Hi Margaret,

> I have this belief that ecommerce is here to
> stay, and that people who pay attention to
> sound business practices will prosper. It's
> very easy to get sidetracked and lose the
> main focus of your business efforts on the
> net - especially if you enjoy reading and
> you suddenly find you've read the equivalent
> of a 3 volume epic during the course of
> surfing!!

Heheh, I can agree completely.... :) Gosh, it's SO easy to get sidetracked chasing up this or that on the 'net.... Though sometimes you do find things which can help you later on (at least I've found that to be so)....

I also agree with you 100% about sound business practices.... I still find it kind of stunning that a year ago some taught that profits were not important.... It seems kind of stunning now, and a year ago I kind of felt like a round peg in a square hole for not agreeing with everyone.... At least now I do feel a little bit vindicated in my own thinking.... :)

Certainly this was known by many "real world" businesses which then expanded online (as you seem to have done).... I think those who got caught out were mostly the "online only" type businesses which may not have had much real world business experience to start with....

I think real world business experience is very very important....

> I'd just love to come up with the 'new apple
> pie' product.

Yes, it would be nice.... :) I wish I knew a formula.... I know how to create profits, but I'm still working on getting that mega-block-buster business hit.... I'm sure it will come eventually though with enough experimentation and persistence! :)

> Margaret

> Just chuggin' along the Clyde!

Wow, it looks like you're in a nice part of the world! (Thanks for sharing the pic!) :)

Margaret, I hope one day I can make it to your cafe.... Are you in the UK? Do you mind if I ask roughly where....?

I am a big cafe connoisseur, there's nothing I enjoy more than heading for a cafe and chatting with friends over a hot cup of coffee or chocolate (or an ice cold drink in the summer), with a little snack if I'm feeling peckish.... :)

Cheers :)

Dien