It’s a bit pixelated…but it’s worth it!!
Archive | November, 2007
Birthday Time
17 NovSo, as most know, November is the month for birthdays in my family. Last weekend, I went up to Upland to visit Sarah for our birthday. Good eats, good fun, good times. It makes being upper twenties a little more palatable. I mean, I’m almost 40.
Anyway, yesterday was Mom’s birthday. And today is Dad’s birthday. Last night we went out to Bravos for dinner. While we were there, I captured some Ella moment’s on my phone.
Tonight, we’ll be gathering again for Dad’s birthday. We’ll probably make it a more relaxing evening by ordering pizza.
Next week is Thanksgiving. We’ll all be traveling north to Fort Wayne, IN for more food, fun and fellowship. Turkey makes me happy. The people are okay, too. We may even catch a Taylor U. basketball game.
As much as I joke about this being too much family time, I’m really appreciative of these special moments. The many miles that are often between my family have taught me to value the time I have with each person. Oh, and it’s also helped me to appreciate technology. With every blog post, status update or email the world gets a little smaller.
Once…twice…three times a done deal.
7 NovSo, working in the agency environment for the last several years has taught me many valuable lessons. Some of which were harder to swallow than others.
Basically, I am a consultant or tactician. I can plan, strategize and recommend things. I don’t actually do the building. People come to my place of employment seeking expertise in Web. Why do I need a website? How can I improve my website? Is my message clearly articulated? Is my site aesthetically pleasing? What is the benefit of online marketing? Will you help me be seen by the search engines? What is RSS?
You get the point.
It’s my job to evaluate your company, your company’s site, your industry, your audience, etc. I make knowledgeable recommendations based on industry experience and trend analysis. Typically, clients trust my – well our – recommendations (collective thought always trumps individual thought).
If only that were true. Some clients tend to be, well, opinionated. They have their own idea of what will or will not work.
My most recent frustration came after writing a script for a video. Prior to the project, we had several phone calls outlining the scope of work. It was to be a short video (approximately two minutes), focusing on one thing. I began doing lots of research for both the company products and the industry. I then wrote the piece.
Draft One – REJECTED.
Apparently, what we had decided upon initially, as in the focus of the entire script, had changed. Take two. With the new focus in mind, I re-wrote the script.
Draft Two – MODIFIED (but basically rejected)
What was once a beautifully articulated script was turned into a 10 minute litany on alarming diseases and the inevitable death of our children. Yikes. Aside from my commenting on the length of the script, my hands were proverbially tied. Draft one – push. Draft two – push. Draft three – client’s preference.
It’s a hard reality to face. But, I have learned a valuable lesson. I’m going to do the best I can. Give the best advice I can give. And in the end, keep the client happy.
Why am I blogging?
1 NovI have decided to blog again. Why? Three reasons: A) Blogging – or the Web – is what I do for a living. How can I offer advice on the subject if I’m not actively engaged in the blogsphere; 2) it’s a solid way to communicate with friends and family across the globe; and D) I like pizza.
I anticipate a range of topics. Work related, me related and possibly politics.
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