Can you tell where I am this morning? Does it really matter? For the record, I'm at the Ritz on Grand Cayman Island. No, I didn't hit the lottery, or land a Fortune 100 client. I'm travelling with Janet for her conference. Nice to be along for the ride. Just call me Mr. Bryan this week.
There was a time when corporate letterhead included a list of remote offices in the footer. London and Hong Kong were my favorites. It created the impression of far off, distant teams working locally on your behalf. It left a lot to your imagination.
Modern communications has changed all that. Instead of "Where are you?" it's now "When are you?", as in, "When should I give you a call?" Technology has beat the exotic out of far off, distant dreams. Even worse, many business professionals simply give up, and default to email, the anytime anywhere Swiss Army Knife communications tool. The technical term is asynchronous. I think of it as out of sync.
Paradise Lost, Paradise Found
We have so many digital communications tools. It's become hard to choose which to use. Even with email access on my mobile device, I've found I miss out on first bike rides. It's hard to deliver a hug via email. I've expanded my use of texting this year. I've been pleasantly surprised.
Instead of being detached locally, I'm now connected globally, in real-time.
My exotic destinations now include San Diego, Reading, Seattle, Boston, Boulder, Kirkwood, Tempe, Grand Cayman or Key West.
Exotic not because of the locale, but because of the people who live there. My texting success has reconfirmed my belief in the true power of technology,
The Internet is not about Technology, it's about Connecting With People.
Be Present∞
I used to think texting was rude to those who were near, and that turning off your mobile device was rude to those far away. I've expanded my thinking by expanding my world view. I now use technology to Be Present, both near and far. It has made my world infinitely richer.
Insight
We are blessed to have many digital communication choices. But we need to choose wisely between being out of sync or being present. Choose technology that helps you be present with clients, friends and family.
Resources
Whenever you are in the world today, I hope it will be Just Another Day in Paradise.