I'll take economic recovery for $400, Alex

As far as entrepreneurship goes, Web Presence is a great project. I love it.

Of course, growing a new business -- especially a market leader -- isn't for everyone. There's nothing like that 4:00 a.m. brainstorming session about how you're going to beat the competition senseless with their own product.

In the years preceeding 9/11, I've made it a personal ritual to spend a few days in September examining the status of the American economy. I like to know my market, and even more importantly, I like to know what I can do to make it healthier. Because when the economy's healthy, people are buying. And I'm always ready for that.

Since 9/11, it seems America has taken a "wait-and-see" stance on seeking a more concrete definition of economic recovery. Even before 9/11, the economy had it's quirks, yet the last five years have been a near standstill for the majority marketplace.

And I'm shocked. There's so much opportunity in the face of adversity. I think that, as Americans, we were so darned used to being successful -- at times, even hap-hazardly successful -- that the impact of 9/11 left many entrepreneurs totally clueless about how to adapt to new market conditions.

So what's going on? In a nutshell, the sellers are waiting for consumers to come back to their original buying trends. Unforutnately, it's a lot like that overlooked ballast flaw in the Titanic, and the longer you try to wait it out, the worse it gets.

At the risk of generating more successful entrepreneurs nationwide, I'm going to share something with you that not many people have figured out: the economy that existed before 9/11 is not the same as the economy that exists today. It's the same individuals, it's the same land mass, and that's about it.

At this very moment, we exist in what I call a "sub-routine econonmy" -- that is, a marketplace with modified buying trends based on several key factors: recovery from 9/11, recovery from hurricane Katrina, and the Iraq war. This loop exists outside the traditional economic universe because the subsequent economic conditions of these factors work in tandem against each other to prohibit economic growth, thereby making it impossible to conduct traditional commerce. Keep in mind, I'm differentiating this from a recovery economy, in that to recover from something, you actually have to stop hindering it first. That isn't the case -- yet.

Before you go firing all your employees, or consolidating operations in an effort to cut costs, which in turn will lock you into a tug of war between production and new business development, fight that initial fear-based reaction to consider the following option that will, without question, be the best way to fight the downturn: change your strategy.

It's so simple. And maybe you've even heard it before, but I'm here to tell you that very few have yet to fully embrace the idea as of yet. What exactly does "change your strategy" mean? Well, a few things.

First off, it means changing your old marketing focus -- which may be your current marketing focus. Review your current target market. Are there other markets you might target that would buy your products and services, even for other reasons than you indended?

Subsequently, you'll also need to update your advertising. Everything. Web site, business cards, brochure, flyers. Be creative, because remember, I'm not telling you to go seek out some high-end ad agency. We're entrepreneurs. You don't have the money to waste on new professional services yet, so you're going to have to think this one out. Ninety-nine percent of the solution to this macroeconomic slump is additional thought on the part of the entrepreneur, and that includes re-thinking what works or did work. Don't feed your ego by refusing to change. It won't put money in your pocket, or your customers'.

These suggestions are all about stabilizing your sales. But if you want to really be a glutton for punishment and grow you business in this economy, it's going to take some overtime in the brainstorming department to make that happen. Case in point:

• How can you repackage your product or service to others within the same geographic market?
• Can you offer a B2B version, as well as a consumer version?
• Are there organizations that you might sell directly to?
• Can you sell to government within your geographic market?
• Can you recruit salespeople to help you sell your products and services on commission?
• Can you expand your geographic market without increasing your expenses, with a web site or flat-rate long distance cold calling?
• Can you install a more unique referral program into your business?
• Can you offer anything for free as an incentive to help consumers find more value in your products and services?
• Can you franchise in a way that attracts investors to your business?
• Can you find other ways to reach potential customers are the point of decision, immediately before they choose a product or service provider?

Now you know where you need to go. Right now it's tougher than it's ever going to be for every American entrepreneur. I am so very proud of those who are willing to tough it out for their goals and dreams. Do what you can, seek out more knowlege when you need it, and bring home the bacon. And remember: don't ever, not ever, give up.

Employer's Profile of "Non Slackus Mentus" (The Mighty Slacker)

You know, running a successful business isn't all that difficult. In fact, it's rather easy -- with the right people.

But out there in the masses of the employable hide a breed that often go unknown to the general public. As an adventure seeker, I have had the fortunate experience of profiling this population segment that plagues corporate America and small businesses alike: the slacker.

We begin at the interview process, where the mighty slacker stalks its prey. Oftentimes, the slacker's undiscriminating choice of employment will allow it to adapt to many different environments, from haphazardly cooking your french fries, to, yes, even web site development.

After thoroughly screening the slacker's three page resume and corresponding degrees, do not underestimate the slacker, for its skills are unparalleled. It can present itself as a hard working employee with incredible accuracy, carefully hiding it's cache of instant messenger conversations under the task bar, or behind the Internet Explorer. The slacker's ability to emulate sounds of productivity is a particularly common trait, when senior staff is within audible range.

