How the Internet has Changed our Business Lives

May 2, 2016 1:32 pm

Think back 60 or 70 years to a time when computers were not such an essential part of our lives. No smartphones to be found. No Googling answers to common questions whenever we felt like it. No social media to check incessantly through the day. What did we do with all of our time before the internet? How did we gain information quickly that we need to run our businesses? The Internet has turned our existence upside down. It has revolutionized communications, business, personal interactions, education, science, the global economy and so much more. It sure has changed our lives in both positive and some negative ways. Let’s examine these changes and how our lives have evolved right along with the evolution of this technology.

 

  • Communication Changes! – Can you imagine running your business without email, social media, or texting capabilities? Before the dawn of the internet, the business world moved much slower. Today, a business owner can achieve success with online communication almost instantly. In fact, most businesses report that customers find their company online or through some other method related to online marketing. Some companies are even communicating with co-workers in other countries using face-time or similar apps to spread their business globally.
  • Research Changes – Before the Internet, research often involved reams of documents in storage, libraries filled with books and microfilm and cold-calling customers with surveys. Today, large and small businesses alike have the world at their fingertips. A few keystrokes and businesses can survey clients,employees or subcontractors to find out what works and what doesn’t work.
  • Customer Service Evolves – While some experts may report that without face-to-face interactions customer service is declining, others explain that the use of customer review sites as well as social media has made customer feedback and service better. The faster a customer’s complaint is resolved or suggestion is noted, the happier that customer will be. Social media avenues have become powerful tools for businesses if handled with politeness, consideration and even a touch of humor.
  • Ecommerce – How did we ever order presents, or shop for needed items before the internet.  Now everything is just one click away. The internet has allowed business owners to escape the risk and expensive costs of owning a physical shop. Setting up small businesses has become lucrative because the extensive reach of the internet can help sell products, not just in one community but, in neighboring cities, states and even countries. Because of this the internet is a driving force in our economy.

 

These are just a few of the ways that the internet has impacted our business world.  Just look around your office right now. There are probably people multi-tasking on the smartphone and desktop. There are probably employees dealing with customers online. There are probably even employees marketing your product or service as we speak!

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