The CSTD National Symposium in Halifax (May 20-22) will feature “tools, technologies, and strategies to maximize workplace learning effectiveness.” I thought it was a good excuse to go to Nova Scotia (not that I need much of one), and so I’m among the presenters.
About a month ago, CSTD asked if I might write something related to my presentation ( “Getting Real Work Done with 2.0 Tools” ) for possible publication prior to the symposium. The main request was that I not repeat my presentation’s content.
The best way to do that, I decided, was to start fresh–and to ask other people. So I drafted a note along these lines:
Hi…
I’m working on an article for training and development folks who don’t yet see value in 2.0 tools. My idea is to present examples of how others in the profession get value from them. Working title: “What’s in it for me?”
Do you have an example from your own experience that you might share?
I’m trying to stay away from “you oughta have a blog because it’s cool,” but I’m not too worried that’s what you’ll say.
Within 48 hours, I had replies from Cammy Bean, Jeff Cobb, Tom Gram, Harold Jarche, Karl Kapp, Richard Nantel, and Dean Shareski. (Yes, this is yet another way to thank them.)
I had no idea what I’d get, but I was pretty sure it’d be useful. That was an understatement. The replies varied greatly in length, in the type of tool, in the thinking behind it. In other words, my article pretty much wrote itself.
The thing is that I’ve only spoken to one of these people by phone, and haven’t met any of them in person. So without really intending to, I’ve got a DIY example of the practical value of the links I have with professionals whose interests overlap mine.
Not just an article, but a blog post as well! The gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for the mention, Dave. – Jeff
My pleasure, Jeff. Mostly I wanted to document how readily you and the others helped–and how a simple use of these tools helped me meet a request that needed a quick turnaround.
It’s like we’re all in this together or something. Glad to be of service!
Cammy, I didn’t want to go into detail here about what people shared with me, but I found it helpful, both for myself and for the article. It’s been a great combination of community and practice.
Lots more to offer as you need, Dave. I’ve noted the date and will try to see you during the conference. I don’t attend most conferences unless I’m presenting (and I’ve already done some pro bono stuff for CSTD). Let me know your travel plans so we can get some time together.
Harold, count on it. We’re already planning a few days in Halifax either before or after the conference–and, incredible as it sounds, not to get to Cape Breton.
Dave, It was a great idea to work the blogosphere for an article on blogging. I can image the article is very rich, you’ll have to tell us where we can get a copy. Also, I created a blog post, Kapp Notes: Blogosphere Happenings for Kapp Notes, out of my answer to you so it is the gift that keeps giving as mentioned by Jeff and it provided comments from many people including yourself. It is awesome how one idea…your idea can grow and ripple in the blogosphere. Thanks for the wonderful inquiry.
Karl: I should have said already that as soon as the article’s available, you and the others will be the second to know (I’ll be the first). I’m especially glad that you created the post you did; I couldn’t have fit all your ideas into the article, but I’ve tagged it in delicious to share with the attendees at the CSTD symposium.