Recently, I received an email from a colleague asking if we of her tribe knew anyone who could speak on specific areas of technology for an upcoming conference. It was an exhaustive list with such topics as: Faceted Search, Semantic Technology, Behavioral Targeting, QR Codes, Syndication, Ad Management Strategy and Tools.
I know nothing about those topics.
As we begin 2011 let me ask, when was the last time you went out of your way to learn something? When did you see a trend that appeared to be working in your favor and changed your behavior to suit this trend? When was the last time you stepped outside your circle?
About 12 years ago I decided I needed to know people who were doing interesting things and understand subjects I read about. I found a way to attend conferences that discussed issues that had nothing to do with my job. Featured subjects at these conferences included: Digitization of Content, Telephony, Cellular Technology, Streaming Audio and Video, Data Storage, HD, Search, Internet Radio and, wait for it.....E-mail!
Back then the workplace culture made it uncommon to connect to those who were perceived to be different from us. But I chose to step out of my circle and into a world prepared for the coming changes. My colleagues e-mail asking for connections reminded me of something I first did with purpose and now do without even thinking.
So, the next time you're at a gathering, try talking to a publisher instead of a journalist or an engineer instead of a producer or a poet instead of a musician.
You might learn something.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
