10 Tech Tools That Changed The Face Of Business
Do you remember the days of the Rolodex? The bigger the Rolodex, the more successful you were. Times certainly have changed. In the past thirty years, there have been so many developments in business technology. Let’s take a minute to look back on those technical developments and see how they have made our businesses more efficient and our lives easier.
1. Personal Computers
Personal computers and laptops mean our employees can work from home or even across the country. The growth of personal computers has created a whole new environment for our businesses.
One benefit that is often overlooked is that employees come to us with more computer training than ever before. The learning curve for new software is so much shorter because they have a foundation from having grown up with personal computers.
2. The Internet
This one is a no-brainer. The internet has completely changed the way businesses operate. We now have access to a global market and can communicate with customers and clients all over the world. We also have online software and apps that make our jobs easier every day. Tasks that once took an hour to complete can now be performed with just a couple of buttons
3. Email
Along with the internet, email revolutionized communication within businesses, making it quicker and easier to send messages back and forth without having to wait for snail mail.
Combined with the advent of CRMs we are now able to track our conversations with clients and deliver a level of customer service that far surpasses our capabilities just thirty years ago.
4. Mobile Technology
Smartphones and tablets have become essential tools in business, allowing employees to stay connected and productive while on the go.
Consider the number of tasks you do before you even get out of bed in the morning:
- Checking Emails
- Checking Calendars
- Updating Social Media Status
These are all tasks that were not available to us in the past and give us the opportunity to work at a level we never imagined.
5. Cloud Computing
Do you remember the first time you heard about cloud computing? It was an idea that seemed a little far-fetched. Now, most businesses store their documents and data in the cloud. Cloud computing has completely transformed the way businesses store and access data, making it more accessible than ever before.
This means no matter where we are or what we are doing, we are capable of getting important tasks done for our business.
6. Social Media
Social media gets a bad name but the truth is it is a powerful marketing and networking tool for businesses of all sizes. Once upon a time, small businesses were limited to print ads and some local tv and radio. These days small businesses can reach customers worldwide.
It’s also a great tool for customer service. Customers are now able to reach out to us through social media, giving us one more touchpoint for delivering great customer service
7. Big Data
With the advent of big data, businesses now have access to more information than ever before, which can be used to make better decisions and drive growth. We are no longer tossing ideas against the wall and opening the stick. Instead, using data from multiple areas we can A/B test almost anything we want to try.
8. Artificial Intelligence
AI is beginning to change the way businesses operate, from customer service to marketing to sales.
It sounds like science fiction but entire industries are being changed by the use of artificial intelligence in business settings.
Don’t believe us? Check out Lately.ai, Jasper.Ai, and ManyBot.io.
9. Virtual Reality
VR is starting to be used in businesses for training, product demonstrations, and even marketing campaigns. Virtual reality has been used to train pilots and surgeons alike. Have you used it in your business? Do you see how you might apply it?
10. 3D Printing
3D printing is being used in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, and is revolutionizing the way businesses create and prototype products. To really see the power of 3D printers consider the way NASA has been using them for more than 5 years now. They can print tools and other items they need on the International Space Station. Imagine if they had had this tool when Jim Lovell and crew were stranded on Apollo 13. How do you see using 3D printing in your business?
