Uncommon Cents

I’m here at Manoa Geeks, which is kind of an anti-user group in the sense that there are no membership fees, no formal program, and no setting meeting place (it’s been at different locations every month I’ve come). But there’s a huge draw to this Geekfest, and that is, surprisingly, the socialization and networking.

Getting a bunch of Geeks together–or any group with a like mindset that tries to figure out ways to use the strengths of the group to solve a problem–is a great way to achieve the mental form of critical mass. Tonight I spent quite a bit of time speaking with someone who builds businesses from the ground up and was wondering how that could mix in with my social work background to start a non profit foundation for families with kids with a rare genetic disease. I spent a few minutes chatting with a friend who works for a medical insurance company that’s implementing online consultations with physicians and wondering how the telephone appointments offered by my employer compare. And I didn’t even get a chance to spend much time with the software developers working on iPhone applications.

These types of gatherings, which are formally announced and organized but very informal in their structure, have become a great breeding ground for creativity and new ideas. I can tell you I’m going to keep going to Manoa Geeks as much as I can; tapping into creative, intelligent people is one of the most cost effective forms of consultation out there.

Tags: Social aspects, Techology

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