The Information Broker in the Information Age


Information is a commodity — and in this thing called life that Shakespeare referred to as “a stage” there are no small roles, only small mindsets.

Whether your job is answering phones and addressing questions on the best way to send out a postal package, writing for a how-to blog, providing tax tips or dispensing advice to the lovelorn, folks depend on you and your expertise to guide their decisions, devise their “Plan B”, avoid mental wear and tear, and ultimately live better.

Why your role is relevant

 

Sure, millions of Americans have access to the Internet (as do other countries). But keep in mind that not everyone is computer literate. Not to mention that even for those that are computer-functional, online research for needed answers can be a bit daunting. And need I remind you that those of us from the “old school” prefer person to person contact when possible.

Still not convinced?

Here’s a perfect example. You watch the morning news to get “the 4-1-1” on the weather for your local area, so you plan your day accordingly. Your favorite meteorologist neglects to tell you that today there’ll be rain.

How bummed out will you be at the end of the day if you didn’t carry an umbrella, and got drenched while walking four blocks from your parked car to your morning business meeting? For many, a bad start sets the tone for the entire day.

Here’s another scenario: someone is given a mis-diagnosis from a doctor, or incomplete info to close on a mortgage loan for a home. Trust me…if you’re on the receiving end of it, it’s not a good place to be .

With this in mind, here are four quick tips to increase your value as an information broker:

  1. Recognize that any job worth doing is worth doing well. To quote an expression, “excellence is its own reward.”
  2. Get a clue. See the “big picture”. Know how your role impacts others internally and externally.
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to improve your efficiency. Many of us have worked in environments with a “sink or swim” work philosophy with inadequate training and skeletal crews. Strive to overcome it.
  4. Know that productivity without accuracy is like a bank account with a zero balance. Don’t just get through your day, get the most out of it!

Follow these four tips so that others can feel confident in “vesting” in you as a representative of your company.

(Image courtesy of heathbrandon under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 generic license.)


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Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, popular relationship columnist and Managing Editor at Coffeehouseforwriters.com. Formerly an "awesome" public relations professional, she now enjoys the spoils of the entrepreneurial life. Additionally, she is a columnist for Technorati.

Discussion

  1. Sibyl - alternaview on the 7th November

    Jennifer: I think this is a great point and a good philosophy for us all to have when it comes to our job. Information is so valuable and really can help you provide informed opinions and make informed decisions. I have noticed in the work environment that some people just repeat conclusions that other people have reached with no basis for having personally reached the conclusion on their own. I think those people who are equipped with information and understand that it is a valuable part of their job always do a much better job looking at things holistically and offering helpful perspectives. Thanks for the great advice.

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