dinsdag 15 maart 2011

Online solutions: are you a self-starter or a follower?


Do you like to find your way alone in the big ocean of online solutions?
Or are you a self-starter, willing to learn, to try and apply new ideas and solutions?
Either way, the sea is vast an you might need some help along the way!

LPD Team

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Choosing well your web design company


Why should you choose well your web design company?

Well, there are many reasons why you should choose well your web design company. One of the best reasons is related to the quality and quantity of the services provided.

Ask yourself the following questions:
  • Does your current web design company supplies you with high quality professional services? 
  • Do they keep you updated and informed about the latest online widgets and technologies?
  • Do they give you regular professional advise? 
  • Do they give you a good level of support and maintenance services?
  • Do they come to the rescue when you call?
  • Can they implement the features that you want, need or desire?
Web design companies are not only specialized in web design and web development solutions.
They often have knowledge about coding/programing languages (HTML, XHTML, PHP, CSS, JAVA), SEO, Google Ads, Social Media, e-Commerce, etc.
Web design companies are often updated about new technologies, knowing what's happening in the online world!

Furthermore, web design companies have a thorough knowledge about CMS's and other systems that you can use to update your information, to generate your newsletters, to conduct your invoicing or online payments, etc.
Web design companies can give your website not only the necessary look & feel, but also increased interactivity, modern and appealing features and functionality. They are you technological gurus!

Getting regular assistance

Imagine that you have a new website. Then you might want to add up regular information, images, videos, etc to your website.
You may rely on a good CMS to make your updates, but it can also happen that you don't have time or patience to sit behind your computer a few hours a day to make these updates.
It can also happen, that you want or have a website, but you are not computer literate or a computer savy.
Then its almost certain, that you rely on the services of a good web design company or "webmaster".

Webmaster vs. Web design companies

A Webmaster is not necessarily a web designer. Often, webmasters have the technical and technological know-how and skills, but not the necessary design skills.
We see many websites developed by good webmasters (programmers), but lacking on creativity, showing a poor or outdated design.

In the past, "webmaster" was the word used to describe an expert in the field of websites.
Currently, we prefer to call them web developers. Why do we call them this way? Because, they are good in developing the technical part of websites, but not necessarily the design part.

A web design company on the other hand, has a broader scope of action. They often offer services provided by individuals with good design and programing skills.
Both web designers and web developers work together under the same umbrella, delivering exceptional good looking and functional websites.

So, lets face it, some individuals have very good design skills, but not the right technical skills and the other way around. But together, both web designers and web developers can deliver amazing websites.

Buy cheap, pay a high price

Many companies and individuals buy cheap online websites and solutions. Yet, they forget that buying online solutions doesn't mean that they are getting the right expertise, know-how and regular support.
When technical problems arise, individuals buying online solutions are often left alone.
What was suppose to be a "cheap" solution for a simple problem, often becomes an "expensive" one.

Moreover, buying online solutions doesn't necessarily mean that you buy a full package of services and products. Often people have to "dig" further to learn more about online solutions.
In the end of the day they spend more time, effort and energy!

Trust and reliability

A trustworthy and reliable web design company is there when you need them.
They have the right level of competency and know-how to make a difference in your business, helping you to become increasingly more competitive and visible.
They can also help you to rank higher with the different search engines, promoting your business easier, better and faster.
A reliable and professional web design company helps you to generate profit along the way. They are always good and reliable partners.

Contact us today:

If you need professional support for the design and development of your new website or to revamp your current website, feel free to contact us at: info@luckypeachdesign.nl


LPD Team

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Websites require constant updates and regular changes


LPD Team

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Do you really need and want social media?


Social media is all about choices!

Sometimes people want to join social media, but they don't know much about social media.
Sometimes people want social media, simply because others have it. They might want to incorporate it into a website, just to look updated, trendy and sophisticated.
Others feel "pressured" to join social media, afraid of missing the boat.
In other cases, people realize that social media increases their networking possibilities, but they don't know which type of social media best fits their interests and needs.

