This morning I came across an article about trappist monks upgrading their internet connection.  Although the monks, as part of the Cistercian order, value a simple life and virtues such as patience, they recognised that their dial-up connection was no longer a viable option, particularly as one of the main ways they support themselves is through the sale of various products such as perfume, chocolate and books from their online shop, which they are now planning to upgrade.

One might be forgiven for thinking that an order of monks, living on an island off the Welsh coast, would not be the most internet-aware group.  The monks, however, have recognised the value of the web in promoting their products and supporting their way of life.  This made me wonder why, if the monks "get" the internet, 44% of small business owners still don't have a website.  Admittedly the figures used in this report were from the USA but I wouldn't be surprised if figures for the UK are similar, I know that many small business owners that I meet do not currently have an internet presence.

These kind of figures are particularly surprising considering other studies that suggest over half of consumers polled would walk away from a business that didn't have a website.  The Nielsen figures in the first report suggest that small business owners still turn to publications such as The Yellow Pages when searching for other businesses.  

So, pop quiz!  Do you know where the Yellow Pages in your office or home is?  What would be your first port of call if you had to find a business?

Don't want to miss our next post?  Subscribe to our RSS feed or get a monthly round-up by e-mail.