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		<title>Don&#8217;t be another washed up freelancer &#8211; The Freelance Lifecycle</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/dont-be-another-washed-up-freelancer-the-freelance-lifecycle/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/dont-be-another-washed-up-freelancer-the-freelance-lifecycle/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:55:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.acuitydesigns.net/?p=2196</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The more I network on sites such as twitter  and talk to freelancers around the world; typical life &#8211; cycle seems to be the same for freelancers &#8211; especially within the first 6 months and a condition that I am now going to call &#8216;the-slump&#8216; strikes again! 1 &#8211; 6 months isn&#8217;t life just beautiful [...]]]></description>
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<p>The more I network on sites such as twitter  and talk to freelancers around the world; typical life &#8211; cycle seems to be the same for freelancers &#8211; especially within the first 6 months and a condition that I am now going to call <em>&#8216;the-slump</em>&#8216; strikes again!</p>
<p><span id="more-2196"></span></p>
<p><strong>1 &#8211; 6 months<span style="color: #3366ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3366ff;">isn&#8217;t life just beautiful</span></strong><br />
<img class="alignright" style="border: 3px solid #fff; margin: 10px;" src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/HappyComputerMan.gif" alt="" width="200" height="200" /><br />
What appears to be the norm, is that a new freelancer either through a client from their previous employment; referrals by friends or family; promotion etc there is a 1 &#8211; 3 month period of glee and success. A time when all is right in the world, jobs and clients are great, cash flow is stable , the freelance life is amazing and you going to sleep with a satisfied smile wondering why you didn&#8217;t take the dip into this world earlier.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>80% of your income, comes from 20% of your clients</strong></p></blockquote>
<p><em>Does that ring true for yourself??</em></p>
<p><strong>6 &#8211; 12 months</strong> <strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">the big bad world</span></strong></p>
<p>Now ever so slowly, the business, jobs, enquiries begin to fizzle out and your left with a cobwebs around your email inbox! Followed by the worst factor of all is money getting tight and then the demon of discouragement and negativity kicks in. Perhaps, a client who was paying for your lovely new lifestyle &#8211; stops calling / cancels their retainers or goes bankrupt?</p>
<blockquote><p><strong><em>The days of a guaranteed pay-check at your last job all of sudden  look rosier with the benefit of hindsight. </em></strong></p></blockquote>
<p><img class="alignleft" style="border: 3px solid #cccccc; margin: 10px;" src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/nm.jpg" alt="null" width="297" height="198" />Whatever the cause, this phase of a freelancer&#8217;s life is characterised by the all to real and sudden realisation that your great little company / life was all too dependent on far to few clients and you trudge back with your tail in between your legs back into employment!!!!</p>
<p><strong>TAKE A STAND &#8211; Learn from mistakes of old and prepare!!!</strong></p>
<p>As a freelancer  you must always be weary of the dangerous territory of depending upon a few clients. Repeat business is always brilliant. Of course. However, repeat business must be via new avenues of income and it must be business that you are confident will be there between the good times <span style="text-decoration: underline;">and</span> the bad!</p>
<p>Even with repeat business it should be part of your monthly strategies to be actively looking to solicit new business and it should be a part of your business plan to <em>always</em> be seeking new revenue streams! People change, businesses change, markets change, clients change &#8211; your only protection<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> is to be prepared for change</span>.</p>
<p><strong>1 year on<span style="color: #3366ff;"> </span><span style="color: #3366ff;">one small step for you, one giant step for&#8230;</span></strong></p>
<blockquote><p><strong><em>Wherever you see a successful business somebody once made a courageous decision</em></strong></p></blockquote>
<p>If you have been smart or intend on being smart you have thought about your <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/tag/freelancesuccess/">long term freelancing success</a> and taken heed of your <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/long-term-freelancing-success-part-2-marketing/">marketing</a>. It is at this point where you will make the courageous decision to persevere and you won&#8217;t go running back to mister big bad agency but you will find ways to diversify, innovate, recruit and<a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/competing-against-the-agency-the-freelancers-epic-battle/"> compete against your competitors.</a></p>


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<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Posts:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>December 2, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/does-a-successful-freelancer-have-to-be-a-good-sales-person/" title="Does a successful freelancer have to be a good sales person?">Does a successful freelancer have to be a good sales person?</a> (6)</li><li>November 13, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/competing-against-the-agency-the-freelancers-epic-battle/" title="Competing Against The Agency &#8211; The Freelancer&#8217;s Epic Battle">Competing Against The Agency &#8211; The Freelancer&#8217;s Epic Battle</a> (19)</li><li>July 25, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/maintaining-business-standards-as-a-freelancer/" title="Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer">Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer</a> (2)</li><li>July 22, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/quote-robot-a-nifty-little-app/" title="Quote Robot &#8211; A Nifty Little App!">Quote Robot &#8211; A Nifty Little App!</a> (0)</li><li>February 3, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/how-do-your-organise-yourself-as-a-freelance-designer-part-2/" title="How do your organise yourself as a freelance designer? &#8211; Part 2">How do your organise yourself as a freelance designer? &#8211; Part 2</a> (2)</li><li>February 3, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/graphic-designer-arguing-with-client-video/" title="Graphic Designer Arguing With Client Video">Graphic Designer Arguing With Client Video</a> (1)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Referrals &#8211; Freelancing Dreams</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/referrals-freelancing-dreams/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/referrals-freelancing-dreams/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:56:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[We were just having through our client list generated during 2009. Kind of surprised but encouraged to see that a substantial amount of our work came through referrals. Referrals &#8211; Need &#8216;Em, Get &#8216;Em, Love &#8216;Em. Referrals are great as clients who have used your services and are happy bar the standard of your work [...]]]></description>
