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margins than the competition. Those spending the least on IT and with poor standards of tech savvy earn
55
32% lower margins than their competitors.

Tips to develop Tech savvy
1. Not sure where to start? Prioritize what will make the most difference. There are millions of
technologies out there, with more being created every day. Chances are that you will only be called
upon to understand and use a small fraction of them. Tech savvy involves determining the right
innovations for the benefit of the organization. It doesn’t mean throwing out what already works well in
favor of something unproven and novel. The innovations used at work tend to be both more useful
than what existed before (think of e-mail versus fax machines) and easier to use (think of small,
elegant tablet devices versus huge desktop computers). If you are overwhelmed by the sheer number
of options technology provides, ask which ones will make your work easier, better, and more efficient.
There’s no victory in being the first adopter of a new technology that isn’t compatible with what
customers or suppliers use. Similarly, it’s not a wise investment to plunge precious dollars into a
technology that will likely be supplanted by something far better and cheaper in just six months.

2. Technophobic? Shift your attitude about technology. Many people find technology more daunting
than exciting. It can be frustrating to be faced with a tool that you have no idea how to use. You may
find yourself making basic mistakes or getting confused by some of the simpler features. Perhaps it
feels like everyone gets it, but you. Don’t let this deter you. View technology as a tool to help you be
more successful, not as something that gets in the way, is irritating, or makes you feel inadequate.
Remember, everyone starts off as a novice when learning new technologies. Focus on the benefits
the technology provides, not the trouble it might initially cause you. Get comfortable being an amateur
with new technology. Have confidence that one day you will master it.

3. Learn best through others? Seek out formal and informal experts. Desktop Support? IT
Helpdesk? Executive Services? Tech support comes from many different directions in different
organizations. But experts do not always have job titles that lead you to them. They’re everywhere, in
all sorts of roles. The people who love to discover by playing with technology. Those who just
naturally gravitate to the digital solution for everything. Scope out your colleagues and others in the
organization who always seem to have the latest tech gadget first. Learn what technology does for
them. How does it save time? What doors does it open? What does it replace? What does it add to
their day that’s missing from yours? Most people good at something don’t mind having a few
apprentices around.

4. Need a good reference? Get support online. Most technologies—software or hardware—have
online support. People who create technology want you to use it, so there are often many online
tutorials, documents, and discussion boards to facilitate learning. Independent sites where users can
read experts’ thoughts on new technologies and hear about others’ experiences in applying them.
Online communities offer the flexibility to research on your own with a safety net of anonymity.
Crowdsourcing is a user-driven way to show how digital innovations play out in practice.

5. Prefer to learn in a formal setting? Take a class. Your local college or trade school likely offers
nighttime or weekend courses on various digital and technology topics. Look into community groups
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