After the Industrial Revolution, the world of business stayed consistent for about a century. That being said, the idea of that kind of thing ever happening again is pretty much out of the question. We’re living in a time where technology progresses faster than we can keep up – by the time we buy the newest and coolest phone, a newer one is already making its debut.
So what does this mean for the business climate today? Does this ever-updating world mean it’s impossible for companies to keep up? Perhaps not. Here are 4 ways technology is reshaping the business world, and how you can keep up with it:
1. Always on the go
Everything is one touch away now, so people are all about mobility. Smartphones are more advanced than most computers were 15 years ago. People can create, buy, sell and share products and ideas all on their mobile devices. That means whatever your market is, it needs to be accessible, simple and have a clear mobile-friendly interface.
Mobile accessibility also means that you can work from your phone too – making it easy (and sometimes a little too easy) to get work done on the go.
2. Less downtime
The traditional vacation isn’t really a thing anymore. Even when you’re taking a break, odds are you’re still checking your email regularly or sneaking off for the occasional phone call or virtual meeting. The old 9-5 schedule is no longer a thing – with mobile engagement, you’re practically on the clock 24/7.
While work accessibility can be extremely convenient, this makes it all the more important to train yourself to draw boundaries with work. Put your phone down from time to time to take a step back from your business and enjoy the moment.
3. Connectivity
Current technology has made it easy to keep in touch with anyone no matter where they are. That means you can organize teams of employees from anywhere and effectively keep in touch with them – even if they live on the other side of the globe.
I’ve worked with several teams and projects with people I’ve never met – but because of modern technology, we can keep in touch, organize virtual meetings and work together even when we live far away. When done right, it can be just as effective as working in the same office with your team.
4. The need for adaptability
An ever-growing world of technology means that for a business to be successful in today’s climate, it must be adaptable. That might mean regularly changing practices in the company and throwing out the phrase “why fix something if it isn’t broken?” The moment you get too comfortable with something is probably the moment you fall behind.
Be willing to explore new technologies that could help your business – and even try adjusting how you run things to incorporate technology that could help modernize things. Embracing change could be the determining factor that keeps you ahead of all your competitors.
by: Emily Brady
Emily Brady is a content writer for AFEUSA. Her education in Communication Sciences with an emphasis in journalism from Brigham Young University makes her a great fit for AFEUSA. Emily enjoys writing and often works as a freelance writer in her free time.