5 Ways to Get Over Your Fear of New Business Technology

With technology advancing so rapidly, it can be difficult to keep up with it. Unless you are naturally a person who loves to stay immersed in the latest gadgets, it’s easy to fall behind and feel intimidated by it all. Yet technology can actually help you with your business, so it’s important to stay current. Here are a few ways to reduce your fear of technology so you can reap some of the benefits.

1. Follow Relevant Blogs, Newsfeeds and Twitter Accounts

Find a few technology blogs or magazines and subscribe to their newsfeeds. Follow some leading tech writers on Twitter and Google+. You don’t have to read every single technology-related article, but be sure to absorb some material of this kind every day. Don’t worry if you don’t understand every word. When you encounter a piece of jargon that’s unfamiliar to you, take a few seconds to look it up. You will find that, over time, this type of material will become less obscure and scary to you.

2. Browse Technology in Person

While it’s helpful to follow blogs and tech-related news stories, it’s also good to see and touch the gadgets in person. Make regular expeditions to stores such as Best Buy, the Apple Store and other places that showcase the latest gadgets. Take a look around and, if something interests you, ask a sales person some questions. This will help to keep you familiar with the latest and most popular technologies.

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3. Get Familiar with Your Current Gadgets and Software

You may be intimidated by gadgets and software you’ve never touched. However, there are probably many features on your own computer, tablet and smartphone that you’ve never explored. Make it a point to learn as much as possible about every gadget and piece of software you own. For example, if you use popular programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel or Photoshop, take the time to learn about some features you haven’t used before. This will make it easier to incorporate new technologies into your business.

4. Seek Solutions that Simplify Your Business

While technology often looks complex when you observe it from the outside, it’s usually designed to make your life simpler. If there’s something you would like to simplify in your business, you should do a search for it online or ask someone who keeps up with such things. For example, if your business is overloaded with tasks related to human resources, you might want to check out software such as HRIS systems (Human Resource Information System). Similarly, there are software applications that simplify accounting, social media marketing, SEO and many other tasks. Instead of letting technology scare you, focus on what it can do for you.

5. Talk to Tech-minded People

You probably know at least a few people who are tech-obsessed geeks. If your habit is to tune these people out when they talk about tech stuff, try doing the opposite. Ask them questions and pay attention to their answers. If they say something you don’t understand, ask for clarification. These kind of people love nothing better than to explain what they’re passionate about to others. You can learn a lot this way and it can help make you feel more comfortable with technology.

If you currently have fears about embracing the latest business technology, don’t expect to overcome this instantly. You can, however, gradually acquaint yourself with new gadgets, software and concepts. If you spend just a few extra minutes every day absorbing new information in the technology sector, you’ll soon find that it’s not so scary after all. More importantly, you’ll be more open to seeing ways that your business can benefit by embracing new technology.

Author: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. Anica writes on behalf of BambooHR, with HRIS systems that work for multiple business sizes.