Ask Sue
A Weekly Q&A Column About Professionalism, Etiquette and Problems in the Workplace
by Sue Morem

Career Anxiety

Dear Sue: Four months ago I made a bold move to leave a dead end job after working there for 18 years. I decided to start a new career in the medical field, and am working part time to allow myself time to do independent study.

I am starting to wonder if I might have moved a little too quickly. The classes I am taking are more difficult than I expected. I am having some anxiety and beginning to doubt my future.

Do you think this is a normal reaction to change? Should I keep pushing forward or go back to what I know I can do? 

- Anxious

Sue Says: I am fairly certain that this is a normal reaction. When you quit your job you were probably so excited to get out, that the thought of doing anything different was enticing. Now the reality has hit. You are working hard and thinking about how much easier it would be to go back to the kind of work that is effortless.

Remind yourself of the reasons you left, and how excited you were at the thought of getting out of a dead end job. Then keep in mind that it will take time to see the results of the work you are doing now.

If you quit now you will always wonder what might have been had you pursued your dreams. Push forward and stick with it - I know you will be glad you did.

Dear Sue: I am a small business owner looking for information on web sites. I've found the process to be very confusing and I am wondering how I should go about deciding who will produce the right site and what a reasonable investment is. 

- Curious

Sue Says: I sought the advice of Mike Conner, President of the Internet division for MCICK2, and a professor of E Commerce at California State University, in Fresno. He said that it is important to recognize that the person you end up hiring and trusting to build your image online has a huge responsibility. They should be asking you questions about how you interact with current clientele, proposed clientele, vendors, employees and even your competition. In addition, they must have an understanding of sales, marketing, public relations and communication.

It is important for you to take the time to talk with the person you are considering hiring to determine your comfort level. Just because someone may be knowledgeable about HTML and how to send e-mail, it doesn't make them an Internet expert. Ask lots of questions, and make sure the person or team you are talking with understands business as well as technology.

Rates will vary and be dependent upon the technologies you end up using. When you start adding in statistics programs, administration programs, password protection, database integration, custom applications and membership programs, you have the potential of spending millions of dollars. However, the development of an average site can run anywhere from four to six thousand dollars. Then there are normal after launch costs including hosting fees, which can run anywhere from $50 -- $500.00 a month, with additional fees for marketing or any changes made to the site.

Many of the free sites available tend to have a similar look and often will try to lock you into long term hosting contracts. If it is obvious to others that your site is free, then you need to determine if it will help or hinder your business image. As with anything, you will get what you pay for.

Keep in mind that your Web site is a direct reflection of your image. The Internet is one of the best examples of the statement "You only have one chance to make a first impression." If you are going to have a web site, make sure it supports your business image and that it is consistent with all of your other marketing materials.

Sue Morem is a professional speaker, trainer and syndicated columnist. She is author of the newly released 101 Tips for Graduates and How to Gain the Professional Edge, Second Edition. You can contact her by email at asksue@suemorem.com or visit her web site at http://www.suemorem.com. 

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