I would like to add two more ideas that could impact small business over
the next ten years.

One concept that author Paul Edwards and I have discussed is the idea of “desktop
manufacturing”. There have been some huge advancements in the technology to
support this in the past few years.

Much like “desktop publishing” changed the world of media, this could do the
same to the manufacturing industry very soon.

Another is a concept I call the “NeoBrand”. Much like Web 2.0 technology
has “democratized” communications online, the same thing could occur with
products and services in the offline world. Companies who let consumers use
their “intellectual platforms” to create their own products or services will
stand out in the next ten years.

Some companies have experimented with this. For example, some shoe companies
have let people (mostly celebrities) design products, with no input from the
company.

Futurist Frank Ogden said years ago we would eventually see “6 billion
channels” (meaning that one day, everyone one the planet would have the
ability to communicate with anyone), which we are well on our way to.
Similarly, the NeoBrand could see the rise of billions of brands.

Dean

On the technology front, I took a long look at a product put out by a Toronto firm called Route1 – they were offering a dummy (cellphone network connected) terminal that emphasized high security – basically, the dummy terminal connected to a secure server (they were using IBM Blades if I recall) I think they were targeted at banks doing things like in-home mortgage sales, insurance firms, things like that – but clearly with application to lots of other people (like maybe politicians who keep leaving their laptops in taxis !) Anyway it was a bit pricey $700 plus cell-phone fees, and I think there was price resistance. Pity it was a great idea, but maybe premature? Or undercapitalised over-priced for takeup? However, my fingers just could not adapt to the half size keyboard – good with a hammer, not with needlepoint – that’s me !

My experience with technology – cell-phones, telecommuting, Wifi laptops (that sorta thing) – is that it extended my workday to all hours of the night, and it became a real problem.. Let alone the hundreds of e-mails before I had my morning coffee

I think Intuit is correct in a broad sense. I wonder what ancillary tools we can develop to help streamline and control the flows. Particularly for small business people, the3re needs to be something in place to keep the impact manageable. For someone who really leans on technology to expand my capabilities, I am both optimistic (especially for my clients!) and a little concerned as well.

Interesting times, eh?

There is a way to reconcile the two trends. While the priorities you work on may be dictated by customers, on the other hand the location, physical conditions and to some degree the timing of performing your work can be chosen by you as the business owner. That’s what is meant by “On my time, on my terms.”

And of course, we have to keep in mind that no matter how much flexibility we try to build into our days, in the end most of us answer to someone. In the case of business owners, we answer to customers.

Best,
Anita