We all refer to today as the information age. More correctly it should be called the age of change. Changes in technology are happening daily and trends are rising and falling quickly. We feel stretched to stay current with it all. We continually need to stay on top of the learning curve to make sure we know about the most recent trends and latest technology. Today’s news grows old quickly and is replaced by new news throughout the day. Everything is happening at a rapid pace. So how do we even attempt to stay on top of all the information.

1. Don’t try to juggle and absorb every type of social media. Do your research and stay current with a few types of social media that you feel comfortable using on a regular basis. Better to use a few types of social media well than to do many poorly. LinkedIn for business; Facebook for trends and personal information; and then chose Pinterest, Instagram, or Tumblr for more video based interaction.

2. Unless you’re the ultimate trend setter, don’t feel compelled to ride each new trend. Stay with your current systems until you find that they are holding you back. Be willing to embrace new technologies, but after they become mainstream.

3. Pick one or two news providers. I find quick apps on your phone work best. You can quickly access the day’s news a few times during the day. Some of note:

a. Google News – free
b. Your local newspaper internet version – sometimes you have to subscribe to get all the articles.
c. Fox News – free
d. CNN – free
e. Yahoo News – free

Note that every news provider has its own biases, so pick the one you’re most comfortable with.

4. As the number of people using social media has exploded the response time it takes to get back to people using media has lagged. Keep in mind that it is more important to keep a timely dialogue going with friends and potential customers than it is to keep a broadcast on your social media current. Communication is a two way street. Make sure you’re responding to people in a timely manner.

5. Less can be more productive. Don’t get bogged down in complex technology systems that you know you won’t use on a regular basis. Only use technology you feel comfortable using or are will to take steps to learn to use correctly.

6. The better organized you are the more current you can stay on top of changing events. Use different technologies to supplement one another. Maybe use your mobile device for pure texting of simple responses on your work or personal e-mail account and to check news updates. Use your tablet or laptop for responding to more complex work e-mails and to work on work projects. If you still use a desk top save that for more complex projects that might require multiple screens, programs and documents.

7. Maximize productivity by syncing all of your files to every device. Consider using services like:

a. Dropbox;
b. iCloud; or
c. Google Drive.

To store your files on the Cloud.

Remember with a fast paced work and social environment, chaos is always a step away. You need to stay organized to stay productive. Stay current in a world of change.