The Tribune

By Teri M. Bethel

Despite knowing that the Internet is the way of the future, many adults freeze at the thought of touching wee little computer keys. Perhaps it is the feeling of ‘Yikes, I think I might break it!’ or ‘I’m a little old to learn how to do that newfangled thing.’

Well, you are missing out on a whole lot of opportunity with that kind of thinking. If you are working in a field that requires advancement and even a small degree of technology, it is a good idea to begin to familiarize yourself with the computer and of course the Internet.

Countless jobs and opportunities are lost daily by folks with that mindset. With the technically savvy young folks entering the workforce each year, and those who are willing to go online to improve their career options with distance learning; those that remain hard and fast with the ‘I won’t touch the thing’ posture stand to lose out on many benefits.

In using the Internet, remember it is a tool. It can be a worthy tool to equip or advance you in a most effective and economical way if you allow it to. Or it can be a tool for destruction if you choose to use it inappropriately.

More than a typewriter

For some, the computer is a wonderful typewriter: a tool simply for producing first class documents. While this is a fabulous function, there is a great deal more to your computer than this. Take for instance you want to learn how to create fabulous designs but traditional schools are not practical for you at this time. The Internet allows you to do travelling and studying right from home. All your competitors will know that you have an edge in the marketplace. Why? Well you decided to invest a little time and resources to improve your skill.

“Bam!” You have the edge without even leaving your home. Now not only have you learned or improved a skill, but you have learned how to market, place orders abroad if necessary and stock out your shop without leaving your home. And to top it all off… well they just think you’re a genius; and we won’t tell them otherwise.

Just remember this, while your friends are spending their profits by jumping on an aircraft every week to buy supplies, you can be online learning and earning. First you want to learn a skill, find out how it can work for you and not you for it. Buy your supplies online and begin selling your new original customized products that sets you apart from the rest.

If you are on a job and you find a course that would benefit your company, then contact your manager or even school principle about your training opportunity; chances are they would be thrilled to help you advance the company. After all the more you invest in yourself the more you have to offer your employer.

• Teri M. Bethel is a texture painting and handbag instructor. She is the designer of Teri Monique Handbags, a line of custom made art purses for ladies. Visit us at:  http://www.paintwithtexture.com Tel: 242-676-4474