inspired.entrepreneur.com — Technology isn't the savior for every business. Here's a list of 10 small businesses that have suffered because of technology, whether it's the Internet or in-house technology used by big store chains.
Jun 12, 2007 View in Crawl 4
biskinoJun 13, 2007
There will always be a market for newspapers as long as they continue to publish quality content. The market might diminish - other mass market media can deliver the latest Paris Hilton gossip or Mavericks box score better and cheaper - but newspaper journalism still delivers a depth of coverage that you just don't get from any other source. Stricly online news services haven't established the same credibility as print journalism and TV news (and associated online news services) just recycle their TV content.
fkfacemcfaydenJun 13, 2007
Take this to it's logical conclusion and you'll see that it's a good thing.
nartvqJun 13, 2007
I agree with cdrew. I think digital media-to-handheld smartphone/pda will be a factor in the decline for the need of paper newspapers. 3G protocols such as EV-DO and HSDPA are becoming more and more prevalent and mainstream consumers are becoming more aware of the capabilities of such technologies. Eventually it will come to the point where you would question buying a newspaper when you can can get the same information and more, set to your preferences from your smartphone. No page turning. No ink on your fingers. Less trees cut down.
infiniphonicJun 13, 2007
I have to go with Wall-Mart as not so much technology or the Internet. One day we will decide the Wal-Mart way is not the best way. This I am afraid will not happen for a long time. For now people need their low low goddamn prices.
sgglynnJun 13, 2007
I live in Pittsburgh, yes, there are wal-marts and targets around. Just because I CAN go to one, doesn't mean i'm going to drive to one when I can walk 3 blocks for the following:Record/CD Stores - Gets new CD's in every week, just like any other place, an it's easier than driving all the way to walmart, especially since they censor all of their CD's now.Video Rental - It's a blockbuster, which uses online and brick and mortar for rentals, not going away anytime soonNeighborhood Bookstores - About 3 of them all in walking radius.Niche Art or Craft Stores - Unfortunately yes got these too, stupid hippie stores aren't going anywhere either. Travel Agencies - Got a AAA travel agency too, just because people CAN make all their travel arrangements themselves, doesn't mean they WANT too, hence, going through an agency.Neighborhood Grocery Stores - There are a bunch of these around me too, just because I can go to a huge chain store, doesn't mean i'm going too when I can just walk two blocks to a bodega... Say it with me now "Bo-Deg-A".overall, buried as inaccurate
emomJun 13, 2007
I wasn't referring to niche artists - just niche art and craft supply stores. Small and large art stores will do well, but you will have a hard time finding just a quilting or needlepoint supply store anymore. Art and craft finished products will always do well imho.
trythisnowJun 18, 2007
None of the businesses listed necessarily need be killed by the internet...they can all move online and still be run as 'mom and pop' businesses.
chaiwriterJul 29, 2008
Exactly all these places have to learn to use technology. Or they need to find a good marketing company like MV Marketing (www.mohawkvalleymarketing.com) to help them "get with the times".
bowhunter87Sep 23, 2008
I have noticed similar situations as the ones mentioned in this article as well. Many smaller businesses around my home are often discriminated against by their customers if they do not have a website or similar offerings. Many times it is unpractical or too expensive for them to offer this feature, and they consequently loose many customers because of this, as many people nowdays, at least in my experience, feel that a company without web capabilities are less reliable than those with the technology. Therefore they feel safer moving to a company that they feel is more firmly settled and take their business there.
mike123erNov 11, 2009
Technology is important to small business but without the know how you are still likely to to suffer, its best to do your research before embarking on or implementing any new technology...more info@ www.contextured.com