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.

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 using those skills to explain technical subjects to a more general audience.

My background includes experience as a journalist, book editor, author coach, content editor, 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

Technical specialists need to adapt their language to their current audience.

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 technical 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.

As an IT consultant, my clients ranged from Fortune 500 companies to startups.

As a business analyst, I’ve worked with requirements and cost justifications for system enhancements, as well as proposals and responses to proposals.

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