Never say never, right?

Professional tools and personal tools are a preference. Some grow on you faster than others and some of us can not imagine what life was like before the tool. All of my professional life I have used a computer. I don't know what life would be like without one. And today, all of my colleagues, partners, customers and family members, use a mobile phone. Some have more than one mobile device. Many of us know what life was like without a mobile phone. A few of us wish mobile phones would go away because we dread having to listen in on all those personal phone calls while in the checkout line at the grocery store or phones ringing while we are at the movies. I, however, wouldn't want to live a life without my mobile phone. For me, my mobile phone is a professional and personal tool. It's always on but I don't use it when I'm in the checkout line at the grocery store and my kids always remind me to silence my phone while at the movies.

What tools are you using these days?

Recall that I said I'd never use IM? I use it now. And I kinda like it. I still prefer a phone call or an email. I enjoy the pace better in email because I'm a slow typer and I do a few re-writes before I hit send (Yes, a very bad habit that results in more than a few typos daily). I have a former colleague (the same one that years ago wanted me on IM) located in Hong Kong, the end of my day, is the beginning of his. When we chat, he's had more caffeine than I and the IM can be hard to follow at times. But it is cheaper than a phone call. Now that I've used IM, I understand why others use it as a tool. I am able to imagine a world without it.

A few friends recall me saying I'd never join Facebook. But today I'm using FB for family and friends. And I enjoy it. But FB isn't a professional tool for me. I have rules with my FB page, don't invite me to be a friend, unless you know me. FB is my personal space. I cry and laugh a ton on FB. I work at home most of the time, and I click on FB when stressed or when I need a break. I also use FB to keep up with my family and crave looking at my family's photos. FB is my personal tool. I can not imagine a world without it.

LinkedIn was easier for me to adopt as a tool. Although I was a slow starter, LinkedIn is a professional tool for me. But like FB, I have a few rules with LinkedIn. If we've met, emailed or you're a friend of someone I know, chances are I'll link you in. But if we've never met or never exchanged an email, you'll have to sell me on why we should be linked. And I've had a few surprises on LinkedIn, this guy is one. Turned out he went to college with my husband. And he's very well connected and extremely knowledgeable about Silicon Valley. LinkedIn is my professional tool. I can not imagine a working world without it.

Guy Kawasaki said that Twitter is a Twool. For me, joining Twitter was different than Skype, FB or LinkedIn. No one suggested I join the conversation. Or maybe one person suggested it? I can't recall. I never had to say 'never' for Twitter. I just jumped it. And I can't describe it. It's like being at a cocktail party and you're welcome in every conversation. But there's no sound. Just 140 words. And it's all around you. All the time, 24/7. It's both professional and personal. Twitter is a tool for me. And it's easy to use. I can't imagine my life without Twitter and I've only been using it since 11-Jan-09.

What's next? I'm not sure? But my Hong Kong friend thinks it should be FriendFeed.

What tools are you using these days?