This morning at IBIE I learned that we are at a unique point in history: for the first time, four generations of workers are coexisting in the workplace together. And although this can lead to some friction as a result of the wide generational gaps, it also offers an incredible learning opportunity for those who are open to it.
From this session about the multigenerational workforce, I walked into a seminar about "Websites and beyond," and it was as though parts of the previous session had been brought to life. Here were Gen Xers, Boomers and beyond stretching themselves and adapting to a changing world. In this particular case, it was by learning what the online arena offers. As one of the speakers put it, it's about making it easier for people to spend money with you. And it is. Creating a website, for instance, allows you to implement online ordering, opening up your business not just to additional sales within your locale but also throughout the rest of your state and even the rest of the country. And it's not just wishful thinking - Felix Sherman, Jr. from The Ambrosia Bakery explained that his bakery's online sales have grown exponentially since he set up online ordering eight years ago. This month alone, nearly 200 orders have come via the bakery's website, resulting in thousands of dollars in business. An online presence is no longer just a sign of tech-savviness; it's a valuable revenue stream. And with smartphones surging in popularity, customers are now looking for businesses that can cater to their mobile needs; the customer who orders from your bakery via computer today is the customer who will be ordering using their phone tomorrow. It's about more than being cutting-edge - it's about having the ability to capture every potential sale, no matter what form it may take.