Vishal P. Rao
Administrator
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 491
|
# Posted: 22 Sep 2005 01:12 � Edited by: Vishal P. Rao
With the staggering amount of Web Design firms that exist today, establishing a Web Design business successfully can be the most challenging undertaking imaginable.
Although many Web Design firms have established themselves, one in particular seems to have done this by not only identifying completely the target market, but also by branding and identifying their UPS (Unique Positioning Stance) to the fullest.
Visca Consulting, www.viscaconsulting.com, a sole proprietorship owned and operated by Jon Deragon of Ontario, Canada, has been in business since 1997, and has established itself within its target market via the promotion of its "usability" focus. For those that are unaware, usability of a Web site can many times affect the sales that occur, either positively or negatively. A usable Web site makes it easy for visitors to locate the products, services or information they want, with a limited amount of steps involved. A usable Web site makes a visitor want to stay on the Web site and return to the Web site often, as the focus of the Web site is the "end user experience".
Graphics, color scheme, and other components of a Web site will have little impact, if in the end, the Web site is difficult to navigate, or frustrating to visitors in some manner. Visca Consulting has taken the science of usability one step further and focuses their designs, and their creation of Web sites on this component as well as the additional components of flawless implementation and creativity. Visca provides astounding designs, and exceptional programming, leading Visca to achieve a higher end style of design and leading clients interested in flawless design and usability to Visca.
An interview done by myself with the owner of Visca Consulting, Jon Deragon, really highlighted his approach to Web Design and promotion, as well as his attention to the usability factors within Web Design and his consummate attention to customer service and the needs of clients.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Work at Home Forum (WAHF):
What has been your business background prior to opening this business? Do you have any special skills or education that has helped you in your business endeavors?
Jon:
Prior to founding Visca Consulting, I worked with a variety of technology related companies such as DMR Group, JSL Solutions, IBM, and CMI Group. A majority of my technical and creative skills, however, were entirely self-taught over the years.
WAHF:
Why did you choose this particular type of business?
Jon:
Visca Consulting is a Web Design and development firm that specializes in highly usable, high conversion Web sites, for clients and customers in all industries. I chose this business because at present, although Web design is a highly saturated market, it is also one where if you are able to distinguish yourself and your services in some way, it can be very profitable, with sustainable growth revenue. It is a business that combines my passions of creative work, technology, and the medium of the Internet.
WAHF:
How long have you been in business?
Jon:
Visca Corporation was founded in 1997, and at that time was a combination of Web content sites that were ad revenue supported, with limited consulting services offered. Since 2001, the business has shifted its focus to providing Web design and development services for other businesses.
WAHF:
What has been the greatest challenge in your business? What has been the greatest reward?
Jon:
The greatest challenge is without a doubt our ability to meet the project pricing and the features combinations expected by customers. Because my company employs some of the most talented designers and programmers available, up front project costs is at times, not considered our strongest selling point, as clients do experience lower bids from others. This limits our ability to function well at the low to mid-price range markets. Oftentimes, clients will point out quotes from other Web Design firms that are lower, but that will clearly not deliver comparable quality of deliverables and service. It becomes our challenge to convince these potential clients that with slightly more investment up front, they will have a site developed by Visca Consulting that over the lifetime of the site, will be more reliable, have a more professional presentation layer, and a higher conversion rate. Our Web site designs also produce a lower cost of ownership that will ultimately be the better value over the long term.
Our greatest reward is when the client is completely bowled over by our deliverables! Just as an actor would be rewarded by critical acclaim of their movie, when we design a Web site for a client and they are truly moved by the design, we do experience a great level of personal achievement and accomplishment.
WAHF:
Where do you see yourself and your business in five years? In ten years?
Jon:
While keeping true to our core competencies, I see my business expanding its reach to a more international client base, including European and Asian countries. The company brand will be readily associated with premium Web design, and we will have substantially increased brand awareness across North America. Hopefully, our client base will feature more Fortune 500 companies and well-known international companies and organizations.
WAHF:
Is your family supportive of your business? If not, why do you think they are not?
Jon:
My family is extremely supportive. They have been an incredible source of inspiration and support while the business has grown over the years. Whether your business is in its peaks or in its slumps, it is paramount that you have support from your loved ones.
WAHF:
Do you have any partners or is this a Sole Proprietorship?
Jon:
This is a Sole Proprietorship, although I have a staff that is indispensable to me.
WAHF:
Do you have any regrets with the business? If you do, what would you do over if you had the chance?
Jon:
My only regret is that I didn't become involved with the Web Design business sooner. I would've liked to get more of a head start in brand recognition and portfolio creation within this field.
WAHF:
Do you own any other businesses besides this one?
Jon:
Currently all my time and efforts are directed solely on Visca Consulting; however, I am looking to launch a VoIP related business in the not so distant future.
WAHF:
If you were to advise someone else on starting this type of business, what would be your advice?
Jon:
Without a clear and quantifiable distinction that a potential client can convert into perceived advantages in using your service, over competing services, it can be a very rough ride. Web Design is a fierce, highly price sensitive market that requires a very careful balance of price, features, and a "one on one" level of service that will meet the customers' requirements, while still generating sufficient revenue for business growth. Therefore, it is paramount that the defining features of any business are carefully chosen and executed in every aspect of your business and its values. Finally, presentation has a spectacular level of influence over a firm's ability to land projects. A solid proposal, while labor intensive, has a significant effect on a prospect's decision to award a project, and I believe a proposal to be one of the most critical documents any business can produce. Every proposal should be as comprehensive as possible, while still making the prospect/customer feel as valued as possible. A level of professionalism must be shown, that will leave competitors' bids "in the dust". Finally, all promises within a proposal must be delivered, to ensure that clients reward a business with continued business, and of course, the all important customer referrals.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As readers can see, Jon Deragon presents a very direct and targeted approach to sales and services within his business, Visca Consulting. No doubt, Visca Consulting will continue to grow by leaps and bounds throughout the years, with the exceptional leadership skills that Jon displays. Quality Web Design and development is his passion, and this shines through in both his approach, and of course, his Web Designs!
|
