Blog
02.17.2010
Most of the clients that hire Mad Hatter to build a WordPress website are around the same age as me. (I said around, not exact.) I’m not afraid…I’ll tell you that I’m almost 29. Most of the people who need design work are part of the generation that is now our nation’s workforce. Our generation has a very specific set of expectations for work. We want to be paid what we’re worth, and we want to do something we love.
When our parents were our age, there was no Internet. It’s hard to remember that sometimes. Starting up a website and making money online was not an option for our parents. They worked hard, and often one parent stayed home to take care of the kids. They often did jobs they hated just provide for their families. Some of them are still in jobs they hate because of poor planning, lack of education, or lack of concern for retirement.
These days, parents aren’t only staying home to care for kids, but they are building empires from their basement offices. They are creating a life for their kids that includes them – being there, being there, being there. Sometimes both parents are able to work from home. These parents are a new breed. We are saving money, planning for retirement, and being with our kids – all while doing something we truly love to do.
I think our parents look at us sometimes and think we’re crazy. Maybe we are a little nuts. After all, we rely on the power and connection of the Internet to supply our bacon! The Interwebs are the future of our workforce. It’s how we make connections and how we conduct business. Even as I write this, my computer is filled with tools to help me provide services to my clients hundreds of miles away. One of my dearest friends and business partners is in another country – and we’ve never met face-to-face! (Ok, it’s Canada, but still! Could our parents have done business in Toronto from the comfort of their sofa!?)
When the “Dot Com” boom came along, a lot of people began to think making money on the Internet meant you had to be a scammer, a blogger, or a software mogul. Not so anymore. Our generation is changing the face of business on the Web. We are creating real, tangible products and extremely valuable services that we can sell via the Web. Interneters are selling to Interneters. It’s an amazing circle of business that goes around and around.
So, I said all that to say this: if you have dreams of being with your kids and still contributing in a meaningful way to the family income, the Internet can make it possible. A website is the key to starting a successful online business. You can do more than sell scented candles – you can build an empire from your lawn chair.
Posted in Business, Economy, VAs, Virtual Assistants, rAnts aNd RaVeS | 1 Comment »
09.24.2009
As a business owner that primarily does business over the Internet, I’ve learned that getting my point across in the written word is not always as easy as it seems. I’ve found that writing in a conversational tone, rather than in a stiff, business-like format, can help my clients feel more at ease. Writing this way also allows me to get my thoughts down on virtual paper without having to put too much thought into its “correctness.” I don’t claim to have perfect grammar and/or typing skills, nor do I claim to be the best business writer. I’m just saying, this is what works for my client base. This doesn’t mean I send out trashy emails with no capitalization and bad grammar. It simply means that my thoughts come out the way I originally thought them. (That’s confusing, isn’t it?) I use contractions, happy phrases (like “Yay!” and “Woohoo!”), and avoid the use of common business phrases and clichés to get my point across.
I’ve read several articles that list phrases to avoid in business writing. I’m not trying to be a snob here, but with so many people spouting so many “catch phrases” on the Web, they’re starting to just blend into the sea of words. Here are a few phrases that drive me nuts. What are some that make you want to scream at your screen?
“Bang for my (or your) buck.” – This says “cheap” to me. Or in a designer’s world, it says I want you to work hard and I want to pay peanuts. It sounds like a used car salesman.
“I’m an (insert product here) evangelist.” – Again, it’s not unique anymore because everyone says it. Drop it and give yourself a meaningful title.
“Going forward…” – Of course we’re going forward, and of course I will implement your changes in the future. It’s understood. It doesn’t need to be said.
“It is what it is.” – No, it is not. If I’m not happy, it’s not. Make it right.
“Flesh this out.” – It sounds gross and means “Explain something more completely.” It’s more of a literary term and doesn’t have a place in the design world, in my book. I prefer, “Add detail to this,” or “Polish this with…”
“Twit (something).” – Makes us all sound like a bunch of twits. I hate that word and refuse to use it. “Tweet” sounds better.
And some common mistakes that just make you look igorant:
Typing in all caps. – This is rough on the eyes and it should be well known by now that it is the equivalent of shouting on the Internet. Please use caps sparingly. Caps for design purposes are generally ok. I use them in my titles because of the look. But Whole sentences and paragraphs in caps? No way.
Capitalizing the first letter of every word in a sentence. – Didn’t They Teach You That Only Proper Nouns Need To Be Capitalized In a Sentence?
