shout it out
- Tell everyone you know and speak to that you are freelancing
do free work for good people
- you have more creative control when the $ is not dictating design
- which creates better projects, learning and case studies
- you will be surprised where recommendations end up
- trust is always an issue when hiring a freelancer. this establishes you as more ethical
collaborate as much as possible
- by working together, people can learn teh depth of your skills
- by working together, you build trust
- people will recommend people who they have worked together and trust
provide good service
- LISTEN
- educate
- manage expectations
- fix any screwups. A job that finishes with a bad client relationship is a disaster
- then ask for a testimonial for your linkedin and website
- then ask for referrals
- pay a finders fee or give presents to people who refer you work
package your folio well
- communication and design… that’s your job… do it well… don’t be a smart arse
- learn search engine optimisation… and do it well
network
- go to meetup’s (.com) and other networking events such as:
- local business events
- subjects that you work in – eg the Melbourne WordPress Meetup
- events where people are going that are likely to need your services
- visit online forums etc
- – //
- don’t be shy, others are there to network so say hello
- although networking is work, fun people are more fun to work with.. so have fun
- you don’t need to be corporate. People are different and conect with different types of people
- contribute freely to these networks. The more love shared, the more received
- this post is giving my experience, free, no strings attached… and that builds trust and respect
use business language in your sales process
- Commercial design is about providing financial returns for a business
- Good design is essential to compete in today’s market place of switched on consumers.
- Excellent design will increase market share and create new markets.
- Most major brands no longer manufacture stuff, they produce brands (ie design)
when work is low
- get on the phone and call other agencies. It is hard to find good people and if you contact at the right moment…
