Ramon's Blog: Evolve or Die

Hurry Up and Wait

 

A few weeks ago I blogged about Deadlines Being Your Friend and I guess you could argue that I didn’t have anything else to write about this week, but you’d be wrong.  I could write about how great it feels when a client finally selects a logo that they want to run with and they tell you to “GO” meaning roll out the rest of the identity package, pick out the fonts and start laying out the brand guidelines and the PowerPoint templates. It’s a great feeling no doubt when you have arrived at a logo decision, it feels like giving birth, but without all the physical pain, though there can be mental pain. It’s the AHA moment meets the AHHHH moment because you can move on from the ideation stage and if you’re really lucky, the logo is still in a good place where you still feel good about it too.

 

No, this week I want to talk about the inevitable and the classic situation when a client is telling you to rush, rush, rush only to have you wait, wait, wait.  The fact is that deadlines are a huge part of the job. About a month ago, I met with a promising, young entrepreneur with a bright idea that he needed help bringing to life. We met in person, then we met with the team and in a very regimented and methodical fashion, we came to agreeable terms and began the design process.  The project tasked us with designing a user interface for a new consumer-facing lead-generation website. The process is usually the same for UI design as it is for logo design in that Phase 1 consists of developing 3-5 concepts from which the client can choose from.

 

This particular client was so eager, and came with a great referral that we broke protocol and began the ideation stage even before the Scope of Work agreement arrived in our mailbox.  This client was in such a rush that we literally had no time to waste. This client would send text messages to me directly and I would respond quickly as I wanted to set the impression that I knew that this project was hot, and that I knew that it was a priority. For a week straight we exchanged text messages and emails and I even received a 6am text message on a Monday morning to see what the status was. You can’t get more high pressure than a 6am Monday morning text message. Now, I don’t recommend that anyone respond to a client before 9am on a Monday because it sets a bad protocol. You don’t want to give clients that much access to you otherwise you won’t have a life. No, I waited until 9am to let the client know that we were on track to deliver as originally outlined in the production schedule we had agreed to.  Typical turnaround for a first draft of anything, is 2 weeks. For this client, I had promised first draft designs within 1 week. I received this 6am Monday morning text message at the 5^th day. We were WAYYY ahead of schedule here, but I exercised patience and promised him we’d have creative very soon. This is high pressure and we made a decision to deliver. As a creative, or as a business owner, you have to understand your clients. I began to give him updates proactively. Don’t wait until your ‘pushy’ client starts pinging you. Instead, ping them and let them know that you’re on top of things. Also, judge each client on a case by case basis. If you think this relationship has legs, or there may be more work down the pike, you may be extra patient.

 

In this case, we ended up delivering 3 distinct UI designs right on schedule. Even though I had tried to deliver early, our workload didn’t allow it.  We did what we promised which is all you can ask for. Well guess what? That Rush, Rush, Rush became Wait, Wait, Wait. Its been 3 weeks since we delivered creative to the client and we have not received any feedback yet. And you know what? It’s totally fine. We delivered as promised and we delivered quality. We can’t control how soon or when the client will have feedback. The ball’s in their court, and we are ‘free to move about the cabin’ servicing our other clients who are in a Rush, Rush, Rush.

 

These days, who isn’t?

 

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Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

iLug, Therefore I Am.

 

I’m sitting here writing this week’s blog back in the comfort of my home office while Spiderman plays on in the background and my dog snores. Over the last four years, I’ve really made this home office very comfortable and as any of you that follow my posts know, I’ve recently expanded my design company  into a downtown office space where clients, consultants and staff have a larger, more professional workspace.

During that transition, my frugal Chief Financial Officer (read: my wife) suggested that I should re-use many of my home office ‘comforts’ (read: desk, computer, flat screen, chair, etc.) in my new office space. As I started to go down that road, I quickly realized that I did not want to dismantle the home office and instead wanted to maintain its integrity, since I planned on working there during the weekends (such as today), during inclement weather, and during late nights. Over the last couple of months, I’ve gotten very fond of working from the downtown space because I get to ‘get out of the house’.  It's also much better than my last office at Regus, because I don't have to pack up at the end of the day. After several trips to Ikea and a few strategically placed wall mounts, bookshelves, and a Glen Gary Glennross poster, both the home office and the downtown office have become very conducive to creativity while remaining ‘cozy’ (read: cluttered), but in an organized clutter kind of way.

 

The iLugger to the Rescue

For the last 12 months, my creative team and I’ve been working at the Regus Business Center several days a week  and during that time I had to invest in what has become one of the most integral tools of the trade: my iLugger iMac carrying case. This oversize padded behemoth on wheels allows me to transport my prized 27” iMac with ease, and look cool while I'm doing it.  The deal with any pre-furnished office space or shared workspace is that you basically pack up your studio and move into your office suite on a daily basis, meaning that at the end of the day, you pack up what you brought in and take it back home. The Problem is that I prefer to work on my iMac over my MacBook pro any day. Once you get used to all that visual real estate, its hard to go back to anything smaller. So how do I LUG (get it) back and forth on the days I need to go the office?

 

This is where this blog becomes a commercial for the iLugger. I just really love this thing. I had to figure out a way to conveniently bring both my 27” iMac and my 21.5” iMac back and forth from the Regus center and doing it with the original packaging wasn’t cutting it. At first, I would literally re-pack my Macs in their original boxes and tape them shut, using the plastic handle and making it a carrying case. As the boxes starting falling apart, I realized I need a solution and iLugger is one of the only players in the game. Not for the financially faint of heart, these pricey ($199-$650), rugged, sleek looking bags are the bomb.  These bad boys come in different colors (I prefer the standard black) and are a breeze to use.

 

Here’s the model I use for my 27” iMac:

http://www.ilugger.com/product/detail.cfm?nid=1460&pid=40029

 

 

…and I picked up the over-the-shoulder carry-on style for my 21.5” iMac:

http://www.ilugger.com/product/detail.cfm?nid=1460&pid=15896

 

For those that travel by plane often, they do have some hardcore AirCases.

http://www.ilugger.com/product/catalog.cfm?nid=104165

 

Take a look at their Youtube video and watch how easy this thing is to load up:

 

 

I’m telling you this thing is sweet.  Literally takes 5 minutes to pack up and go.  Your iMac is totally protected (being upside down doesn’t hurt it) and you can look like you’re just carrying a gigantic laptop or about to travel somewhere. If you are looking for a way to make your iMac portable - look no further! This is it.