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<p>We were just having through our client list generated during 2009. Kind of surprised but encouraged to see that a substantial amount of our work came through referrals. <b>Referrals &#8211; Need &#8216;Em, Get &#8216;Em, Love &#8216;Em.</b></p>
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<p>Referrals are great as clients who have used your services and are happy bar the standard of your work has to be one of the most powerful marketing tools at your disposal. </p>
<p>What can be better than a previous client telling a potential client how great you are?</p>
<p>massaging your businesses image to the point whereby when you are contacted by the lead &#8211; they are already convinced that you are the perfect company to take on their project. </p>
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<p>This is one reason why I believe its essential to treat every single one of your clients as personably as you can and deliver the highest standard of work possible &#8211; every time! What may seem as trivial follow-up emails, unnecessary meetings are the food that feeds their perception of you. This will be evident to others when they refer you. </p>
<p><strong>How do you ensure clients refer you onto other potential leads?</strong></p>


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<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Posts:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>November 25, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/factors-to-consider-when-pricing-for-a-project/" title="Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project">Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project</a> (6)</li><li>November 9, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/how-to-deal-with-non-paying-clients/" title="How To Deal with Non-Paying Clients">How To Deal with Non-Paying Clients</a> (29)</li><li>November 6, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/when-your-client-wants-to-become-the-designer/" title="When Your Client Wants To Become The Designer">When Your Client Wants To Become The Designer</a> (14)</li><li>July 26, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/the-14-best-design-marketing-and-freelancing-blogs/" title="14 Great Design, Marketing and Freelancing Blogs">14 Great Design, Marketing and Freelancing Blogs</a> (4)</li><li>July 25, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/maintaining-business-standards-as-a-freelancer/" title="Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer">Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer</a> (2)</li><li>May 11, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/how-to-avoid-over-working-yourself-as-a-freelancer/" title="How to Avoid Over Working Yourself As A Freelancer">How to Avoid Over Working Yourself As A Freelancer</a> (4)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Factors To Consider When Pricing A Project &#8211; Part 2</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/factors-to-consider-when-pricing-a-project-part-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/factors-to-consider-when-pricing-a-project-part-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:00:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.acuitydesigns.net/?p=2054</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hi all, this is a follow up to a post I made not long ago about factors that we often forget to factor in when we price projects. See that post here: Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project Excerpt: We all remember to bill for the design work we do and the skills [...]]]></description>
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<p>Hi all, this is a follow up to a post I made not long ago about factors that we often <span style="text-decoration: underline;">forget to factor</span> in when we price projects. See that post here: <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/factors-to-consider-when-pricing-for-a-project/">Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project</a></p>
<p>Excerpt: </p>
<blockquote><p>We all remember to bill for the design work we do and the skills required and for any obvious special purchases, i.e CMS or E-Commerce softwares. Even as freelancers we should have a premium (allbeit alot smaller than an agency premium) top of this that accounts for us being a business. However there are some factors you shouldn’t forget to account for</p></blockquote>
<p>I decided to talk about other factors that go into our pricing on a project and I compiled some more factors I mention below&#8230; As well as calendar time, minute time and expenses which I mentioned in my previous post..</p>
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<b>Experience</b></p>
<p>When looking at pricing a project, I think its important to realise despite our desperate <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/long-term-freelancing-success-part-2-marketing/">hunts for work</a> the client is coming to you. As such, for your skills and expertise. Somewhat, a talking area, many think the majority of freelancers who populate our population &#8211; overcharge and think they are &#8216;experts&#8217; after a week! However, it&#8217;s important to have a sense of perspective &#8211; evaluate your level within your field and understand that the higher you see your position, the more you should be charging. Conversely, if your brand new to the whole shibbang, your fees might reflect this. </p>
<p>It&#8217;s important to get it right, position yourself as exclusive and in demand and then pricing your services at a lower than competitive or niche level, might leave savvy clients somewhat tentative.</p>
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<p><b>Ensure I am Competitive</b><br />
Whenever pricing a project it&#8217;s important to consider what everybody else is charging. <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/competing-against-the-agency-the-freelancers-epic-battle/">Competing against agencies</a> and your fellow freelancers; ensures that you at least have a ball park figure to maybe act as the starting block for your prices and it will help you gauge the impact of factors such as expertise have on the fee. </p>
<p>How do you know what other freelancers are charging? &#8211; Ask. Whether this is within our community itself on forums / twitter etc &#8211; we are lucky in that our field is blessed with a helpful sentiment. No avail? In the beginning, I may have pretended to be a client and emailed freelancers and agencies for quotes for dummy jobs! Now your wondering if the jobs that seem to disappear after you have quoted are just designers checking your prices? lol</p>
<div id="content52">
<b>New or The Bog Standard</b></p>
<p>This is an important subconscious factor that I hadn&#8217;t really noticed I think about until recently. Are you being asked to design a simple corporate one sided business card? or are you being asked to create something that doesn&#8217;t exist? &#8211; design and implement an innovative brochure with folds, trims and die cuts everywhere? Essentially, I am unknowingly putting a rate on how &#8216;creative&#8217; I am going to have to be. Which feels bad to say, as I would always be one to scream and shout that the same level of creativity and &#8216;oomph&#8217; goes into every project &#8211; but in reality, if I am honest that is not the case. </p>
<p>Controversy or Just Reality?
