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Industry news, career development, and free advice from North Carolina’s premier technical resource placement company.
What is Acceptance Criteria in Agile? Everything You Need to Know
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 5, 2025 In the world of Agile software development, clear communication is key to success. One critical tool that helps ensure clarity is the use of acceptance criteria. These are predefined conditions that a product or feature must satisfy to be considered complete. But what exactly are acceptance criteria, and why […]
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What is Acceptance Criteria in Agile? Everything You Need to Know
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 5, 2025 In the world of Agile software development, clear communication is key to success. One critical tool that helps ensure clarity is the use of acceptance criteria. These are predefined conditions that a product or feature must satisfy to be considered complete. But what exactly are acceptance criteria, and why […]
How to Write a User Story: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 5, 2024 User stories are an essential component of agile project management. They help teams understand customer needs, establish priorities, and drive successful outcomes. In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a user story, covering tips, best practices, and the role user stories play in creating impactful products. What is […]
What is Technical Editing? Understanding the Role and Importance
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 5, 2025 Technical editing is a specialized field that ensures technical documents are clear, accurate, and effective in communicating complex information. Whether it’s user manuals, technical reports, or scientific papers, technical editing plays a crucial role in refining content to meet high-quality standards. What is Technical Editing? Technical editing involves reviewing […]
How to Write a Problem Statement
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 5, 2025 A well-crafted problem statement serves as the foundation for successful project planning, ensuring clarity and focus throughout the process. Whether you’re addressing a business challenge, conducting academic research, or solving a community issue, understanding how to articulate the problem effectively is critical. In this guide, we’ll explore what a […]
What Is a Story Point?
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 3, 2025 What’s the best way to estimate a project’s time management? The answer is story points. Estimating work has always been a challenge in software development and project management. Traditional time-based agile estimation methods often need twice as much time and cause product owners to miss deadlines, development team burnout, […]
What Is a Runbook and What Is It Used for?
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 3, 2025 Imagine walking into a high-stakes control room where a major system has just failed. Your heart is racing; dozens of alerts are flooding your screen. In this moment, a well-written runbook becomes your lifeline — the difference between a quick resolution and hours of costly downtime. While this might […]
What is a Technical Description?
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 3, 2025 A technical description is a detailed explanation of an object, system, or process, designed to convey specific information to a target audience. This form of writing is vital in fields such as engineering, manufacturing, software development, scientific research, medical documentation, and industrial applications, where clarity and precision are paramount. […]
What is a Datasheet?
By Brant Wilkerson-New January 3, 2025 A datasheet is a technical document that provides detailed information about the characteristics, specifications, and performance of a product, component, or material. These comprehensive documents serve as crucial references for engineers, designers, and technical professionals who need accurate and reliable details for their projects. Purpose Datasheets play a vital […]
Aligning L&D with Corporate Strategy feat. Darlene Weghorst
For our final episode, we’re excited to welcome Darlene Weghorst, Director of Sales Training & Enablement at Relias! Darlene shares her insights on aligning Learning & Development with corporate strategy, the role of business acumen in L&D leadership, and how to foster collaboration with business stakeholders. From navigating shifting priorities to leveraging customer feedback, Darlene […]
The Future of L&D feat. Adri Maisonet Morales
We’re thrilled to welcome Adri Maisonet Morales, Chief Learning Officer at Blue Cross NC, to discuss the Future of L&D! Along with reflecting on a bit of her own story, Adri shares her thoughts on: Aligning L&D with business strategy to build a competitive and future-ready workforce A centralized L&D structure using a hub-and-spoke model […]
How to Write a Technical Report
By Brant Wilkerson-New November 7, 2024 What’s in a technical report? Who reads it? And who needs it? These are some of the most common questions people ask about technical reports. While a technical report may sound tedious and unnecessary, you may be surprised to learn that almost any business needs one. Sometimes, people feel […]
What Is Declarative Knowledge?
By Brant Wilkerson-New November 7, 2024 Declarative knowledge is the foundation of information. Imagine standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. You know it’s in Paris, that it was built in 1889, and that it stands 324 meters tall. But how do you know these facts? Although you can’t build the Eiffel Tower yourself, you […]
Task Analysis Steps: Simplify Complex Processes
By Brant Wilkerson-New November 4, 2024 When it comes to increasing productivity and improving training effectiveness, task analysis is a game-changer. By breaking down complex processes into individual steps, task analysis helps you understand each part of a task, making it easier to streamline, teach, and complete. Why is Task Analysis Important? Before diving into […]
Types of Technical Documentation: A Comprehensive Guide
Technical documentation is a crucial asset in today’s information-driven economy, spanning every industry from software development to healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond. This comprehensive guide offers an overview of different types of technical documentation to help businesses understand, implement, and benefit from this vital resource. What is Technical Documentation? Technical documentation encompasses all types of technical […]
What is Market Requirements Document (MRD)?
