4. Adapting to the “Anywhere, Anywhen” Business World

Geographic advantage used to be a key driver in business. As many big-city businesses find themselves losing their geographic advantage, it’s similar to when small towns lost their geographic advantage in previous eras.

Physical goods can be shipped anywhere globally. Downloadable information can be delivered electronically almost instantly. Many services can be provided using communication tools, regardless of location.

Brands have been affected by this new geography, and jobs are no longer tied to one physical location. Working remotely is fast becoming a business imperative.

Small towns offer a good model for adapting to the loss of geographic advantage. The changes brought to small towns ...

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