Since the early 1990’s we have lived in a world dominated by technology. Advances are made so quickly that you almost feel they should be tracked in hours and minutes instead of months and years. For those of us not born into it the tech world can feel intimidating but like it or not in my opinion you have two choices. Either get on board or go find a nice big cave you can live in.
I remember when the bank I worked for first put desk top computers on all the officer’s desks. Well almost all. The senior lender in the bank refused to get one. He sat way in the back, a solitary figure trying to hold off the inevitable. I recall wondering if his father had refused to get a television set when they were readily available, and if his grandfather had preferred a horse and buggy over an automobile? I am no techie by a long shot but I am not going to concede technology and its wonders to the young. I am determined to stay relevant and in doing so maintain my own marketability.
I facebook, tweet, use linkedin, and obviously I blog. I have a blackberry that I make calls on, e-mail with , and send text messages. In my office I use a wireless headset when I am on the phone. I have scanned documents and have been on video conferences using web based technology. I was on skype just last night talking to a friend I had not seen in over five years. I pay my bills via automatic drafts or by using bill pay. I have an I-Pod that allows me to listen to music,watch movies, read books, and play games. In that I travel for a living my GPS has allowed me to easily visit my clients without fumbling with a map or having to drive and read directions at the same time.
I am a banker and I speak to my colleagues often about how technology is affecting our industry. For many large banks overhauling their technology is costly and time consuming. For smaller banks it should be easier. To me the bottom line is that while it may be true that many of these banks have a current client base that may prefer a more traditional delivery system for their products and services the client of tomorrow will not. They will want to deposit checks by taking pictures of them with their phones, they will want to speak with their lender via a video link on their phone, etc.
The mobile phone is now so much more than just a communication device. In underdeveloped countries the mobile phone may be the single most important possession in the household. If allows for communication, world wide web access, entertainment, and information exchange.
I like the fact that the web sites I frequent are trying to figure out my preferences so it can suggest to me books I may enjoy or clothing I might want. But what I really enjoy is that I know my life has gotten easier and I have become more productive with my time and efficient in my tasks.
I look forward to the day that I can go to my grocers web site, sign in, enter my list, and have all the items emerge on the screen along with similar items that are new or on sale. I then have the option to push my virtual cart down the aisle and look for impulse items, with specials popping up. Finally I go to check out and I am given the option to pick up my groceries at the warehouse or for a fee have them delivered to my door.
I don’t view technology as impersonal. I think it is uber personal. I am reconnecting with friends and family members I haven’t seen in years and can access my service providers more efficiently and effectively.
The years 1990 to 2010 have been nothing short of amazing. I may have to link this blog via e-mail to some of my friends, unless they are out cave shopping.
