2011 is for Smartphones and Maybe Even Tablets

If you're still using that old Samsung flip that came free with your phone contract, it's time to rethink that. Business is moving faster than that. Check out the Blackberry Torch, the Motorola Droid Pro (which gives you a mix of Android technology plus a Blackberry-feeling phone), or the HTC Incredible. You've heard lots about the iPhone and it's a great phone, but look around at the options before you rush in. However, DO go out and look at smart phones. It's your year.

If you haven't considered the iPad or the Samsung Galaxy Tab (which runs on Android), this might be the year to give that some thought. Tablets let you check email and other quick-bite information very quickly, but in a form factor that works well for preserving your vision. The iPad is about nine inches across and the Tab is around seven. Both let you see things better than you will on your three inch smartphone screen. They're not just toys. They're not for the propeller-head crowd. And they are all chock full of business app goodness. 

NOTE: If you've only considered the iPad, you really have to give the Samsung Galaxy Tab a look-see. It has a lot of potential, and there are a lot of the same applications available now for both platforms.

Why Experiment?

Experimenting with new technologies and new ideas is a great way to continue and test your own company's potential. If you're stuck doing things the way you've always done them, there's a chance that you'll miss opportunities to improve productivity, improve margin, reduce drag, etc. You never know until you test things. One word of warning: don't test too many things at once, or you'll never know what had the beneficial effect you sought.

You might not always have to be at the bleeding edge of technology and other innovations, but it doesn't hurt to get there shortly thereafter on the leading edge.

Chris Brogan is the New York Times bestselling author of Social Media 101, and president of New Marketing Labs. He blogs at chrisbrogan.com