July 25, 2011 8:30 AM

There comes a time in the lifecycle of every business when it will inevitably hit a turning point. It may come in the form of a large-scale shift in business practices or perhaps as simple as reallocating funds for the next fiscal year. Change is necessary. Even the companies that produce staple products like toilet paper or band aids go through periods of experimentation or a refresh of the brand. Bottom line is that people (the consumer) get bored easily, and if you do not adapt to changing consumer landscapes, you will be left in the dust – ask Blockbuster. Did you ever think that the concept of ‘Video Rental’ would be a story you would have to tell your grandchildren about?

This is particularly relevant in a technology boom era where new gadgets, Apps, and trends are emerging on a daily basis. The Tablet Wars between Apple and RIM have exposed some weaknesses and questions about the future of RIM. Where does a company go when it reaches the top? It can’t stay there forever – ask General Motors.

The playing field is evening out – every business can become the ‘next big one’. Sure there are still the behemoths like Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Facebook to contend with, but now is a perfect time to challenge their supremacy. They are not infallible – ask LulzSec.

If you are a small business, it would seem impossible to contend with such giants. But you can connect to your clients through social media, relationship building and offering a better service. Change your direction, don’t get stuck in a rut, be proactive. That’s how the most successful companies have reached the top. Their ultimate demise occurs when they have stopped pushing innovation and reinventing themselves – ask Atari.

Originally posted on Atum & IT Industry News Blog

Blogger Profile: Christine Sheppard
Christine Sheppard is the marketing and communications voice at Atum Corporation – a VPS hosting and IT Solutions Company. Atum is a Canadian leader in VPS solutions and virtualization and Christine draws upon her inherent interest in the advance of new computer technology to discuss topics in Cloud Computing, Virtualization and emerging business trends. www.twitter.com/AtumIT

Posted by Sue Ansell at July 25, 2011 8:30 AM

Categories: Trends

Comments

Garry Svenson email - http://www.storagelondon.co.uk/page-easing-the-transition-from-home-to-storage-london.html

Great article. I have a small business and as we know the battle with big corporations is impossible, but fortunately there are clients for all businesses and the key is the direct contact. Eliminating the distance between your small business and the client makes the connection stronger, and your clients count grow slowly but steadily.

Christine Sheppard email - www.atum.com

Good insight Garry. When you find your customer base - stick with it, and never stop innovating for your clients. That is certainly a key success factor for small businesses.

Michael email - http://www.vacationhomes.net

Any business that stays static to the changing environment is doomed to failure. Practice should be flexible, and progressive in order to be successful!

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