I havent posted in several months. Im not happy about that and Ive been puzzling over it for the last couple of weeks. Ive come to realize the major reason I havent written regularly is because Ive been a bit fuzzy about why and what I want to post here on this blog. Everything I know about writing can be boiled down to one basic fact: if I dont know why Im writing, I cant do it.
In the marketing world, there is something called an elevator pitch, meaning when a sales person is standing in an elevator with his customer, he has only a limited time to explain what he is selling and how it can solve a problem.
Heres my elevator pitch:
Advanced Computer serves a mix of home and commercial computer users, and working with them offers me almost daily challenges in solving their problems and/or educating them in the best use of their computers to make their lives and jobs easier. The problem is that when I do my job well, I often dont see some customers for months on end. As a general rule, this is sort of a negative business plan in that I only hear from them when they have problems and once I solve their problems, we dont have any more contact.
I have the best customers in the world. They invite me to stay for dinner, leave little plates of chocolate beside the computer for me, give me produce from their gardens. They trust me with their house keys, their pets, and recommend me to their friends and family. My business customers joke about assigning me a parking place, also give me keys to their buildings and trust my advice on everything from purchasing new equipment to installing upgrades (sometimes they shouldnt and I let them know that!).
While I am working, my customers and I discuss many things, including but not restricted to computer hardware and software. We talk about local and national issues, whats wrong with kids today, health and safety. We talk business, family and yes, even politics and religion. I tell them about new trends in computers and software, they tell me what frustrates or baffles them about using their equipment.
This blog is my way to stay in touch with them during those periods when Ive done my job well and dont need to be onsite or by their side. Here I will post my thoughts on many things that my customers have discussed with me over the years. I hope to share little tips with them, give them advice on use or purchase, warn them about new threats to their online safety, inform them of exciting new trends or developments.
And sometimes, just because I really like my customers as people, I may share non-technology thoughts with them here. I hope they will think of this blog as a visit from me without the drama of having to call me to solve a problem!
Thats my elevator pitch and Im standing by it!