The other day I played around with hunch.com, a new website that answers your questions. As I got more into it, I realized that it also allows you to add your own questions to their database, which immediately intrigued me.

First, I had to figure out what the answer would be... and of course, the answer is Styleapple... So what is the question? As I was thinking on what the question should be, I realized that that my mindset suddenly moved from the CEO of Styleapple to the Designer or Design Firms who would be looking to use our branding design services.

So the obvious question was "What Design Portfolio Website Should I Use?" To get to the answer, a user would then be asked a series of questions that would hopefully lead them to the most accurate answer. And it was at that moment, that I realized if Styleapple weren't significantly different from the other design portfolio websites, then this would be all for nothing.

The same is true for your design firm's brand. What questions can your clients ask you about your design firm that would eliminate your competition from the running?  What are you doing, or what services are you offering that your competition is not?  It's really important to know the answers to these questions if you're serious about becoming successful in the design industry.

Branding yourself, or your design business is just as important as starting the business. At the moment you conceive your business plan, you should immediately be thinking about your plans to becoming branded.

Just for fun I've embedded the question I created on Hunch. See if your result is Styleapple. If it is, I'd like to hear about it, If it isn't... well, keep it to yourself.....  ;)

Which design portfolio website should I use? - make thousands more decisions on Hunch.com

Let's talk about social networking for brand development.  I'm a perfectionist. What that means is that I try to control all aspects of my company at all times, 24 hours a day. My web developer has threatened to fire me many times, but I refuse to let him because he's an asset to my business. But, If I could, I would do it all myself.

From web development, to marketing, branding, to doing my taxes, to taking out the trash ...ok maybe not taking out the trash, or for that matter, doing my taxes. Anyway, the truth of the matter is I can't do it all. And chances are... neither can you.

Designers are designers, we are not accountants, marketers or sales people. I know in the beginning, you may have to wear all the hats, especially if you're working on a limited budget. I understand that. But when you can network and meet people and share resources that will help grow your design company, you should not hesitate to take advantage of that opportunity.

Remember, the internet has made it almost impossible to do it all and still be successful. There are just way too many things to do in order to stay competitive. But at the same time, the internet has made it easier to do much more with a trusted network of people. With that said, your LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook networks has now grown to a gazillion friends and 10,000 followers.

It's time to search your network and find creative professionals that you can collaborate with on projects that will add value to your design firm. Resources that will support and grow your company's brand. It's time to stop "socializing" online and get personal.... Pick up the phone, send a personalized email instead of a direct message or an@reply.

Connect with people you can mutually benefit from. If you take the time to explore your network of friends online you'd be surprised to see the talent that you are already connected with. Chances are good that the next Steve Jobs is already in your network. Your social network can help you grow your design business to new levels, just by getting offline and getting on the phone.

Ok, we've done it. We have now created the ultimate marketing tool on the web... It's free, easy to use and combines business and pleasure. It's called Social Media. Social Media has leveled the playing field for many new design businesses. You now have the opportunity to market your product or services for cheap, no TV required. So no longer can you brand yourself by simply having a bigger marketing and advertising budget than your competitor's... Now you need to do a little more, you need to think, be creative, be smart and be relevant.

Now you have to find a new way to be competitive, innovative and "special" to your demographics. What am I talking about? I'm talking about getting back to basics. That is, focusing on your core asset, your product or service. We are all guilty of seeing a great idea out there, and wanting to improve on it. But if you plan on improving it, improve it in a huge way, or if you plan on providing better service, go all the way - pick up your client's dry cleaning, if it's on the way...

Don't just add 2 more features to your competitor's product or keep your business open a few more hours than your competition and expect to make a splash. Really give your potential clients something they can sink their teeth in. Spend your time on building a valuable product and less time on figuring out who is following you back on Twitter. Lisa Barone at Outspoken Media wrote a great post on this very topic, A Great Product Needs No Advertising. The market is officially saturated with the basics. We've got all the basics we will ever need, seriously. It's time to go hard or go home.

So here you are, just coming out with a new product probably similar to your competitor's product - the only difference is that everyone knows your competitor, and no one knows you exist. What is the first thing you do?

Create a website? No!

