IMGForge Daily Blog

Soyung and I are pleased to announce the commencement of the re-design for the Pointer Sisters' website.  For years I had thought about asking Anita to give us the opportunity to build a new, interactive site but never did.  While we were in California, we visited (as we always do) the Pointer Brother, Fritz and his wife Liz.  They have been friends with us for around eight years. 

Fritz was on his way to LA to discuss the new Pointer Sisters movie with the producer.   I mentioned to him what I'd like to do with the site and received the call today that Anita and Ruth said "Go for it." 

We'll let you know how it goes!

Comment (0) Read More...

Another great post by Shaun is this one:

A (Nearly) Bulletproof Web Design & Development Project Checklist for clients and designers.

If you're aiming to agree a fixed price for the development of the website, as we do, ensure the project goes smoothly before you start, by communicating with your client at the outset.

They'll appreciate you for it, there will be less surprises, and you may be able to start making a profit from fixed cost website design jobs again;

1. Prices can change even for a fixed cost website
   • Web Design Costs are dependent on how many hours is spent working on a design and how many times the client asks for changes to it
   • Show the client your portfolio - that's the type of sites you build, do they like it?
   • Has the client supplied examples of the sort of site they are looking for?
   • Estimate a cost for a job, based on early discussion.
   • Ensure the client knows you can quote for a job only on the information you have available to you at the time
   • Confirm a job cost on reviewed client requirements
   • 50% of job before start, 50% on completion
   • Ensure the client knows you are costing the job by hours and you do have other clients
   • Make sure all your costs are approved before starting a job (remember VAT)
   • Ask the client to send you an email notifying his acceptance of the project scope and cost
2. It's impossible to make a site that will look the same in all browsers;
   • Specify which Resolution / Screen Size the Website Should Be Designed to
   • Specify a fixed width or fluid layout
   • Inform the client which browser versions you support
   • Ensure the client is aware of website font restrictions or recommendations and web page download considerations
   • Ensure the client is aware websites look different than on paper
3. Content should be supplied by the client in a form easily used
   • Who is supplying the text?
   • Who is supplying the images?
   • Get the client to supply all text, photographs and content in electronic format
   • Make sure text supplied, if formatted, is in a web-ready format
   • The client should supply an example site-plan, in a bulleted list
   • The client needs to specify any specific functionality required at the outset
4. ‘Milestone' dates for the project should be agreed
   • Communicate missing any milestone date for supplying content / adding new content will have an impact on launch commitments and costs - both of you have businesses to run
   • Agree content delivery date
   • Agree Site Architecture Freeze Date
   • Agree Site Functionality Freeze Date
   • Agree Design Freeze date
   • Agree Launch Date
5. Changes to the brief should be communicated and costs agreed / timings considered in electronic form
   • No Favours - The road to hell is paved with good intentions and the bodies of well meaning web developers
   • Everything should be charged out, agreed and accountable
     
6. Websites can go down every now and then
   • Who hosts the current site?
   • Get Contact Details
   • Hosting is a recurring annual charge
7. Domain transfers sometimes go a bit Pete Tong
   • You are at the mercy of third parties
   • Who controls current domain(s)?
   • Domains need registered every year
   • Get Contact Details
8. Emails might go down for a period of perhaps 24-48 hours
   • Who controls current email(s)?
   • Get Contact Details
   • How many email accounts to you have/need
9. Launching a website can be about pressing buttons and.... waiting
10. Websites Get Hacked
    • All CMS needs kept up to date
    • In most cases hackers seek to deface the site
    • A hacked site can mean disaster in Google
    • A site that has been hacked can be rescued
    • Who's in charge of security / CMS updates
    • Agree maintenance fees
11. A Winning Website Is never ‘Finished'!
    • The client should keep his site up-to-date with news if he has a CMS
    • Training for the CMS should be costed if required
12. A website is subject to Laws of The Land and the client should investigate these
    • The UK Companies Act
    • UK Distance Selling Regulations
    • Website Accessibility Recommendations
13. Agree ongoing responsibilities
    • Who is responsible for the client's email, hosting and domain management
    • Do you ‘guarantee' a website is fit for purpose for say 1 year?
    • When will annual billing start and occur

I'm sure I've missed some things out, but I wanted a post on the site I could point my clients to, to educate them on some of the less talked about aspects of developing a website. I expect to modify this page every now and again.

