The Difference Between Knowledge and Expertise
Thursday, May 30, 2002
By Kendra Behling
LA JOLLA (La Jolla Light)—In today's technologically savvy world most people are familiar with the term "Web Master"-but what about "Web Mistress?"
The team of web designers who work for the La Jolla based company www.WebMistress.com think it's a pretty catchy name. In fact, they have recently had some trouble with people stealing it.
The company's sign was stolen last June. "I have no idea why anyone would want a huge sign that says WebMistress, but now they have it," said company president/founder Kat Valentine.
WebMistress also makes license plate frames, and although Valentine says they are great to give to clients and a good way of advertising, she has had her own frame stolen on numerous occasions. "People just seem really drawn to the name," she commented.
Recently, Valentine learned a Florida-based company, jcrich.com, had completely stolen her entire business. The jcrich web site looked identical to the WebMistress page, including graphics, copy, client quotes and the works and services provided. Jcrich.com also stole WebMistresses's search engine meta tags, so when people were looking for WebMistress, they were directed to www.jcrich.com.
Valentine has spent an enormous amount of time and money getting the jcrich web site shut down. WebMistress however has saved the page and is planning to create a link on their own web site dedicated to "the sincerest form of flattery," where there will be a link to the stolen web site as well as accounts of the stolen sign and plate frames.
Valentine secured the WebMistress.com domain name in 1995 when it was free, and is the original Mistress of the Web. Valentine says the name is a definite plus, as many people check out the web site just to see what they offer. After four years of working for international companies, Valentine began to do freelance on the side. When she became too busy with the freelance work, she started doing her own work full-time, which resulted in the opening of the business. Said Valentine: "Working for the big international companies was great experience. I learned a great deal about the business, because that was back when there weren't many books, you had to learn everything for yourself."
WebMistress turned out to be a good venture, and Valentine says she absolutely loves everything about what she does. "I get so much exposure to every kind of person and business. It allows you to be creative and technological at the same time," said Valentine.
What sets WebMistress apart from other web design companies is that technology does not come first. Rather, a good relationship with the client and an understanding of what the client wants is WebMistress's first priority.
Valentine and her team might meet with a potential client for weeks, usually between 10 and 12 hours before they even start to "talk HTML."
"Our focus is not on the technology. For me that is a given-we wouldn't be in business if we didn't have a full command of the technology. Our focus is on our client's business and their customers base," she said.
WebMistress has been in La Jolla for three years, and Valentine says the high cost of space is worth it because La Jolla is such a high-profile, affluent community.
"People can do web development anywhere, and there are varying degrees of professionalism-being in La Jolla validates us as a business," said valentine.
One of the biggest challenges Valentine faces is educating people about what web design really is.
"We really try to educate our potential clients," said Valentine. "Anyone can do web design out of their bedroom, but there is a real difference between having a knowledge of the tools and an expertise."
WebMistress's expertise and focus on the customer and their business, not to mention a pretty cool name, is what consistently draws in new clients and keeps their existing clients extremely happy.
For more information on WebMistress call 866-1512, or toll free at 888-206-2720. The www.WebMistress.com web site also features plenty of information, a fun question-and-answer section, and is worth a look.