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The New Web Design Sub Forum (Intro Post)

Anything considered a "hustle" and not necessarily a CENTS-based Fastlane

Fox

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@Fox I've played around with a few ideas for the last few years had a little success here and there, but as a whole action faking. So ive decided I'm gonna code a blog that I'll post on to practice seo and start a seo company down the line, probably will be a few years before we start seeing results but "eventually, the time that was not spent on learning new skills will catch up with you, and the fall will be painful" Robert Greene.

So yh I need to add more skills to my locker and get serious I won't be 23 forever & life is getting on. Where would be the best place to start, with a udemy course? people have said good things about yours, so I gonna get on that tomorrow. Its currently 01.57, can't sleep cus I've been working nights and I have college tomorrow, need to be up for 6

Get a piece of paper. Write down everyone you might know or could approach who owns a business.

Now mark the businesses you might think have some problems that you could (don't worry about how exactly right now) help with.

They need ________. They have issues with _________. They might have a problem with __________ .

Now go approach those businesses. Tell them you are motivated to help and you want nothing more in return than to see if it added value.

If you are motivated and have the conviction someone will let you.

That is all you need to do to get started. Approach one business and make a small/big difference. That is the start of a business to business service.

If you can do just a little you can learn to do more. If you can help one you can help a lot.

Coding and that stuff comes later when you got a real problem to try solve.
 
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Fox

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Absolutely! @Fox is an inspiration that led me to read both your books back to back in a couple days. Looking forward to following suit as a way to break free from the scripted life now and pursue other ventures only after this one has taken off. Already have done 3 sites so it is working!

Welcome @Lorus - glad you joined the forums.
 

Silver Silk

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Get a piece of paper. Write down everyone you might know or could approach who owns a business.

Now mark the businesses you might think have some problems that you could (don't worry about how exactly right now) help with.

They need ________. They have issues with _________. They might have a problem with __________ .

Now go approach those businesses. Tell them you are motivated to help and you want nothing more in return than to see if it added value.

If you are motivated and have the conviction someone will let you.

That is all you need to do to get started. Approach one business and make a small/big difference. That is the start of a business to business service.

If you can do just a little you can learn to do more. If you can help one you can help a lot.

Coding and that stuff comes later when you got a real problem to try solve.
@Fox Joined your new coding school, i quickly realised its more focused on sales and building the business though, i havent even got to that stage so i need to get there. In the facebook group ive watched some of the free videos stopped at step two to take action. Just purchased the suggested website builder udemy course but i didnt see an affiliate link. Anyhow im going to go through the course now and im build the demo website, launch my own web dev landing page/website next week and get on udemy to just build up some experience and a portfolio.

Ill post an update next week, time to get serious!
 
Last edited:

Everyman

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Why disappointment?

I was a bit ironical. Everyone can experience 'it' as he wants. But there is a lot of negative feelings accompanying any activity without getting instant gratification.
 

Fox

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@Fox Joined your new coding school, i quickly realised its more focused on sales and building the business though, i havent even got to that stage so i need to get there. In the facebook group ive watched some of the free videos stopped at step two to take action. Just purchased the suggested website builder udemy course but i didnt see an affiliate link. Anyhow im going to go through the course now and im build the demo website, launch my own web dev landing page/website next week and get on udemy to just build up some experience and a portfolio.

Ill post an update next week, time to get serious!

Great, take your time and go through the content at your own speed.

How are things going now?
 

Silver Silk

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Great, take your time and go through the content at your own speed.

How are things going now?
@Fox Still doing the udemy course, there's is a lot that is covered, need better focus to study for longer everyday, really not doing enough at the moment if im honest, my job is very mentally draining, but excuses don't produce results, just got to DO THE WORK and thats all there is to it. Still going though, some progress is better the zero.
 
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Fox

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@Fox Still doing the udemy course, there's is a lot that is covered, need better focus to study for longer everyday, really not doing enough at the moment if im honest, my job is very mentally draining, but excuses don't produce results, just got to DO THE WORK and thats all there is to it. Still going though, some progress is better the zero.

Keep doing what you can and it will add up over time.
 

AshrafI

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I need to start creating websites in order to fund my initial business idea as you can't work a job in my area unless you're above 16 and you cannot work on freelance sites if you are under 18.

However, I believe there may be a problem because of my age, 14 to be exact. I see this as a problem because potential clients may feel as if I am less experienced even though I first started learning HTML and CSS in school at the age of 12. I do not know if I am over analysing it or if I am just manufacturing the problem in my mind.

