Let me begin by saying there are legitimate reasons to be wary of the ever expanding digital universe – a glut of junk information, loss of privacy, time wasting, and addiction. But there are also irrational fears at work based in part on our inherent resistance to change.
Change happens. And a good thing too. Lucky for us there was the invention of the printing press. Monks no longer toil on illuminated texts for a select few. Manual typewriters have a certain aesthetic appeal but quite frankly I was happy to throw out the rolls of correction tape.
Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons. ~ Popular Mechanics, 1949
There are those for whom the world was a much better place when we read “real” books, wrote in longhand, and used manual typewriters. There’s a wistful longing for a slower paced, more genteel life. And while I sympathize, I can’t help but feel that these people are missing a richness of experience that’s just a click away.
Television won’t matter in your lifetime or mine. ~ 1936, Richard Lambert, broadcaster
If you’re not running a small business, it probably doesn’t matter if you’re digitally savvy. But if you want to create a successful personal history business, you’ve got to stick more than your big toe into the digital stream. This doesn’t mean you have to be sucked under and drown. But it does mean that you need to be familiar with what’s out there to be able to pick and choose the digital tools that’ll help your business. Sticking your head in the sand and ignoring the wealth of resources that are available will hurt your business.
Here are a few digital resources worth considering. What would you add to this list?
- E-books: add a whole innovative and interactive realm to life stories with text, videos, photos, maps, documents, and more. Read more here and here.
- Webinars: increase marketing reach using such services as GoToWebinar.
- Blogging: build conversations and credibility with clients using a free service such as WordPress or Blogger.
- VoIP: extend interviewing reach world wide with a service such as Skype .
- Podcasting: reach a wider audience with information and support using such services as BlogTalkRadio.
- Video ads: run ads in videos with Google’s In Video.
- Booklets: turn a PDF file into a handy information booklet using BookletCreator.
- POD: print a sample copy of a book using a print-on-demand service such as Blurb.
- QR Codes: print these codes on your business cards and send clients to a URL site where they can access more information about your services, get discount coupons, access video, and more. You can create a QR Code here.
- Desktop publishing: design books, flyers, brochures, and posters with such programs as InDesign and Microsoft Publisher.
- Training: discover a list of excellent online training sites can be found in a previous post, 30 Sites That Will Boost Your Personal History Performance.
- Project management: find a list of 10 free project Management applications here.
Photo by wecand
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