Becoming "unplugged" in today's Tech World

When I can help a business reach their marketing goals, I am psyched.   However, I am a mom too and am just as psyched sitting at my kid's basketball game or helping them with a 4-H project.  

Since starting my marketing company, I have been working at building my business.  My dad owned his own business so I understood going in the hours, the dedication, the commitment.   When I was 10, I was trained on the proper way to answer a phone and take a complete message.  We had a business phone at our home. 

With technology today, you can be available 24/7 from wherever you are.  There are networking meetings, social networks, groups, apps and more to make sure we never miss a beat.  It can be exhausting if you are not careful.

Here's a little thing I know - you don't get these years back.  My parents have passed away.  One when I was 24 and my mom last year.  Both too young.  So, when I work with customers (or even my own business), I try to find solutions that will power up their business but will also make life easier. 

For instance, I sat with a mom at a volleyball game and downloaded a scanner for her so she can be on location and scan important documents on her phone.   I also just converted an email sign up on a customer's website to be automated so he no longer has to worry about sending a coupon response - I designed one that now sends automatically.  If I can help someone find a way to get more time with family and friends, it is thrilling.  

Technology can also help you be in touch with your kids (text, email, skype).  Here are some fun ways I have used technology to share my love:

*  Set a calendar appointment on their phone while I am working that says, "I love you".  So, they get a beep and there is a calendar message from me.  :)    When I had to travel for work, I used this all the time and set daily messages of love while I was away.  
*  Scanned photo of them as baby and texted it to them with a "The best day ever was when you were born!"    They love seeing themselves as baby/toddlers.
*  Recorded a song and then sent it to them.  I have even done this via email with friends.  Sometimes you just find a song that says so much.  :)
*  Downloaded one of their favorite songs on their phones and then left a note the next day to check their song list.  Great for a reward or a "go get 'em" day.

There are so many ideas.   Bottom line, use technology to enhance your life, not control it.  :)