MJ DeMarco said this on Fox's
'How to Learn Code, Start a Web Company, $15k+ per month within 9 months' thread.
1. Find a notable company in a larger industry with a poorly designed website.
2. Find the decision maker and "try" to get authorization to redo their website... TOTALLY FREE OF CHARGE. If they like it, they can use it.
3. If you can't find the decision maker, DO IT ANYWAY.
4. Redesign the website.
5. Make sure it is your best work, and a clear improvement over the original website.
6. Email the entire upper management the link of the new website -- reiterate that it is FREE and that you will change anything they want.
7. Once they see the work and realize it is FREE, they will probably accept it.
8. Now you have your first client -- giving you the ability to say "We recently redesigned XXX's website." -- giving you social proof with a notable company. Now you can look to start charging. If not, repeat.
9. The above can be done for APPS as well. (I noticed you didn't have a mobile app?)
10. At some point, it will become easier and easier to find paid work.
11. Pick color of Lamborghini.
;)

I believe this is a great way to build your portfolio and to gain trust from other companies, but will my age still be an issue?

• Has anyone experienced this issue?
• Is there a way to get around it?
 

Andy Black

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I need to start creating websites in order to fund my initial business idea as you can't work a job in my area unless you're above 16 and you cannot work on freelance sites if you are under 18.

However, I believe there may be a problem because of my age, 14 to be exact. I see this as a problem because potential clients may feel as if I am less experienced even though I first started learning HTML and CSS in school at the age of 12. I do not know if I am over analysing it or if I am just manufacturing the problem in my mind.

MJ DeMarco said this on Fox's
'How to Learn Code, Start a Web Company, $15k+ per month within 9 months' thread.
1. Find a notable company in a larger industry with a poorly designed website.
2. Find the decision maker and "try" to get authorization to redo their website... TOTALLY FREE OF CHARGE. If they like it, they can use it.
3. If you can't find the decision maker, DO IT ANYWAY.
4. Redesign the website.
5. Make sure it is your best work, and a clear improvement over the original website.
6. Email the entire upper management the link of the new website -- reiterate that it is FREE and that you will change anything they want.
7. Once they see the work and realize it is FREE, they will probably accept it.
8. Now you have your first client -- giving you the ability to say "We recently redesigned XXX's website." -- giving you social proof with a notable company. Now you can look to start charging. If not, repeat.
9. The above can be done for APPS as well. (I noticed you didn't have a mobile app?)
10. At some point, it will become easier and easier to find paid work.
11. Pick color of Lamborghini.
;)

I believe this is a great way to build your portfolio and to gain trust from other companies, but will my age still be an issue?

• Has anyone experienced this issue?
• Is there a way to get around it?
Turn your age to your advantage.



EDIT: A story...

I was 21 and a part-time lecturer in a college - teaching computing for people returning to work. I was super young compared to the students.

We had an open learning centre where students could work on their assignments or practice. A member of staff would walk around helping people out, and change print toner etc.

One day a student on a work placement was with me. He would have been about 14, but looked much younger.

People twice his age didn't hesitate to ask him over for help.

Why? Because he looked young and they automatically assumed he'd know more about computers than them.
 
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Last edited:

rwhyan

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However, I believe there may be a problem because of my age, 14 to be exact. I see this as a problem because potential clients may feel as if I am less experienced even though I first started learning HTML and CSS in school at the age of 12. I do not know if I am over analysing it or if I am just manufacturing the problem in my mind.

I believe this is a great way to build your portfolio and to gain trust from other companies, but will my age still be an issue?

• Has anyone experienced this issue?
• Is there a way to get around it?

Present yourself honestly as a 14-year-old.

Tell them about your experience with web design and that although you are new to helping businesses, you are an eager learner and you believe you can help them get more customers.

Many will likely turn you down, but some will say, "It's free, what is the harm?"

Then, let your work do your talking.

Nobody cares about your age if you are able to provide them real value.
 

Fox

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I need to start creating websites in order to fund my initial business idea as you can't work a job in my area unless you're above 16 and you cannot work on freelance sites if you are under 18.

However, I believe there may be a problem because of my age, 14 to be exact. I see this as a problem because potential clients may feel as if I am less experienced even though I first started learning HTML and CSS in school at the age of 12. I do not know if I am over analysing it or if I am just manufacturing the problem in my mind.

