Bill Gates is a nerd. Steve Jobs is a nerd. Communicators should also be nerds. Here’s why:

* Nerds Aren’t Afraid of Numbers: Quantitative research can provide invaluable information about people’s background, beliefs and habits. Collecting data via market research, news analysis and other techniques is critical. Quantitative research should be the first step in any significant communications planning process. Nerds aren’t afraid of numbers. Communicators shouldn’t be either.

* Nerds Have An Opinion: Data is useless unless it tells a story. Successful nerds are wizards at explaining to people what data means. Like nerds, communicators should have a point-of-view on the data they gather and the ability to talk about it.

* Nerds Are Curious: Curiosity is a valuable trait that many nerds share. Why? Curiosity leads to insight. Insight leads to great ideas. Great ideas translate into powerful communications campaigns. Communicators should be as curious as nerds.

* Nerds Are Successful: Bill Gates and Steve Jobs founded their companies on solid research, subject matter expertise and powerful insights. These are also the elements of a successful communications campaign. Gates and Jobs demonstrate why being a nerd is good. As communicators, should we strive for any less?

Communicators repeat after me: I’m proud to be a nerd; I love being a nerd; I am a nerd!

Didn’t that feel good? Now, go forth and prosper.

(c) 2005 Fard Johnmar

Fard Johnmar is founder of Envision Solutions, L.L.C., a full-service healthcare marketing communications consulting firm. Envision Solutions provides innovative products and services to not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Envision Solutions’ goal is to make our clients more efficient and successful. For more information about Envision Solutions please visit our Web site.

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