This crosses formal learning, mobile learning, serious
games, performance support, content systems, social and informal learning, and
more. I reckon there’s a benefit to 30+ years of being fortunate enough
to be at the cutting edge, and I work hard to maintain currency with
developments in learning, technology, and organizational needs. I like to think
I’m pretty good at it, and I am for hire. I’ve worked in most
of the obvious ways: fixed-fee deliverables when we can define a scope,
hourly/daily rates when it’s uncertain, and on a retainer basis to keep my
expertise ‘on tap’.
What I have not done, is work on a commission
basis. That is, I don’t push someone’s solution on you for a cut of the action.
I’ve cut a few such deals in the early days, particularly for long-term
clients/partners, but to no avail. And I’m fine with that. In fact,
that’s now my stance.
There are reasons for this both principled, and pragmatic.
On principle, I want to remain able to say Solution X is the best, as I truly
believe it to be true, and not be swayed that Solution Y would offer me some
financial reward. I believe my independence is in my clients’ best
interests. This holds true in systems, vendors, individuals,
whatever. I want you to be able to trust what I say, and know that it’s
coming from my expertise, not some other influence. When you get my
expert opinion, it is to your needs alone. And, pragmatically, I’m not a
salesperson, it’s not in my nature.
I also don’t design solutions and outsource development. I
have trusted partners I can work with, so I don’t need solicitations to
show me your skills. I’m sure your team is awesome too, but I don’t
want to take the time to vet your abilities, and I certainly wouldn’t represent
them without scrutiny. When I have needs, I’ll reach out.
So I welcome hearing from you when you want some guidance on
reviewing your processes, assessing or designing your strategy, ramping up your
capabilities, considering markets, looking for collateral, and more. This is as
true for vendors as other organizations. But don’t expect me to learn
about your solutions (particularly for free), and flog them to others.
Fair enough?
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