2007 Archives

Like writing your own obituary...

I’m shutting the doors of my company, Birch Lake Studios. I’ve decided, after months of struggling with the idea, to say no to new business. I’m working on a final client project, slated to launch early in 2008. I still have a couple of clients hosting with me, while I provide a...

December 31, 2007 — 0 Comments

Counting down

Check out Here Come the Irish on the Notre Dame YouTube channel. Then go head over to nd.edu and watch the countdown to Tuesday’s new website launch.

August 25, 2007 — 1 Comment

During my absence...

I’ve been very busy. Here are a few of the things going on:1. Amber and I bought a house and moved up to Birch Lake in Vandalia, Michigan. It’s a small sport lake where Amber lived as a child. We’re excited about this, as stressful as it’s been. The entire process from fir...

July 12, 2007 — 0 Comments

From the Expert: Fundraising Tips

During this unintentional hiatus of mine, I’ve spent a good chunk of my time on Camp Tannadoonah and Camp Fire USA stuff. One focus is non-profit fundraising. To wrap my mind around this strange concept, I’ve been talking to experts to get their advice and learn from them.Recently, I ...

May 16, 2007 — 1 Comment

Showdown 9: Time

This is part nine of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. TimeHow much time your work requires and your influence over it Self Boss Pros Cons Pros Cons Drop everything! Go play golf! Vacations and w...

April 22, 2007 — 0 Comments

Response to '20 Things Not to Do Before Starting A Business'

Dane Carlson posted an inflammatory (but well-intentioned) post about 20 Things Not to Do Before Starting A BusinessMy first reaction (a knee-jerk) was “what? are you crazy?!” But some of his suggestions are quite reasonable, and the overall effect is to caution early-stage entreprene...

April 17, 2007 — 1 Comment

Showdown 8: Interaction

This is part eight of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. InteractionHow you directly interact with othersI’m skipping the table for this one. Working for yourself can either mean working from home o...

April 15, 2007 — 0 Comments

Long time, no post

I’ve got a lot of posts I’m working on, but it’s been a while since I posted anything. That’s because I’ve been ridiculously busy with a few projects:1. SouthBend.rb – John Nunemaker asked me to present at the Ruby Users Group. Rather than try and present a top...

April 10, 2007 — 0 Comments

Non-Profit Marketing: Camp Fire USA

I recently posted a quote about non-profit marketing that got at least a few people thinking. It was really more about fundraising, but in a non-profit that relies on development work, fundraising is marketing. But because many (too many) non-profit workers have little or no marketing experience,...

April 04, 2007 — 0 Comments

Ask! Ask! Ask!

Yes!The Girl Who Asks:“The same thing goes for asking. They may say no. However, they may also say yes. What do you have to lose?”

April 04, 2007 — 0 Comments

Put your money where your mouth is

You’ve probably heard some of these: Put your money where your mouth is Eat your own dogfood Sip your own champagne Chutzpah, redefined: LifeLockThe CEO put his social security number up there on his front page. In a headline. For a company selling identify theft protection, that’s ...

April 04, 2007 — 0 Comments

Showdown 7: Challenges

This is part seven of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. ChallengesHow difficult your work is and your influence over it Self Boss Pros Cons Pros Cons You choose your work, so you can choose the c...

March 30, 2007 — 2 Comments

Showdown 6: Independence

This is part six of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. IndependenceYour freedom in what you do and how you do it Self Boss Pros Cons Pros Cons Few outside influences on your methods Flexibility me...

March 29, 2007 — 0 Comments

Showdown 5: Career Potential

This is part five of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. Career PotentialWhat the future could hold for you in terms of work Self Boss Pros Cons Pros Cons Success is great exposure Acquisition can ...

March 26, 2007 — 0 Comments

Showdown 4: Stress

This is part four of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. StressHow stressful the position is Self Boss Pros Cons Pros Cons Working for yourself is directly rewarding and satisfying You choose your ...

March 22, 2007 — 0 Comments

Non-profit Marketing: Donors don't care about you

I’ve been reading a lot about marketing for non-profits, as one of my major involvements right now is helping Camp Fire USA and Camp Tannadoonah (the summer camp where my wife serves as camp director). I caught this excellent piece:From Marketing for Charitable Nonprofit Organizations at ar...

March 20, 2007 — 5 Comments

Showdown 3: Benefits

This is part three of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. BenefitsWhat kind of non-financial compensation you receive Self Boss Pros Cons Pros Cons You can set up excellent benefits such as matchin...

March 19, 2007 — 4 Comments

Showdown 2: Money

This is part two of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. MoneyHow much financial compensation you receive Self Boss Pros Cons Pros Cons You control how much and how often you are paid There’s ...

