| There is an interesting paradigm shift that is | | | | associates around the world and we can do so with |
| happening in the way people respond to life in our | | | | a few simple keystrokes and clicks. We can gain |
| world. A paradigm shift is a change in the way people | | | | access to videoconferences and can even talk over |
| look at things. | | | | the web. |
| In our distant past people were tied to a patch of | | | | We can travel virtually anywhere without ever |
| land where they raised crops or livestock. They had | | | | leaving home. |
| a few stores in their immediate region and that's | | | | Business has understood this change in dynamics. |
| where they conducted any business they needed for | | | | While some stores are closing shop others have |
| their operation. | | | | made the move to an online environment and |
| As years passed larger department stores arrived. | | | | welcomed those international cyber travelers to drop |
| Cars were built to drive faster and longer. Roads | | | | by and pick something up from their trip. |
| were improved and the Interstate system | | | | Internet businesses are delivering an impressive |
| developed. Soon people were dreaming of far away | | | | number of packages directly to the door of those |
| places and visiting relatives hundreds of miles away. | | | | who order. |
| People saw beautiful places only described in | | | | Many consumers are finding it much easier to simply |
| brochures and on postcards. | | | | stay home and shop than to use precious fuel |
| Soon, extended vacations were the norm. | | | | heading to multiple shops, trying to find a parking |
| Sometimes families would fly halfway around the | | | | spot and waiting in lines. |
| world to enjoy an exotic location or they would find | | | | What some businesses may have believed was a |
| a place on a cruise ship and enjoy a tropical climate. | | | | novelty that would wear off has become huge |
| Then came the Internet. | | | | business. There may be less impulse buying online, but |
| Suddenly people found it much easier to carry on | | | | it hasn't stopped people who have a need or desire |
| conversations with other people from a variety of | | | | from finding the products they want and having |
| cultures. The world was not the large ominous place | | | | them shipped in. |
| they once thought. The world shrunk. Communication | | | | There may not be as many family farms anymore, |
| became instantaneous and international friendships | | | | but many people are becoming increasingly tied to |
| were forged. | | | | the place where they live. What has made this |
| As gas prices continue to rise it becomes more and | | | | bearable for those who enjoy other locations is the |
| more difficult to pay for long trips and air travel. We | | | | fact that the Internet brings it all home any time of |
| are reverting back to spending more time on our little | | | | the day or night. |
| patch of terra firma, but now we have something | | | | With transportation costs continuing to escalate it is |
| our forefathers did not. | | | | likely that online shopping will continue to increase in a |
| Today we can stay in contact with business | | | | medium that facilitates global connection. |