Welcome to Tech Talk, InvestmentNews'
daily discussion on technology for financial advisers. The blog features an exclusive panel of industry experts who are both passionate and knowledgeable about the latest developmens in advisor technology. Join the conversation every day with your thoughts on adviser technology.
You can imagine my excitement when I was asked to write a blog for
InvestmentNews,. Then, I found out I was supposed to write about technology.
I should be an expert. After all, I use technology every day. I run an RIA firm that relies on technology and I am the CEO of a software company, but, I am really not a technology nerd.
Much to my surprise, I was told that I could write from the perspective of an “ordinary” adviser. And, thus, I will be writing about how technology has, and does, play a role in my life as an adviser. I will also be looking to readers for feedback and suggestions. Feel free to email me
at sheryl@trxpert.com or use LinkedIn or
follow @SherylRowling on Twitter.
My RIA firm has won awards for its efficiency. Much of that is due to the technology we use, from PortfolioCenter and Junxure to TRX and Report Check. I see the value in technology, including increases in productivity, consistency, quality and capacity. I'm happy to embrace new and visionary solutions. I'm just not happy with the time it takes to learn them.
You see, I loved my BlackBerry. It gave me constant emails and I could respond using one hand and thumb.
It's true, I was frustrated at times, like when the BlackBerry email system went down or went the screens would die with no warning., but it was my constant companion and I depended on it.
My IT guy kept bugging me to get an iPhone. “Trust me,” he would say, “You're going to love it. It does so much more than your BlackBerry.” Co-workers and friends began to make fun of me for hanging on to such an outdated, “not-so-smart” phone.
Yet, I was still loyal.
The last straw came when the Blackberry email system crashed again. Coincidentally, this was when Apple came out with a new version of the iPhone. I caved. I traded in my trusty BlackBerry for an iPhone.
My IT guy was right. The iPhone did so much more than my BlackBerry. In fact, it not only got my emails, it allowed me to easily add apps, play games, look at Power Point presentations, play my music and more. What was amazing to me was the ease of use. I was off and running with my new iPhone almost immediately.
In spite of how great my iPhone is (and I really do think it is great), I miss my BlackBerry. There's nothing like being able to text and email with one hand and one thumb. Maybe if I make friends with Siri, all will be right with the world.
Have some suggestions for how Sheryl can embrace new technology? Do you miss your BlackBerry? What are some strategies that have been successful for you? Join the conversation.
Sheryl L. Rowling is chief executive officer of Total Rebalance Expert, a rebalancing software solution. Email her at sheryl@trxpert.com or follow @SherylRowling on Twitter.
