There is no way around it: we live in a digital age.
I am not sure what it is precisely. I have witnessed some of the most brilliant women I know go entirely brain dead when it comes to emails, texting and Facebook; they prefer personal interaction and pen to paper as opposed to whirlwinds of keystrokes. The business world is ever-changing, however. The world of suits and ties is moving forward into the digital revolution and girls who do not get with the program get left behind. To stay at the top of the corporate totem pole, ladies need to make some changes. There are five painless ways to increase technological prowess that will not leave you feeling as if you just finished reading a set of stereo instructions.
1. Commit
To change your mind, you have to change your mind. It sounds silly doesn't it? Yet, it's a fact. Make a daily commitment to use the technology at your fingertips in favor of more old school methodologies. Yes girls, we want to feel, touch and speak, but that is no longer how business is done. Text someone a response to a question, email a customer a check in note, or use Facebook or Linked in to communicate with colleagues. It all begins with promise, and it is a promise you must become steadfast in making.
2. Read up
With the birth of the Internet, ladies today have no reason to be uneducated on the latest and greatest technological formats out there in the business world. Allocate 15 - 20 minutes per day to read up on how to use the tech tools specific to your business. Google offers a plethora of resources and information at your well-manicured fingertips. If you use Excel, search the Internet for tips and tricks enhancing your proficiency with it. With email, read up about the latest advances. There is no shortage of information readily available.
3. Take a class
In today's world you can find an online or in person tutorial on just about anything. Underwater basket weaving? Not a problem. If you are using specific software at work, find a workshop on how to use it better. Becoming technically proficient takes time, but is a necessary ability to succeed in today's work environments.
4. Integrate
The more often you use a tool, the more proficient you become in using it. Integrate technology into other facets of your everyday life. Consider texting a girlfriend a message, as opposed to spending an hour on the phone. Let your network of friends know what you are doing on social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter. You will find that electronic communication is not just more efficient, but more convenient. Spend an hour each day integrating technology into your personal life, and business integration becomes a breeze.
5. Adapt
The good news is that, by now, you are techno-goddess. The bad news is that technology continues to evolve and develop minute-by-minute and hour-by-hour. It takes a consorted effort to stay on top of the digital world, let alone to stay one step ahead. Subscribe to a technology e-newsletter; find some new byte out there every day. Learn, adapt and overcome.
The more comfortable you are with emerging technology, the better you can do your job and manage your business. Learn the methods of communication preferred by the individuals that you do business with, and execute that method. In today's world of fast paced businesses and a smorgasbord of electronic communication methods, thinking like a pro pays like one.
I am not sure what it is precisely. I have witnessed some of the most brilliant women I know go entirely brain dead when it comes to emails, texting and Facebook; they prefer personal interaction and pen to paper as opposed to whirlwinds of keystrokes. The business world is ever-changing, however. The world of suits and ties is moving forward into the digital revolution and girls who do not get with the program get left behind. To stay at the top of the corporate totem pole, ladies need to make some changes. There are five painless ways to increase technological prowess that will not leave you feeling as if you just finished reading a set of stereo instructions.
1. Commit
To change your mind, you have to change your mind. It sounds silly doesn't it? Yet, it's a fact. Make a daily commitment to use the technology at your fingertips in favor of more old school methodologies. Yes girls, we want to feel, touch and speak, but that is no longer how business is done. Text someone a response to a question, email a customer a check in note, or use Facebook or Linked in to communicate with colleagues. It all begins with promise, and it is a promise you must become steadfast in making.
2. Read up
With the birth of the Internet, ladies today have no reason to be uneducated on the latest and greatest technological formats out there in the business world. Allocate 15 - 20 minutes per day to read up on how to use the tech tools specific to your business. Google offers a plethora of resources and information at your well-manicured fingertips. If you use Excel, search the Internet for tips and tricks enhancing your proficiency with it. With email, read up about the latest advances. There is no shortage of information readily available.
3. Take a class
In today's world you can find an online or in person tutorial on just about anything. Underwater basket weaving? Not a problem. If you are using specific software at work, find a workshop on how to use it better. Becoming technically proficient takes time, but is a necessary ability to succeed in today's work environments.
4. Integrate
The more often you use a tool, the more proficient you become in using it. Integrate technology into other facets of your everyday life. Consider texting a girlfriend a message, as opposed to spending an hour on the phone. Let your network of friends know what you are doing on social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter. You will find that electronic communication is not just more efficient, but more convenient. Spend an hour each day integrating technology into your personal life, and business integration becomes a breeze.
5. Adapt
The good news is that, by now, you are techno-goddess. The bad news is that technology continues to evolve and develop minute-by-minute and hour-by-hour. It takes a consorted effort to stay on top of the digital world, let alone to stay one step ahead. Subscribe to a technology e-newsletter; find some new byte out there every day. Learn, adapt and overcome.
The more comfortable you are with emerging technology, the better you can do your job and manage your business. Learn the methods of communication preferred by the individuals that you do business with, and execute that method. In today's world of fast paced businesses and a smorgasbord of electronic communication methods, thinking like a pro pays like one.
No comments:
Post a Comment