Take responsibility, agree the scope of the project, recognise the requirements to meet the brief within allocated time-frame, and bill for your time.

I've learned this the hard way. Now I aim at all times to communicate with the client as much as possible to ensure any web development job doesn't get out of control.

Original Post: A Website Design & Development Project Checklist

Comment (0) Read More...

Designing and launching a website can be a pain, even when managed correctly.

Here's 10 reasons your site won't be launched today.....

1. The changes you sent to the design brief on Wednesday
2. The 150 images you sent to us yesterday
3. The text you sent to us Tuesday.... in the post..... er, on paper
4. This is the first time your boss has seen it?
5. You never told us all your organisation used IE4
6. Yes, as we mentioned, 1024×768 won't fit on your bosses smaller screen
7. What do you mean your logo is changing
8. So you've actually not got any content ready for sections 3,4,5,6 and 7?
9. Ah..... so you want sections 3,4,5 and 7 removed from the navigation....
10. The guy who controls your domain is leaving early today?

The list could go on...... good communication is paramount when developing any website. It's a learning process, and you hopefully can only get better at it with time and experience.

I'm going to lay down in my next post what things a web designer should make clear to their client and get agreements on when developing any website.

 10 Reasons Your New Website Won’t Launch Today was originally posted by Shaun.

Comment (0) Read More...

Open source software benefits professionals in all industries: government, Internet, business, education, and even health care. Expensive software and subscriptions for anti virus systems, supporting electronic medical records and even phone or e-mail communications can put on a strain on small clinics as well as larger hospitals. Open source tools are free, highly customizable, and secure enough to handle the sensitive data that medical professionals often work with. Read below for our list of the top 100 open source software tools that benefit health care professionals.

Medical Billing and Electronic Medical Records

These open software tools will help you manage your medical practice, from organizing EMRs to billing.

1. FreeMED
The FreeMED project is a "system for medical providers that runs in any web browser in multiple languages." FreeMED will keep your EMRs safe and organized.

2. OpenEMR
Take paperless billing to the next level by transitioning to an open source format. OpenEMR features appointment scheduling, patient registration, payment tracking and more.

3. OpenEMR Current
OpenEMR Current is another electronic medical records software system.

4. OpenEMR Virtual Appliance
This version of OpenEMR open source software runs with the FreeVMware Player and features the FreeB billing application.

5. FreeB
This GPL medical billing program can be used with any EHR system and "tracks basic demographics, procedure codes and diagnosis codes."

6. SmartCare
This software develops EMR programs that can be used in disadvantaged countries, particularly Zambia.

7. XChart
XChart is a project by the Open Healthcare Group that promotes EMR, based in XML.

8. OpenMRS
This medical record system is a Web-based open source program that is designed for medical professionals working in developing countries.

9. Open Dental Software
This set of tools is designed just for dental offices. Doctors and staff can manage inventory, appointments and more.

10. ClearHealth
ClearHealth is powered by open source software and "covers the five major areas of practice operations including scheduling, billing, EMR, HIPAA Security and accounts receivable."

Antivirus, Security and Privacy

From protecting and saving your research data to keeping patient information private, these open source security tools are vital for any medical professional.

11. PeerGuardian 2
PeerGuardian is an IP blocker for Windows operating systems.

12. Eraser
This free software program lets users remove private files from their hard drive through an advanced overwriting technique.

13. Clam Win
Perfect for health care professionals on a budget, this antivirus software is completely free. It also features high detection rates for spyware, a scanning scheduler, and an app that searches Outlook for virus-infected attachments.

14. PktFilter
Certain Windows users can utilize this security tool which configures IPv4 filtering devices.

15. The Open Anti Virus Project
Access a free anti virus system here.

16. SuperShredder
This file-shredding software makes sure sensitive data is completely destroyed.

Communications

17. Zimbra
Zimbra's e-mail solution is used in government offices, education institutes and other business environments. Medical professionals will benefit from its fast backup and recovery of mailboxes, anti-spam and anti-virus protection, BlackBerry and other mobile device support, and flexible applications.

