What's In Plain Sight

It really wasn’t all that long ago that using the worldwide web meant getting a disc in the mail from AOL (who else was there?) and installing it on your computer. Then you’d have to unplug your phone, plug the line into the your computer, and wait for the obnoxious, and obnoxiously long, series of chirps, beeps, and bongs. You paid according to the time you used. And forget about using the phone while you surfed. No can do.

It’s easy to forget that we once thought that so new and innovative. It’s also easy to forget what else we thought of it. For most, the Internet was just a handy way to look things up or send an e-mail (wasn’t that cool?). But almost no one saw it as the cash cow that it is. Not in the beginning, at least.

Very few business-savvy people were quick to see the potential for advertising, selling, or building a brand. The Internet was seen simply as a novelty—maybe even a time-waster. What do I need a website for? was the cry of many a business. Now, it’s just accepted that your website can make or break your brand.

Let’s not forget, because by remembering, we’re more equipped to make the most of today. There’s always something new and innovative, and it almost always presents a way for you to build your business. These days, the new “time-waster” that’s just waiting for you to get savvy and cash in is social networking.

Look at the millions of people who use Facebook and Twitter—and those are just the top two social sites. There are actually gazillions of social networking avenues, each with millions of users. Clearly, the main objective of most users is to connect with friends. But if you’re not using it to your advantage in business, you might as well still be connecting with that series of chirps and bongs.

All you need is a little willingness to learn how to use the latest resources. Trust me, you’ll be left behind if you don’t. Social networking is taking over. So set aside the time.

Here’s to not missing any opportunities.