What is the “right” tool for the job?
The answer is simple.
It’s the tool that works for you.
I read a really interesting article this morning from Lifehacker about a plain text to-do list. The title alone gave me shivers as I am a big proponent of various task management software such as NirvanaHQ and Remember the Milk. As I read the article I had an amazing epiphany: The tools I use are not the “right” tools, they are the “right” tools for me.
If you are using a tool or a process that is giving you the results that you want, then you have no need for a new tool.
No matter what anyone tells you or tries to sell you, the “right” tool for the job is the one that gets you the results you want.
The possibility of a better tool.
In Philadelphia, we got hit with some serious snow. This morning I was shoveling the sidewalk in front of my house when my neighbor offered me “a better shovel.” I wasn’t particularly thrilled with how my shovel was handling the snow and ice, and I looked over at his sidewalk, which was extraordinary…
…so I accepted. His shovel was far better. He then offered me a hoe, which was also an incredibly useful tool for dealing with ice. I immediately had my wife go online and order the same shovel and a hoe.
His tools were better, and I could clearly see that from his sidewalk, meanwhile I was struggling with my own tools. I had a need for a better tool.
Social Media sites and applications are a set of tools
Let’s not forget that, in business, we use these channels for a purpose. The truth is that if your business is running smoothly, you have enough customers, your clients are happy; you might not need any of these tools. Believe it or not there are plenty of businesses nowadays that don’t even have a website…seriously, no joke.
I love this stuff. Social Media for me is not just a job, it’s FUN! Obviously I want to work with companies and show them the cool tools that I’m using. Obviously I think these tools are a better way to connect with customers or promote a brand, but that doesn’t mean they ARE better.
No matter how good my sales pitch is, I always want you to think if you are already getting what you want with the tools you are using. If not, then let’s talk.