Bookmarkables for 15 October 2007
Finding quality links, articles and tools to share with you can sometimes be a challenge. I have many more to come, but this week here are 5 to help you and your web design business.
As always if you've found something to be bookmarkable this week please send it to me or add it to the comments below.
- Em Calculator - a nice javascript tool to help in your CSS.
- Quit Your Day Job Sooner By Spending Less - by Net Business Blog
- Don't Let Your Website Show Its Age - by Return Customer
- Ongoing role of a website manager - by Boag World
- Getting Priorities Right - by Paul Enderson
While you're at it why not subscribe to the Focus Minded RSS feed.
7 Tips for Power Networking
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.
Bookmarkables for 8 October 2007
These links should help making starting your web design business easier. If you've found something to be bookmarkable this week please send it to me or add it to the comments below.
- Interpreting Financial Statements by About.com
- What Customers Want by Customers Rock
- Business Cards. Trust me - you need them. by Startup Spark - for as much as I preach on the importance of business cards, this is just a fitting link to post here.
- 35 Quick Tips by Startup Students
- How to Continually Sharpen Your Skills by Freelance Switch
- Freelance Freedom #20 - a wonderful comic. (some nice Monday humor)
Friday Focus: It’s Question Time
Freelancer Friday has been a big hit, and while I'd love to have dozens of interviews waiting to be published I don't. I am unfortunately at the mercy of the designers and their availability. As one would expect they are very busy. Therefore, to supplement content on Friday's I am launching a new series called Friday Focus where I will answer questions.
Growing Your Web Design Business
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.