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Get on First Base

March 12, 2019    Reading Time: 2 Minutes

We often get calls from prospective customers who have big dreams. They are starting out and want a website the size of Facebook.

This will also be their first website project.

Now, even if they could afford an undertaking like that, it’s not where their time and money are best spent.

I’ll tell you why.

Often, the person on the other line hasn’t even collected a dollar in their new venture.

Prove the Concept

My advice is almost always the same. Prove your concept and get on first base.

I know you want to hit a home run, but you haven’t swung at a pitch, or much alone got on base.

It’s even more important to start with on first base because your ideas aren’t fully formed yet. The idea you have in mind now, once brought to the market is going to change. We can have grand ideas and see things working a certain way, but rarely is that the way it turns out. There will be stumbling blocks and you’re going to change things around. Ideally, you want to waste as little money as possible throughout this leanring curve.

I should also mention, for a seasoned entrepreneur, the above scenario is expected. I’m speaking to a first-time business owner.

Sure, it’s great to collect a nice paycheck and give people what they want, but I want people to succeed. I don’t want to get a phone call from them 12 months from now letting me know it didn’t work out and they’re closing shop. If that’s going to happen, I’d rather have not collected the check in the first place.

Listen & Guide

My job is to listen to what people think they want and guide them in the right direction.

Be patient. Be smart.

Be creative when you’re starting something new. There are many avenues to get to where you want to go. And often, that doesn’t mean you need to take a second mortgage on your home to get there.

Get to First Base

From one business owner to another: start by getting to first base. Then go to second, then third, then home. Rinse, repeat.

Then, swing for a homer. Your odds will be much greater.

Let Us Help You Get to First Base

We’d love to help you. Fill out this quick form, or call/text us at (360) 450-3711 today.

Written by Shawn Hooghkirk on March 12, 2019

Last updated on June 04, 2020. Shawn is the President of Graticle, Inc.

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We recently hired Graticle to design our new website, which is optimized for content marketing. Shawn not only is a terrific digital design talent, he also has a wealth of knowledge about how to visually and verbally guide site visitors through a sales funnel. He carefully planned every design element to deliver a powerful call to action, and helped us edit our content to avoid leading users in the wrong direction. Shawn also is one of the most efficient, pleasant and professional designers we’ve ever worked with. He delivered everything in an orderly way, communicated frequently throughout the process, and rapidly adopted our project management system. He delivered great work on time and on budget. Graticle is truly one of the best web companies we’ve ever worked with. Highly recommended.

Maverick Institute

Maverick Institute

www.MaverickInstitute.com

Portland, Oregon

Graticle is the best in designing amazing websites that clearly communicate who you are and what you do. Their attention to every detail and helpful suggestions made our site build a real treat. In addition to their professionalism, Graticle has phenomenal customer service. Their approach is unmatched and the result is beyond expectation. We are excited about all the work Graticle has done for us and sincerely recommend their work!

Ron & Jen van der Beken

Owners

vanderBeken Remodel

www.vanderBeken-Remodel.com

Tulalip, Washington