With the rapid changes that are occurring in the digital world, how does one stay up-to-date? And how do we determine what changes are necessary for us to implement specifically? Let's find out...
Technology is a major part of our daily lives. It’s interwoven into the landscapes that comprise our activities, interactions and work. We rely heavily upon its existence in every imaginable sector and appreciate now, perhaps more than we did before the pandemic, the benefits of living in a technological age (despite the challenges).But with the ever increasing developments and growth, how do we stay up to date? Especially those industries, who historically maintain “it has always been done this way?” How do we counter that underlying resistance and replace the fear of change and of possible irrelevance with a new outlook? My experience speaking with those within the manufacturing sector has revealed that these are legitimate concerns and definitely worth addressing.
First off, one of my favorite quotes is “knowledge is power,” (for those of you familiar with the School House Rock theme song from the 80s...yes, a bit of nostalgia for you). And what better way to stay up to date and abreast of the current climate than to invest in great resources and learn from them. We wield the power to determine our future by the choices we make today. Success begins with that first step and manifests as a result of consistency and diligence. If we lack knowledge, then we must seek it out.
Each of us learns and processes information differently, and with that in mind, here are some suggestions for learning and staying up to speed with technology that will appeal to all types of styles:
Web content is your friend
The internet is a world of infinite possibilities and information right at your fingertips. You have access to blogs, podcasts, various forums, diverse resources from companies that you trust, or simply query Google (or Google Scholar if you have more of an erudite bent) and you’ll open the door to a plethora of information.
But don’t stop there, consider signing up for the top building material manufacturer’s newsletter to stay in the loop and learn from the best. Your goal is to find resources that provide you with news, updates, trends, and other pertinent information within the industry all in one place. Don’t forget quarterly reports--these can be very insightful, along with reliable, peer-reviewed articles, you can’t go wrong.
Follow, follow, follow...social media accounts within the industry
LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and even Twitter can be resource gold mines because they connect you with experts within the building material industry from across the globe. Gaining multiple perspectives can truly enhance your understanding of the intersections of technology, location, culture, and economy and how this translates into the world in which we live. This insight could also provide a gauge for forecasting upcoming trends and changes within the industry.
A variety of sources can be a good thing
Consider the type of medium you lean towards when it comes to acquiring information. For some, it’s easier to turn on the news than to refer to pages in The Economist. It doesn’t necessarily matter whether you choose books, magazines, newspapers, white papers, or a scholarly academic report. However, diversifying the media you turn to will assist you in learning more and perhaps inspire ideas that weren’t previously considered.
And while we’re on the topic, don’t underestimate the power of YouTube and video tutorials in general for engaging learning opportunities. Which is a nice segue into the next method…
Virtual learning and events--the world is your classroom
Maybe you’re inspired by the idea of delving deeper into the world of technology but know yourself well enough to admit that you need structure and direction to optimize your educational opportunities. Well, the answer can be found in Coursera, or even online schools like Lamar University, which provide structure and guidance as you work towards your goal.
On the other hand, virtual events allow you the flexibility to connect with others within the industry and learn from one another’s experiences. The events range in size from small and intimate gatherings to large, conference-like settings. You will have ample opportunities to make connections with those in and outside of the industry,
Regardless of the path that you choose to take to become more technologically informed, remember, it’s not only what you have that matters--it’s what you do with what you have that makes all the difference. So as you glean more knowledge from the wealth of information at your disposal, don’t forget to put it to good use.
You have the power to determine your success. Technology is a tool that when used properly in conjunction with the “illimitable power of the [open] human mind”, along with consistency, can lead to unimaginable successes.