My New Business

[leafypiggy]

Okay, two things before I get back on subject.

Since apparently adam's shutting me out from settling this privately:

I never "threatened" you. So stop saying I did.

Usually, forums don't delete from post counts. Last time I administered vB, you had to recount the forum's post to correctly assign them. Just FYI, I'm also very intelligent, and I do know a lot of stuff.

I stated my mind to you. You took it offensively and acted like a child. Grow up.


Back on subject:

Justin, in retrospect, I'd do what Paul suggested. I know my school offers a business class, I'm taking it next year.

again, advertising is very good.

 

[ShadowmasterX]

There are a lot of web designing websites outhere, and you gotta make yourself have something that the others dont have.... and usually, companies look for prices. You need to match top designers but have a cheaper price. and I would take business class and as Paul said, make a website and show it to the company and if they reject.. then you will just add it to your portfolio.

 

[bradym]

I've mailed out 5 letters to varies different company types such as: computer repair shops, restaurants, and a stone work company.

Only 5 letters?!? Even if all 5 replied and hired you, how much money could you make? I would hit the streets with 100's of letters and visit every single business I could find. It's just like resume's. You're selling yourself. People want to SEE who they're dealing with, shake their hand, hear their voice, etc. Also, you should do some research on the businesses before you visit. Find out if they have a website already, and be prepared to point out how you could make it better and therefore bring more customers to their business. Also, get some mockups ready on your laptop and be ready to show the manager/owner just what you're capable of building. IMHO:happysad:

 

[goldblue]

Good Luck to your new business. Dont let "challenges" put you off. Use them to drive your business.

 

[fractalfeline]

My fiancee had a thing like that going for a little while. He had a few clients, mostly artists who wanted an internet showcase for their art. Word-of-mouth seemed to be the primary new-client-gathering-device for that. He had a website showcasing his abilities and everything, but when it came down to it, it was clients who liked him who recommended him to their friends. He generally charged a flat rate. He made a habit of meeting-greeting them every so often, at a cafe (for example). It wasn't very successful but it brought in a few hundred dollars every so often. I think if he had a better form of advertising it might have worked better, but que sera, sera. He ended up getting another job anyway, and the graphic design/web design thing became a side business for extra money. To this day, his old clients will email him with specs on how to modify their website, and we get a little extra money like that every so often. He will occassionally get new clients too.

I'd say previous posters advise about advertising and taking business classes would definitely be beneficial. But I'll modify that by emphasizing the "I'm a real person, I'll meet you at your restaurant, business, etc, or even at a cafe, to discuss what you really want from your website." It builds rapport and generates new clients But seriously, advertise, advertise, advertise.

You may have unique opportunities here as x10 for getting clients. I'm sure there are many people who would love to have the skills to make their own website, come to x10 looking for a nice host, and kinda sitting there like "ok, now what do I do?" Me, I'm kinda like that, but I'm using this opportunity to learn to make my own website. Some people might like it if they can turn to someone in the community to help them get their website off the ground, and would appreciate your services. Perhaps if you can make an ad, you could bother Corey into putting it into the ad-slot up there next to the "Member Panel" ??? lol maybe give him a cut I dunno. Maybe as simple as making a new thread in the Site Promotion section? Can't hurt.

 

[alcramer]

Hi --

I think you need to think more deeply about your business model (Don't we all!). Try this: for 350$.
you'll build a basic website for the client, based on 2 1 hour conversations with clients (one at start of project, the second at end, to pickup changes suggested by client). Anything additional is 25$ an hour. Advertise this service via NON-WEB tech: fliers at supermarkets, 50$ a month adds in your local freebie paper, etc.

Ok this probably won't work. But maybe it will suggest something that will. Good luck!

Al

 

[Brandon]

Are you reporting your profits to the government?

 

[ChatIndia]

I don't know about u, ur needs, ur background and situations but if u r like me i.e. Student, financially strong and want to earn only to make ur parents feel proud then u must think in my suggession. Firstly make a attractive website. Then advertise in google and keep ur price very3 low ($5 for 5 page) so that persons like me(who wan't to use g. adsense) can use ur service. When u get some exp.. and live websites to show on your portfolio or to tell ur client u can change to ur current rates.

 

[danprobo]

Maybe you should try www.getafreelancer.com ya at least for startup. Or try to create a drupal, joomla or wordpress themes then put it in drupal, joomla, wordpress community (provide link to your site in your themes).