Posted by Marnie Bergan on the 9 June, 2009
Over the last couple of years, being in business has taught me the importance of finding the right match. I’m talking about finding products, services or people that suit your business, suit what it needs, suit your personality and your culture.
Recently we spent some time looking for a new bookkeeper and then a new accountant. When finding the bookkeeper, it became really clear to me that I didn’t just need someone I felt was competant doing my books - I also needed someone who I felt shared the same values as we do at Bergan Blue and one who I would feel happy to just have a chat to.
So with a shortlist of two bookkeepers, I went with my gut. I went with the bookkeeper I felt would be the best fit for us.
Three or four months down the track, I can honestly say I have not doubted my decision once.
Needless to say, a couple of months later when looking for a new accountant, I went into it with the same attitude - I wanted to find an accountant that I felt was a good match for us.
We were rather strapped for time and after meeting the first accountant, decided we would probably just go with them. But then I stopped and realised that things didn’t quite click with them for me. Although we were already running late on finding a new accountant and we felt the first seemed very good at their job, we decided to arrange an appointment with another local accountant just to be sure. Like the bookkeeper, Jon and I walked out of the meeting with this other accountant with smiles on our faces and knowing that we had found the right accountant for us.
To date, both our new bookkeeper and accountant have gone above and beyond, answering any questions we might have, no matter how silly they seem.
I think it’s important to understand though that finding someone who is the right fit for you doesn’t just extend to the person who designs your website or who does your accounts. Finding customers/clients that you also click with is really important.
If you’re fortunate enough to be in a position where you can pick and choose your clients, I’d really suggest listening to that inner voice when meeting new potential clients.
Do you feel they would be a pleasure to work with? Do they value your opinions and professional judgement? Looking past the dollar signs, would you be happy to work with this client if you were doing it for free? Are any red flags going up in your mind? Is there something small about this person that’s niggling away at you?
Those tiny things that get shoved aside in the beginning often turn into something big in the end which leaves both the client and the supplier unhappy. So listen to what that little voice has to say. Go with your gut. It might just turn out to be right.
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Tags: clients, Relationships
Posted in Bergan Blue News, Other | 2 Comments »
Posted by Marnie Bergan on the 5 May, 2009
Whether you’re an individual or a business, Twitter is getting harder and harder to ignore.
I signed up to Twitter on the 8th of April, 2008. While the site launched in March of 2006, it still felt relatively young and “What on Earth is Twitter?” was a common question that didn’t result in a room full of people gasping from shock.
Since then, the microblogging site has soared. Today, it’s in the news, it’s in the White House, it’s in Hollywood, and it’s even on Rove! Whether you’re browsing the internet, watching television or talking to your friends, there’s no getting away from Twitter.
Businesses of all sizes have started to realise that Twitter is a powerful source of information and have embraced the service by creating company and staff accounts to regularly update followers on promotions, news, and more importantly to connect with consumers in a way previously not available.
While the team here at Bergan Blue have been tweeting away for quite a while now via personal accounts, we wanted to create a central account where clients, suppliers, associates and fans alike could get updates on what’s happening at our office. We want to be able to connect with other like-minded people (and businesses) via Twitter to inform, to assist, and to stay in touch.
If you have a Twitter account, you can follow us at http://www.twitter.com/berganblue. If you do not yet have an account, what are you waiting for? Head to Twitter.com, sign up, and start tweeting!
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Jon Bergan on the 12 March, 2009
Recently we implemented some major updates to our quote request form on our website. These updates were introduced to not only simplify the quoting process at our end but also to speed up the quoting process for our clients.
Previously, our quote form was very static and relied on us to ask multiple questions once the quote had been submitted. Although this method worked well, it required numerous emails or phone calls to/from the client to clarify everything. So, we decided to make things easier on everyone.
Probably the biggest change we implemented was the introduction of dynamic questions. In other words, we made the form react to the options the user selected whilst they progressed through the form. For example, when a user selects Web Design as a service they’d like us to quote them on, the form instantly displays a number of new questions relating to that service. This functionality occurs with various service types throughout the form and really does allow us to get some clarity on what the client is after.
Interested in seeing these changes in action? Take a look right here! You’d be suprised at how much better this works. If you do run into any problems, please let us know.
We hope you find these updates worthwhile.
Take care.
Regards,
Jon
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Posted in Bergan Blue News | No Comments »
Posted by Marnie Bergan on the 5 March, 2009
For those clients and friends who downloaded and installed Twit It Up after we mentioned it in our last e-newsletter, you may have noticed a bug. We noticed that when certain characters were used as part of a blog post title, some issues occurred with the JavaScript behind the site which in turn would stop the plugin from working properly on that particular post.
These issues have now been resolved. Read about it at the Twit It Up page and download the updates!
