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Invest In Yourself
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Article 4: Technology Training
You’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed by technology. Technology changes so fast that it’s hard even for tech-heads to keep up, much less a business owner who’s trying to juggle dozens of other tasks as well.
“Technology is the defining characteristic of our age,” says Wally Bock, a digital age pioneer and consultant (www.wallybock.com). “Like it or not, technology plays a role in almost everything we do in practically every area of our lives. If you’re not keeping up with technology, you’re ignoring one of the key driving forces in our society.”
Staying on top of technology is especially important for small-business owners because it is the leverage tool that can enable a small company or one-person shop to compete on the same level with much larger competitors. Think of it as the ultimate leveler of the business playing field.
“Powerful technological operating resources are no longer out of reach of small business,” says Jim Blasingame, the founder and award-winning host of The Small Business Advocate Show, www.jbsba.com. “They’re available, affordable and they work. Technology often allows small businesses to compete straight up with much larger companies, and to become integrated into the operations of their large customers.”
So, given the importance of technology in your business, what’s the best way to keep up? Not necessarily by attending technology training, says Bock.
“Most owners need to learn specific technologies that relate to their business and industry, but that doesn’t mean they need formal training in these technologies. What they really need is just for someone to come in and show them how to use the technology to do what they need to do.
“I tell people to buy the technology their friends and associates are using and watch them or ask them for help. Going to a training class usually isn’t as effective as just having someone show you how to use a particular technology or application, even if it means hiring someone for a few hours.”
Not every learning method is right for everyone, of course, so try different methods to determine what works best for you. Maybe that means buying an “Idiot’s guide to…” If you’re a real hands-on learner, maybe it means jumping right in and tinkering and teaching yourself. Or maybe attending a seminar or class is the best method for you.
“New technology is always popping up, so you need to determine what you need to know for your business and what you can ignore,” says Bock. “Watch what others in your industry are doing and follow their lead.”
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