</p></div>
<div id="content50">
<img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/invent.jpg">
</div>
<div class="clear"></div>
<p><strong>Any other factors you think would fit in here as things we think about when pricing a project?</strong></p>


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<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Posts:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>May 11, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/how-to-avoid-over-working-yourself-as-a-freelancer/" title="How to Avoid Over Working Yourself As A Freelancer">How to Avoid Over Working Yourself As A Freelancer</a> (4)</li><li>December 13, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/long-term-freelancing-success-part-2-marketing/" title="Long Term Freelancing Success &#8211; Part 2 &#8211; Marketing">Long Term Freelancing Success &#8211; Part 2 &#8211; Marketing</a> (10)</li><li>November 3, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/your-quote-is-too-high-chargingnegotiating-for-design-work/" title="Your Quote is too high! &#8211; Charging/Negotiating for design work">Your Quote is too high! &#8211; Charging/Negotiating for design work</a> (6)</li><li>June 8, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/freelance-contracts/" title="Freelance Contracts">Freelance Contracts</a> (35)</li><li>April 29, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/7-things-to-consider-when-starting-as-a-freelance-designer/" title="7 Things To Consider When Starting As A Freelance Designer">7 Things To Consider When Starting As A Freelance Designer</a> (4)</li><li>April 12, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/do-you-need-a-design-degree-to-freelance/" title="Do you need a design degree to freelance?">Do you need a design degree to freelance?</a> (15)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>What Should You Include In A Design Project Proposal?</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/what-should-you-include-in-a-design-project-proposal/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/what-should-you-include-in-a-design-project-proposal/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:25:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[client]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[negotiation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[proposal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[template]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.acuitydesigns.net/?p=1718</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last week, we were asked for the first time to send over a detailed project proposal in response to an initial brief document; for a fairly large client. This was the first time we received this request: normally things flow in the normal sense of client contact &#8211; meeting &#8211; quote &#8211; project. The first [...]]]></description>
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<p>Last week, we were asked for the first time to send over a detailed project proposal in response to an initial brief document; for a fairly large client. This was the first time we received this request: normally things flow in the normal sense of client contact &#8211; meeting &#8211; quote &#8211; project.</p>
<p>The first we thing we did was scour the internet which turned up an interesting app called<a href="https://www.quoterobot.com/"> Quote Robot </a>. It is a nifty web application that outputs beautiful  quotes and multi-page proposals (in moments). Quote Robot is just about the only proposal tool out there ; As such we decided to include the following main sections in our proposal</p>
<p><strong>Project Objectives and Brief</strong></p>
<p>In this section, we began by quoting a wonderful part from their brief that we felt summarised their project. We then followed this by detailing our interpretation of the brief and the exact objectives and aims of the project.</p>
<p><strong>Research</strong></p>
<p>Following the project objectives and brief, we then detailed the research we would undertake for the project with approximate timescales. A quick explanation of why this is essential before commencing any development on their project. A few lines about how you as a company do this to understand the client and its project fully and how it relates to the final outcome. This section outlined the importance of</p>
<p>- in-depth meetings<br />
- competitor analysis<br />
- storyboards<br />
- further developing the brief<br />
- assessing the projects finer details</p>
<p><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/bstorm.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<div id="content50"><strong>Vision</strong></p>
<p>In this section we spoke about the stage to follow the previous. i.e once the project objectives are defined and we have researched the project we would begin the focus of design direction and development of concepts and ideas. So for instance this could include paragraphs about:</p>
<p>- storyboard for the design and feel of a website<br />
- typography treatment experiments<br />
- development of logo concepts<br />
- three initial layouts for a print piece etc</p>
</div>
<div id="content52"><strong>Design / Development / Creation</strong></p>
<p>Once the direction has been decided &#8211; this is the proposition of the final stages of the process. This is where you stipulate how your for instance going to:</p>
<p>- install a cms<br />
- implement a website<br />
- what paper stock to use for print material</p>
</div>
<p><strong>Payment / Budget / Timescales</strong></p>
<p>In this section you provide detailed estimates of <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/10-resources-to-help-you-decide-what-to-charge-for-design-work/">how you charge</a> everything going into the project. As well as a breakdown of your rates and fees for further extensions / delays etc.</p>
<p>Timescales; a big part of any project &#8211; this is were details of when you plan to complete things by is recorded. As well as importantly, when you expect to receive things by such as content, images, deposits and installments etc. Last but not the least I would suggest you also decide upon a good web host for your web site if the project is online. <a href="http://www.webhostingsearch.com/cheap-web-hosting.php">Cheap web hosting </a>is preferable to many as it can save you a lot.</p>
<p><strong>Is there anything else that should be definitely included in a proposal?</strong></p>
<p><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/signature.jpg" alt="" /></p>


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<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Posts:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>November 3, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/your-quote-is-too-high-chargingnegotiating-for-design-work/" title="Your Quote is too high! &#8211; Charging/Negotiating for design work">Your Quote is too high! &#8211; Charging/Negotiating for design work</a> (6)</li><li>November 9, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/how-to-deal-with-non-paying-clients/" title="How To Deal with Non-Paying Clients">How To Deal with Non-Paying Clients</a> (29)</li><li>July 22, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/quote-robot-a-nifty-little-app/" title="Quote Robot &#8211; A Nifty Little App!">Quote Robot &#8211; A Nifty Little App!</a> (0)</li><li>June 7, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/essential-resources-for-the-starting-freelance-designer/" title="Essential Resources For The Starting Freelance Designer">Essential Resources For The Starting Freelance Designer</a> (2)</li><li>February 21, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/dont-be-another-washed-up-freelancer-the-freelance-lifecycle/" title="Don&#8217;t be another washed up freelancer &#8211; The Freelance Lifecycle">Don&#8217;t be another washed up freelancer &#8211; The Freelance Lifecycle</a> (1)</li><li>February 3, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/graphic-designer-arguing-with-client-video/" title="Graphic Designer Arguing With Client Video">Graphic Designer Arguing With Client Video</a> (1)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Does a successful freelancer have to be a good sales person?</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/does-a-successful-freelancer-have-to-be-a-good-sales-person/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/does-a-successful-freelancer-have-to-be-a-good-sales-person/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:58:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.acuitydesigns.net/?p=1641</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When starting out, when your down in the trenches fighting against the colossal agencies and your fellow freelancing kin, do you have to be a good sales person in order to secure projects? Do you feel freelancers need to be sales orientated? Are you a good sales person? The internet has given clients information at [...]]]></description>
