The one thing about online world you can be sure of is change. It seems like every day there is a new technology being added which will make internet more accessible. As online marketers, we strive to keep up with all these trends and incorporate them into our marketing arsenals.

Going back to when internet started, it was a bit of a nerdy place to be, with lots of people communicating in text only. Some savvy individuals saw how this growing community could be exploited and used to advertise their wares, and with all hyperlinking joining them to other sites they could be easily found.

Then world wide web evolved from basic internet adding pictures and multimedia and eventually adding videos too, and it became even more useful to marketing. Added in with email which made it possible to reach a large audience at low cost web became irresistable to businesses.

Each step forward brings with it even more opportunities for us online entrepreneurs to get our messages seen.

But as it marches on into new technologies are we all missing point somewhat?

We all need our ads to be seen, but often we seem to be spending more time wrestling with new technology than actually working. Everyone is jumping on blogging bandwagon at moment and offering xml and rss feeds to get their messages out.

Flash video, along with audio, and video streams is also being used extensively, and often unneccessarily to market products.

But even more alarming is reliance some people are placing on this new technology, to point of abandoning traditional email and websites.

Let me relate this recent story which actually happened.

Step 1: Identify your product or service. It is necessary to know North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and Federal Supply Classification (FSC) code for your product or service. Most federal government product/service listings and procurements are identified by their NAICS code and/or FSC code. You can find codes relating to your business at these web sites: NAICS codes: http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html and FSC codes: http://fpdcapp.gsa.gov/pls/fpdsweb/PscWiz

Step 2. Check with Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine that your business falls within established table of small business size standards based on NAICS. www.sba.gov You may be very surprised just how big a company can be and still be considered “small” in eyes of federal government.

Step 3: Obtain a DUNS Number from Dunn & Bradstreet. This is a business identification number that is used much like a person uses a social security number. If you do not have a DUNS Number, contact Dun and Bradstreet to obtain one. www.dnb.com There is no charge for assigning a DUNS number and you must have one to proceed.

Step 4: Register in Centralized Contractor Registration (CCR) System. You must be registered in CCR to be awarded a contract from any federal civilian or military agencies. CCR is a database designed to hold information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. CCR also affords you opportunity for fast electronic payment of your invoices. www.ccr.gov And you will want to get paid quickly!

Step 5: Determine if your firm qualifies for 8(a), SDB or HUBZone certification. These certifications are detailed at www.sba.gov. They are essentially for companies that are owned by individuals who have experienced some sort of disadvantage in business environment. This may be based on economic factors, race or geographic location. Firms with these certifications may compete for set-aside contracts – those contracts specifically designated for certified companies.

Step 6: Register in Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). ORCA is a brand-new e-Government initiative that was designed to replace paper based Representations and Certifications process. This will be a central repository of all of your company’s certifications and can be accessed by any federal agency. http://orca.bpn.gov Step 7: Begin to search for current federal government procurement opportunities. Identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking at FedBizOpps web site, federal civilian and military government single point of entry for many opportunities over $25,000. Once you start to search for current open bids you will get a good feel for market for your products and services. www.fedbizopps.gov

Step 8: Familiarize yourself with both federal Civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) contracting legal procedures. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) can be found at http://www.arnet.gov/far/. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) are located at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dfars/index.htm. These are legal regulations for federal acquisitions. While they are not “light reading” if you are serious about federal procurements, you need to know and understand legal requirements and regulations pertaining to federal contracts. This is a good time to look for an attorney who is experienced in federal procurement policies.