I was recently thinking about how much my business marketing efforts have changed and evolved over the years.
I remember back in 1997 when having an advertisement in the Yellow Pages directory really opened doors for me and had my phone ringing off the hook.
A few years after that, I worked diligently to launch a monthly newsletter and my first website that I proudly promoted on business cards and mentioned in speaking engagements.
Fast forward to today, I have become an expert on balancing all my social media tools (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, VisualCV) to stay in contact with my target audience and it still seems like it's not enough.
What does all this technology mean for you and your job?
- What technological advances have directly impacted your industry and your job?
- What new programs and certifications have gained popularity in your profession?
- What new tools and resources seem to be penetrating your daily work responsibilities?
- What online social media tools have changed how you source employeers or contractors?
Bottom line is that you don't want to be obsolete while the rest of the world around you is changing.
* Don't fall behind on your professional development - whether it means a new certificate or taking a class every year, stay on top of technology changes.
* Overcome fear and jump right into it - I remember creating a Twitter account and then avoiding it for months because it was too new and felt too complicated. There are plenty of resources, blogs and helpful tips that can take you from novice to pro on any technology tool today.
* Subscribe to online newsletters, take advantage of free teleseminars and webinars, and follow the Tweeets or blogs of technology trend setters.
* Don't think you have to become a technology guru overnight - your goal is to stay abreast and stay current, they are technology tools or software applications that I don't use everyday. The point is that I know they exist, I am familiar with them and if my job ever depended on them, I would figure it out.
Other helpful posts that can increase your comfort level with new technology:
Going public with your job search
PS: Let's not even talk about cell phones, PDAs, portable computers and Blackberries - I am still trying to catch up in that area:)
