Alex Walchli

Every developer has one. Simply, we like to construct things that… do things. It’s just how we work. We wouldn’t be good at our jobs if that curiosity to build and create didn’t exist. However as I’m sure you all know,  ideas are a dime a dozen, execution is key.

Anyway, I’ve decided on my first real side project. It involves spending time with my devious (had to say it) little sister. Myspace has engulfed her past time to my parent’s dismay. I discovered last week that my she has an amazing talent for computer graphics for her age, 13. I briefly showed her how to apply and show off her skills by making her Myspace background one of the images she had created. Something so simple to us developers and web designers as linking in an external image made her completely ecstatic. It was very nostalgic, a great reminder of where I started.

This project is simple and is not by any means unique. I’ll be constructing a website where my sister can upload her myspace backgrounds to share with the world, for free. Yeah, great idea huh, so where do I benefit? The value of hands on experience is far greater than that of a book or a teacher’s lecture.

This website will be an experiment for digital marketing techniques, ranging from SEO, SEM, to linking strategies. This will teach my company and I an uncomparable amount of knowledge. Assuming that I can successfully increase traffic to the website at a very above average rate, it will be used in future sales processes. Raw numbers and graphs don’t lie and the closely measured results will be a very powerful sales tool for future prospects.

Well I’ve finally given in. Could be because I got laid off last week and finally have nothing but time on my hands to pursue my entrepreneurial endeavors (until my funds run dry and I become another kid in their parents’ basement). Could be because I got a spontaneous itch to express my feelings to the usually overly critical and unforgiving world (yeah, right).

No, none of the above reasons are why I’ve done this.  After reading numerous articles about starting a business and expanding your network, I have discovered that they all, for the most part, tell me to do the same things. Jump on the social networking bandwagon, grab a Facebook, grab a blog, and start making new mutual connections.

So simply put, that’s what I did. I have become utterly infatuated with the power of social networking and the absolute bottom line is that its free.

As for a clarification of my intentions, I am not on here to make sales pitches, spam you to death, and hopefully not bore you to death. I am here because I want to share what I do, my experiences as a young entrepreneur (good or bad), and look to others for input and criticism. You know, keep it real. In return I will offer the same and will enjoy this new experience.

If you are anywhere near on the same boat as I am, a business owner,  I highly suggest this website to keep your sails flapping in the wind. It was sent to me by my ex-boss (and somewhat of a mentor I would almost say). www.sitepronews.com. This website has been part of the catalysts for some of things I am doing to ensure my business’s expansion and success.  I’ve spent the last couple hours reading its highly informative articles.  One piece of reading that grabbed my eye was “7 Things You Can Do Now To Cash in on Social Networking”.

Here’s the link, http://www.sitepronews.com/archives/2009/mar/13.html.