 Yesterday was The Avengers movie premiere and my wife and I decided to catch an early (3:50PM) matinee. No sooner did I sit down to catch the new Spiderman trailer did my phone ring:  a client, of course. I texted them back expecting some sort of an emergency, I mean its 4pm on a Friday when I would normally be on the golf course anyway, so this must be serious. Apparently there was a banner ad I had just created that needed to be resized, and in my haste, didn’t provide a layered PSD along with it. For the next two hours, the ad would appear 'squished' until I could provide new creative. Not the most urgent of projects, but something that I needed to take care of. I intended on going back to the office right after the movie to finish up some work, write this blog, and now I had no choice but to go in and resize this ad banner. By the time the movie was over and we grabbed dinner, it was after 8pm.  My wife asked me, “Can’t you just work from home?” and I replied “No, my Macs are downtown…” (For a second, I’d forgotten all about the iLugger since I no longer needed to LUG it home each day.) So we parted ways in the parking lot (we drove separate cars) and I sped off to save the day (not really).  Driving away in silence, it dawned on me that going to the office now to work late into the night didn’t seem like such a good move at this point. Then it hit me, I had an iLugger! I thought to myself, “Bring the iMac back and do what you need to do from the comfort of the home office (and in the comfort of your pajamas)!”

 

I texted the wife of my Eureka moment and her reply was, “Good idea.”

 

I get those every once in awhile.

 

 

RESOURCES:

http://www.ilugger.com/

 

 

 

 

Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

 

Make Deadlines Your Friend

 

How many of you can relate to: “I create some of my best work while under pressure.”  Or “This won’t get done without a deadline.” “We need this new (logo, website, print project, [insert deliverable here] YESTERDAY”. 

The problem with deadlines that most people have is the stress that comes along with them. The classic scenario is when a particular deliverable has multiple levels of management responsible for it along the way. For example, take a typical presentation pitch deck. It’s Monday and Mr. CEO has an opportunity to email a pitch deck in PDF format to a potential client. The client has suggested the deck arrive to them by Friday, so of course the CEO wants to send the deck by Thursday.  The CEO needs a first draft of the deck by first thing Tuesday so that he can give himself a day to practice it and then send his comments to the copywriter and designer by first thing Wednesday. In order for the deck to be reviewed in first draft form by Tuesday, the template has to be designed and the story has to be flushed out (and often illustrated with stock photography) by EOD (end of day) Monday. It’s 2pm. The fun begins. It continues up and until Thursday EOD. Ahhh. Good times.

We promote our design company as “Startup Specialists” and in this economy and in this climate its sink or swim for anyone with a new idea and an opportunity to present it. We don’t expect our clients to let any opportunities slide by and neither will we.  However, that doesn’t mean we have to ‘kill ourselves’ to meet every deadline that passes our way. Recently, we dropped everything we had going on and dedicated an entire day to a project which was an opportunity to pitch to a high-profile, billion dollar global brand. The deadline was same day - EOD. The client needed the following elements (which didn’t exist) mocked up:

• a webpage (homepage layout)
• a print activity page or teacher's guide page
• an email blast or overall activity kit
• a digital activity page (for computer or Smartboard use)

 Additionally, we were required to develop a branded PPT (PowerPoint) template which included several options for the title slide.

 We met the deadline and the creative was well received both by the CEO and the client. No sooner did we receive the positive feedback were we informed that the deadline for the meeting had been pushed out. We now had an additional two weeks to continue tweaking the presentation. Did we blow a gasket? No, we delivered and it was well received. Mission accomplished.

So what’s the danger of always saying ‘Yes’? The real issue is that your clients will come to expect that turnaround and now a Rush is no longer a Rush but rather it becomes the standard turnaround time. While you don’t want clients crying ‘wolf’ all the time, there is something to be said for being able to manage expectations and knowing when a fire is a fire and when someone is just fanning the flames (for no good reason). The good news is that often the deadline can be a great motivator and it often brings out the best in you and your team. You’ve heard the analogy that a a diamond is created from coal that is under extreme pressure and extreme heat. Great. But let’s face it, we’re not in the business of having heart attacks either. You’ll be no good to anyone if you’re in a constant state of panic, trying to please everyone and scrambling to deliver everything as fast as humanly possible. You’ll start making mistakes, you’ll lose sleep and you’ll build resentments. It doesn’t end well.

The good news is that a deadline can be your friend. It can identify the end of a project that has been weighing over your head or causing much anxiety. It does signify that it will soon be over, and a new project can begin. It also means that its time to invoice (cha-ching). It’s all about looking at it positively and learning how to dodge the deadline traps – the false alarm deadlines that can actually hinder productivity.

Here are some tips on handling deadlines and easing stress:

 

1. Negotiate with Clients: How HOT is it?

Everything can’t be HOT. If everything is HOT then what’s not? I mean before you agree to turn around something within 24 hours, try offering a standard turnaround time. At a minimum we request a 1 week turnaround of a given task or project. 1-Week is our Preferred Client Standard. If we can, we’d prefer a Standard 2-Week turnaround. That gives us time to juggle our schedules. Anything less than 1-Week and you’ve got a Code Red and you need to start bumping other projects. For same-day or 24-hour turnaround times, you’ve really got to look into other variables: how valuable is this client, are they on retainer, could this opportunity have a huge impact on future work load? Ask these questions but remember, most things can wait until tomorrow. Chances are this can too.

 

2. Keep a List of Deliverables

Log every aspect of the project. Make a list. Create a Production Schedule and factor in time for client feedback. Perhaps there is a portion of the project that is hotter than another. This could be part of the time negotiation process. Perhaps the entire project doesn’t need to be done by the same deadline. Try breaking it down into smaller chunks, or delegate parts of it throughout your team, this way you may very well be able to get the job done, without the added pressure – and your client is happy.

 

3. Keep the Plates Spinning

This is one of my favorite ways to manage deadlines. Keep all your clients engaged by completing some of these ‘chunks’ and delivering them as you complete them. This way you can use the time the client needs to get back to you with feedback as time that you can use towards another project. The worst thing you can do when you have a client or clients that are under pressure is to keep them waiting too long. By delivering SOMETHING you are keeping the ball rolling, you are showing that attention is being paid, and progress is being made. My old boss used to always check-in and say “I’m not holding you up am I?”

