I have to say that I am a paper and pencil kind of girl.
Take me to an office supply store and I can easily spend two to three hours
walking every aisle and fingering new writing implements, filing system
supplies and all the different papers and envelopes there. Kind of like going
to a bookstore – I get lost there, too.
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| Use technology for your business, don’t let it use you. Photo Credit: Robert Churchill, 123RF.com |
You would think because of my own compulsion for office
supplies, that I would understand when others behave the same way about
technology. But I don’t. It aggravates me when we develop a process or system
around an app or piece of software and then right away someone wants to change
it because they found something “better” or “faster” or that connects with another
piece of software they want to use. Changing over is time consuming and often
opens some other can of worms. In any event it eats time like a starving dog.
So, I have come to have quite a disdain for advancing
technology. But, I shouldn’t. What I should be doing is spreading the
word that technology is a resource – a means to an end – not the end.
In this vein of thought, I would ask that people not troll
for the new. I suggest they research for the best option at the time and then
implement that and go on to the next problem they need to solve. In that way,
problems get solved and entrepreneurs move forward. They don’t get stuck in a
constant cycle full of bright shiny objects.
Think of the time that frees up. No more sitting at the
keyboard and visiting websites reviewing that new app or program. And, for me,
no more hours spent on changeovers and re-tooling systems.
Small business people who shine are blessed with the ability
to be nimble and agile in the marketplace. Make technology a tool instead of a
new bright, shiny toy.
Now, I am not saying anyone should stop improving. But
improvement comes on the heels of a problem, not just because something comes
into the radar and looks interesting. The process should be: problem – research
– solution – implement. Not research – implement – research – implement –
research – implement. And I am using research loosely there as it is usually
more of “Hey, I saw,” or “Someone told me about …”
Pick something that works and solves your problem, like AddressTwo CRM software or One Note or whatever it is that meets your immediate need and
then learn it, use it and make it work for you.
--Elaine
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Elaine Whitesides has a unique business past having spent
time in the residential and commercial real estate/finance corporate world and
also many years as an educator. Combining those with a love of writing and
organizational development, she founded Whitesides Words. Her business is to
bring together professional service providers and the business owners who need
their services – at a reasonable rate. Her purpose is to share the stories of
business and business people with the world. She can be contacted at elaine@whitesideswords.com or at
317-520-2885. Visit her website at www.whitesideswords.com.
