Suzy's 10-10-10

I recently saw Suzy Welch on Today and then noticed the same thing in Business Week. Here's a condensed version of the BW article including quotes from Ms. Welch.

Many people live in the 10-minute phase. I have a friend who's a fantastic psychiatrist who travels at all times with a candy bar in her purse because she doesn't want her kids to get mad at her. Then there are those people who live for some distant future and never live in the moment. I think it's that middle 10 – the 10 months – that we often don't bring into consideration. But you have to look at all three.

Or take a guy on Wall Street who puts his company at risk with credit default swaps. In 10 minutes he gets praise from his boss. In 10 months, he gets a million dollar bonus. But in 10 years, the whole system blows.

When it comes to resource allocation, 10-10-10 is a great managerial tool. In 10 minutes, you might be having extreme cash flow problems. In 10 months it's probably not going to be much better, so you have to prepare for that. And thinking about the next 10 years allows you to imagine what kind of company you want to be. Using 10-10-10 allows you to be more strategic.

Good managers use 10-10-10 all the time. They don't may not have a name for it, and maybe they don't use it as often as they should. But they do it.

Some good thoughts for a Monday...

Bi-Lingual Web Page

As part of DLA's support of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, we have now launched the Peoria Prays section of CDOP.org website in two languages. This page gently morphs between English and Spanish allowing individuals to choose their preferred language. 

We are happy to serve both the English- and Spanish-speaking members of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria with Peoria Prays. Our thanks to Sister Isabell for her translations and assistance.

SEO for Y-O-U

Clients often ask us about SEO. We take this into account whenever we create a new web site, and do our best to optimize a client's search rankings. Here's a quick tutorial on SEO from Wikipedia.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via "natural" ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results. Typically, the earlier a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, and industry-specific vertical search engines.

As an Internet marketing strategy, SEO considers how search engines work and what people search for. Optimizing a website primarily involves editing its content and HTML coding to both increase its relevance to specific keywords and to remove barriers to the indexing activities of search engines. The acronym "SEO" can also refer to "search engine optimizers," a term adopted by an industry of consultants who carry out optimization projects on behalf of clients, and by employees who perform SEO services in-house.

Search engine optimizers may offer SEO as a stand-alone service or as a part of a broader marketing campaign. Because effective SEO may require changes to the HTML source code of a site, SEO tactics may be incorporated into web site development and design. The term "search engine friendly" may be used to describe web site designs, menus, content management systems and shopping carts that are easy to optimize.

Introducing 3 new websites. Will yours be next?

One of the best things about DLA is the fact that we get to work with a variety of clients and so many nice people. Within the last few weeks, we've launched 3 websites for some of these great clients. Let me tell you about them...

When re-designing Mt. Calvary's website, we started by deploying a congregational survey to determine the church's culture and personality. After gathering and evaluating this information, we began writing copy, taking photos (all images except one were taken on-site by DLA photographers) and designing the website. The site was launched in March, so we hope that many more families find their way to Mt. Calvary on Easter this year.

DLA Creative was also recently asked to help two consultants with their websites. Anderson & Associates is an existing communications firm based in southern Illinois. The principal of the firm was ready for updated look to her website. The client provided us with the content, while we handled design, coding and stock photography.

A local client, Catherine McGeehan Consulting, wanted to launch her business with a microsite. Although it only contains one page, the site conveys class and elegance with a custom photo of Catherine working her magic on the phone and at her computer. We also created her logo, business cards, letterhead and envelopes. We hope that these new websites help both consultants grow their businesses!

How a Doodle Serves Your Noodle

Often viewed as a sign of a wandering mind, doodling may actually help us absorb information. In a study published in Applied Cognitive Psychology, Jackie Andrade at Britain's University of Plymouth played a rambling voice-mail message to 40 people, half of whom were given shapes to fill in as they listened.

The result: The doodlers recalled 29% more of the message than those who just listened. Andrade says idle scribbling uses just enough cognitive bandwidth to prevent daydreaming, so it may help us stay focused. One boardroom doodler, retiring GM Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz, says he isn't surprised by the finding. "I can look at old sketches done in meetings 40 years ago," he says, "and experience sudden recall of the room, the table, the voices." Ellen Gibson, Business Week / April 6, 2009 / pg 018

From Dirt to Done

Thanks to everyone who helped make our new office possible! View the slideshow. 4.6 MB

Special Pricing for Parishes and Schools

DLA Creative announces special website pricing for parishes within the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. After recently launching CDOP.org, we are able to offer a discount to both parishes and schools within the Diocese. Contact Michelle Lefebvre at 309.693.1421 to find out more about parish and school websites.

Here's what Lynn Grandon, Director of the Office of Respect Life and Dignity with the CDOP, has to say about DLA:

"We approached DLA when we needed a total overhaul for our large website. They responded with a fresh, modern design and countless creative ideas. Their approach is professional, yet personal, and updates are accomplished with a quick turn-around. Anyone considering this firm would be very wise in allowing them to bid and present on your project. We bet you'll be delighted with the results."