I’ve been Linda’ed
Our Linda has very bravely volunteered to interview all of us Birds about our businesses…and recently it was my turn. 
I’m always a bit nervous about talking about our software. I’m quite happy working as the Director of everything else no one else wants to do – which covers everything from designing a user interface to writing manuals and of course, the accounts. But talking about the software and what it can and can’t do fills me with dread. Being something of a technophobe is an advantage when it comes to writing manuals, but not so good when it comes to talking about the rest of it.
Talking to Linda was very easy though. I was soon relaxed and chatting about how the software was being used, and telling her all about the latest pilot project which we had just successfully completed.
Suddenly her antennnae twitched, and the grilling started. Luckily for me at that point Ryan wandered through the room and joined in the conversation (isn’t Skype wonderful) and answered some of the technical questions that left me floundering.
Linda found some parallels in her own background and very soon a general conversation became very focussed and before we knew it, Linda’s perspective had really altered our thinking – given us a clear sense of direction – and a completely new idea for an entry level service.
We were both totally impressed by her ability to stand back and ask all the right questions, to bring her experience to bear on a completely unfamiliar product – and to very gently prod us to change our way of thinking.
Linda’s advice was grounded in her experience of the kinds of problems faced by small businesses, and she left us feeling energised and with a clear sense of direction.
It is all too easy, when working on your own, to get stuck in a rut with your thinking – so much so that you don’t even realise that’s what you are doing.
If your thinking would benefit from a shake up (and who’s wouldn’t?) then you know who to call.
And now I’ve got to talk to our partners about the new service we are going to provide, and start work on the case study and marketing emails.
About Ann GodridgeAnn Godridge has just completed her first crime novel, The Mermaid's Shroud, and has started work on the sequel. Her story the Tree of Knowledge was shortlisted for the Asham Award. She writes about writing and sometimes about textile arts at her blogStraw into Gold. You can find out more about her here - About Ann G.
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8 Responses to I’ve been Linda’ed
All that jazz – All in A Day
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So Ann, is the moral of the story talking to Linda = more work?
Seems like a direct consequence to me
She will be pleased
I have lost count of how many phone coaching sessions and backside kickings she has given me over the years – and they have been very productive* (*= that last part is whispered, wouldn't want it going to her head now 
)
I hope that's 'more work' in the sense of paying business from lubbly-jubbly clients (or at least soon, as a result of the work) – otherwise Ann'll be after me ans I'll have to hide…
Twitter: Linda_Mattacks
Ah yes, I know that feeling Ann. Linda has a way of concentrating one's mind, if you know what I mean!
It's looking promising, Linda
Impressive the way she pounces on the important details too