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Hello and straight in with a question!
Hello all,
I've been a long time browser of this site and I've finally gotten myself around to signing up.
I'm here for a little advice; I'm currently employed as a full time graphic designer however I am exploring the idea of going part-time freelance.
I've 5 years experiance in my current job, during this time I have been fortunate enough to work on a number of different projects in varying areas. Unfortunately I have very little experiance in "dealing" with clients, as the mass majority of my work has been assigned to me by my boss.
I already have a few freelance projects under my belt though if I am honest these have been for relatives or friends of relatives, which is pratically cheating! :embarassed
This year I would like to start broadening my list of contacts, ideally in the area of web design . One way I have thought of achieving this is by approaching businesses that already have websites, however are in need of updating or redesigning.
So my question is this; what would be the best method for approaching a potential customer and what would be the best way of telling them their site is rubbish and that I can make a better one! :laugh2
Any advice would be much appreciated thankyou!
I've been a long time browser of this site and I've finally gotten myself around to signing up.
I'm here for a little advice; I'm currently employed as a full time graphic designer however I am exploring the idea of going part-time freelance.
I've 5 years experiance in my current job, during this time I have been fortunate enough to work on a number of different projects in varying areas. Unfortunately I have very little experiance in "dealing" with clients, as the mass majority of my work has been assigned to me by my boss.
I already have a few freelance projects under my belt though if I am honest these have been for relatives or friends of relatives, which is pratically cheating! :embarassed
This year I would like to start broadening my list of contacts, ideally in the area of web design . One way I have thought of achieving this is by approaching businesses that already have websites, however are in need of updating or redesigning.
So my question is this; what would be the best method for approaching a potential customer and what would be the best way of telling them their site is rubbish and that I can make a better one! :laugh2
Any advice would be much appreciated thankyou!
- Contact in PM
Kevinj
Messages count : 4Likes count : 0Registration : 29 January 2009depending on the size of the client it may be worth risking a rough draft version of your own to present to them to highlight the benefits of your option versus their existing one. Don't tell them theirs is rubbish - show them what could be better and how. Regards, Kevinj[FONT="Tahoma"][/FONT] Regards, Kevin Jenkins MA Furniture design, Product design and 3D Cad - Contact in PM
Janine Forder
Messages count : 4Likes count : 0Registration : 6 May 2008Call them. I am a telemarketer and the result from calling are much higher than mail shots. I also have a good contact at an email marketing company, you can email people and see who clicked on the link to your website and call them.
If you called, went in all humble and "I was looking at your website earlier today and I noticed there were a few spelling errors on it. I do web content and design and I know I;m being a bit cheeky but would you consider using my services etc" whatever feels comfortable for you along those lines. get some good stats behind you obviously as to what percentage of business is generated from a website - and what is it there to do? sell stuff? inform people?My success rides heavily on my approach. I am not a "pushy sales person" but an effective one - and there is a difference. - Contact in PM
addmeup
Messages count : 3Likes count : 0Registration : 11 March 2009
yes i agree with Janine. there's nothing more effective than talking to a person. in such a way you can freely express what you're trying to tell them but perhaps you should and must sound sincere and honest, it counts. 🙂Janine Forder, post: 9692 a écrit : Call them. - Contact in PM
johnthecoach
Messages count : 14Likes count : 0Registration : 3 March 2009Credibility
Paul,PaulDean, post: 9385 a écrit : Hello all,
So my question is this; what would be the best method for approaching a potential customer and what would be the best way of telling them their site is rubbish and that I can make a better one! :laugh2
Any advice would be much appreciated thankyou!
You have a head start, because at least your being honest with where you are at. You could leap straight in, and call some potential clients, but the issue you will likely face, straight away is credibility. Credibility comes with having a good client portfolio. So start to build one up.
Bridge towards where you want to go.
Check out the local chamber of commerce, and local small businesses, and offer to do work at a reduced rate to build up your portfolio....then you will reach a point, when you have solid material to show, and your confidence in speaking with potential clients will grow.
That's my sense, off the top of me head. :)
With my best wishes,
John - Contact in PM
clairelitt
Messages count : 6Likes count : 0Registration : 7 February 2008I was the same as you when I started out. Try reading this book its most helpful.
Brilliant Networking: What the Best Networkers Know, Say and Do
by Steven D'Souza
Hope that helps. And remember rejection is normal, keep at them and you might just get some work.