Sounds Like A Good Idea... Right?

This week I decided to give you an update on how things are going with my business. I've had a few highs and one definite low. 

Let's start with the highs, it makes me feel better. I attended a networking event and picked up a client or two and I did a few small jobs from some websites where I've posted my credentials. Things seemed to be going well, and then...

One of my clients gave me a call to thank me for my work and to find out how I wanted to receive payment. She also had a suggestion for me, "take a look at your website" she said.

Weeks earlier, on the suggestion of a colleague I went to a site that would host my web pages for free in exchange for allowing advertisers to put up small ads and banners. You know, you've been to a site where there may be a small ad on the side about working from home, funding for college, home loans, etc.  I figured, sounds like a good idea right? WRONG!

Turns out one of the ads they included was an ad from the site-hoster about how you can add free video to your website. Some of the sample video shown was rather tacky and not something you would want a client to see. My client was kind enough to let me know, but there's no telling how many others saw the ad. The ads rotate so some may have seen it, some may not have. It had to be my lowest day. But it did teach me a lesson.

Even though I'm still in the beginning stages of formalizing my business, I can't afford to take short cuts. It's better to have no website than to have the catastrophe I just endured. It took the wind out of my sails but I'm surviving. It's a mistake, the first of many I am sure. This has also taught me that if I'm going to make my business grow, it's no longer just about how well I write, it's the entire package.

So I am taking my punches in stride. I've deactivated the website and will wait until I can get a quality site (I'm no web designer) that's advertisement free!

I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, if you have any war stories from your small business adventures I'd love to hear them - it will let me know that I'm not alone and that there's still hope for my success. - Until next time!