 

4. Can I Buy a Vowel (Time)?

Needless to say, despite your best efforts, there will be times when you’ll have to reach out to a client and push a deadline out. Things happen and it’s not unheard of to ask for an extension. Part of the reason you push out your original promised deadline is so that you can avoid this very thing. Alas, it may happen, and when it does, you’ll be surprised to know that often times clients will be completely OK with it. Just don’t abuse this one…. as clients shouldn’t abuse false deadlines. Touché.

 

5. We all deserve a Life.

Point is that it’s very rare that there is a particular project in progress that should warrant you neglecting your health, your family, or your friendships. If you find yourself constantly pulling all-nighters you are doing something wrong. Either you are too much of a control freak to delegate some of your tasks to your staff or to an assistant, freelancer or consultant, or you just aren’t managing your time wisely. Usually, the only time I find myself pulling an all nighter these days is if I want to play hooky and take the afternoon off the following day to play golf. That doesn’t really count as high pressure, because I’m creating it myself. Its not the client’s fault if I choose to work on a job at 3am, especially since usually I’m rewarding myself for it if I am. By the same token, there’s no reason you should miss meals, lose sleep, or neglect your family because you have ‘too much work to do’. That is a luxury problem. In this economy, if you are having this problem, then you need to hire someone to help you that could use the money. Stop being so greedy, let go of the wheel, and get a life.

 

I know, I’m being harsh. I gave myself a 5pm ET deadline for this blog and it’s 5:22pm. ;-)

 

 

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Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

Who Needs Business Cards Anymore?

I need business cards, that's who.

Ancient History? The desktop Rolodex.

 

Have you ever asked a young person (18-25) what a Rolodex is? Do you think they would know the answer? Chances are they probably won’t. Has the Rolodex gone the way of the 8-Track, the cassette and the VHS?  Will it join the ranks of other relics of a bygone era?

 

No question, I’m a fan of business cards, and it's not just because I come from a print background. Maybe it’s the ‘hoarder’ in me, but I love to collect them, stack them and have actually gone back to look for them to get a person’s contact info. The argument today is that, in a Digital World, do we really need paper? I still think we do.

 

As a designer, it is what most often will make that first impression with a potential client. If my business card is well designed, then it will serve as my portfolio piece. Much like my Facebook page and my Twitter profile (and now my Pinterest profile) give you a glimpse into my world and my personality, I feel the business card does the same thing.

 

Do you remember Christian Bale in “American Psycho” when they were sitting around the table, admiring each other’s business cards? That scene spoke to me as I am one to notice paper stock, texture and that elusive ‘watermark’ which screams quality and elegance. You don't see too many cards on linen, or watermark paper, and does anyone remember the raised-letter thermography that screamed 1980's? I blame the proliferation of desktop publishing software and online printers (which local printers can't compete with on price) for the wave of really BAD business cards that are on the street. I've been designing and printing business cards for years and feel strongly about how they are an integral part of any business' corporate identity package. It tells a story. 

 

So, you need one, but do  you need to carry one?

 Recently, one of my Facebook friends, a prominent Atlanta-based banker who runs his own investment capital firm posted a status which offered a Business Tip: “Never take business cards to a mixer or networking event. Collect cards and control when and how you communicate. Take cards to the first meeting. By then they shouldn’t need one”.  

I have to disagree with that sentiment. I’m usually stuffing my pockets with business cards because I’m a shameless self-promoter. When I do walk out of the house without them I feel naked. I just can’t imagine having that opportunity to connect with someone and NOT having a business card to exchange with.  It’s the most discreet, professional, and impactful way to begin the process of ‘closing-the-deal’.

Usually I either meet someone, whether my referral or an introduction and I start by listening to the other person. Then I give them a background as to what we do at our firm and we agree to follow up if there appears to be any synergy. When the conversation comes to a close,  I ask for a business card. Once I receive theirs, I pull out a fresh-clean (no dog-eared, coffee-stained or ratty) business card, and close out with a firm handshake. I can’t expect to ask that person to tweet me, call me, or ‘look me up on Facebook’. Its too much to ask and its way too soon.

Recently, we moved offices as you know and I was in a transition period when I went ‘card-less’. I didn’t want to hand out my old card with my old number & address so I just winged it. I survived, but I feel like I missed out on some opportunities.  Just think of all the fishbowl’s I couldn’t drop a card in to win that elusive “FREE LUNCH” (I actually won once, but never claimed it).

 

Here are the fresh new batch of cards that came in today.

  

 

QR Codes, V-Cards,  Card Scanners & Apps

As digital and progressive as I think I am, I  just never ‘graduated’ to the card scanner or the iPhone app ‘bump’ to exchange contact info. I still prefer to go old-school and prefer paper. There is something about the experience of receiving and exchanging printed business cards that I just think will never go away.  Recently, I’ve had some clients request QR Codes on their business cards. I obliged, but with a slight grin, I get a kick out of the logic behind it: you want to look hi-tech but traditional at the same time. I get it.

 

What does your business card say about you?

I can tell so much about you by your business card:

 

• Did you print free cards online and have a 3rd party logo on the backside (low-budget)

• Is it printed on cheap, thin paper (doesn’t care for quality)

• Did you design it yourself and make copies at Staples or Kinkos (fly-by-night)

• Did you hire a professional to design it (values branding and good impressions)

 

Remember, that networking, relationships and first impressions are how many small businesses or consultants survive. Without my business card, I may never make that connection, and without that connection we may never know the possibilities of what could have been.

 

What do you think? Are Business Cards Obsolete?

 

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Resources & Related Articles:

http://maryloukayser.com/2012/01/11/are-business-cards-obsolete-in-a-digital-world/

 

http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/are-business-cards-obsolete/

 

http://www.biztechrave.com/2012/03/21/online-and-digital-profiles-make-business-cards-obsolete.html

 

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Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

Always Knock and Always Smile

 

Always knock and always smile. That summed up my first week of interviews for several positions we are trying to fill to keep up with the expanding workload. The interview process has to be one of the most nerve-racking experiences for the person being interviewed.  Having been on both sides of the table many time, I can safely say that it is not as bad for the person giving the interview.

 

He’s a Friend

I prefer ‘keeping it in the family’ meaning that I prioritize those candidates that have been recommended by people already in my network.  There is still something to be said for those candidates that are a friend of a friend or that someone you trust has ‘vouched’ for. That kind of recommendation still carries a lot of weight. In order to get those types of candidates in the door, I have been using my Facebook page to let people know that we are in the market for design interns, web developers and design assistants.