“Should of, could of, would of” – Should be, “Should have, could have, would have.” Grammar, peeps.
Using excessive abbreviations, even on Twitter – “U R 2 cool!” You are an idiot. Spell things out. It’s just unprofessional. If you have to abbreviate things like that for Twitter, then you shouldn’t be Tweeting about it. If it’s longer than 140 characters, its not a micro-blog. It’s a blog. Blog about it.
The mistake I’m probably making on a daily basis is that I very rarely use proper capitalization during instant messaging chats. I don’t abbreviate, but I do type things like this: “i just wanted to ask a questions about project one. more information is needed.” I do use LOL as well. But that’s about as unprofessional as I get. And I only do those two things with clients that know me well enough to understand my writing style.
Do you have any phrases or habits that make you cringe? Any tips for writing conversational emails that still communicate clearly?
Tags: Business, Communication, Writing
Posted in Business, Communication, Uncategorized, Web, Writing, rAnts aNd RaVeS | 3 Comments »
09.10.2009
It’s not often that I get on a political tirade – mostly because I dislike politics and all the bullshit that comes with it. However, I feel strongly about what I am about to say and I believe there are people that just don’t get it, and I’d like to say it out loud.
Obama speaks constantly about personal responsibility. When he was elected President, he spoke about that very subject. He urged Americans to understand that he alone could not make progress. He wanted to make sure we all knew why he was elected – to lead us to greatness. But what good is a leader if his team does not follow directions? People are still doing the same crap they were doing a year ago. Asking for government money to dig themselves out of holes does not solve the problem. Businesses are going to have to fail! That’s right. Big time fail. People will lose their jobs and things will suck for a little while. However, this can easily be turned around. If business owners start planning now to make changes to their products and services, they’ll be prepared for the failing of their current businesses. They’ll have a plan in place with new products and technology that will drive business, create more jobs, and make money. Yes, some people may be out of work for a little bit, but soon enough, if these business owners smarten up, things will turn around.
So, I say let’s stop blaming the Prez and putting everything on his shoulders. Let’s take responsibility and buy local, buy American, and change our mindset. Let’s start new, sustainable businesses that are good for our planet and humanity. Let’s discourage the production and purchase of plastic crap from China and focus on playing with our children and teaching them how to be tomorrow’s citizens. Let’s adapt to the times, people! We did make quite a jump from caveman status over the centuries, am I right? There’s a reason we’re the dominant species. If we continue this stupidity, we’ll be nothing more than ants.
Change keeps us afloat. We aren’t riding horses to work anymore. We aren’t still using the USPS to send a letter to grandma. If not for change, I’d be writing this rant via candlelight on parchment with a quill and ink. I love change! It’s the only thing that’s certain, and it most certainly will be in our future. If we don’t change, we perish.
I challenge you to embrace change and adaptation. If you are failing at what you do, it is time to try something new. Go back to school; find a new product; support research and technology. You can even do something as simple as help someone who needs help. Step out of your little box and see what humanity is all about.
I’m done now. Thanks for reading.
Tags: Business, Economy, Obama
Posted in Business, Economy, Politics | No Comments »
08.11.2009
From now until the end of August, all fans of Mad Hatter Design + Media’s Facebook page will receive a FREE logo design package with the purchase of a website design package (WordPress or HTML).
Don’t miss this end-of-summer special for Facebook Fans ONLY! 
Posted in Blog, Business, Clients, Specials | No Comments »
08.11.2009
If you shop a Walmart like millions of Americans do, you may have noticed Walmart’s “Great Value” brand has gotten a facelift. They’re new look not only 
feels more modern, but also looks more upscale.
In a press release on March 16, 2009, Wal-Mart explains how the downturn in the economy led them to redesign their brand to appeal to a wider market. More and more Americans are pinching pennies and looking for ways to save. Walmart hopes these people will turn to Great Value.
Not only did the outdated logo get a new look, but the products and packaging also underwent dramatic changes. Products were submitted to rigorous market testing, while packaging was reduced when possible to maintain the company’s sustainability commitments.
Walmart isn’t the only major retailer that saw an opportunity for growth during tough times. Target has also revamped its store brand to maintain consistency and recognition throughout the entire store. Target’s marketing campaign for Up & Up boasts that they carry over 600 products for under five bucks.
Did Target do the right thing by rebranding? Check out this blog post for an interesting take on the matter.
