Services Offered

This is a long, yet still incomplete, list of services I have actually provided to clients. It is presented only as a starting point for a discussion of client needs and the services I can render, alone or in partnership with my associates.

  • Due diligence -- Critical appraisal of products, companies, competitors, and the marketplace as part of merger/acquisition talks.

  • Technology evaluation --What does a client have and what can be done with it? Do the proposed uses of new technologies make sense and are they good enough to displace the incumbents?

  • Competitive analysis -- Helping clients understand how products stack up against one another, from the perspective of an industry expert and outside reviewer. Being an outsider, not involved with company internal issues is key to telling companies about things they haven't noticed, intentionally ignored, or simply refuse to believe.

  • Product definition -- Helping companies decide what features matter to customers, how to develop features that add value and uniqueness, what features should be removed, etc. I find that companies are often so internally-focused that they benefit from having an outsider look at product definition, product roadmaps, etc.

  • User interface design -- Having reviewed literally thousands of products, all the way back to CP/M and DOS, I have an excellent understanding of whether or not a user interface will work with customers and why. This includes helping developers understand feedback from focus groups and "follow me home" product testing.

  • Product development -- Though not a software engineers, nor a coder, I designed and managed the offshore development of three products purchased by Microsoft for internal use and follow-along development.

  • Initial and ongoing review of products and competitors: Part of what I do is actually use my client's products (and often give released product to trusted colleagues) so I have ongoing experience with them and can address the likes and dislikes that develop over a longer period of use. I also evaluate competitive products, if requested, and can address reasons customers might move from on to another.

  • Testing of products -- This is a function of the ongoing review that focuses on how products can make customers' lives miserable. I am amazed at what I find in just-released products that should have been caught much earlier in the release cycle. This should be done at various stages of product development and the changes audited before release.

  • Identification of critical failings -- What is there in a product that can be used to a competitor's advantage? Where or the kinks in my clients' or their competitors' armor? How can they be exploited in next-generation products?

  • Brainstorming with developers and product managers -- Providing a trusted, smart outsider to react and provide new ideas. This also described the process of handing occasional (but ongoing) telephone queries and requests for research and opinions.

  • Working with customers -- Customers will tell a consultant things they will never tell a company. I have tremendous experience interviewing customers, including getting negative feedback. I also write user stories, etc.

  • Materials review -- Besides reviewing the product throughout its development, I also review the materials used to describe the product, which includes asking the tough question, "Prove it" in reference to product claims. In reviewing, commenting upon, and sometimes rewriting Reviewer's Guide, slide decks, press releases, white papers, marketing materials, I spotlight things that either aren't true (from the reader's perspective), are likely to get the company into trouble or generate a negative review. Keeping clients out of trouble is a specialty.

  • Demonstration development -- I have worked with hundreds of companies to develop or improve their product demonstrations and presentations. That is most of what I did during my DEMO, Digital Living Room, Agenda, and Showcase years.

  • Coaching -- Related to demonstration development, I coach product spokespersons, do mock interviews, videotape and analyze presentations with the presenters.

  • Event host -- I have hosted live events and webinars for corporate clients. I have webinar production and event management capabilities.

  • Podcast production and hosting -- As a former (and still occasional) radio talk show host, I am an experienced radio interviewer and producer capable of creating product or company-related podcasts or live programming.

  • Writing -- I generally prefer to work from material provided by clients--rather than "from scratch"--but can prepare press releases, white papers, reviewer's guides, and other product marketing material. I provide other editorial services as well, depending upon client needs.

  • Product evangelist -- This is not something I have done on a paid basis for clients (because of my editorial conflict) but is something I would be open to for the proper client and product.