While I was busy getting a science degree, hanging out with my friends, and thoroughly enjoying living in my own bubble – blogging has became this ever-present, all penetrating fact of life.

No matter what your interests or job might be, there’s a blogging community for you. And if you’re a web professional, and an entrepreneur to boot there’s no way around it. You have a website / portfolio, you have a public image / persona on various social networking sites, and you run a blog.

For the longest time I thought that I’m just not a very wordy person and therefore suck at blogging. The funny thing is that I would consider myself an outspoken person, even a social butterfly given the opportunity and a proper amount of sleep.

But if you’ll look through my past articles – it’s pictures and some text. The latter might as well not be there, because it’s not particularly interesting and is mostly kind of forced. And it’s not that I don’t have anything to say, it just feels like a chore, a homework assignment, and that takes all the fun and joy out of it.

 Photo credit: Rona Keller

Why has it been such a damn chore for me to run a blog? For some odd reason, just writing in a conversational and open manner seems like such a…almost faux pas. I can’t count the number of times I’ve read the “how to be a successful freelancer” article (a new one seems to come out every month if not more often), and much too often the message I would take away was “have a watered down public persona”. The best way to win more clients and gain the respect of your colleagues is by making sure that everything you say and do online is just bland enough not to offend anyone. At least that’s what I keep reading and hearing.

But just because no one dislikes you, doesn’t mean that anyone actually likes you, or gives a damn about what you have to say. Not to mention how utterly mind numbing it is to keep up appearances of this watered down “you” across multiple social networking profiles. No wonder I hate blogging, I’m writing about things I love while feeling that I can’t be my colourful self, for the fear that someone might not like me. And even worse, I’m writing because that’s what’s expected from me.

And that’s when I realized that it’s not that I hate blogging itself, I hate the kind of blogger I have been and the kind of advice I’ve been taking. So, from now on, you’ll be getting an earful when I have something to say, and an eyeful when I want to share some great visual stimulants.

I give you me, pure and simple. No more blog posts that take so long to write, re-write, and re-write again that by the time I post them they’ve lost all of their original gusto and meaning. Boring the living bejeezus out of you all, and myself to boot, is a complete waste of time.

Photo credit: Dzung Viet Le

Let’s have some fun!

Thoughts, questions, comments?

I like them all, so shoot.

If you are rude and unprofessional, or just unhelpful, your bad reputation may precede you. Which means less work, lower quality projects, and less money in your pocket.

Unlike phone calls or face to face meetings, emails are (semi)permanent accounts of the information you communicate. So you should approach every time you email your clients as not onlt a communication tool but also a chance to gain your clients’ trust and lay the foundation for a long, mutually beneficial business relationship.

1. Have a proper beginning & end in your emails

Why:    We live in a text-message-crazy world, but that doesn’t mean that simple, good manners should go out the window. Always start your emails with a greeting and end them with a closing.

A “Hello”, “Good day”, or even “Hi” sets the tone for the rest for your email. Just as “Looking forward to hearing from you” or “Have a great weekend” ends your message on a positive and professional note.

This is a simple formality that will go a long way to show that you are respectful and professional.

Exceptions:    Over time you may develop a more familiar rapport with some of your clients, you may then opt for a less formal email structure. Though in general it’s much easier to offend a client by getting too familiar too fast, so it’s better to err on the more formal side of things.

2. Answer all quote requests

Why:    Simply put, someone has taken the time to look you up and write you an email, the least they deserve is the courtesy of a reply.

Even if you’re not interested in the project, or are booked up for a while, this is a chance to make a good impression and you should be taking every chance you’re given to create a good reputation for your business.

How:    If you think you’re too busy to answer every single quote request you get then you haven’t streamlined this process.

• Use quote forms, they will save you an insane amount of time. No more asking the same questions over and over again, or having to remember if you covered all the basis. My personal preference is a PDF form, but you can certainly make a web form.
• Take a few minutes to set up email reply templates, one for the projects you’re interested in, one for those you’re not.

Presto-manifesto, you’re answering quote requests in a fraction of the time it would take you otherwise. Of course, you shouldn’t just copy & paste your templates. Tailor your emails to the person you are writing. You’ll still save a ton of time by not having to re-write the same details over and over again.

Exceptions:    Unless an email is an obvious scam you have no excuse to leave it unanswered. Sorry.

3. Say “no” to projects courteously

Why:    A “no” can very easily be taken in a personal way. As a freelancer you are only one person, not a faceless corporation so even if you have to say “no” make sure you’re not offending anyone.

How:    There are two types of “no”s when it comes to quote requests:

• No, I’m not interested in the project. The reason “why” isn’t so important, in fact, the less you say here the better off you are.

