Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Here`s a link to a blog entry that I found and thought was good for all of us to consider with respect to web design.  I haven`t really read anything that came before this posting, but I think the point regarding communication is invaluable.  It was highlighted in my RSS feed in my gmail box...love that feature!

http://www.jasonsantamaria.com/archive/2006/05/01/pretty_ugl y.php

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MeLissa
Independent Chocolatier for Dove Chocolate Discoveries http://www.ChocoRocco.com Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ChocoRocco

Greetings!  Communication is key to all.

If you don`t mind, where did you receive your certifications in event and wedding planning?  I`ve been considering ABC (among a few others) for the bridal certification for some time now and ISES for the CSEP, but  I have not made up my mind.

Many thanks!

I`m currently taking the ABC Professional Development course. You should know it is *not* a certification program.  When finished, you`ve only earned a designation - the trademarked "Professional Bridal Consultant" - once you`ve graduated.

As for my certifications, I earned them through U.S. Event Guide.  You can visit them online at www.useventguide.com.  I chose them because there is an option after graduating to work for them as an independent contractor.  I still haven`t decided whether to take this route or strike out on my own.  :)  For an additional small fee, they also include some hands-on training in your program.

Let me know if you have any more questions.  :)

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MeLissa
Independent Chocolatier for Dove Chocolate Discoveries http://www.ChocoRocco.com Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ChocoRocco

Having come from a former life of advertising and marketing, I feel that good design is key.  But what exactly is good design in this medium? 

I believe that whether it is a web design or a simple post card...who you are as a company has to be evident.  The design has to be integral to your whole marketing agenda.  Your design has to reflect your company`s value system...it isn`t and shouldn`t be treated as something separate from anything else you are trying to do.

I truely believe in a 360 degree marketing plan...

Love the post!  It`s so true.  It`s all about communication.  Design supports the message, the message influences the design.

Design IS worth it, just take the time to make the right design and have your mind open to different ideas.  The number one killer of projects is when there is some pre-conceived notion of what every pixel has to be, as opposed to what the focus should be: What do you want those pixels to influence people to do?


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"It`s not work, it`s network!"

Portage Media Solutions
http://www.portagemedia.com
My Blog: http://www.interactivemediatips.com

Design may be a selling point. Being able to find what one is seeking may be a selling point. But my thinking is without both working simutaneously to produce the one thing we all want, it is pointless.

Today`s entrepeneurs and website builders now either don`t have time or just try the easiest route with templates available.

Those of us who have to do everything ourselves and try to operate a business simply do not have time to find out what is "ugly" and what is "pretty". I go for what pleases my eye and make sure that I can find what I`m looking for on my own site. Believe me, I try to be a perfectionist. But a practical perfectionist.

I have to pat anyone on the back who tries at something. Basically that is what the internet is. There are those who know what they are doing and can afford the money and the time to build a fortress so to speak while the others who are just starting out with the dream of a mansion but can only build a small shelter from the rain.

Dan

isn`t one of the 4 p`s in marketing,  Packaging??

Isn`t design packaging, the presentation of your product/service.

Haven`t you ever seen a  product where the package just looked scond rate and you thought how cheesy, 

 or you purchased something and the bow was damaged and you asked yourself I wonder it the product was alright, or instead you picked up the next product on the self behind it, ???

 

If 1 + 1 = 2    then 2 + 2  has to equal 4

 

mike

The perfect example of packaging and design setting a brand and product apart is Apple.

Although an iPod has a good interface (programming), and an easy way to get music (iTunes), there are other less-expensive mp3 players out there, some with longer battery life, others were released first, etc.

But an iPod is an iPod.  It`s all about the nice white/black finish, bright screen, hip Apple stores... a great marketing experience, end-to-end.  Owning an iPod  is being part of something bigger and is portrayed as making a statement about you.  That`s how they charge $399 for something that others may offer for half the price.

If the iPod didn`t have the excellent design behind it, it`d be nowhere, because it wouldn`t stand out from the bombardment of messages that is daily life.


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"It`s not work, it`s network!"

Portage Media Solutions
http://www.portagemedia.com
My Blog: http://www.interactivemediatips.com