How technology is transforming small business
Small and medium-sized businesses are being radically transformed by technology, and
cheap and free web tools, allowing them to compete on a global level.
“Technology is having a massive impact on the way small or mid-size enterprise (SME) is
driven. Everything is effected, from how they take payment, how they talk to customers and
even – sometimes controversially – giving them the power to outsource,” says futurist and
entrepreneur Ross Dawson.
It is a new world that leading entrepreneurs such as Nudie founder Tim Pethick and BRW
Young Rich list entrepreneur Suzi Dafnis know well. They will be amongst other SME
experts sharing their knowledge of this emerging world with hundreds of representatives of
SMEs in Sydney on December 1.
“Now business owners are finding that the success of a small or mid-sized enterprise (SME)
is driven by technology more than almost anything else.”
According to Dawson there are six key ways technology is changing the very nature of how
smaller companies operate today.
1. Findability
Customers look for and find businesses in very different ways than just a few years ago.
Search engines, recommendations from friends on social networks, and online services
exchanges are now how most companies are found. Marketing has completely changed.
2. Customer communication
With over six million Australians on Facebook and usage of other social media soaring,
communicating with customers is shifting from to email marketing and beyond. The
companies in the vanguard are building the most powerful customer relationships.
3. Productivity
Email and mobile phones have made us far more productive but also are in danger of
overwhelming us. New online tools, such as Australia’s global success story
RemembertheMilk.com, are helping to make business owners and staff far more efficient.
4. Collaboration
With staff working flexible hours, often from home or in their cars, the ability to keep on the
same page is critical. Technology allows easy coordination of far-flung teams working
closely together.
5. Outsourcing
Anyone can tap talented workers from next door or anywhere on the planet. Outsourcing
used to be the domain of banks and telcos, now any company can outsource personal
assistants, graphic design, research, or a million other tasks around the world.
6. Online revenue
With Australians expected to spend over $20 billion online this year, virtually every company
is shifting their attention to how they can sell products and services on the Internet. It is a
level playing field, where small can readily trump mega-business.
About SME Technology Summit
Australian SMEs will gather at Bicentennial Park, Sydney for the SME Technology Summit
on December 1.
About Ross Dawson
Ross Dawson is globally recognised as a leading futurist, entrepreneur, keynote speaker
and best-selling author. He is chairman of three companies, including The Insight Exchange,
organiser of SME Technology Summit. He speaks all over the world on the future of
business, with recent media appearances including ABC TV, USA Today, New York Times
and The Guardian.
Interviews and media passes
To request an interview with Ross Dawson or any of the speakers at SME Technology
Summit
OR
To apply for a media pass to SME Technology Summit
Contact:
Jess Nelson
Communications Manager
The Insight Exchange
jessican@theinsightexchange.com
02 9994 8980
0403 230 950
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