Innovation through Technology

Powerfully Choosing the Technology for You

We are privileged to live in a day and age of technology, figuring out when to use it and when not to use it.  We don’t want to automate our relationships or interactions, but there are some key areas that you can delegate to technology that will free your time to allow you to be more present in your life and throughout the year.

Time Management:

1. Calendar & Schedule Management – There are certainly two schools of thought when it comes to this.  There is one side that says for convenience’s sake, post it on your website, signature, and social channels for ease of access and connecting with you.  The other side says that individuals interested in doing business with you prefer to have that one-on-one communication to schedule those meetings because it feels more personal.  No matter which side you align with, and perhaps you live in both camps, a calendar management tool is, at least, super helpful for combining and managing multiple calendars.
2. CRM + Email Marketing Tool – When individuals are first engaging with you and your business, you want to be sure you are staying at the forefront of their minds.  A colleague talks about the three steps of know, like, and trust.  They know you when they hear you speak, specifically, search you out, or stumble on your content, but they need to like you to stay engaged.  A way for them to get there is by receiving valuable and insightful information and resources on a regular cadence.  Align that cadence with your business and offerings so you remain authentic to yourself.
3. Social Media Posting – Using technology here doesn’t take away from the personal interactions, such as commenting or liking posts but allows you to plan and schedule in advance so that your presence is consistent.  It also gives you the freedom to step away and unplug as necessary from social media without altogether leaving it.

Process Excellence & Efficiency:

1. Electronic Signature Tool – From professional to personal, we are always being emailed or provided something to sign and return.
2. Financial System – Take out the worry of invoicing on time, paying on time, capturing receipts for expense management, tax preparation, etc. There are free, nominally priced, and expensive tools out there.  Simply outline what functions you need, and find the tool that’s right for you right now. You can always upgrade to a more expansive version as your business and needs grow.
3. Centralized Workspaces – Try to keep as much as you can under one roof.  This streamlining will provide a more simplified approach to your organization.  Always remember KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid).  It’s a bonus if this workspace also securely stores your passwords.

Is technology the answer to all problems?  Not necessarily.  I like to say, “Everything in moderation.”  We are so plugged in as a society today that I think many of us may be finding ways to unplug.  For example, my smart watch died, and before I replaced it with another smart watch, I wanted to see if I missed any of the features, real-time connectivity, or access that it gave me.  What I realized is that I enjoyed the break.  If someone really needed me, I could connect with them over my phone when I was ready.  I recently discovered the do not disturb feature, which has become a personal favorite in this season.  Instead of replacing my smart watch, I actually purchased a traditional watch, and it has been really great.  It has helped me exercise my beautiful boundaries.