Personally, I think the brand change by both companies was a smart move. Both logos were outdated and inconsistent. Now both are clean, crisp and recognizable.
In my opinion, this was a great time to spend the budget on a revamp. People are saving more and spending less, and store brands are key to many a household budget.
If you’re thinking about rebranding to appeal to an audience that might use your product now when they never have before, follow these two giants’ lead and jump into the waters of change!
Tags: Branding, Business, Economy
Posted in Blog, Branding, Business, Economy | No Comments »
07.21.2009
Yes, that’s right – clients can be fired by their designers. It happens all the time, mostly because of a lack of compatibility between client and designer. Generally, though, the designer becomes irritated by the way a client does business.
Here is a quick list of tips to keep you from being fired by your designer:
1. Be organized. One of the biggest complaints designers have about their clients is how clients manage information. If you don’t have your thoughts together, you won’t be able to fully convey what you want to your designer. This results in your designer delivering results that are incomplete or off the mark, which in turn will make you angry or frustrated with your designer. Keeping emails to a minimum, or consolidating lots of tiny pieces of information can also help you stay organized. Get organized before you contact your designer and the relationship is sure to be much smoother.
2. Know what you want. Your designer is not a mind reader. You have to know what you want before you hire a designer. If you don’t know what you want, you won’t be happy with anything your designer sends your way – and your designer won’t know which direction to go.
3. Be honest. Need an extra week to pay your invoice? Don’t care for a concept your designer sent? Just tell them. Most designers are understanding – it’s the nature of the business. But we don’t tolerate dishonesty or no communication. Sometimes a quick email is all it takes.
4. Respect the designer’s boundaries. Most designers have set hours that they take phone calls or work on projects. This is because they have to be in the creative zone to do actual design work. If your designer asks you not to call on Tuesday, don’t do it. If your designer asks you to leave voicemail or email regarding your needs, do it. This will help the designer complete your project more quickly because they won’t be interrupted by calls while they’re working.
5. Pay up! One of the quickest ways to be fired by your designer is to not pay your invoices. If you need more time, communicate that with your designer. Otherwise, get them paid! Most designers need invoices paid quickly for cash flow purposes. Just do it. It’s the right thing to do.
6. Don’t ask for a public critique without your designer’s consent. This may sound strange, but asking for a crtique of a design piece on a public forum is not acceptable unless the designer has given consent. The reason for this is because most people on a public forum do not have the background information needed to make an informed opinion. They may not be your target audience. They may post derrogatory or demeaning comments regarding the design, which in turn can harm the designer’s public image. Asking for public opinion during the design process can also be harmful to your own perception of the design piece. Work it out with the designer, and do public testing together, in a controlled environment.
That’s it! Stay tuned for a post for designers – Don’t Get Fired by Your Client!
Tags: Business, Client Relationships, Designer Relationships
Posted in Business, Clients, Graphic Designers, Uncategorized | No Comments »
03.25.2009
Today’s crazy market means that many online business owners must adapt to change. The public’s taste is changing, and so are budgets. People who could once afford your highest-priced items or services may no longer be able to spend money on them. How do you answer to such a tough call without lowering your prices? Simple. Revamp your website to draw budget-minded people in.
Here’s how to do it:
- Place your lower-priced products directly on the front page. Doing this will draw attention to the “thrifty” products you carry without cheapening your brand.
- Create and implement a marketing campaign featuring your lower-priced items or services. Spend a little money to do this if you need to. Show the public that you aren’t afraid to provide them with something they need and/or want for a price they can afford.
- Increase your “bang for the buck.” Instead of lowering prices, offer additional services or a more features with a product or service you already have. Then feature these new offerings on your product pages. If you’re a service business, develop packages that have true value for your budgeting clients. Blog and Twitter about your new packages, and feature them on your website.
- Offer something for free. How many times have you downloaded a free eBook or business checklist? Find out where your strengths lie and then give it to your potential customers! People love free stuff, and if the free item is good, they’ll come back for more.
- Put your contact information (or contact form) in an easily accessible place. Sounds simple, right? Think about how often you try to find a phone number for a company but have to click through 8 pages to find it. Not fun. Your potential clients will go elsewhere. Help them find you! Bonus if you include your phone number.
- Be focused. If you offer several different products or services, make sure your home page focuses on a theme. The easier it is to find things, the more sales you will make!
- Review your site. Keep this important fact in mind – your site is not built for YOU. It is built for your customers. Have several friends or even your current customers review your website. Then (mostly importantly) act on that feedback!
