Your Guide to an Effective Website Tuesday, May 22 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Register Now

In this follow-up session to Alan Wallner’s sold-out webinar, Keys to Website (re)Design, Alan will teach you a proven process to plan and develop your winning ...]]> It’s time for part two in our webinar series devoted to helping you prepare and launch a successful website (re)design.

Your Guide to an Effective Website
Tuesday, May 22
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Register Now

• Do your competitors have a better website than you?
• Do you wonder what content to put on your website?
• Are you frustrated with your current website?

In this follow-up session to Alan Wallner’s sold-out webinar, Keys to Website (re)Design, Alan will teach you a proven process to plan and develop your winning website.
A winning website means you are addressing the needs of your target audience through your words, graphics, and site functionality to get results. By strategically planning your website, you learn not only how to relate better to your audience but how to turn browsers into buyers.

LEARN:
Fundamentals for setting up your website: Save time and money by avoiding common mistakes.
Best practices for defining and prioritizing features and content: It can be challenging to prioritize everyone’s wants and needs on the website. Have a process to leverage when your list gets too long.
Basic SEO and social media integration: Learn the basics of SEO to get your website headed in the right direction for better search results. Learn ways to incorporate social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube on your site.

• How to create a content plan: Learn what a content plan is and how it can help you manage content on your website.
• Essential resources: Get a list of helpful resources for the essentials of website development, design, and SEO.

By the end of the session, you will have a process that you can use to design and create a website that gets results!

Named after the lovable and clever dog in Alexandra Day’s Good Dog, Carl, books, our Carl is a Black Lab/Rottweiler mix. His bark is deep and rough but he’s a gentle, kid-loving ...]]> He’s pretty quiet as he rests on his couch by Rosie’s desk or on his dog bed by Alan’s desk. But as we talk with you on the phone, you might hear some barking, growling, or munching on rawhide—so we wanted to introduce our company pet and mascot, Carl.

Named after the lovable and clever dog in Alexandra Day’s Good Dog, Carl, books, our Carl is a Black Lab/Rottweiler mix. His bark is deep and rough but he’s a gentle, kid-loving pet who likes tennis balls and baseballs. Well, loves them. Actually, let’s be honest, he’s obsessed with them and may require counseling. If you have dealt with a ball-crazy dog, let us know; we could use some advice.

One question we encounter regularly is – How do you cut through the thousands of messages your target audience receives and get yourself noticed?

Here are three steps to help get you noticed.

1) Create Study your audiences to create the most compelling connections — start somewhere it doesn’t have to be perfect but at least try something.

2) Measure Observe their responses to gain ...]]> At W Creative we help companies create brand marketing solutions that help them grow and capture the attention of their audience.

One question we encounter regularly is – How do you cut through the thousands of messages your target audience receives and get yourself noticed?

Here are three steps to help get you noticed.

1) Create
Study your audiences to create the most compelling connections — start somewhere it doesn’t have to be perfect but at least try something.

2) Measure
Observe their responses to gain insight and understanding of their connection to you. It is amazing what you can learn if you just pay attention.

3) Adapt
Refine your message keeping their needs in mind, this will strengthen your connections with your audience.

1) Visual. Simple is best. Simplicity makes it easy for people to remember you.

2) Sociable. When you’re choosing a name consider how your brand will work in social media and even if the web address is available.
 

3) Likeability. Have fun, some of the best brands have humorous or whimsical aspects to the elements.
 

4) The right fit. You’ll be ...]]> Here are five branding tips to make sure you’re the first company that comes to mind when a customer needs your service?

1) Visual. Simple is best. Simplicity makes it easy for people to remember you.

2) Sociable. When you’re choosing a name consider how your brand will work in social media and even if the web address is available.
 

3) Likeability. Have fun, some of the best brands have humorous or whimsical aspects to the elements.
 

4) The right fit. You’ll be living with your brand a long time, don’t go with a brand that doesn’t feel right. Customers sense this, and you won’t promote it with passion.

 
5) Be consistent. Once you’ve come up with your brand, use it everywhere — business cards, graphics for your car, website. Don’t leave any old branding lurking around to confuse people.

Every connection you have with your customer is a reflection of your brand image. Here are a couple tips to help make sure your customers keep coming back!

• Don’t give a sales pitch.  Pitches are a great way to shut people down, make your pitch more of a conversation. • Make a connection don’t sell. Clients don’t want you to sell to them; they want you to genuinely care about them. Take ...]]> We make companies grow by creating brands that attract customers.

Every connection you have with your customer is a reflection of your brand image. Here are a couple tips to help make sure your customers keep coming back!

