GigSesh Profile: Marcos Dinnerstein

Translating tech talk to ordinary talk is not always as easy as it may seem. When developers create software platforms, the product and support teams play a crucial role in ensuring the public is able to use it. As a product and communications maven, Marcos Dinnerstein has mastered the art of communicating a product’s features without jargon or BS. From product management at ProQuest to his current role as Editor at Digital.NYC, Dinnerstein has established himself as an important part of the startup world. We asked Dinnerstein to share some of his career experience with us so we can begin to understand what goes into writing and speaking about tech startups.

GS: How are you creating connections as the Editor at Digital.NYC?

MD: As editor of Digital.NYC, I attend tech and startup events ever week and connect daily with businesses, founders, civic groups via email. I learn what each does and where they might need assistance. This puts me in a unique position to make introductions that might not have otherwise happened. Since I’m not selling anything my intros are never flavored with a self-serving quality; It’s a great position to be in.

GS: What sets Digital.NYC apart from other online technology publications?

MD: Thanks to the generous sponsorship of IBM we don’t feature ads on our site and through our partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Economic Development Corporation we have more authority than if we were a conventional for-profit company.

GS: What personal and volunteer projects are you a part of that keeps you creative and inspired at work?

MD: My roots are in New York City, specifically in Far Rockaway and Brooklyn. The Rockaways gave me my love of the water that’s expressed in my two volunteer activities: introducing people to free kayaking at the Manhattan Community Boathouse and by being part of the Citizens’ Water Quality Testing Program. I’ve been kayaking on the waters around New York City for twenty years and being able to help others do this at no charge is so gratifying. The water quality testing is a way to contribute by monitoring the health of the waters around New York so we can hold businesses and the government accountable for cleaning or not polluting our waters in the first place.

GS: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received that you’d like to pass on?

MD: Ask questions with an open mind. As someone without a highly specialized skill, such as a software developer or a data analyst, I’ve been well served by learning about many topics that may have nothing to do with my current. This has given me a broader acquaintance with many subjects and has helped me in many situations. However, even though I’ve read about helicopters and understand the principles that enable them to stay airborne, you don’t want to ask me to repair one that you’ll fly in.

Want to stay informed about New York City’s tech and startup scene? Visit Digital.NYC and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to see what Dinnerstein and his team are reporting on.