January 25th, 2012
An interesting question was posed on Twitter today… What are your thoughts on on auto-responders in emails?
I hate them. As a business and as a customer. HATE THEM! Let’s dive in, yes? There doesn’t seem to be middle ground on this subject so let’s explore.
As a business, I really, really, really depend on engagement. I believe there is gold in engagement. It’s personable and while I’m not making $ from sending personal emails, I am (hopefully) creating a friend in a client, one that (hopefully) feels taken care of. And if all other variables work out in my favor, client will turn into friend, will turn into loyal client AND an evangelist. <--- There is nothing better than an evangelist for you. Does it all come from sending personal emails, no! BUT, I don't believe that auto-responding gets you any closer.
But what about the weekend, or after 6pm, or while you’re on vacations, you might say. Well, I simply don’t respond after business hours or weekends. Vacations are tricky! I have been known to send a few emails while on vacation, even as simple as… “*quick response to email*, but we can chat about it a little bit more when I get back on *date*.” EASY! If you are consistent in getting back to people in a timely manner and then suddenly they don’t hear from you on a Friday night, they will make the connection. People aren’t dumb.
As a customer, if I receive an auto-response email from a small business owner my first thought is: “?????????” Unless you work for a corporate giant (where auto-responders are part of the culture), they are unnecessary, I feel.
I like to give business to people like us, who are engaging, who don’t take themselves too seriously, who are relatable. If I get an auto-responder from someone telling me they’ll get back to me on Monday, I make a face at them. It’s not that serious.
More importantly, I want to know what YOU THINK. If you are a small business owner, do you use an email auto-responder? Why?
As a customer, do email auto-responders bug you? Yes, no… tell me! I really want to know! If I sent you an auto-responder would you make a face at me???
Send me an email: janey@findmimi.com, or comment below. Though I would prefer a comment so that we can start a conversation and everyone can see it. Let’s chat about this!!
Also, I will feel really dumb if no one responds, so please do. :D
Like this post? Share it on 
or 
July 20th, 2011
Before Rustin and I were married we used to drive from Orange County to Utah to visit his family at least once a year. On one specific drive we talked about Maingate before it was Maingate. When Rustin first presented me with the idea I was very skeptical, I laugh now at how skeptical I was. I was that person that told him it would never work and I constantly poked holes in his theory. But when it came up again last year, we were dead broke and I was in a “let’s try everything, something’s gotta stick” state of mind. And I still poked holes in it, but this time out of determination and MAKING it work.
Maingate failed once. Did you know this? We attempted it. And it fell flat on its face. The holes I thought we fixed were fine, but the online advertising world just wasn’t ready for us. But we were determined, and the online advertising world was going to give us a fair chance whether they were ready or not. We cleared our eyes and our minds, and dedicated hours and energy to do it better and to be heard. And again we gave it a go, but a real one this time without the rose-colored glasses. In our hearts, we knew it would turn into something. 19 days ago Maingate turned 1. It’s still an infant, and like an infant it has grown unbelievably fast and right before our very eyes. I’m amazed sometimes at what it’s been able to accomplish.
I’m more amazed at the people that made Maingate happen. It wasn’t entirely us. We may have created the bones, but our wonderful publishers and advertisers are the soul of what we’ve created and without them we wouldn’t be as successful as we are. The biggest thank you goes out to you folks who took a chance on us. Thank you. Forever thank you. Especially those publishers that have been with us from the very beginning, you guys rock my socks off. Seriously. Maingate is our baby, so thank you for being patient with us, especially as we’ve scrambled to grow along with it. This leap of faith that you’ve taken means more to us than you can imagine. We’re still blown away by you.
Our baby now has swag. And in celebration of its birthday we’ve sent out a package as a thank you. True to form, the first attempt was a massive face-plant fail. The pens we originally ordered were ugly, let’s not kid ourselves. So, after a re-do we finally got it right.
(And now we will never run out of pens!)
Publishers, a special and exclusive delivery is on its way. Here’s to another year of Simple, Honest, and Quality. And to many, many more.
Lots of love.
Like this post? Share it on or
March 15th, 2011
Back in early 2010 I received a dm on Twitter from Maria about possibly doing a couple of promo photos for Two Peas and Their Pod. This was before their big renovation, so we decided to hold off until it was finished to showcase their beautiful new kitchen.