March 18, 2007 — 0 Comments

Showdown 1: Security/Stability

This is part one of a series exploring factors in self-employment and traditional employment. For more about this series, read the opening article. Security/Stability How reliable your paycheck and position is Self Boss Pros Cons Pros Cons You decide how and when to get paid You control...

March 17, 2007 — 0 Comments

Battle of the Bosses: Self-Employment vs. a Traditional Job

Starting your own business is a hell of a decision. You hold an internal debate about the pros and cons. It can keep you paralyzed, analyzing hundreds of scenarios. You can read up on all of these topics, but you’ll see a blindingly obvious trend: the people who promote self-employment will...

March 17, 2007 — 0 Comments

Missing SXSW

I really wanted to go to SXSW this year. After hearing from Jim Gosz and Steve Smith how amazing it was last year, I was hoping to find the time for this year’s conference. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the time – too much work, too many prior commitments.So instead of being...

March 12, 2007 — 1 Comment

What The Shawshank Redemption Taught Me About Business

One of my favorite films of all time, I’ve probably seen The Shawshank Redemption over 50 times. Like any enduring movie, I continue to experience something new each time I watch it. But what can it teach us about business? Sometimes You’re Guilty Even When You’re Innocent“...

March 11, 2007 — 1 Comment

The Frugal Diner

Good advice from Kimber… and somewhat in line with Jason’s fatblogging movement. :) http://www.nolimitsladies.com/2007/03/frugal_fridays_eating_out.html

March 02, 2007 — 1 Comment

On Process: Design Last

At Notre Dame, I’ve tried out a slightly different process for a few of my smaller projects. These are just web redesign projects with, at most, 50-100 pages.We designed last. We followed this order for the project:1. Content assessment and I/A2. Build site skeleton3. Add content to site4. ...

February 24, 2007 — 1 Comment

Tax Deductions for Pro Bono Work

I’ve noticed a lot of my recent traffic is coming from searches about tax deductions for pro bono work. These searchers are all heading to my article on “”http://grundyhome.com/2007/02/06/how-to-work-pro-bono/“>How to work pro bono,” where I briefly note that you ...

February 18, 2007 — 1 Comment

Yes, yes, and yes

Yes. Yet another list post, but a good one to read and remind yourself why you’re taking the trouble. Top 10 Ways You Know You’re an Entrepreneur from StartupSpark.com

February 11, 2007 — 2 Comments

Create better proposals

Good post from InstigatorBlog: 10 Reasons Why Proposals FailSome highlights: They’re too long. Proposals aren’t meant for “shock and awe” – don’t try and overwhelm the prospect into submission. Edit and cut. Cut and edit. There’s no perfect length for a proposal, but how many of...

February 07, 2007 — 0 Comments

Passion for your work

I loved this post from Kathy Sierra. One favorite part was the difference between “passion for the company” and “passion for the work”: Passionate about the work:* Scores well on the 4-question test: - keeps up with trade/professional journals - knows who the key people in...

February 07, 2007 — 0 Comments

Taking Advantage: How to Work Pro-Bono for Fun and Profit

I have worked with a wide range of non-profits, from the very small to the very big. These are organizations (especially the small ones) that often have little or no money to pay for your services, yet need the help of someone with your talents. It’s not hard to find them.You may be asked t...

February 06, 2007 — 2 Comments

What? Integrated communications?

I’m always frustrated when I see something somewhere and can’t find more information online. This happens all the time – a TV commercial, a magazine ad, a billboard – all efforts to create new business. Yet a huge opportunity is lost when they limit this information to tho...

February 03, 2007 — 0 Comments

On Choosing Your Own Fate

It’s not about the money. I finally found a way to define my reasons for being so stubborn about my work and general unwillingness to sacrifice on quality:There are plenty of ways to make money. I chose this one because I enjoy it.

January 31, 2007 — 0 Comments

It's about the opportunity, stupid

Business is all about opportunities.A great location. A product to meet a need in the market. A chance to win your customers over. A way to cut costs without giving up anything in return. Opportunities are all around you. But you have to look for them. You can’t remain static, waiting for s...

January 31, 2007 — 0 Comments

Cut Back on Features!

“Don’t take away features from users. If they want to do something, even if it lets them shoot themselves in the foot, let them.” warnerja from forum.java.sun.comI’ve been playing with this article for a while now and it’s been sitting in my drafts list for nearly tw...

January 30, 2007 — 2 Comments

Your Customer Has a Name

Tonight I saw a commercial for some drug called Plavix. It seemed like a typical drug commercial with a guy that could have a heart attack at any time. But something caught my attention. There was a name. The commercial featured a guy named Ron. He is a businessman, always busy with work, not nec...

January 30, 2007 — 0 Comments

Why Tiny Matters: The Kingdom Flying Club

The other day, I ordered two CDs from The Kingdom Flying Club — a relatively obscure band on a small, indie label (Emergency Umbrella). I placed the order directly on the label’s website.The next day, I got an email from the band’s bassist/vocalist. It came from his personal email a...

