Are you using the right tools?

Marketing can be a difficult thing to master. It’s even harder if you are using the wrong tools, or tools that are too old to do a good job.

Do your tools look like this?

If you are trying to be a fashion photographer you wouldn’t show up with a camera like this. So as a marketer, what tools do you show up with each day that shoud actually be retired? I was going through all my tools recently and have identified some areas to address.

Software:

What are you using to create graphics? If you are still using an original version of photoshop, it might be time to upgrade. There are so many advances in software these days, its amazing what you can do.
How about your office suite? Still using Office 2003? Office 2007 or my preference Office 2008 for the Mac is heads and shoulders above its predecessor, its time to upgrade.

Computers:

Are you still rocking an old Pentium 3 with Windows 98, if so, its time to upgrade. Or better yet switch to a Mac and never worry about your computer again.

Hardware:

If your camera looks like the one in the picture above its time to switch. Try something like the the Nikon D90 if you need a pro level camera, its a full digital SLR with the ability to shoot digital video. Or if that is too much, try the Nikon Coolpix P80, you get a lot of the pro features in a more easy to handle point and shoot body.
If you are still backing up files on CD’s, you are wasting a bunch of time. Hard drives and DVD burners are cheap. Use external hard drives as much as possible, but if you absolutely need a hard copy, use a DVD.
Are you still using that free plastic flip phone your cell provider gave you. If so, its time to invest in a professional level phone. Take a look at the Blackberry, iPhone, or the Treos. Your productivity will thank you.

So is this whole post about just going out and buying new stuff? No, its about saving time and producing better results. If you waste a bunch of time fighting with your tools, then that is time you could have been devoting to creating better campaigns and greater results.

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