Running a Business Today vs. 50 Years Ago: SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES

Do you think it’s easier now or in the past to run a business? Some would say that running a business in today’s world is much simpler, thanks to the connected and highly digital world we live in. We have access to devices and apps that help with communication, marketing, hiring, recruiting, and other critical business operations.

On the flip side, some business owners would say that running a company was easier in the past when there were less competition and less time needed to spend on learning the ways of social media and digital marketing.

No matter if you’re just starting your company by applying for a Texas sales permit or you’ve been in business for years, it pays to know the similarities and differences of running a business today compared to 50 years ago.

Here’s what you need to know about the evolution of business:

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The Internet

To say the internet changed business is an understatement. The creation of the World Wide Web has impacted every business aspect and operation. We communicate using instant messages and emails. We create business plans on document-processing apps and collaborate by hosting the files in a shared location. Businesses attract new customers by having a website and active social media pages.

The internet has also changed how businesses network within their industries, as well as hiring and recruiting.

Marketing

For decades, the business card was the go-to method for advertising and marketing a business. Over time, newer and more digital ways of increasing brand visibility and recognition have emerged. While the business card is still a useful marketing tool, other options such as social media, email, and mobile marketing have moved to the forefront.

Communication

Remember the days of having to pick up the phone to discuss business decisions? These days, there’s no shortage of methods of communication. From instant messages to email, to text messages, there are plenty of quicker and more effective ways to relay business information.

How has email changed business? By 2021, it’s expected that around 320 billion emails will be sent on a daily basis. The number of instant messages and text messages is also expected to increase over the next few years.

Thanks to modern technologies such as teleconferencing, companies can meet with business partners, investors, and customers located around the world. These advanced forms of communication give businesses greater flexibility and are much more efficient.

Office Culture

Another business factor that has greatly changed is business culture. Gone are the days of corner offices and cubicles. Today, employees are created with open office environments that are said to encourage collaboration and teaming.

The office culture has also changed in that we use desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other connected devices to get work done. Typewriters and pen and paper are of the past.

In today’s world, some employees don’t sit in offices at all! The internet, connected devices, and apps have allowed business teams to span continents. It’s not uncommon for a business to have small remote teams that never step foot inside the same physical office space.

Consumer Expectations

We live in a world where consumers expect not only a quality experience but top-notch products that are available almost instantly. Today’s consumers typically purchase items online, and the days of brick and mortar stores seem to be numbered.

With online shopping has come the need for improved inventory management, faster shipping and delivery, and around-the-clock customer service. When compared to consumers of the past, today’s consumers expect a simplified buying process that’s fast, convenient, and tailored specifically for them.

Join the Business World by Applying for a Texas Sales Permit

Now that you know a little bit about the biggest changes in business and how business has changed in the last 50 years, you may be more eager than ever to experience today’s business world. If you want to run a business in Texas, you’ll want to apply for a Texas sales permit so that you can legally sell items and make money.

At FastFilings, we’ve simplified the application process. All you have to do is provide a few pieces of business information, and your application will be on its way to be reviewed and approved.

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