I admit it: I am curious about technology. I am not always an early adopter. I am not camping out at midnight for the latest gadget. And I’m certainly not a new-technology apologist. However, I am interested in where technology is headed.
It’s normal to want what’s next
It is very easy to find yourself in meetings with your IT or marketing groups talking about technology. It seems we spend more and more time just to keep up with what is happening. Every year you are told that you need some new servers, a firewall, a software upgrade or an enterprise tool that will make the world a better place.
Quite simply, you can’t get ahead. The technology leading edge is going to continue to move, and those requests are going to keep coming.
Would you rather be first or be relevant?
In my view, the leading edge is not nearly as important as the relevant edge. You might define the relevant edge as what is important to your customer groups. Understand how they use technology before you jump at something new and invest in a technology or tool they don’t even see as valuable. Learn how they are consuming information now and then find a way to raise the bar.
Set a new relevant edge for your audience. There is where the traction can be found. If you find a way to help them do something they are already doing in an easier way, you have just connected with them at a deeper level.
Pause and redirect the conversation
So, the next time you are in that meeting when everyone is telling you about the next great thing, pause for a second and change the conversation. Ask them how this impacts how customers are currently doing business with you. As them to talk about how your decision to invest in this would create positive conversations.
If you are convinced that customers will benefit from this decision, then you are ready for what’s next. After all, the next big thing is always around the corner.
- Mike
