To get it out of the way, as if you couldn’t tell, the tone of this blog series will not be stuffy, terminology laden, or over your head with jargon.  Steven Fisher came to me and asked if I’d like to tackle a blog.  I expressed my concern, because my approach isn’t necessarily…for the faint of heart.  I tend to be blunt, direct, and to the point, but with a sense of humor.  I believe if you’re going to be spending the money on it…marketing your business should not only pay for itself, taken seriously, but you should have a bit of fun as well.  Steven reassured me that the blog will be geared not to designers, but people either in their first years of business or who just want to think about expanding the visual branding of their company.

I understand that things like bleed, taglines, font weight, scope creep, appropriate resolution for a web banner or large printing run, and a wide variety of industry related terms may turn you off or confuse you.

So relax.

If those type of terms do pop up from time to time I’m going to find an easily understandable comparisons to put them in plain speak for you.  Please don’t get me wrong.  I’m not saying this is going to be the “See Spot Run” of blogs in this genre, but if you’re reading this, you’re someone who is interested in learning more about how to get your business out there to the masses, may have had some frustrations dealing with marketing your business, and have some fun while you do it.  This series should feel like a conversation with someone over a cup of coffee and not something you need to jump up and grab a dictionary for at every paragraph.

I’m bringing over ten years of experience in fields of marketing and design to help be the translator between the business owner and the designer as well as the marketing and the customer.  Being of the rare breed of designers who balance well between print and web (there’s a world of difference between the two and in future posts you’ll learn why), I tend to focus on designs with a focus on sales and marketing for my clients.  As a large portion of my work experience has been with startup companies, I spend a lot of time finding creative solutions to help business owners, marketing managers and startup companies effectively understand why a visual brand is an extremely effective tool for their business that not only needs to be created, but maintained and nurtured.

So grab a cup of your favorite beverage, of course mine being coffee, and join me each week for a rare glimpse into the mindset, expectations and opinions of a professional graphic/web designer.  Some of my posts will run parallel with some of the blogs here on Network Solutions, but my goal is to support them to help you get the most out of your business. I look forward to give you some topics that may spark some thoughts or conversations. I also look forward to hearing your horror stories, successes and thoughts on each topic.

Until next time…stay wicked.

That’s right, we’re giving away a MacBook Air® and an all inclusive website with our friends at Woman’s World Magazine. We thought now was as good a time as any to give people a chance to start a blog, business or take their hobby interests online. Who knows, by doing so, it may help someone recession proof their income.

With the economy being what it is, now is a great time to crank out a blog, voice opinions or showcase work. Blogging is a great way to position yourself as a thought leader in your field. Especially if you have tips and information that can help others do their jobs or run their businesses better. For those who have had crazy thoughts about starting a business, now is your chance to go for it! Start with a simple website, tell people what your business does, what you can do for them and publicize your URL on everything and to everyone you meet. And for those hobbyists out there, why not take it online? You can provide information, pictures and knowledge with others who share your same interests. Sure it’s going to take a little time and thought, but doesn’t everything in life that’s worth while? Using our website builder tool will make it a snap to set up a website or start a blog. (Believe me, if I can do it anyone can.)

And wouldn’t it be more fun creating something on a MacBook Air? The first time I laid eyes on the MacBook Air at my local Apple store, it was “covet at first sight.” It’s so sleek, so thin, so light, so cool and soooo hip! I’m still coveting one, but alas, I can’t enter for a chance to win … but you can. So what are you waiting for?! Check it out.
http://cli.gs/BG7aP3

The Web Marketing Association has done just that by announcing that they have given Network Solutions the 2008 Outstanding Website Award for it’s innovative and elegant storefront design! There were 2,400 entries from 45 countries around the world competing.

The process for selection was that the site was presented to a panel of three judges who were assuming the role as a customer. After the presentation the site was evaluated based on seven different criteria.

Sophie Shiatis Delpierre, Vice President of Web Sales & Online Marketing for Network Solutions said “Our scores were very high in the areas of content, technology, interactivity and copywriting, which demonstrates that our site achieves its main purpose by providing an excellent experience for our customers.”

This is the twelfth year of the WebAwards & it’s the premier competition that gauges the excellence of sites on the web.

More information can be found in the press release.