 

The Craiglist Factor

Just to see what was out there, I placed a free ad on Craigslist, and within minutes I had numerous emails bombarding my inbox. There is a huge pool of talent out there on both a local, national and global level. We received responses from our own town (which is ideal), from Ohio (long commute) and from as far away as India. These guys must have automatic feelers out there just capturing and alerting them to these types of job postings. I’m a big fan of telecommuting but I do feel there is an inherent benefit from face-to-face project kick-off and brainstorm sessions, so the ideal candidates can’t be 100% virtual, we do want to see and meet team members in person, at least initially.

 

Navy Seals

The real reason that its important for me to meet potential candidates in person is because part of our branding, mission and message is that we are the “navy seals” (apologies to the Real Navy Seals) at what we do. Our team members have to be the best at their specific area of expertise. It may come from the fact that I used to be an avid GI Joe collector and remember that each team member came with his own file card complete with specialties and specific skill sets that complimented the team. We have established a great reputation and believe in long-term relationships with our clients so we have to have good team chemistry.

 

This first week of interviews was comprised entirely of folks who came with recommendations. We had quite a motley crew of people that came in, five total, each with his/her own ‘pitch’ and interview style. All of them came professionally dressed, and all of them knocked. Except one. Coincidentally, he was also the least experienced of the group. He literally walked in and stared (he did get points for making eye contact). Didn’t smile at all. I tried doing the ‘smile, smile’ to generate a smile from him, but it didn’t work. He had a plan and he was sticking to it.  I quickly realized he was just a nervous college student looking for a break. His portfolio consisted of class work, and I immediately began giving him advice and encouragement. Visibly shaken, I realized that I was looking at someone who is literally JUST starting out. Someone who deserves a chance.  Despite his ‘green-ness’ he earned a second interview. He did give me a firm handshake and he wore a tie. I know how difficult it is for a college student to wear a tie, and sadly the firm handshake is something that isn’t passed down as much as it should be. I’m curious if he will smile when he comes back.

Interviewing is a process and its also a skill.

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10 Tips to Boost Your Interview Skills

By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer Monster.com:

Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview skills. 

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication

 It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first nonverbal impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

 

Dress for the Job or Company

 Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to know what to wear to an interview and to be well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

 

Listen

 From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

 

Don't Talk Too Much

 Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may ramble when answering interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.

 

Don't Be Too Familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

 

Use Appropriate Language

 It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

 

Don't Be Cocky

 Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

 

Take Care to Answer the Questions

 When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you did something, they are asking behavioral interview questions, which are designed to elicit a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

 

Ask Questions

 When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions that demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

 

Don't Appear Desperate

 When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

 

 

Resources:

 http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-preparation/boost-your-interview-iq/article.aspx

 

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Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

Office Feng Shui

Handsome approves.

 

Instead of enjoying the process of moving into our new office, I must admit that I’ve been pretty anxious about it. One client in particular recently came to visit me for a face-to-face and asked me point blank, “is everything OK?”  The answer is Yes, and No. If I had to pinpoint what exactly was causing me to be up late at night, irritable and restless, it would have to be (drum roll): my desk, or more specifically, what exactly my new workspace would look like.

 

Sounds crazy right? It's true though. Who knew that just the thought of how I would feel in my new space would affect me that much? Scary to think that it had gotten to the point that my clients would wonder whether or not it was my attempts at renegotiating a retainer, or that some high-pressure looming deadline was causing me this much agita. I was told that I was visibly and noticeably ‘flat’ in a brainstorm. That something had to be heavily weighing me down. I was beginning to let this stress and worry consume me, when in reality, this process should be one of my life's most exciting moments. I should be psyched, not sick.

 

If I’m to be totally honest, (gasp – in a blog?) I could confess that fears had begun to creep in as the move-in date got closer. The fears I could deal with. Fears are simply False Evidence Appearing Real.  I prayed on my new venture, ran it by several key confidants and spoke to my business coach and mentor about it. My wife was supportive. Everyone asked me, “What do you have to worry about, what is it that you are afraid of?”. Nothing really, right? The real answer as to what was bugging me was: “Feng Shui”. The truth is I could not stand having so many loose ends in the new space. I needed the right energy flow, I needed the right environment. I needed it to be done right, fixed and ready to rock and roll. I can be an impatient S.O.B.

 

Feng Shui

 Feng Shui, which means “wind” and “water” is a traditional art of living based on a philosophy strongly rooted in spirituality. More simply put, Feng Shui, is the idea or practice, if you will, of living in harmony with the natural world. Though the spaces that you live or work in differ, the principles of Feng Shui remain the same.

I would spend countless hours researching desks, L-Shaped, U-Shaped, Ikea, Staples, Bush, etc. etc. Sometimes the internet can be a bottomless pit of information. For someone like me, researching anything can take on a life of its own.

I really enjoy my home office (which my wife calls ‘cluttered’). Her cluttered is my cozy. I need to have my stuff: Spiderman bobble-head and a few other items as I’ve shared before. But now the question remained: how will the energy flow? How will I feel at my desk. If I was to make the transition? The space had to have Feng Shui.

Here are a couple of tips for Feng Shui for offices that I was focused on:

Position of the desk

Keep your desk in the commanding position. The commanding position means a position of power, where you have a direct view of the door, a pleasant view out the window and a wall behind you for stability. This position of the desk according to the Feng Shui office offers you the maximum control.

 

Shape of your desk

Shape of your desk can affect your mood and level of productivity in the workplace. Rounded curves are flowing, encouraging the flow of creativity. A kidney-shaped desk follows the natural curves of the human body and is said to give you a subconscious feeling of inner alignment.

 

Here is the site where those tips came from and you can find a few more here as well:

http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/office-feng-shui.php

 

The Aeron Chair:

Back in my Walker Digital (priceline.com incubator) days, everyone had an Aeron Chair. We even had the famous Herman Miller chairs in the conference rooms. These $900 chairs were everywhere. Granted, if any of these chairs still existed, they would be at least 15 years old. No matter, I wanted one and I reached out to my former employer to try and get my hands on one on the cheap. Turns out that they did have some, but they were in storage, and it was more of a PIA to track them down in storage than it was worth. Undeterred, I kept looking. Now, I was more determined than ever to get my hands on one. As I recall, the Aeron chairs were great for long days in the saddle. No back pain, no circulation problems, nothing. These chairs were worth every penny. I needed one. Now I felt like I had to have one if I was going to have that proper Feng Shui. It was now a spiritual thing, and as I write this blog on Good Friday, I have to admit that it really is just a material thing (don’t get it twisted).

