As technology becomes more and more integral to your business, it bcomes increasingly obvious that talking to geeks is a necessary skill. You need to buy new software/hardware; the computer system is not working; you're developing a Web site; or creating and database; and you need to have a conversation with a techie.
As you will quickly find out you do not speak the same language as the geeks. Familiar words have different meanings; you get lost in an alphabet soup of abbreviations; and the jargon is impenetrable.
The situation is akin to being suddenly transported to another country minus the guide book and translator. You can't understand them, and they can't understand you. Needless to say, not much valid communication can take place under these conditions. Meetings can rapidly descend into chaos and your technology issues remain unsolved. The project falters, frustrations on both sides rise, and costs go out of control.
Most of us have been there and done that...so what to do. Find someone who is good at translating geekspeak and learn how to communicate better. You need to learn how to talk to a geek and you need to train your staff as well. Fortunately with a few tips and some guidance it's a skill you can master and pass on.
This blog is dedicated to finding the tools needed to decipher geekspeak and improve communications. I have extensive experience working with techies to create software products, Web sites and business applications. I have learned, often painfully, how to communicate successfully with my fellow executives and the technology crew , and I plan to share that knowledge in this blog. I want you to share as well. Post your comments and ideas for working on technology projects smoothly.
Jan Loomis is a business coach dedicated to helping her clients ask the right questions for business success. She writes booklets to assist her clients with business issues. Download a copy of How to Talk to Geek--84 tips that will help you communicate better with the technology gurus in your business.
