Put Away the Doodads & Stick with the Basics

By BNI & Referral Institute - Jun 26 , 2008

by Paula Frazier

I must admit that I’m definitely not technologically savvy, even though I used to invest a pretty penny into making sure I had the latest and greatest toys and that I kinda-sorta knew how to use them. I ‘test drove’ some gadgets before some folks even knew they existed.

For instance, I had a phone that gave me Internet access, sent/received emails, and beamed Excel/Word documents to others of its kind. It would even call people on its own, without me knowing. Apparently there was some kind of voice command that I was accidentally activating. I can only imagine the conversations some people must have heard! Sooo I gave it to my husband. Now it calls me without his knowledge. Very handy!

I even had one of those ear-bud thingies that looks like a big roach resting on your ear. People asked me if it was a hearing aid. I wish! The sound quality wasn’t very good in the first generation of those wireless headsets.

I also had one of those fancy PDA’s before they were in vogue. It took me six months to trust it enough that I didn’t duplicate everything in my planner. One week later it slipped out of my hands, hit the floor, and I lost everything. When I called the company, they said something about “sinking” and a “dock.” Those are two words that don’t seem like they should go together. They sent me a brand new one—but it’s still in its box.

I understand there is one thing-a-ma-bob that does it all now. I know this because my children have them (sound familiar?). I encourage you to equip yourselves with all the computer-age essentials that will make your work as an author as efficient and as productive as possible, such as:

1. A cell phone that rings
2. A laptop with air card
3. GPS – I’ve learned to tolerate this one. I am directionally challenged, so “she” yells at me a lot! If I could make Sam Elliot’s (Hollywood actor) voice come out of it, I’d make it yell more often.

But when you’re with a prospective publisher, editor, or literary agent—–LEAVE THEM IN THE CAR OR ON SILENT!

You see, people in the book industry aren’t interested in being wowed and amazed by flashy, expensive doodads. Quite frankly, publishers are too busy being overwhelmed with manuscript submissions from millions of well-meaning agents and hopeful authors just like you.

When they gift you with their time, it’s to determine their level of interest in working with you, and technological doodads will only get in the way. Of all those aspiring to document the next headline or write the next bestseller – why you?

The best answer won’t come from technology. It will come from YOU! _____________________________________________________________

Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant, and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published nationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times bestseller, Truth or Delusion?: Busting Networking’s Biggest Myths. (In the book, check out #33, Delusion with a twist!) Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com.