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We often hear people say that seniors will only use a telephone to contact others. Give us a break. Firstly, we all know that our grandparents 70+ are on Facebook, Genealogy.com, and ordering from Alexa.
So, how do we market to seniors without treating them like second-class citizens? We are honored to be joined by Canadian expat Warren Laine-Naida. He now teaches digital literacy to seniors.
As he says on his site,
“People have always used technology to solve problems – older people should not be excluded. Seniors also want to have a say, participate. Active participation in society should be possible for everyone. Media literacy or digital literacy is a prerequisite for this.”Let’s dig in and have a real conversation. Let’s be serious here, Bridget can join AARP in 8 years! (Jason is a bit younger.) Well, first we have to thank our sponsors.
WPblab Sponsors ServerPressThank you for being a preroll sponsor, ServerPress! ServerPress is the maker of DesktopServer, WPSiteSync, and so much more! https://www.serverpress.com. (It works with WooCommerce now!)
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About Warren Laine-NaidaTrained as a pastry chef, Warren is not only a fan of chocolate, he is an artist who specialized in chocolate sculptures. Because of his book, he taught himself to build a website chocolatecheese.de in 1999.
He now not only builds websites, but he is passionate about teaching children and seniors digital literacy. Follow Warren on Twitter; he has a wide range of interests.
Tech as a Second CareerMany people come to tech as a way to pivot their careers. Warren did the same.
“Tech is a very accessible career because a lot of us move on because of physical issues… it’s only bordered by your creativity.” Warren Laine-NaidaSince 2016, we’ve been seeing a lot of people enter the WordPress community who have a depth of career and life experience. Wanting to leave the day job, they come to WordCamps and Meetups to learn how to switch to a career in tech. The freedom from this kind of life is appealing to every generation.
“With web you don’t enter and go up the ladder; it’s fluid.” Warren Laine-Naida Who Is A Senior?Seniors range from 55 years old for restaurant discounts all the way to 65-72 for retirement. Some of Warren’s students are even in their eighties.
What is Digital LiteracyDigital literacy is the ability to use smart devices, computers, and internet of things in order to accomplish your goals.
An important thing to note is that being tech savvy isn’t related to age. In fact, warren says the demographic that best determines digital literacy is money.
“It’s a question of disposable income. It isn’t about ability; the digital divide is based upon pure economics” Warren Laine-Naida Tech Is a ToolUltimately, tech is and always has been a tool to accomplish a task. And yet, because of the disposable income issue, it’s become more of an accessory.
“We’ve moved away from them as tools; they’re accessories. It’s transcended its purposes — phone, website, everything.” Warren Laine-Naida What About Accessibility?Revealing our own bias (mine: Bridget), we thought Warren would talk accessibility. We should have a good color contrast and bigger fonts. I sort of expected a talk like Cemal Tashan gave at WordCamp Los Angeles. We were a bit surprised.
“If you don’t have access to high speed internet, then the size of the font is moot.” Warren Laine-NaidaInsert Mic Drop.
Sure. Seniors are more likely to be on a fixed income — especially given the fact that we live longer. So, sometimes they have to choose between paying for utilities or internet. Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?
A Note About GenerationsJason and Bridget are part of GenX. Jason brought up some excellent points about how the Baby Boomers and Millenials have similar goals and aspirations. It would be nice to see some mutual respect toward one another. (Okay, lecture’s over.)
Tool or Tip of the WeekThis Tool or Tip of the week is brought to you by Fat Dog Creatives. If you’re a service-based business serious about growth, Rhonda Negard is your rebranding and web design thinker, a strategic design specialist. Check out her website at FatDogCreatives.com
Warren recommends The Innovators by Walter Isaacon. Learn why innovation is important.
Jason recommends Momentum Plus. Integrate it with Google Tasks to make task management easy across devices.
Bridget recommends the Coral App. Understand your arousal style and learn about yourself.
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How do you direct your clients to the product you really want to sell? How do you show the value of your services? Can you really get volume with a loss leader? These are all questions we ask ourselves. This week, Jason and Bridget are joined by marketing expert Nathan Allotey. We will discuss the psychology surrounding pricing. This is an episode you’ll want to bookmark and rewatch!
