Given
a choice we recommend going with an industry leader. They're
leading because they are able to look down the road and
see what's coming next. This kind of foresight and vision
can be extremely valuable to you, preventing you from
executing costly missteps and enabling you to fully exploit
new opportunities and technology before your competition
is even aware that they exist.
.
Do
you look at their work and mutter under your breath, "Wow?"
If you do, chances are your customers will do the same
when they view your finished project. Quality comes across
in a variety of ways. One of them surely is in the creativity,
beauty, vision and technical sophistication of the work.
.
Your
business is unique. Your industry is unique. It's critical
that your interactive provider either currently understand
the ins and out of your business, or demonstrate an ability
and desire to acquire that understanding without delay.
You've got enough to do without having to hand-hold your
vendor throughout the process.
.
Rapport
is essential. The typical Web site can take from three
months to a year to launch. And that's just the beginning.
Web sites are evolving entities frequently guaranteeing
the need for a long term relationship. Who would you rather
spend that kind of time with? We recommend you consider
the following: 1) Does communication flow easily? 2) Do
they immediately understand what you're talking about
and vice versa? 3) Would a non-working lunch with them
fly by or seem interminable? 4) Do they listen intently?
5) Does it seem like they genuinely care about your company
and your career?
.
Some
firms talk a blue streak. If you're feeling like you can't
get a word in, imagine how you'll feel later on when you
need to voice a concern. Will they hear you? Or will they
interrupt you the second they think they know what's on
your mind? Seek out a firm with people who listen intently
to everything you say. Clear communication is central
to the successful completion of any project and it all
begins with listening.
.
When
you first sit down and discuss your project, what happens?
Do the company's representatives sit quietly taking copious
notes, or do they engage you in a constructive dialogue?
Of the two, the latter is what you should be looking for.
A firm that's worth its salt will ask a slew of incisive
questions early on. Don't let this throw you. If they
know what they're doing they will quickly identify the
core issues at hand. Listen to what they're saying. Does
their understanding of the project mirror what you've
told them? Are they bringing to light key questions you
haven't considered? In short, are they immediately bringing
value to the project?
.
Launching
your Web site isn't the end of the race - it's just the
beginning. You need a firm that's capable of monitoring
your online presence, analyzing traffic patterns and customer
expectations, and then tweaking your site for optimal
performance. Check with the firm. Do they have dedicated
resources to support you for the long run?
.
Eventually,
you've got to make a decision. In the final analysis,
it all boils down to intuition. What does your gut tell
you? Chances are it knows more than you do. In the final
analysis it's best to go with your gut.
.
Give
us a call. 5oMedia Group 440.998.3016 or send an email
to info@5omedia.net.
