Business changes on a constant basis as technology that drives business changes. For example, lets take a look at something that happened not too long back. In 1888, Richard Sears of Sears, Roebuck and Company published their first locally delivered catalog to rural farmers in the United States.
What the common practice was before the catalog, farmers would work their farms and bring their crops into town to sell. Farmers would then typically purchase supplies for the up and coming year from the local grocer.
In other words, the local grocer, completely monopolized the customer base in the area. This local grocer would dictate, price, availability and selection of goods that a local farmer could purchase.
One limitation for each local grocer is the fact that selection is limited simply because of the cost of holding the stock that would be sold by the grocer. This also ensured that no stock would not be sold.
Pretty good market for the local grocer, you would say. And you would be completely correct. Normally the local town merchant was one of the wealthiest citizens in town.
When the Sears, Roebuck catalog was distributed to farmers, it completely changed the sales landscape for local retailers.
Technology permitted the consumer of the late 19th century variety of sources to purchase their goods from. Not only did this influence price, but significantly offered a better selection to local farmers.
But what is the lesson to be learnt from this century old example? Technology will continuously alter the landscape for business. If local retailers ignored the catalogs that were distributed by Sears and Roebuck, they would soon find themselves in a lot of hot water.
As a business owner of the 21st century, little has changed. Technology marches on and businesses can either ignore or embrace new technology. The Internet in today’s day and age is now a predominant driving force for business. You can either choose to embrace and utilize the Internet or ignore it.
Unfortunately, many business owners have been ignoring the Internet and what it can mean to their business. Did you know that 97% of all consumers now use online media to shop locally?
What does this mean to you? If you are selling a product or service and you are not being found by your customers online, you could literally be giving your competition 97% of your business!
Learn how the pro’s at Levelup Seo can help you get your business on the first page of Google today.