Our society has experienced a serious technology boom over the past 15 years and has forced new ways for offices to operate. Financial advisors are not immune to these changes in technology. Technology adoption may sound intimidating to some but ultimately it is a necessity to keep your practice moving forward.
“I like things the way they are.”
“Everything is running just fine.”
“I don’t have time for new technology.”
“Adding technology is too expensive.”
Do any of these sound familiar? It’s important to realize that those entering the workforce are utilizing the latest technology in everything they do. This trend is putting the pressure on offices to learn how to adopt, work and keep up with technology.
Here are my top 3 reasons why it’s necessary for you to keep up with technology in the workplace and questions you should be asking yourself and your firm:
- Stay relevant. Millennials joining the workforce today maintain a level of technological knowledge that far exceeds previous generations. Avoid becoming irrelevant in today’s industry by opening up your mind to the possibilities of how technology can help you become more marketable, efficient and profitable. Does your current firm offer ongoing training and consultations on how to better use technology in your everyday practice? Do you know what’s available at your current firm and how it could benefit you?
- Social media works! Now more than ever it’s important for you to have a basic understanding of social media, how it works and how it can help your practice. From generating leads to basic client communication, social media can play a huge part in your success. It’s important to know what people are talking about and how you should interact with them. Not to discount traditional campaigns via email or postcard but social media is quickly surpassing those avenues with each passing day. If you don’t engage in social media, you run the risk of becoming irrelevant faster than you can favorite, tweet or post this blog! What does your current firm provide when it comes to social media training and implementation? Does your firm assist in the creation of various social media accounts and help with various posting topics?
- Stay organized while creating efficiencies. The days of microfiche, floppy disks and file cabinets are long gone! It’s an entirely different world out there. Imagine a world of integration where all of your client files and accounts are at your fingertips and can be accessed with the simple push of a button. Imagine a world of automated systems and processes so you actually have time to focus on what is most important to you…your clients. Utilizing technology in the workplace allows you to optimize time management while improving productivity and efforts. Staying organized and creating efficiencies equals increased profitability and deeper relationships. How does your current firm help you run an efficient practice? Do they provide integrated systems and automated processed so you can focus on doing what you love?
Keep in mind these are only three reasons out of many when it comes to the importance of keeping up with technology in the workplace. Don’t get stuck in a rut and refuse to change your ways because of your existing routines. Technology is always changing. Are you willing to change with it or risk becoming irrelevant?
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