The world has changed greatly in the last twenty years. The new millennium has proven to be full of “new” things indeed, and it affects everyone across the globe. We have seen the rise of tremendously helpful innovations, and they are simply becoming more accessible by the year. Be it individuals, businesses big or small, or governments- everyone is affected and has adjusted their ways to accommodate these innovations.
But navigating this new world can sometimes leave us wondering: what changed? While there’s an easy answer for that, it also begs a deeper exploration of where things began and where it is now.
Super Computers in Our Pockets
In the year 2000, CPU company AMD hit the 1ghz mark for their CPU- the first time in history. While nowadays, 1ghz is but a paltry clock speed, it was a rather powerful way to start the new millennium. Flash forward to 20 years later, now almost everyone is carrying a pocketable computer running for more than 1ghz. The smartphones that we so often take for granted are considerably much more powerful than computers twice their price a few years ago. Its interface and the software created for it are arguably more accessible and easier to use as well.
This has changed society’s landscape: many services have shifted to an online format, communication is instantaneous, and media consumption has changed. This is definitely among the most powerful changes in recent history, and it won’t be stopping anytime soon.
The Internet of Things is Around Us
With the internet improving far beyond many people’s expectations, the retro-futuristic idea of fully automated homes has now become a reality. Enter the internet of things. With almost every possible electronic device now sporting a CPU and internet access, this has bloomed into something much more graspable.
Microwave ovens, electric fans, air conditioners, and lighting all now come with integrated internet access, allowing you full control of its features through a smartphone or computer. This extends to other areas too: factories can now be manned with as little human interference as possible, only needing quality reassurance by a human every now and then. The Internet of Things has both elevated daily life and production capacity, to the point that thinking of a world without one can be quite the challenge.
Marketing Isn’t About Billboards Anymore
While billboards and traditional forms of advertising are far from dead, the attention and eyes the internet is holding make it a valid case for any marketer. And with multiple forms of businesses and brands popping up, the marketing industry needs to adapt. Enter online-specific marketing companies. With the expertise in Internet-driven interaction and community engagement, they are better equipped to handle online marketing campaigns.
Many digital marketing businesses such as Impressive.ie or even Google Ads offer marketing services for businesses of all types. These services can be scaled depending on the size of the campaign, and are well suited for both small businesses to major enterprises.
Work from Home is the New Work
Due to a global pandemic, many companies are suddenly forced to shift their working format from an office-based one to a work-from-home one. And experts say it might be for good. Interestingly enough, many employees find themselves more productive within their own homes, and with the productivity and efficiency increased, many employers are convinced to keep such a format.
Webcams and microphones with a good internet connection now allow for real-time conference calls. Collaborative communication software also helps manage teamwork better than ever. Perhaps in the future, a large part of the workforce would rely on remote working format rather than the traditional office work.
Data-Driven and Analytical
Through all the automation and tech-centric improvements, the field of analytics has become even more important. With numbers and data now accessible at a moment’s notice, businesses or individuals can pull up significant data and analyze them. This results in a better approach to projects, as there is tangible feedback and data that can be interpreted in ways not possible before. Even the mere act of analyzing data is now automated: sophisticated programs can tell you whether a project is succeeding through predetermined metrics and how the project is faring compared against those metrics.
Indeed, the world has changed, and perhaps for the better. Long gone are the days of analog and manual tasks, and we now live in a world where automation is regular. However, despite all these innovations, one thing remains: it’s how we, as humans, interact and use these innovations that can make the difference significant or petty.