WebCami Podcast

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on May 21, 2018

In this episode, I discuss the benefits of using Mixmax, a Gmail/G Suite add-on, to enhance email management, from tracking opens to scheduling sends. I also emphasize the tool's value in maintaining work-life balance and fostering professional client interactions.

Cami's Commentary:

As I gear up for WordCamp US next week, I've been thinking about the tools that enable me to take vacations smoothly. One such indispensable tool is Mixmax. Since penning this blog post, I've added approximately 150 pre-written emails to my Mixmax library. Its integration with Gmail is seamless, making it a breeze to insert and tweak my templates before sending them out. Beyond that, Mixmax excels in scheduling emails and provides transparency by revealing who has opened my emails.

It's crucial to stay attuned to recommendations from peers. Andrew Claremont, now leading the community at Glide Apps, introduced me to Mixmax during a meeting. When someone you respect vouches for a tool, it’s worth exploring its potential fit in your workflow. While some tools may fall short, others might become essential to your routine.

Anything that optimizes your email process not only saves time but also enhances your proficiency as a web designer. I urge you to explore Mixmax – it might just be the solution to your email challenges and free up your time to be a web designer.

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

NEW! SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Posted on WebCamicafe.com on July 1, 2019

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

I'm pleased to be getting this podcast off my task list today, although I acknowledge I need to do better, especially since I normally record on Sundays. I was tired this weekend and took a break, and that's a positive step. One truth from my own words that resonates deeply is how I am much harder on myself than my clients are.

So, fellow freelancers, let's remember to be kind to ourselves and find the right balance in our work lives.

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

NEW! SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Posted on WebCamicafe.com on December 12, 2018.

In this episode, I recount my first engaging and fulfilling trip to WordCamp US as a representative of the GoDaddy team, appreciating the experiences and connections made with fellow colleagues and customers alike, alongside a deep dive into the WordPress community.

The original post can be found here: ⁠⁠⁠https://webcamicafe.com/my-experience-at-wordcamp-us-2018/

WordCamp US: https://us.wordcamp.org/2023/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

I made so many close friends during my time as a GoDaddy Pro Ambassador, and the thought of reuniting with them fills me with excitement. Moreover, I'm looking forward to catching up with the numerous friends I've made over the many attending WordCamps across the United States.

If you're a WordPress web designer and this is your maiden WordCamp, here's a piece of advice: don't forget to network. While attending talks and workshops to improve your WordPress skills is crucial, forming connections with other attendees can be equally, if not more, beneficial. The friendships I've formed within the WordPress community have enriched my life immeasurably, offering support during challenging times.

Remember to enjoy what's referred to as the 'hallway track,' which involves engaging with others outside of the structured talks. These casual interactions are invaluable opportunities to learn from and connect with like-minded people.

For those of you who are regular listeners of my podcast, I encourage you to approach me during WordCamp - I'd love to meet you in person and discuss your business. Maybe I could even persuade you to share a blog post with me, which I can feature on my podcast.

I'm eagerly looking forward to WordCamp US 2023 and I can't wait to see you there!

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

NEW! SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Posted on WebCami.com on June 30th, 2014.

About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

The original post can be found here: ⁠⁠⁠https://webcami.com/what-is-wordcamp-and-why-you-shouldnt-miss-it/

WordCamp Central: https://central.wordcamp.org/

WordCamp.tv: https://wordpress.tv/category/wordcamptv/

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

NEW! SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Posted on March 1st, 2018 on WebCamiCafe.com

The original post can be found here: ⁠⁠⁠https://webcamicafe.com/make-your-web-design-niche-your-local-community/

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

NEW! SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on October 15th, 2020

In this blog post, I offer valuable tips for attending online WordPress meetups and encourages readers to take advantage of the abundant opportunities to connect with WordPress enthusiasts worldwide through online Zoom meetings.

About the author:

Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

The original post can be found here: ⁠⁠⁠https://webcamicafe.com/tips-for-attending-online-wordpress-meetups/

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

NEW! SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

The pandemic brought about many challenges for us as business owners, but it also presented some positive opportunities. One such opportunity was the ability to participate in WordPress Meetups around the world. Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a fantastic WordPress Meetup in North Carolina, all from the comfort of my home office in Seattle. It was a great experience connecting with fellow web designers, including some familiar faces. The meetup focused on Google My Business and provided valuable insights for both my clients and myself.

Attending online meetups offers a wonderful chance to engage with the WordPress community. It's a way to build connections and get to know people before attending a WordCamp in person. I highly recommend exploring WordPress meetups on meetup.com and finding one that aligns with your interests. It's an excellent opportunity to learn and network simultaneously.

Posted on WebCamiCafe.com on September 13, 2021

In this blog post, I discuss the challenges web designers face in keeping clients on track with project timelines and provides helpful tips for a smoother workflow.

About the author:

Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

The original post can be found here: ⁠⁠⁠https://webcamicafe.com/how-to-keep-your-clients-on-track-with-your-project-timeline/

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

NEW! SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST FOR NARRATION: https://webcamipodcast.com

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Keeping clients on track with project timelines can be challenging. It it rarely the case in my business that clients come to me with all their content ready, so I factor this into every estimate I provide. For larger website projects, I make sure I'm factoring in the time costs because larger projects bring more elements to manage within the project timeline.

