As the Founder and CEO of Katana, a document shredding enterprise in Switzerland, I’ve come to know a thing or two about making a technological leap. Three years ago, we were among the first pioneers to install a BlackBerry server in our company. The goal was to keep everyone virtually connected. At the time, the infrastructure was both costly and unheard of throughout our local business community.
At first, I had to fight my board members and partners to adopt the concept of a truly connected staff. I lectured on the business advantages and potential growth opportunities it offered, such as better management practices and a higher client service potential. The board members viewed the BlackBerry as just another gadget, but I argued that it could open up a whole new world of opportunities.
Thankfully, I was right. All of our employees today are equipped with a BlackBerry, and our customers are delighted and amazed by how fast we answer their inquiries. On many occasions, we sign important business deals using our BlackBerrys, while competitors fail to elicit a quick response. We receive instant results because of our BlackBerrys.
The company’s communication flow has become far more efficient, and employees’ schedules are more flexible. They can leave the office earlier, continue to work while commuting and remain in contact with their customers and suppliers, regardless of their location.
I find that BlackBerrys also build team spirit, because using them encourages people to stay connected on a regular basis.
I am definitely addicted to my BlackBerry. I wake up at least once a night to check messages and answer e-mail, whether there is an emergency or not. It has quickly become a habit, and something that is just second nature to me now. It has become a part of my routine, and it gives me satisfaction to know that, at any given moment, I am in control of what’s going on.
As an added benefit, I have more time to spend with my family. I can travel extensively and visit remote places while on vacation, and I don’t have to worry about finding the nearest computer should a work-related emergency pop up.
Though the BlackBerry will soon go the way of the abacus, I’ve come to rely on its existence for the sake of my personal and professional happiness.
In the words of Marshall McLuhan, “We become what we behold. We shape our tools and then our tools shape us."
The tool that will continue to shape me is the BlackBerry.