Member Spotlight

Joanna Pilcher

iDesign Team

Name – Joanna Pilcher
Lives – Harlow, Essex
Market Sector – Web & Graphic Design
Web: idesignteam.com

I was born in Great Yarmouth and spent my toddler years on the beach, then moved to Bonnie Harlow and spent all my school years there. I spent a few years in Scotland, where I gave birth to my wonderful son, now 15 years old.

My first job was with a printing company which I thoroughly enjoyed, it was a great first job, I loved the clientele and all aspects of it. I moved into marketing and design, and also trained basic IT skills to all ages from teenagers through to people in their 50s and 60s. This I found very rewarding as it included all the aspects that I enjoy – Helping people, IT and creativity. My interest in computers and gadgets as well as my creative side drew me towards graphic and web design which also mixed business with pleasure.

When you have a passion for your work, I feel you always produce far better results as you have a sense of pride in your work. I love being able to help people and if it means helping them get their business off the ground or move further afield, then I am really in my element.

I worked in full-time employment for many years, then in 2007 started breaking out and doing private work for individuals, this then grew to a point where I couldn't juggle the both – something had to give. It has been the BEST decision I have ever made. I love the buzz of getting new work in, I love having happy customers and being my own boss.

My clientele has rapidly expanded due to mainly recommendations which are really rewarding and exciting, as again, it makes my working week really interesting, meeting new people and the variety of work. My clientele base ranges from industry to retail clients, to professional, commercial and sole traders.

I feel that pride in my work makes my service one of the best on the market and I have many plans for the future. I WANT to do a good job and WANT happy customers and so I go the extra mile in customer service. I personally project manage each client, ensuring they are completely satisfied. I am always sniffing around for new ventures to tap into, so watch this space!

Survival of the Fittest:

In this tough economic climate, particularly for small businesses, it can be a real fight for survival. We hear horror stories about the number of businesses closing every week (2,831 redundancies every day), and the only way forward seems to be to stand out from the crowd. For many, raising the profile is the only way forward; and some investment has to be made in order to reap the rewards. All the old cliches ring true at this time: 'survival of the fittest', 'weathering the storm', 'speculate to accumulate'; and those who go the extra mile to secure their business will still be there when things eventually return to normal.

Being a micro-business is the future and possibly the way to help save the world!

How?! As it is, unemployment is climbing rapidly, so becoming a micro-business that employs just one or two staff helps to accommodate the number of unemployed hence fulfilling a need for their customers and workers and are vital to the economy.
However, it needs to be done right - Place yourself in front of the right audience - offer what the customer wants - at the right price, and then you are nearly there. Believe in yourself and your business this then emulates 'passion', and it's your passion that drives your business. As an old Latin Proverb said; "Believe that you have it, and you have it".

Rebranding or reinventing your brand is a great way to stir up interest and enthusiasm. Not only is it like opening a new venue, with all the extra publicity that can generate, but it gives you a chance to examine your business and identify additional profit opportunities, as well as pinpointing those things that are not making you any money.

You may think you know your customer profile but, are you really giving your customers what they want? And, are there a set of potential customers out there who either don't really know what you have to offer, or, could be tempted through the door if you tweaked your offer just slightly?

This is where an outside view can be incredibly valuable - asking what people really want, analysing the information and making it work for you. Rebranding allows you to keep the things that really earn you money. In addition, an outside eye can often spot ways to help you streamline your systems and save you money. A 'mini-makeover', with a new or updated theme and logo, and marketing to the right audience will create interest amongst your existing customers and, even out of curiosity, draw in new ones - the sales boost you need to help you ride the recession.

Two mirco-businesses, based near Stansted Airport, have joined together offering 'mix and match' services including consumer research, marketing plans, PR and redesign.

iDesign is an enterprising, creative company based in Essex. Started in 2007, and yet with years of experience in the field. Through recommendations and with hard work the company has achieved rapid growth by providing clients with quality and value-for-money service.

We do the hard work for you!

We offer the full package, from logo and web design to stationery and promotional items. 'Packages' can be formulated to suit almost any budget, with clear and transparent costs, so that businesses can see exactly what their commitment is before any work is carried out.

Why choose iDesign?

It is in our interest that you succeed – YOU GROW – then so will we.

• Our customer service is paramount
• Our overheads are low
• Our printing costs are low
• Attention to detail is high
• No hidden costs (transparent)
• We're honest, sincere and approachable

Being in the Spotlight – we have a fantastic offer:

A 5 page website with first year FREE domain name and hosting*, all for £250 (NO TEMPLATES – bespoke design starting on a blank canvas)
PLUS 500 FREE matching business cards, double sided print, full colour.

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To take advantage of this remarkable opportunity please contact me on 01279 739108 or email joanna@idesignteam.com

So, if you're thinking, "Maybe I should", please do!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Joanna | iDesign

*Domain name and hosting for each year thereafter only costs £36. No hidden costs