By Tian DuBelko
From typewriters to smartphones, technology has quickly transformed the way we communicate and conduct business. Since the invention of the Internet and the widespread adoption of computers, new tech developments have grown increasingly important in shaping how we do business.
Just a decade ago, few companies thought to integrate social media as a part of their advertising and marketing campaign. Now, in 2017, you’d be hard pressed to find a major consumer brand that wasn’t all over the usual outlets like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Cloud computing and machine learning are also on the rise, and soon we’ll be looking at automated vehicles. In this post, you’ll find the seven ways that technology has transformed the business world.
1. Consistent Connectivity
With the Internet, the world is now connected 24/7 all year round. You can fire off an email halfway around the world, get in touch with your customers on social media, and attend a conference call all within a few minutes. For customers, they can access your products and services at any time, meaning an unprecedented level of connectivity and access. With how frequent companies interact with customers and potential customers, it’s become increasingly important for businesses to maintain a good public presence online and on social media.
2. More Collaboration
Some might argue that technology has led to less face-to-face time we have with each other. And while that may be true, what’s also true is that new tech inventions, such as project management tools or workflow apps, has made it easier for team leaders to get employees working towards the same objective. With 24/7/365 connectivity, team members can collaborate on projects, even if they’re not physically in the same location.
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3. Cloud Computing
Cloud-based applications have allowed businesses and even common users to store their data on third-party servers and retrieve it from anywhere with Internet access. Businesses spend less money on software and data storage and can turn their resources to other needs like marketing and advertising. The rise of the cloud also means less hassle for businesses as they don’t have to install any computer software, and they can safely access their data anytime, anywhere.
4. A Shift to Mobile
With how popular smartphones are, it’s no surprise that even Google has bought into the mobile wave by prioritizing websites that allow users to browse seamlessly on their mobile devices. When installed with the right software, you can handle every aspect of your business from your smartphone or tablet from any location. For customers, they can access business from anywhere, to purchase things, to get information on it, to tell their friends about it, etc. It’s all doable on the go.
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5. Online Monetization
It’s easier than ever for businesses to become monetized, whether an online store or advertising. With the Internet and streamlined Apps, it’s become easier than ever to place an order with a few swipes of your finger. Thanks to computers, smartphones, and tablets, it’s easier than ever to conduct business transactions, as both seller and the customers. You can even pay through social media platforms such as Twitter, for better or worse.
6. Real-time Analytics
Thanks to Google Analytics and other real-time data measuring tools, businesses can now keep up in real-time with customer trends. With up-to-date customer data, businesses can look to craft an effective marketing strategy that can react to new customer habits and trends. Through real-time data, businesses can quickly analyze who is viewing their businesses and from where, and even from what type of device, all very useful information for businesses to choose the most effective marketing campaign.
7. An Agile Workforce
Remote working, virtual desking, and shared office spaces have allowed business people increasingly greater flexibility in deciding when and where to work. No longer do people have to be chained to their desks to be productive. Now you can send an email from your smartphone, Skype in on a conference call, and type up documents without needing to be in a cubicle. Even offices are slowly becoming a thing of the past, with new-age businesses become members of shared office spaces to save on overhead.
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