In the world of product management, one document is essential in ensuring that a product will meet market demands—the Market Requirements Document (MRD). This guide will take you through the key aspects of an MRD, its purpose, and the best practices for crafting one that effectively aligns product management with market requirements. What is an […]
What is Audit Documentation?
By Brant Wilkerson-New October 21, 2024 Audit documentation, sometimes referred to as working papers, is a crucial aspect of the auditing process. It consists of the records, evidence, and notes that auditors collect and organize during the course of an audit. These documents serve as a detailed record of the procedures performed, the information reviewed, […]
Document Review Checklist
By Brant Wilkerson-New October 21, 2024 Document Review Checklist: Ensure Accuracy and Compliance The importance of accurate and compliant documentation cannot be overstated. Whether you are in healthcare, legal, finance, tech, or any other regulated industry, ensuring that your documents are accurate, complete, and compliant is critical for your organization’s success. Errors in documentation can […]
Mastering Action Mapping for Effective Training Design
By Brant Wilkerson-New October 18, 2024 In today’s fast-paced learning environment, organizations need training that directly impacts business goals. Traditional training methods, which often focus on content delivery over results, may not always align with real-world challenges. This is where Action Mapping comes in—a structured approach to designing training that’s centered around specific actions that […]
What is Blended Learning? Understanding the Hybrid Education Model
By Brant Wilkerson-New October 17, 2024 Blended learning, also known as hybrid learning, has transformed the educational landscape in recent years. By combining traditional face-to-face instruction with digital learning tools and online coursework, blended learning creates a dynamic, flexible environment that meets the diverse needs of students. This approach blends the best aspects of both […]
What is Task Analysis?
By Brant Wilkerson-New October 11, 2024 Task analysis is the process of breaking down the tasks that must be accomplished in a specific job or activity. The purpose is understanding the skills needed for the task, necessary tools, potential challenge, and overall structure of the tasks. The process of task analysis can be useful for […]
Structured Writing: A Comprehensive Guide
By Brant Wilkerson-New October 11, 2024 Structured writing is a method of creating content that follows a systematic approach. It involves breaking down information into smaller, self-contained units called modules. Each module addresses a single topic or idea and is written in a standardized format. These modules can then be easily reused, reorganized, or updated […]
Structured Authoring: Streamline Your Content Creation Process
By Brant Wilkerson-New October 9, 2024 Technical writing requires an equal balance of precision and creativity. A quiet revolution has been unfolding with structured content authoring, which allows technical writers to develop their component content with consistency and accuracy in mind. Imagine a world where product documentation practically writes itself, consistency reigns supreme, and updating […]
How to Create a Technical Specification Documentation
By Brant Wilkerson-New October 9, 2024 Have you ever been part of a technical documentation project that seemed to spiral out of control? In technical specification documents like that, developers and stakeholders can easily miss each other’s points, while software requirements can be implemented incorrectly after endless rounds of technical specification template revisions. Without a […]
Needs Analysis in Instructional Design: A Comprehensive Guide
By Brant Wilkerson-New September 18, 2024 In the world of instructional design, developing effective programs hinges on understanding the learner’s needs. A needs analysis serves as the foundation for creating targeted, results-driven learning solutions that address specific gaps in knowledge or skills. In this guide, we’ll dive into the importance of conducting a needs analysis, […]
What are the Blended Learning Best Practices in 2024?
By Brant Wilkerson-New September 18, 2024 Blended learning has evolved at lightspeed since the COVID-19 pandemic, combining traditional in-person instruction with the flexibility of digital tools and online environments. As technology advances and the needs of learners diversify, 2024 brings new opportunities to maximize the impact of blended learning. By embracing those advances and focusing […]
SAM Model of Instructional Design
By Brant Wilkerson-New September 12, 2024 Designing effective learning experiences is both a science and an art, requiring a systematic yet flexible approach. Traditional models, like ADDIE, offer a linear path to instructional design, but they can often lack the flexibility needed for today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving learning environments. Enter the Successive Approximation Model (SAM)—an […]
ADDIE Vs. Agile in Learning and Development
By Brant Wilkerson-New September 12, 2024 In the world of learning and development (L&D), choosing the right methodology for creating training programs is crucial. Two popular frameworks often debated in the eLearning space are the ADDIE model and the Agile approach. While both serve the purpose of developing high-quality learning experiences, they operate under distinct […]
ADDIE vs. SAM: Which Model Works for You?
By Brant Wilkerson-New September 12, 2024 When it comes to instructional design, two prominent models stand out: ADDIE and SAM. Both frameworks offer structured approaches to creating effective training programs, but they differ significantly in their methodology and application. Understanding these differences can help organizations choose the right model for their needs, whether you’re developing […]
What Is Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Why is It Important for Your Business?
