Comments on: 11 ways to grow your design business in less than an hour http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour The perfect blend of business and design Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:03:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Friendly Advice on How to Begin Advertising Your Business Online - Some Online Business Ideas http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1621 Friendly Advice on How to Begin Advertising Your Business Online - Some Online Business Ideas Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:21:36 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1621 [...] 11 ways to grow your design business in less than an hour – Whether you are working as a freelance designer, in a design firm, or otherwise, it’s important to be able to help your design business grow on a regular basis. But let’s face it, marketing your design business frequently becomes the “project you’ll get to when you have time”… [...] [...] 11 ways to grow your design business in less than an hour – Whether you are working as a freelance designer, in a design firm, or otherwise, it’s important to be able to help your design business grow on a regular basis. But let’s face it, marketing your design business frequently becomes the “project you’ll get to when you have time”… [...]

]]> By: Carlotta Fesus http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1620 Carlotta Fesus Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:09:45 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1620 I'm usually not the guy to write my opinion on other's sites, but for this article I just needed to do it. I have been searching in your blog a lot nowadays and I am super impressed, I think you could really emerge as one of the main opinions for your market. Not sure what your free time is like in life, but if you began commiting more time to posting here, I would guess you would begin seeing a lot of visitors eventually. With advertisements, it could emerge as a great passive revenue stream. Just something to think about. Good luck! I’m usually not the guy to write my opinion on other’s sites, but for this article I just needed to do it. I have been searching in your blog a lot nowadays and I am super impressed, I think you could really emerge as one of the main opinions for your market. Not sure what your free time is like in life, but if you began commiting more time to posting here, I would guess you would begin seeing a lot of visitors eventually. With advertisements, it could emerge as a great passive revenue stream. Just something to think about. Good luck!

]]> By: vivian http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1619 vivian Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:31:34 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1619 Great post. Thanks for the ideas. I found out there is another site that might provide some information on ideas or guide in logo creation. They bring to the table more than 50 years of experience in seamlessly designing a company's visual identity, print, web, and animation design projects of all sizes. Great post. Thanks for the ideas. I found out there is another site that might provide some information on ideas or guide in logo creation.
They bring to the table more than 50 years of experience in seamlessly designing a company’s visual identity, print, web, and animation design projects of all sizes.

]]> By: Lou Levit http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1618 Lou Levit Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:22:51 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1618 @Jason Graham, Hey Jason, and everyone else, We recently created a short video series about public speaking for creative professionals (how to get started, how to get gigs, what to talk about, how to make your speech profitable, etc.) If you'd like to check it out, just go here: http://unexpectedways.net/blog/ and opt-in on the form on the right (the video page will come up immediately once you do that). Hope it helps! Good luck at the meeting. - Lou @Jason Graham, Hey Jason, and everyone else,

We recently created a short video series about public speaking for creative professionals (how to get started, how to get gigs, what to talk about, how to make your speech profitable, etc.)

If you’d like to check it out, just go here:
http://unexpectedways.net/blog/

and opt-in on the form on the right (the video page will come up immediately once you do that).

Hope it helps! Good luck at the meeting.
- Lou

]]> By: Stephan Wetzl http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1617 Stephan Wetzl Sun, 20 Jun 2010 03:58:17 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1617 Great Post ! Great Post !

]]> By: Jason Graham http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1616 Jason Graham Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:44:30 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1616 @Ryan & Preston Good stuff guys, thank you for the replies. I checked out my local Chamber of Commerce and found they have a luncheon tomorrow that non-members can attend. So, I RSVP'd for that and plan on going and talking to some people there and see what I can do to speak at a future event. I'll be sure to let you guys know how that turns out. @Ryan & Preston

Good stuff guys, thank you for the replies. I checked out my local Chamber of Commerce and found they have a luncheon tomorrow that non-members can attend. So, I RSVP’d for that and plan on going and talking to some people there and see what I can do to speak at a future event. I’ll be sure to let you guys know how that turns out.

]]> By: Shop Rules | North Rockies Design http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1615 Shop Rules | North Rockies Design Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:12:26 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1615 [...] it easy. You don’t have to walk and knock doors to get in front of people. All you need is to devote a little bit of time. AKPC_IDS += "247,";Popularity: unranked [...] [...] it easy. You don’t have to walk and knock doors to get in front of people. All you need is to devote a little bit of time. AKPC_IDS += "247,";Popularity: unranked [...]

]]> By: Preston D Lee http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1614 Preston D Lee Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:10:42 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1614 @Ryan Haworth, Some great tips here, Ryan. "Take a power lunch". Good motto. Thanks for sharing. @Ryan Haworth,
Some great tips here, Ryan. “Take a power lunch”. Good motto. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Preston D Lee http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1613 Preston D Lee Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:09:51 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1613 @Jason Graham, An excellent question here. I have only spoken at a small number of venues and events, but I would say that if you want to speak at a seminar just get out there and do it. Perhaps you can organize something for free with your local Chamber of Commerce or something. I think you'd be surprised how many business owners would attend a free seminar on boosting business online or something like that. In addition, you could be the coordinator and could bring in a number of other speakers to supplement you. I think if you are passionate enough about wanting to speak, you can find ways to do it. Anything else come to mind for you? How would you go about trying to get a speaking gig? @Jason Graham,
An excellent question here. I have only spoken at a small number of venues and events, but I would say that if you want to speak at a seminar just get out there and do it. Perhaps you can organize something for free with your local Chamber of Commerce or something. I think you’d be surprised how many business owners would attend a free seminar on boosting business online or something like that.

