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Networking is a freelancer’s life blood. It can sometimes make the difference in new work versus no work. Did you know that power networking has the potential to increase your workload, create new friendships, and grow your business at the same time?

Opportunities to network slip by you everyday. Recognizing and capitalizing on them is the first step to power networking. Taking what you do every day and focusing it a bit. All receive quality leads, contacts, clients, and friends. Here are my 7 tips to help you start power networking.

1. Exchange business cards with everyone.

One of the oldest forms of networking is the business card. Get in the habit of exchanging your cards with everyone. Be generous with handing them out. Everyone in your network is valuable. Don’t just wait for the ‘perfect’ potential client. Business cards are an inexpensive way to advertise and network. Use them!

2. Get your family on board.

This should go without saying, but make sure everyone in your family knows what you do. Your family knows you and they can be powerful referrers. So you’ll want to make sure they are on board with you and willing to share your information anytime they feel it’s appropriate.

3. Tell all of your friends.

Many of us are reluctant to share with our friends that we are a freelancer. I am not sure if it is because we think it’ll scare them away or turn us into a sort of red-headed step child. As with family, tell every friend you have what you are doing. Trust me, they will remember when it counts!

4. Strike up conversations everywhere.

Opportunities arise every day to speak about your company. Get in the habit of talking about your business. In the grocery line, at the bus stop, in the restaurant, or anywhere you see others. Learn techniques for guiding daily conversations to your industry. That will give you an appropriate time to plug your business and exchange your business card.

5. Form friendships with your competition.

I know this tip sounds counter productive, however by forging new relationships with your competition it puts you on their level. Since there are enough clients to go to every one in your industry, why not get on friendly terms with your competition. After all, the chances of you competing head to head for any specific client are minimal.

6. Volunteer when appropriate.

Volunteering creates image so when you can I suggest doing it. I am not talking about serving soup at a local shelter (although you could help there too). Volunteer or donate your services to a non-profit, friend, or someone in need. Its lasting value can’t easily be seen, but trust me when done right – it’ll help.

7. Contact past clients.

Continue to foster the relationship you’ve formed with your past clients. I am convinced that over 90% of your work will come from referrals. Remember each of your past clients can network with your name and services, so keep it fresh in their minds.

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So you’re a web designer, awesome, but how do you grow your business? I mean, how do you get it from being a one-man operation begging for work to a multiple employee company turning down work? Eventually every business person reaches a point when they ask themselves this very question. Have no fear, below are several steps and ideas to help you grow your web design business.
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I’ve been told that good conversation skills can not be taught. It is either a skill you have or one that you don’t. While there is some validity in that statement, don’t be discouraged. Even though everyone isn’t going to be a linguist, YOU can master the art of good table conversation.

Business networking is vital to the growth of any company, but even more important for an online web design business. An excellent networker can grow their business by leaps and bounds over a poor networker. A good friend of mine recently shared a problem he has, table conversation. Not just any table conversation, but talking about his web design business. I know it sounds odd, but believe me he is not alone. Many people who are good at what they do, stink at networking, even if it is with family and friends. With a little understanding and some practice anyone can make web design good table conversation. You just have to know the responses you’re going to get so you can have the right follow up. You have to have a good elevator pitch, you have to be ready to provide either valuable information or service and you have to be able to have good leader questions. Let’s look at each one individually.
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Would you just hit the road with no idea where you’re going? Is it your standard operating procedure to get in the car without a destination? Of course not! Pilots likewise wouldn’t get in a plan and fly without a flight plan. So why would you start a business, let alone operate a business without a business plan? You wouldn’t, yet most web design professionals start out without a specific plan.

Flight Plans are not only good for pilots, but they are required. They contain basic and specific information about the trip. Included in it are details like: departure point, destination point, flight route, estimated flight time, backup landing points not to mention pilot and aircraft information. You see it contains everything needed for an at-a-glance look. This is exactly the kind of basic and detailed information your business plan should contain. So we are going to answer the following questions:

1. What is a Business Plan Really?
2. What’s The Purpose of a Business Plan?
3. What Types of Business Plans are There and Which One is Appropriate?
4. What Information Should Your Business Plan Contain?

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You’ve finally decided to start your own web design/development company. The years of slaving for someone else are over, you can already feel the freedom. You’ve created a company, registered it with your state (if required), and done all that legal stuff. So…now what do you do? What is the next step. How do you attract clients, what do you charge, and most importantly how do you do the work?

There are a lot of things you could have, but there are a few things you NEED to or SHOULD have when you start. I recommend having the following 5 things under control, in your possession, or at least in the works before trying to take on work.

1. Business Cards
2. Website
3. Preliminary Prices or Rates Established
4. Beginning Workflow Set
5. A Network of Family and Friends

Now that you have your list of what I suggest you need, let’s cover them in slightly more detail.
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