Sign up on as many social media sites as possible? No!

See if you can get Oprah to interview you? No!

The first thing you do is take a breather. That's right, sit back, relax and clear your mind.... then make a decision. A decision to jump in without a life jacket. To go for it with everything you've got. Because at this point in the game, second guessing your motives is no longer an option. Get your mindset right first before wasting your time and money on something you'd like to "try".

Find your market and vow to give them exactly what they need and everything they want. Vow to become the go-to brand for your specific product or service. Put your bags down because you'll be here for a while. Once you've made the decision to succeed, everything else, including temporary setbacks and failure, becomes a part of the process, hence managing your expectations, while keeping you in the game until you've become branded.

Are You Looking To Hire A Designer? 

Get A Free Project Quote From The Styleapple Design Network: Get A Freelancer>>

I was asked to pass this information along to my creative fashion designers out there. The company is called Belles and Bulls. The company's mission is to help launch the careers of new and emerging designers. Unfortunately, I'm not very familiar with the company, so I can't recommend them personally. But they seem to have the right idea and focus. I'm always happy to share with you new opportunities, that will help in your success. From what I've learned so far, Belles & Bulls are looking to do the same. So give Ebonni Bryant (Partner at Belles & Bulls) a call and ask her the tough questions. For those who go on Saturday, please share your experience on the event in the comments. To get more information on the company and founders you can listen to this radio interview.

 Many Thanks.

Here is the info for the event below:  

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

May 1, 2009, New York, NY - Launching the careers of new & emerging designers, Belles & Bulls connects the world to the future of fashion.

On May 9, 2009, Belles & Bulls is inviting designers to present their portfolio to a panel of judges, partners, and established designers. Along with being a part of Belles & Bulls, chosen designers will be featured in the Brooklyn Fashion Weekend this fall, among other designer benefits. The showdown is from 2:00pm - 5:00pm in New York, NY.

Judges include:

Daniel Saynt, Founder, Fashion Indie
Angelo Lambrou, Designer
Rick Davy, BK Style Foundation/BK Fashion Week
Samantha Von Sperling, Founder, Polished Social Image Consultants
Johanne Morris, Partner, Belles & Bulls
Ebonni N. Bryant, Belles & Bulls.

***********************************************************************

Belles & Bulls works with designers from Parson's, FIT, and other artist based programs. The company is a state of mind, connecting the world to the future of fashion. Curators of design, the company provides a marketing platform and buying events. Fashion designers create haute-couture pieces for the Belles & Bulls Contemporary.

For further information about the company and showdown contact:

Ebonni Bryant-Partner/ Ebonni@bellesandbulls.com/ 718.676.5509

Ebonni N. Bryant
Partner
bellesandbulls.com

connecting the world to the future of fashion.

Nike came with their A game when they put Kobe Bryant and YouTube together.  It has been over a year since this video surfaced and it's still paying dividends for Nike.   

One true measure of a successfully viral video marketing campaign is not necessarily when the video hits its first 1 million views, but rather when other viewers take the time to recreate or imitate what was done. I've embedded the Kobe original and two of my favorite "after market" versions if you will.  Awesome stuff.  I laugh every single time.  :)

Nike/Kobe Original

From YouTube User, phil22 - Trent and Philly do their own version of Kobe jumping over the Aston Martin.

From YouTube User, ikeman824 - Kenny tries to imitate Kobe by jumping over a car with his new Nike shoes

It's Official, Styleapple - The Branded Designers Social Network Has Launched

We have arrived.  Our website is now live and we are so excited.  After several months of very hard work, I am happy to announce that we are officially "open for business"  If you haven't already, remember to create your designer or design company profile on the Styleapple website.  Our appetite for helping designers "Get Branded" are bigger than our stomachs, so don't miss this opportunity to partner with us on our mission to get you branded.  

Thank you everyone for all the support and hard work you've put into this project.  A special thanks go out to folks at Media Mechanic for doing an amazing job developing the website.

I've included our press release below:

btw:  Our release is also on Yahoo News, please buzz us up: Here is the link: LAUNCH SPRING 2009:  New Social Network Launches To Get Designers Branded   

Thanks again guys.

