Posted December 31st, 2011
In my work with small technology and web companies, I see certain problems over and over again. One of these is how to get paid fairly for work produced. In this series we’ve been looking at five common reasons why tech and web professionals don’t get paid what they’re worth. To review, the 5 reasons are:
- Benign Neglect – "Everything is going smoothly. We have other issues to worry about."
- Fear of Loss – "I’ll lose clients."
- Misguided Strategy – "We want to be the affordable option."
- Uninformed – "I’m not sure what others charge, but I know we’re competitive."
- Trouble Communicating Value – "I’m not really a sales person."
Last time we looked at how to escape the trap created by fear and a misguided marketing strategy. Today, we’ll wrap up with Reasons #4 and #5.
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Posted December 29th, 2011
Many professionals of all kinds will be raising their rates for the new year. That’s why during this last week of 2011 we’re looking at the issue of rates for professional services and 5 reasons web and tech pros often underprice themselves. To review, the 5 reasons are:
- Benign Neglect – "Everything is going smoothly. We have other issues to worry about."
- Fear of Loss – "I’ll lose clients."
- Misguided Strategy – "We want to be the affordable option."
- Uninformed – "I’m not sure what others charge, but I know we’re competitive."
- Trouble Communicating Value – "I’m not really a sales person."
Last time we looked into Reason #1 – Benign Neglect. We also started to explore Reason #2 – Fear of Loss. We’ll go into more depth on that today, and consider how it relates to Reason #3 – Misguided Strategy.
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Posted December 26th, 2011
I watched her mouth tighten slightly, and her voice became a little tentative as she spoke. This was clearly a difficult subject for her to talk about. The seven of us, all small business owners and professionals, were seated around a small table. We listened intently as she began to explain her problem. "I’m considering a rate increase and need some guidance," she said. This successful young counselor was asking us, her Mastermind group, whether she should raise her rates in the new year. We started asking questions and she answered. She had been practicing over 10 years and had never raised her rates. Other professionals in her area were charging 25-30% more. Her practice was respected and received many referrals. "Would a 20% increase be too much?” she asked us. The uncertainty in her voice and body language betrayed her anxiety about making this change.
As a financial advisor to small web and technology firms, I see a similar scene played out again and again as business owners wrestle with the core issue of “how much do I charge?” For perspective, consider your CPA. If she’s like most of her colleagues, she will start the new year with a new, higher rate for the beginning of a busy tax season. Many other professionals also adjust their rates at the beginning of a new year. How about you? As a web professional, have you made plans to roll out a new rate structure in January 2012?
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Posted December 23rd, 2011
We want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. May your holiday season be filled with delight and lead into a wonderful, prosperous 2012!
Posted December 22nd, 2011
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Posted November 22nd, 2011
For everyone in the US, we here at DWUser.com wish you a sincere Happy Thanksgiving! Our feelings have no geographic boundaries, though – no matter where you are, we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve you and create products that make your job easier and more fun. We’ve had a great 2011 so far, but we’re far from done – look for big things in the coming weeks!
- Greg, Nathan, Drew, Dave, James and Dana
Posted November 9th, 2011
A happy user reviews EasyRotator:
I was really happy to find this extension. Just what I was looking for. Customer service is great, answered my questions quickly and were so very helpful. Easy Rotator is fairly intuitive to use – that’s a difficult thing to achieve – I am impressed and would recommend it to anyone.
– troutlily
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Posted October 24th, 2011
Happy XML Flash Slideshow Creator v4 customer Steven G. writes:
I finally dedicated a chunk of time to get to learn the v4 software. All I can say is WOW!! And you guys made it so easy to create a slide show that is compatible with EVERYTHING. I am so grateful for your plugin!!
I don’t learn easily from reading manuals, so I have to play with it enough until the concepts and interface sinks in.
You guys rock!!! . . . Best dollars I EVER spent.
A thrilled and grateful customer,
– Steven G.
Steven expresses what most XML Flash Slideshow Creator v4 customers say about the tool – the more they know it, the more they love it!
Posted October 10th, 2011
Happy XML Flash Slideshow Creator v4 customer Joanne H. writes:
Amazing! After searching high and low for a product that could handle mixed media, custom formats for layout and work on a touch screen device, this does it. Fantastic, quick, to-your-needs customer support, really great.
– Joanne H.
Experience the XML Flash Slideshow Creator v4 today – support for building customized layouts, mixing photos, audio and video, touchscreen support, great support, and more!
Posted September 20th, 2011
EasyRotator can make your job easier and way more fun! Happy user Lamont writes:
Thanks a bunch, now I see why you guys have such high reviews. . . . Five star product and customer service. It works like a charm. I feel guilty that this product is free! Your free customer service is better than most paid customer service.
– Lamont J.
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