Are you a survivor? I’ve had the above quote on my site for some time. I think it brings home a point that a good portion of those who are currently online have failed to realize. Online, change is constant and consistent; many times even overwhelming to have to deal with.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive
nor the most intelligent, but those most
adaptive to change.”
~ Charles Darwin
Actually, the amount of effort they put into resisting change could have been very well used to implement the necessary changes that could make them more enjoyable to communicate with and more successful in both their personal and professional online activities.
Neglecting to embrace the necessary changes that technology requires for anyone to succeed online and communicate properly will have a negative effect on an individual’s overall experience.
It is those very same individuals who then expect those who have embraced technology and have made the appropriate effort in developing new habits and skills to then cater to their lack of desire to do the same. That attitude is simply not considerate nor is it one that is conducive to thriving online.
If one wants to use technology for its benefits, they need to be open to change. And change requires effort; ongoing consistent effort. This includes not falling for misconceptions from unreliable sources such as spam, “my friend says” or unsubstantiated Web sites just because they cater to what is easiest for you to deal with.
You need to become a common sense independent thinker willing and open to learn new things or you can very easily fall prey to those who prefer you to stay on the “dark side”.
What exactly is the dark side? The side where one decides that they are not willing to learn or gain new skills - it is their way or no way and deal with it. And gosh forbid if you are one of those who actually mentions these issues or expects them to want to grow and learn to use technology properly - you then become labeled the bad guy!
The side where one refuses to improve their skills to use technology properly and communicate with clarity. The side where, because you don’t care to make the effort to acquire the proper knowledge, you end up appearing to be uneducated and uncourteous.
If you are online for business, you will not succeed without the proper knowledge and skills to use technology for your business’ health. Sure you can find a Web site or “Web Designer” who will cater to whatever level of effort you prefer to make. That certainly does not mean that you will succeed.
With all the scams online, it is critical and imperative that you provide the perception of professionalism and technology knowledge that ensures those you communicate with know that you do in fact know what you are doing and are credible and reliable. Only your proper use of technology can accomplish a positive impression.
If you are online simply to communicate with friends or family, not opening your mind to learning a few things in regard to e-mail etiquette and proper technology use could very well cause those who love you most to cringe when they see your name in their inbox. Forwarding of endless e-mails that really are not at all specific to a friend or family member other than the e-mail says to do so is the one issue that causes the most distress amongst those that care about each other.
Another is changing your font size and/or color based on your personal preferences reflecting no consideration to the fact you are making your e-mails more difficult to read is another gripe I commonly hear.
Technology and change will keep on moving on with or without you. This is a fact and no way around it. You can be strong, you can be intelligent - but if you are not willing to go through the required changes ongoing, albeit sometimes frustrating as all get out - you will not enjoy or have a pleasant online experience.
If you don’t change, it will become clear to those who you do come in contact with that you’ve made the decision to not embrace the skills and knowledge participation requires of each of us. This isn’t rocket science! It is only a matter of making the appropriate effort. Words like lazy, inconsiderate, uneducated and terse are just a few of the terms that could end up being how you are perceived.
Most are intelligent; many are strong. But only those that make an effort to go through the process of accepting and implementing change are those who are truly smart.
- New Century Thinkers - Online Business Methodology
- What Are You Willing to Deal With?
- Take Off the Rose Colored Glasses
- First Impressions Happen!
- Are You a Netrepreneur?
Tags: business considerations, business recommendation, how to do business online, small business guidance
