Embracing Tech for Your Business

Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Dennis

Embracing Tech for Your Business: It’s Not as Scary as You Think

Look, if you were born before the internet became a household staple, the ever-shifting realm of technology can feel completely overwhelming.

Those acronyms, cryptic jargon, and websites with designs more confusing than a maze – it’s enough to make anyone want to throw their computer out the window!

But here’s the thing: technology is essential for most modern online ventures. Avoiding it, or worse, letting the fear paralyze you, means missing out on huge opportunities. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be as intimidating as you think.

Let’s tackle this step by step and turn you into a tech-savvy business owner.

Baby Steps, Big Wins: Starting with a Beginner’s Mindset

The most important thing is to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Even those young whippersnappers who seem born with an iPhone in their hand had to learn the basics at some point.

Here’s the approach:

• You’re Already Techier Than You Think:  If you can send emails, do online banking, or search for fun cat videos, you’ve got foundational skills to build on!
• Celebrate Small Victories:  Every time you figure something out, even if it seems basic, pat yourself on the back. This will build your confidence for the next challenge.
• Focus on the Need-to-Knows: Don’t try to learn all the techy things at once. Prioritize the essentials for your business model. Want a blog? Focus on mastering a platform like WordPress.
• Embrace the Beginner’s Advantage:  Often, those of us less immersed in tech come to it with a fresh perspective. This can lead to spotting simpler, more intuitive ways to do things that experts might overlook!

It’s All About the Tools: The Most Important Tech for Your Business

Let’s demystify the online toolkit you’ll likely need on your entrepreneurial journey. Think of these as trusty tools, not scary monsters:

• Website Builders:  Gone are the days when you needed to understand coding. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify let you build professional-looking websites with drag-and-drop ease.
• Email Marketing:  Staying connected to your audience is key. Tools like GetResponse or Aweber make managing subscribers and sending out newsletters a breeze.
• Social Media: Love it or hate it, social media is where your potential customers hang out. Focus on ONE platform at first and learn to use it effectively to reach your target audience.
• Productivity Helpers:  From project management tools like Trello or Asana to cloud storage like Google Drive, these keep you organized and streamline work.
• Basic Photo/Video Editing:  Even simple adjustments can make your visuals pop. Free tools like Canva are surprisingly powerful and user-friendly.

You Don’t Need to Go It Alone: Your Tech Support Squad

Conquering technology is about knowing where to look for help. There’s no shame in seeking guidance or letting the pros handle complex stuff:

• Free Tutorials & Courses:  YouTube is your best friend! A simple search like “[tool name] tutorial for beginners” will yield amazing resources. Sites like Udemy also offer structured learning.
• Online Forums & Communities:  Chances are, someone has already wrestled with the same problem you’re encountering. Search forums related to your niche or tools you’re using.
• Hire Affordable Help:  Sites like Fiverr or Upwork connect you with freelancers for short-term tech tasks. Spend more time building the business, not troubleshooting the website.
• Don’t Forget the Youngsters:  Got grandkids with tech superpowers? Barter for their wisdom in exchange for your famous cookies – everyone wins!

Shifting Your Mindset: The Real Key to Tech Success

Understanding the tech is important, but the true power lies in this mental approach:

• Curiosity Conquers Fear: Replace “I don’t get it!” with “Let’s figure this out!”. Simple searches can often solve most hurdles.
• Messing Up is Mandatory:  Things will break, buttons won’t do what you expect – it’s the learning process! Most mistakes are easily fixed.
• Google is Your Friend:  Not sure what a term means? Confused by conflicting advice? Google it! You’ll be amazed at the amount of information at your fingertips.
• Tech Changes…and You Will Too: Accept that platforms get updated, trends change, and there will always be more to learn. Embrace the ongoing evolution!
• You Have a Huge Advantage:  Anyone building an online business needs grit and persistence. Guess what? You’ve spent decades honing those skills – now apply them to tech!

You’ve Got This,

The truth is, age has very little to do with the ability to learn new technology. It’s about determination, willingness to put yourself out there, and remembering that every online business owner started with the same blank screen. Take it one step at a time, celebrate those wins, and soon you’ll be navigating the digital landscape with confidence as you build your dream business.

So, what’s next?

Are you ready to start building an online business?…..or maybe take the one you have up a notch?

Imagine the extra cash flow, or finally being your own boss. We’d love to help!

Check out these THREE FREE (yes, really free!) courses to help with your business. They’ll give you awesome tools to get started. Just click the images below and get moving.

We’re cheering you on! Let’s see what amazing things you can do on your online journey.