Comments on: A tech buying success story

Simple stuff that you assume people know might actually make their day when they actually do.

[norfunk]

Tip: Ask your editor

[carguy622]

I teach a digital photography class for beginners at the local high school, and enjoy it very much. It surprises me how little people know about their cameras, or the fact that they make card readers, or have services like Kodak Easy Share Gallery. These very intelligent people are amazed when I show them how to turn off the flash or use focus lock, and I love helping.

[acme401]

I'm not surprised at all. Sometimes it's not that people are not informed, it's that they don't grasp how a technology can be utilized by them. More than once I have set up a laptop for a friend and showed them things like the built in card reader, only to hear revelations 6 months later about how they can now download pictures through "The little slot on the side". Don't even get me started on my parents computers and their annual "discoveries". :)

[hawaiiinsomniac]

I did the Honolulu Aids walk this year and ended up being a top 10 fundraiser. My best piece of advise is be personal. Sending out a mass email might work for your really close friends, but I would call everyone on your address book, tell them what you are doing and then send out emails. Another great thing is a fund raising Barbecue! I have found that personalized Mahalo cards have helped for repeat donors throughout the years.

[Arnav]

Well I am very enthusiastic about tech, I have a problem trying to create my enthusiasm among folks who have different interests.
So its not easy trying to talk to people because they get bored easily. Thats another reason I feel for the people working at electronic stores. You are not going to know if the person walking into the store is a geek or an average person so starting off on the wrong foot is not hard and in fact quiet common.

[jssshashi]

I am the Cnet.com for my friends.

you are the Cnet.com for me.

[ironsmithfe]

I agree about the barbecue idea, hold a barbecue for friends and coworkers as a fund raiser, you could even get C-Net, a local grocery chain, and a local band involved. The grocery chain could provide free advertising for the event, catering and food while getting its monies worth in advertising for its self. You could invite a few victims that can speak and mingle with your friends, coworkers and others.

You're sure to get a large chartable contribution and assistance with the event if you can sell the idea to your boss. You could also use the time to promote the aids walk to those that are more likely to be interested donators.

NOTE: This is also very good advertising for yourself if you pull it off well.

[danielszabo1981]

great article. much appreciated. keep up the good work.