Steven Smith

Steven Smith majored at university in Classical Studies and History and then taught History and English. An unusual beginning for an Internet advisor! However, he was convinced by a colleague in the early 1980s to undertake a post-graduate course in the instructional uses of computers in education. He grappled with one of the first Apples (remember the Apple IIe?) and BBC computers in the early eighties and has been involved in educating and explaining applications of computer technology ever since.

He established United Focus in 1995, of which he is a Director and principal consultant. Steven provides independent advice to organisations and government on their e-business strategies. He provides practical advice and mentoring on the most effective ways to benefit from the new economy.

His consulting activities include advising on:

• evaluating websites and online strategies
• e-business plans - costs, revenues, challenges and opportunities information management issues and strategies
• web development projects - management, selecting web developers re-engineering strategies and implementation
• online commercialisation of intellectual property
• e-commerce models and pricing issues
• risk management issues and mitigating strategies
• online marketing and promotions.

Steven helps clients work through these and other issues by an appropriate combination of consultation, drawing on lessons learnt and knowledge, developing strategies and realistic action plans, attaining buy-in from Boards, staff and stakeholders and producing reports that are practical and readable.

Steven Smith has been a guest presenter on e-business at many conferences throughout Australia and has conducted workshops on website management in Canada, the USA, the UK and Fiji.

Most recently, United Focus developed the e-businessguide.gov.au website and the "getting started" booklet for the Australian Government.

Visit the United Focus website for more information on the company and Steven Smith.