So, I moved recently, and because of traveling, it took me about a week to make an appointment to get internet service. It didn’t matter much at the time because I’d spent every evening unpacking, cleaning, etc. Then, I found out that the soonest appointment I could get would be a week later.

That meant 2 weeks without internet!

I hadn’t realized how (relatively) useless my computer has become without a connection to the web. I do EVERYTHING online. For example:

• I store all my documents and pictures online.
• Some of my business meetings are conducted online.
• I talk to my friends and family all over the world using VoIP.
• I do all my banking online.
• Before choosing a laundry service, I read reviews on Google user reviews.
• Before going to eat at a restaurant, I look at the menu and make an online reservation.
• All of my event invitations and social events are organized online.
• I watch all television and movies online.
• I listen to music online.
• Before grocery shopping, I look up recipes and nutritional information.

Basically, if I need any service or a product, the hours of a business or directions to it, I can find it online in about 20 seconds – and then I can usually send the necessary information to my phone or purchase it right there online.

I found a Yellow Book last week while unpacking. I immediately put it in the recycle bin. I think the only time I’ve looked something up in one was when requested to do so by an 87 year old.

Being on the other side of the digital divide for a couple of weeks (excepting working hours), felt very strange. After a days of sitting around reading real books with pages and calling old friends to catch up with a phone, I realized a little why some people refuse to transition to web-based transactions (personal or otherwise).

Business owners resist new media because:

• They don’t understand that most of the population under 35 spends a significant portion of their lives online, like I do.
• They don’t want to lose the personal aspect of their businesses.
• They don’t want to be intimidated by 20 year old computer nerds.

But it doesn’t have to mean that.

An online presence for you or your business doesn’t mean distancing yourself from people and things that matter. It gains you a wider audience for your message and a large demographic for your products or services. It actually makes it easier for you to connect with your customers. When you’re online with a comprehensive SEO plan, your customers can publicly praise you for your customer service or the quality of your work.

Wouldn’t it be great if the customers that are already loyal to your business could help you in that way?

I know we’ve talked about this before around here, but an online prescence for your business is an essential part of survival in the contemporary economy. If you aren’t joining the online conversation, your competitors are – and they are the ones I find and use.