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Posted on 02/12/09 12:20:11 PM |
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Kuham
* Posts: 47 Reply  |
How to start a freelance home business
I know this is out of the topic, but I will appreciate your expert advice on how to start a freelance home business. This as been my dream and since have bought your books have come to know the way out, but still need the most important information required. Like required equipments and how to develop a profile to size of computer needed. Am focusing on graphic design, photography, advertisment and marketing, package design, magazine and books designs, and Flash(annimation amd motion effects) Thanks in anticipation Kuham |
Posted on 03/12/09 07:45:08 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7072 Reply  |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
First, get as much work published as you can. That's the real key. Build up a strong portfolio of printed work to show clients. It doesn't matter if you work for free initially, or for very low cost: you need to show what you can do. Then come back in a year and we'll discuss it again! |
Posted on 03/12/09 9:32:09 PM |
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tank172
ThreeDee Thriller Posts: 692 Reply  |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
That sounds familiar Steve! Kuham, it is my personal experience that learning Photoshop through Steve's book, the valuable help on this forum, and Steve's excellent advise that got me on my way, which was more than 3 years ago. Check out some freelance opportunities at your church, local small businesses, charities, and maybe some real estate agents. When I first started trying to get my name out there, I focused on Real Estate. I would visit "Open Houses" all around the area and grab copies of the flyers they would put out in the Information Boxes, on the kitchen counter, etc. Took them home and reworked them and sent an email to the real estate agent with the 'enhanced' version. Also, you could check out your local newspaper and look over some of the current advertising of local businesses. Grab the current publication and compare to the next week's print run. I focused on the businesses running repeat advertisements - rebuild the advertisement and send the business owner an 'enhanced' version through email. If they like the new version, you're almost guaranteed to get a phone call.  For me, it was a great way to pickup new clients, get published, make some money, and build your portfolio with "Before/After" section.
Anyway, this is a couple ways I personally started getting my name out there and it worked well for me. Good luck and keep at it! -Chris |
Posted on 04/12/09 01:52:40 AM |
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Mark Goodwin
**** Posts: 261 Reply  |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
@tank172 Some good advice there Chris. I have to say that I really like that idea of re-doing other peoples ads and sending them to the advertiser, what a clever and very proactive approach. I hope business is good for you at the moment and improving. Regards _________________ Mark Goodwin If you do what you have always done, you'll get what you've always got! |
Posted on 04/12/09 7:51:36 PM |
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Kuham
* Posts: 47 Reply |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
Thank you all guys, am more than glad I discover this forum and bought Steve's books. Chris and Mark well done, nice meeting you online. And Steve Caplin, thanks alot on your books and the way you teach me this skills. |
Posted on 04/12/09 10:21:07 PM |
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Jota120
Ingenious Inventor Posts: 2615 Reply  |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
Chris, Great thoughtful feedback. All the best Kuham. Sorry I cannot help you much at the moment. Trevor |
Posted on 04/12/09 10:21:08 PM |
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Jota120
Ingenious Inventor Posts: 2615 Reply |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
Sorry duplicate. Deleted |
Posted on 05/12/09 01:59:40 AM |
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Mark Goodwin
**** Posts: 261 Reply |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
Thanks James, nice to meet you to. Good luck with the business over the festive season, hope you make lots of sales!! Regards _________________ Mark Goodwin If you do what you have always done, you'll get what you've always got! |
Posted on 05/12/09 04:11:49 AM |
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tank172
ThreeDee Thriller Posts: 692 Reply |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
Thanks guys. I'm glad you liked the idea. A couple things I didn't mention with this kind of 'self marketing': When I would send the ads to the business owner I always had on the bottom of the design "Graphic design provided by: www.mywebsite.com. Mention "x...x" (name of advertiser) to receive a 10% discount on your next project" In the email I would say something to the effect: you may notice I have credited my services in the bottom of the advertisement. My normal design rates are $$$ for the X" by Y" size of your 4 colour layout. However, if you would like to run the ad without the credits, I can give you a 15% discount and remove my website from the design. ...etc ... So if they like the design but can't afford to pay, then I'll get my own advertising published with that little self marketing blurb at the bottom of the design. Otherwise, I get published - and make some cash. Pretty cool  By offering the two options, everybody wins.
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Posted on 05/12/09 04:33:32 AM |
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tank172
ThreeDee Thriller Posts: 692 Reply |
Re: How to start a freelance home business
Last tidbit: If the advertisement is for a church, charity or nonprofit foundation and they decide to run the ad with the free option - you could mark it as a Donation in your taxes. Just get them to fill out the paperwork/receipt for you. 
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