Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Rancho Cordova Civic Light Orchestra

Susan helped us redesign our website to improve its functionality and appearance. She listened to our needs, and recommended an excellent platform for our site, one that had a lot of built in functionality that was still very user friendly. 

Then she performed the initial setup our website, customized some forms, and trained us to make updates. She did all this in a professional and efficient manner, providing much needed impetus and focus to get the job done.    Without her help, we would still be tryng to get our website done! 

~ Amy Hoffman, RCCLO

www.rcclo.org
BACK STORY:
This group needed something that most groups need: a website that can be easily maintained by volunteers so that the website is not in the hands of someone who may or may not be with the group in the years to come. When I look for a solution for them, the criteria are:
  1. Finding the tool best suited to meet their needs. It is definitely not a “one size fits all” when it comes to website platform selection. They needed a members-only section that orchestra members could access.
  2. That the website platform company has great customer support and additional training. I want my clients to have an alternate support system so they don’t need to call me for change requests or support or if something should happen to me.
  3. The tool is (relatively) intuitive to use so an hour or two of training will provide them with the knowledge to make the most frequent changes themselves.
The RCCLO is a prime example as you will see their website has current events listed in their slideshow and calendar and still looks great after months of self-management.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Best Business Referral Network

I must say Susan Dakuzaku is an amazing Web Ninja. I have worked with Susan for the last 5 years, she designed and keeps my website updated and relevant. What I mean by Web Ninja is she is in and out of my website quickly, so there is very little down time and she implements new trends with lightning speed.

Two years ago I contacted Susan again for another website. Again, she was stealthy, and in great Web Ninja style created a website for our business networking group... the website is very user friendly and has updated calendars and member information. Again, Susan exceeded my expectations.

In my opinion Susan deserves a 6 star rating out 5.
Kathleen Beck, BBRN

Backstory:
Kathleen had approached me in 2012 to develop a website for their networking group. With our eNutshells platform, we are able to create complex Content Management System (CMS) website at a fraction of the cost. The website included a member directory and meeting information.

In September 2013, the group was considering going independent and a primary concern was the loss of infrastructure and support. Several other groups that had left the "mother ship" had floundered and disbanded. Part of the strategy we adopted was to let technology do much of the work to maintain the mission of the group (passing qualified referrals) and growth (inviting guests).

BestBusinessReferralNetwork.com

In December 2013, the Best Business Referral Network as born and their website includes the following additional features:
  • Forms that allow each member to easily pass referrals and invite guests. Invitations include a RSVP form for the guest. 
  • A photo gallery that is immediately update-able via photos taken on a cell phone so that visitors will see all the activity at the group
  • A calendar that displays the schedule of featured members at each meeting as well as special events
  • List of newest members as well as a list of business categories that we are actively seeking. 
  • Rotating member "billboards" with their testimonials for the group or featuring them for their contributions to the group
  • A mobile version that lets members and guests access member and meeting information from their cell phones
  • A QR code that opens this mobile website which is featured on our rack card (a combination invitation and directory listing of our members)
  • Integration of a Contact Management program that allow automated invoicing of dues as well as an easy way to stay in contact with previous guests.

As of July 2014, membership grew from 25 to 32 in 6 months. That's a 28% growth in 6 months... Now, not all of this was because of the above technology but I daresay it played a significant role. Also, not every business will experience this type of growth (but wouldn't it be worth exploring the Return-on-Investment?

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