What is the newest “techie” gadget that you have/would like to have, and how do/would you use it to improve the work relationship that you have with your primary clientele?
I'm not much of a"techie" new gadget person. I'm usually content to bide my time and wait for second generation technology. Two of my major areas of business include strategic social media management and specialized blogs. Both of these require me to educate myself about the happenings of a variety of industries and cultures.
My social media clients continue to explore new methods of connecting with their clients. Recently one even put an entire tour of their facility into a QR Code. Without a smartphone, testing these innovative uses of social media and new technologies is difficult. So I will be upgrading soon as a necessity for client service. I must admit to being resistant - I love knowing that my cell phone actually works really well as a phone.
When it comes to "shiny" objects, the truth is that I have been lusting, I tell you, lusting, for an iPad. It is truly the only "gadget" I've truly just wanted in a long time. Keeping up with the various industries my clients work in requires a lot of reading. The last thing I want to do is sit at the desk for another three hours of reading at night. The iPad seems an ideal solution. It allows for consumption and sharing. As with all gadgets, there are limits to its usefulness. One of the limits of the iPad is its consumption versus creation capabilities.
Technology evolves quickly, much more quickly than budgets allow for upgrades. Choosing carefully and making sure that the technology purchased is maximized to its full potential is necessary. Investing in all the shiny gadgets is not a smart. Investing in the right shiny gadgets is a better way to go. So while I delay purchases of shiny gadgets until I'm behind the curve, I know the investment decision, once made, is a wise one.
Constance Ard, Answer Maven
Candidate SLA Chapter Cabinet Chair-Elect 2011
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