Tools Change, But Talent and Communication Strategies Remain the Same

I don’t know about you, but for me, the idea of learning another communication/social media tool or channel (I’m talking about Google+) is creating a little bit of anxiety the past few days… and I really don’t know why I feel this way. Over the years, with all the new technology that’s been introduced in the business world, I’ve learned to adopt the new tools and I have easily adapted to once-unfamiliar environments or ways of doing things.

My two favorite “business tool adoption adventures”: Back in 1990, when I started as a copywriter in the marketing department of a daily newspaper, I was thrilled to sit at my all-in-one Mac with its tiny screen, and I learned how easy it was to work on such a user-friendly computer. It was so easy to write creative copy and simply hit the delete key or backspace when changes had to be made. I fell in love with the Mac way back then (and I still love my MacBook today).

More recently, in early 2009, I joined Twitter and instantly became “addicted” to the real-time conversations and quick bursts of information shared by people from all around the world. In addition to improving my editing skills (learning how to say things in 140 characters or less…) through Twitter, today, I know I can rely on my Twitter friends to keep me on top of what’s happening in the world and to inspire me. It’s difficult to remember those days before Twitter when I was feeling kind of isolated in my home office. Those days are long gone, thankfully!

How am I planning to deal with my Google+ anxiety? Well, first, I’m writing this post — writing something down always helps me tackle it. Next, I’m going to learn as much as I can about Google+ by reading blog posts on sites like Social Media Today. Then, I’m going to “dive in” (I think I need to be invited first). “Diving in” is my usual method of learning.

But, most importantly, I’m going to remind myself about what I always tell my students: Tools and channels — like my computer, Twitter, Google+, etc. — can never replace the creative sparks and talent brewing within human beings. And, while it’s great to have these new tools and channels, we still need people who know how to use them effectively to communicate, both for personal pleasure and for business purposes.

So, what do you think? Are you having “Google+ anxiety” too, and how are you dealing with it? Also, please share your favorite and/or most memorable “business tool adoption adventure” with us by posting your comments. Thanks!

Until next time, take care!

Kathy Magrino

 

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