Season 1: Things We Learned
The top takeaways from our deep dive into our Values.
We’ve spent the last few months digging into our values — and any tertiary topics — in our inaugural season of our new blog format. As we come to the conclusion of this journey, and gear up for season 2, here’s a quick look back at the memorable moments, little nuggets and jaw-dropping knowledge that we’re taking away from the season.
*WOTW has canceled 10,000 projects in 99 Designs.
Our producer Reyna pointed out that we had canceled 10,000 projects in 99 Designs, and accepted around 300. We were thrilled to hear this, because it means we’re taking the projects that suit our team best — and allowing us to give more energy, creativity and attention to the projects we do take. (It also inspired our new favorite phrase: No ❤️).
*We ask three questions before making a solution recommendation to a client.
Founder Kelsey Gilbert-Kreiling — a VOP (very online person) — shares the three questions we ask before recommending a solution to a client:
Does it solve your problem… really?
Does it fit your budget?
Is it reliable and sustainable?
*The WOTW origin story.
Who doesn’t love a good origin story? In the very first episode of “No Surprises,” Kelsey and Mal grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and tell the story of how they built this beautiful business. Put in your earbuds, grab your beverage of choice, and join us on this journey.
*Collaboration, Collaboration, Collaboration
This value was apparent throughout the first season of “No Surprises,” as we welcomed a range of guests from across the spectrum of web design. From developers to project managers to clients, we talked with our various collaborators to get different perspectives on the design project and talk about how we all come together.
*When it comes to management, we keep it loose.
As we explored the idea of trustworthiness, we brought it back to our team. By having a hands-off approach, combined with an accountability structure, we are able to get the best results from our developers and project managers. We allow creativity and solutions to flourish while also delivering the right sites to our clients on time.
*Our No Asshole policy.
This season, we put into words one of our official company policies: No Assholes. Life is short, and we’d rather work with nice people.
*It begins and ends with joy.
Our core values — caring, collaboration, openness and trustworthiness — begin and end with what’s arguably our most foundational value: joy! Prioritizing and valuing joy allows creativity to thrive, clients to feel that we’re excited to work with them, and team members to feel like they matter. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves.
*WOTW has an official Joy Concierge.
It’s true. Her name is Samantha Gong, and part of her job description is to spread joy and gratitude to clients, team members and anyone else in the WOTW world. Talk about a dream job!
*This is water.
Ever heard that famous David Foster Wallace quote from a commencement speech? We unpack it, and detail how it applies to our company values. We guarantee you’ll start using his analogy all over the place, it’s just so good.
*Our PMs are the secret WOTW sauce.
Before our clients even hear from us, our PMs have completed a checklist of 20 items — 20 items! — to set the project up for success. And that’s just the beginning. These team members live and breathe organization, shut down chaos in a single bound, and create a space where everyone feels heard, understood and loved. They provide the structure in which developers can unleash their creativity.
*We’re insanely quotable.
From goat rodeos to our No Asshole policy to a celebratory toast to the people who make it all possible — the therapists! — we learned that we have some pretty good one-liners. And it turns out, some of these quotes look dang good on mugs, totes, hats, stickers, water bottles — even a dog bandanna. Stay tuned for the launch of our official WOTW merch store, coming soon!