Stephen Nold

Wear Your Helmet
June 29, 2007

It is tough for small associations and meeting planners to develop the courage required for technology investments.  Since the purchase of software represents a significant impact on their budget, many smaller organizations move forward in trepidation as they debate the value and benefit of a new tool.  Last week at the IAEE - Central Texas Chapter meeting, less than five percent of the audience had participated in an event with matchmaking software or had sought out social networking tools for their own organization.    

Purchasing innovation is like learning to ride a bicycle.  No one can do it for you.  You just have to place your rump on the seat and start pedaling.  Fears and worries do not remove the risk and some beginners do end up with a scratched knee or elbow.  I worried that the city of Austin would send me a bill for all the pavement gashes caused by my two boys as they were learning to ride.  Despite all the precautions, injuries happen.  Nevertheless, I would never tell my children to stay away from their bicycle.  I would tell the same thing to meeting professionals: wear your helmet, listen to advice, understand your challenge and then place your rump on the seat and start riding.  You may fall a couple of times, but ultimately, the reward of sound solutions will make it worth the investment.

Posted by Stephen Nold on June 29, 2007 | Comments (0)