Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with Virtual Works’ Barbara Best. From simple updates to business cards, all the way to tradeshow graphics, I have been able to see the progression of Virtual Works. I have seen several different versions of her website, the evolution of her newsletter, and the creation of some beautiful kit folders, just to name a few.
Yesterday I was Barbara’s guest at AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day 2016. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) hosted a one day conference in Ottawa. It was an opportunity for fundraising professionals to sharpen their skills and make connections. Virtual Works Inc. was a sponsor, and I got to see Barbara in action as she put on her exhibitor hat and networked.
Before Wednesday’s conference, I met with Barbara and Celeste Grant to discuss the marketing tools needed at the event. All of this had been in the works for 6 weeks prior; this brief meeting was just a “game plan” review. We decided that “less would be more” and Barbara was all set with her new banner, business cards, giveaway items, and gift basket for a draw.
We all knew that at this event speaking to participants would be the most important marketing tool.
Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of designing for Barbara and seeing the “Virtual Works brand” come to life. We’ve got to know each other and we’ve worked on so many projects together that we usually know exactly what to do and do it with minimum fuss. Barbara is truly the most delightful client I’ve been lucky to work with.
One of the very best things about her is that she asks questions about her brand. Whenever she isn’t sure about a project or the look of a document, she asks me. I love that she lets me be involved and that she trusts me. We often laugh and she ends by saying “Ok, I’ll just do what you say.”
I hope every business owner is as lucky as this. Lucky enough to have this kind of relationship with their designer, trust each other, ask for help, and not be afraid of not knowing the answers. Most of all, I wish all business owners could have the dedication, the vision, and the commitment to their brand that Barbara Best does.
-Loreto