The World's Best Tools

This week I was talking with a colleague about technology and computers, and told her about my policy of replacing our office computers every 18 months, or sooner. She exclaimed that she couldn't afford that, and my comment was that I couldn't afford not to.

The rule is that the most productive workers, and ultimately the most successful people, always have the best tools. Period.

To earn more, you must know and produce more, and that requires better tools. For most of us, our key tools are our knowledge, our computers, and the colleagues we associate with every day.

1. That means you must learn more. Continuous learning is a must. Brian Tracy points out that if you read one book per week, in ten years you will have read 500 books, and then he asks this question: 'Would reading 500 books give you an edge over your competitors, knowing that most people never read at all?' I think the answer is obvious.

2. It means investing in the best equipment. I replace our computers because I do not want 'down time'. I replace them as insurance against failed hard drives and burned out chips. I replace them (and up-grade our software) because I trust Murphy's Law that if systems CAN fail, they WILL fail, and at the worst possible moment. I want our office to be a 'problem-free zone' where we work without frustration or distraction. Get good equipment.

3. Expand your network. There is great truth that 'it's who you know that counts'. My network of amazing people have the answers to almost any question, they assist me, and they support my clients. It's the network that provides me with what I need, when I need it, virtually every time.

To earn more, get better tools.

Copyright (c) 2003, all rights reserved. U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: 1529-059X From The Innovative Professional's (TIP's) Letter Sunday June 29, 2003 Written & Published by Philip E. Humbert, PhD Contact him at: www.philiphumbert.com or email Coach@philiphumbert.com