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Old 08-24-2008, 11:53 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Default What Business Are You In?

Several times a week, I come across 'full service' agency websites that are less than impressive. They say that they offer every service imaginable under the sun, when in fact they offer them through freelancers. May as well hire the freelancer and not have to pay a middleman, imho. Then again, if the agency does a good job managing the creators/subcontractors, that's a big headache out of the way.

In any case though, it'd worth asking yourself what business you're really in so that you focus and specialize, and that way your client can't find equivalent quality elsewhere. Look at the sigs and sites of other designers on this forum and consider what they have in common. Personally, many of these sites look generic and boring and just like every other web design consultant/company's site.

And I just don't mean the graphics. They all offer the same services, have similar copy/branding/positioning ("we serve small/medium business") etc. Are you just another web design/graphics/flash agency? Or are you the single greatest layout guru around? Are you a minisite creator? Do you do landing pages well? Do you turnover product faster? Do you make your designs easy to update/edit in order for the marketing team to test? Do you serve a particular industry? Make flash animations with a particular purpose?

Earlier this summer I did an interview for a large agency that mostly gets clients because of their name, imho (many of you would recognize it). The people there certainly didn't strike me as very savvy or as producing great work (plus I'd used/seen the sites before, so I know that I'm right). One of their guys applied to a job I'm now hiring for and it reflects negatively on him, to come from a company that has a meh reputation for trying to do it all, and doing nothing well.

I'd love to hear back from you if this makes you think and how you're going to work to differentiate your business.

Last edited by !card-maker; 08-24-2008 at 11:59 PM.
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Old 08-25-2008, 03:11 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Besides from my job, I'm planning to sell pastries fondant cakes and cupcakes online. That is when I get better in baking
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Old 08-27-2008, 03:27 PM   #3 (permalink)
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hello
my career path is a bit different am a website traffic broker am new to this business and ive done quite alot of jobs offline as well
thanks workaholicvictor
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Old 08-27-2008, 07:48 PM   #4 (permalink)
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I'm technically an Analyst for a international corporation, but part of my job includes creating intranet web applications to assist in revenue growth. I would consider myself more on the developer side than on the designer side. You need help with a dynamic aspect of a site, I'm your guy!
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Old 08-27-2008, 09:46 PM   #5 (permalink)
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I am into search engine optimization and i pretty much just work for my self unless i am offered the right amount of money.
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Old 11-11-2008, 11:24 AM   #6 (permalink)
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I am Internet marketing engineer and work hard to take business at the heights.
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Old 11-11-2008, 08:46 PM   #7 (permalink)
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I do virtual assistance for 3 companies, blog on Kids Craft Zone and run a Gourmet Dog Treats site!
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Old 11-11-2008, 11:34 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I'm mostly a blogger at the moment but I do have some customers who I help with their sites but I'm not taking on any more.
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Old 11-13-2008, 12:03 AM   #9 (permalink)
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If I was to get back into this field professionally, I think I'd be best suited as a Project Manager. I have a good understanding of both sides of the development of a web site. Programming and Design aspects. I used to be a full time ASP developer and took on design jobs as a freelancer. My current job has me supervising/managing my own shift, so purely based on my current skill set and past experience, I think the position of a Project Manager would suite me well.

But I agree, most Web Design companies are very much like all season tires. They do alright in all areas, but really aren't great at anything.
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Old 11-13-2008, 01:56 AM   #10 (permalink)
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Ok it seems none of us actually read your post.. me included.. I blame television..
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