Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

As Alice Kahn suggested.

As we plan for 2006, we know technology will continue to play a big role - in both our business and personal lives. So, now is the time to assess just why, how and what re any type of technology. Are we using it effectively (whatever “it” is - from fancy toasters to software apps) or allowing it to further complicate our lives? (Phone systems that never allow you to actually communicate is fodder for another blog post.)

I love all the exciting opportunities that are made possible by technologies. However, it is very easy to get carried away and lose sight of the original objectives in technology implementation (make more money, improve communications, reduce stress, etc.) After all, just because you love something doesn’t mean it’s good for you. You may be a tech addict if:

1. You have a Pavlovian response to the sound effects notifying you of new emails, RSS feeds, and IMs.

2. Your thumbs are sore at the end of the day.

3. You find yourself calling people while shopping the frozen food aisle, just to “chat.”

4. You find yourself running late for meetings due to checking email “just one more time.” I confess - I’ve been known to do this. What’s so urgent? Usually nothing. It’ll still be here when I get back.

5. You make your vacation plans based on whether the hotel, resort or National park has wifi.

6. You take your cell hiking or on camping trips and keep it turned on. Good idea to have one for emergencies, but really, folks.

7. You get huffy if somebody isn’t available to you 24/7. After all, you always answer your IM, cell, email, etc. - no matter what. (Ask your family for their thoughts on this one. You might want to get that Kevlar vest out.)

8. You rush to buy, download, install every new application, web browser, plug-in - and never really learn how to use any of it. Or, don’t stop to learn how one affects the other. It’s the old power tool syndrome translated into the 21st “tech geek” century. “Cool” isn’t the same as effective.

9. You spend more time reading Boing Boing than bouncing a ball with your toddler. She or he is only this age once. Note I’m not linking to Boing Boing here - go play ball. Don’t have children? Throw the ball for your dog or cat. Studies show pets are good for our health - even reduces chances of heart disease and help keep our heads out of both our navels and ovens.

10. You would rather read this blog than talk to a live person. Go! Put on some shoes, get out, talk to somebody new, somebody weird. Call an old friend using that outdated thing, the land line phone (so you don’t have to keep shouting, “can you hear me now?”), and have a real conversation.

Happy 2006! I’m off to do some technology shopping…