How to get work when you set up on your own
When you're setting up on your own, it can be daunting and downright scary trying to find your first projects that will get you established. Many people - including me - decided to quit their full-time job to set up on their own. Gone is the secure, regular salary, so now you have to fend for yourself.
Turn employers into clients
The clue to finding your first gig is right there; why not tap previous employers for work as an independent consultant?
I started my own one-man Web design consultancy over three years ago when I handed in my notice at a small multi-discipline design firm. At that company, I did some of the print projects and all of the Web-based ones. Even though I have a background in print design, it was the Web that I wanted to focus on, and the only way to do that was to work for myself. I made sure that I left on good terms because I didn't want to burn any bridges. This proved to be a wise decision because rather than try to replace me, my previous employer outsourced all of his Web site designs to me. The company is now one of my most lucrative clients.
Get yourself a Web site
I don't care what line of work you're in, if you don't have a business Web site, then you're a dinosaur. Most of my clients approach me because they've read about me on my site. Some of these find me via search engines or through listings on business-related online directory, such as the Kitchener Waterloo Design Hub. Building up traffic to your site will take time, so make sure you get yourself an online presence as soon as possible.
Network, network, network
Don't be a hermit: get out there and meet new people. I'm not just talking about formal networking events, but even at informal gatherings you should make people aware what you do for a living.
It can take time, so don't expect instant results. Work won't immediately come flooding in, but when someone you know speaks to another person who wants what you supply, who do you think they'll recommend?
Turn employers into clients
The clue to finding your first gig is right there; why not tap previous employers for work as an independent consultant?
I started my own one-man Web design consultancy over three years ago when I handed in my notice at a small multi-discipline design firm. At that company, I did some of the print projects and all of the Web-based ones. Even though I have a background in print design, it was the Web that I wanted to focus on, and the only way to do that was to work for myself. I made sure that I left on good terms because I didn't want to burn any bridges. This proved to be a wise decision because rather than try to replace me, my previous employer outsourced all of his Web site designs to me. The company is now one of my most lucrative clients.
Get yourself a Web site
I don't care what line of work you're in, if you don't have a business Web site, then you're a dinosaur. Most of my clients approach me because they've read about me on my site. Some of these find me via search engines or through listings on business-related online directory, such as the Kitchener Waterloo Design Hub. Building up traffic to your site will take time, so make sure you get yourself an online presence as soon as possible.
Network, network, network
Don't be a hermit: get out there and meet new people. I'm not just talking about formal networking events, but even at informal gatherings you should make people aware what you do for a living.
It can take time, so don't expect instant results. Work won't immediately come flooding in, but when someone you know speaks to another person who wants what you supply, who do you think they'll recommend?
posted by Nigel Gordijk at
2:28 PM
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