This sequel to Michael's first book (Booked Solid) is a great help for those who implemented his advice and are now working 24/7 to keep up with all the work they've created and the new clients they've attracted. 

One of the reasons we go into business  in the first place is so that we can have freedom and enjoy a lifestyle that is something WE create -- not something that is dictated upon us by others. 

If your plate is full, but you're doing all the work yourself, then you may find this book helpful. It is extremely dense with both theory and application -- about how to create and develop a business architecture that serves your desires and needs -- and puts you back in balance.

Read more about this book 

How to create the BEST website you can afford

Back in the day when the Internet was first getting off the ground, websites were very dry and boring -- static HTML pages were all we knew.  Then technology improved and we started adding all kinds of interactive bells and whistles.  This raised the bar for everyone.

If you are considering creating or re-designing your website, PLEASE be thoughtful about what it is you want, need and most importantly -- can afford. Many times people don't really think about the most crucial points of their business before they start on a website.  They just know that they need a website, and they want it to look pretty. 

But before you start shelling out boku dollars to create that web presence, ask yourself this:  If I were going to build a house, wouldn't I need to make sure the architecture worked and made sense for me and my family?

You really wouldn't just point to a picture in a magazine and say, "I like that one -- let's copy that." 

It's the same with building a website.  You need to be concerned about the big picture, not just how it looks on the outside. Make sure you've asked yourself (and answered thoughtfully) some of these important questions:

1. Who is our target audience(s) and how will they find us?

2. How do they prefer to access information?

3. What is our marketing strategy for the site once it's up and running?

4. How will this integrate with and support our overall marketing strategy?

5. Where is our current business most profitable? Where is it least profitable?

6. What are competitors of similar size doing and offering?  And what do their websites look like?

7. How will we measure the success of our website?

8. What are the major web-related trends in our industry?  What are the major off-line trends?

9. What kind of budget do we have to work with? 

10. How can we scale the website up in the future? 

Once you've answered these questions, you can then move into the planning stage and start outlining the exact architecture you will have. At this point, it's also important to understand how many bells and whistles you need versus how many you can afford.

Before you ever start to build the site, make sure the design (look and feel) and architecture are soundly in place along with a plan of how you will use and market the site.  Deciding these things first will save you so much more time and money in the long run -- and will ensure that your site works the way you want and need. 

How much should it cost?

The price of web design these days can range from totally free (do it yourself) to nearly $100,000 or more depending on the functionalities you include.  Making something look pretty, doesn't necessarily mean it will work for you.  And there may be a lot of "back-end" programming necessary to make it even appear the way you envisioned, not to mention how it functions.

The best way to determine how much your site will cost is to first determine the architecture.  That way, you can use that just like a building contractor, and ask for competitive bids based on specifics.  If you don't know exactly what you want, it will be hard for anyone to give you a solid idea of how much it will cost.

Please give us a call if you have a question about creating or re-designing your website...805-658-8196.

The object in business is not to make others comfortable, but to make them successful.

Americans are exposed to 5,000 ads on average every day. - Forrester Research

Remember this when you are considering launching your own campaign.  It takes alot to be different and cut through all that clutter! 

Good Idea: Social Good Directory
If you're like most businesses, you could use some help with promotions.  If your Ventura County-based organization is "Socially Conscious," or has "Sustainable" practices, you can get a fre*e listing online at the Social Good Business Directory.  Visit the site now and download an application to get started.  If you're not sure if you meet the requirements, read a great definition here.

Fabulous Event (to benefit Women's Economic Ventures)
Ventura Women and the City is the going to be the event of the year here in Ventura County.  A Girls Night Out movie premiere for later this month, the event promises to deliver fun, fashion, and friendship as we celebrate women entrepreneurs and economic empowerment.
Click here to read more. 

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