ThinkLocal Blog – Local search, business, and trends

It’s no secret that modern technology has changed—and keeps changing—the business world. Paper filing systems have been replaced with electronic folders, and waiting for a check to come in the mail has been replaced by online bank transactions that take seconds to complete. The business practices of yesterday are radically different from those of today, and the effects can be seen just about everywhere. Small business can get more done in a shorter amount of time, and they can keep in touch with their customers and clients through more means of communication. Networking is easier for small businesses thanks to the Internet, and cost-effective solutions like webcasts and email newsletters ensure that business owners can communicate with their staff without a financial sacrifice.

According to the Small Business Success Index, an ongoing study conducted by Network Solutions, LLC, and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, “Small business owners rely on a range of Internet business solutions and computer technologies to succeed, including online customer service via e-mail, a company Web site, online advertising in directories, a shared computer network for employees, and internal communications by e-mail. Between 30-60% of businesses use the items above.” Here at ThinkLocal®, we want to know how your small business utilizes modern technology. Do you use computer and Internet technology to communicate with your customers? If so, which do you use, and how have they helped your business? Do you take advantage of webcasts or internal email to communicate with your employees, or do you prefer the traditional method of phone calls, meetings, and so forth?

*The Small Business Success Index, an ongoing measurement of the overall health of U.S. small businesses, was commissioned by Network Solutions, LLC and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. To take the survey yourself, click here.