Here is an interesting twist on how technology can hurt businesses. My wife and I like to take twenty to thirty day long trips around the country. After a disastrous four day trip around the Great Lakes in 1974, I make detailed plans months before we leave.

            My research sources are the motel directories and road maps. The maps have points of interest and scenic routes. The directories list points of interest in the area and places to eat. I now hold the mileage down to see planned and unplanned points of interest. Another source is the people at the motel when I make the reservations. Night auditors are bored and love to talk about the area.

            The twist is the chains have stopped making directories so we don’t stay in the new properties. I plan which towns to stay in by which ones have a motel shown in a directory. I once pooled about thirty people eating breakfast at a Comfort Suites and only two used the chain’s websites. The rest had used their old directories. Reservation calls were first an American then a foreigner struggling with our language. Now it’s either a computerized voice or their internet site which millions of us don’t use. Perhaps as the wealthy seniors stop traveling their cheaper ? Tech idea might work.

            Another company that has quit giving their customers a paper list of their products is Schwan’s. My last listing shows their products list is about three years old. I call my driver or the office with my order.

            Paper is often better than some electronics in promoting business. Of course I take two newspapers and get information on sales and restaurants.