10 Things You Need To Know When Hiring Your “Web Guy”

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHEN HIRING YOUR "WEB GUY"

What You Need To Know When Hiring Your “Web Guy”

Article by Ling Wong
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #14

I know many coaches and practitioners who had bad experience when they work with some “web guy” to develop their websites. Most of the frustrations evolve around taking much longer than initially estimated, being charged way more than the initial quote, certain functionalities not working as expected (and not being fixed without further charges), or the developer holding the clients “hostage” by not giving them access or showing them how to use the website editing tools. I even know a person who, after sinking thousands of dollars, walked away with a half-finished website that she has to keep building on her own.

This is absolutely not to say that all website developers are bad people – there are of course awesome ones out there! I was very happy with my own experience, which was on time, on budget, no glitches. But you can’t just grab a web dude and hope for the best. You need to know what to ask, what to look for and also TAKE RESPONSIBILITY to educate yourself so you can ensure smooth communication.

Here are a few things you can do to increase the chances of having satisfactory experience and results when you work with someone to build your website (I worked as a web project manager for 10 years so trust that I know a thing or two… I can’t code my way out of a wet paper bag but I can sniff developer BS from miles away):

1| Start SMALL

If possible, you can ask a few candidates to work on some small tasks and see who is on-time, on-budget and responsive. Then based on the experience (and the vibe) select “the” one to do your big project.

2| Pay attention to the SCOPE

If your scope is “time & materials” – i.e. you are charged by the hour – you may want to set a cap on how much you want to spend before the project begins. Have the web guy do some periodic reporting and ask that you be alerted if you are likely to go over budget so you can prioritize your tasks and get the mission-critical stuff done (the very least, you have the basics to launch). If your scope is “fixed fee” – i.e. you are charged a flat fee for a fixed set of deliverables - review the scope carefully to make sure that everything you need to get the site to launch is covered, and you will get the support you need post-launch.

3| Clarify OWNERSHIP and access

Not common these days, but I have heard stories of developers retaining ownership of the site and withholding access so every time the client needs to change something they need to pay for the work. To make sure you are not held “hostage”, or have to pay another fee to “buy” your site back, it’s best to get clear on ownership.

4| Make sure site is MOBILE RESPONSIVE

Most wordpress themes are mobile responsive, but again, it pays to be sure because more and more people are using mobile devices to access content online.

5| Know how much TESTING (or QA) support you get

Ask about the extent of testing. E.g. Is he going to do cross-browser testing? Is he going to test the site on mobile devices? Is he going to test all the functionalities (e.g. newsletter sign up, shopping cart)? Although there is much less cross-browser incompatibility with the widespread use of wordpress, you do need to pay attention to any customization – e.g. I know someone who had her site redesigned – it looks gorgeous on the computer, but when it’s viewed on the iPad, the free gift sign up field is smacked right over her face on the masthead banner!

6| Get a 30-Day WARRANTY

Glitches get uncovered when you actually use the site! Your web guy should stand by his work and guarantee to fix bugs within a reasonable amount of time after delivery.

7| Ask for a backend WALKTHROUGH

You want to be able to make changes and edit your own website. You don’t want to be held hostage every time you need to add or change any content. It is not just a matter of money – you will feel empowered and you are more nimble in your content creation and marketing.

8| Be ASSERTIVE, ask QUESTIONS*

Don’t assume you are “dumb”… a lot of tech guys use terms that we normal people don’t use and when you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation in plain English!

9| EDUCATE yourself on the basics

You don’t have to know how to code, but understanding the basics, knowing what to ask and using the correct terminologies can help facilitate the process. There will be fewer chances of miscommunication – which can lead to your web guy building something totally different that what you *think* you are getting, wasting precious time and money. I also find that developers show you more respect and are less likely to give you BS if you take the initiative to know your part.

10| Know your RESPONSIBILITY

What is the deadline to provide content and images so the project can stay on track? When do you need to review the site on staging and provide feedback? When do you need to participate in testing? Mark these dates on your calendar and make sure you set aside time to do your job. Do you have to purchase hosting at your end? What other log-in information do you need to provide? Any information you need to provide, consolidate them in one document or one email as much as possible so your developer can find them easily. Be cooperative – it will make your web guy’s job easier and he will be more likely to get back to you in a timely manner (who wants to deal with client-from-hell?)

* what that asterisk by the “be assertive, ask questions” is about:
Even if some people *know* they need to be assertive and thorough, they don’t do it and then later hit themselves on their heads. Why? Something is causing this self-defeating behavior and this thing is called “primary fear”:

• The fear of INADEQUACY – if you feel like you are not good enough, you don’t have the confidence to challenge others. You may not want to ask questions because it may reaffirm your limiting belief that you don’t know enough.
   
