I love technology. Ever since my dad bought me a Commodore VIC-20 computer in 1981 (with 8k of RAM and only a tape drive), I have been hooked. After getting a computer science degree in college I thought I was destined for a career in the software industry. It didn’t work out quite the way I expected, but that technology background has always served me well.
Here at Lightning Labels we use technology in all aspects of the business. For a start our printing presses use cutting edge digital printing technology to print your labels. We use the latest prepress technology (namely Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Quark Xpress) to prepare your labels for the press. The software we use to run our business is a custom application I developed eight years ago, which is now showing signs of age. So, my partner Steve Smith (who also has a technology background) and I are planning an upgrade to that system using brand new software tools.
We use technology in our marketing. Our web site is our storefront that allows us to reach customers all over the world through the search engines. We use email to keep in contact with customers, and of course we use this blog as well. The beauty of today’s technology is that even a one person operation can compete effectively with their far larger competitors if they use technology well.
Of course, any business tool can hurt you if it is not used appropriately. As much as I love technology, I have seen many companies fall prey to what I call the Technology Trap. This is where companies fall in love with the cost savings that technology can bring and utilize it in all aspects of their business regardless of the impact on customers. I see large banks and the airlines as the worst offenders here with their incredibly complex automated phone systems and impersonal communications.
When it comes down to it most business transactions are about people and relationships. This is why we try and provide a personal touch to everything we do at Lightning Labels. When you call our office (between 7:30am and 6pm Mountain Time Monday – Friday) you will always get to speak to a person. One of our customer service reps will help you through all the steps of your label order. What we strive for is the right blend of the personal and the technological – old fashioned customer service with 21st century technology.
It is a mistake not to use technology to your advantage in your business. I believe it is just as big a mistake to misuse it. How are you using technology in your business?
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