The Interview
Any family?
Don't I know it! Its all go back at the ranch...I'm married to Tara (shameless plug below!) and we have two kids. Rory (2) Molly (10 months)
What is your business called?
5th Column Digital Design. An old colleague initially suggested the name - it all goes back to the Spanish Civil War you know!
I see by your picture that you juggle. Where did you pick that skill up from and any other hidden talents?
The juggling balls are easy to master especially when your'e used to juggling two pre-school kids and running a business.
You played in a band at some point. What were the bands musical influences and what was your best gig?
Ah the old days! I was a massive Stone Roses fan. I loved that era of music AND the fashion that went with it. The band drew their influences from a range of styles however - Indie, Rock, Blues were the main genres.
Best gig was in The Halt Bar, Woodlands Road, Glasgow. We had a good crowd with us that night. We played one of our blues songs and half way through, the waiter (must have been about 50) came up onto the stage (unannounced & unrehearsed!) pulled a "moothie" out of his pocket and started playing along with the band. Crowd loved it!
What was your first job?
I was 1 out of millions of Geoffrey's! Worked in Toys R Us over Christmas one year. It was terrible! Small, spoiled children demanding everything their parents could carry and more!
Which successful business person do you admire most and why?
I don't know - and that's the truth!
Note from the Ed. You could have told a wee white lie and said Timothy John_Berners-Lee, without whom you may not be in your current role!!
When was your company formed?
I decided to go freelance at the start of 2009 and after going through all the formalities and getting myself setup it was around May 2009 when it all began. Its been hard to get things going and keep it going but I wasn't a stranger to this fact. I'm still learning the ins and outs but its definitely been the best move for me!
What were you doing before you took the plunge?
I worked for just under 10 years for Learning and Teaching Scotland as a Senior Developer.
Why did you take the plunge?
Apart from needing a change, my ultimate job had always been owning my own business. Problem was I never had the expereince and confidence to do so. After 10 years working in the public sector I knew I had so much more to give than just developing websites and applications and felt the best way to do everything was to go freelance.
What was the major change you encountered when you left Learning and Teaching Scotland to set up on your own?
Having to do lots more than just the "day job" The notion of having to source, develop and sign off a job was a new one to me and one I had to get used to quickly. However, the biggest change was not getting a guaranteed payslip at the end of the month! Where did that comfort zone go?
In a few sentences describe the core services or products of your company?
My main services are Web Design, Brand Identity and Print Design. I also provide Hosting, SEO, Social Media Integration, Web Marketing, Analytics, Training & Support. I also do Photography, Illustrations and help my wife promote her latest business venture - http://www.babykeepbox.com (you were warned!)
What is the most creative design you have come up with to date, can we see it, and explain why it stands out?
My favourite job to date has been Pilrig House, self-catering apts in Edinburgh. (http://www.pilrighouse.com) They had recently taken over the business and needed an online presence to begin building their business. The design had to be modern while also sticking to the history that surrounded the building. I felt I captured everything with this job and the clients loved it too. To this day, more than half their trade comes solely via the website!
Note from the Ed. And here was me thinking your creativity was focussed on our website all this time!
Why should I be interested in buying from you?
I've always said I wanted to keep it simple. Clients love this, especially when it comes to owning websites/hosting/domains etc. I aim for 100% customer satisfaction. This means I involve my clients from the start to ensure the end product is something they are happy with.
What does an ideal client profile look like?
My ideal clients are new businesses. Its so important to get the right branding/look for your business - it has to be pitched perfectly for the right market. I feel its overlooked most of the time and my job is convincing clients otherwise. Alongside this, I love helping them setup an online presence and educate them that the internet is a tool that can build them a more successful business.
Name five clients you work with?
7camcie, The Arches, Card Land, Lucinda Russell Horse Trainer and Think Different Events!
Name five clients you would like to work with?
It doesn't bother me. What I like is well planned out jobs, not ones where the client is unsure what they want and the finish line is so far in the distance you cant see it. Theres nothing better than signing off on a job and leaving a customer happy.
What makes you stand out from other web designers in the same field?
I hate this phrase but "One Stop Shop" sums me up. I do everything basically and dont require the skills of others to provide my services. Graphic/Web/Print Design, Development, Hosting, Emails - the list goes on... However, my best asset - and you can ask all my clients - is my degree of patience. Dont ask me where I got this from, but I'll happily lead a client through every stage of a job and come out the other end stress free!
How do you get most of your business work and how has networking helped you?
So far, so good! Its been mainly word of mouth. I built up a range of contacts through my previous workplace and to be honest its helped me get to where I am with my business today. Networking I love! Not only does it raise awareness and bring in new business, it breaks up lonely days sitting in front of the computer :-(
What tips would you give a young graphic and web designer setting out on their own?
Hard work and a determination to succeed should get you on your way. There's was such thing as 9-5, Monday-Friday. Days rolled into nights and nights into weekends. Any job that came my way I grabbed with both hands to try and build up a portfolio and contacts as quick as possible. You have to be pro-active too, sitting back and waiting for work to come your way won't happen as quick as you opening your mouth and getting your name out there.
If you could start again, what would you be?
Forensic Scientist!
What are your top priorities for 2011?
Bigger clients, bigger turnover! I have a few other ideas under my belt that I'd like to pursue.
What do you most enjoy about running the business?
100% control.
What was the most valuable lesson that you have learned?
Don't burn bridges!
What has been your biggest regret in business to date?
Burning bridges!
What was your biggest career break?
It's a Chicken and Egg scenario for me. On one hand, it would be leaving my job after 10 years and setting up on my own and on the other hand, getting that very job and building the 10 years experience that I needed to set up on my own. Confused?
How do you relax?
Walking, Circuits, Reading, Music - don't we all?
Any special offers or promotions you would like to highlight
200 free business cards designed, printed and delivered with every website order!
Any question for the editor?
Why do you have a girls name?
Note from the Ed. I think you're confusing me with the girl's magazine The Jackie. As I've pointed out over the years I'm a Jacky!!