Networking for Geeks
Neil Thompson
Teacher of Geeks | Inc. Magazine contributor | Children's book author | Speaker | Podcaster | Engineer | Follow & Ring My ?? for Technical Presentation Insights
On this podcast episode, step into the speaking empire of Don Crawley . Author of the Compassionate Geek, Don speaks, but also has a thriving online course business. Keynoting isn't the only way to be a professional speaker. Learn more about how Don structures his speaking business.
Do you remember the game broken telephone?
If you don't know it, it's a game where a message is whispered from person to person in a chain often becoming distorted by the time it reaches the last person in the chain.
Much like with broken telephone, if a non-subject matter expert is tasked with communicating subject matter expert information, some details can get misinterpreted, leading to distorted information.
Wouldn't it make more sense for the subject matter expert to do the communicating? It’s simpler to teach a subject matter expert to improve their communication skills than to teach a skilled communicator the knowledge and expertise that the subject matter expert already has.
Know of organizations that'd be interested to chat about presentation skills programs for their technical staff? I'd be glad to meet them.
NETWORKING TIP
I don't like networking.
There's definitely a benefit in networking, though. So I do it.
What I don't like about networking is joining conversations. Oftentimes, the conversation is not even one I care to participate in.
Here's what I do to minimize such situations.
If a meal is being served at a conference I'm attending, I look for a table that is empty. I sit at that table.
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Inevitably (damn near every time), people will ask to join my table. I always say yes.
As the first person there, I feel it's my responsibility to start the conversation, and I often do.
Now, I'm networking and I'm talking about something I care to talk about, since I'm the one who started the conversation.
Selfish? Perhaps. Does it work? Definitely.
Not much of a conversationalist? Have questions in your back pocket to ask.
"What brought you to the conference?"
"What do you hope to get out of the conference?"
"What's the meaning of life?"
"How does a Thermos keep liquids hot and cold?"
"Why do people yawn?"
The extroverts will think out loud. The introverts will offer insightful answers. Works great!
Sounds like an approach that can work for you?
Until next time.
-Neil