The March issue of Intercom, with a theme of “Freelancing, Consulting, Independent Contracting, and Business Ownership,” has been posted to Intercom Online. And if you’d like more information on these topics, register for STC’s upcoming virtual conference on 16-18 April, Starting Your Own Business. Many of the authors are among the presenters, so get more information on how to get started! Below is editor Liz Pohland’s Note from the Editor for the issue.
Have you ever thought about becoming a business owner, independent consultant, freelancer, or trainer? Have you wondered what the process would be and whether you’re ready to ride the roller coaster to success? How would you start? What questions should you ask yourself and what issues should you be mindful of?
The articles and columns in this issue of Intercom address these very questions. Sherry Michaels delivers advice on how to start a business, including gathering resources—such as capital, expertise, and marketing and sales plans—to being prepared for change and eventually hiring employees. Bette Frick provides us with an article on her experiences going independent, followed by a short quiz she developed on whether the independent life is right for you.
If you’re already working as a manager or own your own business, Geoff Hart writes about managing technical communicators based on insights gained from Paul Glen’s book, Leading Geeks. He suggests several strategies for leaders of creative types like writers—providing motivation, avoiding demotivation, making things easy, coordinating relationships, and eliminating ambiguity—and suggests specific techniques for becoming a successful manager.
Saul Carliner offers guidance on establishing prices for products and services during budgeting times. He explores six significant issues managers and business owners should consider when establishing prices for their services and their products (content and software). Emily January Petersen’s article, “Varying Routes and Routines through Cluster Criticism,” explains why using cluster criticism methods with TC workplace documents may strengthen their effectiveness and impact on audience needs. And Matthew Ellison provides an in-depth review of MadCap Software’s Flare 9 features and enhancements.
Columns in this issue include Brian Still’s detailed account of his trip through academia to business ownership and how to sell your inventions to investors. And Derek G. Ross’s ethics column (guest edited this month by four students at Auburn University) asks us important questions about appropriate and ethical Facebook use in the workplace.
If you enjoy this issue of Intercom, you should also consider attending the “Starting Your Own Business” virtual conference sponsored by Intercom magazine and the STC Department of Education, 16-18 April 2013. During the conference, you will hear more from many of the authors in this issue, along with additional speakers, too, presenting items such as how-tos on getting started and conquering fear, what not to do, finding jobs, financing, setting up a home office, contracting, training, working internationally, marketing yourself, and much more. Visit STC’s website to register for this unique event and to interact with these business experts.