The saying, “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick” has been around forever. I still hear it all the time, and I challenge that statement. When it comes to the Internet, I think there are a lot of “old dogs” who are definitely willing to learn a few new things. Otherwise, how is it that the boomer population and the 70+ audiences are frequenting the Internet and interacting in ways never done before? Case in point, my Mom is 71 and she sends me videos from YouTube. There’s also my Dad, who is nine years her senior, and is on a wireless laptop, surfing the Net.
If we keep saying and believing the statement, “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick,” then all of us traditional marketing professionals may as well hang up our marketing hats and find new careers. I’ve been in marketing/PR for 20 years, so you may consider me an “old dog.” I didn’t grow up on computers and I even remember my first job I was hand typing letters on a Brother typewriter (that was a scary time).
I think we need to change the phrase to help us be more motivated to move with the times and the advancements in technology. The new saying would go something like this, “You can teach anyone a new trick (regardless of their age) as long as they have the right mindset to accept change.” This is a much more positive statement and supports the fact that many of us traditional PR people are now connecting on Facebook, Plaxo, Twitter and LinkedIn to name a few. I do think that many communications professionals may accept technology at different rates, and through support, education and motivation they will continue to grow and excel in PR 2.0.
Hi Deirdre,
I also think a lot of it is down to the rate at which young and old dogs can learn new tricks and repeat them in succession. With so much out there - basics aside - it can be quite challenging getting ones head around all the new outlets out there.
I get the traditional media (print/paper mags), but am thoroughly excited at the challenge of getting stuck into communicating via social networks, and other new media in all its formats.
On the social networking element, what would be great almost is an RSS feed for all of these networks…i find it staggering how one has to belong to many, or even just a few, and so being able to manage these from a personal point of view would be great. And also for clients.
BTW - my book has not yet arrived. Ol’ Amazon is delayed…doh!!!! I seriously can’t wati! Take care!
Hi David,
I’m excited that you are going to read my book and can’t wait to hear your feedback. I appreciate you commenting on my blog. Yes, all of this social media is fantastic, but it’s a lot to absorb and that affects the rate that all dogs learn new tricks (regardless of age). I find myself getting lost in the different social networks, however, there is one site that I find very helpful when I want to review my favorite blogs in a category. Alltop (www.alltop.com) collects stories from “all the top” sites on the web. This really helps and saves me time. The traditional media is very easy to “get.” Hopefully, the more we learn and use the new social media tools, in a few years, we’ll be saying the same thing!
Ah…correction…Amazon has finally posted….HOORAY!
Will definately let you know.
BTW - Alltop is great…checked it out…nice one. Thanks.
Another…correction…it’s arrived…will get reading and keep you posted…D
Hi David! I’m so happy that you have the book. I hope you enjoy reading it!!
Deidre !!!
Very true, our global beliefs are merely social conditioning, unconscious creations/creators, and need to be identified and turned into powerful metaphors that serve us.
Thank you for reminding me to pay more attention to my beliefs and inner dialogue.
i’m going to check out alltop.com and spend some time looking through yr site here.
Hi Jared!!!
So glad you found my blog. Thanks for commenting. If I were to conform to society’s beliefs, then I’d be considered an old dog too, having practiced PR for 20 years. You’re absolutely right…we should listen more to our inner dialogue. My inner self tells me I’m able to use the best of my traditional knowledge and move forward with new and exciting technology to benefit my career in PR.
Hope you enjoy the other posts
Deiirdre