The moment I saw those couple hundred e-transferred into my account I was ecstatic. Web design was no longer just a hobby. I want to mention the most important thing I've found in getting business when you're starting out in this post. But first, let me mention my backstory. Grew up around Toronto in a boring suburb and always dreamed of making it big (being in the fastlane!). So I figured since I already knew some web design from some self-study when I was in high-school, I'd learn enough to start charging people and learn some valuable business skills. I started selling myself seriously late this past summer, and I'd talk to people and get them asking questions, get them interested, but they wouldn't buy. It would be so frustrating because I'd give people advice on what to do for close to an hour, and then they'd ghost me. What was the issue?
The issue I realized was I simply didn't have a portfolio, and though I knew I could make great looking websites (check out omnius web development), other people needed more proof.
So how'd I get this first job? This DJ I made a site for (jixmusic.ca) is actually a friend of mine that reached out to me. Sure I had to sell him on it, but he knew I was the best choice because he trusted me more than any other web designer out there, and I told him he'd only have to pay me after I made the site (to remove any apprehension due to risk). Trust + Value is the essence of any business deal. And friends have the trust factor already. Friendships and Referrals are PARAMOUNT in taking your first few steps in your business.
I have a lot of work to do before making it big: My next steps are building up my portfolio such that strangers can see the value they'll get, and can trust me to be serious about this.
Thanks for inspiring me and giving me sound advice in the fastlane book!
The issue I realized was I simply didn't have a portfolio, and though I knew I could make great looking websites (check out omnius web development), other people needed more proof.
So how'd I get this first job? This DJ I made a site for (jixmusic.ca) is actually a friend of mine that reached out to me. Sure I had to sell him on it, but he knew I was the best choice because he trusted me more than any other web designer out there, and I told him he'd only have to pay me after I made the site (to remove any apprehension due to risk). Trust + Value is the essence of any business deal. And friends have the trust factor already. Friendships and Referrals are PARAMOUNT in taking your first few steps in your business.
I have a lot of work to do before making it big: My next steps are building up my portfolio such that strangers can see the value they'll get, and can trust me to be serious about this.
Thanks for inspiring me and giving me sound advice in the fastlane book!
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