---

(1)   Differentiate: Focus. Focus. Focus - Who are you? What do you do? Why does it matter?
(2)   Collaborate: Your brand is not what you say it is, it's what they (clients and customers) say it is. 
(3)   Innovate - Creativity is what give brands traction in the marketplace. "How do you know when an idea is innovative - When it scares the hell out of everyone." 
(4)   Validate - Feedback. Feedback. Feedback. Bring your audience into the creative process.
(5)   Cultivate: Brand building is a process, not an entity. A living brand is a pattern of behavior, not a stylish veneer.

"The challenge is no longer only about finding a creative vision, it's now more so about bringing that vision to the marketplace successfully," explains Calvin.

As Styleapple continues to develop a network for design firms to successfully market their brands. They are adamant about the development of effective social media tools that will expand their members brands seamlessly across the web, ultimately and intuitively reaching their demographics while separating them from their competition. As is evident from the Styleapple tag line: STANDOUT-- Get Branded.

"We are very excited about bringing Styleapple to the design community. Our mission is to provide the marketing (tools, space, resources, framework) that enables designers to be successful at what they do best," concludes Calvin.

ABOUT STYLEAPPLE
Styleapple Is The Branded Designers Social Network. Styleapple is a social network developed for creative professionals seeking to effectively promote and market their design businesses, whether you are a novice freelance designer or an established design firm looking to build your brand.

Founded by Calvin Cox, a former New York Fashion Designer and a Fashion Institute of Technology Alumni, Styleapple's global design community boasts a cross section of creative pros with backgrounds in art, advertising fashion design, industrial design, interior design as well as interactive design, illustration, animation and web design to name a few.

Our goal is simple, to develop a platform that will effectively utilize social networking and inbound marketing techniques to promote and build your design company's brand. For more information please visit styleapple.com

Source: Styleapple, Inc
http://www.styleapple.com

###

As you know, we have been working on the Styleapple website for several months now and are finally ready to launch this baby.  Today we sent out the pre-launch email to our wonderful beta testers who partnered with us in our 'bug hunting' endeavors. 

As a result of their hard work we are excited to announce that Styleapple is set to launch on Tuesday, April 21, 2009.  If you haven't already, create your designer or design company profile and let's get this ball rolling.

I've included the email we sent to our beta testers early this morning outlining some of the features of the new website.  I will probably not do another post before the website launches (bussssssssssssssy)  but you can always connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or via email.

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

Early last week I wrote an article from a Salesman's perspective in sharing with you my top 10 list of features all design portfolio websites should have. Today, I'm writing this post from the shoes of your potential client.

When I decided to develop the Styleapple website, I spent a lot of time searching for the right designer, which has given me some hands-on experience when looking for a design company. After numerous proposals, months of development, blog articles and twitter tweets, I finally selected the guys over at Media Mechanic to work on the Styleapple project (who, by the way have been doing a fantastic job) The experience has thought me a lot, and wanted to take some time to share with you how an informed client might select your service.

Decision 1 - First. He'll look at your website's homepage to get an immediate feel for your company. First impressions are alive and well, even on the internet. So make sure your homepage is intriguing enough for your potential visitor to want to dig deeper. One effective way I've seen this done is the Amalga Media website: http://www.amalgamedia.com, where their About Us page was their homepage, introducing the company and people in a fun informative way, immediately drawing you into their website.

Decision 2 - Next, he'll take a look at your previous projects that are hopefully featured on your website. The 1st and 2nd impressions will be mostly visual.

Decision 3 -He'll then look at your About Me or About Us pages.... briefly. Just to get an idea of who you are and what you do (your design expertise).

Decision 4 - Then he will go back to your previous projects to find a project you have done that's similar to the one he needs you to work on.

Decision 5 - If he finds one, he will want to know more details about that particular project (if he doesn't he will look at individual details of all your projects to find similarities in style and functionality between what you have worked on and what he needs done).

TIP:
Assuming that he finds a similar project in your portfolio, he will want to know if you've done other projects similar to that one. So grouping projects together is a good idea, maybe having links to similar projects nearby or suggestive links of similar projects. Your goal here is to direct the client to exactly what he's looking for.