• The fear of being VULNERABLE – if you don’t want to appear vulnerable, you may “puff up” and appear that you know. You don’t want to ask questions that make you appear that you are not knowledgeable.
   
• The fear of MISSING OUT – if you are afraid that if you don’t “act now” and get it now you may miss out on something – and this fear drives you to make hasty decisions before you have all the facts.

The 5 People Ruining Your Business

People Ruining Your Business

THE 5 PEOPLE RUINING
YOUR BUSINESS

Article by Marlo Wright  
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #14

We talk so often about the type of people you should be looking for to help nurture, grow, and expand your company. These are key players who’s advice is golden, and time is valuable. Often times they are the people you wish you could pay — because often they won’t accept it or you feel like what they are charging you is less than you should be paying! Valuable, positive, and encouraging people are the right people to attract to your business.

However, sometimes, we get a good word, piece of advice, honest critique, or powerful push to move out and it’s quickly taken from you. 

Negative Nancy is what I call them. Maybe you’ve referred to them as Debbie Downer. You know the person that will suck all the life out of a room? That will throw a wet blanket on your emerging bon fire? Well, it’s time to do some house cleaning and distance yourself from or move away from these five types of people (whether they are family or not!):

1| Not Accomplished

The person who knows everything but has accomplished nothing! The person who’s been there, done it, and it never worked for them. Never able to have a successful business of any kind, but has all the advice in the world for how to make your business grow and become successful. 

2| Poor Man Mentality

You know the person who complains about the expense of everything, and is always claiming broke! 

3| The Criticizer

Where there is nothing wrong with some one critiquing your business, because we always need an outsiders p.o.v., I often think the best criticism comes with solution. So, if they are quick to offer their two cents with out the possible remedy to the problem, they could just be natural complainers, whiners, and people who only see the bad in EVERYTHING — including your gutsiness to step out and make something happen! 

4| The Partaker

There was an old nursery school story about the hen who asked everyone to help her make bread. Everyone was too busy to help her stir, pour, sift, etc. Yet, when it came time to partake in the fruits of her labor (the end product of amazing baked bread), everyone who declined to help, had their hand out for a piece! 

5| The Slick Talker

Ever had an encounter with someone who promises you they can give you the moon? You pay their fee with high hopes, because you clearly laid out your expectations, which they signed off on, and yet they still failed to deliver! 

All in all, we need the right people attracted to our business. How do you attract the right people? Glad you asked… look for the next installment next month! 

8 Ways to Leave An Impression

8 WAYS TO LEAVE AN IMPRESSION

Article by Cinthia Singleton  
Photo Credit: Spell Designs

8 Ways to Leave An Impression

The quick impression we leave behind, intentionally or unintentionally, helps those around us form an opinion.  Perhaps they only get the glimmer of us when they meet us, a shell of who we are, but it is life.  We're such animals sometimes, aren't we?  So why not have a hand in creating the illusion yourself?  

Not that one has to put themselves out there with all the vengeance of a Hallow’s Eve reveler - though that IS a way people DO create illusion once a year - but we all can be a little more conscious of the subtleties we project to the world each day.  

1| Use those eyes.

Make eye contact even if all you’re doing is getting directions.

2| Find yourself complaining about a “tragic waistline” or “shapeless arms?”

Play up the other parts of you that are the treasures.  Those amazing hands? Get a manicure.  Long neck? Statement necklace or a long strand of pearls.  

3| Dress as if you are going somewhere.

No old bras. No socks with holes. Doesn’t matter if no one will see that item or whether you’re just running to the store (which is as much somewhere as anywhere), you are just trudging along. You are vibrant and alive. You are, aren't you? Energetically, think of it this way... no one gets on the train that's just sitting in the station but the one that's roaring and warming up.

4| Walk as if you are going somewhere with someone fabulous on your arm - You!

Remember early on in Saturday Night Fever when Tony Manero walks down an otherwise busy Brooklyn street with his can of paint?  With every step hitting the pavement, he is IT and he is already THERE. 

5| Don't wait for an occasion.

Wear something that makes you feel fabulous; "BE" the occasion just by wearing it.

6| Speak from the heart.  

7| Listen.

8| Observe in other people what simple qualities you LIKE about them.

Positivity and openness for others is a good vibe to nurture.  

We use the senses to get our bearings amongst the animals in the kingdom. At best, it is a healthy defense mechanism. At worst, it’s profiling or pigeonholing. But it’s always a single color or line… try giving those you meet some of the beautiful, rich grays.