  “{Greeting of your choice}
  Thank you for your email. Regretfully, I won’t be able to help you with your project.
  Best,
  Your Name”

  That’s it, simple, concise and to the point. You haven’t said anything that you shouldn’t say, and you made your point.

• No, I can’t take on your project right now You’re booked up for a while, but you’re interested in the project.

  Take all the usual steps you take to provide a quote, which should include finding out the project’s deadline. Explain that you are booked up through such-and-such date (or an approximation thereof).

  If the prospective client has a flexible deadline - voila, you may be able to book the project for the future.

  End your message by stating two things: 1. That you understand if the prospective client chooses to hire someone who is available sooner than you are; 2. Reasons why you’d like to work on the project.

  Don’t brown-nose, just be honest: Is the art direction right down your alley? Do you want to be involved because the company you’d be working for shares your values?

  If you can’t meet the project’s deadline - offer a referral to a trusted freelancer in your field.

Exceptions:    Umm, none. Don’t be rude, be helpful and courteous. Don’t give people a reason to dislike you. Instead provide a positive experience even if you don’t book the project.

4. Be honest without being rude

This skill will help you in all communications with your clients. Start practicing it now – practice makes perfect.

Why:    No one likes to have his/her time wasted with round about half truths. At the same time, a disagreement with a client may get you fired if you don’t handle it with poise.

There will be times when your clients will come up with an idea or solution to a problem that you will disagree with based on your experience in the field. You owe it to your clients to not just provide them with your technical skills but also to give them the benefit of your expertise.

How:    Try to put yourself in your clients’ shoes. I know, easier said than done. But this is an integral communication skill that will help you in all of your interpersonal relationships.

Here are some general suggestions:

• Don’t be condescending.
• Do explain yourself without too much technical jargon.
• Don’t take criticism personally.
• Do realize that the project isn’t your baby, it’s your client’s baby.
• Don’t become a “yes” (wo)man. You’re not a robot.
• Do offer alternative solutions to a given problem if your client proposes a solution you disagree with. To do so, identify the fundamental problem at hand, your experience should tell you how to deal with it best.
• Don’t submit your work without presenting the reasons for choices you’ve made in creating the work the way you did.
• Always back up your choices with facts and/or examples.
• Don’t write a short novel to explain yourself. Make a call instead – your client might be a lot more receptive to your ideas than you expect. This will save you both some time.
• Do express yourself succinctly. If you can explain the same idea in one sentence don’t write a paragraph reiterating the same point over and over again.

By taking the focus off of the fact that you disagree with your client and placing it on viable solutions you will demonstrate that you are invested in the project’s success. This also ensures that the disagreement isn’t taken personally by your client.

Lastly, providing explanations for your choices gives the client insight into your thought process. Thoughtfulness goes a long way to ensure that your honesty doesn’t come off as rude.

Exceptions:    Nope.

5. Reply to emails in a timely manner

Why:    Hell hath no fury like the client neglected. If your clients feel like you are hard to reach you’ll start getting calls during all hours of the day.

More importantly, if your clients feel like you don’t take their needs seriously, they’ll find someone who does.

How:    I’m a fan of having a system – this means that you treat all clients with consistency and your clients know what to expect from you.

• Keep regular business hours. After all, you’re running a business.
• Use auto-respond messages outside of your business hours. Include what your business hours are in this message.
• Always give priority to urgent emails.
• If you’re swamped with work that can’t be put off, send a courtesy reply confirming that you’ve received the email, state the approximate time you will fully address your client’s questions/needs/issues.

Exceptions:    Not all emails are urgent, so use your best judgment. If there’s a serious issue with a website you just launched – drop everything and fix it. If a client has a general “what if” question, get to a good stopping point with whatever you are working on and write your reply.

Generally speaking, waiting for a reply for over 24 hours is unacceptable even if the issue isn’t urgent.

What do you think?

Did I miss anything? Do you have some suggestions of your own? Don’t be shy, let me know what you think!

Fashion runways around the world are teeming with inspiring designs and this time around, the color trends are on the loud and bright end of the spectrum. So let’s take a look at the trends, the websites that were ahead of the curve in using these trends, and why not get inspired for your next project along the way.

Beeswax

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

If you’re a fan of yellow, now is your time. No longer reserved for accents, you can go as bold as you want. For added drama combine it with black.

 Tangerine

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Dan & Corina Lecca.

Shades of orange are very prominent this spring as “tangerine” keeps gaining popularity both on and off the runway. I absolutely love this color and the various combinations in which it’s popping up this spring.

