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That's not a bad idea, Bill, and our OP could likely benefit by trying
it. However, I'm not sure I'd dismiss what Suzette proposes, out of
hand, as "preaching," either.
One of the main things that gets us hired, and keeps us employed, is the
presumption that our work, at some level, is profitable for the
enterprise. If Viv can creatively illumine some of the ways (or perhaps
just one way at a time) how her work adds value, that's not a bad thing.
I'd not be generic about it, because you're right: Declaiming at some
theoretical level about the value of technical communications isn't
likely to inspire the average Joe or Jane. But if there are ways to
exemplify how the specific things Viv does are for "the good of the
order" and address the needs of the customers who provide the bread and
butter, that's a different story.
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+jim -dot- pinkham=voith -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+jim -dot- pinkham=voith -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Bill Swallow
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 6:51 AM
To: Suzette Leeming
Cc: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Re: If you had 15 minutes...
I wouldn't. Preaching never works. Instead I would focus on a subject of
interest and tie it into what you do (or can do). Find a nit-picky
problem in the office that's communications related, solve it, and then
showcase it.
On Tue, Apr 27, 2010 at 7:14 AM, Suzette Leeming
<suzette -dot- leeming -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:
> If it were me, I would present on the value of technical
> communications in a company. In my company, there isn't much respect
> for what I do, and I accept that that's my fault - I haven't sold
> myself and my skills enough. They like the end result, but have no
appreciation for what it took to get there.
Available for contract and full time opportunities.
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