Ah, Technology

Early last fall, my techno-fabulous husband rebuilt my computer. I picked up a nasty something or other that killed my desktop. He graciously loaned me his ancient laptop. The rebuild lasted about a month, and then my poor, old desktop began showing signs of permanent death. As did my husband’s patience in providing free computer support. I bit the bullet and purchased a brand new system. Boy am I glad I did, if only for the improvement in spousal relations.

Technology’s consuming me lately. I love the freedom technology gives me – my computer, my cute as a bug netbook, my TiVo with instand Netflix downloads, my smoking fast cable internet connection and VOIP telephone. Ultimately, though, these are only tools that I use to ply my trade (minus the Netflix, of course). They’re not the reason for my being in business, only the facilitators.

And technology certainly doesn’t replace the personal relationships that I’ve built and continue to build. Technology facilitates those, too, and allows me to serve people all over the world, keeping up with folks via email, Facebook and other social media.

One piece of technology I don’t have is a cell phone. I know, a shocking confession in this day and age.  I’ve never found the need for one. When I’m in my office, the telephone there works just fine. When I’m out at meetings, lunch or running errands, any messages I receive aren’t going to interrupt those endeavors. I’m not a crisis PR expert, so for me and my clients, there’s no such thing as a “writer emergency.”

Technology has made all of our lives easier. At the end of the day, it’s all about relationships, though. Are you using the technology available to you to connect with your current and potential clients? Building a website, sending a press release, or crafting a newsletter are all ways to let them know you’re there, and ready to help. And I’m ready to help you do it, too.