WebCami Podcast
By Cami MacNamara
WebCami PodcastJun 01, 2023
10. Getting back in the swing of things after vacation by Cami MacNamara
Posted on WebCamiCafe.com, June 1st, 2018 In this blog post, I recount my experience returning from vacation and the strategies I implemented to ease back into work with an emphasis on the importance of setting boundaries and training clients to respect my schedule.
About the author:
Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/getting-back-in-the-swing-of-things-after-vacation/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
I'm glad to see that since writing this blog post, I have continued to use this strategy when I return from vacation. I know from experience that the fear of accumulating work while away can lead to anxiety, making it difficult to fully enjoy the vacation you deserve. Having a strategy to resume work can help you ease into the transition when you return.
It is crucial to establish boundaries with clients and train them to respect your schedule. While it's important to be responsive to clients’ needs, it's equally important to emphasize the necessity for recreational time away from work.
Clients will appreciate your ability to recognize your limitations and prioritize self-care. Furthermore, you can view it as setting a positive example for your clients by encouraging them to prioritize self-care in their own lives.
Remember, you will catch up on your to-do list if you just keep chipping away at it! It doesn’t all have to be completed on your first week back.
And always dream about your next vacation!
9. A Web Designer’s Guide to Taking a Vacation, by Cami MacNamara
Posted on May 24th, 2018 on WebCamiCafe.com. In this blog post, I highlight the importance of taking vacations as a web designer and provide practical tips for preparing for, during, and after a vacation. The key points include communicating with clients about the vacation, setting up automated messages, prioritizing tasks before and after the vacation, and allowing oneself to fully disconnect from work during the vacation to reap the benefits in work performance and well-being.
About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/a-web-designers-guide-to-taking-a-vacation/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
I always celebrate my birthday over Memorial Day weekend, and for the past several years, I have enjoyed turning a year older in my favorite city of New Orleans. However, after losing my folks last year and starting a basement remodel at my house, I've postponed a trip to New Orleans until next year. I had hoped to take a few days off and chill out at home, but my current workload is pressing. However, just because I must postpone my vacation doesn't mean I won't take one. I recently went to Utah with a dear friend, and we had the most beautiful time hiking, dining out, and enjoying each other's company. It's been five years since I penned this post, and I'm glad I still make time for vacations in my schedule.
The pressure we feel as freelance web designers can be unrelenting. It's even stronger when you are a solopreneur. Training your clients to understand that you need to take breaks is very important. I can't stress enough how much my monthly newsletter helped me inform my clients when I was away, either on vacation or helping my parents. I encourage you to make yourself a priority and take actual vacations where you aren't getting out your laptop in the morning and fielding emails. It might be a bit painful when you get back, but completely disconnecting from everything for a few days is very helpful for your mental health and overall well-being. Time away makes you better at being a web designer. Never forget that.
8. WebCami’s Toolbox: Calendly, by Cami MacNamara
Posted on April 2nd, 2018 on WebCamiCafe.com
In this episode, I share my love for Calendly, a scheduling tool that allows clients to book appointments based on your availability, saving time and effort.
About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/calendly-is-something-every-web-designer-needs/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
I distinctly remember the first time I learned about Calendly. It was at a training event, and the owner of a co-working space mentioned it. I immediately started using the tool, and it transformed the way I scheduled appointments. Before Calendly, I was constantly emailing back and forth with clients and fellow BNI members to find the best time to meet. However, some clients resisted filling out the form to select a time; some even seemed offended. Looking back, this seems ridiculous since online scheduling is now commonplace. However, I have made accommodations to ensure I am listening to clients who are a bit old-school regarding scheduling.
Each time I send my calendar link, I include a message that says, "Please send dates and times that work for you, or if it's easier, here's my Calendly link." This quashes any resistance there might have been to scheduling online.
Although I pay more now, Calendly is still an incredible deal. If you're a web designer working for yourself and not using online scheduling, you must invest in a tool. I remember not wanting to spend money on services, but investing in a scheduling tool like Calendly saves time, which ultimately saves money.
