For decades my mantra has been that success on the net is not about technology, it's about connecting with people. More than a mantra, marketing tagline or mission statement, the concept hit home recently while working with a client on a digital security challenge. I brought all of my technology expertise to the table of course, but it's what I did with my Smartphone that created a wow moment for my client. I called in the experts. A team member expressed amazement that not only did I have a resource to call, it was one who responded to the challenge.

The 2 am Call

If you needed help in the middle of the night, who could you call? Not just call, but who would be willing to get out of bed and make things happen, right there and then? Nathan Maingi of DialTheGeek.com is just such a person. I think of him as my IT Clark Kent from Kenya. I simply called, and Nathan responded. Calm, reassuring, focused, Nathan not only removes viruses, he removes anxiety, restores calm, rebuilds trust. Who are your Nathans? If you don't have a team, or even a Digital Army of One, here are tips for getting started.

Grow a Standing Army

Standing as in trained and ready to go. If your hardware breaks, who are you going to call? Start building a list of recruits right now, before you need them.

Take a Geek to Lunch

"An army marches on its stomach." - Napoleon. Keep your digital army well fed and they will be there when you need them. Besides, it will create an opportunity to discuss strategy, instead of making it up in the middle of a crisis.

Enlist

Join their Army and develop a mutual defense pact. To expect commitment, be committed.

Train Hard

Everyone talks about the importance of data backup. The question, "Have you attempted a restore?" is often met with silence. Make sure your team is ready to respond before they are needed.

Award Medals

Although they would downplay the designation, people like Nathan are heroes, and should be accorded respect. Take a moment today to seek out one of your heroes and pin a medal on their chest.

Peacetime

The client is once again safe and secure, but my Army stands ready to respond the next time a digital dilemma rears its ugly head. How about yours?