By Brant Wilkerson-New September 8, 2024 In any successful business, consistency and efficiency are crucial elements. One way to ensure both is through the development and use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). SOPs help streamline operations, ensuring that employees follow best practices while minimizing errors and improving productivity. Whether you’re running a small business or […]
How to Create an Effective Software Design Document (SDD)
A Software Design Document (SDD) is a critical technical document used in software development that outlines how a product or feature will be designed and built to meet the software design specification. It serves as a bridge between the concept of the software (the “what”) and its implementation (the “how”). By meticulously documenting the system’s […]
eLearning Trends 2024: What to Expect in the Future of Digital Learning
The way that people think, learn, and process information is constantly changing. For example, we used to read books but now take online courses on our phones. These changes are continuing daily, with AI driving online education into more personalized learning. Also, e-learning is stealing ideas and concepts from other areas like gaming. The goal […]
Understanding the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC): A Comprehensive Guide
How is a technical document made? How do technical writers start from research to creating a useful document? Are there best practices for the documentation process? Is there a time when a document becomes obsolete? All these questions are related to the Document Development Life Cycle (DDLC), which refers to the process used to create, […]
Leading L&D Podcast – Generative AI – Leah Houde
We’re thrilled to welcome Leah Houde, Chief Learning Officer at PwC, to discuss her journey in embracing AI and generative AI (Gen AI) within the L&D landscape and its impact in organizational upskilling. In our conversation, Leah dives into the collaborative efforts between PwC’s L&D, tech, and change management teams to upskill 75,000 employees, ensuring […]
Everything You Need to Know About Security Procedures
By Brant Wilkerson-New August 19, 2024 Security procedures keep your company organized and streamlined. They also protect your team and your premises from unwanted intruders, physical or digital. To achieve all this, though, and operate safely and predictably, a company must have a clear set up of its security procedures. Business owners and managers know […]
Understanding the Role of IT Technical Writers
By Brant Wilkerson-New August 19, 2024 A technical writer’s role is to write about many things and for different types of businesses and companies. Technical writers may specialize in a specific area and develop their education skills accordingly. They typically have better salaries and more professional opportunities because the quality of their technical research, writing, […]
What is Regulatory Compliance?
In today’s complex business landscape, regulatory compliance has become a critical aspect of organizational success. This comprehensive guide will explore the concept of regulatory compliance, its importance, and how it impacts various industries and businesses. What is Regulatory Compliance? Regulatory compliance refers to the process of adhering to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to […]
Hospital Policies and Procedures: Ensuring Quality Care
By Brant Wilkerson-New July 29, 2024 In the complex world of healthcare, hospital policies and procedures serve as the backbone of efficient, safe, and high-quality patient care. These guidelines are not mere bureaucratic formalities; they are essential tools that ensure consistency, promote best practices, and safeguard both patients and healthcare professionals. Understanding Hospital Policies […]
Procedural Documentation: A Guide to Efficient Workflows
Efficiency and clarity are paramount in any industry. One powerful tool that organizations can leverage to achieve these goals is procedural documentation. This structured approach to capturing and communicating processes offers numerous benefits that can transform the way teams operate and businesses function. Let’s take a look at advantages of implementing robust procedural documentation practices. […]
Technical Writing in Computer Science: What You Need to Know
By Brant Wilkerson-New July 29, 2024 In the fast-paced world of computer science, the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely is just as crucial as coding skills. This is where technical writing comes into play. Whether you’re documenting software, writing user manuals, or preparing research papers, mastering technical writing is essential for success […]
The Fundamentals of Software Technical Writing
By Brant Wilkerson-New July 28, 2024 In the fast-paced world of software development, clear and effective documentation is the unsung hero bridging the gap between complex code and user understanding. Software technical writing is the art and science of translating intricate technical concepts into accessible, user-friendly content. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of […]
A Guide to Installation Manuals: Everything You Need to Know
By Brant Wilkerson-New July 2, 2024 Have you ever tried to install something without a manual? It’s difficult and frustrating. That’s why installation instructions come in handy when people want to install software or hardware. A clear and concise installation manual can make a world of difference to users and improve the customer experience […]
Why Hire a Technical Writer?
By Brant Wilkerson-New July 2, 2024 A technical writer can help you keep your customers happy and maintain your business reputation. How? By writing assembly or installation manuals and translating technical material into something that the average customer can understand. Technical writers can write clearly and concisely about even the most complicated technical process and […]
UX Writer vs Technical Writer: What’s the Difference?
By Brant Wilkerson-New June 19, 2024 Effective communication is paramount in the world of digital products and services. Two roles that play a crucial part in ensuring users can understand and engage with a product are UX writers and technical writers. While both involve crafting clear, concise content, their focus and impact differ. […]
Docs as Code: The Future of Seamless Documentation
By Brant Wilkerson-New June 19, 2024 A growing trend in technical writing and software development is changing how documentation is created and managed. It’s called ‘Docs as Code,’ and it’s revolutionizing how teams collaborate and streamline their workflows. What is Docs as Code? Docs as code is an approach that incorporates technical documentation […]
What is UX Writing?