Check out the show notes for the links I mentioned in this podcast. If you'd like to join a Facebook group for web designers, visit WebCamiCafe.com for details.
To view my business website, Visit WebCami.com.
Tune in next week for another episode of the WebCami Podcast.
7. In loving memory of Jessie, by Cami MacNamara
Posted on WebCami.com, February 26, 2022
In this blog post, I share how my mother's successful handbag business taught me valuable lessons about running my web design business. I highlight four key lessons learned from Mom: doing work you love, making a quality product, selling with honesty, and being kind to everyone.
About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original post can be found here: https://webcami.com/in-loving-memory-of-jessie/ Transcript of Cami's Commentary: As Mother's Day approaches for the second year without my mom, I find myself reflecting on my childhood and the lessons my parents taught me. Last year, I focused on caring for my dad, which provided a distraction from the pain of losing my mom. However, this year is different, and I can't help but think of all the memories we shared as a family.
Reflecting on my upbringing, I realize how much it has influenced my career path. As I run my business, I see how my parents' entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic have shaped my approach. Without even realizing it, I had been learning valuable lessons from watching my parents run their own business. My passion for web design, in particular, stems from my parents' approach to selling handbags. Although they seem like entirely different fields, the same principles apply. A website is a tool for business owners, and it needs to be practical, lasting, and enjoyable for the user. Therefore, I strive to create websites that function well and bring the client joy.
When building a website for a client, it's crucial to remind them how beneficial it will be to their business. Just as my mom would show off a purse's practical features, I emphasize the website's practicality to the client. Your website designs will sell themselves if they are built with passion and you remind the client of their value.
Check out the show notes for the links I mentioned in this podcast. If you'd like to join a Facebook group for web designers, visit WebCamiCafe.com for details.
To view my business website, Visit WebCami.com.
Tune in next week for another episode of the WebCami Podcast.
6. Working through grief as a freelancer, by Cami MacNamara
Posted on WebCamiCafe.com, May 3, 2022
The blog post offers advice for freelance business owners on how to cope with grief while still managing their work, including being honest with clients, prioritizing tasks, being patient with emotions, avoiding making big decisions, giving oneself time, keeping a journal, and remembering that time heals all wounds.
About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/working-through-grief-freelancer/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
In January, it was the one-year anniversary of my mother's passing. Even now, it feels like it happened just yesterday. Losing my dad in November was a major blow, and the double whammy of losing both parents has been a real struggle for me, particularly with respect to my work schedule. If you're dealing with a similar loss while running your own web design business, I urge you to take things slow. It's important to be kind to yourself during this fragile time, and to avoid making mistakes by pushing yourself too hard. Personally, I found it helpful to seek the advice of a grief counselor. They not only validated my need to take it easy, but also helped me to process my emotions. As business owners, we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to constantly increase our bottom line, bring in new clients, and take on new projects. But sometimes, it's not what's best for us or our business. Instead, the best thing for both is to prioritize self-care, so that we can run our businesses for the long haul. I remind myself often that my parents would want me to thrive and be happy, even in their absence.
They would remind me that life is short and it won’t be my to-dos that I think of before my own life comes to an end.
Remember to be kind to yourself in those moments of loss. Sometimes holding steady in business is all you need for success.
Check out the show notes for the links I mentioned in this podcast. If you'd like to join a Facebook group for web designers, visit WebCamiCafe.com for details.
To view my business website, Visit WebCami.com.
Tune in next week for another episode of the WebCami Podcast.
5. What is Beaver Builder and why do I love it so much? By Cami MacNamara
Posted on WebCamiCafe.com, May 8, 2021
This blog post shares how Beaver Builder has changed my life as a web designer since I purchased it in 2016.