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<p>When starting out, when your down in the trenches <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/competing-against-the-agency-the-freelancers-epic-battle/">fighting against the colossal agencies</a> and your fellow freelancing kin, do you have to be a good sales person in order to secure projects? </p>
<p><b>Do you feel freelancers need to be sales orientated? Are you a good sales person?</b></p>
<p><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/salesman1.jpg" alt="salesman" /></p>
<p>The internet has given clients information at their fingertips, many are more informed about the process / more business savvy &#8211; often seeking multiple quotes from here there and everywhere. As such, if they have not selected you alone because of your immense talent that no other mere mortal possesses &#8211; what is the deciding factor? I concur&#8230; it is you!</p>
<p>Pitching and selling yourself, brand or service is not something that comes easily to many and as such, are they at a disadvantage? Yes! Few are we that can sit back and clients are banging down our doors to work with us under any conditions &#8211; as such there are many key things you can look at in order to convert your enquiries into sales and as such clinch that all important deal!</p>
<p><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/sales2.jpg" alt="salesman" /></p>
<p>Furthermore, may freelancer&#8217;s survive by recruiting much of their business from referrals and as such they don&#8217;t develop a method, technique or familiarity with having to sell themselves to a client. In the beginning, for myself this lead to accomplished clients spotting a novice and almost convincing me to charge less, pushing the feeling that they were doing me a favour&#8230;</p>
<p>For growth, for a freelancer to be successful, they must over time become a formidable sales force &#8211; pushing themeselves and their services to the top of the pack <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/should-you-find-a-niche-to-stand-out-from-the-pack/">so that they stand out in the crowd</a>. </p>
<p><b>Do you feel freelancers need to be sales orientated? Are you a good sales person?</b></p>


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<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Posts:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>July 25, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/maintaining-business-standards-as-a-freelancer/" title="Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer">Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer</a> (2)</li><li>February 21, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/dont-be-another-washed-up-freelancer-the-freelance-lifecycle/" title="Don&#8217;t be another washed up freelancer &#8211; The Freelance Lifecycle">Don&#8217;t be another washed up freelancer &#8211; The Freelance Lifecycle</a> (1)</li><li>November 25, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/factors-to-consider-when-pricing-for-a-project/" title="Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project">Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project</a> (6)</li><li>November 19, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/should-you-find-a-niche-to-stand-out-from-the-pack/" title="Should You Find a Niche To Stand Out From The Pack?">Should You Find a Niche To Stand Out From The Pack?</a> (3)</li><li>November 13, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/competing-against-the-agency-the-freelancers-epic-battle/" title="Competing Against The Agency &#8211; The Freelancer&#8217;s Epic Battle">Competing Against The Agency &#8211; The Freelancer&#8217;s Epic Battle</a> (19)</li><li>November 6, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/when-your-client-wants-to-become-the-designer/" title="When Your Client Wants To Become The Designer">When Your Client Wants To Become The Designer</a> (14)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Interview With Will Kay of OddKingdom &#8211; Becoming Your Brand</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/interview-with-will-kay-of-oddkingdom-becoming-your-brand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/interview-with-will-kay-of-oddkingdom-becoming-your-brand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:27:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[willkay]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[When first starting out in any of the creative arts as a freelancer or sole designer; marketing is one of the biggest concerns. Getting clients, letting people know that you exist. Many of us started out and drudged through the first year or so through referrals, family and friends and exhausting every contact we have. [...]]]></description>
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<p>When first starting out in any of the creative arts as a freelancer or sole designer; marketing is one of the biggest concerns. Getting clients, letting people know that you exist. Many of us started out and drudged through the first year or so through referrals, family and friends and exhausting every contact we have. Rarer so, is the designer who shoots to a certain level of authority and recognition in a shorter amount of time. One of those such people is Will Kay. Will Kay is a young, up and coming freelancer / fashion designer in London, United Kingdom. His name , his brand, <a href="http://www.oddkingdom.co.uk">Odd Kingdom</a>; is now remarkably well known despite its late 2008 conception.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/oddkingdom1.jpg" width="680" /></p>
<p><b>How long have you been designing &amp; why did you decide to freelance / go it alone?</b></p>
<p>I have been designing for more than 5years and I decided to freelance because I have always wanted to be my own manager and act as my own motivator. I&#8217;m someone who feels naturally motivated to create things by myself.</p>
<p><b>When did you conceive the idea of Odd Kingdom? Why the name? Why the logo?</b></p>
<p>The whole concept came at college, being around so many people who were all trying to be a part of something was great, but I wanted to have my own world of creativity and voice amongst the crowd. The logo came about during my time at St Martins, where over time I began to fall in love with the power of typography. I then began by experimenting with all different sorts of type until I came across the right one  that fitted.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/oddkingdom3.jpg" width="680" /></p>
<p><b>How did you market yourself (find design work/new clients / get your name out) in the beginning ? </b></p>
<p>I bought the logo, got it trademarked I then off I went. I began by sticking my logo on every design I was involved in. In the beginning, I did a lot of promotional materials for musicians etc free of charge, this resulted in people seeing my work and my name got around with word of mouth.</p>
<p><b>How do you market yourself (find design work / get your name out) now ?</b></p>
