About
Blushing introduction
My first real introduction to a computer was in the 90s until then a computer was kept for the privileged few that were outstanding maths students in our school. I still blush at my first interaction with this machine that was supposed to have more brain power than a calculator, yet didn’t even understand what I was commanding it to do. I guess it helps to speak the same language?
The importance of my first lesson
And that was my first important lesson in the world of computing – speaking the same language. This is a theme that has been reinforced through the years as I studied a computing diploma, then a Graphic Design degree and opened my own business. If the computer doesn’t understand what I am saying – it won’t do anything. Or at worst it will do something and create a complete mess. The same thing is true in the world of design if I don’t speak the language of the client and the client’s customer then will the results be in line with their expectation? The bottom line is: will the results bring the desired return on investment the client was expecting?
When I arrived in New Zealand I decided to follow my passion and combine Graphic Design and Programming into one business: Web design. After being in business for six months I did a survey. It was a small survey involving 40 people but the results surprised me. What I discovered is those businesses who didn’t have a web site or were starting up were excited, enthusiastic and had this amazing dream of how the web site would help them achieve their goal. However, when I spoke to those businesses who had a web site I found their actual experience quite different. They were muted, frustrated, felt they had wasted money and that having a web site wasn’t as amazing as it is made out to be.
Summary of the survey:
* the expectation of a web site was completely opposite to the reality of having a web site
* there was an expectation that what was being paid for would be done by people who would do it for them
* a web site was supposed to raise awareness, help convert prospective customers and pay for itself.
* web designer didn’t listen, thought they knew everything and were frustrating to deal with.
* the web site had no marketing plan, was not part of a strategy and wasn’t doing its job.
As a result of this survey my business took on a whole new direction. I started positioning myself as a ‘go between’ between the business owner wanting a web site and the designer. It also required becoming educated in setting up a web site that was a valuable asset to the company, that paid for itself and brought in new customers.
Computers, technology, the internet is all moving at a fast pace, but the lesson I learnt all those years ago remains the same. If we don’t talk the language of our clients, if we don’t talk the language of the person making the decision, if we don’t talk the language of technology required to get our desired results, then we will get no results, or results that are a waste of money, time and energy.
Before you build or redo your website
Do you have a web site that is not performing as you expected? Then before you spend any more money book an appointment to speak to me, either by phone or face to face (only applies to my local area). It is only half an hour, not going to cost you anything (though a cup of coffee/tea is always welcome) and you are under no obligation. But it could save you heaps of wasted energy and frustration!