By Brant Wilkerson-New June 18, 2024 User experience (UX) writing a high-growth field that focuses on crafting the content that users encounter when interacting with digital products like website, apps, and software. It’s a critical component of UX design that helps guide users through your product, reduces potential and creates more engaging, intuitive […]
What is Chart Junk?
By Brant Wilkerson-New June 17, 2024 We’ve all seen them — charts and graphs that are so cluttered and overloaded with unnecessary elements that they actually cause confusion rather than providing clarity. This phenomenon is known as “chart junk” and it can seriously sabotage the effectiveness of your data visualizations. We’ve all seen […]
How to Write an Abstract for a Conference
By Brant Wilkerson-New June 12, 2024 Are you preparing to write and submit a paper or conference presentation? One of the key factors in your submission will be the abstract – a concise summary of your research that will help organizers decide if your work is a good fit, and just as importantly, […]
What Is Confluence Used For: Use Cases
In today’s hybrid and remote business landscape, effective project collaboration and information sharing are critical. Enter Confluence, a robust project management platform designed specifically to help teams work together in creating excellent technical documentation Here, we’ll dive into Confluence, its key features and a number of use-cases that can help technical writers and their […]
Technical Writing Trends for 2024
By Brant Wilkerson-New May 28, 2024 A professional technical writer must keep up with trends in the technical industry, otherwise they soon can’t match what clients require. With things moving so fast and the AI industry growing so quickly, technical writing is changing on an almost monthly basis. So, what are the trends […]
How to Write API Documentation: Everything You Need to Know
By Brant Wilkerson-New May 6, 2024 If you’re building an API, creating clear and concise documentation is equal in importance to the API (application programming interface) itself. Your documentation is the key for developers to understand, integrate with, and troubleshoot your API. Well-written API docs serve as guide and reference, helping developers get […]
What is a Glossary and Why is it Important?
Glossaries hardly make for exciting reading. Very few people — if any — will read one from beginning to end. And yet glossaries are very helpful as a reference tool. Especially when the text is highly technical or specialized, a glossary can make a world of difference to the reader. They give readers the […]
Is Technical Writing a Good Career?
If you like paying close attention to detail and have excellent writing skills, technical writing can become a great career. Technical writing in niche markets can be extremely lucrative but also requires excellent research skills and the constant need to keep up-to-date with industry data and developments. Definition of Technical Writing Technical writing is a […]
Understanding the Difference Between the SDK and API Documentation
When working on technical projects, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the tools and resources at your disposal. Two essential components of any developer’s toolkit are SDK (stands for Software Development Kit) and the API (stands for Application Programming Interface) documentation. While both play roles in the software development process, each has a […]
How to Write a Grant Proposal in 11 Steps
Writing a successful grant proposal is critical for companies and individuals looking to find their projects and initiatives. A well-crafted proposal will make the difference between a missed opportunity and landing the resources necessary for impactful and life-changing work. In this guide, we’ll share a few tips and walk you through the steps to create […]
What is Medical Writing & How to Become a Good Medical Writer
Medical writing is a niche discipline in professional communication that focuses on healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and other aspects of the life sciences industry. Whether it’s educational materials for patients or writing up study reports from clinical trials, medical writers play a critical role in communicating complex medical information to a wide audience. If you’re planning to […]
Hiring Technical Writers: Best Practices
Technical writing is a specialized skill that requires a unique blend of technical expertise and strong communication skills. As your organization grows, you may find the need to expand your documentation team by hiring technical writers. Attracting and hiring the right talent can make a significant impact on the quality and clarity of your product […]
What is Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA)?
A Brief Introduction to DITA DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) was developed by IBM in the late 1990s as an XML-based open standard for authoring, producing and delivering technical content. It has gained popularity and adoption as a powerful architecture for simplifying the process of structured content thanks to being modular, reusable and easy to […]
What is Knowledge Management?
Knowledge management is the process of creating, sharing, using and managing the knowledge and information of an organization. It refers to a multidisciplinary approach to achieving organizational objectives by maximizing the use of knowledge. Why is Knowledge Management Important? In today’s knowledge economy, an organization’s most valuable asset is the knowledge of its people. The […]
What is an Acceptable Use Policy?
Most companies frown upon employees using their business’s IT resources to gamble online while at the office. An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) clearly defines what is allowed and how to prevent employees from misusing these business resources (computers, devices, networks). An AUP would forbid employees from gambling online during work hours. All businesses need an […]
What is Technical Writing?
Published: April 2024 Are you writing an instruction manual for computer software? Do you need online articles for a marketing campaign? Then you need someone who knows about technical writing to turn complex technical information into something straightforward and mainstream. The point of technical writing is to inform, educate, and ultimately engage the public and […]
How to Create and Maintain Technical Documentation: Best Practices and Tips
In a world where systems and processes are changing daily, technical documentation is more important than ever. Whether it’s a software manual, API reference, or troubleshooting guide, well-crafted technical documentation is vital for ensuring daily operations, knowledge transfer, and empowering users to help themselves. Understanding Technical Documentation Technical documentation is a vital foundation in any […]
Technical Writing vs. Instructional Design: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?
