Any one who has bought a computer or other tech gadget with all the latest features knows their device will not be cutting edge for long. The world of technology is constantly changing, frequent updates to software programs and sleeker more efficient designs to hardware make it financially difficult for the average individual to keep up with to keep up with the latest tech devices. How do all these changes in technology effect small business in the global market place?
Traditionally small businesses are the late adapters of technology. As the digital infrastructure matures and becomes widespread, small businesses will need to aggressively use new technologies to create, build, and market their products and services. Small businesses that fail to embrace technology will be under increasing competitive pressure from more technologically savvy firms. In other words lager business that can afford to deploy this new technology will be gaining in the market. (WSJ)
According to Intuit there are a few emerging technologies that small business should keep in mind when attempting to create an online presence. The first is to keep in mind that their audience most likely will not be viewing the web site from a desktop instead it may be a mobile device like a tablet, netbook, or smart phone. This is a valid point but is it feasible to assume that a small business budget could keep up web technology that complies to every platform? Secondly Intuit advises small business to utilize inexpensive web services for building web sites. By that they mean outsourcing. This doesn’t necessarily hurt the small business because it is a less expensive option than having an in house developer but it does hurt the economy in the long run. Another recommendation is mobile marketing through text and e-mail alerts sent to a cellular phone. Cellular phone minute and data plans vary widely it can not be assumed that everyone has unlimited text and data allowances, those who don’t will most likely trash the message.
A small business is small because it usually does not have the capital resources that a large company would have. At this time the global economy may not be as accessible to every small business but there also may not be a need for certain types of businesses to participate in the globalization of their company. For example if a local grocery store offers online shopping and delivery with in a 25mile radius, their target audience is their immediate surrounding area not halfway across the world.
Sources
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