I’ve been reflecting, as is typical at this time of year, on the sort of work it is I actually do. I’m an independent contractor and consultant who works in and around business and technology. I love and hate intranets, care a lot about accessibility, and provide user centred content design and copywriting services to clients.
In FY24 I had the privilege of working on a number of really interesting projects, getting under the skin of some large and complex organisations to understand more about their requirements.
I took part in several discoveries working with some brilliant people in different agencies. I love talking to people – and getting to conduct user and stakeholder interviews is one of the things I’ve really enjoyed.
I’ve developed content strategies, delivered copywriting and editing services, facilitated some fascinating workshops and helped an organisation understand how to get the most out of their collaboration tools.
I’ve continued to provide reviews of intranet and communications software for the ClearBox report.
The bars in this chart probably aren’t quite as discrete in reality, as some of the projects I’ve worked on have multiple facets to them, too. At nearly 30% labelled as discovery, there’s certainly overlap with user research and content strategy.
According to the statistics, FY24 was (still) all about intranets, with 87% of my invoices being intranet and digital workplace related. Underpinning all of this is putting the user at the heart of my work. Accessibility is something I aim to weave into every piece of work – you’ll notice that it’s not a standalone service I’ve invoiced for, but it’s baked into the work I deliver.
At 8.6% working on AI related projects, it’s much less than the 20% BCG predicted, although given my recent work has been entirely based on support for an AI-based project, let’s see what the rest of FY25 has in store!
So what don’t I (always) get paid for?
It’s hard to quantify the other work I’ve not been paid directly for. I love co-hosting the WB-40 podcast where I get to have fascinating conversations with people, about business and technology. I’ve featured on other peoples’ podcasts and webinars, too.
Podcast episodes I was in last year include:
- Various episodes in the WB-40 podcast
- PR and Lattes with Matisse
- The Minter Dialogue with Minter Dial
- IABC EMENA’s podcast with Monique Zytnik
I get a lot of joy out of connecting people, and ideas. I loved presenting about accessible communications at IABC World Conference in Chicago. and I’ve had some paid speaking opportunities which might make it into next year’s roundup too – I’d love to see that bar grow!
I also love hosting my regular #ItsPubOClock meetup as a way for folks who often work from home in SE London (or want an excuse to pop out) to meet new people.
Looking ahead to FY25
I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my co-author and collaborator Matisse Nelis as we work together on our book about accessible communications!
I’ve also been developing some training and e-learning materials for clients – training is something I’ve done a lot of in previous years, although wasn’t something I worked on that much over the past financial year.
I’m looking forward to working with more clients on their intranet-related projects and helping them communicate more clearly and accessibly with their employees and partners.
I’d love to expand my paid facilitation and speaking opportunities in the future.