We live in a most extraordinary era.  The rate of technological advancement is faster than at any time in history and is likely to get faster, much faster.  Many of us do not realize just how quickly technology is advancing and what the implications of this advancement are on our lives.

In business, you either evolve or serve the marketplace or you stagnate, eventually finding yourself out of business.  Rapid technological advancement means companies and individuals who want to maintain a competitive edge with consumers must keep up with emerging technological trends.

Technological progress affects things that go far beyond the realm of the technical and scientific.  Evolving technology has hugely significant impact on the way in which we communicate and relate to each other.  Information technology does not simply affect the machines we use to communicate with; it influences the very content which is being communicated. 

A case in point is the kind of language used to send text messages on personal digital assistants or via computer.  This text shorthand is a different form of language than what was commonly used 30 years ago when handwritten letters were the order of the day.  Language and thought being inextricably intertwined, the fact that many people are now communicating with a different kind of language is particularly significant.

If we do not keep up with the linguistic changes that new technology has wrought than we are unlikely to keep up with social changes.  If we do not keep up with social changes than as business people we are likely to cede the advantage to those of our competitors who are willing to keep up with the times.

What to do?  The answer is continuing education.  In fact, the most comprehensive answer is making lifelong education – formal or informal, structured or self-study – an integral part of our plan to succeed in business.

The computers and software we buy for use in our business ventures are in a state of perpetual upgrade.  In software, version 1.0 of something is soon replaced by version 2.0, 3.0, etc.  And we business people believe it makes sense to upgrade to be more effective and efficient in our quest for profits.

However, the most important thing we can upgrade in our companies is ourselves. Investing in faster computers and cutting edge software has its place.  But if we do not keep ourselves up to date, what end will it serve?  For 2010, we should concentrate on continuing our education so that we may better serve the consuming public and in so doing increase our profits. 

Technology evolves. So must we. Education never ends.

Write Comment
Name:
E-mail
Comment:
Code:*
	Send a copy to me e-mail address