"10 Ways Twitter Will Change American Business"

As with every new idea, technology, invention, or whatever, comes the good and the bad. This article touched on the positive and the negative aspects of Twitter as it relates to changing business in America.

Growing up, my father owned a Liquor Store. The 80's were a great time for him as far as his business was concerned. People bought alcohol, soft drinks, ice and many other things. When "Super Markets" made shopping a one stop shop for busy people, Consumers stopped visiting my father's store all together. Business took a hit. He had to invent new strategies if he wanted to stay in business. Fortunately, my father did have some business sense and began the following, in order to survive; cashing checks for a fee, renting an ATM machine, renting video games, selling money orders. He was able to stay in business for another 20 years before he decided to retire. My father did not even graduate High School, but he figured out a way to survive.

Personally, I enjoy the "one stop shop" of a super market, but I do feel bad for not supporting small businesses like my fathers. But I am a consumer like everyone else, and I am trying to make my life as easy as possible.

Twitter has many possibilities for its many types of users. I personally liked the idea of real time stock information for traders, but I do agree with the author of the article when he said that there is a potential for fraud by users posting inaccurate data. On the flip side to that, a user can post whatever he/she wishes; it is up to the reader of that post to make an informed decision about buying or selling. Furthermore, there are specific SEC laws that can be enforced if things get out of hand.

When the author talked about "Expanding the Power of Micropayments", he touched on something that is surely going to get the attention of the IRS: "Twitter may become a remarkably good way to keep money from the IRS." When I read this portion of the article, my mind did not even go there, but when the author mentioned it, I said "I could see that". In order to avoid that, the IRS will have to come up with new ways of monitoring money. Times are changing, so everyone (including Uncle Sam) must keep up with the changes.

Keeping up with the changes of society can present problems, but it is better to view them as opportunities. New business ideas may grow out of Twitter and new start-ups may form, who need qualified HR professionals with strong technical aptitude to help with their staffing issues. Just a thought.