3-2-1 Jump!
As with all new “breakthrough” technology, it sometimes takes a leap of faith to get started.
Back in 1980 I purchased an “agency management” system for my insurance agency. I was probably one of the first 100 agencies in the country to “automate”. Industry friends of mine where skeptical and suspicious of the promises being made with regard to the value of the “new” technology. Many agency owners saw “agency automation” as a fad, distraction, and a waste of valuable time. Others wanted to know what the expected ROI would be. The fact that data input required a keyboard meant that computers were for the “gals” in the office and had no place in management or sales. There was great resistance to changing the way business had been done for a hundred years.
Fast forward to the world of email and the Internet. Resistance to change persisted and the “excuses” remained the same. Business owners demanded proof that the technology made financial sense. Managers wanted case studies demonstrating ROI. Concern over privacy and security issues paralyzed agencies and kept them from moving forward. There was great fear that the Internet would dis-intermediate the insurance agent. Agency management didn’t have time for email nor were they comfortable empowering employees with the ability to communicate with customers in such an “informal way”.
While many resisted, there were some who understood that with the introduction of “game changing” technology, the old rules no longer apply and it is not possible to evaluate or measure business success or the potential new technology can enable based on current or existing criteria.
So, here we are today in the midst of a Social Media firestorm. Not surprisingly, the same worn arguments and excuses persist. Fear, skepticism, and resistance to change keep many from taking the leap.
It is pretty clear that agency automation, the Internet, and email were not fads. While the technology changed and evolved the business, societal, and cultural transformation endured. We now understand that when “new work” and new processes are created to leverage the power of the “new” technology great advancement happens.
It is time to jump, get wet and play with social media. Jumping is scary but it is also exhilarating. Listen and pay attention to the shifts and changes taking place. Be creative and develop new ways of doing business. If history is any indication, you will be glad you did – you will reap rewards and never look back. 3-2-1 JUMP
photo curtesy of MacAllenBrothers
