* LATEST SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY COLUMN:

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The best thing for me about speaking at the ITEC conferences is getting to meet and talk with small and medium business people all around the country. Much of what I hear makes sense, but some things surprise me. I pass out a survey before my talks and one topic that always ranks at the top is "How to stay up with technology?" The quick answer, of course, is to keep reading Network World, but there are more options.

First, find a trusted advisor in the technology business. This can be a reseller you've come to respect over time, or a consultant referred by someone you trust, like your accountant or lawyer. Ask the technology person which new pieces of technology fit your business needs. Be specific: tell them how your business works now and ask how technology can help it work better, not just “what's new in computers?”

To read Gaskin's column in its entirety, please click here.

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James Gaskin writes books (16 so far), articles and jokes about technology and real life from his home office in the Dallas area.