Revealing the Hidden Space Monster:

If you are out shopping for the best in design you may hear “Oh, we can do that for less.” Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Lip service in business is like the outer space monster you know is out there but has yet to reveal himself.  Thankfully, your conscience waves a red flag and you stop and consider your next step...

The fastest way to cut through deceptive lip service is to ask the right questions.  Call them on it - after all, they said it.  Let’s start with the first ½ of the statement.  “We can do that”  Alright.  Demand to see completed design work just like that.  “There are a lot of so-called designers out there,” explains Rick Brady, Art Director for oz 2 designs llc.  Yet, when you ask to see their work it is either incomplete, poorly crafted, or unavailable for view.  True quality design work is eye catching, visually pleasing, and easily understood. Poor design fights with the eye because every element of poor design screams for your attention at once.”

So you reviewed this space monster’s design work and aren’t impressed.  But still, there is that possibility of a price difference.   After all, a space monster isn’t a scary space monster if he’s cutting you a deal, right?  With a hat and just the right shoes, this monster could pass for cute…even cuddly you rationalize. Hmmm.  Try these questions on for size monster!

1.  Do you have any hidden fees?

2.  Do you charge monthly or quarterly maintenance fees?

3.  What are your annual hosting fees?

4.  Will you fix fee my entire project?

5.  Do I own my design after I pay for it?

6.  What if I don’t like what you show me, how much will it cost to change it?

7.  If it is a web site, will it be optimized for search?  How?

8.  How much would it cost to update it in the future?

9.  Are you willing to put all of these terms in writing?

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself monster-free after you ask these questions and do the math... they are like monstercide!  The good news is you know how to separate the good from the bad.  No more wasted time on hidden space monsters - even it they are cute and cuddly looking while wearing a hat.

Instead, when you want the absolute best you can buy, you go directly to your Venus amongst the stars - oz 2 designs llc.    No space monsters here, just authentic beauty in design and respectable rates.  To view our portfolio go to www.oz2designs.com/portfolio.html. Click around and see the facts behind our words.   For outstanding custom design, writing, and marketing for both web and print email cl@oz2designs.com or call 717-586-8386 to stand apart from your competition with a look that inspires and attracts new business.

It’s hard to believe I sometimes hear this response when I invite business owners to visit the Network Exchange Team. I have even had people tell me they don’t want to “buy any” after receiving an invitation.  A business networking group is a group of businesses who meet regularly to build relationships and grow their businesses through referrals.  Business networking, otherwise known as face to face networking, is the most effective way to grow your business (this is a free marketing tip here!).

I belong to an outstanding business networking group, www.networkexchangeteam.com, which meets weekly in two locations - Camp Hill and Hanover.  I never thought I would say this but I love to network!  It is so much fun - I have made good friends and received a lot of new business too.  A typical meeting looks something like this:  People wander in between 11:30 and 11:45 and order something tasty for lunch.  We all sit down at a round table and socialize a bit and introduce guests to the members.  Our food is served and a member of our group gives a 15 minute presentation about his/her business.  Next, we go around the table and each give a 30 second commercial about our businesses - pass around business cards, brochures, talk about specials etc…  Last, we give each other leads or referrals for new business.  The meeting adjourns and some of us stay to socialize if we like.

Building relationships and growing my business has been so easy and natural with the Network Exchange Team (and to think I am an introvert at heart!)  This group attracts people who really want to do more than just make a quick dollar.  Network Exchange Team members understand that building good quality relationships will enhance their very lives - and yes, business grows as a result of these relationships. 

Take a look at the Network Exchange Team’s Core Values (I especially like #3):

1.  The Network Exchange Team is a group of professionals who possess the highest level of integrity and professionalism. We know that building relationships is key to doing business which is why we take the time to meet once a week.

2.  Our focus is twofold: To increase business for each member through referrals and to help those less fortunate through volunteerism or donations. To maintain our supportive environment, conflicts of interest are disallowed and we strive to do business with one another whenever possible.

3.  Our members avoid gossip, criticism, power plays, posturing, and cliquishness.   Instead, we work hard to get to know each other and meet one on one to further build relationships.  

4.  We do our best to give warm and hot referrals.  This means the referral contact is expecting our call.   We take first generation referrals very seriously and only give them if we intend to do business with that person.

5.  Our respect for one another is shown through honoring each member's time, privacy, and areas of expertise.  We are aware each meeting adjourns at 12:45.  We keep our personal commercial time to under 30 seconds and avoid last minute comments when the time is near 12:45. 

If you are interested in visiting a Network Exchange Team meeting - just stop in (don’t forget your business cards).  We meet on Wednesdays in Hanover in the La Cucina Italian Restaurant’s small banquet room and Thursdays in Camp Hill at The Little Coffee House.  Both meetings start at 11:45.  I look forward to meeting you!

oz 2 designs llc is looking for 5 commissioned - based sales people in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  Only sales people with a proven track record of honestly representing others are welcome to apply.  Must own a laptop and have excellent communication skills.  A well-grounded understanding of marketing and design is also required.  If you or someone you know is interested, please email your resume to cl@oz2designs.com.