<p>I use loads of little ways. I use flyers for my clothing / photography / illustration. As well as posting stickers around areas that I think will help increase my brand awareness. I wear t-shirts representing the brand to events and  I network alot to find new work and similar minded people. It&#8217;s a bit of an assault!</p>
<p><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/oddkingdom2.jpg" width="680" /></p>
<p><b>What type of work do you do? (design for print, web, multimedia etc)</b></p>
<p>I do fashion, hand drawn illustration, photography, digital art and design for print.</p>
<p><b>You use images of yourself and market your persona as part of your brand; what made you do this?</b></p>
<p>Instead of say the more conventional approaches to marketing oneself. I wanted to show the audience that I am the man behind the designs and name, whether you like it or not. I want to become the brand itself. This is what I love to do, why not be fully immersed in everything I do with it?</p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/willkay1.jpg" alt="" align="center" /></center></p>
<p><b>Do you feel marketing yourself as Odd Kingdom and Odd Kingdom as yourself has helped you in those initial stages?</b></p>
<p>It worked both ways, in some of the scenes I am involved in, it worked well in attracting clients. However, moving into new possible areas and client bases, it does not work and a slightly different approach is required that isn&#8217;t as eccentric. This is why some times I don’t add my Will Kay name on designs. Different clients require a different approach!</p>
<p><b>You have received a lot of publication and exposure due to your clothing and Illustration work, what are your favourite pieces?</b></p>
<p>That’s good question, my favourite would have to be the new Micheal Jackson piece, because it stands alone from any other out there, it’s a great capture of him, and will be remembered in years to come.</p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/mjwillkay.jpg" alt="" align="center" /></center></p>
<p><b>What would be your perfect dream project ?</b></p>
<p>That would be a collaboration with Gucci, a whole range of clothes, bags, shoes all styled by me, promoted by me, photographed by me. Everything!</p>
<p><b>What blogs, magazines, podcasts etc do you subscribe to ?</b></p>
<p>To be honest, not many. My definite regular visits are at blogs <a href="http://hypebeast.com/">Hype Beast</a>, and <a href="http://betterneverthanlate.blogspot.com/">Better Never Than Late</a></p>
<p><b>What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to someone starting out?</b></p>
<p>Believe and motivate your self!</p>
<p><strong>Where can we see some of your work (URLs, facebook group, twitter etc)?</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.oddkingdom.co.uk">www.oddkingdom.co.uk</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/willkay_oddking">twitter.com/willkay_oddking</a> , <a href="http://www.facebook.com/willkay">www.facebook.com/willkay</a></p>


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		<title>5 Essential Books For Running A Successful Freelance Design Business</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/5-essential-books-for-running-a-successful-freelance-design-business/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/5-essential-books-for-running-a-successful-freelance-design-business/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:39:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Christmas approaches as does the end of the year, below are 5 great gifts you can get yourself. These are books that I have personally read, so they definitely are receiving my full recommendation &#8211; full of tips and great answers towards running a successful business and making money from what you love doing! 1) [...]]]></description>
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<p>Christmas approaches as does the end of the year, below are 5 great gifts you can get yourself. These are books that I have personally read, so they definitely are receiving my full recommendation &#8211; full of tips and great answers towards running a successful business and making money from what you love doing!</p>
<p><strong>1)<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/039373031X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=039373031X"> The Business Side of Creativity</a> by Cameron S.Foote</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/039373031X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=039373031X"><br />
<img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/book1.jpg" alt="The business side of creativity" /></a><img style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=acuidesi-21&amp;l=as2&amp;o=2&amp;a=039373031X" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p>This is a great book that helps you address the validity of your ambitions aswell as taking you through matters such as tax, the importance of branding and pricing! A one-stop shop! This is one that I highly recommend.</p>
<blockquote><p>This business companion is a guidebook for becoming a successful creative entrepreneur for freelance graphic designers, art directors, illustrators, copywriters and agency or design shop managers. It guides the reader through the process of being successfully self-employed &#8211; from getting launched as a freelancer to running a multi-person shop to retiring comfortably. The author has compiled the book over six years from the experiences of more than 4000 entrepreneurs.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>2) <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1581150989?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=1581150989">The Graphic Designer&#8217;s Guide to Pricing, Estimating and Budgeting</a> by Theo Stephan Williams<br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1581150989?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=1581150989"><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/book2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><img style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=acuidesi-21&amp;l=as2&amp;o=2&amp;a=1581150989" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p>Another initial favourite of ours.. <em>(we were cheap and only rented this one from the local  library)</em> loved this one as its full of loads of scannable invoices / contracts / non-disclosure agreements that you can print off and brand yourself. Lovely little resource. Goes into depth about the &#8216;ethos of charging&#8217; aswell. Good for the beginner, who has no idea on charging conventions etc</p>
<blockquote><p>A comprehensive guide to graphic design pricing procedures. It seeks to provide start-up and experienced design business owners with useful, creative methods for achieving profitability. Revised and updated, this edition covers: how to set rates; flushing out the competition; Internet pricing; pricing options; preparing an estimate; proposals; establishing and managing budgets; negotiating; and positioning the firm.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>3) <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600610080?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=1600610080">The Designer&#8217;s Guide To Marketing And Pricing</a> by Ilise Benun and Peleg Top</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1600610080?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=1600610080"><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/book3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><img style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=acuidesi-21&amp;l=as2&amp;o=2&amp;a=1600610080" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p>This is easily the book that &#8216;reads&#8217; the best. Simple, off the cuff, bordering colloquial advice from the authors. Jam packed full of loads of tips. Lots of it almost feel like a discussion so very engaging. Definently should be read for the marketing tips inside. It really deals with the process of marketing yourself. Spamming twitter with links is like 0.001% of what this book thinks you should be doing! Good read.