A Business

[sagalout]

Its admittedly a biased source but this is the official line:

http://www.adobe.com/products/player_census/flashplayer/

Shockwave penetration is around the figures you quoted, but Flash is allowed in all but the most archaic systems, at least thats what the stats for our own clients show.

I do agree though content shouldnt ever be flash only. In fact we dont really use it very much at all. In my opinion its only useful for games and rich media applications.

 

[glojo]

OK, just taken a look. This is my honest feedback as a web developer (and managing director) for a very successful agency - I'm only saying that to try and qualify my comments so you dont think I'm being picky for the sake of it.

I think those of us that have been judged, assessed or have been a judge would understand exactly where your coming from and hopefully we are all thick skinned enought to accept your observations in the manner you have posted them.

It is suprising what an expert can see that is not noticeable to the lay person, all your comments I found to be very constructive and hopefully we can all learn something from them.

Well done for not being afraid to be honest.

Regards,
John

 

[DieselE]

I don't know if it's a glitch with my computer but whenever I click this link

http://www.w124works.com/

I get directed to an official MB site.

BTW good luck with your business venture.

 

[Ian B Walker]

The W124works site has yet to be linked to the 124works site. Zooman very kindly gave me the site (why are people here so nice and helpfull?) he also linked it to Mb as a temporary measure. Hope that explains.

 

[Shude]

IMHO the site should give the impression of a long-established, traditional company that has recently decided to get a web-presence, not a new company that doesn't exist yet with a slick site and no content. When I take my car to have work done on it I want it to go to a place that knows what it's doing, the website needs to subconsciously convey this.

The most important feature of a website is the content, everything else is "red crayon" as my old uni professor used to say. Traditional style, lots of text, a few pics of bits and pieces - maybe some members can supply a few pics of their cars or car parts? Anything will do! I could supply a pic of two of anything you want Ian, how about a mountain of OEM parts boxes? I could even see if I can get a pic of the inside of the parts dept at my local stealership, they're pretty friendly and the desk is sometimes unmanned

Just a few ideas.

 

[Ian B Walker]

Thanks Nick, valid points. As you say pics are important however I do not wish to convey the impression of something bigger than it actually is. It could be missleading and lead to all sorts of problems legal wise. I have a number of projects under way and photos of those will be put on the website as and when tasks are complete to the customers satisfaction.

 

[andy_k]

good point about the established business Shude and one that Ian had already decided was worthwhile

There's not much content on the site yet because there wasn't really much to add. I think adding a few photos of a MB spares department would be slightly misrepresenting the business

Ian is actively looking for premises so any photos will be taken once he gets himself installed - we deliberately didn't include pics of him working outside his house etc as it looked "amateur".

For the same reason the map page and most of the others are only temporary - ie waiting for the business to be firmly established.

Many of Ian's initial customers will be coming from within the club or by word of mouth - much better advertising than any web site and as his business grows then so can the site.

In the short term though the site is just a few pages put together in our very precious free time to use the domain names he has now acquired and give him at least somewhere to place information and images

Andy

 

[Shude]

There's not much content on the site yet because there wasn't really much to add. I think adding a few photos of a MB spares department would be slightly misrepresenting the business

Ian is actively looking for premises so any photos will be taken once he gets himself installed - we deliberately didn't include pics of him working outside his house etc as it looked "amateur".

For the same reason the map page and most of the others are only temporary - ie waiting for the business to be firmly established.

Any help needed with pics, let me know. A couple of pics, even if they're not neccessarily 100% genuine will make a big difference. I want to see pics of stuff! Even if it's a W124 in a carpark, a toolbox or Ian Walker enjoying a cuppa.

A pic of Ian leaning into an engine bay would be 100% genuine, not "amateurish" and would provide a certain level of confidence. I can't think of anything more reassuring than the sight of a bearded, senior-looking gentleman in overalls taking care of my car!

 

[dougal74]

Ian, feel free to use those pics of my old 300TE that I emailed you a while back.
Best of luck with the start up.

 

[Flyer]

A pic of Ian leaning into an engine bay would be 100% genuine, not "amateurish" and would provide a certain level of confidence. I
can't think of anything more reassuring than the sight of a bearded, senior-looking gentleman in overalls taking care of my car!

Good idea Shude. Ian, I'll take a pic of you as you triumphantly remove the spark plug from no. 6 cylinder

Have to agree with Sagalout's considered post also. Definitely remove the Flash intro; it adds nothing to the site and only hinders access. I love Flash when used appropriately (and you will be seeing more of it in the future, but perhaps not as we see it now), but not so here.

Can't remember if it's been mentioned, but either change your mailto links to a HTML form, or use an email obfuscator, such as this or this.

Kudos to you though Andy for doing it

 

[PJH]

... (why are people here so nice and helpfull?)

It's a simple case of what goes round comes round.

 

[C43AMG]

It's a simple case of what goes round comes round.

YEP.

 

[glojo]

In the short term though the site is just a few pages put together in our very precious free time to use the domain names he has now acquired and give him at least somewhere to place information and images

You are a top bloke for helping out on the web-site and it is great to see that the remarks offered by some very knowledgeable people have not caused offence.

You have earned an extra glass of beer at the summer gtg, well done.

John

 

[Shude]

Think about this: Your business should appear to the outside world to be as big or successful as you would like it to be. This kind of attitude helps it to become your vision.

Additionally Ian it would be clever once the business is running to NOT announce that you are the owner, but that you are the "senior mechanic" or something if anyone asks. People like to think that every employee answers to someone, and that if you screw up you can get roasted by your boss, also that you went through a selection process in order to get the job. If anyone asks for the boss just send them to your wife!

 

[GRAV888]

If anyone asks for the boss just send them to your wife!

She IS the boss

 

[glojo]

Additionally Ian it would be clever once the business is running to NOT announce that you are the owner, but that you are the "senior mechanic" or something if anyone asks

Years ago a neighbour was doing some gardening at the front of his property whilst burning some weeds in his back garden. Someone approached him and started complaining very loudly about the smell and smoke. After listening for a couple of minutes my neighbour replied that he was merely the gardner and the householder had lit the fire and they had gone out for the day! The dead pan look on his face, his 'Brummy' accent and the way he spoke was a sight to behold.

I can see where Shude is coming from!

John

 

[Ian B Walker]

Just thought I would let everyone know. 124works is legit now. Bank sorted, premsis looking good, equipment soon to be ordered. Overalls purchsed, new tools (ouch) and a few happy "friends". Van as seen in eBay thread forgotten about. Feeling sooooooooooo good. Now the worries begin

 

[30something]

Good luck with your new venture - I set up in business 5 years ago and although it's not always a bed of roses I would not want to go back to being employed.

 

[glojo]

Congratulations Ian and fingers crossed that everything works out.

Regards,
John

 

[timmy]

Yeah, Good Luck Ian, you seem like a top bloke, sure it will all work out.