I was honored to find that Josh and Maria were featured on The Kitchn today, along with a few of my photos. Thanks a bunch for the opportunity you guys! It was truly an honor.
View more of their photos and their slideshow here.
Cheers!
Like this post? Share it on or
March 2nd, 2011
I don’t photograph well. She put it out there matter-of-factly, but her cheekbones said different.
In her home, the fresh flowers sat on the elongated table. The one they had specially made. The one that had been brought home just in time to make an appearance for pictures. There was no indication that a renovation had taken place in this space. No trim left to touch up, no sign of a screwdriver. It looked as though their home had been built this way from the beginning. Just for them.
The walls were the perfect contrast to the white cabinets and white trim, like straight out of a magazine. He looks at her the way you would look at a delicate flower; she looks at him like he’s just said something inappropriate. They are Ying and Yang. Complete opposites that just seem to work well together. Like coffee and chocolate. They are two peas in a beautifully done pod. She may think she’s not very photogenic, but when she’s standing by her husband she’s calm and beautiful. Them together… well it just makes sense.
Maria and Josh, thanks so much for letting me come into your home and putting up with me for a few hours! You two are way fun to be around. I hope this isn’t the last time we see each other, you still owe me cookies! I kid. But really, though, it was truly an honor to take these photos for you. Thanks for being so great! And pretty. :)
You can tell the couples that are completely comfortable with each other. They drink from each other’s drink without asking, they don’t worry about personal space, and automatically intertwine each other’s arms. Cute.
If you know Maria, you know she loves cookies! Don’t these look delicious?
These cookies were about about as big as my face, and I have a normal sized face so these cookies were ginormous! Wait, did that make sense? No? Well, I would have taken the picture with a quarter next to them to show the actual size… but the moment’s passed. You’ll just have to take my word for it! :)
Two peas.
To view more pictures check out the slideshow!
To learn more about Maria and Josh, check out their website TwoPeasandtheirPod.com
Need some promo photos? Contact me at janey@findmimi.com
Cheers!
Like this post? Share it on or
February 16th, 2011
We must’ve done something right.
Rustin and I sat on our new-ish couches in our new-ish remodeled room, with the sun setting behind us. Our boy ran around us, chased the dog. He also also shared his treats with her. Gross.
We haven’t done everything right. Far from it actually. I wish that the first couple years of going independent we had known someone who had done it before us. We’d be able to talk openly about the highs and the very, very low lows. And I’d be able to see that we’d come out of those first years ok. Partly unscathed, a little embarrassed but mostly ok. And I wish someone would have told me the pride I would feel coming into year three and how worth it would all be.
We’re still here. Together. This life is not meant for everybody. I’m not gonna fake the funk, if you want to test a marriage you should own a business together.
*I wish someone would have told me that the check doesn’t always come when you expect it to. We’ve gone sometimes as long as 4 months waiting for that one BIG check. And when you’ve got a baby’s mouth to feed, that wait is excruciating. How do you tell someone how important their money is to you? That without it, you don’t eat? Will it even matter? The answer to that last question is no. Have some money set aside so that you don’t have to go through what we did.
*I wish someone would have told me that when he goes independent so do I. It wasn’t until last Fall when I started to realize that he can’t do this alone, and neither can I. I think that if I had spent my energy wisely we would be further along in our dreams… but better late than never! I’ve since gotten my hands dirty along with him and we are a much happier couple because of this. And our business is doing much better. This is not just a job, it is most definitely a lifestyle. And like any lifestyle, there’s a learning curve.
*I wish someone would have told me to be prepared to put on a happy face when I don’t want to. One of the more important things in my job description is to remember to tell him how well he’s doing and that I believe in him. It’s the fuel to his fire. And any man with the teeniest bit of insight can vouch for this. When the mortgage is due and the fridge is empty, it’s not so easy. Funny thing though, afterwards you will wish you’d have done it sooner. His best work comes from a little attaboy now and then. Be prepared to tell him that you believe in him, even when you’re dead sure you’ll be working the Costco late shift next month.
*I wish someone would have told me that we just have to run the clock. We have to put in our time just like everyone else. There’s a reason so many Independents fold within the first two years. Put in your time and float through the rough patches, it will get better. And remember to pat yourself on the back for just floating through those times, even if you have nothing to show for it, coming out on the other side of these rough patches is just as successful (if not more) as landing a huge deal!
