The Changing Face Of Businesses

By Author: Simeon Howard
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The past few decades have seen some incredible changes in the way we do business. Some people say it's a pity that old traditional ways of transacting have gone out the window but most will agree that the benefits far outweigh the downsides. Let's look at a few ways in which business has changed and what the advantages and benefits of these changes are.

The Personal Computer

Thirty years ago computers were a rarity and a personal computer was thought of as an absolute luxury-something only computer professionals had access to. In general, they were big bulky machines that operated in a DOS format and were used primarily in accounting and banking operations. Some people foolishly predicted that the concept of computers would simply not take off and that they were too complex and expensive to operate. Today, more than 90 percent of businesses operating in the modern world use computer technology in one way or another. Even a vendor at a craft stall will most likely use a computer at some stage in the retail process, even if it's just to balance their books at the end of the month. Aside from work, the vast majority ...
... of people have a personal computer at home. Browsing the Web is a common pastime and keeping in touch is now made so much easier thanks to email, instant messaging and social media applications. It's become an industry all of its own and a highly lucrative one at that.

Technology's Influence on Business

It's hard to imagine life without computers. Technology has come so far since the 1980s and we have become so used to the convenience that it offers. In just about every industry, computers have been integrated to make work processes more efficient, controls easier to manage, and systems simpler to maintain. Let's take as an example a visit to the local supermarket. At checkout the teller simply has to scan an item instead of inputting a price. Not only does that take out the element of human error, it also speeds up the check out process. At the same time that the product is rung up, the inventory and accounting systems are automatically updated. If you want to pay for your purchases by credit card, it's simply swiped and the transaction is complete within a matter of seconds. All of this made is possible by technology and computer systems.

Improved Business Efficiency

The retail sector has not been the only one to benefit from advances in technology. In the corporate world, networking computer systems have allowed companies to streamline the way they do business. Instead of having to travel to various corporate branches, meetings can now be held by teleconferencing, saving a significant amount on costs. The use of email to send orders, invoices, statements and accounts has not only sped up the communications process, it has also dramatically reduced mail costs. Staff departments based in different locations can communicate more efficiently and there isn't even the need for everyone to be based at the same premises. When managers or directors are travelling for business, they can easily keep in touch with the progress back at the head office by means of laptop and notebook computers and cellular phones.

Greater Business Flexibility

Another trend in modern-day business is the increase in flexibility with regards to working environments. The global communications network is so efficient that people are able to do business worldwide without ever having to leave their offices. Many staff members are being afforded a greater level of flexibility, being able to work from home or for a specific number of hours a week rather than having to clock in daily for a nine-to-five workday. As long as efficiency is maintained, many business owners are seeing the advantages of having a more flexible work environment. One of these advantages is to not have to keep an expensive business physical address. If your interaction with clients is electronic, it really doesn't matter where you base your business from.

Using the Changing Face of Business to Your Advantage

If keeping up a corporate image is important to your business, one way to use technology to your advantage is to look into getting a virtual office. You can still have that prestigious corporate address but at a fraction of the cost because you will not be physically occupying the premises. Instead, you will have the benefit of a professional receptionist who answers your calls and forwards messages and mail to you. It's certainly a smart way to do business. Your company image is boosted by the professionalism that your clients will get greeted with. You will have more flexibility in terms of being away from a phone line or in meetings and still have the peace of mind that all client calls are being answered. In truth, clients aren't concerned if you are all on one premises, as long as they are receiving efficient service. You will also benefit from lower overhead costs which means you will have a more streamlined and efficient business.
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