Upon identifying a slacker in your midsts, usually through lack of results, do not approach the slacker, for you will find it impossible to effectively fire the beast without some type of undesirable consequence. The slacker may invoke its dubious skills to defame you over your disappointment in their expertise at keeping AOL Instant Messenger the most popular instant messaging software on Earth.

My experiences with the slacker range from being thrown over a desk, to being sued after losing major clients due to their inability to complete projects based on their resume skillset.As employers, how do we keep from being duped by the slacker?

In truth, employers never be safe from those looking for a quick paycheck, but the next time you suspect the undercover slacker visits your organization during an interview, think back to this account of experience, and remember: no one is immune.

Be vigilant in your hiring practices, my fellow entrepreneurs! If we keep rooting out the slackers, eventually they'll have to adhere to the same ethics our hard working, productive employees do.


(Editor's Note: God bless people who do cook french fries for a living, and do it with passion. I think about you every time I'm in a hurry to eat, no joke.)

Web Presence to Unveil PowerServers in May 2006

Next month Web Presence will unveil its new line of PCs -- small business servers that also function as administrative workstations -- that may very well be the missing link between personal computers and high-end servers, typically out of the affordability range for most small business owners.

Titled "PowerServers," these machines tout durability and expandability without the need of buying additional equipment. Jim Ray, founder of Web Presence, identified the need for a middle-ground solution after speaking with clients and employees.

"The small businesses out there with fewer than ten employees -- the majority -- aren't typically staffing a full-time IT manager," says Ray. "They need a solution that doesn't cost $8,000 out of pocket, or take a year to learn how to implement."

PowerServers feature AMD Athlon processing technology and complimenting brand-name parts that make system integrity the primary focus.

"Surprisingly, Windows XP doesn't have to crash twice a day," says Jim. "This isn't always an operating system issue. It can occur when a PC is overloaded with everyday tasks meant for a business-class machine."

Beginning May 1, PowerServers will be available for purchase on-line at the Web Presence web site, at: http://www.web-presence.net/power. PowerServers will also be sold at retail outlets throughout the United States.

For reseller requirements, please call Alex Ferguson at: 1-800-505-4932, ext. 140.

2005: Don't Let The Door Hit You

From the war in Iraq to an unrelenting hurricane season, 2005 was, in many ways, a "character building" year for many people across the world.

Before we usher in 2006 and begin to focus on the possibilities ahead, I would like to share some of the lessons I've learned in the last 363 days, as well as my insight for the days ahead.

In a period when it might sometimes seem faith has abandoned us, know it is in this moment that faith is most present. When the mind can no longer summon the independent strength to elicit thoughts of hope and light, faith must prevail. Without it, we are only as strong as individual might allows. In remembering faith, each individual becomes as powerful as the collective.

Confidence in truth -- faith in the existence of a truth beyond our own being, regardless of our acceptance or understanding of its dimensions -- serves to empower each of us to fulfill the ability to achieve our maximum potential as individuals and, therefore, as a collective. Faith, in and of itself, is not the end result, but a passageway to personal enlightenment. To exercise faith is to strengthen an area of the mind that cannot be reached in any other way.

It is faith in ourselves, in tandem with that in our Creator, that has fueled the progression of humankind since its inception. The future of society depends greatly on our ability to rekindle that sense of trust, that faith, in ourselves.

Beyond this, I also rediscovered the value of the time-tested notion that to be a good leader, one must be a good listener. Now more than ever, people seek to be recognized, heard, and valued for their unique input in daily life. I've found that so many feel misunderstood in general, they spend more time trying to explain their position than gathering new information to make better decisions.

The solution is effective, patient listening. Whether you are teaching a child to read, a new employee to work, or a customer about your business, listening is the key to establishing a foundation for your message, and ensuring that message is successfully received.

In a leadership position, it is impossible to make proactive, long-lasting decisions without the input of those who are affected by those decisions on every level. I refuse to make a decision without seeking the input of everyone in my organization. Time consuming? Absolutely. Challenging? Yes. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Those who look to me for leadership are worth the investment of time and energy.

To those beyond my circle, I am so proud of your courage and resolve to overcome some of the most difficult times America has ever faced. Know that you are not alone in your endeavor to survive these odds, and that hope remains for those most deeply impacted by hardship and loss. You are going to make it.

If I were able to see into the future, I would predict 2006 to be a great year for America and its global partners, for many reasons. Adversity is the medium from which opportunity transforms, and as such, our national economy will gain durability. Our nation will be restored as the planet's strongest and most respected example of diplomacy and everlasting true freedom.