• Don’t give a sales pitch.  Pitches are a great way to shut people down, make your pitch more of a conversation.
• Make a connection don’t sell. Clients don’t want you to sell to them; they want you to genuinely care about them. Take the time to build a personal connection before you start selling.
• Keep the conversation mutual.  Your goal is to earn your client’s trust by connecting and listening to them.  You can’t do that if you’re yakking away.
• Focus on individuals, not companies.  You may be selling to an organization, but you’re doing it through an individual. 
• Don’t badmouth the competition.  They are not the only one that will look bad

Every Wednesday morning the Eden Prairie Chamber holds Business@Breakfast, a networking group that brings a great mix of new faces & regulars. Every attendee is given the opportunity to present a one-minute informercial about their business before hearing a 10 minute presentation from a featured Chamber Member.

If you are looking for new connections, leads & a great place for referrals then this group ...]]> Location: The Colony at Eden Prairie, 431 Prairie Center Dr.
Date: Wednesdays 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM

Every Wednesday morning the Eden Prairie Chamber holds Business@Breakfast, a networking group that brings a great mix of new faces & regulars. Every attendee is given the opportunity to present a one-minute informercial about their business before hearing a 10 minute presentation from a featured Chamber Member.

If you are looking for new connections, leads & a great place for referrals then this group is the right one for you. Come to The Colony at Eden Prairie at 7:30 AM for breakfast, coffee & networking! The Colony is located at 431 Prairie Center Drive in Eden Prairie and their front desk staff can direct you to the proper meeting room.

The cost to attend B@B is $10 for Chamber Members and their guests or $15 for Non-Members. Breakfast, coffee & juice from D.Brian’s Deli & Catering is included in the cost. Online registration will close at 2PM the day prior to the event. Walk-ins will be charged an additional $5 and any no-shows will be billed.

You MUST RSVP for every B@B! Sign-up online BEFORE 2PM the Tuesday prior or call the Chamber at (952) 944-2830 to get your name on the event roster.

However, many creative professionals have the same traits you do. The key to achieving success is mental, reflected in one’s attitude and totally controlled by the individual.

How many times have we seen the underdog team or player win over the more talented opponent? The difference is often attitude.

It all starts with a passion for what you do Work should be fun. Your passion ...]]> Attitude over arrogance can put you in the right mindset and give you an edge over other creative professionals.

However, many creative professionals have the same traits you do. The key to achieving success is mental, reflected in one’s attitude and totally controlled by the individual.

How many times have we seen the underdog team or player win over the more talented opponent? The difference is often attitude.

It all starts with a passion for what you do
Work should be fun. Your passion and staying true to your values will help you overcome difficult moments and project an attitude that makes people want to work with you. Passion can’t be taught. When it wanes take some quiet time. Whether it’s an hour or a week, take an inventory of all the reasons you started your profession and why you like being in the creative field. That should renew your passion.

Be accountable
People have confidence and trust in people who are accountable. Individuals and customers want to work in a culture of integrity.

Be flexible, except with your core values.
It’s a given that your customer’s plans and strategies will change as time goes on. Flexibility for rapid change is an inherent advantage in today’s market. However, no matter the pressure, do not compromise on core values.

Risk is part of the game
Failure is an opportunity to learn. All things being equal, clients would rather invest someone who brings fresh thinking to the mix rather than someone who never tried.

Confidence
You need to believe in yourself and that you will be successful. This confidence is contagious with your peers, customers, stakeholders, suppliers, and everyone you deal with.

Keep your ego in check
Don’t think you are the gift to all companies who need your services. It is not about how great your ideas are but how successful you can make your clients. This also means hearing out new ideas no matter who they come from.

Accept criticism graciously
You need to constantly work on convincing your customers that it’s okay—even necessary—to state their honest opinions.

Maintain a strong work ethic
Your clients will follow your lead. It will also help you beat your competition.

Rebound quickly from setbacks
Life is full of surprises, learn from them and move on. You can’t change the past.

Step out of your comfort zone
You will feel uncomfortable in implementing change. To grow, you sometimes have to step out of your comfort zone.

Make timely decisions
It’s okay to use your intuition. Planning and thought are good. But procrastination leads to missed opportunities and the perception of not being responsive.

This blog post is based on the contents of the book Bootstrapping 101 by Bob Reiss. Reiss is an Army veteran and graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Business School. He has been involved in 16 startups and is a three-time INC 500 winner. He has been the subject of two Harvard case studies and is a frequent speaker at University Entrepreneurial classes.