About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/what-is-beaver-builder-and-why-do-i-love-it-so-much/
Related Links:
Beaver Builder: https://www.wpbeaverbuilder.com/
Beaver Themer: https://www.wpbeaverbuilder.com/beaver-themer/
Assistant Pro: https://assistant.pro/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
It has been almost two years since I composed my blog post on Beaver Builder, and I am delighted to report that it remains my top tool of choice for designing websites. I have continued to enhance my proficiency in utilizing it and exploring its added benefits for my clients.
During last fall's WordCamp US event in San Diego, Ann Marie and I had the opportunity to connect with Robby and Anthony from Beaver Builder. We expressed our gratitude for how their products have transformed our lives. They were generous enough to send us some swag, and we promptly signed up for Assistant Pro to incorporate into our businesses. I am still mastering this fantastic plugin, which will significantly improve my daily productivity. They have even launched a Marketplace on Assistant Pro, allowing people to sell their own designs!
One of the aspects that I adore about Beaver Builder is the individuals who make up the company. I had the pleasure of meeting the entire team at WordCamp Phoenix in March. As a small business owner, I value the Beaver Builder community's family-like atmosphere. I sincerely hope they continue to prosper in their business, and I plan to support them as long as I design websites.
As a business owner, it is crucial to find the tool that is most suitable for you. In the WordPress Community, we frequently hear that one theme is better than another, that utilizing the native editor is a requirement, or that there is only one correct way to do things. However, what matters most is being an expert in and enjoying building websites with the tool you prefer to use, regardless of what it may be.
If you are not enthusiastic about your current website-building approach or find it frustrating, try Beaver Builder. It might be the solution you have been searching for.
Check out the show notes for links to all the products that Beaver Builder offers.
If you'd like to join a Facebook group for web designers, visit webcamicafe.com for details.
To view my business website, visit webcami.com
And tune in next week for another episode of the WebCami Podcast!
4. Why I left BNI after more than a decade, by Cami MacNamara
Posted on WebCamiCafe.com, June 15th, 2022.
In this episode, I share why after almost 12 years of being a member of the BNI organization, I decided to leave for a significant change in my life. Although BNI was one of the best moves I ever made as a business owner, circumstances made me realize I needed a break from the routine.
About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original blog post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/why-i-left-bni-after-more-than-a-decade/
Related links:
West Seattle Champions: https://bninw.com/wa-seattle-west-seattle-champions
BNI: https://www.bni.com/
Find a chapter: https://www.bni.com/find-a-chapter
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/webcamicafe/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
It’s been nearly a year since I left BNI. The first few weeks were hard because I was so wired to attend the weekly meetings. However, the reason I left, to spend time with my Dad and help my sister care for him, played out as I had expected.
Dad passed away at the end of November. The grief I felt was overwhelming. Focusing on business growth and passing referrals was the farthest thing from my mind. I spent extended time with him over the summer and headed home when he entered hospice in the fall. I have no regrets about moving on.
I am so grateful for the time I spent in BNI and the relationships I made. Those relationships continue, and I’m happy to say I still receive and give referrals within the network.
If you are a web designer struggling to get new business, I encourage you to visit a BNI group. When we met in person, the investment was around $1200 a year in membership dues and monthly fees. Worth every penny, in my experience. Networking is a skill that you develop over time. Remember, you can visit two times at no charge. Different chapters have different personalities, so visiting all the options in your area is a good idea. Some chapters now meet exclusively online.
I’ve included links to BNI in my show notes and a link to my original blog post. Also, check out my Facebook group, WebCami Cafe, to connect with fellow web designers.
Tune in next week for another episode of the WebCami podcast.
3. The importance of social proof on your website, by Cami MacNamara
Posted on WebCami.com, February 20th, 2023.
On this episode, learn why websites are critical for business marketing and success in the online world, and to stand out, businesses need to incorporate social proof into their websites in addition to having one.