</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;The Designer&#8217;s Guide to Marketing and Pricing&#8221; answers all the common questions asked by creatives every day. This book teaches readers, the nuts and bolts of running a creative services business including: creating a smart marketing plan that reflects their financial goals and planning small actionable steps to take to reach those financial goals; learning which marketing tools are most effective and how to use them; and, learning how to establish contact with potential clients, or how to deal with insiders who could make referrals to potential clients.The book also touches on tricky subjects such as how to talk about money with clients and prospects, how to figure out a fair hourly rate, and how to give an accurate estimate for a project.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>4) <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1599181630?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=1599181630">Start Your Own Graphic Design Business</a> by George Sheldon</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1599181630?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=1599181630"><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/book4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><img style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=acuidesi-21&amp;l=as2&amp;o=2&amp;a=1599181630" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p>A great little read, you&#8217;ll probably scoot through it in like 3 days, I did. However its packed with lots of little things that you would have never thought to do. Little legal bits and pieces &#8211; how to analyse your local market &#8211; which one should always do even with the internet as a vehicle for worldwide sales&#8230; Worth the read! It&#8217;s a great little checklist of things I<em> should have done!</em> This book is great it deals with and prompts your mind to a lot of the related issues with setting up a business. Gives you a few sample documents, ideas for expansion etc. Only problem is that prices/start up costs/balance sheets are in dollars so you have to estimate for sterling; also advice on law etc is based upon acts registered within the USA so you have to check for UK law independently. Great otherwise.</p>
<p><strong>5) <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0273723588?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=0273723588">How To Start Your Own Business</a> &#8211; For Entrepreneurs by Robert Ashton</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0273723588?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=acuidesi-21&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1634&amp;creative=6738&amp;creativeASIN=0273723588"><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/book5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><img style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=acuidesi-21&amp;l=as2&amp;o=2&amp;a=0273723588" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<p>This is a great  little purchase for thinking outside the boxes of the design community and the conventional. If you are interesting in becoming the next big thing or maybe even owning your own agency. This book is a great starting point!</p>
<blockquote><p>More than 300,000 people start a business every year. That number will rise over the next year or two if the current economic downturn leads to widespread job losses.  It is a fact that many people choose to turn the threat of redundancy into the opportunity of self employment. It is also a fact that when economic growth is low, business failure rates are higher. There has never been a greater need for a simple, explicit, practical business start-up guide that can increase new business survival rates in tough, as well as good times. People today need a start up guide that holds nothing back and tells them all they need to know. How to Start Your Own Business for Entrepreneurs does exactly this.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Any other books that you can recommend?</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><br />
</span></p>


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<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Posts:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>July 25, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/maintaining-business-standards-as-a-freelancer/" title="Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer">Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer</a> (2)</li><li>June 7, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/essential-resources-for-the-starting-freelance-designer/" title="Essential Resources For The Starting Freelance Designer">Essential Resources For The Starting Freelance Designer</a> (2)</li><li>January 30, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/5-free-non-disclosure-agreements/" title="5 Free Non-Disclosure Agreements">5 Free Non-Disclosure Agreements</a> (4)</li><li>December 13, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/long-term-freelancing-success-part-2-marketing/" title="Long Term Freelancing Success &#8211; Part 2 &#8211; Marketing">Long Term Freelancing Success &#8211; Part 2 &#8211; Marketing</a> (10)</li><li>December 2, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/does-a-successful-freelancer-have-to-be-a-good-sales-person/" title="Does a successful freelancer have to be a good sales person?">Does a successful freelancer have to be a good sales person?</a> (6)</li><li>November 25, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/factors-to-consider-when-pricing-for-a-project/" title="Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project">Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project</a> (6)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Should You Find a Niche To Stand Out From The Pack?</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/should-you-find-a-niche-to-stand-out-from-the-pack/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/should-you-find-a-niche-to-stand-out-from-the-pack/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:42:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[This is a question that often comes up in my head, in my daily attempts at plotting on how to take over the design universe.. that surely it must be easy to top google and take over all the clients in the world if I find a niche. However, starting out, one might not have [...]]]></description>
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<p>This is a question that often comes up in my head, in my daily attempts at plotting on how to take over the design universe.. that surely it must be easy to top google and take over all the clients in the world if I find a niche. However, starting out, one might not have the resources, skill or experience to straight away specialise &#8211; so why bother? Finding your little niche in the market allows you to dominate an area; position yourself easier; portray authority to clients and show clients you have the expertise they require. Surely&#8230; But no! Offering every service under the book means you can get clients easier, get larger projects &#8211; right?&#8230;.</p>
<p>The more I think about it; those who we often see doing the best, or achieving recognition are those who have specialised. They found their niche; whether that be logo design for instance &#8211; they have distinguished themselves from the rest of us loosers by being an expert at their thing? So why bother offer it all ?</p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/masterofnone.jpg" alt="a jack of all trades is a master of none" /></center></p>
<p>The above is the obvious criticism of a one-stop shop.  Although, I believe it takes time to find ones niche, where you really excel. Thus, it maybe makes sense to start broad and then narrow yourself down into a specialty? Plus, an appreciation that you build up of other disciplines can only serve you well in the future. I often wonder how some are experts at something and I know they&#8217;ve barely been at it for a year. Thoughts of SEO &#8216;experts&#8217; come flying into my head right now.. <em>But how do you know when your an expert in a particular discipline?</em></p>