 

 

I scoured and stalked Aeron chairs on Craigs’ list for days. I couldn’t justify the $900 price tag for a new one. Eventually I found my exact size, Size B, (yes these chairs come in sizes) and bought a pre-owned, gently used one in pristine condish from a 90lb Yale law student who was moving back home cross-country. Mission accomplished.

It looks great behind my desk. How I ultimate found my desk is a whole ‘nother story. But thankfully, after lots of trial and error, buying and not using desks, and reselling them on Craigslist, I’ve arrived at my happy place. The workplace looks great, there is great energy flow and its great waking up each day knowing how lucky I am to have a place like this to work in. I ended up outfitting the entire place with the Galant series from Ikea. They are great large work areas with adjustable height T-legs all around. I like to spread out and have plenty of room and these desks do the trick. Aeron chair for me, red FlashFurniture Chairs for the rest of the team.

Command Position: Coming along pretty good...

I’m by no means finished though. We are not officially opened up until May 1^st as we keep modifying and upgrading the office. We just had our phone lines, internet and cable installed today and I’m sure I have to make a few more trips to Ikea. I plan on returning to buy a few shelves and flat file drawers in a bright red finish to match our branding. I’m thinking of getting a few plants to add a bit of an organic feel to the place as well. I’m excited about our kitchen area too, a small nook I created after finding a used cubicle partition on Craigslist, perfect for hiding the mini-fridge, microwave and storage shelf. Its really starting to feel like home.

I can exhale now.

 

 

Resources:

Where Does The Aeron Chair Fit Into The History Of Dot Coms?

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20010807/0130228.shtml

 

The History of the Aeron Chair

http://www.theaeronchairs.com/about-aeron-chair.php

 

Feng Shui Office Tips

http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/office-feng-shui.php

 

13 Do’s and Taboos for the Feng Shui Office

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-feng-shui-office.html

 

 

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Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

Showtime

 

It’s 1:05 am and I’m just wrapping up tomorrow’s presentation. Last minute tweaks that keep me up at night. Being a designer means I’m noticing things that probably no one else will: kerning, leading, consistent placement of logos, etc. I’m up past my bed time here in my hotel room in Portsmouth, Virginia fine tuning this Keynote presentation that I’m scheduled to deliver at 11:00 A.M. It’s part of a professional development series being conducted for an eastern regional convention of a national service organization that I’ve been invited to participate in.

Giving a presentation on Social Media has its inherent challenges. For one, its in a constant state of Beta. I have to continuously check for updates on all the major social media platforms to ensure that I’m delivering the most up to date information. I’m going to cover specifically, how individuals and small businesses can promote their brands on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. I’ll also cover blogging of course, which currently reigns supreme as the hottest trending format utilized to engage and inform your client base. It’s the one form of social media that you can promote with all the other social media tools you use and in doing so helps you reach a wider audience.

Additionally, it gives your followers a glimpse into your mindset and your company’s personality. For example the fact that I timestamped this post gives you an idea as to what lengths I’m willing to go in order to succeed. You may also come to the conclusion that I don’t sleep much, or perhaps you can identify with the second wave of creativity that strikes well after the midnight oil has been burned.

Back to Pinterest. I have to admit that I haven’t been ‘pinning’ as much as I used to when I first gave this site a try. In recent weeks, Pinterest has been under attack for its contradictory Terms of Use. Specifically, how it frowned upon self-promotion, while simultaneously advising users to make sure they had rights to what they were posting – and that they, NOT Pinterest, would be liable should the original owner of the content wanted to sue Pinterest. In a perfect example of the Power of the Blog, blogger Kirsten Kowalski wrote a piece called “WHY I TEARFULLY DELETED MY PINTEREST INSPIRATION BOARDS” that went viral, attacking the terms found on Pinterest.

Articles have appeared this week in various outlets including the Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch recently wrote an article describing how Kowalski’s Blog may have single-handedly forced Pinterest to change their terms and conditions:

“As Kowalski explains in the interview embedded above, the main issue is this: Pinterest’s community standards, or “Pin Etiquette,” explicitly discourages users from self-promoting by “pinning” photos they have taken themselves. But at the same time, Pinterest’s Terms of Use actually forbids users from pinning any photo that does not belong to him or her, and states that users are subject to any legal action that is taken from the copyright or trademark holder.

Once she looked deeper into this contradiction, Kowalski made the difficult decision to delete all the Pinterest boards she had made that used photos taken by other people. “A site can’t put out something like that and say, ‘If you use it like we intend you to use it, you’re liable, not us,’” she said.

The issue struck such a chord that Kowalski soon received a phone call from Pinterest co-founder and CEO Ben Silbermann that turned into an hour-long conversation. According to her, he acknowledged that Pinterest was “having some growing pains” and vowed that “changes are coming” to the Terms of Use that will make the site better for photographers and users alike. Over the past few weeks, Kowalski has communicated more with Silbermann and others at Pinterest about what those changes could be — and according to what they’ve told her, they are almost certainly on the way.”

As of April 6^th, Pinterest’s Terms will change. Additionally they have also removed the stipulation that they would have the right to sell users content. These has undoubtedly kept many users away from using their site.

My Social Media presentation originally had a warning about posting images to Pinterest due to this very same issue. I did want to include it in my presentation on brand promotion because Pinterest is (last reported) 80% Women. (It was 97% not too long ago). So if you have an industry related to Weddings, Cooking, or Fashion, you may want to promote here. There are approximately 11 million active users (mostly women) on Pinterest. I just happen to Google Pinterest this morning, only to find out that on Monday, this news had broken out. I had to modify the presentation to include this breakthrough. I had to keep it as current as possible, even though I’m sure something else will change or be reported by the time I actually give the workshop.

I’m not proclaiming to be the master of Social Media, but I understand it's power and know how to help my clients harness it to help promote their brands. Am I an early-adopter; maybe, a shameless self-promoter; definitely, (although every one is a self-proclaimed expert in Social Media these days), but I have heavily promoted my design company across all platforms over the last 24 months and have experienced a dramatic growth in referrals, recommendation and lead generation. My firm has helped many of our clients develop social media strategies that have helped increase awareness and sales for individuals and businesses alike. It has been my personal experience that it works if you work it. As long as your message is consistent and engaging (you need conversation), you cannot ask for a better platform to establish yourself or your business brand as an authority in your field while interacting with your customer base.