Whether you’re a college student considering career paths, or a manager looking for materials to help your team and customers reach their goals, you might find yourself at a crossroads: instructional design or technical writing? It’s a common question given just how interconnected the disciplines can be, yet a few subtle differences might help set […]
Everything You Need to Know About eLearning Design
The eLearning industry has exploded in recent years, as its accessibility, flexibility and effectiveness have changed the way we learn and advance our careers. However, there’s plenty more to eLearning development than simply throwing together a quick PowerPoint or providing info sheets. Just how successful that eLearning project will be hinges on how learning professionals […]
What is a Quick-Reference Guide and How to Make One
A quick reference guide is a concise document designed to highlight important points and make it easy to understand how to use a product as quickly as possible. These step-by-step documents are particularly useful to new hires, ensuring that they can start working smoothly. Quick reference guides display the key features of how to use […]
What Is an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual?
An Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manual is the owner’s manual for your building, equipment, project, or system. It’s your go-to document when you need to sort out, fix, or find something relevant to your building, project, or equipment. An O&M manual is a comprehensive document provided by the manufacturer or developer and related to […]
The Contract Worker’s 4 Secrets of Job Happiness
In today’s workforce, more and more people are finding themselves employed as contract workers. Would it surprise you to know that many people forego the traditional employee role because they are attracted to the benefits of contract work? You may wonder what the benefits of contract work are? Here are 4 benefits that make contract workers […]
Pivot Your Online Training by Outsourcing
by Adrian West and Ronnie Duncan So many people have lamented 2020 as the year to forget. The COVID pandemic has hit with such a fierce vengeance that we can hardly help feeling stricken, even if we have not tested positive for the virus. Employers remain in a serious quandary for how best to keep […]
TimelyText Video Blog Part 1 – The Pandemics Impact on Training
Kelly Phillips and TimelyText’s VP Adrian West discuss the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on corporate training and development.
Is your LMS Alone in the Wilderness?
By Chuck Gamble Learning & Development Manager Imagine for a moment that you’ve constructed the most incredible library in the world — massive , classical columns with hundreds of thousands of volumes reaching the ceilings, rising above cozy nooks and expansive wooden desks. It contains terrific books, beautiful art, periodicals, local news archives, and every […]
Roundtable: The New Employee Learning Imperative
TimelyText was fortunate to join members of the American Society of Quality’s Raleigh Chapter at PharmEng Technology last week for a roundtable discussion focused on ‘The new employee learning imperative’. Quality professionals across several industries shared insight and observations on how learning & development programs are — and in some cases, aren’t — meeting […]
Finding your niche in L&D
By Chuck Gamble Learning and Develop Manager When people ask me what line of work I’m in, I always answer by saying I am and L&D professional, but that is such a broad way of putting thing because there are so many different aspects of L&D. It’s important to find your niche and grow it. […]
Don’t be Artificially Intelligent
By Chuck Gamble Learning and Develop Manager ChatGPT is a powerful tool when you use it correctly, but the problem for many people right now is that they are not using it correctly. A New York attorney named Steven Schwartz recently learned a tough lesson when he placed his implicit trust into the […]
Leading L&D Podcast – Ep. 2 – Michael Grant
In his role as Senior Director of Learning Innovation and Assessment for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, Michael Grant is responsible for leading L&D initiatives for nearly 700,000 members. Not only does Michael’s team face the challenge of serving a diverse, global audience with differing regulations, but it also faces the responsibility of […]
Leading L&D Podcast – Ep. 1 – Laura Paramoure
For the inaugural episode of Leading L&D, longtime colleague and friend Laura Paramoure brings her 25+ years of experience in learning measurement to talk about how AI is shaking up her world at the Raleigh-based eParamus. While some people believe that artificial intelligence might replace some in the workforce, Laura believes that it could actually […]
Making the Leap
From her first job as a teenager back at the YMCA, Paige Barnes knew she was meant to spend her life as an educator. “I really fell in love with the kids and like their personalities and just watching them develop from the different stages,” she said. Like so many teachers in recent years, though, […]
Leading L&D preview — Laura Paramoure
We’re thrilled that longtime friend Laura Paramoure joined us for the first episode of Leading L&D with Adrian West! Here’s a preview of a wide-ranging conversation on measurement in learning, and in particular, how Laura is embracing AI in her work at eParamus. Be on the lookout for the full conversation tomorrow on YouTube and […]
Two years with TimelyText!
