Like fish to water

Last month, my baby boomer parents made the switch from flip phones to smart phones. My dad had been toying with the idea of having 24/7 internet access no matter where he was, while my mom would’ve been content with just having the ability to send simple text messages to me and my siblings rather than calling us during work hours. And to think, I can still remember when my mom and I shared a flip phone and how long it took for all of us to learn how to use our desktop computer back in 1994.

So far, I’ve been impressed with how well they’ve adapted to the new technology. For the most part, they’ve taken to it like fish to water. However, it took them a while to get to the point where they were truly willing and ready to try the new technology. I also resisted getting a smart phone until about two years ago.

Many of us are hesitant to jump on the technological trends because advances are being made at breakneck speed, and even though these new tools may offer many benefits, taking that first leap is difficult. That’s why this month we look at the ways that technology can help you increase your IGC’s bottom line and increase your efficiency without making you feel like a fish out of water.

Learn how to make the most of your investment in attending trade shows in the cover story, starting on page 16, and check out why Leslie Halleck believes that no IGC should be without a POS system in her article on page 22. Nikki Weed shows us how to use databases to their full potential on page 28, and Maria Zampini introduces us to Troy’s Landscape Supply, a tech-savvy IGC, on 34. Want to make your business more “Pinteresting” to potential customers? Don’t miss our article on best practices for business Pinterest pages on page 36. Your peers gave us the inside scoop on the most useful technology on page 44, and we got Stein Gardens & Gifts president and CEO Mark Birmingham’s take on partnering with a new business on page 40.

We have another new face in this issue. Small business consultant and Next Level (check out my coverage of the event on page 86) keynote speaker Barry Moltz gives his top 10 parameters for choosing the best website designer for your business in our new Business Tips column on page 39. He’ll be back a few more times this year in this semi-regular column.

With the regular snowfalls abating here in Ohio, it seems that spring will be here before you know it. Here’s hoping for a sunny, successful start to the season!

kvarga@gie.net