Nick Armstrong of WTF Marketing is a founding member of WPCOOP that immediately jumped at the opportunity to contribute and provide some excellent articles to the WPCOOP blog including “Themes – To Premium or Not to Premium?” and “New WordPress Installation? Here’s 3 Must-Have Plugins“.
Nick’s active participation peaked my curiosity to learn more about him. The WPCOOP completes a certain level of evaluation and discovery during the membership application process. So we knew Nick had talent as a WordPress professional but without sharing extensive conversations and experiences with Nick, we didn’t really know him, as an individual.
Yes a designer’s or developer’s portfolio and client base can give you an idea of their style, skill level and possibly some insight into the way they do business, but its still a superficial representation of the artist, unless you know their story.
The following interview lends a few great insights to the real Nick Armstrong.
What are your favorite websites for design, features and functionality?
Would you believe it if I said I didn’t have any? Great design is only a google search away, these days. I’m so sick of the “web 2.0″ look or the “35 amazing Twitter design” link-bait lists. Bah.
Instead, show me an amazing photographer – a picture that looks like it could be from This American Life or on the Discovery Channel, and -that- is where I want to go with my design.
The idea of “cool” design is moving so rapidly (or maybe I’m so A.D.D.) that I just can’t pick the same few each week. Whenever I think about design I always go back to the same place: Star Trek. Mike Okuda.
You want to know what I dream about at night? Touch screens built with the interface from lcarscom.net
I saw the iPhone and damn near died. Every button has a purpose, every motion a reason.
If my websites can be so simple, I’ve done right by the world.
What blogs do you read? Why these blogs?
I tend to avoid blogs; I’m an avid reader, so once I get started half the day goes by before I stop. But XKCD is a must. I’m usually on Twitter or Facebook at least once a day, so I allow myself a link or two before I get back to work.
Give me 3 reasons why you love WordPress?
Great community, great code, and great usability.
What’s your elevator speech, your pitch to a potential client?
I don’t use elevator pitches – they’re too generic. I’ll introduce myself as a Web Strategist, someone who helps people tell their story online, but after that – I’m listening.
I listen for the specific words they use, how they say ‘em, what emotions are behind ‘em. I’m listening for the little things that make them who they are. Once I understand who they are and how they got there, I can generally know what I can do to help them succeed.
What are your main areas of expertise?
My main areas of expertise: web strategy, web design, and social media. People have asked me what makes a good Web Strategist. I ask them to play a game of Risk against me. Once they know what my friends know (that you don’t play Risk against Nick), they understand what a good Web Strategist can do.
If I had to choose one skill that I’m better at than anything else – I’d say I’m great at understanding people, which comes from being a proficient listener.
How do you differentiate yourself from other designers / developers?
My company name is WTF Marketing. It stands for exactly what you think it does – and I tell people, if you don’t get the acronym, you’re not in the target market.
Most designers or developers choose their name or something socially “responsible”. I sort of pride myself in being the likable outcast. I’m not a jerk (to most), but I’m not afraid to call it like it is, tell people what I think, and tell them the truth. I think there’s a lot of power in that.
I also really make it clear that I don’t do business with people I don’t believe in. I’d rather go broke than to do business with hucksters or thieves. So, the people I’m working with have the added benefit of having a very loud, very energetic cheerleader on their team.
I also make sure that 50% of my workload is pro-bono work, because I don’t think you can claim to be a good business person without enriching the community you serve.
What are your biggest aspirations as a designer / developer?
You know, I started out as a Microsoft Developer. I was never really good at it… and I’m a pretty bad designer in terms of artistic prowess, so… that’s not where my head is. My biggest aspiration has always been to change the world – by restructuring business to be more beneficial to a community.
I want to change the game. I think I’m working towards some big things. Maybe not as a designer and not as a developer, but as a business person and in changing what it is to be a business person.
Why did you join WPCOOP?
I want to help support the community of WordPress enthusiasts. There’s so many link-bait sites out there now and I saw the WPCoop and thought I could write some really good, really focused content and help some people out.
I think the idea behind WPCoop is a great one – the hall is rented, the orchestra is engaged, now it’s just time to see if we can dance (and if people’ll dance with us!)
Read More about Nick Armstrong
