Scout for Success

I Love My Work!

One of the beauties of being a website designer and content developer for small businesses is that I literally learn something (and often many things) new with each project.  Over the years I’ve worked in various capacities on websites for master knife makers, a knife collector and merchant, a storm water treatment specialist, a company that makes train signals, assorted doctors and surgeons, a vintage amplifier afficianado, a “film noir”-style portrait photographer, accountants and IT specialists, an all-camoflauge product retailer (from baby doll nighties to bathroom scales), a “cozy mysteries” book reviewer, a painting contractor, an interior designer, landscape specialists, a fence builder, a healthcare staffing company and, most recently, a master leathersmith and online retailer of steampunk accessories - Steambaby.net

My interest was piqued from the start on this one.  Owner Doug “Mac” McGowan of Salem, OR, had updated a mutual friend on his latest creative venture and I was intrigued enough to do some steampunk research.  The more I learned, the more interested I became.  Though I may offend steampunk purists, if such folks exist, I would describe the genre as a cross between Jules Verne-style fantasy, Victoriana, and obsession with steam-powered, eclectic, retro-industrial mechanics and gadgetry (spanning several eras and some dubious scientific disciplines), coupled with creative adaptations of aviator / Edwardian / American Indian / explorer attire.  Kind of like whirling Sherlock Holmes, Indiana Jones, Dr. Who, H.G. Wells and assorted other writers, begoggled aviators and turn-of-the 19th century mercenaries (along with a few belly dancers) in a blender and coming up with an unusual and potent concoction.  I got so creatively fired up that, unsolicited and unbeknownst to Doug, I pulled an overnighter crafting the website design that is now Steambaby.net and sent it off to him the next day.  I’m happy to say that he liked it, too.  Take a look - and a listen, specifically to band Abney Park’s “Airship Pirates” video at the top right of the Resources page.  What adventurers amongst us can resist these sentiments, as expressed by Captain Robert, the band’s lead singer and airship commander:

“With a crew of drunken pilots
We’re the only airship pirates
We’re full of hot air and we’re starting to rise
We’re the terror of the skies, but a danger to ourselves now”

Enjoy!

Thank You, Studs

Studs Terkel

Social Historian
 May 16, 1912 - October 31, 2008

• WFMT Radio - Best of Studs Terkel
• Official Studs Terkel Website sponsored by The Chicago Historical Society

Secret Service Systems for Successful Businesses

John R. DiJulius has written a book that I not only bought for myself, but have also gifted to a number of my own customers.  Secret Service is remarkable for both its common sense clarity and its numerous examples of real, household-name companies putting the principles defined in the book to work.  Sub-titled “Hidden Systems That Deliver Unforgettable Customer Service,” this is a book that delivers on its own promise, by providing ideas for ratcheting up the level of customer service that can be implemented by virtually every type of business.  DiJulius manages to be both informative and entertaining while he offers clear, concise descriptions of the actions successful businesses take to keep them number one with their customers.  You’ll be amazed at the simplicity of some of the policies and initiatives he describes. 

DiJulius is the president of a consulting firm specializing in customer service and marketing, and a longtime successful business owner himself.  In addition to addressing the needs of customers, he also goes the extra mile in recognizing the value of dedicated, engaged employees, providing sensible advice on training geared to encouraging teamwork and reducing turnover.  Highly recommended!