Welcome to my technology for independent knowledge professionals site. I’m Janet. I’ve been running my own consulting business for over 20 years now. It is great fun and personally satisfying to be able to do what you want to do in life.
Consulting. After working 5 years for Control Data’s computer consulting subsidiary, I struck out on my own as a Macintosh computer consultant developing custom database systems for creative services firms in the SF Bay Area. I’m still here and still work mostly with creative professionals around technology.
My Software Product. Along the way, I developed a software product for creative services businesses to help them manage to budgets and deadlines. That product is called Studio Manager.
The Web. In 1995, I built my own website because I saw it as a revolutionary opportunity to make myself and my business visible (and discoverable) to others around the world. The plan has worked and I’ve gotten a lot of business from those who found me on the internet. Still do.
Blogging. I started blogging in 2003 and that was a step up from a static website. I love blogging and have written over 500 blog posts. I started on Twitter in 2007 and have been a twitter micro-blogger as @tokerud since then. I’ve written over 2900 tweets so far.
Technology is in my blood. I’m an early adopter and technology enthusiast. I’m always exploring and researching technology tools and techniques as they apply to being an independent knowledge professional. See my blog post on that next door on the home page.
Schooling. Along the way, I’ve acquired an MBA in Marketing and Information systems at UC Berkeley. I also have a Sociology MA from UCSF that I got when I was in my change the world phase that immediately preceded being a professional geek.
Coaching. One other little byroad to mention. Between 1999 and 2002, I studied and practiced life coaching as a sideline. I trained most extensively at the Coaches Training Institute in San Rafael. That means I can sprinkle some coaching into my work with independent knowledge professionals upon request.
Childhood. I knew you were wondering. I grew up in Salem, Oregon. Graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Psychology. Took my first computer course in high school. I’ve been in the SF area since graduate school. Been in Marin for about 20 years now. Left SF after the ’89 earthquake. Might move back one of these days though.
This Blog. The Janet Tokerud Blog will be about personal technology, blogging, social media, the economy, social trends and anything I can think of that might be useful to someone who is a practicing independent knowledge professional of some sort. There are a lot of us. I’ll share what I can from my perch at the leading edge of all this amazing technology.
The Future. I’ve realized that I’m going to do all this research anyway and now is the time to begin to blog more about it, create information products, do more consulting and coaching and maybe even write a book or two. Come along for the ride if you like!