18. Thunderbird 2
Organize your inbox with the help of Thunderbird 2, a tool that "allows you to customize your e-mail to suit your needs."

19. phpBB
Set up a forum on your medical blog or website with this popular program.

20. Mirth
This solution supports HL7 messaging, letting healthcare professionals manage and customize data interfaces.

21. Asterisk
This "complete telecommunications platform" features telephony actions like voicemail set up and call conferencing, so you can cut down on phone bills.

22. hMailServer
Cut down on costs with this free e-mail server for Windows.

23. Pidgin
This tool is especially useful for medical professionals who travel or are in private practice. Consolidate all of your IM accounts with this tool, which allows you to communicate with patients, family and vendors from AIM, Google Talk and other IM clients.

24. aMSN
If you're addicted to your MSN chat service but need to communicate with contacts who use other clients, use aMSN to chat with users from any network. aMSN also features webcam support, offline messaging and chat logs.

25. MailArchiva
Organize your inbox with this open source tool that will help you archive incoming and outgoing e-mails.

26. OpenMoko
Learn about the project to "free your phone" and customize your mobile experience here.

27. Podcast Generator
Design and publish your own podcast with this open source software program. It comes with multi-language support, Web mp3 streaming and the ability to support any media file type, including mp3s, oggs, and mixed audio/video podcasts.

Graphics and Imaging

Use these graphics and imaging tools to view brain images, 3D images and more.

28. Eviewbox DICOM
This Java tool is a portable digital light box that lets medical professionals view all kinds of images, including DICOM images.

29. Gallery
Share photos with patients and office staff by using this open source tool. You can upload pictures onto your website and organize online photo albums.

30. Medical Image Viewer
This free program reads DICOM, raster and Analyze/Nifti images. Doctors can upload and manipulate medical images including an x-ray on their computers with this program.

31. Medical Imaging Interaction Toolkit
Also known as MITK, this tool features plane rotation modes, 2D and 3D views, RAW image import and data storage.

32. BrainVisa
This interactive software shows different images of the brain.

33. ParaView
ParaView is used "for parallel, interactive, scientific visualization," according to Wikipedia.

34. ClearCanvas Workstation
ClearCanvas' Workstation 1.0 is a DICOM PACS viewer for medical professionals.

35. Endrov
Endrove is a plugin that acts as a database, library and imaging program. Users can create their own editing tools, and the program can support XYZ, time and channel dimensions.

36. 3D Slicer
This multi-platform visual and image computing software system features manual editing capabilities, fusion and data co-registering, "visualization of tracking information for image-guided procedures" and interactive options.

37. MedINRIA
This medical image and processing tool displays high-quality algorithms.

38. AMIDE
This tool is "a competely free tool for viewing, analyzing, and registering volumetric medical imaging data sets." AMIDE runs on Macs, PCs, Linux machines and more.

39. Tempo
Tempo displays brain electrical activity on your computer in a 3D format. Features include animated topographic maps, a 3D rotating head model and a free download.

Content Management Tools

Manage your medical blog or website with these user-friendly open source tools, which allow you to reach a wider audience and share your advice.

40. Joomla
Joomla supports "cutting edge content management" that stores images, presentations, and documents. It also has a simple installer, features an image manager and more.

41. XOOPS
Manage your web content with XOOPS, whether you're setting up a forum on your site or just want to work on your blog.

42. Drupal
Drupal is flexible enough to support personal blogs and large interactive sites. Features include easy searching capabilities, indexing, customization accessories, online help and more.

43. WebGUI
WebGUI is "web done right." It currently runs 10,000 websites, and allows users to sell and advertise products, maintain subscription services, beef up site security, publish articles, upload photos and more. It works whether you want to start your own healthcare business or simply dispense advice and attract new patients.

44. Caisis
This program tracks and manages data relating to cancer patients.

Research and Reference

For quick assistance for your research studies, take advantage of these open source reference items.

