Boyink! - Spring Forward on the Web

I’m starting to put goals together for a redesign of Boyink.com—and it occurred to me that I should do a little research as part of the process.  I’m taking the advice of fellow ExpressionEngine Pro Lealea and going through a self-branding exercise.

Here’s the essential gist of it - I sort of know the brand image that I want to project, but am curious what message people have been actually getting.

So - if you are reading this and so inclined, leave a comment that answers the following:

1. Relationship (how you know me).
2. Time Known
3. Three adjectives you would use to describe me.

Thanks in advance!

Comments are closed, but you can read the comments other people left.

1. Tim Print on February 18, 2009

   1. I bought your EE book and I know you from the EE forum.
   2. 2 years?
   3. Helpful, reliable, friendly.

   Don’t know if this helps but I’m happy to throw my two pence in.

2. Mike Boyink (Author) on February 18, 2009

   Thanks Tim - reliability is very important to me so I’m really glad to see that one in there.

3. Daniel Marino on February 19, 2009

   I’m sorry that this isn’t a n answer to your question, but rather a question for you. Have you ever considered outsourcing the building of your brand? Having just seen the new squaredeye.com and finding out that they outsourced it - I think the concept came out pretty awesome. I’ve always had trouble branding myself because… well I’m never satisfied with my own work. I’ve never worried about it too much though because I’m not necessarily trying to “brand” myself more than come up with a logo that I’m happy with.

4. Mike Boyink (Author) on February 19, 2009

   Hey Daniel -

   Branding discussions are always so interesting, because the word means so many things to people.

   I don’t think I can outsource the building of my brand, because to me my brand is intrinsically woven through everything I do online—in how I interact on discussion forums, in email, how I deal with clients, and how I work through projects. 

   What I can - and am planning to do - is outsource how that brand is interpreted and presented here on Boyink.com through the visual design.

   Actually it was that decision that led to this post - in order to be able to lay out my business and design goals for the site I wanted to also be able to communicate both my vision for the Boyink brand but also how it was currently perceived by those who had interacted with me.

   This way I’ll be able to see if there are gaps between those two points that a visual design can help fill in.

   I’m also hoping this research will help me craft the messaging for the site.

5. Daniel Marino on February 19, 2009

   Coming from a design background, I guess when I hear “branding” the first thing I think of is visual identity - which is what I was referring to in my previous comment. It does make complete and perfect sense to figure out exactly “who you are” beforehand.

   1. Godbit/freelance
   2. 1+ years
   3. Experienced, Active, Straight shooter

   Let me explain “straight shooter” - When following you on Twitter its interesting to hear your commentary on politics, your projects and the world in general… I feel that you have a cynical style - but not in a bad way as I’m very cynical myself. You call ‘em as you see ‘em.  - which I think clients benefit from, because if something stinks, you wouldn’t be afraid to tell them. you’re a professional at your craft and you know what you’re talking about.

6. Ben Carlson on February 19, 2009

   1. Godbit / Lunch in Grand Rapids / EE stuff
   2. 1+ years I think, at least on Godbit
   3. Wise, Helpful, Family-orientated (which comes through in your brand if you read this blog, follow you on Twitter, etc.)

7. Mike Boyink (Author) on February 19, 2009

   Thanks guys…I’m actually trying to rein in the cynicism just a bit and be more of a source for positive things.  Sometimes I just can’t help myself though..;)

8. Erwin Heiser (aka e-man) on February 20, 2009

   1. the EE forums
   2. 3-4 years
   3. straightforward, helpful, friendly, zero BS :)

9. Mike Boyink (Author) on February 20, 2009

   Thanks Erwin!

10. Laura Bergells on February 22, 2009

    Hi, Mike:

    I met you at Barcamp in August ‘08. Following you on several sites & blogs… and recently heard you speak at the the Social Media Slam.

    Going back to the Wordle brand exercise we chatted about at BarCamp—take a look at what your customers say about you. What words “pop”, for example, if you dump your testimonials into Wordle? Take your LinkedIn recs, for example. Words like “Architecture, Approachable, Results” bubble to the surface. (You probably have offline testimonials you’ll want to review as part of your brand exercise.)

    As I experience you online, those words resonate. It’s part of my image of you. But these words are very utilitarian and unemotional. There’s so much more to you…

    Daniel’s note on cynicism and those on “straightforward and straight shooter” are spot on. On Twitter, FaceBook, and blog comments— I can count on you to “tell it like it is.” You are also more likely than most to say “NO” and use more negative language (no, not, don’t, won’t, etc.).

    This makes me wonder if “being positive” will ring false for your brand! I have only known you for a short time, but your ability to bluntly and confidently say “NO” to stupid stuff is a trait I admire.

    You’re not a yes-man. You don’t strike me as the kind of passive-aggressive web developer who will say “YES” to bad client ideas just to make a quick buck. This also makes me feel that you are thoughtful, principled, and professional. I also see you as quick-witted and passionate about building community around great ideas.

    ps- Just finished reading a 2009 book ““The Truth About Creating Brands People Love” by Brian D. Till + Donna Heckler. A fun, easy read that may spark some ideas for you!

11. Mike Boyink (Author) on February 22, 2009

    Geeze Laura - ask for three adjectives…:-)

    Thanks for the comment.  I’ll check into the book and continue to refine my thinking on the Boyink brand. 

    Going through this exercise has already helped quite a bit - but there are still some decisions to be made.

    In your readings/commenting/conversations on branding, has the topic of “promote vs. experience” ever come up?

    In other words, let’s say there is an important attribute of the Boyink brand - say…..responsiveness.  How would you decide to promote that on a website, vs. just being quiet about it and letting it percolate up through testimonials or within personal referrals?

    It seems like the latter approach would be a slower process but eventually be stronger - like a tree vs. a weed.

12. Nathan Smith on February 22, 2009

    1. I “met” you when doing an interview w/ you for Godbit, after you’d commented on one of my blog posts.

    2. Time known = 4 years.

    3. Three adjectives that describe you: Lighthearted, Sincere, Professorial.

13. Olivia Brown on March 23, 2009

    1. I met you when you designed my web site. EE’s parent company referred me to you.

    2. Time known: a few years, but all I do now is read your blog.

    3. Conscientious, honest, trustworthy.

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