Can’t Speak the Language- Which Language?
Computer ease requires understanding and speaking another language. How did I ever get this far? I’ll give you an example of speaking ‘my way’ and the technical way.
Can You Help Me? “What seems to be the problem?” said my Apple Care Representative.
MY PROBLEM
“Last night I was uploading photos into a graphic editor program to create jewelry business related posts and then something happened. I think I was going too fast and it got stuck. I had a lot of work to get done and wanted to feature some new jewelry designs. Couldn’t afford to waste time, so I opened email and downloaded an article and then that got stuck too, so I switched to another email address and cleared that backlog. Then I was clicking everywhere and couldn’t get any of these things to go away or minimize.”
“I see Roslyn, I do understand. You couldn’t quit any of the programs.”
“Yes, that’s it- How clearly and simply you expressed that”.
So often when we think we are baffled by this new language of technology, it isn’t the technical terms like embedded texts, back links, keywords, SEO but concise ways to express what we need. No webinar or tutorial can really teach me that. Probably only going through the experience and being fortunate to have the support and guidance of technical assistants can get me though the maze.
Gratitude
About 2 years into creating a handmade jewelry business, I learned I needed to capture emails, send out frequent newsletters and I needed a website. I chose two companies to work with without knowing much about the factors to help make my choice. All the technical reps I dealt with guided me through basics, templates, and navigation 24/7. Each time I called I expressed my appreciation for their guidance and wisdom. They have helped demystify technology for me.
Who is Helping Now?
Now, however since rebranding, my website and blog are together on wordpress. I don’t have a technical person to help me. Instead I do have wonderful people I have met in Facebook groups. Of course there is always a google search and videos to guide me through the ever changing technology landscape.
I do anticipate as I explore new platforms and continue to take on challenges, I will be baffled, stumped and leave with a feeling that I can’t catch up. The one area I feel confident about are the designs, beads, materials and necklaces we make for our customers.
What we Offer
We mostly send out a seasonal newsletter where we offer tips, coupons, specials, new featured pieces . We don’t share your email address either. You can subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here: http://earthandmoondesign.com/contact/
We look forward to seeing you and serving you in 2014.
Comments 24
Sometimes it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the computer technology and sometimes we just have to slow down and take one bite at a time! It is so easy to get frustrated when the computer will not go where you want.
What I have learned Terri is that it does happen even to those with more tech skills than mine. I do like having people I can call or ask and I just keep learning. I also remind myself how far I’ve come so I don’t feel ‘dopey’ when I’m stuck.
Thanks for sharing this great article, I enjoyed reading this! 🙂
I think we can all relate to this post! In my case, I probably know enough tech to be dangerous! LOL My motto is to learn “enough” and outsource the rest. It makes running my business much easier.
Someday Martha I would love to hire a VA, however I have always wanted to know and understand how to do x, Y and Z.
I can relate to this.. i have been doing tech supp for many years, and have spoken to people with this exact issue.. It gets frustrating, but in the end it all works out,
Kungphoo, It happens a lot when I try to find how to explain a problem and don’t know the correct terminology. Usually tech support understands and I end up learning something.
I definitely know how tech-speak can be overwhelming or seem like Klingon! (I used to be a project mgmt/tech consultant). But I love how you have become somewhat fearless and have reached out to build a network of folks to help and taken the steps to investigate on Google/YouTube. That is great!
Isn’t technology grand, until it goes wrong. I don’t think there’s too many things more frustrating than an uncooperative computer system 🙂 But you got help, got it sorted and are moving on to the next challenge, that’s the most important thing.
It’s easy to get lost in the ever evolving world of technology. Looks like you are doing a great job staying ahead of the curve
Veronica, Jackie and A.Lynn, thanks for your vote of confidence.
I admire your wish to understand how things work. I generally share that wish but sometimes my brain hurts just thinking about it! 🙂 In general, though, I’m a figure-it-out type of person, so it sounds like we have that in common.
Roz, not only do we need to learn the language initially … but it keeps changing because the technology changes so quickly. I’m fluent in four languages (real languages, not referring to “computer-eze”) and what is nice is that they don’t change much at all! 😉 Congrats on the marvelous progress you’ve made integrating technology and your lovely creations!
Roslyn, I know we can all relate to computer problems – even those who work on computers on a daily basis. It does look like you are doing an excellent job at staying ahead of the curve! You are an absolute inspiration, Roslyn!
Sharon O’Day and Robin Strohmaier, thanks ladies for your vote of cpnfidence and complements. Coming from such savvy women encourages me to keep on going.
Whenever I get overwhelmed with technology, I just take a deep breath… tell myself I can do this, slow down… and focus. It’s never failed me yet! Getting frenzied is a sure way to failure for me. Gotta keep these old cells working properly! Tee-hee… It’s exercise for the mind!
Wow! I have spent almost an entire week stumped publishing a new blog. Finally just about an hour ago, I got it published. Navigating all the computer techie stuff is certainly a challenge for me at times. You are so correct in that when we ask a question for help, we often complicate the problem by not keeping it simple in easy to understand language. Thanks for the encouragement for seniors like me.
Pst, I suspect ou and I share similar frustrations and reactions. Often, I think the glitch is me- and it turns out it is the program going thru changes and updates. That what happened this week on word press. We can move ahead and the key is to keep asking for help.
Yes the technology and technicalities of the computer can be daunting sometimes. It can be a real headache, it’s nice when things get all figured out. Earth Moon Design looks great!
Thanks Gilly for looking and liking the website. We continue to tweak, test and make changes. Fortunately I have a web master for that, but the day to day things I need to do, sometimes goes astray. I am a mover and a shaker and so I get stuck but not stopped. I get frustrated and seek help, I get discouraged and walk away to return to it the next day. Probably like that with marathon training.
I enjoyed hearing about your journey Roz. It resonates because we’ve all been there, trying to get support for technical problems and hoping the person on the other end ‘get’s it’ AND will be helpful too. The fact that you have persevered really has made a positive contribution to your success. You are definitely on the right track Bravo!
Thank Dawn, I know you know. I got very hooked the first few years and was convinced it was me. A friend said I was a broken record about technology and my complaints. I stopped in my tracks and keep moving forward. Complaining was a waste of time and energy.
Hi Roslyn,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with technology. I also have gone through all kinds of learning curves and several platforms for my business. I am still learning everyday, and for the most part I find it lots of fun. Whenever I get stuck, it is not so fun. Thank goodness that does not happen as often anymore.
Have a good weekend.
LeAllyson
Author
Hi LeAllyson,
I tend to forget that we all go through tough technology learning experiences. And I agree, the learning never stops. I am finally seeing it more as a bright challenge than a dark obstacle.