.jpg)
Like it or not, technology is taking over the world. Can you remember a time before the internet? How did we used to book our holidays, do our grocery shopping, or talk to people on the other side of the world? The internet has changed the world we live in, and it has revolutionised business to a massive degree.
Of course, technology isn’t all about the World Wide Web, it is about hardware, machinery, software programs, and the way we communicate overall. There’s no denying that life has been made easier by the huge advancements in technology, but are they all for the better?
Let’s explore some of the most prominent ways that technology has changed business over the last few years.
Online Storage Methods
We’ve all heard of the Cloud. This means that we can store large amounts of information and data somewhere in the ether, without it clogging up our hard drive, and without having to keep endless USB memory sticks somewhere safe. Of course, there are downsides to this, especially in terms of privacy. There have been several high profile hacks to the Cloud storage of celebrities over the last couple of years, and this raises a security issue for big businesses.
Despite the rise of online storage, there will probably always be a need for regular office storage units too, as well as home office storage solutions. Going completely paperless is quite the challenge, so having these plan B options is something that will always remain sensible.
Technological Sundry Items
Technology isn’t all about computers, what about overhead projectors? These are still used to make presentations. What about mini laptops? We don’t all need a desktop computer. Technology has given businesses choice in many ways, and that means that an office can be furnished to include all the technological sundry items required, but also to make it comfortable for employees to work in. Think about glass office desks – these look fantastic with a shiny new laptop, really giving your office a modern twist, or how about executive chairs, for comfort and style whist working?
No matter how technological a workplace gets, there will always be a need for the office furniture to go alongside it! Search for ‘office furniture near me’ to find the best deals.
A New Way to Communicate
Whether we’re talking about communicating with new customers, attracting new ones, or speaking to potential business partners, technology has totally revolutionised the way a business can communicate. Video calls, conference calling, messaging, these are all quick and easy methods that can be done by the touch of a button. You can easily speak to someone on the other side of the world, without having to deal with bad telephone line connections.
Of course, communication with customers has also been made infinitely easier and more personal, thanks to email and social media. These channels can be used to reach out to customers and help to create an air of caring between the business and its clients. This can be super effective in terms of keeping customers, and even word of mouth business to attract new ones.
Market Research Analytics
Once upon a time, market research used to rely upon questionnaires and cold calling, nowadays it’s all about browser history and analytics! Businesses can find out what their customers want at the touch of a button, and this makes market research and product testing much easier than ever before. As a result, giving the customer what they want increases business and yet again, increases the chances of finding new customers, thus boosting sales. Aside from communication, this is probably one of the biggest and most favourable effects of technology for businesses.
Remote Working
Using the Internet has meant that workers can choose to work remotely, i.e. from home or from a beach in Australia, if they please! Remote working has revolutionised the way businesses connect with new employees, as freelancing has boomed over the last few years. This has the major effective of reducing overheads for a business, e.g. no need to pay for electric and heating in a bricks and mortar office, and it has also cut down on the number of lost days due to unforeseen circumstances – people are able to work from anywhere!
Of course, many home workers like to install an office environment in their home, and in that case, some furniture is going to be needed. If you’re searching for London office furniture, then why not check out our website for some great choices.
What do You Think?
What do you think about the impact of technology on businesses? Has it had a positive impact, or a negative one? Most would argue that there is a mix of the two, but in the main, it is a hugely positive impact overall.
Communication has been boosted, sales have gone through the roof, the ability to source out freelance workers is much more possible, and purchasing materials to produce goods is also easier, thanks to the ability to shop around online.
Of course, technology hasn’t just changed businesses completely, it’s changed our daily lives too. A time without mobile phones, the internet, and a laptop computer is something to make you shudder! Can you even remember that time? How did we communicate? How did we source out information? Technology has certainly made life easier, but are we heading towards a time of technological overload? Social media addiction may point us in that direction, but in terms of business use, you can’t deny that technological methods have enhanced performance overall.