How do you, as a busy and high powered executive, find the time to keep up on technology and the ever-changing tools that the marketplace creates?

Walter Mossberg's column in the Wall Street Journal is a great resource. Fellow business travelers an even better source. I'll talk to just about anyone, especially to find out if the gadget they're using saves them time, or helps their business. Ruth Presslaff
President
Presslaff Interactive Revenue

This is a great question. For me personally, it's not hard to stay up with the new technology and tools (that seem to change every 3-6 months!) because I really have a passion for technology. As with everything, if you're interested in a subject it gets your attention at every level.

There are specific things that I do to stay on top of this aspect of the business. I do make an effort to speak with people in similar roles as mine in order to share information about specific software programs that can make our business run more efficiently. In addition, I try to surround myself with good tech people who can keep me apprised of new applications for our business and who will weed through the many options - both with regards to software and hardware. I ask a lot of questions and I'm trying to get 2-3 opinions on any given technology effort. I think that's important because if you can find someone who has personal experience with a product or service it can make a big difference in your decision to move forward.

Lastly, I read a lot! There are some great tech magazines that are written at a very normal level...like CPU, Laptop Magazine, and others.
Mary Hawley
COO
Lotus Entravision Reps

Keeping up with normal industry information along with technology is a challenge. I keep a "Reading File" with me at all times, and fill in spaces of time whenever possible. I also rely on the "Early Adopters" among my staff, along with regular meetings with our corporate and local Tech people.
Caroline Devine
Cox Radio Houston and Hawaii

Keeping up with technology changes is no longer a luxury for us -- it's a necessity! It's not important that you know all the bells and whistles that go along with what makes the new technology work -- you just really need to know what it does and how to use it, which makes it a lot easier to keep up with. I think many people nowadays think they have to know everything about new options, so they back off when they see how daunting it is. We don't

have to become nerds -- we just need to understand how the new tools can help us improve our business. I subscribe to a number of newsletters that give me a tech overview, and I'm a frequent visitor to my local Apple store -- the kids who work there know just about EVERYTHING and are eager to share their knowledge in plain English. I move between Mac and PC environments, so what I learn about one platform can usually apply to the other.
Corinne Baldassano
Senior Vice President
Programming and Marketing
Take On The Day, LLC/The Dr. Laura Program

My reading material is with me ALL of the time because I never know when and where I might have a few extra minutes. Sometimes I read between appointments, I read in the Dr's office, I read at the hairdressers, I read in the bathroom. With limited hours in a day, the only way I'll continue to grow and learn is through reading...therefore, I've made reading a top priority. In addition to reading, from time to time I'lll just sit down at my computer and wander. From ASK Jeeves to Google, there are a million sites to visit and see what's happening that's new and exciting. Every minute counts and I count every minute!
Cindy Schloss
VP/Market Manager
Entercom Kansas City

The Wall Street Journal daily. As well as, reading industry specific publications across a vast array of categories that comprise the largest share's of the US Retail Sales figures. I also follow forcasters of trends.
Sheila F. Kirby
Senior Vice President
Interep Innovations

"Finding the time to keep up on technology and the ever-changing tools the marketplace is creating is virtually impossible! I read everything I can, ask a million questions and am constantly keeping my eyes and ears open! I work with individuals who specialize in these areas. I have placed my trust and depend on them to educate and to bring recommendations for implementation within my company. I learned a long time ago that the smartest thing I can do is surround myself with people a lot smarter than me!"
Erica Farber
Publisher/CEO
Radio & Records