*I wish someone would have told me that the 24/7 work hours would pay off… eventually. It’s a difficult thing when you have “checks in the mail”, and no money in your hand. So what do you do? You look for more work. For fast easy jobs that can get the bills paid within the next couple of days if you work hard and fast enough. Thing is, when you come off a big job… you’re tired. And the “fast jobs” are only fast if you work through dinner and into the early morning to meet you’re deadline. Dead, is a better way to describe it. If you’re stuck in this scenario I don’t envy you. It’s a hard place to be, one of the worst places I think. I wish I had been a softer place to fall… you win some, you learn some. I don’t have any decent advice for this, it will get better though.
*I wish someone would have told me to enjoy it. It’s all a process. We’re all on a road to somewhere. The process is just as important as the destination. Enjoy it.
I’m so glad I have this blog to celebrate when celebration is due. But most importantly I’m so glad I have it to document our mistakes. I learn so much more from mistakes than successes. So here’s to many more mistakes. And to doing it different next time.
Enjoy the journey.
Like this post? Share it on or
November 30th, 2010
It was threatening to snow all day long. The clouds were grey and moody. The wind furiously blew the last of the leaves from the trees and left nothing behind in their verocity. The chill in the air was inescapable. Winter had finally arrived.
It should have been a bad day for photos. It was hard not to notice how the grumpy clouds diffused the light, making it soft and perfect. Probably the opposite of what they were intending. The day was dark and cold, but Eli warmed it right up with his sass and wit. We found shelter from the fierce winds in the Salt Lake City Library, but the light was too perfect to stay indoors too long. It should have been a bad day for photos. But it was really hard for the weather to compete with perfect light and a perfect smile.
Eli, thank you so much hanging with me! You are always a delight to be around and I’m so, so, so glad that I met you! You’ve quickly become one of my favorite people ever. I’m so grateful to have met such a genuinely good person and I’m so glad to call you my friend! So… thank you.
Photos of laughter are my absolute favorite kind of photos. It is pretty clear in the photo below that their was no lack there of. Of laughter, that is. Also… people who laugh at my lame jokes? My favorite kind of people. Hands down.
I wish I could take credit for the styling of this. I jumped for joy, when Eli told me in an email what props he was going to bring on our shoot. I love, love, love when my peeps bring along their unique style. It makes for a one-of-a-kind shoot, for a one-of-a-kind person.
Those fierce winds I was talking about earlier? Have nothing on him. So fierce, GQ totally wants their look back.
Eli writes at misterfrisky.com, check him out for your dose of humor, nerdery, and a view in the life of a twenty-something man living the American Dream of home-ownership in SLC.
Get your fabulous five now. Still $50 including session fee and 5 images. Check out this post for more details.
To see more of Eli’s shoot, CLICK HERE to view a slideshow!
Cheers!
Like this post? Share it on or
October 17th, 2010
I’d like to welcome my first guest author to this blog!
Kristoffen is here to let my readers know about some really great news. It’s a project that he’s worked very hard on for a long time, and I’m so excited that he’s finally ready to tell the world about it! So, here he is!
–
Hi there everyone!
First, I’d like to thank Janey for the invitation to make an announcement here on her site. I’m very excited to see years of work finally come together and help spread some magic all over the world.
My name is Kristoffen, and I am a 5th generation Parcel Elf at Silver Bell Express – The exclusive parcel service of the North Pole. I am just one of many elves whose mission is to deliver each and every package that’s sent to and from the North Pole (with the exception of the Big Guy’s toy sack, of course… that’s another Elf team entirely). I’m proud to carry on the tradition of my father’s father’s father’s father’s father, to quickly & safely deliver every magical package. “On Time, Snow or Shine!” as they say…
The reason I’m here today is to let you know about a brand new service we’re offering! I’ve recently been promoted to Chief Parcel Elf in charge of a new department called Santa Claus Personal Service or S.C.P.S. Our sole purpose is to provide direct express service to Santa Claus himself!!