About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original blog post can be found here: https://webcami.com/the-importance-of-social-proof-on-your-website/
Links in the blog post:
Endorsal.io: https://endorsal.io/
Feedback.Link: https://feedback.link/
Reputation Igniter: https://ignite.reviews/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
Maybe you're a fellow web designer wondering, why am I sharing this blog post with you? After all, you know the value of reviews. It's true. I wrote this blog post to share with my clients and potential clients on my business website, but I wanted to share it on my podcast for the following reasons.
If you are a web designer, you must aggressively build your online reviews. I wish I had paid more attention to this when online reviews started. I would have amassed far more reviews online than I currently have now. I have seen fellow designers shy away from online reviews because they fear bad reviews. Don't let that stop you—the answer to bad reviews or more good reviews. And if you consistently get bad feedback from clients, it might be time to take a hard look at your services and make adjustments. We can all learn from our mistakes.
As a service provider, it's important to position yourself as a teacher for your clients. I created this blog post and shared it in my monthly client newsletter. I had many clients in mind when I wrote it, and this blog post helped me make the case to them, both in the newsletter and by linking it to direct emails. It was a way for me to remind them that I'm someone they can turn to for advice, even when they might not realize they need it. My advice to you is never shy away from sharing your knowledge with your clients.
Check out the show notes for the links I mentioned in this podcast. If you'd like to join a Facebook group for web designers, visit WebCamiCafe.com for details.
To view my business website, Visit WebCami.com.
Tune in next week for another episode of the WebCami Podcast.
2. WordCamp Phoenix 2023 recap, by Cami MacNamara
Posted on WebCamiCafe.com, April 2nd, 2023.
This article is a recap of the experience of attending WordCamp Phoenix 2023 as a speaker and volunteer.
About the author: Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/wordcamp-phoenix-2023-recap
Find WordCamps here: https://central.wordcamp.org/
"Here's the link." WordCamp Phoenix Livestream: https://phoenix.wordcamp.org/2023/livestream/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
If you've never attended a WordCamp, I encourage you to get one on the calendar this year.
If you work with WordPress, you know what a great tool it is for publishing to the web. WordCamp has something for every user level. Attendees include bloggers, designers, developers, startups, and even large corporations. Everyone there has one thing in common, a love of WordPress. Meeting the people that make up the WordPress community will make you love the platform even more.
I have never left a WordCamp event with anything but a mind full of ideas and a heart filled with gratitude. The Phoenix WordPress meetup community is filled with amazing people, and I'm so grateful to all of them for putting on such an amazing WordCamp.
Check the show notes for links to upcoming WordCamps. I also link my original post and include a transcript of my commentary. Finally, I'd love you to check out my Facebook group, WebCami Cafe, if you'd like to connect with a group of great WordPress folks.
Tune in next week for another episode of the WebCami Podcast.
1. Why I'm starting a podcast, by Cami MacNamara
Posted on WebCamiCafe.com, March 30th, 2023. This blog post is about starting a podcast after losing my parents and deciding to pursue my passions. The WebCami Podcast, which reads blog posts about WordPress and web design out loud like an audiobook, was created with the hope of building a community and helping others learn valuable information.
About the author:
Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.
The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/why-im-starting-a-podcast/
Transcript of Cami's Commentary:
I have so much respect for the podcasters in my life. I've seen all the equipment my friend Bob Dunn has amassed over the years, and I'm sitting here with a mic and Audacity and fumbling my way through the process. I have clicks to remove and need to watch more videos on how to edit. However, if I waited until I had it all figured out, I would not be sharing this episode with you right now.
Sometimes diving in is the best way to learn. Like when your dad threw you in the pool for the first time, It's sink or swim. I may look back on this episode and cringe on how it sounds. But I will always be glad I didn't wait for perfection and got the ball rolling now. I hope you tune in each week.
Also, you can find my blog posts about running my web design business on webcamicafe.com, along with a link to my Facebook Group for web designers. All this information can be found in my show notes. Well, will be found in my show notes when I write them!
Tune in next week for another episode of the WebCami Podcast.