Meet the SBDC Team – Jennie Johns: Harper College

As the SBDC’s technology expert, Jennie Johns assists clients with website, email
service and other technology issues. She also runs the SBDC program that matches Harper
College web programming students with small business owners who need help building
a website.

What do you specialize in at the SBDC?

I mainly work with clients on website development, including the functionality, design
and user experience. When our clients are matched with a student developer, I oversee
the project. We help clients through the entire process of designing and building
current, impactful websites.

How does your experience benefit your clients?

I have over 20 years of programming experience in the web development field and almost
10 years of experience teaching website usability and programming. I understand the
challenges that small business owners face when it comes to building and maintaining
a website, and I can help them work through the creation, deployment and ongoing maintenance.

What’s a common misconception small business owners have about web development?

A lot of people think they can just hire someone to quickly build a website for them.
They don’t realize how much time and effort will be needed from their end. Before
you can even get started on designing and programming, you need to take time to think
about the audience and develop meaningful content.

Do you have a piece of advice for someone who is interested in building a website?

Focus on your content. Copy should be short and easy to scan, but it also needs to
be thoughtful and precise, and it should have a story-like quality.

Why do you like working with small business owners at the SBDC?

I love coming to work at the SBDC. It’s fun to meet new clients and hear about the
unique and interesting businesses they are starting. Their hope and energy is inspiring,
and it’s rewarding to help them fulfill their dreams. I feel very fortunate to be
a consultant with the SBDC and to be able to provide this free service.

How should clients prepare to get the most out of your advising sessions?

Spend some time looking through other websites, including your competitors’ sites.
Also, bring the URLs of sites you like and don’t like so we can get a sense for your
design preferences. Also, bring a list of questions. Thinking through what you want
to get of the session can make it more productive.