Simple Steps to Evaluate New Tech

I often get the urge to add new systems to my technology situation.
I also like to change things, like the way I do my email and how I set up new calendars.

I have joined so many free trials I have trouble keeping track of them. But that’s what I do. I tinker with technology, it brings me joy. Over the years I have given myself some steps to follow every time I jump into the next new thing. This way, I can make it so my learning is useful to you.

Step One:

Be deliberate with what you want/need your new technology to accomplish.

Some things are just really cool, but what use do they have? Will the Bubble Wrap app really help you manage your contacts? Nope.
When you discover that you have a gap in your current technology situation take a moment to really identify what you need or would like it to do. Get specific.

• How do you currently do it?
• What part of it is not working?
• How would you like it to work?
• What does it absolutely need to do?

Step Two:

Be aware of what you already have and what it can do.

You would be surprised how often I start a trial of some new system only to discover that I could already do everything they offered with a system I already had. An interesting exercise that will help you determine what tools you have to work with is to simply make a list of what you use as you work.
What systems are you using?

• Your Email System: Gmail and Outlook have powerful tools beyond just email. You can use these to manage your calendars and contacts as well as files.
• Your Tracking System: Excel and Google Sheets can do amazing things.
• Graphic Design: Have you tried to create simple graphics with PowerPoint or Google Slides?
• What else do you use?

Step Three:

Get informed about what is out there.

Once you really know what you have it’s still a good idea to still keep tabs on what is new and what other people are using. Oddly enough I often learn about a new system just when I started thinking “I really need something that…” or “wouldn’t it be nice if something could…” Share your wishes and ideas, let people know what you are looking for. It will make your research that much easier. You can also use a review site like www.getapp.com

What is the next tool you think you will need?

• CRM (Contact Relationship Manager) to manage the people you take care of and need to follow up with?
• ESP (Email Service Provider) to send out regular newsletters?
• Webinar or Conference Platform? So you can share your knowledge?
• Website Hosting?
• Anything else?

Step Four:

Implement and tinker. Become familiar with what your new technology can do.

Allow yourself to take a few days and set things up, watch the training videos offered by the company. Go to YouTube and see how other people use the system. It is also a good idea to find out what sort of customer support a service has. The ability to call or email the company directly and get a response is a huge benefit and one that companies these days don’t always offer. Has anyone ever tried to get a hold of Yahoo?

This step is also a bit of a selfish segue for me. I would love to walk through a new tool with you. I obviously don’t know how to use everything out there, but I have good instincts for how to find what my people are looking for and helping people look in the right direction for support is a huge time saver.