The Network

Dad always told me that it's not what you know, it's who you know.  I always blew that off... I remember thinking to myself "pssh, that's not true.  People can automatically tell how awesome I am as soon as they meet me.  Or, at the very least, I look good on paper"  Very self-centered, I know, but I'm working on that this year.

I am just now realizing how important networking is.  The more people you know, the better.  For example, I have just recently assumed the post of Media Liason for the Ohio State Solar Decathlon Team, which I thought was going to be pretty simple... I thought I'd just contact the Lantern and see if they'd write a few articles about us, and maybe move on to the Dispatch when we got closer to the competition.  Ok, well... it started out that way.  I have a commitment from the Lantern for ongoing articles about SolarDec, but then I started talking about what I was doing at work.  (I work in Arts Administration and Communications, for those of you that don't know)  That day, I came home with a list of 50+ contacts of people that are just itching to write about Solar Decathlon!  I couldn't believe my good luck.  And neither could my team... luckily it was more than enough to impress them and actually get them to take me seriously.  I have stories started with the Plain Dealer, Dayton Daily News, the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Dispatch, and almost every Engineering publication coming out of Cleveland (thanks to my AWESOME cousin!)

Anyways... I learned my lesson, Daddy... it's not what you know, it's who you know.

Quick plug for Solar Decathlon!  Our groundbreaking ceremony is coming soon (Autumn Quarter... date TBA)  We have a lot of Outreach events planned for this year, so keep your eyes out!  solardecathlon.osu.edu, or look us up on Facebook!

p.s. I FINALLY got new headphones!  Yay!  (Still haven't gotten paid... but Brother coughed up his)