I have no idea what message the speaker was trying to convey but entrepreneurs created the technology world, and it's here to stay. And, the bricks-and-mortar world is not going away. However, you will need to find balance between the two worlds and use technology to your advantage. Computers, e-mail, Internet, websites, apps, tablets and various mobile devices have not only changed the way we do business it has enhanced the way we do business.
For instance, I belong to a gym and I have my days of being a slacker when it comes to exercising. The owners of the gym send a regular e-mail reminding their clients of the health benefits of exercise. They also include a healthy eating tips and sometimes an easy-to-prepare recipe. They understand that in order to keep customers and build new business they need to be in touch with us. And for me it works! All it takes is a computer, e-mail addresses of their current customers and the time to put the information together.
A successful business depends on the transfer of information and the gathering of knowledge. And it is easier now than ever. Tasks that once took hours or days now take minutes. We can respond to our customers' wants and needs more quickly and completely, and with fewer errors. We have at our fingertips educational resources, from up to date encyclopedias to in office learning programs never before available. Technology even allows us to be away from home and yet control the lights, temperatures, and security in our homes.
We can reach out to the entire world, makin! g it possible to expand our customer base and provide services and information that was never before available. Because of technology I can do workshops and individual consulting worldwide without leaving my office.
And technology is not just an advantage for business owners; everyone benefits. I often have dinner with my friend who lives 500 miles away via our devices. We set up our laptops on the dining room table and enjoy dinner and good conversation with each other over Skype. Without this technology we would just be voices on the phone.
Allow the world of technology to work for you. Take a look at all of the great possibilities that exist for you and your business to grow. Here are a few things to consider.
• Do you have the e-mail address of your customers so that you can alert them to specials and holiday sales?
• Do you have a website that works nicely with mobile devices. So that customers can read your offerings without difficulty?
• Can customers purchase items from your store online? This will allow customers to shop in your store 24/7
• Do you have a social media presence?
Many businesses both large and small have found that technology has been their path to success, enabling them to market their products and services. Give yourself the opportunity to learn as much as you can to help you continue to build your business.
I recently read Word of Mouse: 101 + Trends in How We Buy, Sell, Live, Learn, Work and Play, by Marc Ostrofsky. Marc says that we don't have to be intimidated by technology, and in some cases we may not completely understand how it works. But we do need to be aware of the many ways to use technology, so that we become and maintain success in business and in living.
In addition to Ostrofsky's book, there are many books, podcasts, websites, videos, etc. available that can help you learn how to make technology work to your advantage.
Gladys Edmunds, founder of Edmunds Travel Con! sultants ! in Pittsburgh, is an author and coach/consultant in business development. Her column appears Wednesdays. E-mail her at gladys@gladysedmunds.com. An archive of her columns is here. Her website is gladysedmunds.com.
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