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 »
09.09.2008
I’ve talked a little bit about the booming new world of Virtual Assistants thus far in my blogging endeavors. I started thinking that maybe my readers do not realize just how many virtual assistants I have worked with. Maybe my average reader/site visitor doesn’t understand why I keep rambling on about how I know so much about VAs and their branding mistakes.
Well, let me tell you…I have worked with a lot of virtual assistants. When I say a lot, I mean a. lot. Now, that does not, by any means, make me a VA expert or guru or anything like that. Just trust that I have seen my fair share of branding blunders (if you’ll excuse the alliteration). I still have a fair number of VAs coming to me for logo design, etc. wanting me to “brand their new business.” I completely understand why I would be asked to do this (Hello!? I’m a graphic designer!) but a lot of VAs have the wrong idea about where branding actually begins.
Branding does not begin with the designer (thoough designers are hired to help make the brand recognizable and unique). Branding begins with the business idea.
Ok, so you want to be a virtual assistant. Great. There are now what, 5000 or so known VAs? Fabulous. How are you going to stand out from the crowd?
“Standing out from the crowd” does not mean you have a slick new logo that looks like no one else’s. Standing out means that you have a niche. A corner of the market that you are ready to take on. Your niche is an area of expertise that you latch onto and brand your new business accordingly.
Branding is mentioned all over the Web, but I would like to express my personal view on the subject. Branding, in its simplest form, is what everyone else thinks about you. Not what you think about yourself. Branding is more than just a logo and some letterhead. Branding is your business name, your website, your work style, your communication style. It is the promises you make, the way you treat clients, and the things you say in forums and on blogs. It encompasses all that is you and your business.
In short, branding is not something to be taken lightly, and waaaaaaay too many virtual assistants do just that.
If you’re reading this now and you’re considering starting a VA practice, I urge you to consider your branding the most important part of the start up process. It will help you decide how, where, and when to market. It will help you decide what kind of website you will need, and it will help you create a stable and lasting image for your business from the very beginning.
I’m planning a few more posts for virtual assistants, and then it’s on to other things. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates.
As a side note: You don’t have to have tons of cash to build your brand, but there are some things better left to the pros. If you aren’t a designer, hire one to create your logo. A designer (especially one that has served literally almost 50 VAs in some fashion) knows what is out there already. A designer can create the proper files for printing and web production. A designer can create a memorable icon for your brand.
I’m not just saying that because I want to design more VA logos. I’m saying that because I have been there. I have seen what works and what doesn’t. Budget money for your logo to be designed by a pro. You won’t regret it.
Posted in Branding, Uncategorized, VAs, Virtual Assistants, rAnts aNd RaVeS | No Comments »
