+++++> What do you tell folks you work on?

["Dave Odom" <Dave.Odom@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

To use and IBM saying I used to use when there... It depends.    It
depends on my audience and what I'm trying to accomplish, a simple
definition or applying for a job or what.   If it is a non-computer
person, I say I work on Mid-range computers and often that is enough for
them.  Although "Mini-computer" is accurate, to non-computer folks they
equate that term to a small PC or the like.    If, when I say "Mid-range
computers" I get the RCA dog look (dating myself), I quickly explain in
an "elevator speech" there are three levels of computers, micro,
midrange and mainframes.   I then say again, I work on midrange
computers, specifically the IBM iSeries, as that is a fairly current
description of the hardware/software combination, without getting nerdy
with the i5 stuff which sounds like an Interstate highway.

If the users is a PC person, I say I work on mid-range computers, the
next level up from PCs.   But, again, if they are knowledgeable about
the different sizes of computers, I say I work on the IBM iSeries and I
might throw out... the "improved" AS/400.  Again, it depends on what I
know about them or find out.

If the person is most knowledgeable about all the levels of computers
because they have been around for awhile and know there is a world
beyond PCs and UNIX, I tell them I work on the IBM iSeries.  If they
have been around, that's enough said, good or bad.

If you're putting what you work on a business card, I wouldn't.  Just
say you are a Programmer or a Application Designer or something that
everyone can relate to and is succinct.   Use the KISS principal.   Then
create an "elevator speech" on what you do that is crisp and clear and
quickly gets across what your skills.

Hope that helps.   

Take care,

Dave Odom
Arizona