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.
Instant gratification for less than the typcial in-store Venti beverage.
People are calling Starbucks new Via Instant Coffee a “down-market” drink. I think the drink and its rollout embody all that a company should in a time of recession – change and development. It may not be the same as a freshly brewed cup of Breakfast Blend, but it’s most certainly a step up from home- (or office-)brewed Folgers!
Those of you who know me, know that I preach renewal, change, adaptation, and perseverance during these hard times. Starbucks closed around 600 stores in 2008. They had to make changes to stay afloat. Tapping into a market that desires fast services for a smaller fee may help pull them through the recession.
The company hopes to tap into the huge market of instant coffee, while simultaneously boosting the not-so-popular beverage’s image. Their new product boasts a delicious cup of Joe for less than the cost of buying a brewed cup in-store. Buyers have been reportedly using the powder to bake with (I’d like to try this, as coffee greatly enhances the flavor of chocolate), as well as using it for its intended purpose – a fast cup of coffee during a busy work day.
I think they have a real shot at boosting sales and grabbing their share of the market. They’re providing a quality product that people can afford. I can’t wait to taste it!
Think they can pull this one off? I do. After all, they are the ‘Bucks!
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?
In the spirit of my husband’s favorite time of year, I thought I’d pose a little question: What is your favorite NFL logo?
Personally, I like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo. I have a thing for skulls, though, so that might be why I favor it. It looks fierce and challenging, which I think is important for a football team to portray.
I also really like the Atlanta Falcons logo. The way it forms an “F” is clever and works well. It also has the fierceness factor, with it’s sharp beak and claws.
My least favorite is probably the Washington Redskins. It feels dated to me, even throughout its years of updates.
So, what is your favorite NFL logo? What is your least favorite? Why do you feel this way?
I should also add that I don’t follow football except for what I watch with my husband. I like watching the Colts and Dallas. My husband is a big Dallas fan, and I like watching him get into it.
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.
That’s the slogan for one of the most hilarious products I’ve seen lately – the Chia Obama. My husband and I were watching Dirty Jobs on Discovery, and what should come on, but this commercial.
The Chia Obama comes in “Happy Obama” or “Determined Obama.” Just pick your poison and show your pride and support with Chia Obama! I’m laughing out loud.
It also looks as though Joseph Enterprises, Inc. is looking to create a whole line of American pride Chia products. They ask you to complete a short survey on the site, during which you can choose your favorite American icons. How about Mount Rushmore? Sold as “4 separately sold Chia Heads that will be molded to fit together to complete Mt. Rushmore.” America says, “Yes!” What I really want to know is this: is Chia Obama made in the USA? I think not. For that reason alone, I’m not buying.
Upon researching for this blog post, I found the first spotting on BoingBoing. Apparently many voiced their concerns there.
Now Obama is a big deal. He’s a Chia. Regardless of whether it’s right or wrong, it sure gave me a good laugh!
Today’s Wednesday Web Candy is all about WordPress! In honor of the Mad Hatter redesign on the WordPress platform, here are some interesting links all relating to WordPress. Enjoy!
We heart WordPress and we’ve officially made the move to a WordPress-based website! Woohoo! Please stay tuned as we will be adding new projects to our portfolio and moving all of our previous blog posts to the new blog. We’re stoked and we hope you like the new look!
In the spirit of my husband’s favorite time of year, I thought I’d pose a little question: What is your favorite NFL logo?
I also really like the 
So, what is your favorite NFL logo? What is your least favorite? Why do you feel this way?
Regardless of whether it’s right or wrong, it sure gave me a good laugh!
