The Technological Revolution

In much the same way as the industrial revolution changed the financial landscape of the developed world, the past few years has seen the gathering pace of the latest revolution to affect our world. This time however, the benefits are not limited by accessibility in the same way that used to exist.

Up until the explosion of the Internet into our lives, it was virtually impossible to compete nationally with market leaders in any field, let alone globally. The only advertising mediums were either TV advertising which represents a significant cost barrier to entry, or magazines which are again expensive and quite often niche, national newspapers a costly medium again, or regional advertising in the Yellow Pages. This is one of the most expensive ways of advertising nationally, but until the swift take up of Internet technologies, was a reliable method of finding customers.

At several points throughout history, the organisations that adapt to changes in technology the quickest and the most effectively, thrive where others fall. In many cases, the way has been led by pioneers. Henry Ford is a prime example, he nearly invented the mass production line on his own, and in doing that, cut his expenses, vastly improved the consistency of product quality, and created a huge advantage over his competition.

There is often a significant difference between organisations that move with and adapt to new technological advancements and those that are set in their ways. This is truer than ever now as the technological advancements are always coming thick and fast.

The wall that had previously blocked potential entrepreneurs from fulfilling their potential has been removed by the Internet. Many good business ideas went to waste because of the lack of financial backing, but all that has changed with the arrival of the Internet.

The potential held within the realms of the internet is unreal. A decent website and a year or two of good quality search engine optimisation will cost around 5,000-10,000 in total, and could result in your website being seen by billions of people. Before the Internet, an advertising campaign may have cost in excess of 100,000 and would not have gained nearly as much potential exposure.

Although we have all become accustomed to the Internet’s massive presence in the world of commerce, it is still in it’s infancy. Around 98% of onine information isn’t accessible to strangers becasue it is unreadable to search engines. It is for this reason that, despite the power of the Internet, many good ideas are still going to waste. Search engine optimisation has only recently come to light amongst the public, so what will the Internet be like in 10 years time?

The organisations who adapt now to the technological advances at hand, will be the ones that are on top in 10 years time.

The Internet is undoubtedly the business tool of the 21st century and a fantastic provider of equal opportunity for anyone with a good idea and little bit of money for a website to make that idea a reality.