MJ DeMarco said this on Fox's
'How to Learn Code, Start a Web Company, $15k+ per month within 9 months' thread.
1. Find a notable company in a larger industry with a poorly designed website.
2. Find the decision maker and "try" to get authorization to redo their website... TOTALLY FREE OF CHARGE. If they like it, they can use it.
3. If you can't find the decision maker, DO IT ANYWAY.
4. Redesign the website.
5. Make sure it is your best work, and a clear improvement over the original website.
6. Email the entire upper management the link of the new website -- reiterate that it is FREE and that you will change anything they want.
7. Once they see the work and realize it is FREE, they will probably accept it.
8. Now you have your first client -- giving you the ability to say "We recently redesigned XXX's website." -- giving you social proof with a notable company. Now you can look to start charging. If not, repeat.
9. The above can be done for APPS as well. (I noticed you didn't have a mobile app?)
10. At some point, it will become easier and easier to find paid work.
11. Pick color of Lamborghini.
;)

I believe this is a great way to build your portfolio and to gain trust from other companies, but will my age still be an issue?

• Has anyone experienced this issue?
• Is there a way to get around it?

If you go directly to cold prospecting it might be.

Start with some close friends or family and build a little proof first.

If you got some real examples (and real results that go with them) people will be open to hearing what you have to say regardless of age.

Keep us posted and best of luck!

I wish I started at 14 ha
 

AshrafI

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Present yourself honestly as a 14-year-old.

Tell them about your experience with web design and that although you are new to helping businesses, you are an eager learner and you believe you can help them get more customers.

Many will likely turn you down, but some will say, "It's free, what is the harm?"

Then, let your work do your talking.

Nobody cares about your age if you are able to provide them real value.

Thank you, I believe the best thing to do is to state the fact that I am 14 and to show them previous websites I have created.

P.S. What do you mean by cold prospecting? (might sound like a basic question)
 
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AshrafI

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Thank you, I believe the best thing to do is to state the fact that I am 14 and to show them previous websites I have created.

Thank you very much Fox, I think the best thing for me to do is to start building my proof and I will definitely keep everybody up to date on my progress.
 

The Abundant Man

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Tell them you're a child prodigy.

Say, "There are 15 year old Olympic athletes. I am your 15 year old Olympic athlete when it comes to websites. Alexander the Great conquered the known world at the age of 19. I am out to conquer the world of websites."
 
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Andy Black

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Tell them you're a child prodigy.

Say, "There are 15 year old Olympic athletes. I am your 15 year old Olympic athlete when it comes to websites. Alexander the Great conquered the known world at the age of 19. I am out to conquer the world of websites."
Lol. Nice.

Even better: “Show, don’t tell”.
 

AshrafI

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Tell them you're a child prodigy.

Say, "There are 15 year old Olympic athletes. I am your 15 year old Olympic athlete when it comes to websites. Alexander the Great conquered the known world at the age of 19. I am out to conquer the world of websites."
I love this haha, this is great!
 

AshrafI

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I apologise for wasting your time, but I've found a company which has a revenue of £2.18 billion, as of 2017.

I can redesign their website for free as it looks terrible even though it has been updated in 2019. I just wanted to know if it is worth redesigning a website for an operator of restaurants, pubs and bars.
 
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D

Deleted50669

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I apologise for wasting your time, but I've found a company which has a revenue of £2.18 billion, as of 2017.
a
I can redesign their website for free as it looks terrible even though it has been updated in 2019. I just wanted to know if it is worth redesigning a website for an operator of restaurants, pubs and bars.

One thing to keep in mind is companies generating a lot of profit (think millions) will be very cautious about who they bring in to provide products and services. They can't afford to take any risk, and they define risk as inexperience or a lack of work portfolio. Even if you were to offer this prospect services for free, they would hesitate because of your inexperience. Also, if you ever target high-revenue clients, it's actually better to price high. They don't bother with free, because they know you get what you pay for. Your approach should first be to get really good, then justify high fees.
 

AshrafI

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One thing to keep in mind is companies generating a lot of profit (think millions) will be very cautious about who they bring in to provide products and services. They can't afford to take any risk, and they define risk as inexperience or a lack of work portfolio. Even if you were to offer this prospect services for free, they would hesitate because of your inexperience. Also, if you ever target high-revenue clients, it's actually better to price high. They don't bother with free, because they know you get what you pay for. Your approach should first be to get really good, then justify high fees.

Would you say the best thing to do is to build the website for them without telling them but then ask them to buy it if they like it?
 
D

Deleted50669

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Would you say the best thing to do is to build the website for them without telling them but then ask them to buy it if they like it?
Actually I definitely would not recommend that. Put yourself in their shoes. If someone came and showed you something they built for you, how would you feel? You'd probably feel pressured to enter a business relationship that you haven't had time to consider. This is bad business. A better approach is to start with a non profit, or a friend, or family, or someone in your community. Use the work you do for them as proof of your quality and value, and use that as your portfolio for the bigger businesses to review.
 
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Jeff Noel

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Actually I definitely would not recommend that.
I have no experience in the field of multi-million/billion business, but I think that he could benefit from the visibility of this move - even if they don't take his website.