As Americans who survived a great period of difficulty in our nation's history, let's make it a goal this year to focus on fortifying America in every way we can. If you are a business owner, seek the advice of other experts to grow your company and internal staff, thus creating new jobs (did you know 7 out of every 10 jobs are created by a small business, and that over 1/2 of the American workforce is employed by companies with fewer than 10 employees?). Participate in community events. Recycle. Start a neighborhood watch program; it's inexpensive and effective. Be happy, because you deserve it.

Happy New Year to you, my friends! Make it a good one.

Web Presence Donates School Supplies

While recently interviewing a prospective client – a social services agency in southern Florida – the prospect mentioned that many children affected by last year’s harsh hurricane season will go to school this year without school supplies.

It soon occurred to me this situation wasn’t isolated; that there are hundreds of communities where children could not afford school supplies. Sure enough, a search at http://www.iloveschools.com/ revealed hundreds – perhaps thousands – of schools requesting school supplies and other items for their students in every state.

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m irked by the reality that children in America do without school supplies because they cannot afford them. That answer simply isn’t acceptable to me.

Can we really afford to allow future generations to go undereducated? A single glance into today’s greatest issues demands otherwise. Life requires a broad foundation from which to gather sound solutions; and I have a feeling that begins with a box of crayons.

I won’t suggest that government is responsibile for providing future generations school supplies, nor will I suggest the families struggling to make ends meet are to blame; anyone who’s had to choose between milk and school supplies can relate. But that doesn't provide children the supplies they require to learn.

Friends, I’m asking you to join with me to ensure all our nation's children have school supplies. This August, Web Presence will donate 300 backpacks – packed full of school supplies – to families affected by hurricanes Ivan, Jeanne and Frances.

But that’s just the beginning. Next year and each year after, Web Presence will look to donate over 100,000 back packs natonwide, until all our students have the tools required to be successful at school.

The world faces many tough issues, but solving this one might eliminate many problems that result from under-education. The sooner we start, the better.

When you purchase a Web Presence service, know that you’re supporting the fortification of America’s future generations. When you’re ready to expand your business on-line, look to Web Presence – proud to serve America’s interests, long-term.

What Would Jesus Design?

Over the last several years, I’ve been approached by various religious organizations looking to develop their web presence. Developing religious sites is a rewarding job, but inevitably I feel one crucial question arise at the start of each project: What would Jesus design?

It’s really a fair question. When you’re in charge of developing a web site that represents a group’s belief system, there’s a certain level of pressure to ensure the content and images employed relate the origins and principles of that religion to the site’s audience.

The first – and ironically, the largest – religious organization to approach me for their web needs was the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue Committee, a New Jersey-based Catholic group that oversees a statue of the Virgin Mary that has apparently "shed tears" in several locations throughout the world.

I’m a very objective person, and so when I first heard the story of the statue, I wasn’t sure if the project was legitimate. A Google search result fixed that – there’s over 36,000 sites referencing the statue and it’s origins! Today, the group’s web site (http://www.pilgrimvirginstatue.com) has attracted thousands of visitors from hundreds of countries throughout the world.

I’m fascinated by the many ways people celebrate their faith. One of my favorite examples is Deborah Hampton (http://www.deborahhampton.org), a music minister who preaches through song. Deborah came to me in need of a site that would explain her type of ministry and offer sample songs for visitors to hear. The site has a professional, calm atmosphere that sets a great tone for her services.

When developing sites for commercial entities, the success of a site is measured in sales. In working with multiple religious organizations, I have concluded the benchmark of success is the ability to inspire the same feeling of unity in the believer, across the board. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s what Jesus would do.

The Myth of the $200 Web Site

Almost daily, I review design requests from companies that offer a great product or service, and want to incrase their market share via a web site. Are you with me so far?

No problemo. A well-developed site can increase sales, promote cross-selling, and make your Lexus payment. That is, after all, what a web site is supposed to do. Of course, it takes a certain level of expertise to develop a site that actually meets that criteria.

Yet somewhere down the line, our clients-to-be inevitably find an advertisement for a $49.95 web site package. Or a custom-designed site for $200.00. Or, my favorite, FREE web design - yours with any $60.00 monthly hosting package! It's as if suddenly all those years of being scammed just go right out the window. And before you can say fraud, it's wham, bam, click the submit once to proceed.

Your web site, like any other effective marketing tool, is an investment. And for many people, a web site represents your company in much the same way a storefront would. Before visitors even review your products or services, they're analyzing your web presence. Layout, design, colors, load time, word choice -- the overall first impression of your web site is determining their purchase decisions.

Have you ever bought a $200.00 car? Sure, it's a car, for all intents and purposes, but as any hard-working American knows, you can end up spending more on repairs and tune-ups than you would a monthly payment on a BMW. Conversely, you don't need to sell your t-shirts out of the back of a Bentley. In web terms, you don't need a $10,000 site to do what a $2,000 site can do. But don't be disappointed when your $200.00 site doesn't rake in new sales hand over fist.

Speaking of affordable small business web design, can I offer you a free quote?