DesignDetails – February 2009

February 1st, 2009

Volume 03 // Number 1

February 2009

In this issue

1. DesignDetails: RIP
2. But Wait, There’s More!

Hi,

DesignDetails: RIP

I wanted to send out this e-mail to let you know what’s happening with DesignDetails. If you recall we’re in the middle of the six part series dealing with the “Multi-Headed Monster.” The next installment in this series has to do with video, or more specifically using video on the Internet for your business. This topic has inspired me to take the leap and start producing videos as a means of communicating DesignDetails. And producing videos has made me reflect on some things.

But Wait, There’s More!

I’ve been reflecting on the mission and purpose of DesignDetails as a whole. DesignDetails actually has a bit of a branding problem. Its titled “DesignDetails” so one would think that it’s all about design, right? Initially that was the idea but over the 2 years I have been publishing the e-newsletter the topic coverage has changed. The content that’s published each month is more about using the Internet, the tools it provides, and how to use those tools to communicate the service and value you have to offer people.

I’ve decided to take this opportunity to not only re-brand “DesignDetails,” but also put all of the content that I publish under this brand into its own website. I am removing my company brand, HamiltonBerchman Design Group, from that of the e-mail newsletter and digging the content out from my company website where it currently resides.

The new website is currently in development and will be launched sometime in March. It will continue to serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding tips, techniques and tools that you can use to get the most out of what the Internet has to offer you and your business. I hope to bring other voices to the table to share their expertise, and I encourage you to bring your voice to the website as well. You will have the ability to comment, question, and share beyond the initial blog postings.

So what is it called?

The title of the new brand is “We Speak Internet.” The Internet has a language all its own. The ability to speak that language is key to tapping into the power the Internet offers. We have some great ideas for the web site and definitely welcome your comments and questions.

Looking forward to launching soon.

Wrap up

That’s it for this month of DesignDetails. In fact this is it for DesignDetails, period.

Let me know if you have any questions. I always welcome questions and feedback to provide value.

Are you facing a challenge or have a question relating to the Internet? Please share. I can answer your questions and share with everyone.

Do you know someone in need of expert help or advice with web communications? I always welcome your referrals of friends, colleagues, and family. And let me know if you welcome referrals as well.

DesignDetails – December 2008

December 1st, 2008

Volume 02 // Number 12

December 2008

In this issue

1. End of an Era?
2. Breaking Down The Multi-Headed Monster:  Part 3 of 6
3. Breaking Down The Multi-Headed Monster:  Part 4 of 6
4. Find of the Month

Hi,

End of an Era?

The end of my second year writing and publishing DesignDetails has caused me to reflect on this publication and where its headed. What topics I cover, how I distribute the content, its inherent value, even its name. Ultimately how can it provide more value to you and be of service?

I know we have a high readership open-rate. I am able to use tools that track the activity and record the data. Many people open this email and read some or all of it. I do get a few clicks on links I provide, and the number of interactions with readers are low. However, the quality of interactions with readers is extremely high. I have received good feedback about this publication and know that for some of you it provides value.

But I have been asking myself, how can I give people more value? How do I make this publication worth your time and attention and make it more engaging?

I have some ideas about what form this publication will take. The publication will still be around, but some things will change and in life a little change once and a while is inevitable. What I can say is that the new format will be unveiled next month as we continue our 6 part series below.

If you have any questions about any of the content, as always please feel free to contact me. I am happy to answer questions and be of service.

Let’s get to it, here is DesignDetails…

Breaking Down The Multi-Headed Monster – Blogs: Part 3 of 6

Blogging or, what I am going to focus on here, business blogging has been written about a countless number of times and does not need to be entirely re-hashed here. So, this may be brief but that is best. I will distill the core essentials of all that I have read and reviewed.
Read More »

Breaking Down The Multi-Headed Monster – Social Media: Part 4 of 6

Social Media. You may have heard of the term or not. You may be an avid user of one of more of these web sites providing social media services or not. If you are congratulations. If you are not, you need to get networked.
Read More »

Finally, Find of the Month

Every month I share an Internet destination that has some application to doing business, getting things done, or just plain cool. This month it’s about saving ink and to do that you need EcoFont. EcoFont uses small ‘holes’ in the middle of letters to help save ink when printed. According to the web site one can save about 20% of your ink with this font.

Wrap up & Wishes

That’s it for this month of DesignDetails. I want to take a moment to wish you all a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season. The Holidays always remind me of what is truly important in life. I hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable time.

Let me know if you have any questions about any of this content. I always welcome questions and feedback to make this of value to you.

Are you facing a challenge or have a question relating to the Internet? Please share. I can answer your questions and share with everyone.

If you like this e-newsletter, consider forwarding to a friend. Thanks for spreading the word.

Do you know someone in need of expert help or advice with web communications? I always welcome your referrals of friends, colleagues, and family. And let me know if you welcome referrals as well.

DesignDetails – November 2008

November 1st, 2008

Volume 02 // Number 11

November 2008

In this issue

1. Time of Change
2. Breaking Down The Multi-Headed Monster:  Part 1 of 6
3. Breaking Down The Multi-Headed Monster:  Part 2 of 6
4. Find of the Month

Hi,

Time of Change

Change is everywhere these days. Changes in American leadership, financial market changes, and changes in all our lives. With so much change we thought it wise to produce a series on the multi-headed monster of web communications. In our 6-part series we talk about aspects of web communication and how to either start out, or get more from what you are already doing.

If you have any questions about any of the content, as always please feel free to contact me. I am happy to answer questions and help.

