January 13, 2018

PART 4: BUT I DON’T WANT TO DEAL WITH GEEKS!!

They are a breed all unto themselves. Talking in bits and terms that seem to come from another planet. As an equestrian, or any non-technical business owner, working with a technologist can be outright frustrating and scary..after all how do they know what your world truly is, let alone your potential customers/clients.

The irony, they may or may not. It all depends on your patience and ability to explain with real words and not feelings, what you want. Geeks are guided by logic, not “you don’t like that”. The resulting inquiry will be…but why? Have an answer prepared.

The resulting inquiry will be…but why? Have an answer prepared.

Here’s a short list of tips, taken from my own personal experience as a geek that will help you interact with these big-brained Sheldon-look-alikes .

Techies are intrigued by problems so don’t mind spending hours on them. Know that going in.
Distract them with an interesting problem. If yours is unique, even better.
Geeks are guided by logic, not feelings. If you don’t like something the next thing out of their mouth will be “but why”. Have an answer prepared in the factual realm.
Having a prepared logical answer for why you want something will aid in your communication.
Everyone I know thinks geeks and nerds are computer experts and gifted teachers. They in turn think trying to teach friends to tech is like solving the Riemann Hypothesis. Don’t try any.
If s/he’s in the zone, leave the room; come back later.
While tech teachers can get your computer working, your printer spitting out paper, and you online despite ten error messages, there are days they need a dictionary to understand everyday English. Be gentle.
They can type and talk at the same time. Some even use two keyboards at once. Expect that.
Know the difference between the “happy-techie” face and the “go away” face. Act accordingly.
Their heads are like Matrix on steroids. Don’t try to understand them – unless, of course, you’re a geek too. Then, you’ll feel at home.
You can’t scare them, bully them or yell at them. They’re techies. Try kindness instead.

BUT WAIT A MINUTE, I JUST WANT A WEBSITE....

You are right of course, but if you are working with a technologically based web developer, knowing the language is a bit like knowing how to do a half-halt, rather essential to the process. It is essential to communicate your vision for your business.