7 min read
Genius In The Chaos
It’s in there – we both know it! The first step is acceptance and exploration of your unique flavour of chaos so we can find that little pearl of genius that makes you shine!
Choosing A Path
Once we know where we are going, we need to choose one path from the options available to us. The accessible and exciting path… yeah… that’s the one we want.
Spark Action
We need to test that path by choosing one concrete action to prototype. No more blind faith – we light the spark of your genius to illuminate your next steps.
Who is Orla?
I have been where you are, and likely will be again – chaos is a part of my nature (hands up my ADHD buddies!) but I’ve learned how to accept, understand and harness it.
20 years a web designer so believe me I know how it feels to feel suffocated by a web of incomplete side hustles and dreams.
I have a BBS in Economics & Finance and a Postgrad in Business Innovation Management. I love turning ideas into sustainable businesses.
When I’m not working or taking care of my two monkeys under 3 – I am painting. Aimless, delicious, self-indulgent painting. (Yup – this piece of chaos in the background is one of the first paintings I did)
Nadine McCarthy
Orla has been a rock and a gemstone in the evolution of me and my online business
“Not only was she with me every step of the way with her strategic and technical expertise, but she was a creative and intuitive genius who got me, understood where I wanted to go with the course and she expanded and enhanced every single step of that launch with me.”
Kerry White
I found her approach highly intuitive
“She immediately seemed to understand what I needed in my new website. I feel that Orla stands out in her field, as she has a wonderful combination of technical skills and experience, as well as business knowledge, and an ability to listen and really gain a deep understanding of the business she is supporting. Now I can’t wait to get my site out into the world!”
Melissa Curley
“She listens and has an incredible talent for pulling out what really matters and turning that into a visual presence that really represents you”
“She’s got an incredible talent for pulling out what really matters and turning that into a strategy that really represents you. She’s incredible to work with, she’s so experienced and knowledgeable that she’s worth listening to because everything she says comes from a real thoughtful place. She also really cares; about you, your ideas, your hopes and about creating an aligned and sustainable business or career that excites you.”
How I Work
I have spent the better part of a decade helping my clients to clarify and articulate their vision for their businesses. It is deeply satisfying and exciting work to be part of transforming someones idea or problem into a sustainable business that nourishes, not depletes them. For that to happen, we both need to feel open, comfortable and trust each other. This is an overview of how I work so you can decide if I am the right person for you to consider working with.
Each Client Is Unique
I don't have a fixed plan, system or advice in advance. Every single client has different needs and resources so I work on a one to one basis with them to create give advice or create a plan that is perfect for their situation.
I come from a multi-disciplinary background, bringing a unique mix of design, strategy, technical and industry knowledge as well as creative intuition and empathy. From finance to architectural design to startups and eventually running a web design agency - I am a perpetual idea magnet and creator. Some people call this multi-passionate but I've always preferred the term Renaissance Soul (Ref: Margaret Lobenstein). If you need a fresh perspective, a voice of experience and support to make an exciting yet achievable change - you've come to the right place.
Tangible Results
Every client is unique - that word is overused but the point of getting one-to-one help is that your situation is unique and you need personalised help - not to feel like a cog in a marketing machine waiting for an answer from a moderator in a community platform. However, I do find most issues fit into a simple four-part framework:
- Discover: What is the problem?
- Plan: Create a plan to solve the problem identified.
- Act: Create a prototype to test if our plan resolves the problem.
- Evaluate: What we learned and decide on the next steps for either growth or adjustment?
Some examples of prototypes we have created are:
- A sales page to test demand for a new course, service, idea or product.
- A detailed project plan for clients to self-build an online presence within a predefined budget.
- An attainable innovation strategy to breathe excitement and sustainability into an existing business.
Clear Pricing
I often don't book services because they are not clear about their pricing. As someone with ADHD, I am highly sensitive and susceptible to sales tactics and FOMO (fear of missing out) which leave me feeling resentful both of myself and the service provider. I deliberately do not lock anyone into a contract - you only book what you need when you need it or scarcity-based sales tactics. Self-care, including financial self-care comes first even if that means your strategy session is dedicated to giving you the road map to do the work yourself.
I keep my pricing and terms transparent to protect both of us. If you are anything like me, you get swept up in the excitement of new ideas, so clear and kind boundaries keep relationships, both professional and personal, healthy.
Chemistry Check
💸 Free | 30 mins
Before I work with someone - I offer a 30-minute 'chemistry check' - yup, you heard right. We are all unique and it is inevitable that not everyone will click - we both want to make sure that we are comfortable working together so this quick 30 minute session is an informal and exploratory chat that establishes a connection. There is no pressure to go further than this but the following options are available if you decide I am the right person to work with.
Strategy session
💸 €175 | 90 mins
This strategy session is an exploration of your experience, your ideas and your vision for the future. It is an opportunity for you to fully explore all ideas and options without commitment. In fact, some sessions are dedicated to creating a personal roadmap for you to do the work yourself if you are a DIY enthusiast and/or finances are tight.
Many clients just need regular strategy, accountability and focus sessions to stay on track. Some clients like a regular monthly slot and others like to book ad hoc depending on their finances and availability - I happily support both.
📝 Every strategy session is followed up with a summary report that includes all notes, advice and links mentioned on the call so we can focus 100% on you.
Prototyping Session
💸 €475 | 4 hrs
Prototyping sessions are intense, half-day co-working build sessions with specific, pre-defined outcomes.
An example of a typical half-day prototyping session includes creating ethically focused sales copy, a logo, a one-page website and social graphics so you can communicate your idea to your ideal target audience.
Depending on the size of your project, multiple sessions could be required but we confirm the scope during our strategy session.
Follow up sessions
💸 €75 | 30 min
Sometimes all you need is quick advice, assistance or feedback on specific issues.
This support session is only available for existing or past clients as I already understand their project and personal vision so can provide quick, personalised support.
If this sounds good to you - book a free 30 minute exploratory chat:
Book A Chat
Choose Clarity - Not Chaos!
Getting clarity around your chaos is big work and you want to make sure that I am the right person to help guide you.
This is a free 30 minute exploratory session, there is no pressure to continue to work with me, in fact, I might suggest an entirely different path for you!
I hate booking a chat with someone and not knowing what I am signing up for - check out How I Work so you have all the facts up front.
What have you got to lose (except all that chaos)?