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Atricle Dump - Technology is Disruptive... And Empowering
Let me tell you a story about Pete and a pizza. After a long day of fighting uncooperative pipes and fixtures, Pete P. Lumber, of Pete's DuperRooter, was looking forward to a nice, hot, decidedly Atkins-disapproved pizza — the stuff of which dreams are made. The week before, Pete was doing a bathroom remodel at Bob's historical Chicago bungalow. The house had only one bathroom, so Pete had to complete the project as fast as possible. Due to a series of unfortunate events, some of which involved a repeated, forceful application of a rather large hammer, Pete stayed much longer than he initially anticipated. To bungalow owner Bob's delight, Pete completed the remodel the same day.Bob decided to take Pete out to dinner to show his appreciation. Bob knew that Pete liked pizza, so he took him to the MostDeliciousPizzaEmporium across the street. The restaurant was small, unassuming, and had the charming aura of a hole-in-the-wall
Enthusiasts will accept new technology enthusiastically. They won’t usually seek it out but will be eager to incorporate it into their processes where appropriate. As a result of their openness, they will often readily learn how to use the new technology and may also be useful in assisting others through the learning process.
Acceptors will accept new technology because it is required. They will not seek it out. In fact, they will often try to avoid it at first until they are forced to accept it. Once they understand the new technology is here to stay, they will willingly learn how to benefit from it or, at least, live with it.
Naysayers habitually oppose new technologies and often are very vocal about their opposition. They often gripe about any changes and will often never change if they don’t have to or they quit before they are made to change “the way they do things.”
The produ
Gone are the days when loyal customers were valued and given extra bonuses for their loyalty. The retreat from this practice began when companies operating in consumer markets and eager to attract new customers believed that offering reduced rates to new customers alone would boost their quest for market share.The biggest culprits were banks, insurance companies, telecoms and essential utilities. They all offered exceptional introductory rates in the hope that customers, usually tied in with direct debit accounts, and would fail to notice the increases when it came to renewal. And here we had the inception of a new market model which is now today’s norm.The more loyal you became the more you pay.But for those who dared to question the renewal rates or God forbid, shopped around, there were the infamous ‘save tools’. Suddenly there was a reason why the insurance company could match the quotation received from a
Although the ideas developed in this article may have general applicability, they are mainly intended to relate to the incorporation of new information and communications technologies into business processes. Information technologies involve computers and their peripheral equipment as well as the data flow across local area networks. Communications involve any voice and video activity including the telephone system and related equipment as well as the communications pathways creating the wide area networks.
Technology Changes Business Processes
Every action conducted within a business is part of one process or another. Sometimes the processes are easily defined and readily observable, as in the path of a purchase order. At other times, the process is not so clear but nevertheless it still exists even if by default.
New technologies are introduced into business to:
- Speed up existing processes
- Extend the capabilities of existing processes
- Change the processes
In changing the processes, the new technologies will often allow new ways of conducting business that were not previously possible.
Other than simply speeding up existing processes, new technologies will be disruptive when first introduced. This results from having to change patterns of behavior and/or relationships with others. When disruption occurs, productivity often suffers at first, until such time as the new processes become as familiar as the old ones. At this point, hopefully, the goal has been achieved of reaching a higher level of productivity than the level at which it started before the introduction of the new technology.
Therefore a common cycle that occurs with the introduction of new technologies includes:
- Disruption
- Lower productivity, and, finally,
- A higher plateau of productivity than the starting point
(To see a graph depicting this process click here.)
The obvious goals for introducing new technologies are to:
- Minimize the disruption
- Minimize the time it takes to increase productivity
- Maximize the gain in productivity
In achieving these goals it is helpful to understand the:
- Context in which the processes operate, that is, who will be impacted by changes in the specific processes affected
- Democratizing potential of technology
- Types of people that will react in very different ways to new technologies
The processes by which a company operates and the introduction of new technologies do not exist in isolation. Both of these exist within a context that may be a part of and affect:
- The social relationships within an organization and possibly with companies with whom you conduct business
- Political (power) structures within an organization
- How individuals view themselves and their abilities
Technology can be democratizing. If it is used to create and disseminate information useful to the mission and goals of the business, it can be a great equalizer between “levels” of management and staff. The key word is “disseminate.” If access to the information is decentralized, and easy communication of the information is allowed, then “front line” workers can improve the quantity and quality of decisions they make without having to involve layers of management.
