Do you ever wonder how businesses used to effectively market themselves before the internet was a thing? This day and age even the underdogs have a fighting chance for a successful business now that the worldwide web is a factor. So many people are able to successfully start new businesses and do very well now that they have modern technology on their side. The best part is that you don't have to be very tech-savvy to do it, either. I have so many mom friends filling up my Facebook newsfeed selling products. They are able to make a great income for themselves through direct sales companies, all from the comfort of their home. The American Dream continues to evolve with the advancement in technology, proving that really anyone can have a shot at it.
I know that it seems like technology is passing us by, and if we don't watch out we may end up trampled by the next "latest and greatest" machine. It is important to keep up on the advances in technology in order to succeed. Business owners who get blindsided by new apps and programs are missing out on reaching new customers and growing their audiences even more. Social media is the perfect example. It seems like there is a new social media platform every other month that millions of people flock to, and the smartest marketers are right there with them. Digital marketing has grown into this huge entity that has helped the smallest of start-ups grow to major internet influences.
Studies show that 81% of shoppers conduct online research before making a purchase, so it is important for companies to be present online. JF Sabree with Amazing Lead Team says,
"Gone are the days that a company can afford to not use digital marketing as one of tools to cost effectively promote their businesses in today's hyper competitive market. Those businesses that are not being found online are in fact losing countless sales opportunities. I would recommend that you start out slowly and budget within your affordability as no business should be left behind because there's a solution for every financial situation."
The best part is, entrepreneurs that wouldn't have had a fighting chance back in the day, has better odds of success now. If you don't know the right people, or if you are from a small Podunk town, this doesn't mean your world has to stay small. The internet and social media allows you to put yourself out into this great big world, and connect with people from every corner of the globe. Not only is this good for business, but it's good to keep your networks diverse. You can learn so much from people who are from different walks of life than you.
The main criticizers of the American Dream say that it's dead because inequality is increasing, and the stay at home parent days are over. I have to say that in spite of very real inequalities out there, anyone can start their own business and thrive, no matter what their skin color, gender, sex, or social class is. As for the stay at home parent, it may be because more moms are realizing that we also can pursue our dreams and build a career doing what we love, just as dads do. Not only that, but more moms are becoming "Work at home moms," and are earning money from their own home. To me, that is the epitome of the American Dream.
The American Dream used to mean that one could go to college, graduate with little debt, and acquire a good position with opportunities to advance and retire with a substantial savings to last you the rest of your life. The truth is, that dream is not much more than that these days: a dream. As a college student with over $20K in debt, I realized that I had to take matters into my own hands in terms of income. If I didn't start making my own money by following my passion, I would still be living paycheck to paycheck with no end in sight. Thanks to modern technology and the worldwide web, I am able to get my own piece of the American Dream.
The dream is not dead, it has just evolved. It doesn't look the same as it used to, and that's ok. The key is to follow your passion. Find a way to do what you love, and make money doing it, and you will find that the American Dream is still here. The only one who has the power to control your future and your dream is you. Take matters into your own hands, and you will find that it is possible. There is enough opportunity for each and every one of us, all we have to do is find our own way. If you cannot find a way, make a way. Hard work and perseverance will go a long way.