why it’s a good idea to think big but act small when choosing who’s going to fix your boiler, install broadband at your office, replace your car exhaust, unblock your drain, mend your leaking roof, provide mobile phone coverage…

Filed under: Business Tags: , — @ 2:00 PM No Comments »

Feb 24th, 11
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Quite simply, clients count on quality

Quality is one of those things a business needs to get right early and quickly. Quality of service is not optional, nor is it interchangeable (or to be confused) with something else, like quantity. So would you impose a statute of limitations on the quality of the service you provide? No, you wouldn’t. And neither would I.

Filed under: Best Practice, Business Tags: — @ 11:23 AM No Comments »

Jan 28th, 11
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How best to deal with the needs of leads

So you got a lead. Good for you! Warming that lead up is crucial. Fudging the numbers, or scaring them with big ideas can just leave them feeling cold. So what do you do? Scale those big ideas into bite-sized chunks and think long-term.

Filed under: Best Practice, Business, Help & Advice Tags: , , , — @ 12:18 PM No Comments »

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