By Brant Wilkerson-New If you thought TimelyText’s 20-year anniversary celebration back in February was the biggest milestone we’d celebrate this year, you’d be absolutely correct — but hey, two years on the team is nothing to sneeze at, either! Ronnie Duncan first reached out to me in Feb. 2021, as the world was starting to […]
TimelyTexting: Alisa DeJoseph goes from classroom to dream role in instructional design
The weight of the world has been lifted off Alisa DeJoseph. Talk to her for five minutes – heck, just take a look at her smile – and you’ll feel the love radiating as she talks about her journey from teaching art to working as a project manager for the Center for Leadership Studies since […]
One Meeting, a Call and A Little Trust
When you look back at TimelyText’s two decades of success, and hundreds of hires and placements along the way, it’s only right that the most important moment comes down to getting the perfect people into the right spots at critical times. Reflecting on 20 years in business, Ronnie Duncan is smart enough to know that […]
TimelyText’s 20th Anniversary Party
When: Thursday, Feb. 16 Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Top Box at The Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Drive) What we’ll provide: Delicious Fullsteam beer, appetizers, birthday cupcakes and fun! “I decided if I didn’t try to do this on my own, I’d go to the grave wondering.” From a desk he set up in his […]
How Has Raleigh Changed in the Past 20 Years?
Over his 20 years leading TimelyText, Ronnie Duncan has noticed a funny change when folks at networking events ask where he’s from. “I tell them, ‘Right here,'” Duncan said, “and they say, ‘You’re the first person I’ve met from around here.” Such is life when you’re lucky enough to grow up, start a family and […]
11 Technical Writer Interview Questions and Tips
You’ve written up a perfect resume and hit it off with the hiring manager in a quick introductory call. Now, it’s time for the big interview! These days, that’s more likely to take the form of an hour-long Zoom meeting than making the trek to an office building and meeting with (gasp!) real, actual […]
Preparing Your Résumé for the Hiring Rush
How does one fit their entire career into one neat little document? Well, that’s one of several mistakes that job applicants commonly make with trying to put their best foot forward with a résumé. With peak hiring season getting started here in North Carolina, Ronnie Duncan and Adrian West shared a few pointers for best […]
TimelyText Talks Holiday Gifting
Instructional design isn’t only about training new employees or getting your team up to speed on a specific software. This holiday season, we decided we’d like to showcase the fun side of learning and development, and TimelyText associate Paige Barnes delivered this wonderful instructional video on giftwrapping! If you’re anything like us, battling wrapping paper, […]
TimelyText Holiday Party 2022 Photo Gallery
By Brant Wilkerson-New December 19, 2022 It’s good to be back. We’d waited more than three years to throw another holiday party, and based on the turnout, it seems the TimelyText family was ready to reunite for another great evening of fellowship and networking in Raleigh. The evening wouldn’t have been possible without Breanna McGovern […]
#TimelyTexting: Meet Adam Houston
We’re excited to bring back this monthly feature, offering a look at TimelyText’s greatest assset: the incredible people we have the chance to work with every day! By Brant Wilkerson-New Nov. 16, 2022 When Gilbarco Veeder-Root approached us in May 2021 with a need for an internal communications writer, we knew we had the perfect […]
The “Unofficial” TimelyText Team
When Ronnie Duncan started TimelyText on Feb. 14, 2003, he did it as a one-man show in an office above his garage, but he was never alone. It took the help of so many friends in corporate communication to get things off the ground, offering their help to build templates and putting their faith in […]
TimelyText Adds to the Team
Referrals have always been key to helping us get to know and place the best communications professionals in the Triangle, and this time, we decided to keep one for ourselves. Thanks to a referral from a longtime friend of TimelyText, we’ve added Brant Wilkerson-New as our new Marketing and Recruiting Lead. “Ronnie and I hit […]
TimelyChat February 2020
Periodically we like to check-in with current and former TimelyText contract employees for a brief chat to discuss their experiences working with TimelyText. In this chat, we feature Tom Lyndes. When did you begin contracting with TimelyText? About 15 years ago. I have worked for TimelyText off and on since then. When you start a […]
TimelyText Video Series – The Current State of Hiring Communication Professionals (Part 8)
THOUGHTS AND TRENDS IN BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS FOR 2021 In part 8, Kelly Phillips and TimelyText’s VP Adrian West discuss some of the new challenges and trends in business communications for 2021 as we continue to deal with the pandemic.
TimelyText Video Series – The Current State of Hiring Communication Professionals (Part 7)
PART 7 – TIMELYTEXT VS OTHER STAFFING COMPANIES In this segment, Kelly Phillips and TimelyText’s VP Adrian West discuss what sets TimelyText apart from other staffing companies.
TimelyText Video Series – The Current State of Hiring Communication Professionals (Part 6)
PART 6 – TIMELYTEXT’S TWO-CUSTOMER PHILOSOPHY In Part 6, Kelly Phillips and TimelyText’s VP Adrian West discuss TimelyText’s Two Customer Philosophy. They also discuss how TimelyText goes about understanding the clients needs so they can find the right candidate.
TimelyText Video Series – The Current State of Hiring Communication Professionals (Part 5)
PART 5 – CONTRACT WORK AS A JUST IN TIME RESOURCE In this segment Kelly Phillips and TimelyText VP Adrian West discuss how using TimelyText and contract workers can provide companies workforce flexibility which is especially helpful during these uncertain times.
