I turned it into an image because I hope I never forget it.

Be Proud not Perfect

Take some time, what aspects of your website would you like to represent online?  What does it need for return on your investment?  OK, it needs a PRODUCTS page, a CONTACT page, and a OUR TEAM page.  Rather standard fair, isn’t it?  Now, this is a (simple) design.  What is your expectation of your website?  How will people know it exists?  And for the record, business cards and google are both acceptable answers to this question.  Don’t over think this.

Now, you’ve designed your website, get someone to consult on it.  You need someone to translate how you take your notes and scribbles and turn it into functionality.  Do you need a database?  How will it be maintained?  Who will maintain it?  Which programming languages will suit you best?  Only then, once you clearly have a plan in place, go RPF (Request for Proposal) with it.  Other companies proposing costs on YOUR plan.

Here is my point, a website should never be a negotiation.  Yes, you need to make sure solid efficiency is in place, but I propose to you a better question.  Instead of “how much for a website?”, the standard question.  I want a website to do exactly “THIS”, how much will it cost (as per above).  Or be honest, I have $1500, what can we do?  Fact is, we can do anything you want.  The limiting factor is cost.

I go through this with my clients all the time.  The first question is always “What do you want it to do?” with that comes the answer, and hence, the design.  My company has 1 rule, “Never put money in harms way”.  There is risk involved in all things, but we don’t waste it… ever.  Your website needs to be a fluid and constantly changing asset to your business.  It needs to deliver multiple roles for your business, and it needs to do it properly.

Perhaps a comparable would help.  Imagine going to an accountant and negotiating down the price you’re paying them to design the finances of your company.  Do you really want to save that extra $250?  Or do you just want your accountant to get it down right.  I have $1000 budgeted for this financial re-design, will that be enough?  Frankly, it’s their job to take care of your finances and your business.  It’s your website providers job to take care of your business too.

Oh, and by the way, that $1500 budget needs to be a year long plan.. not just a “invoice before the end of the month”.  If your website company is more like a painter that comes in, paints the walls blue and then leaves until you call them again… it’s time to re-think your website company.  It’s always moving, and always changing.  Accept that, move with it and you’re going to be a much happier (and successful) manager or owner.

But this month, it’s all about James Struthers.  The Song that will be featured on the radio is called “What Are We Waiting For”, it’s fantastic.  James released some Christmas songs last year (Blue Christmas) and has many songs online to listen to, but even though What Are We Waiting For is an amazing radio-play song, I wanted to share my personal favorite this week instead.  You, Me and Optimus Prime… give it a boo and comment away!

Teagan and Sara are from Calgary, have never subscribed to the “norm” and have practically re-defined the “do it our way” cliche to the point it’s not so cliche anymore. 

In the past, their music wasn’t really my bag.  Now, that’s not saying that it wasn’t great. It always has been. It’s OK to say it’s just not for you.  Over the last few years, their colaborations into the dance realm has migrated the sound into my personal “like” realm. 

Morgan Page is a DJ that deserves his own blogs, so I won’t get into it here.  He’s fantastic as a producer.  The pairing of these two groups… is perfect.  Love the video too.  Well done.  Enjoy.

The video is out for “The One That Got Away” and it seems that, while I first thought the song was an easy grab at all people who have ever broken up before… so that’s, like, everyone?, it really does tell a story. It’s a good watch, and I’ll put money down that you’ll probably watch it 2 times at least.

We don’t need to get into the philosophy of the power of mother nature, but much the like the power of a hurricane, a whale can crush you and your boat in a second. On the other hand, it’s apparent that the peace and gentleness of a sunset can also be represented by mother nature’s creatures. Grace is a good word for the whale. Crazy is a good word for the Kayaker in this CNN video who decided to introduce himself to a blue whale

But we had a discussion about it as we hung out at the Carstairs Pumpkin Festival (don’t judge, it’s fun!).  See, they were doing temporary tattoo’s for the kids. So, the inevitable question is… “what do you say to your kids about tattoos?”.  The response was simple “I’m screwed”.  Hopefully she can at least get her kids )(2 girls and a boy) to wait until they’re 18 or so before getting their own.

Looks like it’s going to be a more difficult battle afterall. Barbie has tattoos now… I wish “Good luck” to my parent-friends with tattoos.

http://www.tokidoki.it/shop/tokidokir-barbier-doll.html

This little guy (inset image) is an accessory for the all new Scion IQ… a cute little urban commuter from SCION.  In Calgary, Country Hills Toyota sells Scion products now.  (not sure if they have this car yet… or when it’s arriving)…

Here’s what you’ll need… your own dog (small one preferred), and an IQ (Scion, that is).  And don’t forget to add in a small sprinkle of Panache.  With a puppy-basket, who is the “Smart” car now?  iQ.