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Tags: blog, plugin, twitter, wordpress
Posted in Bergan Blue News, Online Marketing | No Comments »
Posted by Marnie Bergan on the 5 February, 2009
With the new year upon us, everyone has started thinking about what they’re going to change about themselves this year. They’re thinking about making over their image, their lifestyle, and sometimes even their job!
How many of us stop and take the time to wonder if our business needs a makeover too?
There are many reasons a business would want or need to rebrand. The number one rule of branding though is that you don’t want to do it too often. Branding your business is about establishing an image for yourself that is easily recognised. If you change your brand too often, people will no longer recognise you.
You might decide to rebrand because of:
- Market change - You’re in a market where trends change frequently and you need to adapt
- Your business has a bad image - You’ve recently undergone a large change that has left you in ill favour with the public or only barely survived a PR disaster
- Your current brand doesn’t match your goals - You’ve gone years operating with a home made logo that doesn’t have much impact, doing work for micro businesses, and have now decided to shift your focus to corporate clients - you need your brand to reflect that change.
It’s also important to remember that changing your brand isn’t just about having a new logo designed. It’s about making substantial changes to the way your business looks, performs, is perceived, and even your and your employees’ mindset.
If you’d like to discuss making over your business image, give us a call for a chat!
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Tags: branding, business image, Graphic Design, logo design
Posted in Graphic Design | No Comments »
Posted by Jon Bergan on the 10 December, 2008
Our very own Marnie Bergan has been selected to contribute to an international compilation book featuring some of the most successful businesswomen, bestselling authors and designers from around the world.
SPROUT Publishing has released the first title in the SPROUT the Life You Love series called ‘Tales and Secrets from Female Entrepreneurs’.
Celebrity authors include: Lipstick Queen, Poppy King; EMMY award winner, bestselling author and repeat OPRAH guest, Rhonda Britten; and the number #1 book publicist in the US, Arielle Ford – just to name a few!
SPROUT the Life You Love (Tales and Secrets from Female Entrepreneurs) is a valuable resource for women seeking motivation and inspiration to take their business ideas to the next level. Never before has there been such a great time to learn how to make money from home and from doing what you love.
The book contains 35 authors that are profiled and reveal their key secrets to personal and business success.
Check out Bergan Blue on page 106!
“The SPROUT concept is about empowering people to construct freedom in their lives by following their creative desires,” says SPROUT Publishing founder, Sarah Prout.
SPROUT the Life You Love (Tales and Secrets from Female Entrepreneurs) will be available in bookstores everywhere or purchase your copy online at http://www.SproutPublishing.com.au
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Tags: Bergan Blue News
Posted in Bergan Blue News, Personal | 2 Comments »
Posted by Marnie Bergan on the 1 December, 2008
It’s that time of year again! Bergan Blue will be closed from Monday the 22nd of December and will re-open for business on Monday the 19th of January.
For all non-urgent enquiries, please feel free to call 02 4384 5065 and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as we return to work.
We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas break.
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Marnie Bergan on the 29 September, 2008
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Tags: charity, competition, marnieb.com
Posted in Other | No Comments »
Posted by Marnie Bergan on the 10 September, 2008
Over the past couple of months, Bergan Blue has been working closely with a unique promotional agency called Talking Sales. Whilst the business had been around for a while, Talking Sales had no solid branding in place. We worked closely with owner Kimberley to create a logo, business cards, with compliments slips and a website.
We’re happy to announce that the Talking Sales website was launched today! Please click on the image below to view the website, or go to talkingsales.com.au.
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Tags: clients, our work
Posted in Bergan Blue News, Graphic Design, Web Design | No Comments »
Posted by Marnie Bergan on the 18 August, 2008
Cumberland Courier Newspapers holds the True Local Business Awards for 19 regions across Sydney and the Central Coast. Their aim is to acknowledge and celebrate the success of businesses in their local communities. The program unites the local community, and in recognising the success and potential of local businesses, encourages community growth and development.
Nominations and voting has now opened for 2008 and I’m proud to announce that once again, Bergan Blue has been nominated!
2007 saw Bergan Blue as a Finalist in the Professional Services category and we’d love to be able to achieve the same for 2008. If you feel that we deserve a spot as a Finalist, please click HERE then click on ‘Vote Now’ on the right to cast your vote!
By voting, you also go in the draw to WIN one of 20 indulgent weekend packages for two at the Crowne Plaza, Terrigal!
You’ll enjoy two nights accommodation in Pine Tree Suite including breakfast, dinner at Seasalt restaurant, a relaxing spa treatment, champagne and a late checkout! The perfect romantic weekend away!
What are you waiting for? Cast your vote!
Share and Enjoy:
These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Tags: business awards
Posted in Bergan Blue News | No Comments »