Let’s get to it, here is DesignDetails…

Breaking Down The Multi-Headed Monster – Web Sites and 5 Things To Look For: Part 1 of 6

In a previously published article in our monthly email newsletter DesignDetails, I talked about the “multi-headed monster” of using the Internet as a communication medium for you or your business. I think it’s time to revisit the “monster” and talk a bit more about each component.
Read More »

Breaking Down The Multi-Headed Monster – Email Marketing: Part 2 of 6

Something we all do in the modern business world is email. It is a staple to getting things done. Are you using email marketing as a tool in your marketing mix? If not you are missing a high-return opportunity. Email is something you already do every day and, if done correctly, can be one of the most effective forms of marketing you undertake.
Read More »

Finally, Find of the Month

Every month I share an Internet destination that has some application to doing business, getting things done, or just plain cool. This month it’s about lists and sharing them. This month it’s blist. From their web site, “blist is the best choice for easily creating and sharing lists on the web. With the drag-and-drop simplicity of blist, you’ll be able to organize the information that’s important to you, from making a personal to-do list to building a sophisticated business database. With blist, your list is visual, interactive, and always neat and tidy.”

Wrap up

That’s it for this month of DesignDetails. Let me know if you have any questions about any of this content. I always welcome questions and feedback to make this of value to you.

Are you facing a challenge or have a question relating to the Internet? Please share. I can answer your questions and share with everyone.

If you like this e-newsletter, consider forwarding to a friend. Thanks for spreading the word.

Do you know someone in need of expert help or advice with web communications? I always welcome your referrals of friends, colleagues, and family. And let me know if you welcome referrals as well.

DesignDetails – October 2008

October 1st, 2008

Volume 02 // Number 10

October 2008

In this issue

1. Change of Seasons, Change of Location
2. Doing Web-Based Communications Right:  Part 2 of 3
3. Doing Web-Based Communications Right:  Part 3 of 3
4. Find of the Month

Hi,

Change of Season, Change of Location.

The passing through of September marks the beginning of fall and cooler weather. We are presently packing and planning an office move. One of the great features of the move is that we will not miss a beat—close on Friday and open on Monday. Let’s get to it, here is DesignDetails.

Doing Web-Based Communications Right: Part 2 of 3

At this point in the process, you should know what purpose your project serves, what rules you are going to play by, and what wild success looks like.  What’s next?
Read More »

Doing Web-Based Communications Right: Part 3 of 3

At this point your purpose, principles, and outcomes are well defined and brainstorming has identified large parts of the project that have been broken down into smaller tasks. Most likely you have not uncovered every task for this project as more will “pop-up” when you actually begin the process.
Read More »

Finally, Find of the Month

Every month I share an Internet destination that has some application to doing business, getting things done, or just plain cool. This month it’s about backup. In the business of our working lives we don’t realize how important a backup of data is until it’s too late. Kristin, our project manager here at HBDG, sent me the suggestion of SugarSync, They provide a host of backup features including synching and the pricing plans look reasonable as well. Even if you don’t use SugarSync make sure you have some backup strategy in place. Otherwise a major headache and hassle could be waiting for you.

Wrap up

That’s it for this month of DesignDetails. Let me know if you have any questions about any of this content. I always welcome questions and feedback to make this of value to you.

Are you facing a challenge or have a question relating to the Internet? Please share. I can answer your questions and share with everyone.

If you like this e-newsletter, consider forwarding to a friend. Thanks for spreading the word.

Do you know someone in need of expert help or advice with web communications? I always welcome your referrals of friends, colleagues, and family. And let me know if you welcome referrals as well.

DesignDetails – September 2008

September 3rd, 2008

Volume 02 // Number 08/09

August/September 2008

In this issue

1. Catching Up
2. Do You Own Your Domain Name?
3. Doing Web-Based Communications Right—Part 1 of 3
4. Find of the Month

Hi,

Catching Up.

Summer has gone by much too fast. Vacation was wonderful, the return not so wonderful Anyhow, things overall are going well here. Let’s get to it, here is DesignDetails.

Do You Own Your Domain Name?

This is an important question to find an answer to. When you or your company setup your website, how did you get your domain name?
Read More »

Doing Web-Based Communications Right—Part 1 of 3

Large corporations and well-funded start ups have the bankroll to build web communications with large amounts of research and planning. There are teams of people working on tasks such as…
Read More »

Finally, Find of the Month

Every month I share an Internet destination that has some application to doing business, getting things done, or just plain cool. This month it’s a cool one. A friend shared this video with me a while back, and I’ve been holding on to it. It’s a video on the TED web site. TED: Technology, Entertainment, Design is an annual conference that brings together fascinating thinkers and doers. This video from Jill Bolte Taylor is worth the 18 minute viewing time.

Wrap up

That’s it for this month of DesignDetails. Let me know if you have any questions about any of this content. I always welcome questions and feedback to make this of value to you.

Are you facing a challenge or have a question relating to the Internet? Please share. I can answer your questions and share with everyone.

If you like this e-newsletter, consider forwarding to a friend. Thanks for spreading the word.

Do you know someone in need of expert help or advice with web communications? I always welcome your referrals of friends, colleagues, and family. And let me know if you welcome referrals as well.

I’ll talk to you again next month.

Bert Mahoney AIGA
Publisher, DesignDetails
Principal + Creative Director
HamiltonBerchman Design Group, Inc.
Director of Internet Strategy and Services
AIGA Santa Barbara

AIGA | the professional association for design