The Accidental Developer: Why a Financial Planner Happily Walks the Halls of Code
Allow me to introduce Kim Peterson, an unusually talented musician who built a 23+ year career in the financial world. Now the founder of Nomadic Nerd, she is a business strategy consultant, custom web tool developer, and proud digital nomad.
She was recommended to me by one of her financial colleagues and has been very helpful with both the design/development, and content for this website. The link between math and music was nicely highlighted by Leibniz, one of the inventors of calculus who said:
“Music is the pleasure the human mind experiences from counting without being aware that it is counting”.
In the blog posted below, Kim outlines her approach to website building in her usual clear, direct, and well-tuned manner. Please enjoy this read.
The Accidental Developer: Why a Financial Planner Happily Walks the Halls of Code
Let's face it, a career path from music major to financial planner and now, business consultant and web developer, might raise some eyebrows. You might be thinking, "WT actual F?" (and hey, that's a perfectly valid question). This seemingly erratic journey highlights the power of transferable skills and a relentless pursuit of understanding the "why."
Across all my endeavors, from crafting songs to building financial plans, one core principle reigns supreme:
Understanding the "why" is paramount.
As a financial planner, uncovering a client's "why" – early retirement dreams, that unforgettable vacation – formed the foundation for crafting personalized financial plans. Now, as a business consultant, I delve into the "why" behind a company's very existence. Why do they do what they do? Why are they falling short of their goals?
So, why (see what I did there? 🙂) web development? Because when it comes to building websites or online tools, the "why" question forms the bedrock of everything. Before diving headfirst into flashy design and complex code, we need to take a step back and ask that fundamental question:
Why do you need a website?
The Financial Planner in You: Building Websites with Purpose
Think of your website as your digital storefront, portfolio, or information hub. Just as I, a financial planner, would not recommend a random stock without understanding risk tolerance and goals, a developer should not build a website or tool without understanding the goals and purpose.
Here's where the skills from financial planning translate beautifully into the web development world:
Understanding Your Client = Understanding Your Target Audience: In finance, it's about analyzing income, expenses, and risk tolerance, etc. In web development, this translates to understanding your target audience – their demographics, online behavior, and the pain points you can solve for them.
Defining Your Goals = Defining Your Website's Purpose: Early retirement or generating leads? Both financial planning and web development require a clear vision to achieve desired outcomes. Your website's purpose guides every decision from design to resource allocation.
Emphasize Value = Crafting Compelling Content: In finance, it's about creating personalized roadmaps to ensure goals are met. For websites, it's about crafting valuable content that resonates with your audience and addresses their specific needs. Think of it as translating sound financial advice into website copy that compels visitors to take action.
Building a Website with Purpose: A Guide for Online Success
Now that you've established your "why," let's delve into the "how" of building a website that drives results.
Define Your Website Architecture: Imagine your website as a warm welcome to potential clients or readers. You do not want that to be cluttered. Create a sitemap or wireframe – a blueprint that outlines the structure and navigation, ensuring visitors can effortlessly find the information they need.
Craft Compelling Content: Content is king in the digital world. For websites, it's about creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
Prioritize User Experience (UX): A user-friendly website is worth its weight in gold. Focus on a seamless and intuitive experience, guiding visitors towards desired actions and outcomes
Optimize for Search Engines (SEO): SEO helps your website rank higher in search results, increasing organic traffic. Optimize your SEO to ensure eyes on your pages.
Use Analytics: Just like tracking investment performance, website analytics provide valuable insights into visitor behavior. Use this data to understand what's working and identify areas for improvement, constantly refining your website for better results.
Your Website: A Living, Breathing Entity
Like a financial plan, your website is not a one-time investment. It's a living, breathing entity that needs to evolve with your business. As your goals shift and your target audience changes, so too should your website. That's where the "why" question comes full circle. Revisit your initial purpose – has it changed? Has your target audience's "why" evolved?
Here are some additional tips for building a website with long-term success:
Stay Relevant: Keep your content fresh and update information regularly. Think of it as staying current on market trends in the financial world.
Embrace Mobile-First Design: In today's mobile-centric world, ensure your website is optimized for all devices.
Focus on Security: Just as your financial information must be secure so too your website security must protect user data.
Accessibility Matters: Ensure your website is accessible to everyone, regardless of abilities.
Remember, a website built with purpose is a powerful tool. It attracts the right audience, delivers value, and ultimately helps you achieve your online objectives. So, do not be afraid to embrace the unconventional. Be bold in defining your "why" and enjoy the experience of building a website that works for you.
If you are interested in finding ut more about me and what I do, click here