I do realize that it’s an ever-changing and ever-evolving space. At any given moment you can Google a social platform and find new data, new statistics and new ways to market with them. I was about to report that Google+ had only 40 million active members, until I Googled Google+ to find a report that claimed that number to be closer to 100 million. I can’t keep up, but I can at least help inspire a few novices that may find value in what I can share with them from my own experience, and from what I’ve found out from various sources across the internet. This month’s Entrepreneur Magazine even had several great articles on this very topic. Social Media marketing is trending very hot right now, and its important to stay informed and not be left behind. Right now I have to accept that as soon as I present this workshop tomorrow, there will inevitably be some data in my slideshow that will need updating. Just like social media is in a constant state of beta, so will my Keynote deck be. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go iron my suit.

 

Resources

Pinterest Copyright Issues Could Spur Changes To Terms Of Use And ‘Pin Etiquette’

http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/20/copyright-issues-could-spur-changes-to-pinterests-terms-of-use-and-pin-etiquette/

Pinterest Tightens Up Copyright Rules

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500395_162-57404630/pinterest-tightens-copyright-rules/

 

Pinterest Extends Olive Branch to Self-Promoters

http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2012/03/26/pinterest-extends-olive-branch-to-self-promoters/

 

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Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

 

All in a Day’s Work

Putting the exterior signage up on the new digs. Pretty cool. 

 

I felt like Ponch from Chips this morning, as I did a partial ‘move-in’ to our new space, spending the entire morning making sure the place looked and smelled just right. I’m new to the ‘diffuser’ game but the convenience (and safety) of not having to light up a scented candle made me a believer.  We were scheduled to host a couple of meetings at our new office, even though we haven't officially moved in yet. Granted, the furniture isn’t just right (debating whether or not to spring for a Herman Miller Aeron chair), it needed to feel just enough, like home if I was to get anything done at all today (fat chance).

 

Just like Officer Poncherello, I wiped off countertops, drew the blinds just right and had some ambient music playing in the background. I kept playing with the thermostat, adjusting the temperature and became familiar with the powerful vent that was blowing papers sky-high off the conference table. To give it that 'lived-in' down-home (read: clutter), I brought a couple of nick-nacks (sp?) from home – just some items that I need around me in order to get (or feel) creative.

I decided that these were the bare essentials:

• A Yosemite Sam statue (a priceline.com relic) stood guard over the water bottles I had arranged in a pyramid in the conference room corner table.

• A Marvel Comics “Galactus” Action Figure (not doll) and a Spider-man bobblehead were placed on the empty bookshelf.

• A Rubiks cube, a framed photo of a chimpanzee wearing headphones and my favorite: “Krumm” the monster who held his eyes in his hands from the 90’s cartoon “Aaaaah!! Real Monsters”

Those were my essential comfort props. (Creatives understand)

Here are a couple more items that made the move from home office to real office:

• A couple of Logo Lounge books (one that I was recently published in)

• A Cutting Mat (why? Don’t know, just wanted it with me)

• A mini-gorilla that lives under my computer monitor

• A framed family photo to remind me of my blessings

 

 The phone has been ringing like crazy with new projects coming in. I'm not complaining!

My 12 o’Clock

This process of moving my stuff in, setting up my gigantic 27” iMac which I make portable thanks to my iLugger (www.iLugger.com) took most of the morning. At about 11:30am there was a knock on the door and my first 12noon lunch meeting arrived ½ hour early. No biggie. He set up and worked patiently in the conference room until I was ready to meet. Having a separate conference room that is still connected to my office is pretty convenient. He remained within earshot, but not so close that I couldn't zone out for a few and respond to some emails and create a couple of annoying transparent PNGs out of some vector art to satisfy a panicked client real quick.

Turns out that this good friend needed to pick my brain on how to start a new business. He wanted to know what mistakes I’d made in the past, and what I was doing right in order to get to this point in my career. How'd I go from being layed-off 4 years ago to actively looking to hire a couple of new staff members and moving into a new space? Next thing I knew, what was supposed to have been a casual lunch turned into a dry run of a Social Media workshop that I’m conducting next week in Virginia at a large convention. We chatted over soup and salads from my new “Regal Beagle” a small, homey place called Liquid Lunch (http://liquidlunchct.homestead.com/) . We spoke of branding, identity, consistency, and becoming an expert in your field. I hope he left inspired, as I have a passion for anyone trying to start their own thing and have been accused of being long-winded. I can admire someone even considering of going it at on their own, of following their dream, because it takes ‘Brass Balls’ as Alec Baldwin preached in Glengarry Glen Ross (favorite movie, Gladiator is #2). Above all else I encouraged him to remain positive and guaranteed him a follow up consultation should he ever need it.

My 2 o’Clock

Our big meeting was scheduled from 2pm-4pm. We expected a visit from one of our larger clients, BKFK (www.bkfk.com) an educational marketing firm based in Stamford. They have the honor of being the first clients in the brand spanking new conference room, and I just couldn’t wait to write on the white board which I had installed that morning.

Jorge, our web developer/motion artist came busting through the door at about 1:30 with his tricked out PC (we’re Mac guys, but we can appreciate a custom built PC Hot Rod). We needed this machine for our 2pm meeting to demonstrate the bells & whistles of a Powerpoint Plugin called “Snap”. We’ve been tasked by BKFK to help them strategize how best to digitize an entire supplemental curriculum for a national brand over to Smartboard activities and web-based interactive games. We chose “Snap” because of its built-in Quiz functionalities which will save a considerable amount of production time.

Just like any good host, or as I’m sure Ponch used to do, I made sure that I had only the finest libations (Poland Spring Water) and only the best provisions suitable for a brainstorm design meeting of this nature: Reduced Fat Wheat Thins and Wasabi Peas. Our clients arrived, we had just enough time to pre-game and the meeting went without a hitch. Much progress was made and we developed the early chicken scratch that will eventually incubate to become wireframes and eventually full-blown micro-site based educational fun and interactive activities.

Our meeting went so well, that I had to remind everyone that I had a hard stop at 5pm to pay my accountant a visit. It’s the annual trek to get the ball rolling and this year caused some considerable anxiety since we experienced the blessing of tremendous growth and expansion.

After our meeting I headed home, iLugger in trunk, ready to wash down a quick dinner (the ½ box of Goobers in the car doesn’t count) and proceeded to set up my machine for the night shift. Needless to say, the day was a blur. Our phone was off the hook as usual, client emails came back and forth, and I even managed to update a client’s social media pages with news that they were the lead sponsor in a European trade show. (I multi-tasked during the brainstorm meeting.)

