[IKE]

[quote=ebarker;861594]

The mild interest audience I think would naturally resist making a commitment into an 'unknown' program. Ask them if they would be willing to come in just one or two Saturdays to help with a specific aspect.

'helping' is different than 'committing'.

Engineers personalities tend to decide things on their own. If you are having to 'sell' the program you are probably already in trouble.

[quote]

Ding ding. Leave the selling to sales people. If you are good at selling, you probably could be making more money than as an engineer.

Things that do work on engineers.
The toe dip is a great example. Plus, a half a dozen toe dippers is almost a pool party...

Flattery. Especially if you are not one of the top teir machines, ask them to do a critical design review. Engineers love to talk about how they would do things. DO NOT shoot down their ideas. Instead use compliments like, "Man if only we had you reviewing our designs during the build season."

Let them drive! There is a reason why suppliers give neat little puzzles and gadgets away to engineers. They like to tinker.

I have found that if you can get them to an event, they are hooked, but that is often very difficult. Usually you have to bring the event to them.