Are You an Interactive Technophobe?

in·ter·ac·tive [in-ter-ak-tiv]
–adjective

1. acting one upon or with the other.
2. of or pertaining to a two-way system of electronic communications, as by means of television or computer.
3. (of a computer program or system) interacting with a human user, often in a conversational way, to obtain data or commands and to give immediate results or updated information.

Every day I have to remind clients that this “online thing” is interactive. Many have a hard time understanding that they need to be involved — how much they need to be involved. That their level of involvement — of interactivity — will determine their level of success.

I really have never known where the “built it and they will come” mentality came from when it comes to online business. That may have held some weight back in the day, but now, you’re lucky if you get found. And, when you get found (because you’ve embraced all that interactive stuff I “preach” about), you had better be the epitome of credibility, professionalism and customer service.

There are still those who want static HTML sites — those folks tend to be technophobic. The thought of having to be interactive scares them to death. All the posting, article writing, social media recommendations, RSS and the like sends them running — “that’s just too much to learn!” Well folks, I can honestly say that I learn something new each and every day around here. If you don’t want to learn; you probably should question why you have a Web site.

And, if all that learning doesn’t scare them to the point of inaction — it sounds like too much work. Either way, my advice to those who don’t want to learn or spend the time interacting, is to simply not bother. They’ll be throwing their hard earned dollars away on a site that won’t get found and won’t produce.

Many of my clients have discussed with me their insecurity in regard to the perceived skills and knowledge required to proceed in today’s environment. Then, combined with an overall intimidation with technology — that’s the reason why they don’t embrace what they hear, read and see is happening around them.

The ironic thing is, with applications like WordPress, Wiki and others, being involved and interactive actually has never been easier. If you can type, you can Blog, go social, interact and discuss your experience and knowledge to the benefit of your business. And you just might be surprised on how much fun you actually end up having!

Unfortunately, I fear those who hold back instead of bolding going forward and facing the challenges that online participation demands of each of us, as of today at this point in time, will see that reflected in their bottom line — and not in a good way.

Know that with the right partners, you can be coached through any frustrations, concerns and unknowns or whatever you perceive is preventing you from joining the social revolution.

“Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It’s too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And they came
and she pushed
and they flew…”

-Christopher Logue

At your service,
Judith