Thank you for being a preroll sponsor, ServerPress! ServerPress is the maker of DesktopServer, WPSiteSync, and so much more!
Beaver BuilderThe best drag and drop page builder. $99 for unlimited sites. Try today. Used by Over 1M Sites. Professional Designs. 100% Responsive Templates. Theme Compatible. Highly Customizable. Content Page Templates. Live, Front End Editing. Web Developer Friendly.
KinstaIf you are you tired of unreliable or slow hosting check out Kinsta.com, who takes managed WordPress hosting to the next level. Powered by Google Cloud, all their plans include PHP 7.3, SSH access for developers, one-click staging area, 20 global data centers, free SSL, free CDN and 24×7 expert support who will also migrate your site free of charge.
If you’re interested in sponsoring our shows, check out the details on our sponsor page. We offer episode by episode spoken ads, rather than large contracts. This way you have a low barrier to entry so we can help you with brand awareness. We’re democratizing podcasting.
Nathan has been working with digital clients for ten years, has a graduate degree, and teaches people through his podcast and blog at nathanallotey.com. His podcast “Freelance Jumpstart,” can be heard anywhere you hear podcasts. If this episode makes you want to know more about pricing your services, check out more of his videos in this playlist on his site.
Reading books and listening to podcasts is good. Most people educate themselves to avoid failure. Rather, learn from failure. One thing developers understand is iteration. Test the market. Raise your prices.
“They do all these things ’cause they’re trying to avoid failure.” Nathan Allotey “You will fail; learn from that failure and adapt.” Nathan AlloteyNathan believes that you should be making 30% profit. In order to do that, establish your base. Figure out your overhead costs that also include hosting and any plugin licenses or SaaS fees.
Remember that hourly pricing should be internal.
Your pricing should reflect the years of education and hours of training that you’ve spent getting to the level of expertise you’re at.
“Definitely know your worth.” Nathan AlloteyKnowing — deeply understanding — your worth causes you to instinctually protect your time. This affects the scope of work and how a client treats you.
Don’t be afraid to stick to two revision cycles, for example. People get what they pay for. If a potential client says another agency will build the website for $5,000 less, then let them. Otherwise, that is being used as leverage to bully you. It’s manipulation.
Clients like to feel empowered. Instead of presenting one proposal that ends in a yes/no answer, present options.
Price anchoring allows the customer to choose an option rather than say no. This educates them and empowers them to understand your value.
“Instead of agonizing over the decision, why not present options to the client and let them choose?” Nathan AlloteyPresenting options gives your clients to understand a range of what they should pay. They have a choice.
What value is the website going to bring to your customer? You may want to ask the client that question and use value-based pricing instead.
“How much are my websites worth rather than what a website costs.” Nathan AlloteyDo some research. Scope out a project and ask agencies for a bid.
“Pricing is not a decision; it’s a strategy.” Nathan AlloteyIf you do choose to use a loss leader in your anchoring it is important to think long term, Nathan advises.
“Tend to think long term, rather than short term when it comes to loss leaders.” Nathan AlloteyThe most valuable thing in your business is you. Allow that value to permeate through and influence your actions, attitudes, and perceptions.
“Remember that you are valuable.” Nathan AlloteyThis Tool or Tip of the week is brought to you by Fat Dog Creatives. If you’re a service-based business serious about growth, Rhonda Negard is your rebranding and web design thinker, a strategic design specialist. Check out her website at FatDogCreatives.com
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With all of the automation, we are able (and love to do), we sometimes forget the human touch with our customers and clients. It’s annoying to us to talk on the phone, but what if it makes a difference to them? A Twitter conversation lead to Amber Pechin pitching an amazing topic that is the best 45 minutes of radio.
Well, maybe not the best. But, it is a great episode.
“I want to talk about Aliens, dinosaurs, and animals with jobs at WordPress agencies. Why you should do everything (live, work, run a business, network) as a human. It’s just a lot more fun that way.” Amber Pechin WPblab Sponsors ServerPressThank you for being a preroll sponsor, ServerPress! ServerPress is the maker of DesktopServer, WPSiteSync, and so much more!