<p><strong>A thought&#8230; your specialty doesn&#8217;t need to be &#8216;design related&#8217;</strong></p>
<p>Some of you are probably thinking &#8216;huh?&#8217; .. By this I mean, I sometimes forget that the skill you are offering is a <em>service.</em> As such you can specialise in who you offer that service to. Maybe your a jack of all trades; but your a jack that specialises in serving small start up companies, maybe your a jack who offers their services within the fashion industry because it suits your style etc etc. There is also an argument that its advantageous to have two or three specialties. Thus, if the demand for one suddenly goes &#8211; your not left having to rethink your entire strategy! So its decided!&#8230;two or three specialities! nooo &#8211;  maybe four to be safe&#8230; maybe I should be extra safe and just do everything!</p>
<p><strong>Is it worth specialising in design? or are you likely to be more successful offering it all?? What do you think?</strong></p>
<p><center><img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/hair-out.jpg"></center></p>


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		<title>Competing Against The Agency &#8211; The Freelancer&#8217;s Epic Battle</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/competing-against-the-agency-the-freelancers-epic-battle/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/competing-against-the-agency-the-freelancers-epic-battle/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:22:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[As a &#8216;noob&#8217; to the freelance design industry in what I would consider a truly professional manner; I was somewhat naive as to how hard it would be to find clients. After the initial shock, I found myself confronted with one monumental competitor that seemed like Goliath; leaving me feeling like David (without his slingshot).. [...]]]></description>
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<p>As a &#8216;noob&#8217; to the freelance design industry in what I would consider a truly professional manner; I was somewhat naive as to how hard it would be to find clients. After the initial shock, I found myself confronted with one monumental competitor that seemed like Goliath; leaving me feeling like David (without his slingshot).. However, I soon found that the structure of the powerhouses that are graphic/web/media studios and agencies, actually makes my life somewhat easier.</p>
<p><center><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/david-vs-goliath.jpg" alt="" /></center></p>
<p><strong>Price Point</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>your quote is substantially lower than who we previously had contracted&#8230;.</p></blockquote>
<p>Large agencies, studios, advertising companies are well set up&#8230;. They are well setup to handle large projects, spanning months on end, that require many multitudes of work, research, development and application. This however, results in them being nowhere near as efficient when working outside those parameters.. i.e small business startups, one-off small jobs, quick turn-around projects etc. All this extra fluff means graphic design agencies as businesses must charge a premium of sorts. Per head they have to cover electricity, wages, rates etc and then charge for the design work itself and then add a little profit margin.</p>
<p>Me and my little studio. As a freelancer, I have a wonderful smile knowing that I am free from the majority of those things and as such I can explain that my prices are lower as they have no reason to be higher. By imparting the fact that they will receive the same if not better quality for cheaper to the client.. they have a somewhat easier decision to make.</p>
<p><strong>My Big Company Ltd</strong></p>
<p>Assuming you a running a <em>proper business</em> (you want it to grow) and not a lifestyle business (pay my rent and bills); you are going to want big clients. Big clients are the chance to get more money, recurring work, monthly retainers and the ego stroking prestige. To satisfy this type of client&#8217;s want for an all encompassing service, (i.e they not interested in having to actively seek out 5 different freelancers to complete their product launch or re-brand) then you can position yourself as a freelancer with a network of freelancers at your disposal. Alternatively, wonderful terms like freelance partnership / freelance collective can be thrown around here. Once again, we see the importance of social networking &#8211;  by having a network of fellow like-minded talented individuals around you &#8211; you can have the confidence to pitch for the bigger clients and therefore, the bigger payoff.</p>
<p>The key here is to never promise what you cannot deliver. You do not want to find yourself in over your head. It takes an astute freelancer to put their hands up and say this is far out of my reach. Never get blinded by numbers &#8211; as you&#8217;ll find come the end of it; you wont see any of them in your account! Furthermore, one of every businesses most valuable assets is it reputation.. don&#8217;t play roulette with it.</p>
<p><strong>Customer Service, Personal Touch</strong></p>
<p>In any industry, the bigger the company the worse personal customer service often becomes. Nameless e-mails and phone calls in different countries are some defining factors! You must as a freelancer, have impeccable customer service. 75% of our work, comes simply from referral. As people promote they&#8217;re their business, they are invariably networking with other businesses and inevitably if you have gone that extra mile, your clients will have no problem passing on a business card or contact detail. Even when positioning yourself with larger companies, shoot out phrases like:</p>
<blockquote><p>My company is a smaller collective of talented freelance professionals, this enables us to give you a faster and cheaper turn-a-round with the highest level of innovation! Plus, you will be talking to and working directly with who is in charge of your project!</p></blockquote>
<p><center><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/wp-content/uploads/blogimgs/cusservice.gif" alt="" /></center></p>
<p><strong>Expertise, Niches, Specialisation</strong></p>
<p>Another strategy, is to <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/should-you-find-a-niche-to-stand-out-from-the-pack/">find a niche or offer specialised services</a>. <em>A jack of all trades is a master of none.</em> It is up to you through your marketing and promotion to position yourself in this way. Thus, the client will see that you and not the multitude of agencies are a genuine expert in this field. This strategy, you may find you actually getting outsourced work from agencies/studios. This is a fairly widely applicable concept. Are you going to launch another design blog spewing top 10 lists and attack powerhouses with 30+ people writing articles and 20K subscribers? or would it be smarter to launch a niche blog that specialises in something? Of course, as with every niche in terms of business &#8211; it is only a good idea if there is an actual <em>demand</em>.</p>
<p>Another key closing point is to remember, we are all out searching for clients and that competition is fierce. I personally work on the basis that: quarterly I want to get 50% of all jobs pitched/enquired for/about as a good average. I read somewhere&#8230; (someone tell me if you know) :</p>
<blockquote><p>In large, successful businesses are based on averages and not on any one single client&#8230;</p></blockquote>
<p>Competing for jobs is the way! <em>You must</em>&#8230; If your conversion rate is above 50% &#8211; your lucky in that either your competition is weak, or you are failing somewhere (pricing?) &#8211; If it is below 50%, market yourself harder and promote yourself harder!</p>
<p><strong>Do you guys out there think competing with agencies is a possibility? How do you advise you do so?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Extra Resources</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.inspiredm.com/2009/11/04/how-to-successfully-launch-a-web-design-startup-with-social-media-and-no-budget/">How To: Successfully Launch a Web Design Startup with Social Media and No Budget</a></li>
