Ivana Katz – Websites 4 Small Business – Building websites that build businesses

2021 and 2022 has been a tough year for business around the globe. In your experience can you share how businesses prosper in 2023?

As a website designer, I have seen first-hand how businesses have had to adapt to this ever-changing digital environment.

One example is online streaming services such as Netflix, which saw an increase in subscribers due to people spending more time at home. Other companies that have seen success include e-commerce stores like Amazon and grocery delivery services, which have allowed customers to shop from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, video conferencing platforms such as Zoom have become essential tools for remote work, helping to bridge the gap between employers and employees while offices remain closed.

Small businesses have also had to come up with creative solutions in order to survive. Many have turned to e-commerce as a way of doing business, while others are utilizing social media marketing tactics like live videos and creative content to engage customers. Delivery services such as Uber Eats and Menulog have become essential tools for small restaurants and food vendors who need to reach their customers without a physical location. Online seminars, webinars, and virtual classes have also been popular ways for small companies to provide products or services without having a face-to-face interaction. Finally, many small businesses are offering contactless payment options such as Apple Pay to encourage shoppers to feel safe when making purchases.

The economy has been turned on it’s head in the wake of the pandemic. What should businesses focus on in 2023?

In 2023, businesses should focus on creating strong customer relationships and offering flexible services to accommodate the continued effects of the pandemic. Companies should invest in digital services and e-commerce solutions that provide customers with the convenience they need while minimizing physical contact. Additionally, businesses should prioritize data security as cybercrime has increased over the past 3 years, as has been seen in the highly publicized hackings of Optus, Medibank and LastPass. Finally, businesses should look for ways to create new products or services that cater to changing consumer behavior due to the pandemic.

What are the pro’s & con’s of working from home and have you any first-hand experience?

Working from home can bring many benefits, such as increased flexibility and the ability to create a comfortable workspace. It also eliminates the need for a commute and can provide opportunities for remote collaboration with colleagues located anywhere in the world. On the other hand, working from home may lead to a blurred boundary between work life and personal life, which can be difficult to manage. Additionally, while not having a commute is convenient, it can also make it difficult to form relationships with colleagues and clients and can be lonely at times.

I have worked from home since I started my business 18 years ago, so not much has changed for me. My reason for working from home initially was so I could work around my son’s schedule and so I had the flexibility to travel. I love the freedom that my job gives me, even if the lines between work and family life are sometimes blurry.

How can business owners combat the rise of inflation and what have you done that you can share?

Business owners can combat the rise of inflation by monitoring their expenses, sourcing cheaper suppliers, and re-evaluating production processes to reduce costs. Additionally, businesses should consider ways to market their products to new or under-served markets as this can help them diversify and increase profits. Furthermore, businesses should invest in technology that can help them streamline operations and optimize profits.

In the last 5 years, we have seen the rise to Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, NFT’s, Digital Marketing and many more! What do you think will impact the world most in regards to online selling?

Over the next few years, I believe that artificial intelligence and machine learning will have the most profound impact on online selling. AI-enabled chatbots can provide customers with quick, automated response times and personalized service 24/7, while machine learning algorithms can be used to predict customer behaviour patterns and suggest relevant products and services to them in real time.

On a more subtle note. If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, it would be Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and my grandma. Elon Musk is a visionary entrepreneur and scientist who has revolutionized industries such as electric vehicles and space exploration – so having the chance to hear his thoughts on the future of tech would be incredible. Oprah is an inspiring figure who has had an immense impact on countless lives around the world. To sit down and learn from her wisdom and experience would truly be special. Lastly, having dinner with my grandma would be the most precious experience of all – getting to spend time with her again, even if only for an evening, would mean more than anything else in the world.

Reading is still one of the most popular ways to learn anything. What is your most recommended book(s) by who and what did you learn from them?

I enjoy reading travel books and finding places to travel to. I have set myself a challenge to visit as many beaches as I can so right now I’m reading books about that. I tend to only read books during holidays and since they are my downtime, they are fun novels

What is your purpose for getting out of bed each day and what do you aim to achieve in the future?

My purpose for getting out of bed each day is to make the most out of every moment. I strive to learn new things, build relationships, and travel. My aim for the future is to continue living a life full of adventure, exploration, and growth.