Continuous communication with the client is crucial when working on a project. Email alone is not enough; it's always beneficial to have phone calls or video chats through platforms like Zoom. Let the client choose their preferred method of communication. This extra effort in communication can make a significant difference in delivering the project on time.

Finally, it's essential to establish a payment plan instead of expecting 50% payment upfront and the remaining 50% at project completion. If clients see automatic payments deducted from their checking account every 30 days, it can motivate them to gather their content promptly.

And if your the one that drops the ball, just admit it and get right back to work with the client. You might find out they needed the extra time anyway.

In this episode, I invite WordPress enthusiasts to contribute their educational blog posts for narration on the podcast. By reaching a new audience who can listen while engaged in other activities, this opportunity offers a convenient way to share valuable content about WordPress, web design, and running a web design business.

About the author:

Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

The original post can be found here: ⁠⁠⁠https://webcamicafe.com/be-a-part-of-the-webcami-podcast/

Join my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/

To view my business website, visit: https://webcami.com/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

This week, my commentary is very brief. I would be thrilled if you could send me a blog post to feature on my podcast. I've been refining my audio processing skills and creating episodes since March, and now I'm excited to share your blog post with the world. Please don't be shy and visit the links in this podcast.

(SEE ABOVE)

Posted on ⁠⁠WebCamiCafe.com⁠⁠, June 16th, 2020

This blog post looks back on a trip to visit my parents, where I deliberately chose not to work. Instead, I focused on quality time with them, daily exercise, and simply slowing down. The contrast resulted in less exhaustion and overwhelm upon returning to work.

About the author:

Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

The original post can be found here: ⁠⁠https://webcamicafe.com/a-lesson-learned-stop-multitasking/

The book I mention is A World Without Email by Cal Newport: https://www.audible.com/pd/A-World-Without-Email-Audiobook/0525643575

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Looking back at my old blog posts is like flipping through an old diary. It's interesting to see how some struggles keep popping up. One thing I’m very happy to read about, though, are my reflections on trips to see my folks and how I spent more focused time with them in their final years.

I used to try to juggle work with my visits. But after they moved into assisted living, I was able to hang up my apron and spent more time with them. And while I was staying with my sister, I had access to the internet in my off hours. This was missing at my childhood home in the country.

While I still multitask, I'm improving at setting aside focused time. I've been reading "A World Without Email" by Cal Newport, and it's been a game changer. I've started putting my phone on 'Do Not Disturb' mode when I'm off work. I'm also trying to cut back on screen time after I find myself reading client emails on a Saturday night. I bet I'm one of many freelance web designers who's had that happen. Luckily, I do have the discipline to refrain from replying, but it was still weighing on me throughout my weekend.

Newport's book points out how our brains aren't built to keep switching tasks. Email can suck you in and not let you go. To stop this, I've been using 'Inbox Pause' to stop emails during focused work time. I'm not perfect at it, but I'm getting better.

I have to remind myself that it's okay not to be perfect. If I'm doing my best 80% of the time, that's good enough.

And looking back, I'm so thankful that I could be there with my parents during their last years without work taking over my thoughts.

Posted on ⁠⁠WebCami.com⁠⁠, December 29th, 2022

In this heartfelt blog post, I share the impact of my Dad's passing over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and reflect on the cherished memories of being a "Daddy's Girl" and the valuable lessons he taught me.

About the author:

Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

The original post can be found here: ⁠https://webcami.com/in-loving-memory-of-glenn/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

So, after a whole 12 episodes of my podcast, I finally let out some a swear word and shed a few tears. Why? Well, with Father's Day creeping up, I figured it was time to share my tribute to my Dad. It's my first Father's Day without him in my life.

My parents played a major role in shaping the person I am today as a business owner. Watching them hustle and build their own business from the comfort of our home had a massive impact on me. I've been working from home for a solid 21 years now, just like they did. They poured all their dedication and passion into what they loved doing. And let me tell you, they sure loved each other too.

My dad's legacy in my life will always be the incredible love and care he showed my mom, especially as she battled her way through dementia. Whenever we'd visit her at the Memory Care facility, he'd quiz her, asking, "Do you know who I am, Jessie?" And you know what? Even in the midst of her fading memory, she'd look at him and say, "I do. You're my husband." There were a few fleeting moments when her dementia made her forget him, but they were short-lived. For the most part, she held onto his memory with all her might.

My dad was an amazing father. I miss him and my mom like crazy. I know how lucky I am to have had parents who gave me such a fantastic upbringing. I also know that not everyone out there had the same experience. Some folks might not have had a dad in their lives, or if they did, well, maybe it wasn't all that.

So, as we approach Father's Day, I want to take a moment to appreciate my Dad, cherish the memories, and remember that not everyone's story is the same. Love your Dads, if you've got him. And if you don't, let's spread a little extra love and understanding to those who might need it during this time.