The New World (Money) Order.

So apparently, people are getting bored of money now! Really? Well, being the kind sort of person I am, I'll happily take any unwanted annoying currency off their hands.

I kid. However, people aren't actually bored with spending, but with actual physical cash itself. Apparently, cash withdrawals from Cash Points have been on a steady decline, and are down 3.2% on last year. So what, you may think. Why would I even notice this, let alone take the time to write about it?

Well on it's own, it doesn't mean a lot. Some people are practically attached to their cards, some people won't pay a thing unless paper money leaves their hands, and it's all rosy. What it does mean, however, is that if current trends continue, then we will be at a point where the vast majority of transactions are virtual. Again, so what you say? Well, how many of you keep some cash in your wallet at all times? Normally, say £30 or £40, just in case. In case of what, though? Well, in case you come across somewhere that only takes cash, or there is an incentive to pay with cash, like a 10% discount. Most "Ma 'n' Pa" stores still use cash exclusively. Lots of small tradesmen, like mobile car-washing companies will take cash as it is far easier.

What this change will mean, is that businesses will have to change. This may be somewhat irrelevant on it's own, and right now, but it represents a trend that too many businesses fail to grasp: that things always change, and this is constant. There are lots of "former" companies that wanted to keep doing things "the old fashioned way", not because it was a great strategy or a marvellous way to cut down expenses, but it is what they have always done. Imagine if a new client of yours asked for you to telegram a message to them? What would you do? Half of you would think this is a phone call (wrong) and the other half would say "eh?". They probably wouldn't be clients for very long. They probably wouldn't be in business very long.

So what's the moral of the story? Quite simply, the tide is always changing, and will always change. Don't argue with it, or suggest that this "new fangled way" is just all wrong. Go with it, learn new technologies (or hire someone who understands it) and adapt. The old guard may mock that you have this new "Blueberry e-message thingy that beeps", but ignore them; you'll be the market leader in a few years. They'll just be confused and wondering where all the business went.

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