Beaver BuilderThe best drag and drop page builder. $99 for unlimited sites. Try today. Used by Over 1M Sites. Professional Designs. 100% Responsive Templates. Theme Compatible. Highly Customizable. Content Page Templates. Live, Front End Editing. Web Developer Friendly.
VendorFuelVendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90 day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce.
KinstaIf you are you tired of unreliable or slow hosting check out Kinsta.com, who takes managed WordPress hosting to the next level. Powered by Google Cloud, all their plans include PHP 7.3, SSH access for developers, one-click staging area, 20 global data centers, free SSL, free CDN and 24×7 expert support who will also migrate your site free of charge.
You Can Sponsor WPblab, Too.If you’re interested in sponsoring our shows, check out the details on our sponsor page. We offer episode by episode spoken ads, rather than large contracts. This way you have a low barrier to entry so we can help you with brand awareness. We’re democratizing podcasting.
Networking for IntrovertsEveryone needs to know people and network. Sometimes we view networking like a dirty word that makes us feel gross. But it is important for everyone because humans are important.
“I like humans; they’re delicious.” Amber PechinWhen it comes to social events be it a Chamber meeting, WordPress Meetup, or even a wedding, we all typically go for the obvious questions.
“What do you do for a living?”
Instead of asking about the details of someone’s resume, Amber likes to shake up the game. (She does this in dating apps, too, by the way).
So, Amber asks, “What’s your favorite dinosaur?”Asking people what their favorite dinosaur is shakes us out of our norm. We turn in to five year olds, she says. Inspiring curiosity and wonder in a conversation builds relationships.
“It’s my job as an extrovert to make friends for introverts.” Amber Pechin It’s Okay If Everyone Doesn’t Like YouBridget asked Amber if that dinosaur question ever had adverse reactions. She said she understands her personality is like cilantro: you like it or you don’t. That’s okay.
“Be okay that someone might not find you funny.” Amber PechinThe main point of networking is to find this out. Your in-person events might help you find clients to refer to peers. That’s also valuable. Build connections. Ensure your website, as your digital storefront, shows your personality. Be you.
Bonus PR TipsBefore Amber started Amplitude Media with her business partner, she was in public relations. She has a lot of great tips for businesses who are looking to reach out to the press.
The official press release is good to make, but the pitch should be the story. What is the problem and how is your announcement solving that problem for the publisher’s audience?
This Tool or Tip of the week is brought to you by VendorFuel. VendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90-day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce at VendorFuel.com!
Amber recommends Termageddon, a SaaS privacy service. Their prices are super low. Crazy low. She also recommends reading The Diversity Bonus.
Jason recommends InShot, a photo editing app. It’s available in the Apple Store and Google Play.
Bridget recommends the The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Military strategy can be applied to business and marketing.
So, What’s Your Favorite Dinosaur?Amber likes the Gigantoraptor. “Clearly it’s the dinosaur having the best time.”
Jason likes the Triceratops.
via GIPHY
Bridget thinks the Tyrannosaurus Rex is funny and terrifying at the same time. Thanks, Jurassic Park.
via GIPHY
We’d love to hear from you.
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Everyone wants to start a podcast. But do you have the audience to sustain one? Unlikely. Besides, you don’t even know if you like podcasting yet.
Instead, why not be a guest on podcasts? In this episode, Jason and Bridget are joined by Warren Whitlock to get insight on how to market yourself by being a guest.
Take a listen. Let us know your thoughts.
Preroll SponsorThank you for being a preroll sponsor, ServerPress! ServerPress is the maker of DesktopServer, WPSiteSync, and so much more!
WPblab Sponsors VendorFuelVendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90 day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce at https://VendorFuel.com
KinstaIf you are you tired of unreliable or slow hosting check out Kinsta.com, who takes managed WordPress hosting to the next level. Powered by Google Cloud, all their plans include PHP 7.3, SSH access for developers, one-click staging area, 20 global data centers, free SSL, free CDN and 24×7 expert support who will also migrate your site free of charge.” https://Kinsta.com
Sponsor our showIf you’re interested in sponsoring our shows, check out the details on our sponsor page. We offer episode by episode spoken ads, rather than large contracts. A show by you for you.
