Q/A Friday: 5 Ways to Instantly Up Your Digital Appearance

Q: I think I need a digital makeover... what do you suggest?

A: Sometimes, things that were considered acceptable or even fashionable at one time can make you appear grossly out-of-touch. Exhibit A:

Image via LikeTotally80s

Get the picture? I'm going to be completely blunt here: It's no longer cute or funny to just say that you don't understand technology and are unwilling to change. There's not a snowball's chance that we're going to revert to the Yellow Pages and poofy sleeves any time soon.

If you're in, here are my top five tips for those of you looking to update your digital wardrobe.

1. Make your old email go A(OL)WOL.
Having an AOL, Hotmail or Yahoo email address is the 2012 equivalent of walking around looking like the big-haired, 80's nightmare pictured above. Transitioning to a new email address can be daunting, but it's surprisingly similar to changing your real-life address. With time and patience, it will get done.

1. Create your new email address. Might I suggest Gmail, or purchasing your own domain and running your email through Google Apps (free version)?
2. Create an email signature that draws attention to your new email address:
   
3. If you subscribe to any newsletters, update your email address in the subscription preferences
4. Update any accounts that are linked to your old address
5. If possible, forward your old email addresses to your new email address, or add additional accounts to your Gmail. Just make sure that you always respond from your new address. 
• If you cannot do either of these things with your old email account, continue checking your inbox. If something needs a response, you can either respond from your old email and notate that you have an updated address or forward the email to your new email address and respond from there.
6. Send an email to your database informing them of your new email
7. When you feel enough time has passed, delete your old email account.

2. Toss your Blackberry into a Black Hole
Take a gander at this data released by the International Data Corportation on May 24, 2012:

Chart by PC World

I'm sorry, Blackberry lovers (and Symbian and "Other"), it's time to jump shark and join the Androids and iPhones of the world. Certainly, the Blackberry was a game changer when it was first released and I will admit to envy when my brother got one and I didn't, but let's look at the glaring truth: Lesser market share means less interest from app developers, which means that your phone will quickly become less capable to the point of eventually being obsolete. Take the plunge and join the cults of Android or iOS. I promise you won't regret it.

3. Upgrade your internet experience
There is a saying among tech people: Internet Explorer is great... for downloading another browser. Like Blackberry, Internet Explorer has seen a steady decline over the past few years and currently holds an 18% market share, due mostly to its notoriety as a slow and clunky browser. There are 5 main browsers for you to choose from, though my personal recommendation would be Google Chrome. Check out your options here.
PS... if your MLS is what's holding you back, try using the Fusion version or an Internet Explorer extension (available for Chrome or Firefox).

4. Make your MVI (most valuable info) available anywhere
Account information, passwords, emergency info... never be at a loss for information again. Use a cloud-based system such as Google Drive or Dropbox to keep this information available to you at all times. Information at your fingers = faster = looks more competent = instant gratification = welcome to 2012.

5. Get familiar with a cool app, site or idea
Choose one thing that's "hip" and just be with the times. First-time homebuyers made up 37% of the market for 2011, and these are the things they tend to thrive on and feel connected through. A few suggestions:

• Shazam - mobile app which identifies a song's name, artist and other info
• Pandora or Spotify - music services which allow for personalized radio or "every song at your fingertips." 
• Pinterest - A social website dedicated to sharing and organizing with imagery (see this post).
• Memes - in today's culture, a meme is an internet phenomena such as a viral video, catchphrase or image macro and a key way in which Millennials share humor and ideas. For example, this is "Condescending Wonka":
  
  
  
  There are hundreds of memes in all shades of humor. Learn more at Know Your Meme.

BONUS: Stop sharing that you're out of touch
Perception is reality... so stop spreading the notion that you are a digital dinosaur! Make friends with Google and be a sponge for knowledge.

You will get the hang of it... I know it. 

Thumbs up for Rock and Roll!