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Five Attitudes to Help You Make Friends with Technology

by 

Jeanette S. Cates, Ph.D.
The Technology Tamer™ 

You've seen and admired those people who seemingly love technology. They use their cellular phone to pick up their voicemail, while sending a fax and answering their email. They carry their PDA (Personal Digital Assistant, e.g. PalmPilot) with them everywhere and can give you tips on everything from PowerPoint to web site promotions to the latest networking technologies. No, they're not all computer consultants. But sometimes you ask yourself - what do they have that I don't. After all, to you PowerPoint is still something akin to a power lunch, a PDA is a mystery and networking is having drinks with business contacts. How do you become one of "them"?

In my years of observation and participation as one of "them", there are some attitudes I find we all have in common. The purpose of this article is to give you that insight, so that armed with this new information, you can decide if you want to become one of "them".

The first attitude that permeates those who seem to know all about technology is that they like it. They think it's fun! They approach each new program with a sense of adventure. They are sure that the next program will solve all of their problems and they're excited about trying it.

Attitude 1: Make technology fun. Decide that learning a new piece of software is an adventure.

The second observation is that technology lovers customize their environment. They don't store their files in the "default" directories. Instead they organize their hard drives so that they are in control of the information. They add small programs that create the custom desktop pattern they like. They have their own screensaver and notepads. They really make the computer environment their own.

Attitude 2: Customize your environment. If you like pale blue flowers, set your desktop pattern to a picture or wallpaper that reflects your taste. Put the programs you use all of the time into your startup folder. That way they'll open when you start the computer and you won't have to start them, one by one.

One thing you might consider is creating computer directories that have the same titles as your paper files. Thus, you may have a folder for marketing, one for technology tips, and one for each client. Store documents, web pages, even email that pertain to these topics in the appropriate folders - both on your hard drive and in your file cabinet.

Learn to use your calendar and contact manager. Combine your personal and professional appointments and contacts into the same program. That way you can take care of personal information from the office and work information from home. You can schedule appointments as they arise, linking them to the appropriate contact. You can list to-do items while you are talking to a contact, and have the to-do item show up on your calendar. Most of the current programs have those capabilities; you just need to learn to use them.

Eliminate yellow stickies - except on the computer. There are "sticky" programs you can add to your computer, if you like to keep track of miscellaneous pieces of information. But if it's information relating to a contact, then add that information to the contact's file in your contact management program. If it's a note about a topic, put it in a word processing document and file it in the electronic folder for that topic.

Customize your internet browser. You can change the home page to reflect your interests so that you log into the page each time you start your browser. If you prefer not waiting for the page to download, set your browser to not load a home page. Instead, it will wait for you to tell it which URL to check.

If you track a lot of internet-based information, consider using one of the push technologies, such as PointCast (pointcast.com). With an application like this you subscribe to the information you want to receive. Then each time you ask it to update, it will provide current information on the topics of your choice. Many companies are now creating web pages that can be broadcast through these push browsers.

Another thing I've noticed about people who love and use technology is that they invest in the tools. Part of this is that attitude of the next tool will be "the one". Part of it is bragging rights to the latest technology. But most of it is knowing that there are tools that can make your life easier (at least more efficient and effective). They are not afraid to invest their time and their money in these tools.

Attitude 3: Invest in tools. Now I'm not saying you need to go out and buy the latest and greatest. But don't be afraid to try new tools as they seem to apply to you.

For example, if you like to write on paper, but still would like to see your notes in your word processor, consider the CrossPad. If you are on the road a lot and need to call numerous customers, clients, and friends, consider a personal digital assistant (PDA) like the PalmPilot.

Don't just consider new technology. It's okay to use old technology. I'm using a PDA that is now obsolete. I've looked at the newer models, but I don't need their capabilities; instead, I need exactly what I have. Likewise, with my home copier. I cannot tell you how many crises have been averted by having a copier at home. It's not fancy, but it copies documents, important papers, permission slips, newsletters, and homework very well.

The fourth thing I've learned about technology lovers is that they can say "uncle" - well, most of them can, most of the time. "Uncle", as you will recall, was what we said when we were kids and we'd had enough. That same phenomenon occurs with technology. Sometimes, you just don't want to check your voicemail or answer the phone. Sometimes you want to draw on paper instead of on the computer. Sometimes you want to go somewhere where beepers and cell phones don't work. The long-term survivors in the technology world do that. They withdraw, regroup, and come back for more - with more enthusiasm.

Attitude 4: Give yourself permission to say "uncle". Yes, it's okay to read a book that doesn't have a website. It's okay to take a long weekend and not take your laptop. It's okay to not pick up messages on the weekend. You need to have time when you remember what life was like before technology became a part of it.

The final observation I've made of technology users is that they are curious. They keep learning. They want to know about new things. They want to know how things work. They want to know what the latest and greatest is.

Attitude 5: Keep on learning.

We've known for more than 30 years that lifelong learning was an attitude that contributed to a longer life. In today's society it is a necessity, both personally and professionally. Make technology an ongoing part of that learning. Buy a videotape to learn a new program. Tune into PC TV to see new programs and websites. Attend a seminar on how to use technology. Take an online courses -either to learn new skills or as preparation for an advanced degree. Just keep learning. And remember to have fun while you're doing it!

Regardless of whether or not you decide to become a full-time technology user, consider adopting these 5 attitudes. Apply them to the technology that you do use. And have fun!

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Jeanette S. Cates, PhD. is Founder and CEO of TechTamers, an Austin-based technology implementation firm that works with companies who want to use their technology more profitably and with professionals who want to reduce their technology learning curve.

© 1999 Permission is granted to reprint this article in print or on your web site so long as the paragraph above is included and contact information is provided to www.TechTamers.com.

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