Small Business Slowly Adjusts to an Expensive and Complex New Economy

“The Internet has created the ability for businesses to streamline processes and make those processes more efficient, and that’s driven competition and productivity further than we’ve seen in the past,” said Melissa Shore, a research analyst at Jupiter Communications in New York. Efficiency and increased productivity are two variables that can improve any small business equation, regardless of whether or not a particular business’ market focus is local or international. In the very least, the Internet provides small businesses with the unique ability to market goods and services, provide consumers with timely information and an additional means of guiding consumers to their doors. The Internet also allows small businesses to manage their finances and expenses online and place orders online through business-to-business portals where distributors compete for the best price — basic tasks that improve profitability.