We recently asked members to pick their favorites among several event ideas. The winner was a Lunch & Learn, which we described as “Bring a lunch and learn something new. Anyone can teach, members and non-members. Topics will vary widely (e.g., tips on using Slack, contract basics, managing your money, marketing for micro-businesses, dealing with difficult clients), but should always be educational (not a pitch to gain clients). 40 minutes teaching, 10 minutes Q&A, 10 minutes “after party” chatter.”
That got me thinking about a suggestion made during our last member meeting: that we need a way to connect people who know stuff with people who want to learn stuff. In the meeting we percolated a few ideas for creating a place where people can post what they want to learn and what people can teach. A bulletin board was our first plan, but it’s important that – as much as possible – the things we do work even if a member isn’t in the building. So … bulletin board AND Slack.
And that brings me to the mash-up. Here’s what we’re going to try to see if it sticks. There’s a new Slack channel called #learn-teach. Go there and post stuff you want to learn. Give a thumbs up or a “me too” if you like what someone else has posted. If you see something posted that you can (and want to) teach, respond in the channel. Most of the time, this exchange will probably result in some one-on-one knowledge sharing, but sometimes the “I want to learn”s will result in a Lunch & Learn. I’ll watch the channel and create Lunch & Learn’s based on popular topics.
So, get to it. Head to Slack and post the things you want to learn. Post the things you’d have fun teaching. Don’t worry about whether someone out there can teach it. You might be amazed at the range of things this community knows. Don’t concern yourself with whether someone would want to learn it. We are a very curious bunch.
Not sure how to use Slack? Maybe that should be a Lunch & Learn. : ). Until then, check out this Member Handbook page on Slack.
Soon we’ll have a bulletin board as well. Still working on how posts will be shared between them. I’d love some ideas. Come see me.