Consider well if social media is something for you

Often we advise people/customers to consider well, if they really need and want social media.
Social media requires regular updates, it takes much of your time and some of your energy. You need to be "continuously" connected, behind a computer, carrying your smart phone, etc.

Let's face it, social media is not for everybody. Social media is not a "must have".
Some people don't have time for social media. Others don't have much to say or are not that good with words. Social media needs to serve a purpose (s).

No one can "force" you to join social media as well. This should be a personal decision, based in your own needs and interests.

Filtering your social media

Do you join all social media networks?
You don't have to!

You can always decide what you join or not, filtering what you receive. In case you follow some social media but this doesn't do much for you, simply stop doing it.

In case you follow too many people, blogs, tweets, etc simultaneously, then you need more time to check and to read things.
You can also be selective and follow only those people or companies closer to your heart and interests.
But in the end of the day, you need to create some balance between how much time you spend behind your computer and how much time you live and do other fun and important things.

Time management for social media

How many hours/days do you want to spend?

In case social media is really something for you, then create a sort of a daily/weekly/monthly calendar for your follow-ups and updates. Learn how to manage well your time.

Social media can be an effective tool and quite productive. Yet, it consumes a lot of time. And if you join social media simply because you want to be part of something "broader", then forget about it.
Make social media work for you! See its potential and added value to your life and work!


LPD Team

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Social Media widgets


Where to start?

Twitter
Facebook
Linkedin
Blog
Skype
Delicious
You Tube
Digg
Flickr
...


How do we perceive social media?
  • Social media is all about connectivity.
  • Social media creates increased visibility and trust.
  • Social media is all about innovation, flexibility and dynamics.
  • With social media you can read, listen, see and follow others: you learn more.
  • People can easily find you, learning more about your company, services or products.
  • Social media creates increased credibility and raises your competitiveness.
  • By making use of social media you are viewed as a "pioneer".
  • Social media is all about change and how well you adapt to change.
  • Social media offers a dialog platform both to companies and private individuals.
  • Social media is a professional way to communicate to your current and potential new customers.
  • Social media is fun, easy to use, to join, to follow and to update.
  • Social media is cheap.
  • You can use social media 24/7.
  • You incorporate social media into your current website, being easily reachable across several channels.
  • Social media is global.
  • Social media is all about creativity.
  • Social media is part of your online and marketing strategy.
There are many reasons why people like social media! Do you like social media?


LPD Team

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Why do you need a website?

There are many reasons why people and companies need a website. We have gathered next a few reasons why a website is so convenient:
  1. With a website, companies and individuals get increased visibility;
  2. A website brings companies and individuals closer together to their current and potential customers;
  3. Potential customers can easily find what they are looking for;
  4. Companies and individuals can better promote their businesses, reaching out to a global audience;
  5. Websites are 24/7 available;
  6. Potential customers can easily fill in contact forms or send out emails requesting for more information;
  7. Because websites are increasingly more interactive, companies and individuals can get easily and faster feedback from their potential customers;
  8. Social Media helps websites to diversify their communication channels;
  9. A website is often easy to update, relying on a good CMS. This way companies and individuals can change regularly the content of their websites, keeping their customer interested;
  10. Websites offer increased flexibility to companies and individuals; 
  11. With a website, companies and individuals can easily create a closer relation to their customers;
  12. A website, helps companies and individuals to improve their networking;
  13. A website is a cheaper way to promote a business, this if compared with traditional marketing tools ex: tv ads, radio ads, newspaper ads. 
  14. With a website, companies and individuals invest often in one-go. With a CMS they can keep their websites easily updated, changing regularly it's content;
  15. A website is often informative and educational. Companies and individuals can shape their websites the way they want or according to their purposes and objectives;
  16. With a website, small companies or freelancers don't need to rent out an office. They can easily work from home;
  17. A website is always a professional way to reach out for customers. Its an open window to the world;
  18. With a website companies and individuals come across as serious, creating increased customer loyalty and trust;
  19. A professional website increases competitiveness, reinforcing both marketing and branding strategies;
  20. A website up and running helps companies and individuals to better identify target groups and market segments;
  21. A website is cost effective;
  22. Companies and individuals can commercialize services and products nationally and internationally;
  23. A website can offer free of charge documents to be downloaded, brochures, coupons, free information and advise, quick courses, etc
  24. A website helps to boost companies and individuals image, creating a market presence;
  25. A website helps companies and individuals to gather useful information about other markets and customers;
  26. A website reaches out to all sorts of people with different ages, genders, nationalities, backgrounds, languages, cultures;
  27. With a website handycaped people can easily reach for information;
  28. A website improves companies and individuals CRM;
  29. A website is often functional, effective and user-friendly. People can access it from anywhere in the world, at home or in the office;
  30. A website with an online shop brings convenience to people. They dont need to waste time visiting shops to buy their articles;
  31. With a website companies and individuals can speak to a broad audience and in several languages;
  32. A website brings people closer together: company owners, employees and customers;
  33. A website is "environmentally-friendly". Companies and individuals don't have to print so much as before;
  34. A website saves time and money;
  35. A website is often easy to update and can take as much information as companies and individuals want!
There are surely many other reasons why companies and individuals should have a website. 
One thing is for sure, currently companies and individuals going to business cannot go without having a website. This is often the first question that suppliers and customers ask: "Whats your website or URL?"


