Mike's humorous and light-hearted yet simultaneously deeply insightful personal introspection, designed to give non-technical people - "users" insight to the psychology, desires and motivations of I.T. people - "nerds". Mike defines what makes a nerd tick and how users can work, communicate and build relationships with nerds. Mike considers the term "nerd" high praise and is proud to describe himself as one!

1. The Care and
Feeding of Nerds
Mike Meyers
Total Seminars, LLC

2. The Stereotypical Tech

3. The Stereotypical Nerd

4. Attribution
http://www.randsinrepose.com

5. Nerd Traits
Socially awkward
Loner
Shy
Single Minded
Not into sports

6. The Project
“The Project” is whatever bit of technology
that's on the nerd's mind at any given
moment
If you want a nerd's attention you need to
become the project

7. Nerd Physical Needs
The Keeper
Food
Clothing
Hygiene
Finance

8. The Cave
The Cave is cluttered
Do not touch anything in the Cave
Cave Control
– Define clear physical boundaries
– Create a cave budget
– Making Cave Control “The Project”

9. The Great Tech Danger: Flatlining
Career Span
TechKnowledge
Laid Off

10. Nerd Diversion
The Need for Gaming
Nerds and the Great Outdoors
Hug a Sportsman!

11. Nerd to Normal Communication
Stop, Look and Listen
– Make them stop when you don't
understand
– Force eye contact
– Repeat as necessary
Movie/TV Show Quotation

12. Communicating:
Nerd to Nerd
Nerds are competitive
– They will withhold tech skills
– They will withhold tech problems
Making competition work
– The Most Deadly Sin: Unsolicited Tech
support
– Meeting a new tech
– The Power of I Don't Know
– Use Lifelines

13. Contact
Mike Meyers
800-446-6004
•michaelm@totalsem.com
•www.totalsem.com
”desweds” @ Everything