When my granddaughter was about 14 months old (walking and trying to communicate), she brought me a water bottle from the stash in the kitchen one day. She insistently told me “Wawa” as she handed it to me. I obediently answered, “Yes, that is water.” Apparently, this was not the correct answer because she insistently told me again, “Wawa!” After going back and forth a few times over the name of the water bottle, I found something else to discuss with her and put it away. When her parents came to pick her up later, I mentioned the water bottle incident. Come to find out, in her world, the daycare teachers spoke Spanish to the children, and my granddaughter was actually telling me the water bottle was ‘agua’. Now I knew how to say, “Yes, that is agua. Water!”
It’s interesting to me how many long-established NonStop users, as well as newcomers to the NonStop platform, are just like my granddaughter: They have learned something a certain way, can explain something a certain way, and we say yes – that’s right, and this is our way. What makes the difference in the conversation? The background information. And how do you get that information? By communicating. As many times as we can type and email each other to explain both sides of a conversation, speaking to someone and sharing expectations makes a huge difference in how both parties appreciate a conclusion to a question or the seeking of knowledge.
The month of March kicks off a variety of NonStop regional user group meetings (RUGs) encompassing Australia, South America, Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Europe before the pinnacle NonStop Technology and Business Conference (NonStop TBC) is hosted by Connect in Houston, TX on September 16-18. It is an opportunity for Customers, Partners, and HPE to have those ‘fact-finding’ conversations, put a face to an email address, welcome people new to NonStop (and make them feel welcome), and renew and strengthen long-standing relationships.
You might be wondering why I titled this article ‘Howdy Partner!’ Many product ideas, enhancements, and marvels come from speaking directly to the makers of your NonStop software. We love speaking with HPE, Customers, and other Partners! I look forward to seeing you face-to-face somewhere and can assure you that my fellow NonStop Partners do, too! Safe travels, everyone!
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