Now, I’m looking at my “Brain”, aka my black book, looking at 3 major projects that I now have to complete before end of day tomorrow: a 4-page trade show brochure, creative for a client media kit, and a Keynote presentation a client is making to a major national rechargeable battery brand.

 

Yes, now is the time that I’m actually going to get some work done.

All in a day’s work.

 

 

Resources:

15 Best Time Management Tips

http://www.timethoughts.com/time-management.htm

 

------------------------------------------------- 

 

Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

Growing Pain$

 Town Clerk's Office

 

Last week I blogged about how excited I was about moving my design company into a new, larger office space. Now that I've decided to take my company to the next level, I've discovered many hidden hoops to jump through and the costs associated with them.

The evolution of my business, has gone from:

1. Working full-time and running my business part-time
2. Running my business full-time from home
3. Running my business full-time from home and a virtual Regus office
4. Running my business full-time from storefront office space

 

Office Space (not the movie)

This past week has been a whirlwind of activity and a slow-bleed of miscellaneous expenses. In addition to launching a new, exciting project for a well-known board game company and closing a few moderately-sized web projects, I have been a nervous wreck about moving into the new space. It sounds ridiculous, but just how exactly my new creative space will look has brought me much anxiety, not to mention all the running around I've had to do with Town Hall and my insurance agent. While doing the necessary paperwork to move in, I’ve also been constantly thinking about the layout of the space, and what type of U-Desk I will have and how it will work with the windows in the office.  So far this is what I’ve managed to move into the space:

1. Conference Room Table & 6 chairs
2. Two L-Shaped Desks for the web developers/freelancers
3. Two Large White Boards
4. 3 sets of blinds for the windows

 For those thinking of branching out on their own, making the move from the home office to the ‘big-time’ – I just want you to consider that fun-with-furniture aside, there are many steps and hoops to jump through, as well as expenses that will come along the way. Yesterday, I met with my new landlord and he required that I take care of a few things before I can officially move in. Here are some of the things I had to do and pay for:

 

1. Register with the Town Planning and Zoning Department

Basically, this consisted of me filling out a form outlining exactly how I planned on using this commercial space. I had to spell out what type of business I ran (Advertising Agency / Design Company) and what my request for outside signage was going to be. In this case I went with vinyl-die cut letters that were going onto a pre-existing sign holder on the office building’s façade. When I’m ready to do a more dramatic or larger sign, I will have to visit these guys again.

Total cost here: $30

 

 

 Friendly Town Clerk registering my Trade Name

 

2. Register my Trade Name with the Town Clerk

Hard to believe that after living in this town for 10 years, I had not done this. I did register my trade name back in Bridgeport, but this was something that I should have taken care of awhile ago. What happens here is that you fill out a very official, historical looking document that begins, “Know all Men by these Presents…” in old-english font with your Trade Name. In this case, “Peralta Design”. My official LLC is Peralta Illustration & Design, but I want to protect my trade name to make sure that no one else in this town can open up a business with my same name. Good idea.

Total cost here: $12

 

 

 

3. Certificate of Insurance

Working from a home-office, I never had to consider liability insurance. I already carry a pretty robust policy, including a 1-million dollar umbrella policy to prevent any ‘slip & fall’ guys from putting me out of house and home. After meeting with my new landlord, a certificate of insurance was the first thing he wanted to see before I could occupy the space. This insurance is actually something I really wanted to have because not only does it protect me from clients or employees getting hurt and suing me for medical damages, but it also covers all of my computer equipment and other items that I may store in the office, from fire, theft or Ack! Acts of Terrorism (yes Terrorism is a mandatory line item on the policy).

Total cost here: $800

 

 

 

4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Here was something else I didn’t think I needed. Until now. I already have a pretty decent Disability Policy, which covers me if I get injured or can’t move a mouse or type anymore. But this new policy is to protect me from an employee getting hurt and then suing the state or me for his injuries/ability to collect a salary.  This works out to be pennies on the dollar, and worth every cent as the company grows and expands. For each new freelancer or employee that works with my company, I will have to expand my coverage.

Total cost here: $300

 

I didn’t need any of these types of insurance policies or forms filled out when I signed up with the Regus Business Center. I guess since it was a pre-furnished office that I was only ‘renting’ per use, those liabilities of what could happen while I was there was apparently covered by Regus. Now that I’m moving into a new space, those become my responsibility.

 

I still don’t know what type of desk I’m going to end up getting, and whether or not I want to box myself up in a cube, or put up a privacy wall.  It’s part of the fun I guess. Next week, I’m meeting with my insurance agent again to see what other types of coverage I may or may not need to protect myself and my company and I take it to the next level. Aside from all these expenses that are part of growing a business, I’m really having a blast preparing for it all. The more I think about it, and with each step forward that I take, the more it feels like it’s the right thing to do.

 

Resources:

Start Your Own Business: 50 Things You’ll Need to Do

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/start-own-business-50-things-30077.html

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

Change is Good, Growth is Better

About 8 years ago, I remember driving down to the local Blockbuster store (remember them?) with 2 overdue movies and 2 overdue games. I was letting the anxiety of what the late fees were going to be, get the best of me. I walked into the store, ready to face the pimply-faced 17 year old that was working behind the counter. I didn’t just want to drop the movies into the dropslot – I need to know what the damage was going to be. Richie Cunningham looks up my name and says, “Mr. Peralta, since you are a Gold Rewards Member, I’m going to hook you up. You’re all set. Have a nice day.” In disbelief, the best comeback I had was, “Thanks.”

 

Remember this place?

 

Now, most people (who aren’t wired like me) would have taken this to be a good experience, or felt fortunate or even blessed. No. I felt even more furious at the whole entire Blockbuster concept. I said to myself "I’m a grown man, and I don’t need to have my life hang in the balance as to whether or not Doug Funny is going to “hook me up”. I’ve had it with Blockbuster and their negative late-fee based business model… I’m switching to NetFlix!"

 

Well, exactly how I ended up feeling about NetFlix after years as a happy customer is the topic of another blog. I bring up Blockbuster because I experienced a similar situation with the Regus Business Center, a warm and fuzzy place that my agency has called home for the last year. I'll explain how the 'awakening' I had at Blockbuster was similar to the 'awakening' I had at Regus. I seem to have outgrown them as well. Its time for a change. And its time for growth.

