We recently connected with Devra Polack and have shared our conversation below.

Devra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Working in an industry where tech is mechanical and impersonal, I really dreamed of creating an agency that prioritizes other small businesses, nonprofits and artists–and that creates tech that serves my clients’ unique needs. I’m proud to say I achieved that. Our clients do incredibly important work that I’m proud to both facilitate and amplify.

Honestly, working directly with my clients is my favorite part of what I do. Often, clients don’t even know what they need. I ask questions, I listen, I help find and build solutions that free them up to do what they do best. Having tech created for you that meets your organization’s needs and vision is so liberating. I really love what I do.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started my career doing web and content development and technical illustration work for research and environmental agencies while in grad school and beyond. Then I became a motion designer at a multimedia agency, where I designed and animated websites and videos and displays for libraries and museums. It was fantastic work, so creative. After getting laid off, I started freelancing and found work through my contacts in the environmental sector for several years.

At the time, I had no idea I’d eventually expand and incorporate to a small agency. Through word of mouth, I started working with small businesses and artists and creatives, lots of therapists (and therapy organizations) and nonprofits and also spiritual leaders! It’s been a treat working with other creatives and developers and writers who help support the vision of my clients. Now we do custom builds for corporate clients, for membership organizations, small businesses and solopreneurs.

Who know that tech consulting would be my favorite thing? It’s really about analytical problem solving. It involves connecting with my clients, and lots of research, which is fascinating. And it means all those years of wearing different hats and being a Jill of all trades pays off.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Above all else, word of mouth has been our mainstay for getting new clients. Our professional networks are everything–and so are our clients’ networks! I can think of one root client who recommended me to a membership association, and from this we were hired by numerous members. Members referred us to other membership associations, and so on.

It takes time to build up a reputation. Treating your clients well is important. When you’re working on their branding and creative and tech, their reputation is in your hands. But the reverse is true as well.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a GenX techie, I learned my chops in an industry that chewed you up and spat you out. Burnout is real.

It took many years of self-employment to learn how to create boundaries for both time and for privacy. I will still occasionally get an emergency text over a holiday if someone has let their domain lapse. If I can help, I do, but I make my boundaries clear. We are a tiny agency and do not offer 24/7 support, but we’re happy to connect folks with support plans that do.

For people entering tech, they are often disposable and overworked–this is often still true in many roles. But overall, companies have learned that attracting and keeping the best talent involves a work/life balance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spinsterdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinsterdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpinsterDesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devrapolack/

Image Credits

Images courtesy of Spinster Design, Inc.