TimelyText Video Series – The Current State of Hiring Communication Professionals (Part 4)
PART 4 – NAVIGATING A MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDER(MSP) AND APPROVED VENDOR LISTS In Part 4 Kelly Phillips and TimelyText’s VP Adrian West discuss how TimelyText can still be brought in even if the client uses a Managed Service Provider(MSP) or if they are not already on your approved vendor list.
TimelyText Video Series – The Current State of Hiring Communication Professionals (Part 3)
PART 3 – TIMELYTEXT’S SERVICES AND CLIENTS In part 3 of our series with Kelly Phillips and TimelyText’s VP Adrian West, we learn more about TimelyText. We find out the types of service offerings that TimelyText specializes in and also some examples of their typical clients.
TimelyText Video Series – The Current State of Hiring Communication Professionals (Part 2)
PART 2 – HOW TIMELYTEXT CAN HELP WITH BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS In part 2 of our series, Kelly Phillips talks with TimelyText’s VP Adrian West about how TimelyText can help with your company’s business communication efforts during the pandemic. TimelyText can help implement an existing plan or help you develop one.
TimelyText Video Series – The Current State of Hiring Communication Professionals (Part 1)
PART 1 – THE PANDEMICS IMPACT ON TRAINING Kelly Phillips and TimelyText’s VP Adrian West discuss the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on corporate training and development.
What’s it Like to be TimelyText’s “Mr. ATD”?
TimelyText has been supplying Instructional Designers to Raleigh/Durham businesses for more than fifteen years, and we have become well known, in local circles, as a “go-to” provider of such resources. But at the core, TimelyText is a stable of communication professionals, and behind all that, is a penchant for networking. After all, isn’t networking all […]
TimelyChat November 2020
Periodically we like to check-in with current and former TimelyText contract employees for a brief chat to discuss their experiences working with TimelyText. In this chat, we feature Kelly Phillips. Why did you begin contracting with TimelyText? I met Ronnie Duncan years ago when I was looking for a contract Technical Writer. I had no […]
Six Reasons a Specialty Staffing Agency Can Help You Land That Perfect Job!
Mergers, buyouts, downsizing and reorganizations are a few common reasons you might head to the job market. Maybe you’re not seeing eye-to-eye with your boss, or perhaps, it’s just time to shake things up. No matter what’s led you to surfing the job boards and firing off applications, the process is rarely an enjoyable one. […]
Retain and Engage with an Effective New Employee Onboarding Program
With the mass transition to remote workforces, an online new employee orientation can set your employees up for success.
Outsourcing/Contracting for Instructional Design and Development Enables Your Remote Workforce
The Coronavirus pandemic has created a massive shift for the world’s workforce. Some companies, such as Facebook and Google’s parent-company, Alphabet, plan to allow most workers who can work from home do so through year end. Other large companies, such as Nationwide and Barclays, are looking to continue remote work and to permanently scale down […]
How to Successfully Manage a Short-Term Freelance Project
By Kelly Phillips As a freelancer, it’s those long-term, steady contracts that keep a paycheck hitting the bank. They’re the holy grail of freelancing, providing financial stability and peace of mind. But often the key to landing those lucrative gigs is building a relationship with your clients through short-term contracts. Nothing builds trust like delivering […]
“TimelyText Story of Innovation” Featured by RTCC on WRAL TechWire
One of TimelyText’s biggest success stories has been our partnership with ABB, a global technology leader in industrial equipment and systems. As a result, TimelyText is featured in a “story of innovation” by the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) for WRAL TechWire. The blogpost describes how TimelyText and ABB worked together with John Hudepohl, of […]
TimelyText Celebrates 15th Anniversary!
Every year, Valentine’s Day is an extra special day for all of us here at TimelyText because it is also our Anniversary, and this year we are proud to be celebrating our 15th! We would like to thank all of our employees and clients for continuing to make TimelyText the Triangle’s leading provider of instructional […]
Wool E. Bull joins TimelyText Employee Appreciation Event
On May 9th TimelyText held its annual Employee Appreciation event at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Despite the threatening weather forecast, about 70 folks came on out and joined us on the John Deere Bull Pen Party Deck. Fortunately, the rain held off long enough for us to have a wonderful evening of fun and food. We even had […]
TimelyText Welcomes New Team Member – Gary Baker
TimelyText is pleased to announce that Gary Baker has joined our staff as Marketing/Administrative Assistant. Gary will be helping to keep things running smoothly with the day-to-day administration and he will also focus on improving our marketing strategies. We have asked Gary to put together a little bio about himself and encourage you to read […]
TimelyText Joins Sensus at 4th Annual Charity Golf Classic
Sensus, a TimelyText customer, made significant strides in helping grant wishes for children with life threatening conditions last Monday. The company held its 4th annual Charity Golf Classic tournament at North Carolina State University’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course, raising $55,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Since the first tournament in 2013, Sensus has raised more than […]
Employee Success Stories – Claudine Caro
For over thirteen years, TimelyText has worked with some of North Carolina’s most talented writers and editors. The diverse skillsets and expertise of these men and women have earned this company the reputation it has today, and we at TimelyText continue striving to help every employee find their ideal working situation. In honor of their […]
Knowledgeable Narratives: The Art of Corporate Storytelling
In today’s world of rapid communication and endless information, one important element is often absent. People long for a sense of true connection. For some it’s connection to their community, for others a connection to a greater set of ideals, but in general, all people want to feel personal connection to at least some of […]
Employee Success Story – Chuck Arnold
For over thirteen years, TimelyText has worked with some of North Carolina’s most talented writers and editors. The diverse skillsets and expertise of these men and women have earned this company the reputation it has today, and we at TimelyText continue striving to help every employee find their ideal working situation. In honor of their […]
Employee Success Stories – Les Williams
For over thirteen years, TimelyText has worked with North Carolina’s most talented writers and editors. The diverse skillsets and expertise of these men and women have earned our company the strong reputation we enjoy today. In fact, that relationship is at the center of our efforts to help every employee find their ideal working situation. […]
Last Wednesday’s Ballgame Saw a Great Turnout!
