“I just don't understand computers. I have gottenalong without them so far, why should I start now? ” “I would like tohave a website, but I don't know anything about how to set one up –what should I do?” “With pedophiles, internet cons, and identity theftout there why should I use a computer?” Whether you are technophobic,a person who fears modern technology gadgets, or knows someone who is,this blog is for you (them). While, the media helps fuel the horrorsabout technology, the solution is to be more educated about what isgoing on in the tech world as it really does make our lives easier. Ifyou are stranded with a flat tire, a cell phone call for a tow truck iseasy as 1-2-3. Having a business website opens the doors for people allover the world to learn about your business and purchase what you make.By setting up an online payment account it makes it easier to payreoccurring monthly bills. I find it most useful to find raw materialsuppliers easier and compare prices with others via the internet.Technology is all around us and helping those who are techonophoic seeit as not something scary but easy and fun, can help bridge the gapbetween people of different ages/generation gaps. Here's my adviceregarding learning how to use computers and other tech gadgets.
Question24 – What can I do to be less technophobic and use technology to helpme build my art business.
Go to stores, the library, and visitfriends who have computers if you don't have one. The best thing youcan do is actually look at them and touch them and learn what buttons dowhat. What you might find is that a computer is much like a typewriteryet instead of paper you have a t.v. hooked up to it. A lot of peoplehave fears that they might break their computer. The answer is, if youtake the time to learn just what a computer is, how it works, and howyou can operate one, you will be less likely to do something harmful tothe computer.
The next step is to take a class at a communitycollege, library, or a YMCA to learn how to use a computer and basicsoftware that comes with a computer. A simple course in Computers 101will tell you not only what a computer is and how it works, but how tooperate it in just a few simple steps. When you are done with a basicclass there are other classes available to help you learn software,build websites, and even learn how to do certain computer art forms.
Computerscan help those who have art/craft businesses too. Some basic skillswhen used with a standard computer you can set-up an email account andsearch the world wide web (also known as the internet). Being able toconnect to the internet opens the doors for finding art fairs, locatingmultiple art suppliers and purchase supplies online, find articles andinformation on experts in your medium, and that is just the tip of theice berg. As you find using computers easy to use, explore softwarelike Quickbooks or Microsoft Money to manage your finances, read booksor explore websites to help you decide whether you should create yourown website or have someone else design it, and play with desktoppublishing software so you can design and print your own business cards,letter head and product description tags /name signs (great when usedat art fairs).
If you know people who falls into this category,do them a favor and print out this blog and share it with them to shedsome light on why computers and technology are useful. Care to sharehow you got over your technophobia – use the comment button and tell uswhy you choose to embrace technology.
Lastly, I will be taking 1week for some R&R and while I am gone I want you all to vote, viathe comment button, for what you want the next Question for this blogseries to be. Choose from “How do I write a Press Release” or “Why do Ineed business insurance if I already have homeowners insurance” or“How early is too early to start pushing Christmas/Winter holidaycraft/art?” Have a nice weekend and wonderful 4th of July weekendeverybody! - Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com
