PREFACE
The Age of ZIP!
The age of ZIP! has arrived and will forever change the way we work and succeed. ZIP! is a new business philosophy that takes the view that the fastest way to boost performance is to focus on technology skills versus time management. I developed this idea as a result of analyzing five powerful business trends:
The Tech-Immersion Trend The average knowledge worker now spends more than 80 percent1 of the day using technologies such as Outlook, the web, IM, iPad, and smart-phones. Even meetings are scheduled via e-calendars and are more virtual than ever. As a result, the value of learning tech tips has soared.
The Scratch-the-Surface Trend Today, we’re handed a computer, tablet, or phone and are expected to magically master all its features. “Here’s your iPad. Good luck!” Incredibly, 98 percent2 of busy professionals only discover the most superficial tech features. The most common thing I hear when teaching ZIP! Tips is “Wow! I never knew I could do that!”
The Tech-Obsession Trend Let’s face it; we’re obsessed with our devices. In fact, 80 percent of all professionals get mad at colleagues who pay more attention to their smart-phones than to them!
The Use-It-Forever-Everywhere Trend Initially, my publisher worried that new software releases would make this book obsolete. Not so! Most of the Outlook tips, such as creative ways to drag and drop e-mails to convert them into contacts, tasks, and calendar items, have been present in the last five software releases. Also, most ZIP! Tips now work on products from many different manufacturers including Microsoft, Apple, and Google. The trend is toward software and advice that lasts and is flexible.
The Time-Crunch Trend We are constantly being asked to do more with less time and resources. This increases the need for short and effective learning experiences and solutions that are quick to learn and easy to use.
I hope you’ll join me on an extraordinary journey to a better, smarter, and faster you, who feels more relaxed and in control.
Enjoy your success!