<li><a title="Permanent Link to How to Build Your Online Brand" rel="bookmark" href="http://mashable.com/2008/07/18/building-your-online-brand/">How to Build Your Online Brand</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.customerservicetrainingcenter.com/customer_service_the_importance_of_quality_customer_service.htm">Customer Service: The Importance of Quality Customer Service</a></li>
</ul>


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<h2  class="related_post_title">Related Posts:</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>July 25, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/maintaining-business-standards-as-a-freelancer/" title="Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer">Maintaining Business Standards As A Freelancer</a> (2)</li><li>February 21, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/dont-be-another-washed-up-freelancer-the-freelance-lifecycle/" title="Don&#8217;t be another washed up freelancer &#8211; The Freelance Lifecycle">Don&#8217;t be another washed up freelancer &#8211; The Freelance Lifecycle</a> (1)</li><li>February 3, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/how-do-your-organise-yourself-as-a-freelance-designer-part-2/" title="How do your organise yourself as a freelance designer? &#8211; Part 2">How do your organise yourself as a freelance designer? &#8211; Part 2</a> (2)</li><li>December 13, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/long-term-freelancing-success-part-2-marketing/" title="Long Term Freelancing Success &#8211; Part 2 &#8211; Marketing">Long Term Freelancing Success &#8211; Part 2 &#8211; Marketing</a> (10)</li><li>December 2, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/does-a-successful-freelancer-have-to-be-a-good-sales-person/" title="Does a successful freelancer have to be a good sales person?">Does a successful freelancer have to be a good sales person?</a> (6)</li><li>November 19, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/should-you-find-a-niche-to-stand-out-from-the-pack/" title="Should You Find a Niche To Stand Out From The Pack?">Should You Find a Niche To Stand Out From The Pack?</a> (3)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Resources: Sending Mass E-Mail Newletters</title>
		<link>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/resources-sending-mass-e-mail-newletters/</link>
		<comments>http://www.acuitydesigns.net/resources-sending-mass-e-mail-newletters/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:17:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mel @ Acuity</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Freelancing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tutorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[e-mail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[newsletter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.acuitydesigns.net/?p=974</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After some time you are likely to have built up a fairly decent size list of people who are at least a little interested in your services or what it is you get up to. It is essential to keep these people informed about how your progressing, recent projects, pricing deals etc. An effective means [...]]]></description>
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<p>After some time you are likely to have built up a fairly decent size list of people who are at least a little interested in your services or what it is you get up to. It is essential to keep these people informed about how your progressing, recent projects, pricing deals etc. An effective means of doing this is a periodic (e.g monthly, quarterly) newsletter.<br />
<img src="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/images/blog/news.jpg" alt="newsletter picture" title="newsletter"/><br />
Firstly, below are some links that help to explain and understand what constitutes spam and how to keep your newsletters out of the recipients junk box:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.sendblaster.com/my-messages-are-not-delivered-or-are-filtered-out-as-spam/">Send Blaster</a><br/><br />
Nowadays most mail servers have built-in antispam filters; they are quite smart, but sometimes they fail and delete (or mark as spam and redirect to some “spam” folder) perfectly legal messages; this is a common problem with Hotmail and other very popular free mail services. If you feel a lot of your messages are filtered out and not delivered, here are some basic rules to avoid being named a spammer by mistake.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?CAN-SPAM---How-to-Comply-With-Anti-Spam-Rules-For-Mass-Email&#038;id=1512817">Ezine: Spam</a><br/><br />
If you send emails to or from the United States, then you may need to comply with the anti-spam requirements of the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act). This article contains the basics of what a small business owner or internet marketer needs to know to get started with their email compliance.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.eui.eu/CS/DocumentDetail.jsp?ID=249">Good Practice for Mass E-mails</a><br/><br />
E-mail provides a quick, convenient way to get through to a large audience for a variety of purposes. However, while most users will be in agreement about the nuisance of receiving spam mail, many may not consider adequately the consequences of sending mail to a large number of addressees.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Help in Sending and Evaluating the Success of your Newsletters</h2>
<p>How to manage, design, evaluate and record the e-mails you send:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.campaignmonitor.com/">Campaign Monitor</a><br/><br />
Campaign Monitor is a great service that will automate, most of the technical aspects of sending and monitoring newsletters. They also have a great resources section that should guide the most adventurous of you: <a href="http://www.campaignmonitor.com/resources/">Campaign Monitor Resources</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.icontact.com/">iContact</a><br/><br />
The Email Marketing Service That Allows You To Easily Track Sends, Opens, Clicks, and More! iContact is Trusted by Small Businesses, Fortune 500 Companies, and 398,692 Users! Use one of our 300+ professionally designed email newsletter templates or one of your own for beautiful permission-based email marketing campaigns.</li>
</ul>


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<h2  class="related_post_title">Other Posts</h2><ul class="related_post"><li>November 8, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/20-wonderful-photos-of-london-attractions/" title="20 Wonderful Photos of London Attractions">20 Wonderful Photos of London Attractions</a> (11)</li><li>September 17, 2008 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/using-humour-in-design/" title="Using Humour Effectively in Design">Using Humour Effectively in Design</a> (5)</li><li>January 26, 2010 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/aurora-borealis-typopgraphy-wallpaper-photoshop-tutorial/" title="Aurora Borealis Typopgraphy Wallpaper Photoshop Tutorial">Aurora Borealis Typopgraphy Wallpaper Photoshop Tutorial</a> (17)</li><li>November 25, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/factors-to-consider-when-pricing-for-a-project/" title="Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project">Factors To Consider When Pricing For A Project</a> (6)</li><li>September 12, 2008 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/custom-right-click-flash-tutorial/" title="Custom Right Click &#8211; Flash Tutorial">Custom Right Click &#8211; Flash Tutorial</a> (3)</li><li>July 7, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.acuitydesigns.net/gradescoreanalyse-your-blog/" title="Grade/Score/Analyse Your Blog">Grade/Score/Analyse Your Blog</a> (0)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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