What would happen if you walked into your office, whether that’s in the home or a separate place altogether, and there were no computers. What would you still be able to do, and what would now be impossible?
Even if you could find a way to do at least some of your work, it is likely that a lot of it would not be able to take place at all, and this just goes to show how much we rely on computers in business.
This is, of course, a relatively new phenomenon. Just a few decades ago, there were no computers in offices, and instead typewriters and complicated filing systems, as well as plenty of handwritten notes were used.
This means that it would, technically, be possible to go back to working in this way, but now that we’re so used to computers, and we even have specialists on hand to deal with the most common IT problems, this is not something that many people would want to do.
So why are computers so important in business? Read on to get a better idea of exactly what it is we need them for.
Organization
Organization is a key component of any business. Businesses that are more organized are much more successful; they can respond more quickly to customers, they can fix problems quickly, and they will always know what the next step is in terms of reaching their next goal.
In the past, organization would have been through files and paper, or it would have been in a secretary’s head. Trying to find the information needed, especially if that secretary wasn’t in the office, would have taken a lot of time and effort, and, there would have been a fair amount of human error involved. Plus, having lots of pieces of paper around with customers’ details on them was not very secure, and all these files would have taken up a huge amount of space within someone’s office.
With a computer, everything can be organized quickly and effortlessly. Finding the details that are required is the work of seconds, and no additional space is needed. Using the cloud to store all sensitive information on makes this system much more secure too.
Gain Information
If you want to succeed in business, you need to know as much as possible. You need to know about:
- Your competition
- Your customers
- Your sector
- Your products and services
- Your employees
This might have meant a lot of time spent reading journals and magazines, potentially missing out on a lot of information. Today, you can use your computer to find out all kinds of information including how to start a business in the first place, how to do your taxes, and even how to write a business plan.
In fact, there is nothing that you can’t discover by using your computer to search online. It’s true that other devices will allow you to do this, but for convenience and speed when you’re already sitting at a laptop working, nothing can beat the computer.
Your Website
No business is ever going to be truly successful in the 21st century without a website. Your website is like your storefront, a shop window that allows potential customers to find out as much about you as they can before they commit to buying from you. With so much competition, no matter what sector you are working in, it is crucial that you have an easy to use, attractive, simple website that will help promote your business at all times of the day and night.
This website must also be easy to keep up to date, and it is often down to the business owner to do this. An out of date website gives a bad impression of the business, and some visitors might even wonder if you’re still trading.
Having a computer to update the website either with a new weekly blog, new products, or further information when needed, is crucial.
Communication
A business that cannot communicate with its customers won’t be successful. A business that can’t communicate with its suppliers won’t be successful. To be frank, a business that can’t communicate full stop won’t be successful.
One of the key elements of business is being able to communicate swiftly and precisely. A computer allows for this to happen through a variety of different media including:
- Social media
- Video conferencing
- Live chats
- Blogs
- Vlogs
In fact, any communication you can think of can be done through the computer, and having just this one machine in your office will enable you to do anything and everything you need to.