This one’s going to be hard. Honestly, most of my Marketing Resolutions so far have been things that I already believe in and more or less already do; reminders to myself and maybe encouragement to others. This one is going to be tricky:
I resolve not to participate in religious wars based on software or hardware platforms
I really like my Apple computer, my Android phone, my Nook reader, my Twitter stream, my WordPress websites, etc. And my not-so-friendly feelings for Windows computers, Apple phones, Kindle readers, Facebook feeds, and Drupal websites run about as deep. Liking these platforms also means I’ve used them more and am more familiar and comfortable with them. And the ones I dislike? I probably haven’t used them much since they first pissed me off (I’m looking at you, Windows Vista) and for all I know, they’ve gotten a lot better.
In other words, it’s way too easy to go into a project or a job with the attitude that the way they’ve been going about it is all wrong because they’re on the wrong platform and the first thing we need to do is rip all that out and rebuilt it on the platform that I favor. That’s just a lot of extra work and expense that doesn’t go to making good products, good experiences and good content.
So when a client wants to use a technology I don’t like, I’m going to take a deep breath, and without leading the witness, not even a little, inquire about what makes that platform a good choice for that client. Taking to heart the idea that I shouldn’t be so certain, I’m going to listen as hard as I can and find the best and most efficient solution for the client’s problem, even if it’s one I don’t like. Yes, even if it’s Drupal.