Canada’s winter athletes have outdone themselves and I am so proud of them! No only did we win well, but we also lost with dignity and grace. 
It shows what we can do when we support our people and give them what they need to grow and improve. The Hockey was phenomenal, I’m thrilled with the Men’s result. The women also pulled out a top notch result. Since hockey is our game, the results are not as surprising as some of the wins we got in speed skating and other events that a traditionally dominated by other nations.

Trent’s Notes on Design

Where to start? Simply of course. Web site design should encompass an organization’s essence, professionalism and unique outlook. As a designer/developer I have to marry that expectation with the real-world considerations inherent in publishing information on the web. Since compromise is essential, I need to be very clear about it with the client at the outset. We both need to be flexible and open to different approaches. That isn’t to say that there isn’t structure to the process.

1. Establish a Presence

No matter what your business is, you can’t ignore the 400 million people who have access to the Internet and growing everyday! To be a part of that community (potential clients), you need to be on the Internet… your competitors will be.

2. Network

As every smart business person knows, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. It is difficult to reach decision-makers….if you are approached by that person it is infinitely easier to tell your sales story. The Internet lets potential clients find you… “This is what I do, where I am, and if you are ever in need of my services, this is how to reach me”.

3. Provide Business Information

Think of the Yellow Pages. What are your hours? What do you do (or not do)? How can someone contact you? Where are you located? What is today’s special? You can keep your customers informed of every (changing) reason to do business with you on the Internet!

4. Serve Your Customers

Providing business information to your customers is one of the most important ways to serve them. Allow your customer to find what is in stock at your store, what options are available and how to get them. All this can be done quickly and simply on the Internet!

5. Heighten Public Interest

You won’t get The New York Times to write up your store opening, but you might get them to print your Internet address if you are doing something new and special. Even if you could get the publicity, it wouldn’t do you any good if a potential customer is across the country and could not visit your store…which they can do if you are on the Internet!