Vishal P. Rao
Administrator
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 491
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# Posted: 30 Jun 2005 07:15 � Edited by: Vishal P. Rao
Web design has continued its rise in popularity over the past decade, with more and more businesses now coming online for the first time and setting up a Web presence. A Web site exposes any business to the global community 24/7, and more and more merchants are seeing the value in establishing themselves online.
Because of this, Web design is very much in demand, with technically proficient individuals setting up their own home-based Web design businesses. Of course, as with everything, there are rewards and challenges, and an interview with a well-established Web designer was recently completed, at which time he was gracious enough to the basic facts about start up as well as the rewards and challenges of his business.
The business owner's name is Mort Stern, and he runs Mort Stern Web Designs from his own home in Springfield, Illinois. You can visit Mort at: www.mortsternwebdesigns.com. Mr. Stern shared with us the following facts about his own background and his business at present and it was an eye opening look at running a Web design business.
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Work-at-Home-Forum.com (WAHF):
What is your previous background? Did you have any past managerial experience that would benefit you in your own business?
Mort:
I was the Vice President of Operations for a large cable telephone business in Chicago, Illinois. So I came into my business with some rather well honed organizational and managerial skills. I'm also a people person and can deal with others effectively because of my background.
WAHF:
How long has your Web design business been in operation?
Mort:
A little over five years now. I retired from my prior position at the cable telephone business, and was seeking something to keep me active during my retirement, yet that allowed me more freedom than a 9-5 job offers.
WAHF:
Why did you start your Web design business?
Mort:
I was seeking something that I could do at home, that was flexible, and that would allow me to work my own hours. I had worked my entire life at a 9-5 job, and although I did well, I did want more freedom and flexibility.
WAHF:
What have been your greatest challenges in the business so far?
Mort:
Marketing has been the greatest challenge. The competition for Web design has increased tremendously over the years, and I found the marketing demanded more than I expected, in both time and energy spent. Second to that, keeping up with the Internet Rules of Operation was my second greatest challenge. The Internet changes so rapidly, and of course, with that, so does the Rules of Operation. I must constantly read, research, and upgrade my own skill levels to keep current with the latest Rules of Operation.
WAHF:
What have been the greatest rewards within the business so far?
Mort:
I've had the opportunity to do some very creative work for other businesses and individuals, and I sincerely enjoy that. I am also able to help charities and I also enjoy doing that as well.
WAHF:
Where do you see the business in five years? In ten years?
Mort:
I am retired from my previous lucrative form of employment, so I don't project too much, preferring to take it one day at a time. I do enjoy what I'm doing, and just focus for now on day to day operations.
WAHF:
Is your family supportive of the business?
Mort:
Yes, they are. My children are grown, and I am the proud grandfather of two adorable girls, and everyone supports me. My wife, Anne, is especially supportive, and I am grateful for that support.
WAHF:
What advice would you give to anyone else just starting a Web design business?
Mort:
I would tell them to have a great marketing plan. Because of the competition, proper marketing of a Web design business becomes paramount. It can make the difference between success and failure for this type of business. Also, someone starting this type of business should not expect to make tons of money, especially initially, as the competition is great and becoming more and more fierce everyday. It would help to join local business organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce and others. Limiting your Web design to online projects can be limiting for this business, and "face to face" contact can be more helpful and bring in more projects. Word of mouth advertising is great for this business.
WAHF:
If you had to start all over again, what would you do differently?
Mort:
I would definitely start marketing more aggressively and do so more consistently. I was somewhat unprepared for the amount of marketing needed in the beginning. I would also learn ancillary skills that could be applied to the business and thus increase the services that can be offered to both new and existing clients.
WAHF:
If you had to start all over, what would you do the same?
Mort:
I would keep the personal contacts I have made. I have contacts with other businesses that I didn't years ago, and the history behind us is priceless to me.
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All in all, Web design as a work at home business, according to Mort, does still seem a very viable alternative for those with technical knowledge and skills. However, the challenges must be taken into consideration before embarking on this type of work at home business. It's obvious that a great marketing plan, and support from family and friends will make a difference in the success of this business, as will a network of other businesses from which to accumulate referrals and contracts.
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