Important Announcement #9
DATE: July 31, 1995
TO: Industry Colleagues And Friends
FROM: John Stiernberg
SUBJECT: Information Anxiety, Trends, And Latest News!
More Big News: This is to share some ideas and update you on activities since Important Announcement #8 was sent in March 1995.
Dealing With "Information Anxiety"?
The amount of information available in virtually any field is vast and potentially overwhelming. Consider how many magazines, news broadcasts, meetings, reports, sales brochures, catalogs, newspapers, conversations, films, videos, and newsletters a typical business person (like you or me) has to deal with to remain informed. That's not to mention the so-called New Media: the Internet, CD-ROM, on-line services, e-mail, digital satellite television, and interactive multimedia.
"Information Anxiety" is the title of a book written by information architect Richard Saul Wurman. Wurman contends that the gap between what we understand and what we think we should understand causes a variety of uneasy feelings, from mild discomfort to out and out paranoia. We tend to worry about what we are missing. Popular media and "tabloid journalism" make matters worse, not better. Everyone is potentially afflicted to some degree.
How can we deal with the onslaught of media options? How much time do we need to spend on making media decisions and consuming information? How do we know if we are doing the right thing? Is it enough to simply "admit that I have a problem" and seek help from Infoholics Anonymous? Here are three strategic steps:
1. Know what you are interested in. Pay attention primarily to the topics which really interest you as opposed to those which are hyped by the media. Learn to simply avoid information which is not relevant to your work, family, social responsibility, or personal interests.
2. Master time management. Anyone can learn the techniques involved in "controlling events toward a desired result"--commonly known as time management. Understanding how long things take and how much things cost is vital to determining what information you need.
3. Use media delivery systems selectively. Learn about the options available including both analog (e.g. books, magazines, print material, radio, television, audio and video tapes, conversations) and digital (computer software, on-line services, the Internet, CD-ROM, personal communications systems) media. Use the ones which appeal to you the most. Key point: there is no single media delivery system which is best--relax and enjoy the variety.
Faxback Survey #9: How Do You Deal with Information Anxiety?
The trend is on two levels. First is the ever-increasing amount of information we need to deal with in both our work and our personal lives. Second is the proliferation of new tools to deal with the problem: personal organization systems, specialized newsletters, narrowcasting, on-line special interest groups and more. How much do you suffer from information anxiety? How do you deal with it? Do you have a tip or technique to share?
Your feedback on this topic is valuable. Please respond via Faxback Survey #9 enclosed. Simply make a few notes and fax or mail as indicated. Results of the survey will be announced in Important Announcement #10.
Special note: John Stiernberg is presenting a two-hour seminar entitled "Conquering Information Anxiety" at the CEDIA Conference and Expo Thursday September 7, 1995 at 8:00 a.m.
Survey #8 Results: We Have Another Winner!
Thanks to those of you who responded to Faxback Survey #8. Forty per cent of those responding have a multi-year business plan. Twenty eight per cent have an annual budget and marketing plan, while 32% have only budget numbers or no written plan of any kind. In most companies (55%), a planning team or department is responsible for preparing the marketing plan.
The winner of the $50 American Express Gift Cheque is Frank White. Frank is Vice President of Sales at Multiplex Technology, Inc. Congratulations Frank!
See You At Upcoming Trade Events
We will be attending upcoming industry events and would like to know if you are planning to attend:
* CEDIA Dallas TX, September 6-10, 1995
* World Media Expo New Orleans LA, September 6-9, 1995
* AES New York NY, October 6-9, 1995
* Forum 95 Palm Beach FL, October 8-11, 1995
* EIA Fall Conference Scottsdale AZ, October 15-19, 1995
* Telecon XV Anaheim CA, October 25-27, 1995
Please let us know if you or someone from your company will be attending each of these key events. Simply check the appropriate box on the enclosed Faxback Survey #9.
Special Prize Drawing
The prize drawing is a regular feature of the Important Announcement Series. Here's how to enter:
Returning the survey enters you in the special prize drawing. The prize this issue is a copy of the book "Information Anxiety" (mentioned above) and a $25 American Express Gift Cheque.
On Monday, August 28, 1995, the winning survey will be drawn at random from the ones received by either fax or mail. Sound like fun? Please respond!
Do You Have an E-mail Address?
We find ourselves communicating more and more via electronic mail and would like your e-mail address for our records. Please fill in the appropriate blank on Faxback Survey #9 enclosed or send us e-mail (address to either jandj@delphi.com (Delphi Internet) or jastiern@aol.com (America On-line).
Let's Talk Soon!
Let us know what's going on in your business--what issues are important and how we might be able to help through networking and consulting services. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!