Working with “Techies”

by Vanessa Barber
Project Manager, Advent Media Group

We here at Advent Media Group pride ourselves on being in-the-know when it comes to technology. Most of our clients are at the forefront of technological advances in medicine, and it’s our job to know what’s out there so we can write about it knowledgeably and educate our readers.

Over the years, we have also worked hard to stay abreast of the many ways in which technology advances outside of the medical world. We concentrate on the progressions in website development and design. As the digital age continues to expand and surge forward, it’s important that we here at AMG know everything there is to know...as soon as it is ready to be learned.

I, personally, do not know anything about computer programming. And while I have learned much over the years about web design and development, I still look to our AMG IT experts when it comes to the large, and small technological questions.

So, I thought I would compile a brief—but pointed—list of my “must-haves” for a positive working relationship with the illustrious “IT person.” If you are looking to develop a website, or choosing an IT person to help you with office technology, you may find this useful.

• I like to learn something from every working relationship I develop. Even when it’s a tiny email issue that takes three minutes to fix, I always appreciate it when the IT person explains to me what happened with my computer, and why.
• Knowledge is key. I always work with someone who knows the latest programs—their pros and their cons.
• Also, I prefer to work with someone who has some knowledge in both arenas—programming and designing. They don’t necessarily need to be a designer if they are a programmer, or vice versa, but they should know W3C guidelines, and be aware of the latest trends. In this respect, really, I’m looking for an advocate for the client’s success. If you are spending money to develop a site, you don’t want to launch something that’s already outdated. And, in the world of fast-moving technology, that is an issue to consider.
• I’ll admit it: I am sometimes completely overwhelmed by techie jargon. I often feel shy or embarrassed about asking what a particular acronym stands for, and I’ll let things go over my head when I really want to know more. The best IT person for me to work with: the one who slows down, and takes the time to answer my questions in a language I can understand.

I’m hoping as the digital age develops, and more people begin to use computers for every aspect of their business, that the divide between the IT person and us “non-techies” will diminish. I will always have more to learn when it comes to computers and advancing technology, and I look forward to gaining that knowledge through the experts.