Northern Women in Business: Finding new ways to use technology
In a recent study called “Teaching with Technology” published by European Schoolnet, it was found that 96% of teachers in the survey use at least one digital tool in the classroom.
And the trend is growing, with technology connecting almost every part of our everyday life. Whether it’s the Smart Phone we use to keep connected to family and friends, or the laptop computer we use to connect to our social network, digital technologies are changing how we communicate, how we learn, how we live.
But how about how we do business? In a study published by Oxford Economics entitled “The New Digital Economy: How it will Transform Business”, it is stated that “Economic growth and technology are inextricably linked....digital technologies drive consumer income and demand, education and training, and efficient use of capital and resources—leading to increased economic growth, particularly in emerging markets.”
And here is an example of how one company is integrating technology to improve productivity in its business:
Finale Desserterie & Bakery and Constant Contact
Established in July 1998, by Paul Conforti and Kim Moore, Finale set out to make super-premium desserts available to everyone. By Valentine’s Day of the following year, Finale had attracted a lot of buzz from local and national media as well as a curious customer base. Having celebrated 10 years in business in 2008, Finale added three more locations and, consequently, more sensational dessert experiences for thousands.
Since Finale is focused exclusively on desserts, the restaurant didn’t suffer from a great deal of competition, but they did face the perception that decadent dessert is an extravagant indulgence that may be out of the price range of many diners. In addition, while weekends, holidays, and special occasions generated consistent business, attracting customers to the restaurant mid-week was a challenge.
As the media continued to highlight Finale’s ultra-premium desserts, it became more imperative to communicate the message that Finale’s desserts were not limited to special occasions, but ideal for everyone, anytime. In addition, Finale had cultivated a loyal, growing customer base to which it needed to communicate.
Finale began using small business management software that included an email marketing solution from Constant Contact to communicate events, new desserts, special offers, or other news to its customers. Finale quickly realized that it was experiencing a significant boost in reservations and inquiries following each email campaign it sent. “We always sell out events when we use Constant Contact to tell our customers about them,” said Conforti.
The restaurant has also used Constant Contact to request feedback from its customer base. “It’s a very real way to be connected to our customer base.”
Finale now has more than 14,000 customers who receive its emails. The results have been absolutely sensational since implementing a small business management software system. From sold out events to customer feedback, Finale recognizes the tremendous value Constant Contact has provided to the business. “For us, we have been successful at filling the room on a Monday night with clear and simple email marketing through Constant Contact. And it only costs us a small monthly fee.”
Overall, Constant Contact’s small business management software has been instrumental in helping Finale execute successful marketing campaigns, while nurturing a loyal and engaged customer base. Source: www.business-software.com
With all of this in mind, our end goal with this survey is to determine how computers and technology are used in your business so far and how we can make things easier for you. By answering the survey below, you can bring us one step closer to better assisting you.