Times are Changing

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” (Andy Warhol). Minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day time is changing and people are working to further enhance what we already have. Technology is further increasing as is everything else around us. It can be hard and frightening to reach out and try and learn new things; especially when we are so accustomed and adjusted to what we already are using. With that being said, we need to to listen and be open to the needs of our customers when running a small business in order to keep our customers coming back.

Over a century ago small business owners methods of payments ranged in so many ways. Currency wasn’t just considered the money you had in your pocket. There was also a huge reliance on trade. Anywhere from exchanging of goods and services to your resources like livestock and firewood. Now you take a look at today and our methods of payment are incomparable. We have become a very automated society where at the tap of our card or phone, we have paid for our goods and services. As a small business owner it is important to realize that many of the consumers and customers will be expecting of a business to have these options readily available.

As we keep moving forward, you will see that the use of cheques and cash are diminishing. People are visiting the bank less and less and cheques aren’t as readily used due to the unknown of  a payment being accepted. We are now in an age where online banking is huge. At the click of a button you are able to send payment to a recipient within seconds. This not only is easier for customers but also it gives small business owners the confidence in knowing they will be paid. The use of debit tender and credit cards is also widely used. Business owners need to consider offering such payment options even though there is a cost at providing this service. In order to keep and encourage your customers in coming back as well as encourage new customers it is essential to offer the varieties. Many do not carry cash but always have a debit card. If you only accept one form of payment you are going to miss out on many customer purchases.

This is just one of many examples of how, as a small business owner, we need to keep looking forward with how times are changing and advancing. The best thing you can do is be open with your customers. Ask them what their preferences are and what you can do better to improve the services that you offer. Constructive criticism will take you far in a business and allowing your customers to be heard will further increase their positive experience within your business. As hard as change can be, allowing yourself to be open to the thoughts and new progressions will have a huge positive impact.