The Right Tool for the Job

By John Gutekunst

Someone once said: To a man with a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. You could also say: To a man with a stapler, every problem looks like an unruly stack of unbound stationery, or, that to a man with nail scissors every problem looks like it needs a manicure. I could (no doubt) go on and on.

Obviously to do a job correctly, you need the right tool. Think of your website as a tool that can do many different things. The most common use of a website is that of an online brochure. Just like a printed brochure it explains to to current and potential customers who you are, what products or services you offer, and how to contact you. Most importantly it tells them how your goods or services can benefit them.

Another common function of websites is as an information resource for your clients. Posting the answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) not only helps people quickly find the information the need, it also frees up office staff from answering the same phone queries over and over.

Some websites provide access to materials such as forms that clients need. For example an accounting firm will post IRS forms that their clients can download and print themselves, a real time saver for everyone involved.

E-commerce is a great way to sell products like books and CDs, and can also be used as a way to accept credit card payments for services rendered. But e-commerce adds a lot of cost to your website creation and maintenance, not something you take advantage of if you don't really need to.

So think carefully when deciding on a website. Function should trump form. A combination sledge hammer-feather duster might sound like a truly elegant multi-tasker, but try hauling that sledge around all day when trying to dust your nooks and crannies — or having your nose tickled when hammering your sledges.

Top of page

Top of page

Our First-Ever Holiday Gift-Giving Guide

These may be challenging economic times, but that doesn't mean you have to look like a cheapskate, even if you are one. A little creativity can go a long way — so just follow these guidelines, and you'll come out smelling like a rose or something.

So what do you give to:

1. Those who put up decorations and listen non-stop to holiday music starting before Halloween?
   A calendar (pick up a free one when you get your car serviced) and instructions how to use it.
2. The man who has everything?
   Nothing, but tell him you gave him something (say a Tickle-me-Elmo®) if he really has everything he surely has Elmo. He'll be forever grateful.
3. Collectors?
   A little research goes a long way here. Find out what they really want for their collections, then tell them you weren't sure if it met their standards. A serious collector will go buy the item for himself. Remind him it was your idea.
4. People with numerous children?
   Avoid these people scrupulously until after the holidays. What do you think Caller ID is for?
5. Those who travel during the holidays?
   You are not obligated to gift anyone who isn't around. As a precaution keep an eye on that caller ID.
6. Someone who sincerely wishes you a Healthy and Happy New Year?
   This is something you should re-gift — right back to them.

Happy Holidays!

Top of page

What's That Stuff on my Plate?

by John Gutekunst

What do you think are the three most common searches on the internet?

1. Do chickens have lips?
2. Britney Spears: animal, mineral or vegetable?
3. Can I make my own scrapple at home?

While no one may ever discover the answers to the first two questions, the answer to question number three is a resounding YES, YOU CAN!

Here's what you you'll need:

Lean pork shoulder
Water
White corn meal
Dried sage
Salt and Pepper

Procedure

1. Assemble ingredients
2. Find a recipe for scrapple somewhere

When completed, slice scrapple and fry in bacon fat until crispy. Serve with maple syrup, ketchup or sauce velouté.

Next Week: Vegetarian Scrapple (Vrapple) — offense against nature or just a really bad idea?

Top of page