Embrace the Change: How Technology can put you One Step Ahead of the Competition

March, 2011


Last night I was sitting on the couch, with my HP mini on my lap, iphone in hand, and the TV blaring. In between checking my tweets, updating my Facebook status and reading about China’s ever growing presence in the world economy, a commercial caught my eye.

You’ve probably seen it yourself – it’s the one about the buyback special that Best Buy is currently advertising. It works like this – you (or your company) want the latest and greatest technical gizmo, so you run out and buy it up, only to realize two months later that the item you practically broke the bank purchasing is now considered the grandfather of all things technological. However, thanks to Best Buy, you’re in luck because they sweep in and buy back the “clunker”, thus giving you the cash you need to go out and buy the latest and greatest equipment…again.

This commercial really struck me. I stopped mid text and thought to myself “how do you stay ahead in a game that changes in the blink of an eye?"

This question has no easy answer, but I would venture to say that the best possible way to rise to the top is to constantly be on the lookout for the next hi tech gadget. Then use the new technology to create a unique and creative way to appeal to customers, market yourself, and your business.

Listed below are three great ways to put you at T3 speed while everyone else is still dialing up:

1.    Looking for a job? Over the age of 40? It can be hard to compete with all those 20 somethings out there who seem born knowing how to text. Show employers you can hang with the best of them by creating an online resume at http://www.mycv.org.

2.    Giving a presentation sometime soon? Don’t bore your audience with 1,000 white slides, 3 bullet points per page, 7 words per line. Instead, create a dynamic PowerPoint with www.prezi.com, which puts a new twist on old technology!

3.    Trying to reach new customers? Don’t underestimate the power of Facebook. These days everyone has an account, but take it one step further. Facebook allows you to advertise toward very specific target markets which will help create company awareness in all the right circles. Are you trying to sell high flying kites to single men, aged 35, who live in Chicago? It’s easy to reach that group through Facebook advertising.

In today’s world, where the stakes are high and the competition is fierce, you’ve got to embrace the changes and use the technological advancements to put yourself ahead. So try our tips and start looking for your own ways to set yourself apart, because in two months, I’m sure all this will just be more old news!