Morning Expresso’s Podcast

Daniel

I have been a freelance website designer and developer for 16 + plus years. I will discuss the behind-the-scenes of a freelance web designer and agency owner life. The ups and downs of creative agency life and entrepreneur lifestyle. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

Finding Clients
Mar 18 2024
Finding Clients
Loading... Finding Clients Finding quality clients can be a difficult task for the beginner.  There are many avenues to look for new clients.  You can ask your family and friends.  You can ask members of your  inner circle, faith based and social organization.  You can seek out community forums, such as Facebook and Linkedin.  You can go to  MeetUp and network with some of your local agencies. You could look for opportunities from job boards, such as upwork and toptal. You could create sales funnel on your website and promote it with Google Ads. All of these are great ideals.  I would recommending doing several of them at first to establish you some clients.  I would also recommend some boundaries.  How much are you going to charge?  How much do you have to spend on advertisement?  Create a sales process?  If you need to, then I would recommend reaching out to a local agencies owner.  Invite him or her for some coffee, ask them about their sales onboarding. Do not copy, but make notes of the process. Grind.  Grind. And grind some more. Put incentives for you to hit several targets monthly or quarterly.  Read how to become success.  Stay motivated.  Work on your craft. Improve your portfolio.  Take on a pro-bono project or create some work for your favorite organization. Grind. Find a mentor.  Ask for referrals. Ask for small projects. Do a joint project. Make sure you under promise and over deliver. Image courtesy of Kate Oseen. Finding Clients by Daniel Swain | My Business https://morningexpressopodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/609af149632ff10017b9f9a9-6e910c3e-e940-4c2b-9aa2-6082754ee374.mp3
Professional Services Needed
Mar 11 2024
Professional Services Needed
Loading... Professional Services Needed As a free lance web designer and entrepreneur, I would recommend a couple of professional service providers.  I would strongly recommend a certified public accountant (C.P.A). Also I would recommend hiring an contract lawyer. I would also recommend an insurance agent. I will explain in a few minutes, why these are some good partnerships to have. Certified Public Accountant You will need to register your business as a business entity. There are some pros and cons with being a limited liability corporation or LLC.  There are some pros and cons with being a solo entrepreneur. There are some pros and cons with being an Incorporated business.  These pros and cons are know by an experience CPA.  You can get recommendations from your local chamber of commerce.  You can get recommendations from fellow free lancer. CPA can also assist you with helping you register your organization with local, state and federal government.  While there are many resources on line to assist you, if you have a professional who can help you. Just pay the money, develop a relationship and begin your journey on the correct foot. Attorney A contract attorney is needed.  Your attorney can assist you with helping to construct your basic contract.  Your attorney can review any contract, which you need to sign or execute.  Your attorney has answer basic questions, and you will be meet with many questions early in your journey.  Attorney can be very expensive.  I would recommend sending in a retainer, and when you need your attorney services.  Their bill will be deducted from the retainer. Insurance Agent If you presently have an insurance agent, then secure information about business liability insurance.  If you have a remote office, then you might need property and liability coverage.  It is always a good ideal to talk to a professional to see what is needed.  As you grow your business, you might need to provide an insurance binder to a larger client.  Do not be surprise that companies investing five figures in your services, might ask for an insurance binder. Image courtesy of Kelly Sikkema. Professional Services Needed by Daniel Swain | My Business https://morningexpressopodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/6091a3871e4862001792fc12-11806eae-524d-4664-90dc-da89ab51602c.mp3