Not too long ago, I asked my parents for my first keyboard as a graduation present. I've always wanted to learn the piano but don't know anything about shopping for a keyboard. I had been trying to research this topic online the night before but was quickly overwhelmed with all the online advice I found. This incident quickly reminded me of how my own advice giving technique has evolved over the years.
When people come to me for tech advice, the answer I have in my head is usually a combination of complex algorithms and calculations. This is because my advice is usually about something I'm very enthusiastic about. For example, people in my family often come to me for advice when looking for a new computer. The problem is that I'm aware of so many different brands, models, pros and cons of different spec combinations, special features, advantages offered from all the different distributors, return policies and protection plans, or even options for upgrading current hardware. I could write an entire Thesis about all the available options. But no one wants to hear any of this, they would be overwhelmed and frustrated just like I was when shopping around for my keyboard.
Today my approach is much simpler. I still have the same thoughts swirling around in my head, but I now try to limit myself to only two questions. What is the budget, and what will it be used for. I make assumptions about all the rest and give only one or two choices for them to choose from.
Lesson Learned: Some people, including myself, just don't want to hear all the options. They would much rather have a clear specific action that they can take. Even now, I remember how relieved I felt when I got to the first local music shop and told the salesman that I was just a beginner looking for a first keyboard to learn on. He new exactly what to recommend and it made everything much easier than I had made it out to be. Lesson learned!
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