All too often, I get requests from visitors to help them salvage their web site. They have already hired someone to design it, they are horribly disappointed with the results, and now they "need it fixed."

It is much more difficult to try to "fix" a web site than to start from scratch. I'd like to suggest a few things to look for before you hire someone to create an online extension of who you are.

• Get references - nothing speaks louder than clients that have had experience with the company that you are considering hiring.

• Call them on the phone! If you are comfortable talking to them, and they explain everything to you without making you feel "dumb," this is a good sign! Do they sound like they know what you're trying to achieve on your site? YOU are hiring them to do work for you. Feel good about it!

• How easy is it to get in touch with this company? Have they responded to your inquiry? Have they made themselves available to you in a timely fashion?

• View their portfolio. Is the work that they've done of good quality? Does it appear that they will be able to do what you're looking for in your site? Are they experienced?

Finally, as in all aspects of life, don't try to cut corners now by hiring the least expensive. It may cost you more in the long run if you are not happy with the results. The reverse is true also. The most expensive doesn't necessarily mean the best!