45. XTerm Medical Dictionary
This medical dictionary and database is updated twice a month, so you're always current.

46. OpenClinica
This open source project is a "web-based electronic data capture system for clinical research." The tool lets users manage data, submit new information, extract data, manage accounts and more.

47. PubMed
The U.S. National Library of Medicine sponsors this search tool that includes life science journals and other references.

48. caGrid 1.1
In an effort to connect scientists, tools and the medical community, this project makes cancer research data more accessible.

49. MEDLINE
Medline is a free web-based database that holds journals, articles and other references for scientists and medical researchers.

50. MIX
MIX is a meta-analysis tool that's free and open source. It works with Microsoft Excel and "can be used to reproduce the meta-analytical calculations and graphical data explorations of virtually all" meta-analysis data sets.

51. LOINC
This free and open database is designed to "facilitate the exchange and pooling of results...for clinical care, outcomes management, and research." LOINC stands for Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes.

52. The National Drug Code Directory
Look up drug products and information in this government directory.

Multimedia

For open source software to make the most of your audio, visual and mobile files, look to these free tools.

53. Krut Computer Recorder
Save and record audio and video from your computer screen with the Krut Computer Recorder.

54. Juice
If you're in surgery while your favorite medical podcast or Internet program runs, you can use Juice to "create your own custom online audio anytime."

55. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Interactive Tools and Resources
Access applications and reference tools from the NHLBI for your Palm OS or PocketPC device.

56. WFDB Software Package
WFDB, or WaveForm DataBase, Software Package is a toolkit "for viewing, analyzing and creating recordings of physiologic signals. It comes with a WFDB library, a set of user-friendly applications and more.

57. Sispread
Sispread allows medical professionals to simulate the effects and tracking of the spreading of infectious diseases.

58. Miro
With Miro, you can "turn your computer into an Internet TV." Look up medical stories on the Discovery channel, catch up on the news during your break in the office, or upload your own YouTube tutorial to help others learn more about their health problems.

59. Audacity
Record patient interviews or your own notes using Audacity, a free, cross-platform sound editor that works with Mac OS X, Windows, GNU/Linux and other systems.

60. Moosic
De-stress in your office or in the operating room with this computer jukebox for Unix systems.

61. HandBrake
This version of HandBrake can translate audio and DVD files, as well as access Apple audio support, letting users watch video on their iPhones in a seamless format.

62. puka
puka is a software program from Physionet that is designed "for detection of breaths in strain gauge recordings." The system is written in Java, and can read and write data from MySQL databases.

63. PeerCast
This p2p broadcasting tool lets medical professionals watch and listen to relevant tutorials, lectures and podcasts online. PeerCast also "lets anyone become a broadcaster without the costs of traditional streaming."

64. MediaPortal
Since you spend so much time at work anyway, why not turn your PC into a media center to help you de-stress, catch up on the news, or even listen to music while you operate?

Storing Patient Information

Keep track of patient records with tools these open source office suites, address books and more.

65. Open Office
Open Office is the open source solution to the office suite. Create word processing documents, spreadsheets, and databases to stay organized. It's also compliant with all other office suites.

66. The Address Book
Simply known as The Address Book, this tool can hold a "virtually unlimited" amount of contact info.

67. Rubrica
Rubrica is an address book for GNOME desktop users. It stores data based on XML but can export information to HTML and text formats too.

68. PostgreSQL
This program claims to be "the world's most advanced open source database." It can read foreign keys, works on many different operating systems and supports features like a point-in-time recovery system, online backups and more.

69. Freemed YiRC
Often abbreviated as FMYiRC, this tool is designed for child care agencies and youth in residential care organizations that need help setting up case management and information systems.

70. Bots
Share patient information and records by taking advantage of Bots' "any-to-any-format" data conversions, secure communications and other features.

71. Chiapas
Chiapas is an HIPAA data translation solution that lets users supplement their SQL databases and patient information.

72. Future SQL
Administrators can manage, configure, and set up records and files on their MySQL database with this tool, which includes a data dictionary, customizable templates and more.

73. SugarCRM
Visit the SugarCRM site for open source tools that help you manage vendor information, patient contacts and more.

General Tools that Work for Everyone

Below is a list of general open source tools that prove useful to medical professionals too.

