What’s clear communication and how do you get it?
We all know that content is King, or Queen, depending on your point of view. But regardless, content that communicates a message that resonates with the audience is critical, pre- and post-sales. All content is not created equal, though. Content that powerfully gets the message across in a way that makes sense to the receiver is the best content of all. This content is typically clearly communicated. Clear communication doesn’t happen by accident. And it’s too important to hope and wish it happens. Clear communication webinar...
read moreWhat’s the right tool for content development?
What’s the right tool for content development? Tell me! This is a question I’m seeing a lot on the various lists lately. And, at best, it’s a naive question. Right on the edge of a dumb question I know we’re supposed to all agree there’s no such thing as a dumb question but this may be a dumb question. The person who is asking it: Supposes there is only one answer (if there were, we’d all be using the same tools) Isn’t interested in doing any analysis of their current content Doesn’t understand...
read moreHow do people find help for products?
As you may know. I have a small poll running, asking 5 questions. As of this date, 111 people have completed the poll. The results are interesting so far. This is preliminary summary. Question 1 When you can’t figure out how to use a product, do you: Question 2 If you find the information you are looking for, do you typically get the help from: Question 3 Do you prefer product instructions as: Question 4 If the information has a few misspellings or other small errors, do you feel the information is less trustworthy or less...
read moreNeed some education? Update your skills?
Then I have a few things for you. Topic-based Authoring – virtual class July 18 to August 22, I’m teaching Topic-based Authoring through STC. Topic-based authoring is the best way to create and reuse content, regardless of the content. What does this class cover? Topic-based authoring is the next new thing in technical communication. It lets you create and reuse content, reduces project schedules, and improves your workflow. If you are looking to move to a structured writing environment such as DITA, it’s the first...
read moreAccepting new clients
I’m booking the second half of 2013 and am accepting new clients. If you need: help analyzing your content creation process expert support and guidance in tool selection on-site or virtual training in content creation tools and/or skills consulting to improve your webinars and your webinar results audience research social media messaging improvements customer facing content analysis post-sales customer facing content I can help with these and more. I don’t often accept new clients and my time books up fast when I do. Let’s...
read moreEbook sale for the month of June 2013
My birthday is the end of June and you get a present. For the month of June, you can purchase one or all of my ebooks for US$ 3.99. That’s right. Here’s what that means: This book Regular price Special for June Buy now Social Media and Product Documentation US$ 5.00 US$ 3.99* Amazon Barnes and Noble Consumer Feelings about Product Instructions US$ 5.00 US$ 3.99* Amazon Barnes and Noble 8 Steps to Amazing Webinars US$ 9.99 US$ 3.99* Amazon Barnes and Noble *international prices are the local equivalent of US$ 3.99. This price is...
read moreGetting what you want webinar recording is ready!
In case you missed it, the webinar went super well and people really liked it. The recording is available here: http://youtu.be/ECnW4pYorTE The supporting files that were promised are available here. And finally, if you’d like the slides, go here. To see all the educational webinar recordings available, go here.
read moreCome celebrate my birthday with me!
Congility 2013 June 26-27, Gatwick (London), UK I’m excited to announce I’m presenting at Congility 2013 in Gatwick, England. Join me for this exciting conference! And I’m staying in the London area until July 2, so we can celebrate my birthday together! To help you do that, click here to enter to win a free ticket. Content Agility 2013 is a unique event bringing together Content Strategy, Structured Content, and Component CMS under one roof. Content Agility 2013 attendees will be able to extend their knowledge of the world...
read moreClear Communication Webinar – Wow.
Man was that fun! We had about 600 people signed up and just over 300 attend live. This was by far the most popular webinar I’ve done yet. I had no idea. I want to thank DCL for hosting us and making it all work. They really saved my bacon all the way. If you want the slides, they are available on SlideShare here. The recording is available if you click here.
read moreAnd the survey says?
As you may know, I’m interested in the post-sale part of the sales cycle, the part where we support our users with clear and useful content to use our products. This post-sale content support enhances our brands by making products easier to use. Making products easier for our customers to use goes to the suitability of products in our customers minds. By improving the post-sales part of the customer experience, we help the customer want to purchase our products again. All of this increases sales and increases brand confidence. Over the...
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