I just spent 15 minutes in a calling cue. For the third time. For a leased car I returned two months ago. When someone finally answered, they couldn’t help me and put me on hold. For the third time. It was so much fun that I hung up, scoured the internet for the CFO’s email and, well, I finally have a response to my query.
Yeah. Not a big fan of waiting in calling cues.
The thing is: Yes, business websites put information at one’s fingertips. The issue is: getting information one actually needs requires battling through the 10th circle of inferno - Corporate Hell.
Which may be why I’m so delighted with Discover Westport(DW).
I know it’s tough to get jazzed up about a town website (sorry, Town. But on some level you must be aware of this.) I mustered a resounding “meh” when I first heard about DW.
Then I logged on.
And maybe because I’m hardened to all sites “helpful” or because I’m railing against everything in general, I was taken aback by how, like, helpful it is.
First, it’s clean and easy to navigate. No bolded words crammed against call-outs and exclamation points and odd/misleading subject titles.
Second, it’s comprehensive. You want to learn about sports and fitness? One click leads to every conceivable spot in which to burn a calorie, stretch a muscle, and get your game on. Hungry for a snack? You can quickly find the tiniest chocolate shop or the biggest grocery store. I also learned there are a lot of liquor stores in Westport…
Third, everything you need is right there: address, website, phone number. There’s even a photo so you know what to expect, and a map so you can determine how far you’ll have to walk/drive to get there.
You can read up on our neighborhoods, find town-wide happenings on the calendar, even learn a bit about Westport itself (did you know that Stepford Wives was filmed here?)
Work on DW began last year, when branding and marketing executive Randy Herbertson (Principal, The Visual Brand) and Sarah Harris (then the town operations director) struck up a conversation about creating a town site. Norwalk had one, Stamford has one, so why not one for our attractive beach-side enclave?
Then his team scoured the town, collected and compiled data. Initially, they focused on parks, non-profits, and “anything with a storefront.” However, Randy explains, “Every time we draw the line it gets crossed.”
It launched this past October, but it’s still in development. They anticipate a blog, lists as varied as “10 Things to Discover,” and “10 Great Pickles.” Even making dinner reservations online (“If the restaurant’s not on OpenTable, how are you going to find them?” asks Randy.)
They’re open to suggestions, so apprise them of your brilliant ideas. They may or may not be able to accommodate your sparks of creative genius, but they won’t put you on hold forever. Three times.
Note to businesses and potential businesses:
Check out ChooseWestportCT.com for important information on possibilities, viability, and how to get started.
DiscoverWestportCT.com
You can read up on our neighborhoods, find town-wide happenings on the calendar, even learn a bit about Westport itself (did you know that Stepford Wives was filmed here?)