The Big Guy has always loved writing to the boys and girls from his nice list, but with time crunches around Christmas and delays with some other delivery services, he never seemed to have enough time to write to each and every one of you. I am so excited that Silver Bell Express has finally opened a separate office dedicated to Santa Claus’ personal outgoing mail. And it’s just an honor that Santa chose me to head it up. I’ve got my boots in a jingle just thinking about it!
We’re making sure the Big Guy is supplied with the finest parchment and ink for each unique letter. They’ll be packaged in durable tubes and kept private with Santa’s personal wax seal. A real, beautiful and totally unique letter directly from Santa Claus himself. Definitely an item you’ll want to keep in your memory box forever.
We’re still getting our reindeer in a row, but we’ll be kicking things off soon. Click below to visit our new website, and don’t forget to drop your email address in the box so I can let you know when Santa is ready to start sending letters.
Thanks so much, and get ready for the Merriest Christmas yet!!
Kristoffen
Chief Parcel Elf S.C.P.S.
Silver Bell Express
Like this post? Share it on or
June 24th, 2010
Meet my very photogenic sister-in-law, Jen. (All of my sisters-in-law are photogenic, but you know what I mean.) She needed some profile pictures for business’ site. And here are the results:
This building is was one that you wouldn’t otherwise notice, but every time I drove by I was curious as to how well it would photograph. I was able to quench my curiosity with Jen, and I’ve since used it one other time with Amanda and her cute babes. Jen originally wanted to use a photo that I took of her last Fall, but I convinced her to let me take some new ones. Also, she enjoys being in front of the camera so it kinda worked out! ;) And can you blame her? Told you she’s photogenic.
Jen has been doing my hair for about 7 years. She was the first I trusted completely with my brown locks. I often go to her and say, “I don’t know what I want.” And and hour later will say, “That’s exactly what I wanted!” It’s been that way for 7 years.
She is a twin and a singer. A perfectionist and a Pisces. The one with the fashion sense. The middle child. The one (along with Jackie, her twin) who followed the rules and did yard work without being asked. The one who truly understands Quality VS Quantity. The one you go to when you need someone to be honest. In my opinion, every family needs a Jen.
Jen was the first of Rustin’s family that I met back in 2003, when we were a fresh couple (Me and Rustin, not me and Jen. Just to clarify!). When his family would take their annual trip to Disneyland, I would kidnap Jen and take her shopping with me. She was the only one who understood the importance of some good quality bonding time over shoes. We would spend hours browsing the DSW racks and very often come out of the store with at least 6 pair each. And more often than not, we’d find that we had bought the same exact pair! What can I say, when it comes to priorities we have a lot in common! :D
The day we headed out for this shoot it was really cold. She had texted me earlier in the day with: “Janey Waney, it’s cold!” It makes me giggle when she calls me that. I reassured her we weren’t going to be out for very long and that all we needed was one good photo. That was enough for her. In fact, the test shot is #1 in the slideshow and #3 is the first photo on the blog. I could’ve quit there but I wanted to be out of the house for a little longer. Once we got rollin’ though, the cold didn’t seem to bug too much. :)
There is no other feeling in the world than having a client truly trust you. She didn’t question me about the location, didn’t even bat an eye when I told her to think of someone she REALLY disliked. This is a rare and highly appreciated occurrence. Jen, thanks for trusting me! The top photo is the result. This photo may be one of my favorites. Ok it is! I’m usually a fan of the natural smiles, but she let me get a little creative here. She stared right through my lens and left a hole where my eyeball used to be. A true “smile with your eyes” shot works best when it’s genuine. Thanks, Tyra!
RAWR.
If that weren’t enough, I also had her lay on a tractor, (Any farming vehicle is a tractor to me, even if it’s not actually a tractor. So this *may* have not ACTUALLY been a tractor.) and we had a few passerby’s stop and watch for a bit. I was afraid they were gonna kick us off, so I hurried to get my shot as quickly as possible. But when I turned around they were gone. Guess it’s not often you see a pretty lady on a TRACTOR.
Most likely, this won’t be the last you’ll see of Miss Jen. Pretty sure she’ll step in front of my camera again… if I beg! ;) Thanks, Jen! You’re pretty! I say this often, but f’reals this time, I had a blast with you! Let me take more photos of you soon, K?
To see more from our shoot CLICK HERE to view the slideshow.
Cheers!
Like this post? Share it on or
