Weird Fact: I recently took a poll of our members’ first names. Out of 186 ish members we currently have 3 Erics and 3 Eriks. I have no idea what this means, but found it interesting nonetheless. Erik Schmidt is also an interesting fellow, and would be even if he didn’t spell his name with a *k*. First of all, I am a relatively tall woman, and anyone who can make me feel petite has a leg up in my book. Erik’s 6′++ frame is not his only distinguishing quality. As soon as I was exposed to his quick wit and dry humor I knew I had found a kindred spirit (not to mention that Erik shares my mildly obsessive love of all things Apple). As I have gotten to know Erik over the past year I have come to realize that Erik’s intelligence extends far beyond his quick wit. Traditionally an infrequent Cafe dweller, his focus has now shifted from working at a small startup to freelancing, so we’ll be seeing a lot more of Erik. I’m looking forward to that!
Ns: So, Erik tell me what you do, now that you are self employed?
ES: I help companies communicate online. In practice that means translating knowledge from inside the company in a way that makes it easily understood by customers and partners. This communication takes the form of marketing documents, search-optimized web pages, blog posts, tweets – whatever vehicles are appropriate for the message and the audience.
Ns: Do you wear just the marketing/communications hat?
ES: It’s just me, so I spend some of my time rustling up projects, and the rest of my time working on them.
Ns: Name your favorite recent project/product.
ES: I pushed through a redesign of a home page. It removed a lot of complexity and made it easier for customers to sign up. Signup rates improved, and the clearer messaging helped customers understand the company’s value proposition.
Ns: Do you prefer to work with clients from a specific vertical, or do you work with all ? Why?
ES: I’ve worked with all kinds of clients, from tree doctors to web application vendors. The most exciting clients to work for are those that have a vision for the future, a sense of mission.
Ns: What criteria do you use when deciding whether to take a project?
ES: Is the customer doing something I can believe in? Is the customer doing honest business? Is the customer able to pay? Will I be able to work with the customer without personality conflicts? Is the project meaty enough that I can really immerse myself in it? Does working on this project forward my own professional goals?
Ns: What compelled you to start your business in Santa Cruz?
ES: I have co-owned two businesses in Santa Cruz, and I live in Santa Cruz. I like being able to walk to work. I love the business community here. There are so many smart, engaged businesspeople who are willing and able to truly think outside the box. The creativity in this community is a tremendous strategic advantage for businesses and customers alike.
Ns: How has the current economy affected your business?
ES: The last couple of businesses I’ve worked at were negatively affected by the economic downturn. As an independent contractor there’s a tradeoff: I don’t get the comfort of a reliable paycheck, but I do have more control over my own destiny.
Ns: What was the initial reason you decided to join NextSpace?
ES: I do a lot of work that requires me to focus on something for hours at a time. But being in isolation can get old fast. I’ve been there and done that (working from home) and it wore me out emotionally. I felt like I was in a cave all day. The energy of NextSpace is contagious. I could tell even before NextSpace opened its doors that it would become the center of the tech business community in Santa Cruz, and that’s exactly what has happened. There’s a feeling of being in touch, being in the loop, that I can’t get anywhere. Physical place still matters.
Ns: What, if any, challenges and or benefits have you experienced as a result of coworking?
ES: I can’t currently justify upgrading my membership, but I do miss my big monitor, which stays at home for now. The friendly atmosphere at NextSpace is one of those intangible benefits that sounds contrived, until you experience it.
Ns: How has working at NextSpace changed the way you do business?
ES: It has made me more connected to what other businesscritters in town are doing. It never hurts to be a part of a dynamic business community.
Ns: What benefits have you seen to your professional life/business/product as a result of the NextSpace Effect?
ES: I feel more fit, more attractive, and people have told me my breath smells better since I’ve been using NextSpace. OK, maybe not that last part. But seriously, NextSpace is a warm, inviting, energizing place that makes for a less stressed and more productive week.
Ns: I second that Erik, I’ve noticed a marketed improvement in the freshness of your breath since you joined Ns. I just have one more question: What is the best way for someone to contact you?
ES:
erik@ejschmidt.com (erik null@null ejschmidt NULL.com)
www.ejschmidt.com (http://www NULL.ejschmidt NULL.com/)
twitter: @erikschmidt
831.566.8510