Sell yourself: Gaining quality clients
Perhaps the most difficult part of working as a freelance designer is getting clients. While many blog articles by successful designers may tell you otherwise and lead you to think you’ll have so much work you won’t have time to think, that’s not the case - at least, not at first.
The problem that most designers face is simply fear. You’re afraid of rejection, afraid you won’t make enough to support your family, even afraid that you’ll be too successful and not meet deadlines. Put a name on it and call it what it is. You’re a big, fat chicken. There, that’s better.
This single issue is usually what determines if a designer works in-house for an established company or actually takes that important first step toward financial and entrepreneurial independence. Shane and Peter has published an excellent and simple guide to overcoming the obstacles that prevent designers from landing the big fish. The article involves chocolate chip cookies, and we do like our cookies.
Also, remember these important tips:
- Treat yourself like your own client and develop an outstanding business card. If your materials are shoddy and thrown together, the client can only assume that’s what they’ll get from you.
- Do your research. The more you know about your potential clients and their potential needs, the better things will turn out. The Yellow Pages isn’t a bad place to start to find out a brief description of the business and who its competitors are.
- Don’t even imagine it won’t work. Literally thousands of designers have been successful as freelancers and have enjoyed all that lifestyle has to offer. They’re not smarter than you - are they?
- Finally, get yourself some inspiration. A recent popular read is The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris. While not directly design related, the advice this book gives is invaluable for anyone wanting to work for themselves. It’s also a great adrenaline boost.
Filed under: Being Successful