As John Waters says,

“Who cares what you think when I entered the room. I only care about what you think about when I leave.”

Of course he was talking about why he liked wearing plaid suits. Be the plaid!  lol

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Be Spellbinding: Dress With Self-Confidence

BE SPELLBINDING:
DRESS WITH SELF-CONFIDENCE

Dress With Self-Confidence

Article by Camille Ditele  
Photo Credit: Halley Elefante

In 1996 researchers Edwards and Hardy published the results of their study of confidence in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology and determined that what we suspected was true. Self-confidence is indeed an important predictor of performance.

This spring, as you revive yourself from the aftermath of your divorce, it’s time to wear your new-found confidence with style and pizazz. Move out of the shadows and onto life’s runway with the knowledge that you have come through a difficult time in life, and are now ready to take on the world again. Take the time to study new trends in fashions and lifestyle, an exercise you may have overlooked in the busy years of your marriage. Select which ones fit with your personality and work for you. Will you wear orange as the new black as Elle magazine suggests, or favor dramatic black-and-white combinations? Want to try out the trend towards icy pastels or add some fringes to your accessories?

Spend some time checking out fashion trend sources as well as lifestyle trends. Sites like www.trendhunter.com package all the latest cool things to do conveniently for you. What’s ahead for 2015? How about a renewal in domestic arts.

(all those days of baking cookies for the kids was cool after all), food-sourced getaways, kit culture or a brush with mobile romance?

Having self-confidence is figuring out what works for you and then putting it on with confidence. Who knows where it will all end?

Confidence is simple to describe. It is a state of trust in a person and belief in their powers. Self-confidence is a state of trust in yourself and a belief in your own power. And that’s where it all starts to get complicated.

It appears, looking at scientific research conducted in recent years, that self-confidence is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you think you can do something, you can. If you are worried that you will fail, you likely will. ♡ 

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What to Do When You Get B*tch-Slapped By The Universe

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET B*TCH-SLAPPED BY THE UNIVERSE

What to Do When You Get B*tch-Slapped By The Universe

Article by Nikka Karli Salifu  
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari

Ever had that feeling?  Where you think you’re on your path.  Clarity and confidence are yours.  You’re FINALLY turning the dreams that have been burning a hole in YOUR SOUL into reality.  And then BOOM.  Out of the vast expanse of infinite possibilities and divine opportunities comes a little thing we call Nothing.  Nada.  I’m talking straight-up radio silence on the vibrational airwaves.  

Those dreams? (Uh, what dreams?) That clarity? (Wait.  Really?  Is that what I’m supposed to do with my life?) The confidence? (I’ll never be able to do this. I’m a total fraud.) Ever been there?  Well congratulations, Gorgeous. You’ve just been b*tch-slapped by The Universe…  Welcome to the club.  

The Universe is well-meaning.  It wants you to live in alignment with your purpose.  You’ve hit this radio-silence for a reason.  Not because you suck.  Not because The Universe is out to get you. And NOT because you are unworthy of success and abundance.  It’s because you ARE worthy.  This happened so you can begin making a conscious shift towards true fulfillment.

So, what’s an aspiring thought leader-healer-teacher to do?  In order to get back on your path -and STAY on it- you will need to begin employing a strategy called “5 Petals of The Rising Lotus”.  (OK, yes.  I totally just made that up, but stick with me anyways.)  Since I know you are probably pretty busy and need to get back to changing the world, here’s the Cliff Notes version:

Clear Your Road Blocks

Here is where your energy healing practice comes into play.  A stagnant period in your creativity probably means you have old patterns and blocks in your way.  

Call Yourself on Your Crap

Begin a meditation practice.  Get on your yoga mat.  Sit with yourself.  Remember, you can’t hide from your stuff forever (well, not if you want to be a creative visionary who impacts the world anyways).

Cultivate an Abundant Mindset

Make a list of all the ways in which you have abundance in this moment.  Begin to own your worth and value your gifts.  This is where true abundance, creativity, and success begin.

Create a Pleasure Ritual

Find time to enjoy your life.  Draft your book proposal while spending time in nature.  Take luxurious baths.  Without enough daily pleasure, you’ll turn to past addictions to compensate (attention seeking, drugs, food, etc.).

Construct Your Creative Cove

Ooooh, I so love this!  Head over to Pinterest and start a board for your sacred oasis of calm.  A space to create and nourish your dreams.

Feeling inspired to get back in the game?  Fab!  Now, go take some inspired action on your dreams and begin making them your reality.