Era of Unlimited Possible Connection

In today’s business world, it seems like we are completely dominated by the technological world - computers, apps, software, internet, AI, etc. The general consensus among academicians is we are in the fourth industrial revolution, the Internet Age.  The nature of any industrial revolution is it changes everything. However, I propose that especially when it comes to technology and the internet, we are stuck in ways of working from the past. 

In the previous ways of working, what we  have named “the labor tradition,” the primary context is: if people work hard, stay motivated, and apply themselves while relying on the common sense business knowledge, training, and tools of the day, you can accomplish anything.

When we are stuck in the above context, and aren’t intentional about moving into a new context for our current era, we end up using technology as a tool to work harder and get more done.

I propose that we are all buying and using technology as super-powerful tools that are used to help get work done. This is why virtually everyone experiences more work because of their computer.

I hear so many complaints from all the business professionals and companies I work with about too many emails, always being online and connected to work, etc.

So how can we move from using these powerful tools to get more work done, to using them to fulfill our own intentions? 

What Transforms a Tool?

In almost all cases knowing how to operate a tool reveals the intentions of the tool. That is why so many people still operate as if learning to use their computer, including becoming experts in software applications and various apps, is equivalent to fulfilling the intentions of having a computer. Unfortunately, this has nothing to do with knowing how to “use” computers and the internet to fulfill your intentions. 

What transforms a tool are the intentions one has in using it. A tool has no objective existence as a tool. You bring tools into existence with your language, intentions, and actions. Until you have the intention to use technology to think and act effectively and differently to fulfill your intentions (especially the ultimate intention – your Calling), technology is using you! You are not using it. 

How you intend to use something transforms it into the tool it becomes.

For example, we all know a hammer is for hammering nails. This is common sense and common knowledge. As a result, we think hammering nails is inherently related to the hammer, which puts an end to any new thinking or speculation to learn anything new about a hammer. However, if I pick up a hammer and think to use it as a doorstop, my intentions and actions transform the “thing” we call a hammer into a doorstop.

We fall into the illusion that individual tools specify or determine people’s intentions and skills when in fact it is the other way around! We fall into this illusion easily because the physical shape and operations of almost all single-purpose tools, make it impossible to produce more than a single outcome. Moreover, the way it operates also seemingly reveals the intention it was designed to help people fulfill.

The Limitations on Technology From the Past Era

When we are given a new tool, we almost always use it with the same intentions, skills, and awareness we already have. 

We propose that when you look at technology, you already know the intentions and skills needed based on what worked in the past with “old” tools.

This is critical to see, so you can avoid all the misleading and distracting claims made in popular culture about what is and is not possible to accomplish with technology, computers, and the internet.

The businesspeople and professionals who create, design and invent empowering narratives, compelling offers and new conversations “win” in the rapidly changing world of where we are now - Industrial Revolution #4.

In previous eras, it was “true” that hard work, determination, busyness and reliance on common sense business knowledge increased productivity, value and gave a pathway to success. This way of working is no longer effective in the Internet Age.

Using Technology in A New Era

Business is social, not technological or mechanical. It’s about people and what they care about, not technology, not computers, nor any other tools for that matter.

Marketing computers as if they are more important, exciting, and capable than the people who use them may be effective, but it is misleading. The thinking that is promoted is that if I use some of the multitude of over a million business and software applications available I will become more competitive. Then, if I combine this with my determination and common sense…Wow! Look out world!!!

Having a computer and knowing how to operate it is important BUT it isn’t remotely competitive in Industrial Revolution #4.

Advertisers, “thought leaders” and others may serve their agendas by speaking dramatic fantasies and futures about computers and AI. Everyday mundane activities such as running a business, doing accounting, and scheduling meetings are glamorized with products such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, etc.  

The Simple Truth About Technology

The simple truth about computers and the internet – about technology – in Industrial Revolution #4 is that they are not the point at all!

All customers, employees, colleagues and vendors care about is having access to the support they need to fulfill their financial, career, business, and life intentions. Just ask them. Designing a fresh, new offer with a computer and connecting with multitudes via the internet isn’t about the computer any more than writing a book is about the pencil or catching a fish is about the rod. It’s about what the customers, employees, colleagues and vendors value and care about and having the support/pathway/access they need to take care of their concerns, cope with situations, increase their capabilities, or execute a strategy.

In a very real way, technology has changed nothing! It can’t. It’s not possible. It has no intention to change anything. It just sits there. It doesn’t generate intention.

Hammers don’t put nails into wood. Bicycles don’t ride people to the park. Tennis rackets don’t hit winning serves. And computers don’t produce compelling conversations, narratives, and offers. People do. People who are designing and creating steady streams of fresh, new offers and narratives, including ones that people have never imagined before are changing the world! 

Are you going to be one of those people?

An Era of Unlimited Possible Connection

It is possible to use technology and Networks of Contribution to amplify your intentions (and skills) so you can generate wealth and change the world in the process - and your computers won’t be doing anything in the process. What matters is people, their intentions, and what we care about - not the tools we use to fulfill our intentions.

We inherited that working hard and using common knowledge was how to compete. In this current era and time that no longer works. 

The question I want to leave you with is: What then is technology + the internet as a possibility? 

I invite you to see technology + the internet as the Possibility of Unlimited Connection. 

The fundamental intention for technology + the internet for you can be to design compelling offers and narratives and connect, connect, connect. Your intention can include communicating  commitments and coordinating thoughts and actions that bring forth new futures.

It’s a pretty amazing time to be alive and be in business in this era!