Look for Experience that Can Help Your Company Grow

Some users embrace technology. Others need to be coaxed. This writer has empathy for both types of users.

When you bring extra help onto your web project, you should look for experience that will help your company grow. Much of my experience has come from my years in IT, where you sell a black box full of promises. However, the same selling principles apply to any high-ticket item, ranging from the funds in a 401k program to upskilling programs for a corporation.

Curiosity

One of the most important characteristics is curiosity because it leads to passion and commitment. I’m one of those perpetually curious people who always want to know how things work. Small wonder I was drawn to journalism and then used those journalistic skills to explain complex subjects to a more general audience.

My background includes experience as a B2B journalist, developmental editor for college textbooks, author coach, content writer, tech writer, trainer, business analyst, and e-commerce marketer. All these experiences have helped me in at least four ways: Developing empathy for users; favoring simple language; taking a strategic view of technology and its impact on society; and seeing how basic business processes are performed in many different industries.

Empathy for Prospects

My experience has given me empathy for the people who need to use computers – whether they like it or not.

Some of that empathy comes from participating in usability labs and focus groups.

Another part comes from simply observing employees at work. For example, customer service reps are often under pressure to meet KPIs. That means their support team must develop systems that help them find information – fast.

A Passion for Simple, Engaging Language, Human Interest, and Story Telling

One of the biggest complaints about technology is the language — all the acronyms, the jargon, and the formal, boring writing style. Luckily, my tech-minded family simplified complex ideas for me so I could join in the nightly debates. This background came in handy when I worked as an editor, journalist, trainer, and business analyst. The people I worked with appreciated my skill at translating complex ideas and dry, academic writing into simple, interesting language.

I also have experience in coaching academic authors to shift from writing for academics to writing for students and other non-technical audiences — the people who influence buying decisions.

A Big Picture, Strategic Viewpoint

Crossing the chasm is a major milestone in the life cycle for technical products and services.

I understand the product life cycle and the importance of crossing the chasm to sell in mainstream markets.

I have also seen how businesses use committees to evaluate and buy technology.

Picking the right technology for now and the future, for usability, to save dollars on a license – every minor decision impacts a major buying decision.

These experiences have led me to take a strategic view of products and services. The benefit for you? The materials I write for you will be more meaningful and compelling to your customers.

Insights into Business Processes in Different Industries

So far, I’ve had practical, hands-on experience in building and maintaining software for many industries that depend on technology. And I’m still learning.

• Robotics
• Logistics
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• WordPress and web development tools
• Tourism operations
• Airline reservation systems

Your Next Steps

If you’re interested in learning more, browse my website to read samples, testimonials, and FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

To learn more about my services, please click Services.

If you’re ready to talk about a project, let’s talk. There is never a charge for a free 30-minute Discovery call. Click Let’s Talk.