In addition, you could be the coordinator and could bring in a number of other speakers to supplement you.

I think if you are passionate enough about wanting to speak, you can find ways to do it.

Anything else come to mind for you? How would you go about trying to get a speaking gig?

]]> By: Preston D Lee http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1612 Preston D Lee Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:06:43 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1612 @Lou Levit, I agree with the whole storytelling idea. I think it comes down to making what you're speaking about interesting, entertaining, and easy-to-understand. Thanks for the tips. @Lou Levit, I agree with the whole storytelling idea. I think it comes down to making what you’re speaking about interesting, entertaining, and easy-to-understand. Thanks for the tips.

]]> By: Ryan Haworth http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1611 Ryan Haworth Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:14:50 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1611 @Jason Graham, A lot of times, speaking engagement invites involve being in the right place at the right time. I know a guy who has maybe one year less experience than I, similar educational background (until I started my Masters), even worked at some of the same places. But, he's done some speaking gigs, while I haven't. The only difining difference I can see is when I was taking a lunch he'd take a power lunch – and go explore local events message boards, library postings, and even design forums. Then he would talk to those running these events, and put his resume in front of them and discuss trends and best practices. Then the event manager had his info, knew what he was proficient in, and had already heard him speak on the subject. @Jason Graham, A lot of times, speaking engagement invites involve being in the right place at the right time. I know a guy who has maybe one year less experience than I, similar educational background (until I started my Masters), even worked at some of the same places. But, he’s done some speaking gigs, while I haven’t. The only difining difference I can see is when I was taking a lunch he’d take a power lunch – and go explore local events message boards, library postings, and even design forums. Then he would talk to those running these events, and put his resume in front of them and discuss trends and best practices. Then the event manager had his info, knew what he was proficient in, and had already heard him speak on the subject.

]]> By: Jason Graham http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1610 Jason Graham Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:14:36 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1610 Lots of good info here, but I'm most intrigued about the idea of going out and speaking. Lou lightly touched on this topic, but its something I would love to learn more about. How do you get invited to speak at events? How do prove your creditable to those you are speaking to? Many other questions, seems like this could be a good blog topic on its own. Thanks for all the good tips! Lots of good info here, but I’m most intrigued about the idea of going out and speaking. Lou lightly touched on this topic, but its something I would love to learn more about. How do you get invited to speak at events? How do prove your creditable to those you are speaking to? Many other questions, seems like this could be a good blog topic on its own. Thanks for all the good tips!

]]> By: Lou Levit http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1609 Lou Levit Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:37:21 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1609 @Preston D Lee, I think the most important element of speaking is mastering the art of storytelling. It's one thing to tell someone something in theory... it's another thing for them to be able to hear a story and relate to the experience. Plus, stories have a way of enchanting people and really making them feel like they got something out of your talk, and you can promote yourself without actually promoting yourself (just by telling success stories and the lessons they can apply to their business). We really love inspiring people and making them feel like their businesses can succeed regardless of the economy, as long as the owner is passionate about what they do and is open to trying new, out of the box ideas. There are plenty of speaking opportunities - local chambers of commerce are a great one, also different meetups and other local groups...any event you can get your hands on I would recommend speaking at as often as possible. It helps you get better, and eventually you can start getting paid for it. Also contacting radio stations and getting interviewed. That helps get speaking gigs because, again, it positions you as an expert. I would recommend only speaking about a topic you're really excited and passionate about. When you talk about a topic like that, you can help but become an animated and exciting speaker. The best rule of thumb is to speak about what you FEEL is right as opposed to what you THINK you should. @Preston D Lee, I think the most important element of speaking is mastering the art of storytelling. It’s one thing to tell someone something in theory… it’s another thing for them to be able to hear a story and relate to the experience. Plus, stories have a way of enchanting people and really making them feel like they got something out of your talk, and you can promote yourself without actually promoting yourself (just by telling success stories and the lessons they can apply to their business).

We really love inspiring people and making them feel like their businesses can succeed regardless of the economy, as long as the owner is passionate about what they do and is open to trying new, out of the box ideas.

There are plenty of speaking opportunities – local chambers of commerce are a great one, also different meetups and other local groups…any event you can get your hands on I would recommend speaking at as often as possible. It helps you get better, and eventually you can start getting paid for it. Also contacting radio stations and getting interviewed. That helps get speaking gigs because, again, it positions you as an expert.

I would recommend only speaking about a topic you’re really excited and passionate about. When you talk about a topic like that, you can help but become an animated and exciting speaker. The best rule of thumb is to speak about what you FEEL is right as opposed to what you THINK you should.

