WWW.NOT-FOR-ME.COM
Published
by INSPIRE: The Source, Fall 2000
Not too long along,
I used to refer to myself – without embarrassment or pride –
as
"computer illiterate." It was just a fact of life, as being
a hairdresser was. The idea of "speaking" to someone by typing
into a computer seemed ridiculous. I expected "this computer nonsense"
and the World Wide Web (www) to pass, as fads do.
Today, I operate
a consulting business for hair salons – a business made possible
by technology I once discounted. Faxing, electronic mailing, uploading,
downloading, pasting, copying, printing, and surfing the Net are among
my daily activities. I even attend a "virtual university."
As a consultant,
I spend a lot of time encouraging clients to accept technology and travel
the information highway. Many of them resist changing as much as I once
did.
According to Tom
Finelli, an Information Technology consultant, such resistance stems
from the lack of knowledge. But he points out that technology has grown
tenfold in ten years and will continue to expand. Our society is undergoing
a monumental change.
As
a salon owner, why shouldn’t you start profiting from the benefits
already available? Consider just a few:
- E-commerce
is buying and selling products on-line. It eliminates sales reps,
expensive display space and other overhead costs. The savings are
passed on to you. You can access detailed product information instantly
– and order with the click of a button.
- E-mail, my
personal favorite, provides 24-hour convenient worldwide communication
at less cost than phoning or faxing. Automatically receive industry
updates, newsletters and publications. Instantly network with other
salons.
This is why I love e-mail: Recently I phoned the state labor board
with an important question. After what seemed 20 minutes of menu choices,
I reached a recording. It asked me to leave a message and "someone
would reply within 3-4 business days." I hung up the phone and
e-mailed my question to the department. Within hours I received a
reply, which included the name and direct phone number of the person
answering my question. Immediately I called to express my gratitude.
- E-mail can
save your salon time and money. Imagine scheduling and confirming
client appointments, producing newsletters and announcing special
events - all without phoning, printing or postage! Does this sound
cold and impersonal? So did phoning and mass mailing when they were
new. E-mail is only one more means of communication. It’s not
difficult; it’s just a new form of communication.
- A website
(www.com) reinforces your business image and tells consumers what
you do. It’s a strong marketing and recruiting tool. Though
it produces invaluable results, you can build and maintain a website
at minimal cost.
How do you become
more computer savvy?
You already know
how! You do it the same way you’ve learned to use other new technology:
Start small and keep going.
One client told
me she resisted getting an ATM card for five years. But, having made
that small beginning, she kept going. Today her salon has an automated
"music on hold" phone system, fax, e-mail and a website.
Accept the reality
of unceasing change. Buy a computer. Take a course. Read a book. Hire
an Information Technology consultant. I myself have done all those things.
(If you’re
really overwhelmed, ask a child or teenager for help. Young people aren’t
afraid of computers. They love and understand them.)
It is essential
for all of us – as business people and as human beings – to
expand our thinking. Changes surround us like a rising tide. If we don’t
learn to ride these changes, we will be swept away.
Clients’ expectations
keep pace with technology. They expect exceptional, speedy, and reliable
service. Automation makes that possible. Information technology is now
a fundamental part of business life.
So don’t be
afraid. I’ve traveled a great distance in cyberspace - and it’s
been nothing short of exhilarating!
