The role of technology in staying competitive

By Emma Peterson. 

The importance of technology in both business marketing and employee retention.  

In the modern world, especially as a business, technology is no longer an option, it is a requirement for staying competitive. To dive into how this applies for roofing contractors and professionals, Randy Chaffee of Source One Marketing came by MetalCoffeeShop™ for an episode of MetalCast™.  

He opened the conversation by highlighting the importance of incorporating technology into your business:  

I come from an era when we didn't even have websites. Now, it has become clear if you didn't have a website, you didn't exist. And it’s even gone further with social media as a needed presence to operating a business. You don't have to like it. But if you're not involved and have a presence, for a large part, you don't exist. 

This is especially true for young people, as Randy explained, “Your website and social media are often your first impression with young people. And whatever they see there, that’s what helps them as clients see if they want to work with you, or as jobhunters see if your business is a cultural fit for them as a workplace.” 

And technology as a competitive factor goes even further than just marketing! It is also a key to retention for the younger generation of employees. Randy elaborated, “I would caution folks maybe in my age group that are owners. We can have our opinions about the young generation’s shifting work culture, but no matter what we do, at some point we’re going to retire and who’s going to be hired? That new generation. So we better be paying attention to what these people want.”  

And largely, they are wanting work environments that are supportive, offer learning opportunities and incorporate tech in a modern, effective manner. Randy explained, “People want to perform and do work they enjoy in a comfortable environment. And for young people, they’re not going to feel comfortable or welcomed coming into an office with no computers around who are doing everything on paper. That’s not their world and not the world of business anymore.” 

Learn more by Listening to the episode or Watching the recording.