My name is Susan Southerland and I am an iPhone-aholic. I admit it. I use my phone for everything. If I were to lose it, I would be lost.
It’s hard to imagine running a business without some sort of smartphone. Personally, I use it to track my travel, review my finances, send email, find restaurants, capture important business cards, and store all of my contacts. I even use it for my alarm clock. Of course through texting, email, and FaceTime, my smartphone keeps me in touch with clients, family, and friends wherever I am. Even in the shower… or at dinner … or when I’m sleeping.
You get my point. While the smartphone has made me more productive than ever, it has also invaded my private time. It’s so difficult to shut off.
Lately, I have made a conscious effort to keep it in my purse when I’m in meetings or spending time with my family and friends. I’ve also changed my settings so that I have to go into my email program for it to update so that I’m not constantly annoyed by email alerts. I’ve also turned off most alerts from my apps. I feel that by doing this I’m more present with my family and friends when we’re together. I also find that I get more out of business meetings when I’m not constantly worried about what’s going on with my phone.
While the smartphone has made us more able to react to business opportunities, it has also made us a slave to technology. I suggest breaking free from time to time. You will be amazed at how much clearer you think and how the world won’t end if you don’t immediately react to alerts.
What do you think? Is your smartphone a slave driver or a useful tool? Leave me your thoughts.