74. Firefox
This popular open source browser is fast and extremely customizable. From reference dictionaries to search engine add-ons, you can easily access research material and client information from your Firefox toolbar.

75. Feedreader
Feedreader is a tool that brings you the news you want quickly and easily. A user-friendly format means that you won't have to waste time clicking through pages or figuring out the next step.

76. BitPim
BitPim "allows you to view and manipulate data on many CDMA phones from LG, Samsung, Sanyo and other manufacturers," so that you don't have to put up with annoying ring tones or sloppy display formats.

77. DBDesigner 4
Design your own database using DBDesigner 4.

78. Sunbird
Use this desktop calendar to keep you on schedule and up to date on appointments, presentations and more.

79. K-Meleon
Make your Internet search even faster when you use this highly customizable, "light" Internet browser.

80. FreeMind
FreeMind is a free mind mapping software tool that will help you brainstorm, make decisions and prioritize.

81. Bluefish
Medical professionals who are also web savvy can edit websites, write scripts and develop programming codes for their sites and blogs with Bluefish.

82. Time Stamp
This tool helps freelance and private practice healthcare professionals keep track of their billable hours.

Collaboration Tools

Collaborate with other medical professionals by networking online, inviting them to work on your desktop or taking advantage of remote access applications.

83. GNOME
This version of the GNOME desktop features a remote desktop, simplified keyboard settings, networked filesystems, DVD and Digital TV capabilities and more.

84. Portable Apps
Medical professionals who use Windows can take all of their computer's applications with them wherever they go with this nifty tool.

85. MirrorMed
MirrorMed is a web-based, open source EHR and practice management system that "is capable of running a healthcare practice."

86. MedMapper
Download this "medical decision-making algorithm tool" here. Medical professionals can create visual algorithms to explain processes and collaborate on projects.

87. MyDrugRef
Find out what other healthcare professionals think about drugs and prescription medicines on this online forum and networking site.

Storing, Sharing and Managing Files

Manage and share files with these two open source tools, which are free and customizable.

88. Filezilla
This FTP solution is free, easy to use and multilingual. The system runs on Windows, Linux and Mac, and can transfer files larger than 4GB.

89. eMule
eMule is a peer-to-peer file sharing client that lets you download all types of files from the Internet, making it useful for research and preparing presentations.

For Patients

From public health to patient diaries, these open source programs are highly beneficial for medical professionals who work on cases large and small.

90. Diets in Details
Help your patients lose weight by introducing them to this free software program. It includes a database with over 50,000 food names and info., a calorie counter and a diary.

91. HippoDiary
This spreadsheet-like medical diary gives patients the tools they need to document their health and keep a health diary. It includes an XY-chart, customizable fields, and the ability to do mathematical calculations.

92. BMI Calculator
Quickly calculate your BMI or a patient's BMR with this simple tool.

93. Food Additives
Nutritionists will enjoy this program that lists the food additives to avoid and checks the food you just bought to see how many harmful additives it contains.

94. AcreSoft Health Stars
For patients who have trouble staying on schedule and remembering to take their pills, introduce them to this free program that tracks blood sugar, miles walked, steps walked, doctor's visits and more.

95. NetEPI
This public health and epidemiology project includes several different open source tools that feature a web-based outbreak database tool and more.

96. InfluSim
This tool lets medical professionals witness the simulated effects of an influenza pandemic.

97. Tapeworm
GNOME desktop users can use Tapeworm to track calorie, fat, protein and carb intake, as well as exercise efforts, weight gain or loss and more.

Miscellaneous

Find more miscellaneous tools here, from health information systems to free operating systems.

98. Care2X
This open source project includes a central data server, health exchange protocol, practice management and hospital/healthservice information system.

99. Open Health Services
This program "allow[s] for a wide variety of safe, secure reports and services to be delivered to consumers, leveraging the power of their electronic medical records." Patients can access personal health records, manage sleeping and dietary habits, and more.

100. Debian
Debian isn't just one open source software tool: it's a free operating system based on Linux.

Comment (0) Read More...