Types of People from a Technology Perspective
From a perspective of introducing new technology into your company, you may find it helpful to understand the following four types of people:
- Innovators/embracers
- Enthusiasts
- Acceptors
- Naysayers
Innovators/embracers will investigate new technologies on their own. They will sometimes be helpful to introducing new technologies that would otherwise not have been known to the company. They will sometimes be a “thorn” in pushing for new technologies they think will be useful (or just “neat” to have) but do not fit the company’s agenda or objectives. These people will embrace new technologies when introduced by others, will often be the first ones to fully incorporate and make use of it, and could help others to fully utilize new technologies.
Enthusiasts will accept new technology enthusiastically. They won’t usually seek it out but will be eager to incorporate it into their processes where appropriate. As a result of their openness, they will often readily learn how to use the new technology and may also be useful in assisting others through the learning process.
Acceptors will accept new technology because it is required. They will not seek it out. In fact, they will often try to avoid it at first until they are forced to accept it. Once they understand the new technology is here to stay, they will willingly learn how to benefit from it or, at least, live with it.
Naysayers habitually oppose new technologies and often are very vocal about their opposition. They often gripe about any changes and will often never change if they don’t have to or they quit before they are made to change “the way they do things.”
The produc
If you own a mobile detailing business or mobile car wash company you should have the local cable company as one of your clients. You may even find your self with some free publicity. Cable companies are great companies to secure fleet wash contracts with. They also have other things that can be advantageous to you such as:Local NewsCommunity Bulletin BoardsVery Targeted AudiencesEmployees To Wash Cars ForSatellite Antennas To WashLarge Customer BaseFleets of TrucksLocal cable stations are always looking for news. They try to get a jump on the morning newspapers. You may as well be part of local news since you are definitely part of the community. If you know of an event you will be participating in, alert the cable company and allow them to interview you when they arrive. You can introduce them to the director or main organizer. They will also want to interview you bec
New technologies are introduced into business to:
- Speed up existing processes
- Extend the capabilities of existing processes
- Change the processes
In changing the processes, the new technologies will often allow new ways of conducting business that were not previously possible.
Other than simply speeding up existing processes, new technologies will be disruptive when first introduced. This results from having to change patterns of behavior and/or relationships with others. When disruption occurs, productivity often suffers at first, until such time as the new processes become as familiar as the old ones. At this point, hopefully, the goal has been achieved of reaching a higher level of productivity than the level at which it started before the introduction of the new technology.
Therefore a common cycle that occurs with the introduction of new technologies includes:
- Disruption
- Lower productivity, and, finally,
- A higher plateau of productivity than the starting point
(To see a graph depicting this process click here.)
The obvious goals for introducing new technologies are to:
- Minimize the disruption
- Minimize the time it takes to increase productivity
- Maximize the gain in productivity
In achieving these goals it is helpful to understand the:
- Context in which the processes operate, that is, who will be impacted by changes in the specific processes affected
- Democratizing potential of technology
- Types of people that will react in very different ways to new technologies
The processes by which a company operates and the introduction of new technologies do not exist in isolation. Both of these exist within a context that may be a part of and affect:
- The social relationships within an organization and possibly with companies with whom you conduct business
- Political (power) structures within an organization
- How individuals view themselves and their abilities
Technology can be democratizing. If it is used to create and disseminate information useful to the mission and goals of the business, it can be a great equalizer between “levels” of management and staff. The key word is “disseminate.” If access to the information is decentralized, and easy communication of the information is allowed, then “front line” workers can improve the quantity and quality of decisions they make without having to involve layers of management.
