Gosh Cheryl,
I am not quite sure what to say...well...that's not true. I guess I am just a bit in shock and awe (hmm...I've heard that term somewhere before...hmmm) as to why you would even bother to give me extensive and valuable input. But hey...if you keep the input coming I will certainly keep listening :).
More comments below yours...
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Originally Posted by
CherylAntier
Wow you're fast - good for you.
Aw...shucks...thanks Cheryl :D
I guess the reason I am so fast is that...well...I kinda live in front of my computer. I sit around on the computer so much that sometimes I wonder if my legs are starting to atrophy. I've get to get up more often and walk around some LOL.
I'm not addicted to the Internet, not at all...I can drop it in a heartbeat to hang out with friends or otherwise, it's just that there is so much to do over the Internet and so little time to do it in.
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(And yes, I'm still on vacation... not in Paris anymore, tonight we're in a town called ChateauRoux - which translates to Red Castle, and I'm guessing its got something to do with a bloody battle, but I won't know til tomorrow and can ask around!)
The little towns spread out throughout the French countryside have real charm. Great photo taking opportunities and great cheese if you get to visit a cheese making factory. Nothing better than to sit under a real old castle or home, munching on some old cheese and French bread and drinking some deliciously chilled French wine while looking out over the gently slopping French countryside watching the little birds fly around.
I do wish you a continued great vacation Cheryl!
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Anyway, who is your "ideal" client?
Hmm...quite frankly and this was not at all planned on my part for me to be here for this purpose...my ideal client is an internet marketing type person or other individual who wants a simple web site done quickly and who likes to get their feet wet at making changes for themselves but not too much.
Someone who doesn't have time to fiddle with WordPress installation and upkeep and who wants something even simpler but very effective. Kinda like my own web site. A header, a footer, navigation, some nice background and lots of text with a web form or two and maybe some MySQL thrown in for good measure.
Limited Javascript, no Flash (it's way overhyped and really not necessary for an effective web site), no video (unless hosted at YouTube or some such), just a good, effective, sharp looking web site that is easy to maintain and who wants a real programmer like me to back them up when they might need me to be there for them.
I am not yet set up to offer simplified blogging using my own code base so for now if a client wanted to set up a blog I would only be able to offer it done through WordPress which I can certainly do but if we are talking ideal...I would not want to have to teach a client how to work with WordPress for a simple blog. It's kinda like using a tank to go and get some bread in my opinion. It's unecessary to use WordPress for such and really might make things more complicated than they ought to be.
I really like using the code base and principles I have developed and used effectively in my own sites to service client needs. Ideally it would be great to have clients who are willing to let me show them what I can do for them without the use of WordPress for non-blogging sites at this point in time.
I like my code. It's efficient. Super easy to work with. Small in footprint. Doesn't use up a lot of server resources. Very secure. Easily modified. In short I like using code I have already developed and used. It's easier on me and less costly to have clients let me use it on their sites.
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Or, do you like doing b2b type sites? Or consumer sites? Do you like working for big picture thinkers or linear types?
I have no preference there Cheryl.
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The reason I'm asking is that now that you're online, and you've raised your prices, let's figure out how to get you more of the people you like working with, and get you some clients fast...
Sounds great in theory. The reality of being able to get new clients fast might be a wee bit...well...more difficult to realize :D
But I am certainly not disagreeable to being a sort of guinee pig in your hands of input to see if it can't be done LOL.
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But that doesn't mean that I agree with what you said about being able to charge less because your expenses are low. The whole point of having your own business is to create the kind of lifestyle you want - and that's (probably) not going to happen unless you're making better money.
Good point Cherly. You are of course correct. People don't much care if I can charge less because my living expenses are so low. That's not a selling point in other words LOL.
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And my other question is, what are you REALLY excellent at? With your business - what's your favorite thing to do that you really shine at?
I love working with clients and having them be satisfied with what I produce for them. Customer satisfaction is very important to me. Without it I would cease to do business. Seriously. I want more than just the money. I want to feel good about what I do and the services I provide. Without customer satisfaction I don't end up feeling good about myself and that's not good.
I am really good at client interaction and at listening to client needs. I am an outstanding writer if what others have said about me is to be believed. I am very detail oriented while not losing the big picture.
Let's see...
I am really good at sticking to something until I get it right. I guess you would call that bone headedness of sorts but that can be a good thing in many cases. I won't give up.
I am really good at explaining complicated computer and internet ideas to people who don't understand either. That is why I have been thinking of getting the word out about my web development services through some sort of e-course or other such mechanism. To build a list through it.
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Can't wait to hear back from you - this is fun!
I am humbled that you would be willing to interact with me on this against the backdrop of the beautiful French countryside. I mean if I was in your shoes I probably wouldn't even open my computer and otherwise interact with anyone over the Internet for the duration of my vacation. I'd be out taking photos...another favorite activity of mine.
But hey...to each his own I guess. I certainly won't take your fun away if helping me is an enjoyable thing for you to do during your vacation :D:
Carlos
PS. Please know Cheryl that I do not expect your futher input or help in any of this but if you continue giving it to me...I am of course all ears.