We re-designed our website in June, right after we relocated to Cary, NC.  Although the site looked nice and had lots of information, we were just not happy with the results we were getting.  By using sophisticated tracking tools, we could see that many potential clients were visiting our site everyday, but we were not seeing much action.  This is when we decided something needed to be done.

We did some research and found that most people wanted less information!  By monitoring the tracking, we saw the path visitors were taking, then the amount of time they were spending on each page and we determined that too much text was too much text!  No one wanted to read all that information! 

Makes sense.  I do the same thing when I visit a site. I just don't have time to read all the details.  It always goes back to the old adage, "Less is more."

 We decided to use the tab object on the front page to advertise our specials, live chat and quote forms.  This has made all the difference.  We kept all of the old content (for SEO purposes), but we just emphasized the navigation so potential clients could get the information they needed at a glance.  Everything they need to know can be attained from the front page.

It is working for our site, it can work for yours. 

Comment (0) Read More...

Repost from 09/ 22/ 2008  

In a time when the lead news stories focus on businesses downsizing, the rising costs of gas and groceries, and general economic turmoil, it is hard to avoid feeling the "recession depression." But as business owners we have two choices: We can let the media send us into panic mode or we can view the economic downturn as an opportunity.
 
This is a time in the economy when millionaires are made. While some businesses are giving up and closing their doors, their competitors are seizing opportunities. Here are 10 ways to thrive in tough times:
 
1. Keep the marketing wheels in motion
Though your first instinct may be to cut costs, this is the worst time to cut back on marketing. Studies show that businesses that continue marketing through a slow economy are the ones that come out ahead when the economy begins to turn. Make sure you have a marketing plan and stick to it. If your current marketing efforts aren't producing results, try new strategies. When done correctly, marketing is an expense that should pay for itself. Find the strategies that work and then keep doing them.
 
2. Don't be afraid to discount
The reality is that consumers are holding on to their wallets more tightly. The key to unlock their dollars is in discounts. Take a cue from the big department stores--they are holding incredible sales and offering more coupons than ever. Reevaluate your pricing strategy and offer discounts off your most popular products and services. This may also be a good time to lower your prices across the board and then advertise your new lower prices.
 
3. Leverage the Internet
Are you selling products and services from your Web site? Can you expand your sales channels by selling on eBay or another online venue? Are you reaching your customers with e-mail marketing? Is your Web site optimized for the search engines? It doesn't have to cost a fortune to implement an online marketing and sales strategy. Even if you simply add gift certificate purchases to your Web site, you could uncover a whole new revenue stream. Seek out an online marketing expert and evaluate the opportunities.
 
4. Form a mastermind group
Get together with your staff or assemble a small group of people who understand your business and brainstorm opportunities. When several people get together with a blank slate and some good energy, magic can happen. Ask for ideas--you might be surprised by the results.
 
5. Tap into a new niche
Is there a niche that you have been meaning to focus on? Can you uncover a new market that makes sense for your business? For example, a florist that specializes in weddings could pursue the corporate market, a residential real estate agent could go after the investor community or a virtual assistant could decide to specialize in serving the unique needs of financial planners. Pick a new market and then develop a plan of attack.
 
6. Reach out to your customer base
One of the most overlooked business opportunities comes from your existing and past clients. The fact that they have already done business with you makes it far more likely that they will do business with you in the future. Make sure you are marketing to them, reaching out and reminding them that you are there. Ask them for referrals and offer a powerful incentive such as a cash reward or gift card for referrals.
 
7. Make improvements
This is an ideal time to evaluate all of your policies and procedures. Do they make sense in this economy? Is your customer service team delivering up to your standards? Could your sales team benefit from some additional training? How can you help your company perform even better? What are steps you can take to improve customer loyalty? Look at your business through a magnifying class and seize the opportunity to improve it across the board.
 
8. Survey your customers
Much can be uncovered by reaching out to your customers and asking them for feedback. Develop a short list of questions that include ratings on your products, services and staff. Ask specific questions such as, "How can we improve your experience with us?" Tools such as www.SurveyMonkey.com can help you accomplish this easily. Once you receive the survey results, evaluate them and take action to make improvements. You will undoubtedly find themes in the answers , so let your customers know that you heard them and share what improvements you are making as a result of their survey responses.
 
