Episode Spotlight

Functionality and accessibility are common themes in our discussions about growing your small business.  An extranet can help.  There may be users who reside behind a firewall and to whom you want to give access.  There may be information that business owners want to share with customers or partners.  An extranet is a way to provide this information efficiently and economically.

Michael Schultz of Microsoft Office Live (a StartupNation sponsor) walks us through the basic steps of setting up an extranet.  First, determine how you want the site to look.  Make it easy to understand and access.  Second, be aware of the security issues; only give the password to people you trust. Third, update the site often and keep it current.  Maintaining an extranet site is easy and cost-effective.  At the end of the day, it is an important element in building and sustaining relationships with partners and customers.

Selected call in Q&A transcripts

Q&A - Two food entrepreneurs connect

Q&A - Loans as a financing option for a small business

Q&A - Venture financing questions

About Michael Schultz, Marketing and Business Lead for Microsoft Office Live

Michael Schultz is passionate about helping small businesses take their business online. Michael is the U.S. Marketing and Business Lead for Microsoft Office Live, a new Microsoft service for small business that launched in February 2006.

At Microsoft he has worked in various Sales and Marketing roles for a number of real-time technology solutions. Prior to joining Microsoft, Michael was Senior Director of Product Marketing and Channel Development for PlaceWare, Inc., which was acquired by Microsoft in 2003 (now called Microsoft Office Live Meeting). He has also worked as a management consultant and in marketing roles at various early stage start-up companies.