Owning a website has become a fundamental necessity for modern businesses. It’s not just a formality; it’s a strategic asset that can significantly enhance a business’s presence, extend its reach, and bolster its credibility. While many businesses may simply declare, “I want a website,” it’s the deeper question of “why” that truly matters. Lesson one. On March 4th, 2024, www.dayoabiola.com celebrated its remarkable 10th anniversary. As I reflected on the journey behind arguably the most utilitarian website in the world for a design agency, a wave of nostalgia swept over me. It’s the invaluable lessons learned throughout its creation that I aim to share in this piece.
The birth of the website traces back to the early days of virtualization, which is long before the concept of “work from home” (WFH) became mainstream. I had experienced things in the tech space that made me ahead of the curve as far as possibilities were concerned. The culmination was my courage to go about business as the pioneer of the Virtual Business Model (I coined this statement by the way). This essentially meant I was deconstructing my startup design agency from the conventions of the day to one where physical meetings with clients were unnecessary for delivering services and receiving full compensation. I was tagged stupid; some even jested and described me as insane. So, if you’re reading this and ever doubted my decision to pioneer what I termed the Virtual Business Model, I have just one question: who’s laughing now? I give myself credit for a prophetic move. It’ll be good for someone to take a cue from this; if you’ve ever succeeded against the odds of voices that said, you won’t amount to shit, give yourself credit because the naysayers won’t ever do. Lesson two.
With that out of the way; I can come back to telling you that a website serves as the only digital real estate that a company owns on the world wide web (www). This helped shape my decision that it was going to be everything the client needed to see to be compelled. And You don’t have such a purpose and seek mediocrity. “A grand purpose is never achieved with mediocrity”. Lesson three. Thus, one night, I spent it till the sun rise, thinking about the website. I was crafting how it was going to look like. I quizzed myself endlessly, without getting an answer to the question; what will make anyone stay for up to 3 minutes on the website? 10 years ago, attention span wasn’t as fleeting as it is today.
Exactly 14 days after, I received a phone call, a friend wanted me to meet someone. It was concerning a project. Little did I know that I was going to meet the man who’d design my website. On arrival, without hesitation, our host introduced me to AY – (https://www.instagram.com/asiegerltd?igsh=MWl6Y3l2ZDYyc3gyYw== ). We talked about the project and I was excited that before me was a website designer I figured was going to understand my big picture. I didn’t want a website as usual, that’s what’s out there, I wanted “My Website”. One that will engineer running a virtual business model the whole spectrum – hyping, branding, marketing, selling, inspiring, on-boarding, delivery, no dulling. Indeed, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Lesson four.
He was pricey, but really? Was he? No doubt, I couldn’t afford his bill at the time but I am not one, considering my kind of upbringing and exposure that was going to underserve and sacrifice such a grand purpose on the alter of mediocrity. So I left with a promise, that I was going to find him work that will be so premium, he’d have no choice but to half my bill. Did I know where any opportunity would arise? Certainly not. However, fate intervened, and exactly two months later, the perfect project materialized. This anecdote mirrors the sentiments of my friend Bukky George Taylor in her piece titled “Business is Spiritual” (by the way, get a copy of her book – *Born to Stand Out – https://www.instagram.com/bukkytheprexpert?igsh=czFydHU0bzl6d2lp ). Striving for greatness and embodying exceptional character ensures you enjoy the intervention of the divine. Lesson Five.
Both the initial price and the eventual cost exceeded the prevailing market rates at the time. I’m aware that many individuals, even at the standard rates, struggled to have their websites developed and still remain without one today. Considering the current inflation rates, the current asking price would likely seem exorbitant to them. It’s imperative for business leaders to aspire to extraordinary character. No expense is too high, especially when the purpose serves utmost utility. It’s essential to be adaptable, collaborative, and guided by principles that invoke your practice of excellence, rather than settling for mediocrity based solely on price. Lesson Six. Thus, the website was created with the utmost intention of captivating visitors long enough to instill in them a compelling need to choose us as their logo designer. My goal wasn’t just to draw visitors but to showcase our grasp of genuine success, Lesson Seven. Our website, through its utility, embodies a profound WHY, resonating with visitors and bearing testimony to millions in earnings.
