It was 34 years ago this week that FIRST IN began in the Chicago area, and a lot has happened since. It’s a week of reflection of how much has changed. We did not have a website and our phone number was hard wired into the office. It’s because in September 1992 none of us had heard of the internet and we did not have the need to constantly carry a cellular phone. It was easy to check our voice mail remotely and solve problems that way.
First thing in the morning, we did not check email. It’s because we didn’t know what it was or have access to it. One of the main points of selecting the office location we did was that there was a copy and print shop within one block. Having a place to walk over all day to make copies and put marketing proposals together, including binders and special covers, was a blessing. There was an office supply store about two blocks away, which meant we could buy more fax paper in case we used up more than planned.
At that time, the telephone was our lifeblood, and there were plenty of in-person meetings and presentations. Part of the office was devoted to having a large table. It was not to house computers or a server. The purpose was for sorting and spreading out our lists. It was separate from my desk, which had a top of line IBM typewriter and a drawer with extra ribbons and supplies to keep it working every day.
Working from home meant those evenings when taking home a brochure or a pitch deck to get more familiar with for a meeting or presentation the next business day. Being at home meant not being at work and having different priorities. It was more convenient to do “work stuff” at the office than it was at home, while the office had its hours.
Being in business nearly 35 years was a realistic hope, but to experience the significant technology changes which have happened since is nothing short of incredible. However, whether we have the tech or not, the most significant part of the years in business is all that we have learned and the experiences that continue to shape us.
Readers aged 55 and over have memories of what they were up to 34 years ago this month and likely have very similar ones. Younger readers have little to no idea of the significant changes which have come to the workplace since FIRST IN came on the scene.
