Be honest - you know you keep tabs on what your competition is doing. You should! But it is best to be objective while you are doing it.

Try this - actually get on the computer and move around your competition's Web site. See what works, and what doesn't. Compare it to your company and Web site. It is very helpful when a client goes through this process. Sometimes we go through it together.

Whether you are creating your first Web site or re- designing an existing site, this process of analyzing "the competition" will help you:

• solidify your goals
• learn about your target audience
• define what makes you different

With this information, you will have a strong foundation for building or re-designing a successful Web site.

As I write this, my lights are on, I have heat, a hot cup of coffee and Internet access. I can do without lights and heat in a pinch, but I can't do much without coffee and a working cable modem.

Here is some background for those outside the Western New York area: We woke up on the morning of Friday the 13th, to a nightmare of thick, heavy, wet snow snarling traffic, snapping trees and power lines and leaving almost 400,000 homes and businesses without electricity. You can use your imagination for the rest.

Here are some random thoughts that occurred to me last Friday:

• I’m glad I didn’t "put off until tomorrow."
• No matter how bad you have it, someone always has it worse.
• Good neighbors are priceless.
• Helping someone else keeps your mind off your own problems. Feels good too.
• Back up your computer early, and often.
• Opening the refrigerator door for no reason is a bad habit that is hard to break.
• It is important to keep a sense of humor, but it's not always easy.
• You can’t fool Mother Nature, and it is no fun when she fools you.

I am aware that some of my subscribers are still without power. When your power is back on and you receive this newsletter, please hit reply and let me know how you are doing!

You deserve a break today.

It has been a tough week for many of us. We have much cleaning up and catching up in our schedules. Even without an unexpected emergency, life can be stressful - and more so if you don't allow for some down time.

A friend sent this link to me. Now I can clear my mind and I don't even have to leave my computer! Thanks Len.

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings. My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let’s put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.