9. Keep an eye on capital
What goes down must come up and the economy will rebound, though it may be awhile. If business is slower than usual, form a plan for getting through this period. You might need to open a line of credit, visit your bank and apply for a loan, seek private funding or even bring in a partner. Running out of capital can quickly kill a business. Make sure you assess how much you may need before you need it and have a plan for forging ahead.
 
10. Get help and keep your eye on the prize
Now is a great time to sharpen your own skills. Take classes, read books and network with others in your industry so you can learn from them. Get involved in your trade association and make sure you are on top of your game. Look for joint venture opportunities. Make yourself more efficient by outsourcing services that consume your valuable time. Also, determine your priorities. Where should you be spending your time? What can you do to make your company bigger, better and stronger? Leave the worrying to your competitors and instead seek out opportunities and stay positive. When you put the right energy and focus into your business--despite the economy--the results can be extraordinary.

Repost from 09/ 22/ 2008
Written by Stephanie Chandler

Stephanie Chandler is the author of several business and marketing books including From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money With Books, E-Books and Information Products. Discover hundreds of resources for entrepreneurs and more strategies for rejecting the recession at www.BusinessInfoGuide.com and www.TheBusinessGrowthConnection.com. For author and speaker details visit www.StephanieChandler.com.

Comment (0) Read More...

We've entered a lot of markets in the last two years.  We started off building custom solutions/websites for the Real Estate market -- www.realtystandards.com is our facade for that venture.  About the time we got everything going, the market tanked and well, not a lot of real estate websites are being sold now!

Our next venture was the Yacht Broker web design market.  Another huge test of my Nostradamian powers.  As soon as we launched www.yachtbrokerdesign.com, gas prices went through the roof.  Rich yacht owners tightened like a tick and the brokers started selling houses.

Then I came up with my brightest idea yet!  I would start building web sites for Doctor's Offices! 

That's right.  I'm playing fate at it's own game.  When the day comes -- probably instantly -- when no one is sick again -- I will expect all the credit! 

Next venture - Funeral Homes!

Comment (0) Read More...

 I have been using Craigslist.com since I first moved to San Francisco in 1997.  It was small then and had not yet crossed over the great oceans.  As a young man from Alabama who knew absolutely no one in California, Craigslist became the website that I depended on most.  I was discovered by the recruiters at Mindscape and life in the design biz began for me there.

I found my apartment on Craislist - then filled it with used furniture I found on Craigslist - I bought a car.  Hell, I even found girlfriends on Craigslist.  It has been my friend through thick and thin.  Ten years later Craigslist still serves a purpose, but the big dreams and expectations of what once was are now small and predictable.

If you place an ad wanting a web designer in cary, north carolina, you get bombarded with offers from -- well you know where.  It has happened to us all.  Not that there is anything wrong with people trying to pose as southernerns for the first few email exchanges until they gain your trust and sell you something.  But it is wrong when you say local only and they ignore it.  Now I don't want to go off on a rant here... 

I have a friend who once received a cold call from a firm in India.  The salesman told my friend his name was Lionel Ritchie.  My friend told him to pick a new name and call back.  I'd bet Michael Jackson is still dialing his number to this day.

Comment (1) Read More...

  This has been a long time coming.  PDX Design Company became too localized and we outgrew the name.  Happens all the time - look at Microsoft.  Should have been changed to Macrosoft...

Having our fill of the rain in Portland, we thought we'd packup and move closer to friends and family.  We ended up in Cary, North Carolina and it is proving to be a good decision.  Its hot here - no doubt about that, but the kids can play outdoors and are not confined to the sofa playing Lego Star Wars all day.

We are slowly signing on new clients, who we will spotlight here in the future and we are continuing to work with our West Coast and Pacific Northwest clients. 

We are tightening up our business and getting things in order.  We are beginning to do a lot more SEO (Search Engine Optimization) because we are having such great successes.  We are also venturing into a few vertical markets such as real estate websites and yacht broker websites and hope to add doctor and dentist offices next.

   Stay tuned.  We have a lot of things in the works!

Comment (0) Read More...