We are a do-it-yourself species. "If you want it done right, you've got to do it yourself."

But at some point, we realized that we can't do everything ourselves. So now we have electricians, plumbers, auto mechanics and interior decorators to help us with the more difficult tasks in our lives.

And we also have graphic designers. These men and women have years, sometimes even decades, of experience in creating advertising and promotional pieces for different kinds of companies and individuals.

When it comes to advertising for our businesses, a large portion of us have kept the do-it-yourself spirit. Programs like Microsoft Publisher, printers like VistaPrint and companies like GoDaddy and web.com make it easy for us to advertise our business at a very low cost.

But there is a higher price being paid than you realize, and that is image. Another phrase we like to use is "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." What if the first impression your customers get is that you like to cut corners and save as much money as possible? Will they think that you are company they can trust? What if your competitors all look better than you, then what?

Also there is the matter of time. As a business owner, every minute you spend designing your corporate brochures or working on the company website is a minute you are not focusing on your customers, which means you are not making money.

Quality graphic and web design does not need to be expensive. Hiring a professional designer allows you to focus on your customers, and you get an image you can be proud of. That first impression you need to make will be a big hit.