A Bit About Warren WhitlockWarren has a diverse broadcasting background from the radio days (we’re still in radio days) as well as having his own podcast: Distributed Conversations. More than anything he is a futurist — always intrigued about the newest technology whether it was video, Twitter, WordPress, or block chain — his current passion.
The golden thread in Warren’s career is content production. He’s produced and created content since 1969. Though the recording and distribution technology evolves, the principles do not.
“I open my mouth and it turns into content.” Warren Whitlock Why Should You Be a Podcast Guest?Podcasting is a great way to give back. Warren paraphrases the Zig Ziglar principle that in order to get anything out of life, you must give first.
“You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” Zig ZiglarAt the end of the day, podcast hosts are much like television producers: they have time to fill but it needs to benefit their advertisers.
Not only is giving a good way to elevate your brand awareness for your company and yourself, it’s a healthy part of any SEO strategy.
Tips For Choosing a PodcastThis Tool or Tip of the week is brought to you by VendorFuel.
VendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90-day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce at VendorFuel.com!
Warren recommends riding Uber Pool. It’s a great way to meet new people. You might have fun, too!
Jason recommends Shift. It’s a great way to manage all of those pesky email addresses.
Bridget recommends watching Netflix’s series: Abstract. Look at things around you. Get context for your life and your art.
Do you have any tools or tips we should know about?We’d love to hear from you. What are your experiences with this subject?
Tell us in the comments below.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
As much as we like to think Open Source is all about giving and not getting, it isn’t a sustainable model. Peace, Love, and WordPress are great, but we still need to eat.
So how are plugins really funded? In this episode, Jason and Bridget will be joined by Chris Badgett who will tell us how he used agency work to fund his plugin’s development: LifterLMS.
Take a listen. Let us know your thoughts.
Thank you for being a preroll sponsor, ServerPress! ServerPress is the maker of DesktopServer, WPSiteSync, and so much more!
VendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90 day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce at https://VendorFuel.com
If you are you tired of unreliable or slow hosting check out Kinsta.com, who takes managed WordPress hosting to the next level. Powered by Google Cloud, all their plans include PHP 7.3, SSH access for developers, one-click staging area, 20 global data centers, free SSL, free CDN and 24×7 expert support who will also migrate your site free of charge.” https://Kinsta.com
If you’re interested in sponsoring our shows, check out the details on our sponsor page. We offer episode by episode spoken ads, rather than large contracts. A show by you for you.
Chris wore the Matt Report hat that also supports WPandUP, a nonprofit helping individuals with mental health in the WordPress space. They can use your help.
He started as a dog musher in Alaska. When he decided to do freelance work, he charged $300 for his first WordPress website. He’s experienced every part of the WordPress journey — from pricing to roles.
Eventually, he merged his company with codeBox and his passion for learning with Thomas Patrick Levy’s coding skills lead to the intentional creation of their own LMS product, which didn’t exist in WordPress’ plugin directory at the time.
He tells his story in-depth in the Work From the Inside Out podcast.
They used their high-end projects to fund the development of LifterLMS which took two years to break even and three years before no longer “having difficult conversations with their wives,” as Chris put it.
The MVP version of the free LifterLMS was built in 90 days. codeBox always intended to move away from agency work but specialized in high-end clients and course creators. It was a natural, yet intentional shift. Five years later, codeBox no longer provides agency work.
“It’s a process; not an event. I see a product launch as the starting point not the finish line.” Chris BadgettIt realistically takes two to three years. This is on part for most businesses. Be ready to make hard choices.
Focus on customer financing with early adopter discounts. LifterLMS had no other source of funding, private or venture capital, other than customer financing and agency work. They were quite literally bootstrapped.
Chris, as an avid survivalist and minimalist, made hard choices to live far below his means. That was a decision he and his wife made to help the business. It’s also a lifestyle they still believe in.
Pricing correctly matters. There are only so many billable hours in the day. If a client site has an issue, that is a priority over development time. Most bootstrapped businesses in Open Source don’t have the funds in order to sustain a separate development team.
“Client work always cannibalizes the product.” Chris BadgettBe realistic in your goals and time allotment. Don’t get discouraged.
