Although not ready for prime time, according to pundits, it WILL happen. Reaching the numbers of people around the world that you can with a Website would be extremely expensive using any other method. E-mail correspondence is fast and efficient. You can send contracts, price-lists and other documents. Communications are completed more quickly and with less formality than through snail mail.
Presentations can be more attractive than via fax.
The Net allows you to take business networking to a new level. You can find suppliers, create alliances, do cross marketing, and schmooz with potential customers. There are disadvantages to some business too. This would include the need for more time and attention to online matters. For a full discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of creating an e-commerce site, see our Special Report, Can Your Business Profit from the Internet .