- Optimize! Make sure your keywords are relevant and working. Utilize Google Analytics to make the most of your SEO. The last thing you want right now is for Google to pass you by. Hire a pro to revamp your content or do some advanced SEO for your site. You won’t be disappointed.
- Be prepared to take a hit. Your sales might be down this year, so recognize that this is okay. Remember it could be far worse. Do what you can to draw customers in, but don’t feel like a failure if you’re not performing as well as you did last year.
Need help getting your site recession-ready? Contact Mad Hatter Design Company for help with graphic design, SEO, and custom blog design.
Tags: Web Design
Posted in Business, Economy, General Stuff, Web Design | No Comments »
03.02.2009
Ok so I’m no economist, but I do work in an industry that works closely with new businesses. Maybe you haven’t seen this, so I’m sharing my experience. I’m pretty sure I am living proof that Americans have the ability to turn this economy around with just a little bit of hard work.
My point? I’ve seen what is working in these times of hardship. The key is this: If something isn’t working, try something new.
Got laid off? Business failing? Get a new career. Go back to school. Start a new business. Do something you love for a change. Or take a chance and do something you don’t like because you know it will put food on the table. Work hard. Do SOMETHING.
The businesses I work with are finally starting to see the value of separating themselves from the pack. If their products aren’t selling, they’re offering a new product that caters to today’s green-minded and budget-minded public. If their marketing tactics aren’t working, they’re going for a truthful, direct approach to selling their goods and services.
This is the only way that businesses will survive. Some businesses will die out, and that’s just fine. The public is changing and so are their tastes. But the smart owners will tap into the next big thing (or the next new thing) to stay afloat.
It’s not that difficult to do something new. It just takes research and hard work. Find out where your talents can be used. Find out what the public needs and fill that need.
Don’t sit back and wait for the wave of layoffs if you know it’s inevitable. Be proactive and prepare yourself for the storm. An umbrella and a raincoat go a long way in the rain.
Like I said, I’m no economist, but I know what works. I’ve seen it, and I’ve done it.
To living!
Brianna
Owner and Mad Designer
Mad Hatter Design Company
Tags: Business, Economy, startups
Posted in Business, Economy, Finances | 2 Comments »
01.28.2009
Wanna know a secret? Sure, you do! There is a surefire way to help your business grow. It’s not shameless promotion (well, some of it is), and it’s not whoring yourself out to people for too low of a rate. The secret? Blog. About everything. It’s not hard. I’ll give you a perfect example of how and why blogging for your business works.
Let’s use my dear friend Mirella, who creates beautiful wedding flowers, as an example…I know she won’t mind.
Mirella started her floral business in 2008. It was getting steady, but not really taking off the way she wanted. Mirella starting blogging. Religiously. So much so that I’m embarrassed by my puny amount of posts!
So, she blogged. Then she blogged some more. And you know what? She’s still blogging. Mirella writes about things other than flowers. She writes about wedding planners and graphic designers and anything she thinks might interest her clientele. The woman is a blogging machine. She also promotes her newest creations, seasonal flowers, and wedding shows that she’s attended.
To help further boost her traffic and get some qualified leads, Mirella developed a contest for new brides on her blog. The contest has helped her gather incredibly hot leads for new brides who need wedding flowers. And she blogged all about it.
One of the most interesting things I’ve found is how Mirella’s blogging has boosted traffic to my own site. She interviewed the Mad Hatter on her blog and that one post sends tons of traffic to my site. Mirella’s efforts to boost her own traffic are spilling over into the worlds of those she blogs about. What a fabulous way to build business relationships and trust with other business owners! Just fab.
Ok, so it’s not really a secret that blogging works for business, but so many people don’t do it (or slack off, like me) and there’s just no excuse. It’s one of the cheapest, easiest, most effective ways to drive traffic to your website. Let’s not neglect blogging any longer!
So, if you’re not sure how to get started with your blog, it’s best to talk to a *cough* blog designer to find out. WordPress blogs are pretty simple and straightforward, but you’ll want to host it on your own domain – none of this WordPress.com stuff. Again, if you’re not sure what this means, I know an awesome WordPress blog designer who can explain all the technical stuff!
Happy blogging, people!
Tags: Blogging, Business, Wordpress
Posted in Blogging, Business, Clients, Wordpress, rAnts aNd RaVeS | 3 Comments »
