Two clients start a business…
Client A, a graphic designer, focuses on developing the latest and greatest website, spends time on Facebook, Twitter, develops a blog, occasionally network and rarely calls on new businesses.
Client B, also a graphic designer, focuses on networking consistently and calling businesses directly, and develops a simple but effective website, uses Facebook occasionally and has held off doing a blog and Twitter.
Client B is in business today. Client A has had to close shop.
The lesson: The order, the amount of energy and consistency you devote to the proper marketing activities will determine your success.
With all the hype about Twitter, Facebook and websites I feel too many entrepreneurs miss doing the most important things first.
Not that you shouldn’t do online activities – it’s just that the majority of your energy should be invested in activities that pay off in the long run.
Later on you can ramp up and have that marvelous website, and develop a great blog, Twitter etc BUT only after you’ve invested heavily in activities where you are face-to-face with your potential clients. Make this your priority.
Marketing is much more about investment, persistence, consistency then it is about glitz or because you believe everyone is doing “it”.
Happy prioritizing.
Dominik
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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Good designers a lot of times have little time to develop or update their own websites, being busy working on amazing design for their clients.
ReplyDeleteMy advice; have a simple easy to update website and let your portfolio shine, most of the times is not your website that will convince the clients is the work you've done for others.
Also; talking about things that pay off, be passionate and strive for excellence in your work, there is no better investment than a happy client.
Yuriko
Great advice, Dominik. Even if your business model involves mostly online selling, you can create great word-of-mouth by initially getting out there to network at industry association meetings, conferences and trade shows, via your contact network...the idea is to make a positive impression and generate some buzz for what you're doing, which can then translate into online mentions and a fan group.
ReplyDeleteMark Swartz
CareerActivist.com
Great information shared here. By the way I have learnt the business strategies and tips from Fast track tool.
ReplyDelete