Do you have online digs with your own domain name?
If you’re starting a business, it’s time. If you’re already in business, it’s way past time. Say goodbye to the Blogger account and stake your claim.
Domain registration and hosting plans can be had for very little money (see if you can beat the price at Network Solutions). When you have your own domain name, you show the world you’re an owner, not a renter. You show the world you’re here to stay.
If it comes down to choosing between the electric bill and a domain name, obviously you’ll hold off on the domain. Otherwise, get the vanity license plate, already.
Then put your website to work.
What do you think of when you hear the word “networking?” If you’re even slightly inclined towards introversion, you might experience an involuntary twitch. If you’re a card-carrying hard core introvert, you might find yourself wanting to curl into a fetal position.
I fall somewhere in the middle. In a straight up business situation, I’m fine. If you invite me to a swanky social event, don’t be surprised if you find me in the kitchen, talking about Bugs Bunny cartoons or car repairs with one of the catering guys. Working the room? Not likely. I’m the type who likes to have big conversations and big laughs with very small groups of people. I can talk business. I can’t do social networking.
At least I thought I couldn’t.
Today’s post is a snark about my attempt at a brilliant Christmas gift for the fella, and the company (which shall remain nameless) that ruined it. I try to avoid writing snarky posts, but I’m pretty disappointed, and there are valuable lessons to be learned, so here goes.
A few months ago, I read a story about entrepreneurs who had a great idea and a tight budget. They turned that idea into a very successful business that sells skin care products. I liked the story, but what really grabbed me was the description of what they sell.
Editor’s note: I am in a state of what my friend Thea calls “crankass.” Ants are jumping on my head as I write this. I am only exaggerating a little—we are experiencing a small ant invasion, and my desk sits directly below a beam where the little monsters are jumping off to get access to the rest of the house. Mostly I hear a tiny “thwap” as they hit the desk and try to meander off, but occasionally one will land on me. It’s a little disconcerting.
Everybody is on Facebook. Everybody has a website. Everybody loves chocolate.
None of the above statements is true. And aside from the need for food, water and shelter, there is no “everybody.” In fact, latching onto the Myth of Everybody is a great way to put a bullet in your metaphorical foot.
I spend far too much time online. I do a ton of research, and I see a lot of websites. Some of them are inspiring, some are cringe-worthy. There are a number of problems I encounter frequently, so rather than rant about poor design, here’s a list of 15 tips.
