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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.

Web Design, Internet Marketing and Business Advice » Octane


Octane Interactive Limited is a web design & development and internet marketing consultancy started in June 1999. I sell ideas that change the way companies do business, usually in the form of novel web applications.

The knowledge

Here you'll find a rich mix of business advice (such as why your business might need a blog), simple company website hints & tips (like 5 simple ways to improve your business website), as well as practical business guides (including how social media can benefit your business).


For more information about web design, development and internet marketing, contact Octane right nowSubscribe to Octane via RSS or emailEmailRSS
Apr 15th, 10
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ASA investigate Chris Cardell newspaper cutting “scam”

Everyone in business wants to gain an edge over their competitors. But when potential customers get dragged into the fray, the edge is lost and the bad press begins. Just ask Chris Cardell about his newspaper cuttings marketing campaign — because the only people paying him their fullest attention is the Advertising Standards Authority.

Filed under: Business, Personal Tags: , , , — @ 6:29 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 »

Apr 2nd, 10
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Managing client expectations is no magic trick

Expectations are a funny thing. Sometimes high. Sometimes low. Managing client expectations is as much an art form as it is a process. If you’re good, they might even think you’re magical — and that could spell trouble.

Filed under: Business — @ 1:56 PM 1 Comment »

Mar 22nd, 10
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Is social media management for the major players only?

What holds true in sport often applies to business also; not everyone can be a winner. And for businesses wending their way through the world wide web, engaging with customers is crucial. But how do you manage and measure such things? Say hello to social media management — but only if you’re a premier league player.

Filed under: Social media, Web Applications Tags: — @ 10:58 PM 1 Comment »

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 »

Recent comments

  • Wayne Smallman said — Hi Andrew, and thanks! You can download the ebook from Issuu direct. The ebook is too...
  • Andrew said — This looks great. Is there somewhere I can download it without having to create an account at yet...
  • Web design Witney said — I think all social networks offer a great way to interact with people and of course...

Media

Octane and Wayne Smallman in the media &mdash view all publications

Ebook: How to use WordPress to manage your company website

How to use WordPress to manage your company website is my latest ebook, written specifically to help busi … more

So you want a website, right?

This might come as something of a shock, given that I'm a web designer and developer, but the first few q … more

Making your workflow more efficient

Whether your organisation consists of a team of people or just you alone, you have a workflow — the ser … more

Better business blogging

So here I am, late 2009 and we’re still talking about blogging. Many might just roll their eyes at the … more

Mindset as a barrier to the uptake of new technology

How can we push the boundaries of event management further still? By taking the events to the people, say … more

High Speed Connections

Social media is changing the way we create, publicize and report on events. In light of Facebook, it's no … more

All of a Twitter over social media

Does social media represent a genuine opportunity for small businesses — or are we in danger of falling … more

Captive Audience

Recent research has consistently concluded that building an effective relationship with your customers is … more

Customer interaction from social media 'requires SPICE'

Marketers who are new to using social media for customer interaction have been given the abbreviation SPI … more

Ford Test Drive Social Media, Avoid Head-on Legal Crash

Ford Test Drive Social Media, Avoid Head-on Legal Crash In an attempt to avert a “potential PR nightmar … more


Community

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