Nothing to say

One technique that I have used to stand out from the crowd in my corporate existence has been my goofy side.  I employ acute observation with biting wit and add a left-field perspective.  It worked for the execs and directors, who knew and respected me.  It worked for me, as I gained both responsibility and recognition.

That sort of thing generally isn’t a viable angle, but it worked for me because not only was I surrounded by stiffs and play-it-safers, but I also did a damn good job.  I was and am the get-it-done guy.

In promoting my own business, I am finding it hard to get a bite.  Things are floundering.  It has become very clear that I’m overdue for a new image.

I am in reputation-building mode.  I learned how to use Illustrator in 2 days, and created a couple of images that actually look pretty good.  They’re simple, but if we’re being honest, that was the goal.  I plan to get letterhead and business cards from a local “green” printer, so full glossy color is probably out of the question.  That’s fine.  We can do 4 soyrific colors on a crisp, unbleached, recycled paper.

With a vast many ideas about the design of the site, I’m currently focused on writing, rewriting, obliterating, and then again rewriting the copy.  The problem is that I’ve spent so much time being the guy who can handle whatever is thrown my way that I don’t know how to refine my “product”.  I can make you a website.  I can make it data-driven.  I can write your reports, interpret your data, turn your crap data into usable information.  I can handle healthcare, P&C insurance, EDI, database administration, copywriting, and so many other things that I just don’t consciously think about.

I know my three greatest strengths.  That is currently my starting point.

1. Effective, results-oriented communicator
2. Structurally-minded, with an emphasis on detail
3. Competent with design and typographic concepts

The first skill is really my bread and butter.  Being able to speak with the executives on their level, then meet with IT geeks and talk to them in their terms, then explain everything to a non-technical conceptual thinker.  I can do that.

The second is a solid application of the first.  I handle communication on structural, data-driven projects that require clear communication and understanding, managed expectations, and reasonable goals and budgets.  And I do it well.

The third is just a rare bonus, from what I understand.  It makes it a lot easier to talk to designers and artists when I understand at least the basic concepts of their trade.  I certainly cannot perform at their level, but better than the average bear.

And I’ve been honing that skill in the last few days as I read myriad web sites and articles as well as Transcendental CSS, a brilliant book by Mr. Andy Clarke.  Since yesterday, I’ve covered 3/4 of the book, and it has been immensely helpful.

Now it’s time to get my serious self to bed.  Tomorrow is finishing the book, and a lot of work on the site.  I think I may spend the day at the library.

Seriously yours,

Terry