It’s Never Too Late … Become More Tech Savvy

Ever more powerful hand-held devices are the rule, like it or not. Fortunately, technology itself can help us wade through the mass of technology available to us – we can tame the beast by riding the beast.

Conjungo explains in everyday terminology how to understand technologies and what they will help you accomplish on a business and personal level (versus a technical level). The discussions, reviews, and instructions are written in nontechnical and clear language to aid you in understanding what a type of technology is designed to do, what to ask vendors, whether it makes sense for you to acquire it, the value it can bring to you, and the pitfalls of employing it.

The book Techno II – Every Executive’s Guide to Understanding and Mastering Technology and the Internet, while designed for business professionals, also has keen insights for each of us on a personal level. The book offers insights and perspectives, tips and techniques, and case studies on how the Internet impacts business and commerce. As a result of reading it, you’ll gain a better understanding of this grand cyber revolution in progress.

Here are other tips to help you become more technologically savvy:

— Whether you acquire an iPhone, Android, Blackberry, or something else, ownership in and of itself will prompt you to begin to learn some of the basic functions. Your children or grandchildren can easily help you in this regard. No need for you to teach yourself about the array of benefits, options and features. Someone in your family can walk you through the whole affair.

— Apps are what make smart phones even smarter. More than 100,000 apps are available, so one can easily become overwhelmed. However, if you focus solely on the issues that matter to you, you can’t go wrong. Most apps are low or no cost, so if one in particular doesn’t work for you, then move on to the next. Once again, members of your family as well as friends can serve as guiding beacons.

— You don’t need to have a Facebook account, but it might be fun to have one. It is a quick and easy way to keep up with friends and relatives. If you only have 25 to 50 people in your network, fine! That will do.

— Google, for now, is the prevailing search engine. If you become familiar with basic Google commands and search techniques, you will find answers that you are seeking faster and easier, and your time online will be more enjoyable. In the Google search engine, type in the words “google commands.” Venturing further, type in “Google features” and then “Google services.” You’ll be amazed at the variety of features and services available beyond the basic search engine.

— You rule technology, it does not rule you. If it helps you to stay updated on what’s going on the world, keep up with colleagues, stay close to family and friends, and adds to your enjoyment of life, then you are using it appropriately. Don’t let it control your life to the point of overuse.

— If technology is ruling you, i.e. you feel compelled to bring your smartphone with you everywhere and it feels as if you never have a moment of peace, rethink your relationship with technology!

— Establish personal guidelines as to when you will and will not be connected. I suggest that at dinner, movies, and when meeting with friends you leave your smart phone at home or at least in the car.

As technology becomes more powerful, the temptation to become wired will be even greater. Maintain the discipline necessary to both take advantage of technology, and, when you choose, to be free of it.

Jeff Davidson, “The Work-Life Balance Expert®,” is a professional speaker and thought leader on work-life balance issues. He is the author of “Breathing Space” and “Simpler Living.” For more information, go to www.breathingspace.com.