TimelyText friends and family gathered in the ballpark last Wednesday, cheering the Durham Bulls to victory over the Buffalo (New York) Bisons. Here are some of the evening’s highlights: Everyone mingled in the Durham Bull’s “Miller Lite Bullpen,” enjoying delicious ballpark food and clear, sunny skies. Kelly Philip’s son, Chase, raced Wool E. Bull around the […]
TimelyText Joins the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster
TimelyText is a proud new member of the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC). An initiative of business, government, academic and nonprofit leaders, the RTCC works to accelerate the region’s cleantech economy by promoting innovation and sector growth. TimelyText supports these initiatives as a leader for staffing corporate communications professionals in the technology, healthcare, software, and […]
We are buffing and polishing at TimelyText!
You may have noticed our new logo popping up over social media this week. TimelyText is getting a sparkle and shine this year by updating our logo and website. Change is good, and we are constantly looking for even better ways to provide our clients and consultants with the best service we can. This includes […]
TimelyText Welcomes New Team Member
Hello! My name is Robert McNeely, and I’ve recently joined the TimelyText headquarters team to help handle internal projects and content curation. I’ll also have a role as TimelyText explores new approaches for online media presence and development of strategies to grow our client base. It’s an exciting time to be part of Team TimelyText! […]
Look Closely and You’ll See Art in Punctuation
Punctuation is a fundamental and critical element in writing, providing organization and lending intention to written thought. Commas, semi-colons, dashes, and periods all serve as suggestions to direct a reader through any piece of writing. But in what other forms than writing can punctuation be seen? Have you ever thought to look at these grammatical […]
TimelyText is 13 years old! Do you know what this number means?
The TimelyText team is thrilled to be celebrating 13 years in business as the Triangle Area’s leading provider of instruction designers, technical writers, marketing writers, editors, and corporate communications specialists. This is a wonderful milestone for us, and we consider it lucky 13, as this is going to be a great year! The number 13 […]
The Carolina Panthers and TimelyText have had historic years…what about Broncos fans?
What a great season this has been for the Carolina Panthers! Their best ever! TimelyText had our best year ever too! Most of us at TimelyText hope to be celebrating our great year along with the Panthers if they can win the 50th Super Bowl. Who will you be cheering for this coming Sunday? For […]
Workplace Changes Expected in 2016: More Freelancers
Between technology advancements, work/life balance initiatives, and constant need for companies to become more agile, the list of categories that companies need to stay ahead of in the new year is nearly endless. With the demands of younger generations of workers moving toward a “fewer rules, more rewards” mentality, the workplace is being forced to […]
Why we all Make Typos – and What to do About it
When you write for a living, missing a typo is incredibly embarrassing. It makes you look unprofessional, sloppy and lazy. And if you have no proofreader, it’s nearly inevitable. You hang your head and vow to do better the next time. You can imagine how thrilled we were when we came across this article in […]
When you Must Write Outside Your Comfort Zone
We’ve all been there. We can draft a great technical document, or whip up a business letter that will win over the most skeptical client, but give us something to write that isn’t in our genre and we clam up, dawdle, claim writer’s block and surf the web avoiding the inevitable. So when we found […]
Is There a Udacity for Instructional Designers?
Last week, New York Times’ columnist Farhad Manjoo wrote about the success of Udacity, the online teaching start-up that offers what it calls, “nanodegrees,” in highly sought after skills like mobile programming, data analysis, and web development. Students pay by the month, work at their own pace, and Udacity refunds them half their tuition if […]
Five Tips to Make Your Professional Portfolio Sell Your Skills
What is the best way to showcase your work? That’s a question a lot of job seekers and freelancers grapple with. Is a personal, branded website necessary? Can a free LinkedIn account do the job? What about highlighting proprietary work? We’re assuming you already know that you need a portfolio, that it needs to be […]