13 ways to keep up to date with tech industry trends
Terkel Blog Submission
Besides the AZTC resources, what is one way you can stay up to date with tech industry trends and innovations?
To some, it seems like only yesterday that Apple launched its iPod Nano and Netflix only offered DVDs. The world marches ever onward, however, and no other industry feels like it’s going to leave you in the dust quite like the tech world. How is one supposed to keep pace with the latest demands and developments? We’ve asked 13 tech industry leaders and IT professionals how they keep tech trends from slipping past their proverbial firewall, and here’s what tips they had to share:
- Read Tech-Related Quora Articles
- Subscribe to Technology Blogs
- Get Your Info Updates from Ars Technica and Re/code
- Listen to Tech Podcasts
- Attend Google I/O and Other Tech Conferences
- Seek Out Tech Leaders Who Specialize in Your Industry
- Develop a Habit for TED Talks
- Support Pitch Slams and Business Plan Contests
- Join LinkedIn Groups for Tech Companies
- Supplement Your Online Reading With a Hands-On Approach
- Join Facebook Groups to Save Time
Read Tech-Related Quora Articles
My job requires me to stay up-to-date on tech developments, particularly office tech. I find that I can achieve that by following tech-related Quora spaces. I don’t always have the time to read every single article posted, but I generally skim through and get a gist of what’s going on. I often find that people’s questions and commentaries provide me with valuable insights I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.
As an added benefit, these spaces have helped me become more familiar with jargon-heavy technologies, which has come in handy whenever I’ve needed to communicate with tech-savvy individuals. Overall, I highly recommend Quora to anyone looking to stay abreast of the latest happenings in the tech world.
Antreas Koutis, Financer
Subscribe to Technology Blogs
As an innovator myself, staying up-to-date with the latest tech industry trends is important to me. That’s why I subscribe to top technology blogs like The Verge, TechCrunch, and Engadget. This way, I don’t have to spend hours scouring the web. Instead, I get tech news delivered right into my inbox so I can stay current without the time sink.
Jae Pak, Jae Pak MD Medical
Get Your Info Updates from Ars Technica and Re/code
Not only does technology change ultra fast, there’s also so much to keep up with. The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, and not everyone has hours each day to read case studies and in-depth news updates. Personally, one of my favorite ways of staying up-to-date with tech industry trends and innovations is following the Twitter accounts of Ars Technica (@arstechnica) and Re/code (@recode).
There are tons of techy Twitter accounts out there that deliver news, but these two are particularly good. Each delivers awesome insights and updates about the tech industry and tech-related issues without overwhelming you with frivolous details. Their curation of content is on point, and I love that these updates are delivered via Twitter. In less than 280 characters, I can keep up with whatever is happening.
John Ross, Test Prep Insight
Listen to Tech Podcasts
Podcasts are a great way to stay up to date on industry trends and innovations because the material they put out is always fresh. Podcasts also let you hear directly from the experts themselves, so you’re not only learning about new trending innovations, but getting an expert’s perspective on them as well. Podcasts provide you with a wide array of information, so if you listen to a few a week you’re getting a broader overview of what’s going on in the industry. This can help you stay up-to-date and even ahead of the curve.
Mark Pierce, Cloud Peak Law Group
Attend Google I/O and Other Tech Conferences
Attending a conference, like Google I/O or Adobe Summit, can give you keen insights into the tech industry’s latest and greatest innovations. Hear about trends, inventions, and futuristic visions from some of the world’s leading tech experts with an added bonus—networking with other like-minded colleagues. While some conferences are still held in person, it’s easier than ever to attend them from anywhere in the world with virtual spaces on the rise.
John Li, Fig Loans
Seek Out Tech Leaders Who Specialize in Your Industry
Follow tech-thought leaders to stay up-to-date on industry trends and innovations. You can follow those who specialize in your industry. I’m especially interested in supply chain innovations, so I look for leaders in that space in order for me to keep abreast of any issues, get ahead of them, and then come up with a plan of action. Knowledge is power and finding ways to stay up to date on your industry is highly beneficial as you make decisions for your business. Find thought leaders with expertise in your business’ niche and follow them any way you can: social media, podcasts, blogs, TED Talks. Anywhere they’re sharing their valuable knowledge.
Sumeer Kaur, Lashkaraa
Develop a Habit for TED Talks
TED talks are an excellent way to stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations, and they come with the advantage that you don’t need to take any time out of your day to use them. Get into the habit of watching a TED talk as you have your morning coffee or during your lunch break and you won’t need to break your schedule to absorb the latest news.
Each TED talk lasts a mere 10-20 minutes, and with all the lead players in the industry presenting the talks, you can be sure that each time you watch you’re getting the news from the inside. The site covers topics from a wide range of subjects, but you can refine your search to see only what’s relevant to you. Since the service is free, all that’s expected from you is your attention as you immerse yourself in the news of the most up-to-date trends and innovations.
Morgan Taylor, Sourcery
Support Pitch Slams and Business Plan Contests
Follow, attend, and volunteer your time at pitch slams and business plan competitions. Not only will you learn a ton from up-and-coming pioneers, you’ll expand your network by connecting with other industry professionals and innovators. Becoming a regular supporter of a perennial event bolsters your own name recognition, and by serving on a panel or committee as a judge or mentor, you’ll stand out and attract top talent for your own business. By actively participating and building up others, you create a space to collaborate and share innovative ideas all while nurturing meaningful, professional relationships.
Tommy Chang, Homelister
Join LinkedIn Groups for Tech Companies
LinkedIn is a go-to platform for many people, and that includes staying up-to-date with trends and innovations in the tech industry. Look for niche communities like Information Security Careers Network (ISCN) and Information Technology Managers Forum (ITMF), as these groups allow you to learn more about technology and interact with people who are experts in their field.
Being part of these circles allows you to learn new strategies in handling a tech business, especially in automating your processes and improving system security. This also ensures that you can adapt to the changes within the industry and remain competitive in the market.
Allan Stolc, Bankly.dk
Supplement Your Online Reading With a Hands-On Approach
The tech industry is very fast-paced and requires a hands-on approach. As I have grown in management roles and developed my business, staying on top of trends has proved time-consuming. At my workplace, we keenly attend multiple conferences and events. The majority of them have shifted online due to COVID, but when face-to-face, they’re great networking spaces.
In my experience, attending tech conferences is more beneficial than solely reading material online. Feedback from others, current industry norms, and predicted innovations are discussed at these events. It’s helped our team spot gaps in the market. Attending conferences and events complements the resources AZTC has to offer, especially to young trainees.
Daniel Forstner, Mailbox Empire
Join Facebook Groups to Save Time
A great way to stay up-to-date with tech industry trends, especially for those working in online and digital spaces, is to join Facebook groups. I know they potentially have a bad rep, but actually, I find professional groups are a lot more useful because they’re filled with like-minded peers trying to help each other grow and learn. On top of this, you have a wealth of information shared with you throughout the day, allowing you to pick and choose which articles and trends are relevant to you.
This can be a massive time saver for busy people, and it negates the need for scrolling through endless searches to find what you’re looking for. The added bonus is that you’re able to discuss trends with other people. Using communities to engage your learning is a great way of getting not just one narrative, but also finding a rich variety of trends.
Brett Downes, Haro Helpers