 

Our current home at the Regus Business Center

Last year about this time, I began leasing pre-furnished office space at the local Regus Business center, literally just 2 miles up the road as primarily a way to expand my business and project a more professional image.  I had acquired and secured several high-end retainer clients and the home office wasn’t cutting it anymore. Sure, it's great rolling out of bed and making the long commute down to my home office complete with snoring dog and flat screen, but when it comes to impressing a large client, or even pitching or presenting, or collaborating with a large team, nothing beats a nice conference room and large white board. The Regus center had a very cool business lounge where you can entertain clients and make a great first impression. For awhile, working from home and meeting with freelancers and clients at the  local coffee shop did the trick. I even have a freelance station set up in my home office (I just have to make sure the bathroom is clean). The problem I found is that I can’t exactly set up an easel or setup a projector at Starbucks. Hence, I made the plunge, signed a contract, feeling that Regus had the best of both worlds: I wasn’t locking into a large monthly lease, and I wouldn’t need to buy furniture. Professional 'virtual' image at a budget price.  It was all there, ready to go. Throw in two nice, soft-voiced receptionists and you have a professional image, ready to go at a reasonable monthly rate.

 

Regus did the trick, and a host of other benefits of Regus Business Centers can be found here:

http://virtualoffices.regus.com/benefits/default.htm

The Grand Opening 2011

The month we moved into Regus, we celebrated with staff, friends, family and clients over sandwich wraps and chocolate chip cookies. We had a grand opening. We had retractable banners made. We even had a video shoot and created a movie-montage of our services and played it during the opening reception. For the past year, working from home several days a week, and working at the Regus business center a couple days a week has been great. My flexible freelance staff and interns even come in on those days so it feels like an agency. Additionally my client's first impression is always great when they call me because they get greeted by a sweet voice, instead of my raspy voice (does anyone like their own voice?) I'm even guilty of calling them myself once in awhile to make sure they're pronouncing my name right.

 

So what changed? Why am I ready to grow, to move on to a bigger space? Well, it just so happened that a friend of mine had recently dissolved a business a few months back and didn’t need all the square footage... as they say when opportunity knocks...

 

The Blockbuster Analogy

Well just last week, I looked at my Regus reservation and noticed that we had been moved into the conference room, which I refer to as the War Room because it has a large conference table and enough chairs for a baseball team, and not by choice. My first reaction was to confirm that it wasn't a mistake, and that I wouldn't be charged extra for it. "No charge, no mistake, we just didn't have room for you this week..." OK...

This is where the Blockbuster reference comes in…

Just like the young kid at Blockbuster ‘hooked’ me up for late fees, I was supposed to feel as though I was being ‘hooked up’ by Regus for getting to work out of the Conference Room. The thing with Regus is that everything is a line item: you book your office space, and you book your conference room usage. The conference room usage is not included but is actually an additional charge. The fact is that they office I typically lease from them on a weekly basis, was not available that day so they moved us into the conference room. Again, I should be happy right?

 

Well, thing is that the opportunity of moving my design company into its office space was just brewing in the back of my mind.  Was it right? Was it necessary? I wasn’t sure if I was going to make the leap, I was afraid of change to be honest.  But working out of the conference room this week pretty much helped me make up my mind. My agency had outgrown the Regus Business Center. It was fun while it lasted. It was time to move on… but the seeds of doubt were beginning to sprout.

 

So I took a look at the situation and here's what I thought about:

 

Benefits of Regus:

1. Low monthly lease
2. Free coffee
3. Receptionist
4. Pre-furnished office
5. Pre-furnished conference room

 

Cons of Regus:

1. Don’t have my own key
2. Need to book office space in advance
3. Not open 24 hours
4. Submarine duty in small office with full team
5. Can’t bring my dog
6. Can’t put any signage out front
7. More like a Timeshare set up

 

Benefits of my own "legit" office space:

1. Have my own key
2. Can put up signage outside office building and in lobby
3. My printer is in the same building (downstairs)
4. Larger space, and can fit full team comfortably
5. Separate private entrance
6. Separate private conference room
7. Near boat marina, gym, and Dunkin Donuts
8. Close to home, could ride bike to work.

 

Cons of having my own office space:

1. Have to furnish it myself
2. Have to worry about security
3. Have to buy my own coffee machine
4. These are all kind of lame excuses aren’t they?
5. I can’t think  of anything else.

 

The evolution of my business:

1. Work from home & meet clients at Starbucks

2. Work from Regus Business Center and meet clients in fancy conference room

3. Work from home when I want to,  but also have our own Agency Office Space complete with conference room and signage and room for a full staff - and a foozball table. 

4. Next step would be ownership. Owning a commercial space would be great.

 

Don’t get me wrong,  I LOVE working from home. My home office is better than most people’s job offices. Its got everything I need, and I don’t have to commute. The issue for me is that although I may often still work from home, it is nice to get out and COLLABORATE with others. Talking to my dog only goes so far.

 

The other issue is that one of FEAR. The FEAR of CHANGE. The FEAR of GROWTH.  I’ve heard someone say that fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. A lot of the anxiety that I’m feeling is just a case of the “What-Ifs”. What if I fail? What if I can’t pay the rent? What if the phone stops ringing?” All of these thoughts are crippling if you let them rent space in your head for too long.

 

Catherine Pratt says ” The thought of making a life change can be so intimidating that even though you want to be the master of your own destiny you'll end up doing nothing or settling for less than you deserve simply because you are so afraid of that change.”

 

This move for me, my family and my company is a big change. But it feels right. It’s the next logical step in the evolution of taking my design company to new heights, growing the business, expanding our services, expanding our client base and being a part of a vibrant community, both globally and locally.

 

I’m excited to see our firm name, “Peralta Design” outside on the building directory. That's something I've dreamed about for a long time.

 

Here’s something you may find helpful regarding making Life Changes or any change in your life.

Life Change - 6 Reasons Why We're Afraid to Change

 http://www.life-with-confidence.com/life-change.html

 

 

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Ramon has over 19 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon's logo and identity work was selected to be published in "Typography and Enclosures" the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge.

Need help with your brand identity or want to overhaul your existing brand? Contact: ramon@peraltadesign.com

 

Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design

 

Do you currently work from home? Have you ever used the Regus Business Center or Virtual Office Space? Did you ever regret expanding your business? How have you dealt with FEAR or DOUBT in your professional life?

 

I would love to hear from you!