Frequently Asked Questions

• What is "TechHerding"?
  You've probably heard it said that something is as hard as "herding cats". Well, we use that often in the high-tech field to describe how difficult it is to manage, train, teach, and generally get everyone on the same page. I've got lots of experience at getting all those high-tech cats trained, and wanted to share out what I've learned. I'm also hoping to learn from others -- through interviews, email discussions, contributions and lots of talking after hours.
• Who are you?
  I'm a former Microsoft employee (5 years), where I managed learning content for our largest customer show (13,000+ people).  My passion is "new media" in learning -- things like blogs, podcasting wikis and Second Life.  My current job is as the Creative Director of the Virtual Content Company -- we help businesses use new media in creating learning.
• What do you do?  Why would I hire you?
  I work with clients in three main areas.
  
  Evaluation and Review -- I look at what you're doing now, and recommend what you might do to improve results
  Teaching and Training -- I present keynotes, workshops and staff training to help you succeed
  Project Management -- I manage virtual teams of specialists to create, manage and support your use of new media. 
  
  Clients hire me because I did this successfully for the largest software company in the world, for years.  I've got the contacts, the knowledge, and the experience to make it happen. You could also read my blog and learn to do a lot of it yourself. I own a very small business, and understand completely that sometimes you need to keep expenses at a minimum.
• Do you want to interview me for a book or a podcast?
  Sure -- I love talking to people about their challenges and experiences -- it gives me lots of examples for presentations and writing.
• Can you help me set up my wiki, discussion group, podcast, or other software?
  Sure -- many of these tools are available on a very low-cost basis, and it's a great way to get your feet wet.
• What's the hardest thing about training, content development, or creating resources?
  Getting agreement from all stakeholders on what the basic goals and objectives are, and then keeping them to them throughout the project. "A jackass is an Arabian horse built by a committee." If you can't get clear objectives, you run into something we call "scope creep." That's where people keep changing what you're doing, adding on additional dumb stuff, and just generally making it impossible to get anything done.
• Do you speak/present/teach/write or get out in public?
  Often. Take a look at my website. There are some dates/events listed there, and I'd love to show up at yours.
• How do you stay so young looking?
  Cryogenics.