Dac Systems reveals the art of switching on - and being off

Aldo van Tonder, Solutions Executive at Dac Systems.

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There is nothing in existence that forces a person to take some time out and remain totally disconnected and unproductive.

So claims executive leadership at Dac Systems, a national specialist services provider focused on turnkey implementation of leading-edge industry solutions.

Aldo van Tonder, Solutions Executive at the company, has a different take on the popular view that there are prescribed times to 'switch off' and remain so, and when to be connected.

He believes there is merit in the theory: spend quality time with one's family, but at the same time retain the ability to interact and still perform certain duties - the essence of productivity!

This is where social networks come in.

"Social networks cannot be ignored in today's chaotic business world. Businesses are in absolute turmoil across the globe, economies are suffering, but still technology innovations are launching at an unrivalled pace. How can you marry these two worlds, creating a near perfect storm?" Van Tonder comments.

The issue is that social networks provide real business value and this simply cannot be ignored, he continues.

"The problem comes in with how to use it. I believe awareness is everything; it is important to 'spread the word' and make people aware of who you are and what you stand for," says Van Tonder.

To illustrate, Van Tonder uses the job interview as an analogy. "A quick online search on social networks about a prospective candidate will reveal so much more than a five-page CV ever could. Same goes in business - imagine a search of your organisation, or you specifically, and the avalanche of personal information that is made public and available."

The bottom line is that this is the perfect channel to share information that a Web site or profile brochure can never truly capture.

"Social networking has made business more personal and has ultimately forced humans to deal with humans," he adds.

In terms of productivity, management at Dac Systems believes that using productivity solutions and engaging social media will enable companies to better utilise the social network to multi-task and 'spread the word'.

"The reality is that our worlds are merging, personal and business is becoming blurred. While you sit at work and quickly check Facebook or other social networks, why not have the same capability when you are not at work. Focus on using the same things you are used to in your personal and social life and apply that to your business. You will be pleasantly surprised that you don't have to switch off, you should rather be switched on while being off," says Van Tonder.