OK… So the debate rages on. One type of person believes the design is not important it is the content that makes the difference..

Then the other type of person thinks the design is all that is important – the content is secondary. I hear it all the time and it…

Drives Me Crazy!!

Being an artist at heart I am very visual and so design is absolutely essential.

Being a business woman my clients and website visitors are important to me and I believe that content of the site and the information you give your clients is also absolutely essential.

Being a successful entrepreneur I know that design – image – content – navigation – uniqueness – credibility – great customer service – sharing your knowledge with others is absolutely essential to have a thriving – successful online-business (or even brick and mortar business).

So lets just look at it all … If you want true success and a great business you need it all…

In fact the foundation needs to be built before you even begin building a website. This will be the foundation of your success.

1. Who is your perfect client? (The answer is not everybody!)
2. What make you different from the competition?
3. What color would attract that type of client?
4. What content will give you client the most value?
5. What will bring on-line visitors back and turn them into clients?
6. What type of navigation will be best to get my visitors information they need without having to search?

The list goes on…when you take care of the foundation and make it strong; the rest will fall into place.

The design of your website must be professional and polished,

When you cut corners and you think you are saving money think again! Doing it right the first time just makes sense.

IF you want a thriving business with results then content, design and marketing work together, leaving out any of these elements will not bring you the amazing success you deserve!
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To your success – and bottom line!

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design

I don’t know how many of you feel the way I do but when I hear the word FREE I expect it to be free…

I cannot tell you how many times I will get an email – the subject line catches my interest, so I read further, I see that they have a FREE offer. Read the rest of this entry »

First and foremost – it’s important to start by patting yourself on the back if you managed to weather 2011 with its crazy market swings, record breaking natural disasters, political grid lock in Washington, DC and a near collapse of the Euro Zone. Oh, let’s not forget China and the Asian continent’s continued strive to grow their middle class and most importantly, the Arab Spring throughout the middle east. Yes 2011 was a whopper of a year and I am quite sure 2012 will not be any less stressful or eventful. Read the rest of this entry »

GREAT BLUE HERON © Robert Roach | Dreamstime.com

Even though we have already been in 2012 for over a week now, it has taken me as long to find my whereabouts, to establish a clear picture of what I would like to do different this year.

On New Year’s Day I have a ritual of, among other things, doing a dreamboard that encapsulates both the intention I am putting forth for the year and the energies available to me, whether I am consciously aware of them at the time or not.  This year portrays a lot of assertion, independence, love, playfulness and less control, as far as my spontaneous nature goes.

Here are five tips I’d like to share that may ground in a practical way your wishes and aspirations for this year:

1) First of all, please keep in mind that it is your year, thus reflect on what it is you would like to have, do, accomplish not only in your business but also in your personal life, romantic or other, and your social endeavors. Visualize the big picture without focusing on the details.

2) What are the feelings you would like to experience? I.e. fulfillment, being in-love, inspired? Pick three that stand out.

3) How would you like to be perceived in your professional endeavors? I.e. knowledgeable, resourceful, good listener? Pick three.

4) Which area would you like to be emphasized in your life? I.e. is it in the romantic arena, your income, personal development, health regime? Prioritize.

5) Lastly, how will you have fun? Write down three things you love (or would love to do) i.e. taking a zumba class, writing, painting, horseback riding.

If you are visual, create something that captures what you have noted, and if you like writing things down or prefer lists, then put together in a meaningful way what you have noted.  Keep the whole process simple and enjoyable, and place your creation where you can refer to it as often as possible.

About the author: Liliane Mavridara is a published author, poet, writing mentor and creative groupwork facilitator who supports entrepreneurs in the healing and creative arts to have a successful business and a harmonious lifestyle while making a big difference.  www.livebrightlythebook.com.

Years ago, I watched the Dr. Phil McGraw show and he said “If you are going to sell things that Betty buys, you better see life through Betty’s eyes.”  I never forgot it and if you’re in business, neither should you.

Researchers Colleen Butler and Paul Chinowsky identified the interpersonal skill of empathy as one of five key emotional intelligent behaviors that need additional attention during the development of executives. To be empathetic is to understand the emotions of others; to walk in another person’s shoes. Read the rest of this entry »

Holidays 2011

I was recently in a conversation where a colleague was inquiring on suggestions to “survive” the holidays.  Being on my own and traveling over the last couple of years, I am glad not having to participate in the whole frenzy of gift shopping.  However, I do notice that my friends and others around me seem exhausted and in a “when will this be over” attitude, while traffic and impatience are prevalent wherever I go.

So, whether you are on your own and are in complete control of the holiday events or whether you run around until the last minute to catch up with everything, here are a few tips I have found may ease the stress and help you actually enjoy the beautiful moments of these holy-days: Read the rest of this entry »

Being a designer I know the value of a good looking – and eye catching web site.

However, unlike some designers I also know the value of good content it is extremely important.

It is like first impressions – when you see someone you judge them within less than 3 minutes of meeting them. Whether you want to admit it or not – it is the truth, it is human nature.

Then if you decide to stick around and get to know this person your impression can change radically – you may find your judgment was right spot on, and you are impressed with them inside and out –or- you may find they are not what you though and they are superficial without any depth.

The same is true for your website.

The first page of your website should capture your visitor’s attention – highlight the positive aspects of your service or product. Capture the essence of what it is you are trying to convey.

Your home page should not be long winded with all the details you can find. It will bore or even turn off potential clients who will feel they do not have time to read it or just feel overwhelmed.

We all lead busy lives and don’t have time to read a novel on the first entrance to a website.

Once your visitor reads what you can do for them – the essence or spark of your service or product you want them to think “wow that is just what I need! Or I really want to know more!

At this point, they will go deeper into your website. They are hooked – That is where you can take the time to explain the benefits they will receive – and what your product/service is all about.

So many times I have a client who wants to put everything but the kitchen sink on the first page

– resist this temptation -.

The truth is the simpler and more descriptive the first page the better – always focus on your visitor – what it will do for the customer or how it will solve client problems…

It makes you visitors want to go further and investigate what you have to offer. However, if your content is too long winded – watered down or just grammatically incorrect, I will guarantee they will not stay on your website to see what you have to offer.

Once someone likes what they see (and read) – they will go further and want to know more details…

So think about it – do you need to refurbish you website – simplify the copy on your home page and make it more appealing to visitors who stop by???

For more tips and tricks on how to have a more profitable website – sign up to receive articles by email (see side bar above).

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design

Do men sabotage successful women? I think some do. I think some men just can’t understand the essence of this very common phenomenon.

Much has been written about the new generation of young men – the “millennials” as they are called – that they have been coddled by over protective mommies of my generation; that they have been helicoptered and micromanaged to the point of perennial adolescence and now are ensconced in “Peter Pan syndrome” for the long haul. It is said that their female counterparts are soaring ahead in education and career, even in this down economy.

But what of the mommies? Do we “ baby boomers” fight off male angst while our daughters tackle apathy? Read the rest of this entry »

Being an independent and self-sufficient entrepreneur, daily planning and routine tend to put me in a specific mental loop which is wonderful for reaching my goals and get things done.

However, sometimes I can brood and think over and over what to do on a specific topic and before I know it, it is already a few hours later and I am so caught up into the same mental vicious cycle, that the promise of a clear vision is nowhere to be found.

Here are three tips that I have found useful when you look to get clear on what is important to do next: Read the rest of this entry »