Besides just a name change, westXdesign has undergone some pretty significant changes since 1992 when I first started this business. 20 years ago, providing technical services was more about doing things FOR the client – they didn’t want to do things to themselves, and the technology was beyond most of their abilities. From building basic web sites, registering domains, and fixing office equipment, even how to install and use financial software. Over the years, as technology has become more end-user friendly, and more and more people use it in their personal lives and therefore are more comfortable with it, our primary business focus has changed from doing to consulting. And now, it’s time yet again to take a serious look at what we do and how to shape our future.

This coming week will determine how much of my time goes into framing westXdesign’s future. As an employee of a major corporation, westXdesign has become more of a side business, with less revenue each year, but also has become something I enjoy much more. Now, I find myself offering training on how to integrate technology into small businesses to improve productivity and save costs.

My full-time job has been fulfilling, and over the past 5 years that I have been with the company, I have had many opportunities to expand my skill set, and provide valuable services to end users. But now I have reached a critical point where my future happiness there hangs heavily on what opportunity is presented to me this week. This isn’t the place to go into details, but I feel the time has come for a major change in my responsibilities, and whether that shift is there, or with westXdesign, I will make the most of my time to do the things I love:

Providing users with the tools they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities, and helping them to use technology instead of letting the technology use them.

Photo: “Two Paths, One Destination!” by beautifulcataya, on Flickr