]]> By: Behzad http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1608 Behzad Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:29:15 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1608 @Preston D Lee, I follow the same rule with my design career. It works well. I make sure not to be hard on myself and stay positive even when things fail. Persistence is very important in good or bad times. We are just humans and not machines :) @Preston D Lee, I follow the same rule with my design career. It works well. I make sure not to be hard on myself and stay positive even when things fail. Persistence is very important in good or bad times. We are just humans and not machines :)

]]> By: Preston D Lee http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1607 Preston D Lee Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:26:41 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1607 @Atlanta Graphic Designer, Some great tips here, Lou. What do you guys do to make the speaking experience the best it can be? What kind of events do you speak at? How often? etc. @Atlanta Graphic Designer,
Some great tips here, Lou. What do you guys do to make the speaking experience the best it can be? What kind of events do you speak at? How often? etc.

]]> By: Preston D Lee http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1606 Preston D Lee Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:25:27 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1606 @Behzad, Planning and setting goals is perhaps the most important thing about building a design business. Thanks for sharing your comments. Also, do you go about planning and achieving goals in your design career, Behzad? Any tips you'd like to share with us? @Behzad,
Planning and setting goals is perhaps the most important thing about building a design business. Thanks for sharing your comments. Also, do you go about planning and achieving goals in your design career, Behzad? Any tips you’d like to share with us?

]]> By: Atlanta Graphic Designer http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1605 Atlanta Graphic Designer Wed, 16 Jun 2010 06:19:48 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1605 Hey Preston, Speaking has been a really big one for us. It positions you as an expert and puts you right in front of a crowd of potential clients. Plus you get to help people by educating them, which is great too. I think another important thing to mention is to think big. I know a lot of designers and freelancers of related professions who don't approach big organizations or corporations because they are too intimidated and afraid of rejection. But I say go for it! Approach businesses that inspire you even if they're massive and scary. After all, even big organizations are comprised of individual people who are fathers, mothers, uncles... plus, after enough no's, you'll eventually get a yes. Thanks for the tips! -Lou Hey Preston,

Speaking has been a really big one for us. It positions you as an expert and puts you right in front of a crowd of potential clients. Plus you get to help people by educating them, which is great too.

I think another important thing to mention is to think big. I know a lot of designers and freelancers of related professions who don’t approach big organizations or corporations because they are too intimidated and afraid of rejection. But I say go for it! Approach businesses that inspire you even if they’re massive and scary. After all, even big organizations are comprised of individual people who are fathers, mothers, uncles… plus, after enough no’s, you’ll eventually get a yes.

Thanks for the tips!
-Lou

]]> By: Behzad http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1604 Behzad Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:24:57 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1604 Another great article. I think the key to success is to have short term goals and work hard at achieving them. There is so much to do and so little time but picking a few short term goals is easier to achieve than bigger ones. Once they are done new ones can be added. I like your idea of brain storming. Choosing a numbering system works best at giving priority to each task. Small goals can add up to big results. Another great article. I think the key to success is to have short term goals and work hard at achieving them. There is so much to do and so little time but picking a few short term goals is easier to achieve than bigger ones. Once they are done new ones can be added. I like your idea of brain storming. Choosing a numbering system works best at giving priority to each task. Small goals can add up to big results.

]]> By: inspirationfeed http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1603 inspirationfeed Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:14:52 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1603 Nice ideas here, great read! Nice ideas here, great read!

]]> By: Preston D Lee http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1602 Preston D Lee Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:55:46 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1602 @Lisa Raymond, That seems like a great option to me, Lisa. Thanks for adding it. The only downside I can see is that people who are less tech-saavy might not be able to access it as easily. But definitely a viable option! @Lisa Raymond,
That seems like a great option to me, Lisa. Thanks for adding it. The only downside I can see is that people who are less tech-saavy might not be able to access it as easily. But definitely a viable option!

]]> By: Lisa Raymond http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1601 Lisa Raymond Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:20:41 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1601 Great post! Lots of good ideas here, thank! Question: Is it easier/better/less expensive to write a "book" and publish as white pages? I haven't done a lot of research into this yet but it seems a viable option. Thanks! Great post! Lots of good ideas here, thank! Question: Is it easier/better/less expensive to write a “book” and publish as white pages? I haven’t done a lot of research into this yet but it seems a viable option. Thanks!

]]> By: Tweets that mention 11 ways to grow your design business in less than an hour | Graphic Design Blender -- Topsy.com http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/ways-to-grow-your-design-business-in-less-than-an-hour#comment-1600 Tweets that mention 11 ways to grow your design business in less than an hour | Graphic Design Blender -- Topsy.com Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:40:18 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2851#comment-1600 [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Preston D Lee and Tara Mayberry, Paul Galbraith. Paul Galbraith said: New blog post: 11 ways to grow your design business in less than an hour http://bit.ly/9hzy87 /via @prestondlee [...] [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Preston D Lee and Tara Mayberry, Paul Galbraith. Paul Galbraith said: New blog post: 11 ways to grow your design business in less than an hour http://bit.ly/9hzy87 /via @prestondlee [...]

]]>