I was inspired to write this post after a recent personal experience (names and industries have been changed to protect the innocent!).  I was researching accountants (ok, so I wasn’t, but remember, I changed the names/industries to protect the innocent!).  I googled “accountants Tampa” and up came my list.  I reviewed the top 5 results and was very impressed by one accountant in particular.  Their website was informative, eye-catching and well-designed.

I narrowed down my shortlist to 3 of the top 5 accountants and began making phone calls.  I talked with one of them and left a message for the next.  Not wanting to bias myself any further, I saved the accountant with the great website for last.  Was I surprised at what happened next!  An auto-attendant answered.  No problem.  I listened to the directory choices and input the number for the person I was trying to reach.  After a long pause, the auto-attendant said “no one is answering at that extension.  Press 1 to leave a message in the general mailbox.”  So I pressed 1.  Then I heard “You cannot leave a message for this person.  The mailbox is full.”

Now keep in mind that I was calling around 11 AM on a weekday (not Monday!), so there should be no reason that the mailbox would be full if it were regularly tended to.  And what happened to the accountant that was not answering his/her extension and had no voicemail set up?

I walked away from that experience with a reaffirmed belief that having a great website is a “must” but is not the “only”!  Sure, the website caught my attention, but then it was downhill from there.  The best companies are those that have a strong brand, great customer service, broad and relevant experience and a flawless reputation.  Oh…AND a great website!

Here it goes, my first post! I’m a graphics guru, a creative marketing goddess, typically “writing is just not my thing,” but I’m excited about writing a blog! I’m looking forward to sharing my views, opinions and expertise in the world of graphic and website design, as well as some of my experiences working in corporate

America and being self-employed. Come to think of it, I have a lot of experience and knowledge and I think it’s time the world knew about it! So here it goes….I have been in the world of graphics and advertising for over 11 years. While it has been a long road, the transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship has been fairly natural transition. My first experience was in newspaper and magazine layout; everything was all about deadlines and I learned to be fast. This experience would serve me well as I then entered the world of corporate marketing. I obtained a position with First American as a junior graphic designer and then when the marketing dept moved to

Dallas, I was transferred to First Advantage. I loved Florida to much too follow the team to Texas, and who can blame me, it is the sunshine state. My next experience consisted of managing the multimedia department at Tampa Digital Studios, I learned how to diversify my project management skills and sales tactics while keeping my designer’s beliefs. It wasn’t long before one of my clients offered me a sales and marketing director position at their medical facilities. While working a full time job, I freelanced during weekends and nights, which was a good thing because I unfortunately got laid off a year later. I went from freelancing part-time to full time and little by little doing more sales, and working with designers I launched my business, MDesign Media. So there you have it, 11 years in less than 400 words! If only it were that simple. I’m looking forward to sharing my various experience and insight about graphic and website design. Oh, and marketing too…did I mention that I recently met a marketing diva? I suppose that may be the next blog! Stay tuned and Take care, Marie.