If I asked about new technology two years ago, you would have lamented (or relished) diminishing face-to-face connections, with the growth of Facebook and LinkedIn.
A year ago you would have cried (or celebrated) the intrusion of mobile devices into everyday life. Today you might tell me how you shout out loud (Hey, Alexa!) that you are out of toilet paper, and more appears on your doorstep overnight.
For us non-digital natives (people age 50+ who grew up without technology), living in the US today is like living in a foreign land. Driverless cars. Sunglasses with facial recognition. Robotic playmates…in both adult and child models.
Indeed, our world gets more alien every day.
Technology is a foreign language
If I want to talk to my 82 year old mother, I pick up the phone. My sister, on the other hand, never answers her phone. For her I have to text. The best way to get a response from my 17 year old nephew is on Snapchat. For family in Brazil, I probably wouldn’t talk to them at all if it wasn’t for Facebook.
Instagram? Perfect for fashion ideas to stay hip IRL (In Real Life). Twitter offers a surprising back door into major corporations, for Customer Service or to talk to the CEO.
That’s taking the “intercultural” golden rule approach to technology and communication: Do unto others the way they would have you do unto them. In sales you want to “speak their language” or “reach them where they are.” Even if it’s not how you would do it. Recognize how your customers prefer to communicate and meet them there.
Pursuing your dreams in an ever-changing world
How are you exploring this strange new world in which we live? Do you hide inside, afraid to come out? Do you hold your nose and take the plunge? Or could you use someone to help you navigate? Which social media platforms will serve your goals? How can you use online tools to supercharge your connections in real life?