Chartreuse

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

A very surprisingly delicious star is emerging. Not the bright green we’ve gotten used to in web design, but a slightly darker and less corporate earthy-green.

Shades of Fuchsia

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

For me wearing this, albeit lovely, color is completely out of the question. But, it’s certainly going the way of pink button down shirts – more and more widely accepted as a not-so-girly color.

Turquoise

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

Can you say “awesome”?! Yes, yes it’s been around for a very long time, but it’s just keeps getting brighter and bolder and I’m loving it.

Russet Brown

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

This spring isn’t completely void of dark, rich tones. This warm brown isn’t as somber as black and still looks dignified.

Cloud Grey

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

If you tend more towards the less rich and vibrant end of the spectrum you’ll be happy to know that this basic grey will keep your designs looking classy and professional. You can always dress them up with a splash for color.

Minimal White

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

If color, in general, just isn’t your thing fear not, minimal white is here to save the day. It seems that here fashion might be giving a nod to web design, since minimal sites have been very popular for some time now. And again, just because you’re keeping your designs minimal doesn’t mean that they can’t be intricate, nor do you have to stay away from color all together.

Stand-out Color Combinations

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

Download the palette.

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

Download the palette.

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

Download the palette.

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

Download the palette.

Fall/Winter 2011

Photo credits: Alessandro Viero / GoRunway.com, Alessandro Viero / GoRunway.com, Alessandro Viero / GoRunway.com, Yanni Vlamos / GoRunway.com.

What’s in store for fall 2011? One thing’s for sure – vibrant colors will get a bit muted, but at large they aren’t going anywhere.

What do you think?

Did I miss anything? Do you think that fashion influences web design or the other way around? Do you get inspired by fashion? Don’t be shy, let me know what you think!

So, I thought it would be interesting to see what websites are following the latest fashion trend. And since color is one of the easiest criteria to evaluate – voila, let’s take a gander at the fashion color trends and the most fashionable websites this fall.

Cobalt Blue

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

Bright and vivid, this blue is a knock out. It looks great on clothing, but I haven’t really seen it used in non-corporate websites. It would be great to use it for a funky, modern design.

Emerald Green

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

This one’s for all of you nature lovers. Good to know that it works with various styles of illustration.

Amethyst Purple

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

Mostly seen in sequined garments, you can see this purple used in many sites as part of a bokeh effect. So I figured it would be nice to see sites that use this purple without any extra thrills.

Bright Red

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

This red can go a few different ways. Of course, it’s been a punk rock staple, but Nick De Jardine’s modern take is very stylish.

Camel

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

For some reason this color makes me think of “Moonlighting”, you know that show from the 80s with Bruce Willis. So it’s really nice that it’s being used in much more interesting, and modern ways these day. The following websites certainly don’t remind me of a padded-shoulder camel hair coat.

Sheer Black

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree.

Seems like here fashion is following in steps of web design. Transparency has been a major trend in web design for some time now, and here are some lovely examples.

Spring/Summer 2011

Photo credits: Imaxtree, Imaxtree, Dan & Corina Lecca, Dan & Corina Lecca.

So, what’s in store for spring 2011? Lots of bold, vibrant colors. To offset all those colors, another big trend for spring is minimal white. Hmm…that last one might be another case of web design setting the trend first.

What do you think?

Did you like this post? Don’t be shy, let me know what you think! And as usual, spread the word.

It’s kind of like keeping in touch with your friends. You do it because you care about what’s new in their lives. You also do it to share your news and accomplishments. Not to mention making plans.

Of course, your clients and colleagues might not care all that much about the happenings in your life. And I bet you don’t meet your clients for a pint on a friday night (please, please tell me you don’t).

So how in the world can you keep in touch with your clients and colleagues and why should you do it?

Point of Contact

There’s this awesome, nifty place where people talk about themselves all day long. That place is social networking. They actually give you reasons to chit chat with them!

Note: Stalking is bad, and I’m by no means advocating annoying the bejeezus out of people, but more about this later on.

I always encourage my business contacts to “friend” me on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter. Having a point of contact aside from email and phone is great. You get to learn more about each other, and maybe even like each other a bit more.

Best of all, it’s pretty effortless. You’ll be checking your social networking accounts regularly anyways, so it’s not like you have to set time aside to write a long-winded email or phone conversation.

So go forth, “like” that new photo album your client has posted, comment on the new blog post a colleague has written.

Don’t be creepy

Coming back to the note above. You ought to have some rules about the social networking you do with your clients and colleagues, because it’s quite different from what you’ve been doing with your friends. Worst of all, you might just alienate, offend, or annoy a client if you don’t have any rules and that’s just bad for business. Not what’s we’re trying to accomplish.

