Setting the Stage: What This Is All About
Hey there, I'm The LMS Guy đź‘‹
If you’re here, you’re likely navigating the complex and sometimes confusing world of learning technologies like learning management systems (LMS) and content management systems (CMS), and I'm here to help! I’ve spent my entire career in technology, from technical roles managing and procuring IT software to developing sales enablement and customer training programs and platforms. And along the way, I've implemented and managed dozens of learning and knowledge platforms and tools.
I understand the challenges that come with selecting, managing, and optimizing these solutions for both internal and customer-facing audiences, and this site is my way of sharing my insights and guiding you on your own platform journey.
Why LMS and CMS Matter
Learning and content management tools are critical to training and engaging professional adult learners, yet navigating the hundreds of available platforms can be an exhausting task, even for experienced. While there are websites that provide ratings and user feedback, choosing the right tool is rarely a straightforward task. Budgets, unique requirements, time-to-market, and other business forces all impact these decisions. Meanwhile, new solutions emerge seemingly every day, each promising to do what more established, complex platforms struggle with – focus and simplicity.
LMS and CMS platforms are much more than repositories for training materials—they’re ecosystems that drive meaningful learning experiences, measure engagement, and fuel business outcomes. In this blog, I’ll share frameworks for making smarter technology decisions and collaborating with stakeholders to meet your goals. Whether you’re training a sales team, onboarding new hires, or educating customers, I’m here to help you navigate this crowded landscape and turn these tools into true strategic assets.
What You Can Expect from "The LMS Guy"
Here’s a preview of the topics I’ll be covering:
- Navigating the Vendor Maze
There are so many LMS and CMS providers out there, each with unique features, strengths, and limitations. I’ll break down the vendor landscape, introduce useful resources like elearningindustry.com, and give you the tools to make vendor decisions that align with your goals. - Types of Learning Tools and How They Fit Together
LMS, CMS, LXP, LRS—the acronyms alone are overwhelming! I’ll help you understand the key differences and the unique roles each type of platform can play in a learning ecosystem. - Managing Your Learning Ecosystem as a Product
LMS and CMS aren’t just software; they’re products that require thoughtful management, continuous improvement, and an understanding of your users. I’ll share insights on how to treat these platforms as products, ensuring they grow and evolve with your organization’s needs. - Applying Product Principles to Your LMS and CMS Strategy
Product management strategies—like gathering user feedback, building a roadmap, and focusing on data-driven improvements—are rarely applied to LMS and CMS management, but they should be! I’ll dive into how these principles can transform your learning platforms into tools that serve your users and drive impact.
Whether you’re an experienced LMS/CMS admin or just starting out, my goal is to make this site your resource for practical advice, strategic insights, and a fresh take on managing learning tools. Together, we’ll explore ways to leverage technology to deliver valuable learning experiences—so stay tuned!