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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!
-----------------------
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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