Decision 6 - If he's impressed by what he sees, he will then check your references. I would recommend having your references easily assessable. If your references have sufficient contact information, he may contact them before even speaking with you... allowing your references to help you sell your services.

Decision 7 - If your references are satisfactory, he will want to read more about you, or your company, i.e. quote information, brand philosophy, location, pricing, etc. This can be satisfied through an About Me page, FAQ, or your company blog.

TIP:
I would stay away from having website visitors download your resume. People are finicky about downloading anything from the internet. You can give them the option of downloading your resume, or an online alternative.

Decision 8 - Once he has finished reading about you or your design company, he may want to contact you personally. Having a phone number and/or an instant message contact on your site would be ideal... esp. if your design company is global.

Decision 9 - After he speaks with you, he may still have some questions, which will lead him to your blog. In sales, this would be your closing argument or statement. This is to confirm that you are indeed what he's looking for. Hopefully you have been blogging about your industry and have engaged the creative community in some worthwhile discussions on design.

Decision 10 - If you blog closes the deal, your potential client will pick up his phone (again) and give you a call, or send you an email, fill out your form, instant message you, or send you a text tellingquote you that he would like you to work on his project. The rest is up to you... Your website has now effectively done its job. Congratulations.

Keep in mind, this is only one scenario. You'll find that your clients are more informed, and will use your design blog as their introduction to your design services, so make sure to write articles that will appeal to your potential clients.

Remember: The goal is to engage your potential clients early. You want to pique their interest and keep them engaged right up until they contact you. Consider my 4C's to website conversion when developing a website for your design portfolio or company. Contact. Connect. Convince and Close
The bottom line is that you have to think like your clients in order to get their business.

What other techniques do you use to improve your website conversion?

Are You Looking To Hire A Designer? 

Get A Free Project Quote From The Styleapple Design Network: Get A Freelancer>>

I've decided to step out of my Designer shoes and step into my Salesman shoes to write my top 10 list of features I would expect to find on a designer's website who is serious about making money and taking full advantage of a potential client's visit to his/her website.

1) Blog - I have beaten the "get a blog" topic to death at this point and refuse to bore you with it. For my new readers you can find more on blogging here and here.

2) Quote Request Form - An important thing to remember, if nothing else, is to give the client multiple ways to contact you. A quote request form might be a more convenient way for a client to present their request, outside of your email or contact form.

3) Phone Number - We are so afraid of a telephone call or sharing this information with people. Remember, you are a businessman, not a movie star. Sharing your contact information should be as necessary as the air you breathe. The funny thing about putting your telephone number on your site is that your clients may never use it. They might prefer to contact you through your contact forms or email. You are simply telling your clients hey, "I'm accessible" if you ever need to talk.

4) Avatar Photo - Have a picture of yourself on your website. No one cares what you look like, unless you're Gisele Bundchen, of course. Your clients only care that there is a human being behind that beautifully created website you took months to develop. Give your clients an opportunity to get to know you.

5) Bio-Design history-Schools-Awards - Your about me page should be pretty elaborate. Talk about everything. Your long term goals, your relevant child hood experiences. Give them a nice creative history of who you are and how you've become. Of course everything you talk about is related to the bigger picture of why they should choose you for their next big project.

For design companies, you will obviously have to adjust your about us page accordingly. You can talk about your mission, your brand, what you stand for, what kind of pro bona projects or community contributions you've done. Etc, etc. Work on appealing to the softer side of your clients; you might find you'll be able to connect with them on other aspects of their lives.

6) Testimonials - This is a no brainer but had to be included because it's pretty important. Clients want to know that you are capable of producing products or services that warrants a satisfied customer who is willing to tell their story. This can be added to your about me page or placed alongside specific projects.

7) Case Study (Your design process) - A case study is a project you've done, one that you are really proud of and the client has been very successful and happy as a result. Take the time to go through the design process, detailing every step and taking your potential clients through your entire process, right up to the live project/website, including the actual client's testimonial and contact information if possible. (use images, videos and illustration to keep your potential clients engaged)

8) Your Social Networking Sites - In your contact me section make sure to list all your social networking places. Clients may prefer to connect with you on LinkedIn or Twitter rather than on your website. Meet your clients where they want to meet, not where you want to meet.