LPD Team

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maandag 14 maart 2011

Coffee types








Vacation coffee: Portuguese "Bica" (tiny but strong)

Sunday terrace coffee



Hotel coffee


Meeting room coffee

Corporate coffee


Coffee with the kids
No coffee thanks! Better a Latte Machiatto!

LPD Team

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Found this nice japanese symbol with a beautiful meaning

Japanese symbol for thought




Japanese Symbols: 思い
Kana: [おもい]

Romaji (english pronunciation): omoi
Meanings: thought, mind, heart, feelings, emotion, sentiment, love, affection,desire, wish, hope, expectation, imagination, experience


LPD Team

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Japan: words of hope


Earthquake and Tsunami (11/03/2011)



Japan was hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami, leaving a toll of destruction and rubble behind.
The north of the country was closer to the epicenter, being one of the worst damaged areas of Japan. We still don't know the full extent of this massive natural disaster. 
We still dont know how many villages were wiped out from the map and the final death toll in Japan. 


Japan will always be remembered by its beauty, by its Zen, Tao, Shintoism, delicate sand gardens, cherry blossom trees, temples, geisha's, sake, sushi, Mount Fuji, Origami, etc.



Beautiful Cherry Tree Blossom




"The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a simple step."

- Lao Tzu (Zen Master)


Today we want to remember the beauty of Japan, hopping that the country recovers soon from this massive catastrophe.


Meditative sand garden

Japanese art


"What is the path? The Zen Master Nan-sen was asked. 
- Everyday life is the path, he answered."

- Zen Master Nan-sen
Japanese Origami

LPD Team

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How to make the most out of your online business?


You have kicked-off your business. Its rolling. Whats next?

Young entrepreneurs often release websites as part of their marketing strategy. Some believe, that a website alone is going to bring them all the necessary customers.


A website is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a long-term process! This process is often related to the acquisition of customers, to the development of a marketing and an online business strategy! 


A professional and modern website surely helps companies to attract and to retain new customers, increasing corporate visibility. But there are other tools available that can help entrepreneurs and companies further:

1- Create a Blog!
2- Add some Social Media to your website (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc)
3- Use online marketing & advertisement, newsletters, etc.
4- Use traditional marketing tools: radio ads, tv ads, newspaper ads...
5- Make modern housestyle materials: letterhead paper, envelops, flyers, leaflets, billboards, business cards, stickers, labels, etc.
6- Join professional events: workshops, trade fairs, conferences, follow courses and trainings, etc
7- Give lectures, organize events, write articles specialized publications or websites
8- Join professional directories and specialized websites

Still, in 2011 the best strategy to promote your business is through word of mouth and face-to-face networking!
Think also about how you can differentiate yourself from the competition: using both your online and traditional tools! Be creative!



LPD Team

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