The other day I was in a meeting with a group of local internet creative types to discuss some possible group projects. I confess that I went in feeling a little intimidated. Collectively they have graphic design, 
web design, audio, video and a variety of techie related skills.
And to top it off, they’re all in their 20s and early 30s. I wasn’t quite sure I belonged with this group. They know so much more than I do.
But as the meeting went along, I came to a surprising (for me) realization. They may know what buttons to push in which software, but I’m the one who understands how to use the technology as part of an overall marketing strategy.
Because I’m so new to many of these technologies that kids today seem to come out of the womb using, I discounted what I do know. But then I realized that when it comes to marketing, social media sites, RSS, SEO and assorted technologies are all just tools to add to your marketing strategy.
It’s not what technology you use, it’s how you use it that brings in results. Whether you are using the internet or paper to promote your business, the basic principals remain the same. If you understand and apply basic marketing principals, it doesn’t really matter what new technology is thrown at you.
This little discovery of mine has given me a new confidence when approaching technologies like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. I can always take a course – or hire someone – to learn what buttons to push.
I already know how to put the technology to use. Networking is networking. It doesn’t matter if it’s live and in person or virtual and on the web. You need to approach it the same way. Facebook and Twitter are the 21st century version of the telephone and fax machine. They are just a tool to make your marketing more efficient.
Andrea J. Stenberg