Types of People from a Technology Perspective
From a perspective of introducing new technology into your company, you may find it helpful to understand the following four types of people:
- Innovators/embracers
- Enthusiasts
- Acceptors
- Naysayers
Innovators/embracers will investigate new technologies on their own. They will sometimes be helpful to introducing new technologies that would otherwise not have been known to the company. They will sometimes be a “thorn” in pushing for new technologies they think will be useful (or just “neat” to have) but do not fit the company’s agenda or objectives. These people will embrace new technologies when introduced by others, will often be the first ones to fully incorporate and make use of it, and could help others to fully utilize new technologies.
Enthusiasts will accept new technology enthusiastically. They won’t usually seek it out but will be eager to incorporate it into their processes where appropriate. As a result of their openness, they will often readily learn how to use the new technology and may also be useful in assisting others through the learning process.
Acceptors will accept new technology because it is required. They will not seek it out. In fact, they will often try to avoid it at first until they are forced to accept it. Once they understand the new technology is here to stay, they will willingly learn how to benefit from it or, at least, live with it.
Naysayers habitually oppose new technologies and often are very vocal about their opposition. They often gripe about any changes and will often never change if they don’t have to or they quit before they are made to change “the way they do things.”
The produ
As small business owners, we all have at least two things in common when it comes to our companies: Keeping other people’s hands off our personal assets and paying the lowest possible taxes (this usually means having profits taxed on our individual tax returns.) That’s what the S-corporation is all about. While the limited liability company (LLC) is quickly taking its place, S-corporation benefits still do outweigh LLC benefits for many companies. But how do you know it’s right for you? Let’s take a look.What is an S-Corp Exactly?An S-corporation is basically a regular corporation (or C corporation) that decides to go with a special tax status. Forming an S-corporation lets you enjoy the limited liability of a regular corporate shareholder while paying income taxes as if you were a sole proprietor or a partner. Unlike a regular corporation, the S-corp itself does not pay any income tax. Here’s a closer look at some
(To see a graph depicting this process click here.)
The obvious goals for introducing new technologies are to:
- Minimize the disruption
- Minimize the time it takes to increase productivity
- Maximize the gain in productivity
In achieving these goals it is helpful to understand the:
- Context in which the processes operate, that is, who will be impacted by changes in the specific processes affected
- Democratizing potential of technology
- Types of people that will react in very different ways to new technologies
The processes by which a company operates and the introduction of new technologies do not exist in isolation. Both of these exist within a context that may be a part of and affect:
- The social relationships within an organization and possibly with companies with whom you conduct business
- Political (power) structures within an organization
- How individuals view themselves and their abilities
Technology can be democratizing. If it is used to create and disseminate information useful to the mission and goals of the business, it can be a great equalizer between “levels” of management and staff. The key word is “disseminate.” If access to the information is decentralized, and easy communication of the information is allowed, then “front line” workers can improve the quantity and quality of decisions they make without having to involve layers of management.
Types of People from a Technology Perspective
From a perspective of introducing new technology into your company, you may find it helpful to understand the following four types of people:
- Innovators/embracers
- Enthusiasts
- Acceptors
- Naysayers
Innovators/embracers will investigate new technologies on their own. They will sometimes be helpful to introducing new technologies that would otherwise not have been known to the company. They will sometimes be a “thorn” in pushing for new technologies they think will be useful (or just “neat” to have) but do not fit the company’s agenda or objectives. These people will embrace new technologies when introduced by others, will often be the first ones to fully incorporate and make use of it, and could help others to fully utilize new technologies.
Enthusiasts will accept new technology enthusiastically. They won’t usually seek it out but will be eager to incorporate it into their processes where appropriate. As a result of their openness, they will often readily learn how to use the new technology and may also be useful in assisting others through the learning process.
Acceptors will accept new technology because it is required. They will not seek it out. In fact, they will often try to avoid it at first until they are forced to accept it. Once they understand the new technology is here to stay, they will willingly learn how to benefit from it or, at least, live with it.
Naysayers habitually oppose new technologies and often are very vocal about their opposition. They often gripe about any changes and will often never change if they don’t have to or they quit before they are made to change “the way they do things.”