If this company is publicly ran, it's relatively easy to find some C-level email address or social media handle. You contact them and show them the website. You say you're a 14 years old entrepreneur looking to build websites that represent their business with pride and elegance (change those two words if you wish). You are ready to give them full ownership over that new website you just made, for 0.01% (one ten-thousandth) of their company in shares. If they got 2.18 Billion in revenue, they must be worth something decent.

Even if they decline, there's still a chance your offer will get their attention. The fact that you're a young entrepreneur could definitely bring new/different offers on your table, or networking possibilities (more contacts!).

In my opinion, you have more chances of that ending up with a positive outcome than winning the lottery (especially at your age, considering you can't legally win lottery...).
 
Last edited:

AshrafI

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I have no experience in the field of multi-million/billion business, but I think that he could benefit from the visibility of this move - even if they don't take his website.

If this company is publicly ran, it's relatively easy to find some C-level email address or social media handle. You contact them and show them the website. You say you're a 14 years old entrepreneur looking to build websites that represent their business with pride and elegance (change those two words if you wish). You are ready to give them full ownership over that new website you just made, for 0.01% (one ten-thousandth) of their company in shares. If they got 2.18 Billion in revenue, they must be worth something decent.

Even if they decline, there's still a chance your offer will get their attention. The fact that you're a young entrepreneur could definitely bring new/different offers on your table, or networking possibilities (more contacts!) even though they could decline your original offer.

In my opinion, you have more chances or that ending up with a positive outcome than winning the lottery (especially at your age, considering you can't legally win lottery...).

I may do this once I've built a string portfolio and Fox says that large companies will have multiple management levels and reaching the decision maker will be difficult. Furthermore, they're not going to be willing to work with someone who hasn't built a website for a large business before.

So I believe the best thing for me to do is to start small and eventually work my way up the ladder.
 
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D

Deleted50669

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I have no experience in the field of multi-million/billion business, but I think that he could benefit from the visibility of this move - even if they don't take his website.

If this company is publicly ran, it's relatively easy to find some C-level email address or social media handle. You contact them and show them the website. You say you're a 14 years old entrepreneur looking to build websites that represent their business with pride and elegance (change those two words if you wish). You are ready to give them full ownership over that new website you just made, for 0.01% (one ten-thousandth) of their company in shares. If they got 2.18 Billion in revenue, they must be worth something decent.

Even if they decline, there's still a chance your offer will get their attention. The fact that you're a young entrepreneur could definitely bring new/different offers on your table, or networking possibilities (more contacts!) even though they could decline your original offer.

In my opinion, you have more chances or that ending up with a positive outcome than winning the lottery (especially at your age, considering you can't legally win lottery...).
Very good points
 
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AshrafI

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I know a taxi company which I have strong connections with, through my dad, so I can easily find the decision maker. They do not have a website even though they have a large amount of customers. Would making a website for a taxi company be a suitable option?
 

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Congrats on starting early.

What I would do is build projects as proof of skill.

I recommend you don't build stuff for free for business owners because they simply will not appreciate free work, nor see the results if they don't understand digital marketing, especially from a 14 year old (sorry but that's the truth..).

If they have not updated their website it is unlikely they will see the value. The common rebuttal I get is "I'm busy as it is, I don't need a website!!".

Ask your parents to buy you hosting and some domain names and start building websites, get them ranking, and monitor all calls/enquiries.

You can then sell the leads to local businesses risk free or rent out the site and get passive income, they then won't care if you are 14 years old.
 

AshrafI

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Congrats on starting early.

What I would do is build projects as proof of skill.

I recommend you don't build stuff for free for business owners because they simply will not appreciate free work, nor see the results if they don't understand digital marketing, especially from a 14 year old (sorry but that's the truth..).

If they have not updated their website it is unlikely they will see the value. The common rebuttal I get is "I'm busy as it is, I don't need a website!!".

Ask your parents to buy you hosting and some domain names and start building websites, get them ranking, and monitor all calls/enquiries.

You can then sell the leads to local businesses risk free or rent out the site and get passive income, they then won't care if you are 14 years old.

What I'm currently doing now is building my portfolio and thank you for the advice. However, my parents do not know I'm doing this, I only know the company because my Dad previously worked for them.

I cannot tell them that I am doing this, as my parents are South-East Asian and as the story often goes, they want me to become a doctor. So I'm doing this whilst telling them that I am making a website for a school project.

Therefore, my funds come from any money I have previously saved (birthday money) or money I get for completing surveys.

To dodge this issue, I believe the best thing to do is to use the company's own host or a free web host like, 000webhost.

Regardless, thank you for taking the time out of your day to share your advice Max.
 
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