How I Work

My Style

People tell me I'm good to work with. They use words such as reliable, patient, understanding, conscientious. I work collaboratively as a partner and fellow business owner for the solutions that work best for you, but I'm not your employee.

Communication

I work primarily by email: m at markiweb.com

In my 16 years of working virtually, I've found email superior to phone conversations because:

  • Email provides documentation for the most accurate detail and most reliable tracking, to get your work done right.
  • You have my best full attention on your project when I keep phone interruptions to a minimum.
  • Your results are more reliable and accurate when clear instructions are sent to me in writing.
  • You're also more likely to reach me quicker by email.

And once in a while, telephone is the best way to communicate. I meet by phone when:

  • I want to get to know you and your own "big picture."
  • One of us wants to briefly touch base about a project.
  • A quick verbal exchange would be more efficient than back-and-forth emails.
  • One of us wants to talk about something that requires a more human touch.

If you wish to talk by phone, feel free to email me to set up a time. Or you can leave a message on my voice mail at any time:
503-715-5747

Hours

I can be reached 9-2 Mountain Time, Monday through Friday.

Payment Policies

How?

When payment is due, you'll receive a Paypal invoice.
You can use the link on the invoice to pay through paypal or credit card, or make checks payable to:

Marsha Talley
P.O. Box 114
Windsor, CO 80550

When?

Packages & projects: full or partial payment is due before work begins.
Hourly: invoiced first of the month that follows work done; payment is due upon receipt.

Minimums?

If you're on an hourly basis, there is a one-hour minimum per month.

Time Frames

Before I begin work, I'll give you an estimate on how long I expect it to take.

Last Minute Work

I'll accept rush work if I'm available. Less than 24 hours' notice on any deadline may be charged 1.5 times my hourly rate.

What You Need to Know Before Working with Me

(or before you work with anyone virtually.)

You'll need to provide access information for your website host and other services. I'll provide you with the questions you'll need to ask and to whom. Once I have this information, I can work from there, lifting the load from you.

Also, remember that I can't see your computer screen from here. So you'll need to:

  • Be familiar with your own computer file system so you can easily find documents on your computer.
  • Have access to a fax machine or service, so that you can send hand-drawn visuals if necessary.
  • Know how to use email. Be able to:
    • Name the email program you use.
    • Compose messages
    • Reply to messages
    • Attach documents and images
    • Open attached documents and images
    • Find your spam filter
    • "Whitelist" an address
    • Turn images on and off

If you are challenged by any of the above, you may wish to hire someone locally who can walk you through the steps in person.

Or if you use gmail, I can send you step-by-step instruction for any of the above.