A Visual-Spatial Approach

A Visual-Spatial Approach helps the user create a mental type of the web site or web page. This type of arrangement can help the user expect the result(s) of their actions while using the web site. Significant parts (especially as those that aid the navigation) should be clear. The user should be able to tell from a glance what they can and cannot do with the web page.

My Philosophy with Any Business Relationship

I cannot tell you how many times I had a call from people saying their web person did not have the capability they claimed to do the job. I know how difficult it can be when a potential client asks you, “Can you do this?”

If you are totally honest and say you cannot, you risk losing the job. Too often, I have heard, “Sure, I can do that.” In reality they cannot. This business is not like being in school, cramming for big test the night before.

Three Elements Are A Must In Any Business Relationship:

1. TRUST

2. COMMUNICATION

3. HONESTY

You MUST have ALL three for any relation to survive. Let me clarify: A healthy relationship. Lose any one of these characteristics and the relationship will eventually erode away to something not as you expected.

One may ask “What about respect, etc.?” You need TRUST, COMMUNICATION, and HONESTY before any other element can really take hold. For example you may say someone respects you but they show you very little or no trust. Ask yourself, “How can that be?”

Never more so in this business is TRUST, COMMUNICATION, and HONESTY essential.

You need to evaluate yourself and what you can offer. Be honest with yourself and know your limitations. I suggest making list of what skills you have, a separate list for skills that need to be improved upon, and those skills you do not have.

This sounds like a simple undertaking, but it is not. You must be COMPLETELY honest with yourself. It is more difficult than you believe. Let me gave you an example how this assessment of yourself can be accomplished.

Let us say you are good in HTML and basic Dreamweaver. You are familiar with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and basic FLASH. You do not know about PHP, MySQL, and ActionScript for FLASH.

So, you start your lists similar to this:
Skills I have:

• HTML/XHTML – I can meet the standards established by the W3C.


• Dreamweaver – I understand the basic features Dreamweaver to create a functioning web site.
  

Skills I need to improve upon:

• CSS – I understand the basics of CSS, but not much of the advanced features for creating a web site in pure CSS.


• FLASH – I can use the basic FLASH to create animations and simple web sites.

Skills I do not have yet:

• PHP


• MySQL


• ActionScript for FLASH

My goals and things I need:

• CSS
  
• I need to practice using more CSS when creating web pages


• View online tutorials and books on CSS


• FLASH
  


• Take class in future


• Network with some who knows MySQL
  
• Maybe Joe



• ActionScript for FLASH
  
• Take class in future


• Network with some who knows ActionScript
  
  
  
  • Maybe Jane
  
  

This is only a simple example, but I you get the general idea.

My most paramount rule in conducting yourself with a client or potential client is ALWAYS BE HONEST with them.

If cannot do something, no matter have difficult it might be, say so. That is why I say evaluating your skill level is essential. If are not strong or do not have that skill, find somebody who is.

This will increase your reputation and creditability when you say; “We can do that for you.”

I want to pass along a quote said to me when I first started:

“You cannot wear all the hats in this business.” ~ Professor Al Fichera

You cannot be an expert at everything. Find areas that you are strong and find somebody else to network who is strong areas you might be. You will find this a “Win-Win” situation.

Since I broached this topic, I might discuss Business Ethics during my next post.

Welcome to Express Yourself Online...

Here we will discuss developing web site projects from a "Real World" view. Feel free to share your thoughts and views.

Interesting enough, over the years some of the best ideas came from students who did not believe their method deserve any consideration.

You all have heard the old phrase - "The only dumb question is the one not asked." Well, let me take that a bit further - "Share what you are thinking and question everything until you understand."

In other words, do not be the "Wall Flower" that does not ever say anything. Please, do not take it wrong that it seems I am focused on you if I "prod" you for your thoughts. Anyhow, it is usually the quiet ones who have good ideas to add to a discuss.

My philosophy is everyone has something to contribute. Everybody knows something that others do not.

I have found over my life and especially, in this business that sharing ideas, thoughts, and maybe a different way of doing things that everyone gets wiser and more knowable.

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
~ Einstein

I invite everyone to participate. If you have a subject or a thought that you would like discussed, go a head throw that out there. You are, probably, not the only one who wondered about it. I love sharing ideas and thoughts.

Over time, I might even share with you folks some of my trade secrets.

My main rule here: HAVE FUN...