So let’s get to it:

1. I generally keep social networking for after I’m done with a project. That is, if this is the first job you’re doing for someone, do try to keep your interactions to the job at hand. The chit-chatting can wait until you’ve completed the project.
2. Don’t go crazy commenting on every single thing someone posts. That is very, very creepy. It will, surely, make people feel like you’re watching their every move. At the very least it will make you look like a brown-nosing crazy. Not good. Not what we’re trying to accomplish at all.
3. Be genuine and personable! You’re going to make meaningful connections only if you are honest. If you happen to be into sports cars and your client posts a link to a brand you’re a fan of – that’s your chance to connect and let your personality shine. If your colleague is really interested in Thai culture and you have to Google it to make conversation – that’s not doing either one of you any favors. People can generally tell when someone is sucking up to them. There are those who thrive on that kind of flattery, but most people will be annoyed.
4. Don’t get too personal. Check yourself before making comments that might be crude, offensive or plain TMI. Try to put yourself in your clients’ / colleagues’ shoes. Would you feel uncomfortable if someone said to you, what you are about to say to them? In short, be tactful.
5. If you’re a rambunctious person it might be a good idea to keep a separate profile for business, and a separate one for your “off the clock” life. Your business will thank you for it.

Today marks the beginning of the annual “Make a Referral Week”, a great opportunity to give back to your community and get involved!

What’s it all about?

As the name implies, it’s all about making referrals, sharing good experiences and giving back to your community.

Business owners around the world know that no matter the business climate a referral is priceless. The word of mouth is one of the best marketing tools out there because it is based on personal experience, and is therefore the best way to get clients.

So this week, why not refer a friend, colleague, or family member looking for a service to a service provider with whom you have positive experience?

How do I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved:

1. Make a list – think about the local service providers you’ve hired in the past. Make a list of all the ones you’d recommend, and keep that list handy (in your wallet or daily planner). This way you can make a quick referral anytime a friend, colleague, or family member tells you that they’re looking for a service or vendor.
2. Spread the word online – if you use popular social networking sites, the easiest way to get involved is to type in your referrals. Visit The official Make a Referral Week website for more details.
3. Make referrals all year long – keep making those referrals every time you are pleased with the service of a vendor or service provider. It doesn’t take very much effort, but surely helps out the economy and your local community!

With 2009 coming to a close, I would like to thank you for being a part of another fantastic year.

Thank you for your loyalty and confidence. Thank you for expecting only the best and constantly keeping me on my toes.

I can’t wait to see what 2010 brings!

Best wishes for the new year.

The world of blogging has grown into an industry. It is both a source of information and fun. You can find blogs about every topic imaginable, from family news to crafts to the latest developments in your profession. With all this information at your fingertips – how do you keep up on your favorite blogs, without having to remember countless URLs or having to make frequent visits to check for updates?

RSS Subscriptions, of course!

What is RSS?

RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication”. What it really means is a way to subscribe to a blog, the best and easiest way. All of your subscriptions (blog feeds) go to the same place, where you can read any new articles without having to remember any web addresses or surfing around numerous websites.

Think of it as a newspaper containing the newest articles from your favorite authors (blogs). And the simplest way to get your daily reading material.

How do I find this RSS?

Any self-respecting blog will display an RSS button, which comes in many flavours

but always comes back to the same basic design.

Simply click on the button and choose your preferred RSS Reader. Then log-in to your reader, which will let you know if there are any new articles.

Wait…RSS Reader? What’s that all about?

What is an RSS Reader?

Basically it is the “newspaper” I mentioned earlier. You have your own account, your subscriptions are listed and marked, if they have any new posts. All you have to do is scroll, read and relax. That’s right, scroll through new articles, read the ones that sound interesting and enjoy.

There is a number of RSS Readers, I use Google Reader which works nicely with Gmail and can be easily added to your iGoogle homepage. There are numerous others, like Bloglines and My Yahoo.

Signing up for an RSS Reader is as simple as getting an email account. Pick a login name and password and you’re good to go.

If you’d like to read more about various RSS Readers check out these two articles:

20 Free RSS Readers Reviewed by Ross McKillop
and/or
Top RSS Readers by Brian on Why RSS?

Do I have to get an RSS Reader?

Actually, no you don’t. Some blogs offer subscription via email. I don’t like my email cluttered with anything that doesn’t require my immediate attention, so I opt for the RSS Reader when I have some time to catch up on my favourite blogs.

Now you are ready to begin hassle free blog reading. So go on and get your daily dose of inspiration, read up on a topic of interest or keep connected with friends and family.