Do you ask for help?

This post is a very simple one but it’s one where I need to admit I am guilty of not using the most obvious methods of getting help and information when I am stumped. One of my favorite Far Side cartoons involves and man and his wife out for a drive. The wife get on to her husband when she tells him, “look where the earth is! Move over and let me drive!” For some reason they took way too many wrong turn and were driving on the moon. In a lot of ways I am the typical man who hates to stop and ask for directions. I always like to try and figure it out for myself. Yes, I love to explore and learn that way but in doing so one wastes more time than they need. let me point out two technology aids and more low-tech aid for getting information quickly;

1.) The help file or section: Ever get stumped with a computer program? Most programs come with a quick way to access help on how to use the program. Access to the help section is usually in the upper right or right most part of the tool bar (list of words) at the top of the program window. The help file usually has several ways to search for information you need. A table of contents outlining the features of the program, an Index where you can search for common terms and a search or find section where you can look up your question by typing in related words. I see quite a few web sites that are also including “help” or FAQ section. Be sure to look for these helpful resources.
2.) Internet Search Engines: The search engine Google has become so popular that the term “Google it” has become commonplace in people’s vocabulary when some asks a question. A lot of people how don’t know how to use the search engines to the fullest however. One of the key “tricks” is to put the term or question in quotation marks in the search box. Another thing a lot of people don’t know or forget to do is use what’s called Boolean logic. It sound complicated and advanced but all it really means is using certain words and logical symbols to narrow down results. For example typing in “Patrick Greer” + Multimedia will give you the line to the contact form on my business web site as the first result.(as of 6/8/2006) This same methods will work at google.com , yahoo.com, ask.com and msn.com with varying results.

3.) Finally we can always ask an expert in person. From time to time I have had to swallow my pride, turn into some gas station and ask for directions. Nobody knows everything and it’s extremely prideful to think otherwise.