5 Reasons Why Online Businesses Are Different Now

With some perspective about Web marketing since '94 when I started at AOL, I began thinking about why online businesses are really different now.  Everyone is feeling and declaring a change, but why?

 

Here's my take on 5 things that are influencing it:

 

1. Things always change when fear enters the room

With the economy negatively affecting everyone, it's hard not to want to re-think everything you believed about your business, your bank account and your life.  So everyone is rethinking something.  It's axiomatic.

 

2. Boomers are taking the time to re-assess retirement

As the largest generational cohort heads toward retirement, Boomers are looking back to a time when 'giving back' had some meaning for them.  The 40th anniversary of Woodstock is causing them take a look at what they've been doing these last 40 years.  Some feel that pull towards "making a difference" again. 

 

3. With information so readily available, it’s easy for Gen X and Y to see what they don’t want to do

With the internet flattening the world, it's much easier for people to see how they fit into the bigger picture.  When you have a sense that your world isn't 'one block long,' you think differently.

 

4. Social Media gives you the tools to talk back

Social Networking allows people to exert "personal influence."  That's a responsibility as well as a gift.

 

5. Why couldn't my business be a positive force in my customer's life?

Online business owners are realizing that no matter what they are selling or who they are serving, they can provide a tangible value.

 

These are by no means the only reasons for a shift in thinking, but are influencing factors. What do you think?