MARTIN CARTER tells us how to stay focused on the internet
appetite for information surpasses any ability we might have to absorb the information. Everyone has a website, perhaps a
A
Facebook page or a Twitter feed and we are constantly bombarded by the digital advertising which is linked to our web browsing experience. You might think that when I was invited to write this article that I would want to perhaps explore with you the extraordinary possibilities now afforded by digital publishing (this magazine being an excellent example of the medium). In fact I would like to use this opportunity
to focus on one word, assimilation. With so many ways to achieve a marketing objective in the digital age, it seems that everyone wants us to see their message and sign up for the next big thing. We are constantly bombarded with details many of which are simply inappropriate for our consumption.
s a technology consultant I am often asked about how to best promote products and services in this digital age. It seems that nowadays our
I liken the new digital age to a visit to
Times Square in New York, it is a sensory explosion and one which our brains eventually learn to tune out. So my fi rst message for you all is to take
time out from the digital age to assimilate the useful information and discard the rest. Take time away from Facebook, mobile phones, Blackberries. Twitter and the computer screen, sit down with the best technology of all, your brain, and focus on your goals. Use that fi lter to help you when you do
re-engage with technology, you may be surprised at how much more focus is derived from setting those goals. And fi nally, I want to leave you all with one
simple but effective tip. If you see something when you are
browsing which ISN’T part of your focus, bookmark it and forget it. Give yourself time once a week to review
bookmarks and delete those which are not relevant. You may fi nd that this one tip helps you to use the tools rather than lose yourself in the tools. b
lates Calls in Real Time An app offering real-time translations will allow Japanese speakers to talk with for- eigners over the phone with both parties using their native tongue. NTT Docomo - the country's biggest
mobile network - will initially convert Japanese to English, Mandarin and Ko- rean, with other languages to follow. The products have the potential to let
companies avoid having to use specially trained multilingual staff, helping them cut costs. They could also aid tourism. Of course, the software involved cannot
offer perfect translations, but it is another step on the way towards opening the world to greater understanding!
Be A Powerful Online Networker
The online world gives you amazing opportunities to meet new contacts, create business partnerships and promote your products ..
Invest time in your networking. Most online social networks do not cost money
but they do require time. If you want to a strong online presence you not only need the time to plant the seeds, you need to spend time nuturing it and helping it grow.
Master Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin fi rst. There's lots of social
networking tools but only a few really matter. Get to grips with the main ones fi rst and then you can try others. Some social networking tools are targeted towards different industries so you don't have to maintain a profi le on each one.