To begin thinking through the messages needed to communicate trust and credibility for manufacturers wanting a Custom Build Website, I first start with a facility tour. I want to see people working, the items being made, how the facility is set up, etc.
To demonstrate this process, I decided to use my own office as an example. I often refer to my house as my “Made in USA lab,” and my office is where I do most of the work for our clients.
Questions I’d ask while viewing this space
If I were viewing this space for the first time, I’d ask lots of questions — especially if the office owner said, “Everything in here is Made in the USA, with the exception of the credenza, file cabinet, and electronics.”
Ok, wow! Now that’s interesting! Questions:
- Why is Made in USA important to you?
- What was your inspiration for focusing on this issue?
- How does it tie into your work?
- What kind of feedback do you hear from your clients about it?
- Tell me about some of the items in here — what are the stories behind them?
- What types of companies do you work for? Give me some examples.
- What types of projects do you specialize in? What makes you different?
- Is your office always this clean?
- May I have a tour of the rest of your house?
Answers
I made the window valance myself using fabric Made in the USA (found at JOANN) and some leftover buttons in my vintage sewing kit (also made in the USA). Ditto for the standing desk, window, baseboard heater, small lamp, and carpet (not seen) — all made here in the US.
My go-to stapler was made in Taiwan, but I found an awesome Made in USA vintage Swingline (pictured above) on eBay. It no longer handles heavy jobs, but I like having it. It fits my mid-century theme. Plus, we as a country used to make very cool products.
And last but not least, yes, my office is always this tidy. I keep it this way because the clients I work with keep their facilities very tidy in order to be efficient.
Truth be told, if my message is, “We produce flawless custom build websites,” then everything about my work — from the HIM website and how my office is set up to how I dress — needs to be flawless as well.
And too, our outer environment impacts our inner environment (meaning, our thinking), so I want my space to have as positive an impact as possible. I want to feel good working — while having it reflect back my values and what’s important to me.
All of this is to say, if I were the one doing the interview, I’d come away with a wealth of ideas for telling this person’s story — including how to position her and her company.