The produ
There are a couple things to consider before taking advice that is found on money making message boards, it is important to research this advice to be sure that it will lead to earning more money. Many times the advice posted is not fact. There are a few things to consider when looking at money making message boards. The first is how realistic the advice is to a person. If the advice requires a person to invest a large quantity of money in order to start a business or invest in a start-up venture, it might not make any money, but may cost a person money instead.The next item to consider is where the advice is coming from. There are many people who mean well, but they do not give advice that people can utilize. Take advice only from those who are experts in making money. Money making message boards can offer unique ways to make money that actually work, but it is important to make sure that those who are giving advice know w
Technology can be democratizing. If it is used to create and disseminate information useful to the mission and goals of the business, it can be a great equalizer between “levels” of management and staff. The key word is “disseminate.” If access to the information is decentralized, and easy communication of the information is allowed, then “front line” workers can improve the quantity and quality of decisions they make without having to involve layers of management.
Types of People from a Technology Perspective
From a perspective of introducing new technology into your company, you may find it helpful to understand the following four types of people:
- Innovators/embracers
- Enthusiasts
- Acceptors
- Naysayers
Innovators/embracers will investigate new technologies on their own. They will sometimes be helpful to introducing new technologies that would otherwise not have been known to the company. They will sometimes be a “thorn” in pushing for new technologies they think will be useful (or just “neat” to have) but do not fit the company’s agenda or objectives. These people will embrace new technologies when introduced by others, will often be the first ones to fully incorporate and make use of it, and could help others to fully utilize new technologies.
Enthusiasts will accept new technology enthusiastically. They won’t usually seek it out but will be eager to incorporate it into their processes where appropriate. As a result of their openness, they will often readily learn how to use the new technology and may also be useful in assisting others through the learning process.
Acceptors will accept new technology because it is required. They will not seek it out. In fact, they will often try to avoid it at first until they are forced to accept it. Once they understand the new technology is here to stay, they will willingly learn how to benefit from it or, at least, live with it.
Naysayers habitually oppose new technologies and often are very vocal about their opposition. They often gripe about any changes and will often never change if they don’t have to or they quit before they are made to change “the way they do things.”
The produ
If you are thinking of applying for a legal secretary job its important to understand what exactly the job entails. We’ve come up with eight duties which are common to many legal secretaries.Plan and Organise Schedules – Solicitors are very busy people, so it’s important to keep their diary and schedule well organised. Solicitors usually charge their clients by the time they spend down to the minute. As a consequence it’s really important for legal secretaries to help create an organised schedule.Prepare Documents – There are all kinds of documents that are created in law firms for both internal and external purposes. Often the legal secretary will be responsible for producing these documents. The paper work can vary from law firm to law firm, client to client but the responsibility usually falls upon the legal secretary.File Legal Documents – If a case is goi
Enthusiasts will accept new technology enthusiastically. They won’t usually seek it out but will be eager to incorporate it into their processes where appropriate. As a result of their openness, they will often readily learn how to use the new technology and may also be useful in assisting others through the learning process.
Acceptors will accept new technology because it is required. They will not seek it out. In fact, they will often try to avoid it at first until they are forced to accept it. Once they understand the new technology is here to stay, they will willingly learn how to benefit from it or, at least, live with it.
Naysayers habitually oppose new technologies and often are very vocal about their opposition. They often gripe about any changes and will often never change if they don’t have to or they quit before they are made to change “the way they do things.”
The productivity vs. time curve will look different for each of these types of people. Think of how each person in your own organization fits into these four types. Think of how that impacts deriving the full benefits that you’ve carefully targeted. Think of how that impacts your ability to discover additional benefits once the technologies are implemented. Understanding the differences can help smooth out the rough spots during and after the implementation process.
Lessen the Disruption; Increase the Empowerment
Understanding the context in which processes exist, the democratizing potential of technology, and the types of people will help you achieve the goals stated above for a more rapid payoff from a smoother introduction of new technologies.
In addition, make the new technologies transparent to the user or, at least, make them as intuitive to operate as possible. Extra time in pre-planning the introduction of new technologies and training employees in the use of the technologies can provide a return many times greater than the hours spent in planning and training. You can achieve faster increases in productivity, reduced impact on customers, and lower burdens on support staff.
With proper planning and training, the productivity curve will increase at a faster rate and to a higher level than it might otherwise have achieved.
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