January 27, 2007 — 0 Comments

On Boutiques

An excellent graphic from Horsepigcow Marketing

January 26, 2007 — 0 Comments

Why are these mutually exclusive?

I wish you didn’t have to sell out to make money. Or do you? Indexed: Thar she blows.

January 26, 2007 — 0 Comments

Poor Service on Purpose?

I’ll have to go track down a photo of this place.My friend Oak went to dinner at a restaurant here in the South Bend, Indiana area. He was telling us about it today when he turned to me and said, “you wouldn’t like it.”Intrigued, I asked why he thought this. He explained t...

January 22, 2007 — 2 Comments

On Being "In the Zone"

When I’m at the top of my game, I notice it. Things click, ideas flow, and I feel great. I’m unstoppable.Today was one of those days. I put in a lot of hours coding. I managed a few project situations that were a bit tough and are turning out nicely. And I was churning out ideas like ...

January 19, 2007 — 0 Comments

Presence != Productivity, Control != Management

Glimpses of wisdom from Tony Long of Wired Magazine: “The company gets what it’s paying for — all this brilliant insight — and I get an early slide to get on with the most important thing in my life, which is living my life.” “In little words, you can work whe...

January 18, 2007 — 0 Comments

You Should Work in a Web Factory

I work in a web factory. It’s not a real factory. It’s just a metaphor. Bear with me.In a real factory, a company develops a process for creating a product. The process helps minimize variance, establish quality controls, comply with requirements, and ensure measurability. Once you h...

January 17, 2007 — 1 Comment

Cluetrain Strikes Again

From wonderland blog: “Network programming needs to reach out and respect those people online talking about your stories. They talk about our stories, and we don’t have to pay them! The fan is happy talking because they like the product, and we’re fans of the fans.”Sounds ...

January 17, 2007 — 0 Comments

Walling your customers in is the same as walling them out

Today, the org chart is hyperlinked, not hierarchical. Respect for hands-on knowledge wins over respect for abstract authority.cluetrain.comThe web is all about hyperlinks. You know, the (often blue and underlined) thing you click on to go to another page? Companies want to use the web to make m...

January 16, 2007 — 0 Comments

Recommended Reading: Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Personal Development, and the Internet

Marketing, entrepreneurship, personal development, and the Internet. These are my interests and the subject of this blog. I’m also insatiable in my curiosity and learning, so I spend a good deal of time reading on these topics. Of the hundred or so RSS feeds I monitor, these are a few of my...

January 13, 2007 — 2 Comments

Project Manager's Pocket Survival Guide

Some lessons from Project Manager’s Pocket Survival Guide: “These projects can be  planned and scheduled with a fairly high degree of certainty about costs and time frame. An example is the competition that was held in 1983 by the Building Industry Association of San Diego to see how...

January 13, 2007 — 0 Comments

Intelligent Disobedience

From Learning Voyager: “Intelligent disobedience means that the dog must learn not only when to obey the commands of the blind person, but when to disobey commands that might put their owner in danger.”Can you tell your client no? How about your co-workers? Or your boss?In a good rela...

January 12, 2007 — 0 Comments

The Rich-Poor Gap of Web Design

The Rich-Poor Gap. It’s a common topic for many economists and journalists, noting that the economic distance between the rich and poor is growing wider. There are plenty of arguments around this idea, including the notion of the middle class also growing. I think the same is happening for ...

January 09, 2007 — 0 Comments

Reading the Client’s Mind: Successful Project Discovery

Many of my web projects start off the same: “We need a website.” The customer lays out the project requirements (a new design, n pages, a flash element on the homepage, and a contact form). Or, there are no requirements and they make it up as they go along. And we, the web vendor, provide our...

January 07, 2007 — 0 Comments

On the flip side...

Right after posting my experience about Donovan’s, where we spent more on the meal than we spent on one of our flights home, I found this blog. It’s an amazing story from a guy who voluntarily spent a month with a $1/day food budget. If I had seen this before I went on vacation, I may...

January 04, 2007 — 0 Comments

Two tales of customer experience

Donovan’sOn New Year’s Eve, my wife and I went to Donovan’s in Phoenix. One of two locations, this restaurant experience was nothing short of spectacular. Starting with the dress code and complimentary valet service, we were in awe of the luxurious style. We were welcomed, seated, and i...

January 04, 2007 — 0 Comments

A Real Vacation

In a recent post I wrote that I had decided to go “off the grid” for my vacation. Having just returned last night from my trip to Arizona (visiting Amber’s parents), I want to reflect for a bit. It’s been a resolution of mine to more clearly delineate between work and the rest of my...

January 03, 2007 — 0 Comments