9) Your Customer Service Policy - Have this information easily accessible on your website. Let your potential clients know what kind of business you are, and what they can expect if they are going to do business with you.

10) Declare Your Expertise - What do I mean by this? Everyone has one or two or even three things that they are exceptionally good at doing... This is especially true in the creative industry. Let your clients know what area(s) of design you are an expert, "Yes, I'm a Flash Genius... " Let's face it, you can't be everything to everyone, unless you're Google. Why not be everything to a few selected people that will continue to come back and refer people to you because you are exceptional at what you do.

11) IM (BONUS) - This is a great way for clients to reach you immediately if they have a quick question that can't wait. Give them the option to instant message (IM) you. Take every chance to connect with your potential clients. A simple IM can get you hired.

Remember, with all the options to choose from when selecting a designer of design company, your clients are looking for a perfect match, they are looking to weed you out as quickly as possible. Don't let them!

What are some of the techniques or features you've used on your website that have led to solidifying new clients ?

Are You Looking To Hire A Designer? 

1) You Provide A Great Product or Service That Cannot be Matched By Your Competition

Simply put, excel at what you do. Don't settle for being second. The only thing that stops you from being the best in your industry is that you stop trying to be the best.

2) Your Services Are Underpriced... Intentionally

In this competitive market, value is key. Providing a great product or service that's noticeably worth more than your offering is important. Be careful not to undervalue your product or service by trying to low ball the industry. The goal here is to excel in your service while maintaining a reasonable price. Note: Low balling your industry can backfire on you, where your customers think that your services may not be up to par with someone who is charging more. Find the sweet spot for your product or service.

I'm not telling you to undervalue your expertise, what I'm simply saying is to provide much more quality and service than the industry norm, or what your clients expect.

3) Your Projects Are Completed Earlier Than Projected

The truth is clients want their projects done yesterday. Once you've given the client a date of completion, that date is etched in their minds. Delivering the project on that completion date- in the client's mind, you've done your job. Anytime after that date you're late and have broken your ‘brand' promise - not so good for business. If you are early, by even a day or two, this gives the client another reason to toot your horn for you. They will tell their colleagues and friends that you are professional, efficient and the go-to guy for your type of design services. Even if ‘early' was only a day early. I think businesses still underestimate the power of word of mouth even with all of the social technology around us.

4) You Have Personalized and Knowledgeable Customer Service

Personally, customer service is on top of my list of keys to being successful in this industry. I am a HUGE fan of good customer service. Not only good but rather great customer service. No one remembers good- people tend to remember great and exceptional, and of course bad.

Case in point: I remember hiring a design company to do a project, and one day I phoned the account manager to get some information. That person was completely incapable of answering basic technical questions about my project. She had to refer me to the designer, who of course was not available to talk. Great customer service can make up for shortcomings in other areas in your design business process (hopefully there are none :) )

5) Your Design Business Uses Cutting Edge Technology - Utilizing The Most Current and Relevant Tools in Your Industry.

When a client asks for you to do a project for them, they have already assumed that you'll be using the most current technology or process, unless otherwise stated. Anything less is a strike against your company product or service, Period. You should keep up with your industry, getting left behind is not an option.

6) You Are an Expert/ Thought Leader in Your Industry

Clients hire you because you can do something they can't do themselves; otherwise, they would do it themselves. They also hire you because they perceive that you are an expert at what you do. And as an expert you should have the knowledge to communicate intelligently about topics pertaining to your industry, current and future technologies, illustration styles, trending logo designs, etc, etc. And please, be able to provide answers to questions on why you've decided to use the Anivers font instead of Helvetica .

7) You Are Actively Involved In Your Client's Success

There is nothing better than a designer who takes the time to learn about a client's business. Not simply what the company does, and who their clients are, but their brand promise, inspiration and maybe the direction a company is looking to go into 3 to 5 years from now. The more you learn about your clients, the more information you'll have to satisfy their needs. And oh yeah, you'll actually start building a relationship with them. Maybe a relationship that can grow into a "business-friendship" - ultimately giving you the upper hand on future projects.

What are some things you've done that have pushed your company ahead of the competition?

Are You Looking To Hire A Designer?