Sure, you can fork another project. GiveWP was forked from EDD as founder Devin Walker talks about often. Chris’ philosophy, however, comes from his background of understanding people. (He majored in anthropology.)
“We believe the best products are built out of the voice of the customer.” Chris BadgettIt’s good to partner with other companies to integrate your plugin solutions. Having a powerful REST API helps ensure your product can be extended — even as a mobile app.
“Don’t do it alone.” Chris Badgett “If you actively support other plugin shops, you build and deliver more value than you would by yourself.” Chris BadgettThis Tool or Tip of the week is brought to you by VendorFuel. VendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90-day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce at VendorFuel.com!
Chris recommends Vito Peleg’s WPFeeback and the community he is building there.
Jason recommends DoubleTake by FiLMiC Pro.
Bridget recommends the Kindle App. Did you know Amazon Prime members have access to books even audible ones?
We’d love to hear from you. What are your experiences with this subject?
Tell us in the comments below.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Sometimes marketing your business means reaching out to the community around you or industry leaders. Writing biographical profiles helps your business as well as theirs. So, how can you do this well? In this episode, Jason and Bridget are joined by Allison Smith, who frequently interviews subjects. Let’s dig in and answer your questions in the live chat.
Join us on this episode of WPblab by visiting our Participant guidelines page.
WPwatercooler network is sponsored by:
ServerPress makers of DesktopServer. Be sure to check them out at https://www.serverpress.com.
VendorFuel – VendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90 day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce at VendorFuel.com
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Almost as old as the chicken and egg question is the question of whether to brand yourself as a company or use your name. Should you stay a private person or should you capitalize on your personality? And if you do market yourself, how to you maintain a private life?
Can you ever go back from being a public person? Will clients trust you if you're not an agency? Which is right for you?
In this episode, Jason and Bridget discuss the pros and cons while getting input from live attendees in the chat.
Thank you for sponsoring the WPwatercooler Network, ServerPress. ServerPress is the maker of DesktopServer, WPSiteSync, and so much more!
VendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90 day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce at https://VendorFuel.com
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Thanks, Sponsors!
The WPwatercooler network is sponsored by ServerPress makers of DesktopServer. Be sure to check them out at https://serverpress.com as well as VendorFuel at https://vendorfuel.com
If you’re interested in sponsoring the 40-minute mark of this show, check out the details on our sponsor page. We offer episode by episode spoken ads, rather than large contracts. A show by you for you.
https://www.wpwatercooler.com/sponsors
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Is it time to re-evaluate your product and service pricing? Jason and Bridget are joined by eCommerce expert Wes Chyrchel
Join us on this episode of WPblab by visiting our Participant guidelines page.
WPwatercooler network is sponsored by ServerPress makers of DesktopServer. Be sure to check them out at https://www.serverpress.com as well as Kinsta over at https://www.kinsta.com and Vendor Fuel https://www.vendorfuel.com
Kinsta - If you are you tired of unreliable or slow hosting check out Kinsta.com, who takes managed WordPress hosting to the next level. Powered by Google Cloud, all their plans include PHP 7.3, SSH access for developers, one-click staging area, 20 global data centers, free SSL, free CDN and 24×7 expert support who will also migrate your site free of charge. Kinsta.com
VendorFuel is a next-generation shopping cart plugin that will ignite your eCommerce. Built using AngularJS VendorFuel lets you keep your customers on your website for the entire checkout experience. Start a 90-day free trial now and Ignite Your eCommerce at VendorFuel.com!
If you’re interested in sponsoring the show, check out the details on our sponsor page. We offer episode by episode spoken ads, rather than large contracts. A show by you for you.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
This episode Jason and Bridget are joined by Tevya Washburn from Starfish Reviews. We discuss everything you always wanted to know about review marketing but were afraid to ask.
Join us on a future episode of WPblab by visiting our Participant guidelines page.
https://www.wpwatercooler.com/participant-guidelines/
WPwatercooler network is sponsored by:
WPblab is sponsored by:
If you’re interested in sponsoring our shows, check out the details on our sponsor page. We offer episode by episode spoken ads, rather than large contracts. A show by you for you. https://www.wpwatercooler.com/sponsor
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
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