Web Developers: Invest the time to create your page!

Jul 31, 2012 business misc-web
This post is more than 18 months old. Since technology changes too rapidly, this content may be out of date (but that's not always the case). Please remember to verify any technical or programming information with the current release.

I’ve heard the argument so many times: “I’m just too busy to do my own website” This usually is followed by pleading statements leading to the fact that no one is paying them to do their own website - like their current workload is paying them.

False!

And here’s why… Let’s say you’re working at a fast food restaurant making $1 more than minimum wage. The company will allow you to work as much extra as you want - so maybe you’re working 60 or 70 hours. You’re making “decent” money, but you’re too busy to go back to college. You’ve heard that if you get a college degree, you could enter the business world, and make 2,3, even 5 times more money than you are now. But you’re just … too busy.

That’s the same way I feel about web developers who don’t take the time to make their own website and portfolio.

If you’ve followed me so far, you know I value striving to always be better - and isn’t that what we’re all trying to do? Well it’s time to show people!

Let me break it down for you:

Excuse: I’ve got more than enough work from word of mouth.

Reply: Will you always? What if the 2 or 3 people who are feeding you work found someone who will send them referral checks/bonuses? What if that source dries up - will you always have “more than enough” work from word of mouth?

Excuse: I’m just too busy to work on my own website.

Reply: First of all, this isn’t a gig for a customer. It doesn’t have a due date. JUST START IT NOW - it doesn’t have to be done in a week. Second, if you start to understand the value of this tool, I guarantee you you’ll find the time for it. Watching “Burn Notice” tonight? Don’t - start on your website - and watch it later on Hulu.

Excuse: No one is paying me for my own websites - but my clients pay me for that work.

Reply: Let me point back to the fast food restaurant. The website is an investment (like college or tech school?). Want to make more, make your website.

Excuse: Everyone in my area knows I’m “this good” so I don’t have to go and brag.

Reply: The internet is global. How will I know you’re that good? I don’t live in your community? What about other potential employers, publishers, etc?

Excuse: I don’t care.

Reply: Well then I really can’t help you! :)

Seriously though - do it.

It’s time. Take the time to create your website to feature yourself. It’s well worth it. Fire up your blog and share. (Side note: don’t tell me, if you’re a PHP programmer or something similar, that you didn’t learn from other people’s blogs…. pay it forward!)

Proud of your work? You can always comment on my website and post a link - I’d love to check out what you’re doing.

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