I’ve told you why you should go camping this season, product camping that is. And I’ve told you how to jump in and not be afraid. Now, it’s time to offer some comments and guidance for those that are stepping up and propose a presentation session.
A foundational principle of any Product Camp is the concept of “voting with your feet.” This means that attendees are encouraged to leave any presentation and go join another. Yes, even after the session has started. At my first Product Camp I even did that twice in one hour. I was interested in learning more about three sessions that were scheduled concurrently. So every 20 minutes, I got up and walked. The great thing was, it wasn’t just me. But as a presenter, if you’re not aware of some of the nuisances of the audience, including the 2-feet vote rule, you may not be prepared and it can throw you.
In the easy to follow format, here are my unsolicited guidelines:
a. First, dive into the spirit and propose a session. Then take on the act of self-promotion. The Product Camp team is composed of volunteers. Typically most have a day job too, like you. They have given their time because they believe in and have the passion around the concept. But, they are doing it all – from sponsor solicitation to ordering food and drink to printing name tags. Help them out by taking some ownership around your own presentation.
b. Seriously look at your proposed presentation. Your audience is product management and marketing professionals. Yes, you will have some other people in there; but, product camp is not designed for them. Make sure your presentation is relevant to the world in which these product professionals work – and have passion around – every day.
c. Rehearse. I don’t mean do a dry run through the night before. I mean REHEARSE. Everyone in product management and marketing gives presentations as part of their job. In this area, you could be the novice. Seriously practice in front of co-workers, family or even a mirror. Pay attention to the feedback. For help, I recommend going online and Google or Bing the phrase “What Makes Steve Jobs a Good Presenter” Great resources.
d. Look at the Product Camp session in advance. Some are one hour time blocks while some are 45 or 50 minutes. Know it as you prepare! And, DO NOT go long. Coming in with time to spare is always better.
2. On Product Camp Day
a. BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP. HAVE A COPY OF THE PRESENTATION ON A FLASH DRIVE IN YOUR PRODUCT. The Product Camp team will not provide technology for you to use, borrow or share. You are responsible for this – including a power cord! And, we all know what happens when a file fails. Have a backup in your pocket. This is your reputation.
b. If your session is not voted onto the schedule by the attendees, do not get discouraged and leave the Product Camp. Take the time to ask others why so you can improve the offering for next time. And, still do the follow-up steps before.
c. Handouts are good. A link to an online resource is better. Remembering to post your presentation on a site like Slideshare for everyone is best.
d. People will come and go during your presentation. Don’t let it distract you. This is what product camp is all about.
3. Follow-up
a. Post your site online. Ask the Product Camp team to link back to the site from their site.
b. Promote your presentation after the camp too. Use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as your own network. The concept of Product Camp is to share learnings. Promote yourself and your experience.
4. Repeat
Yes. I did say that. Take your presentation, with the adjustments you’ve made from the feedback, on the road. I can almost promise you that there is another Product Camp happening next month where you can propose and deliver the session again – to the same but different audience. This is another tool in how you can build a positive product professional reputation.
This is not a comprehensive list of everything you should do as a presenter. Looking in from the outside, as a veteran of a handful of camps, these are lessons that I learned or have been shared with me.
The bottom line is Product Camp is fun. Enjoy it. Come prepared to learn as much as you share. We’re all in this together.
