You rock. 
I really appreciate that you take time to read my stuff and I’m glad you find some value in my daily banter. Truth be told, I’m grateful you’re here. Seriously. Getting to communicate with you via the social web has made a huge difference in my life. Thank you.
[Mushiness over.]
Only Thing Constant is Change – Part 1
I’m driving a clunker and it’s well overdue for a tune-up. My blog sits on Chris Pearson’s thesis theme, which I love and am going to stay with. What you see in the design elements, sidebar widgets, site architecture and everything else has been implemented by yours truly over the past two years, with the exception of the header image that was designed by my buddy, Chris Adams.
The problem with this is simple: I’m not a web designer or developer. I’m a communications and social media strategist, as well as a content engineer, focused on human branding. The truth is, in design, I’ve taken things as far as I can on my own. It’s time to upgrade and defer to real experts in those areas.
So, for the past month, I’ve had the privilege of getting to work with some pretty amazing people at WebHostBiz, a division of Columbus-based, Ecommerce Inc. (last two are affiliate links). I came on as an affiliate of Ecommerce Inc. because I believe in their model, their people and how they approach customer relationships. It’s a good fit on both sides of the table and I’m really excited to work with and endorse them. I’ll have more of that story in some future posts. Okay?
For now, WebHostBiz has lent me the incredible talents of Mike Harris, Michael Parenteau and Mr. Joe Payton, all of whom have been a pleasure to work with. Frankly, these guys are all bad-ass at what they do, and are much more creative than I. We’ve spent the past month rethinking and restructuring NateRiggs.com, and we’re getting close to launching the work.
Here’s a sneak peak at where my blog is heading:
The Bigger Picture & Why This Makes Sense
WebHostBiz has been designing a full set of services focused on delivering everything bloggers (like me!) need to grow and enhance their personal online branding platform. It’s a cool idea that I believe has real value and is a market need.
I’m excited that I get to be their first case study on the new offering. It’s a chance to start with a clean the canvas and show you exactly what these guys can do – outside of their normal hosting services (affiliate link). The blog design packages will exist under a different banner than I’ve mentioned here and you’ll hear more about that as we develop it.
If you’re looking to take your blog to the next level, stay tuned. I want you to go on this journey with me…
For now, what do you think of the new digs?
(P.S. I also want to give credit and sincere thanks to Larry Hammil Photography for allowing me to use their shot of the skyline in my header image. Can you guess the city?)
Looks sweet! Taking your game to the next level!
Comment by Keith Lampe — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:41:21 +0000 @ 10:41 am
Thanks dude. That’s the goal. Really, the design is all the guys from WebHostBiz. I went over there and brain dumped for about an hour, and they did the rest – Esp. Joe Payton. Killer design talent right here in Columbus…
Comment by Nate Riggs — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:46:58 +0000 @ 10:46 am
Nate-
Impressive! A great step forward to some already great things!
I’m preparing the launch of my own personal website that talks more about me, my industry, thoughts, ideas etc., (similar to nateriggs.com) as a supplement to my current blog http://www.genyjourney.com where I’m working to build a model for effective and successful transitions between a young person’s life (HS to College, College to Career, etc.)
My personal website is me taking the game to the next level and really filling in some gaps in my online presence. I’ll on board for the journey!
Comment by Tyler Durbin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:26:36 +0000 @ 11:26 am
@tyler – thanks for the props. Like the blog. As a young pro (like me) how has it changed things for you?
Comment by Nate Riggs — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:24:31 +0000 @ 3:24 pm
Dynamic and Unique!
I know somebody already said it, but it really is taking it to the next level.
Can’t wait to see it rolled out!
Comment by Jim Brochowski — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:57:25 +0000 @ 3:57 pm
Looking good so far! Can’t wait to see the final design.
Comment by Jacob Stoops — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:12:49 +0000 @ 4:12 pm
@Nate: How has my blog changed things for me?
(Warning: Corny metaphor ahead!) My blog has acted as a lighthouse for my personal and professional development. It’s like the web is a big ocean full of recruiters, mentors, colleagues, challenges and opportunities. When I post on my blog it’s just like a light on a lighthouse scans the ocean and now all of these different elements on the web look in my direction and begin to gravitate toward it. Job offers, guest posts, lunches, linkedin connections, conversation, etc. have all resulted from my posts and happen on a weekly basis. I grow everyday because of my blog.
Comment by Tyler Durbin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:40:06 +0000 @ 7:40 pm
[...] are coming together for me and Social Business Strategies. Last week, I told you about a change to my blog that’s in the process of being designed by my friends at WebHostBiz (affiliate link). [...]
Pingback by Trust Your Artist & Get Out of the Way | NateRiggs.com — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:06:19 +0000 @ 11:06 am
Good luck for the new site. If I was you I would be very careful about who I am dealing with at Ecommerce Inc . I don’t think a name such as (Fathi Said) you would want to have on your website since you involve in the social business media. Do your research first before promoting his company on your site.
Comment by MP — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:28:07 +0000 @ 8:28 pm
Thanks for the comment and warning. I’ve actually done some pretty extensive “homework” on Fathi and all of his companies, including FeaturePrice. I find it interesting that most of the negative sentiment out there regarding Fathi or any of his companies can all be primarily traced back to one person who seems to be making a ton of noise. That individual seems to have had SUCH a bad experience that they’ve gone out of there way to start an entire blog to defame Fathi and any of his companies, past or present.
The funny thing is, that same person seems to take great measures to remain anonymous. In my world, that’s called Trolling, and it tends to leave a major question surrounding credibility of the complaints. I’ve meet with Fathi and his team at Ecommerce regularly. I also used to work with a number of his team members at former company a few years back – all of them are good people, focused on creating a good customer experience.
Again, I appreciate your concern, but I stand by my decision to work with Fathi and his companies. And by the way – who are you again, MP?
Comment by Nate Riggs — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:31:16 +0000 @ 7:31 am