MyCity4Her Subscriber Katrina Wagner is not only a successful business owner, but she’s an expert in web sites and web site redesigns. We recently caught up with her to find out her recipe for success in business as well as the top 4 things to consider if you’re planning a web site redesign…
What is “Graphic Beans“?
Graphic Beans is a graphic design and WordPress web development company that specializes in making the design process clear, easy to understand and functional.
What led you to pursue the field of web design?
The desire to help businesses grow and be competitive.
When did you get the idea to found your own company?
I started Graphic Beans in 2004.
What motivated you to do so?
I wanted to build a business based on my own efforts and talents. To build a company that is well run, efficient and client focused.
There’s a lot of misconceptions about web development and internet related businesses, why do you think that is?
It’s easy and inexpensive to have a web presence. However, not all websites are created equal and what works for one company won’t necessarily work for another. We spend the time it takes to get to know what’s working and what’s not as well as future goals for the business, before we design a website. Even if a website is inexpensive, if it doesn’t help move the business towards it’s goals, it’s money wasted.
Top 4 things people should be aware of when they are considering a web redesign:
1. Make sure your business strategy (sales, marketing, operations and customer service) matches your web strategy.
2. Work with someone who understands your business needs, has a delivery process and communicates well.
3. Don’t go with the cheapest person. If you’re serious about your business keep in mind “you get what you pay for”.
4. Be sure they offer training and/or ongoing support.
What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?
I love being able to implement improvements and systems to improve the quality of what we can offer our clients.
What do you believe, are the biggest challenges continuing to face women in business today?
Although there have been some major improvements in the last 20 years, I still see women challenged by a lack of equal opportunities in certain industries and being taken seriously when selling to, hiring or managing men.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given and why?
Develop a strong business network. This network has not only been a constant source of referrals for me, but also advice and support when I needed help.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Helping business owners grow their business. It sounds corny, but it’s really the main reason I’m excited to get to work every day.
Do you ever get discouraged?
If so, what do you do to stay enthused about what you do and stay motivated? When times are tough, it’s important to take a break. For me this may be meditation or a bike ride. Giving yourself some space to take a step back and take a fresh look at what’s going on and what is actually under your control. There’s an old saying, “You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day – unless you’re too busy; then you should sit for an hour.”
You work with your husband, what do you think are the pro’s and con’s to that situation?
We’ve worked together for almost 20 years now. The first company we had was his and I was his first employee. Now the tables are reversed and although there are slight differences, not much has changed. His sales background and big picture thinking is a great compliment with my skill set of technical know how and the details designers need to focus on.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Bicycling, hiking, being outside, eating a great meal, traveling or reading a good book.
What are some of the best resources, tools, organizations you’ve found that have helped you grow your business?
I’m always looking at the latest software and apps to see what can be used to improve what we do. One of my favorites right now is Asana for project management. Not only is it a fantastic tool, the company is built on a principal of mindfulness that resonates deeply with me.
About Katrina
Katrina Wagner is a successful owner and entrepreneur with close to 20 years experience in graphic design, marketing, business development, team building, and project management. Katrina’s passion for helping businesses grow stems from her own experiences as a small business owner. She brings her expertise working with businesses to improve market presence and increase profit to every Graphic Beans client. As a board member for the Center for Mindful Awareness, Katrina uses her marketing and design skills to help bring the peace and calm of mindfulness practice to under-served populations in Baltimore.
About Graphic Beans
Graphic Beans is a graphic design and web marketing company that specializes in making the design process clear, easy to understand and functional. We know you’re busy. We know you want results. That’s why we’re here! We work as a strong customer advocate, tying creative services together with sales, marketing and a sound business strategy. Graphic Beans is 100% focused on your results: designing the client-agency relationship to empower and deliver while structuring its own staff and operations to most efficiently and effectively support and serve each client individually.