James Hagen: no spin, no hook, just good partnerships
Tech Talk, Maryland Daily Record 03.03.03
The Greater Baltimore Technology Council recently interviewed James Hagen, a partner in the design practice of no|inc. Based in Baltimore, no|inc designs and develops interactive digital media.
In plain English, what does no|inc do?
We design and develop interactive digital media. Currently, that means Websites, CD-ROMs, software development, etc. Who knows what it will mean next year.
Where are you located and why?
Our studio is located on Water Street in Baltimore. We like the idea of being downtown. The bustling central business district contrasts nicely with our modest, turn-of-the-century warehouse. This contrast is a constant (and necessary) source of inspiration and context for us.
What’s the coolest thing about your company?
We have a great group of people here. There is a great attitude about sharing ideas and learning from each other. I have to say that it carries over into our client engagements as well. We think of our relationships with our clients as partnerships, and it shows when we get together.
What’s your greatest business challenge today?
With no|inc, our greatest challenge is cutting through the clutter with new client engagements and getting to the root of their needs. It takes a good conversation to get them to understand that we’re not coming to them with a product or even a solution. We want to understand their organization from the root and help them use technology to support it. No spin, no hook, no proprietary anything.
What’s your greatest personal challenge?
Balance. It’s hard to balance work, relationships and learning new things.
Where did you go to school, and what did it teach you?
I went to the Maryland Institute College of Art. Most people think art school is a literal extension of what they had in grade school, but it’s really more thinking and talking than anything else. At MICA, they bring in high-level professionals for critiques and lectures. I took a lot away from that. But mostly I learned a strong work ethic. They keep you pretty busy over there.
What would you be doing if you weren’t running this company, and if money were no object?
Probably traveling — there are a lot of places I want to see, but I don’t have any time right now, and everything is so far away.
What industry buzzword do you most try to avoid and why?
I try to avoid all buzzwords. We are very anti-buzzword at no|inc. It commodifies what we do. It makes it harder for us to truly communicate to our clients. Buzzwords have made the language of our business trite. Throwing abbreviations and acronyms at a prospective client can only be effective at scaring them into thinking they know nothing and you know everything. Not my style.
What is the best business advice you’ve heard or given?
‘Get someone who knows sales and business development. Remember, you guys are flaky creatives.’ As it turns out, clients really don’t just show up at your door with checks in their hands. Four months after starting our business, we brought on a business development consultant. Best decision we ever made.
What do you know now that you didn’t know 12 months ago?
I know how important it is to initiate and nurture business relationships regardless of how lucrative the relationship could be. Down the road, it can only bring good things.
no|inc is a member of the Greater Baltimore Technology Council. The GBTC is a private nonprofit organization devoted to growing the region’s tech community. For more information about programs and membership, visit www.gbtechcouncil.org.