Freelance Jumpstart Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nathan Allotey
You want a successful business, and you are willing to do whatever you can to make sure that happens. There’s a difference between running a business and running a successful business, but where do you begin? There are so many questions, what should you charge for your services? How do you get clients to value your work? How do you market your services? What information should be on your website?
These questions and others are answered on a weekly podcast for those looking to jumpstart their business and get results. If you are an entrepreneur, freelancer or creative looking to use marketing to grow your business, then this show is for you.
One day while working remotely I felt like I was getting hot. After taking my temperature I had a fever approaching 102 and after getting a test it was revealed I had the dreaded COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Thankfully I was able to recover and I wanted to share my experiences so you can hope to prevent yourself from getting COVID and how to manage your symptoms.
Please note I am not a medical professional and I am not providing any medical advice. If you are feeling ill please seek healthcare
Are you confused about how to go about pricing for your creative services? Hourly pricing seems to be the go-to method for pricing creative work. I see why it is simple, easy, and understood by all; however, this pricing method significantly undervalues your worth as a creative.
How do you determine the true value of a project? Value-based pricing is a method that can help the client understand the impact your work has on their business and allow you to price what is fair to you and the client.
In this episode, I walk through an example of how I could charge between 300% - 800% higher than the initial price the client wanted to pay. You can do the same in your business.
Recently I discovered the reason why Netflix went through the trouble of creating their own custom font. Turns out they paid $1,000,000 for it. However, when you examine this closer there's a blueprint for how creatives can charge a million for their services as well.
Sites Mentioned:* https://www.daltonmaag.com/studio * https://www.similarweb.com/
If you do not know who your audience is you won't know how to talk with them. The key to getting to know your audience is creating customer profiles.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode* https://www.google.com/ads * https://www.google.com/analytics * https://uifaces.co/ * https://unsplash.com/ * https://generated.photos/
BOOKS* The Brand Gap: https://amzn.to/35aDPAx * The Business of Expertise: https://amzn.to/2ZiyEuC * More Books on Brand Strategy: https://kit.co/nathanallotey/learn-br... /
TIMESTAMPS * 00:00 - Introduction * 00:46 - What is Strategy? * 02:45 - Overcome Imposter Syndrome * 03:56 - Teach Everything You Know * 05:19 - Write Case Studies * 07:08 - Change Your Target Market * 09:25 - Don't Offer Strategy First * 11:32 - Branding Book Recommendations * 12:55 - Conclusion
Before creating or designing anything for a client the first and most important step is to set the strategy. When offering a strategy session to a client what are the deliverables that the client can use after the discovery session that will impact their business for years to come?
In this episode we walk through some of the deliverables you can offer the client once the strategy session is complete:
- Roadmap
- Brand Attributes
- Brand Voice
- Prioritizing Goals
- Customer Profiles
Want to sell strategy to your clients? Learn the CORE Discovery process
The recent showings in the news of racism have now awakened the masses to what people of color have been going through for some time. I reflect on the color of my skin and explain what we can do to create lasting change beyond what hashtag is trending.
Great websites and resources:
- https://blackswho.design/
- https://peopleofcolorintech.com/
- https://www.diversifytech.co/
- https://www.blackgirlscode.com/
- https://blkcreatives.com/
- https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/
Brand Strategist Melinda Livsey shares her origin story of how she went from design order taker to brand expert. Now she gets paid upwards of $10,000 per strategy session for her thoughts alone, without doing any design work which requires pushing pixels.
Melinda will help you get paid to think. Follow her:
- Twitter: @melindalivsey_
- Instagram: @melindalivsey
- https://www.marksandmaker.com/
With so many designers out there and websites where clients can choose the lowest price for design how do you rise above the competition and break free of becoming a design commodity.
There are 3 things you can do today to stand out as a designer:
- 01:28 = Understanding the Creative Process
- 02:48 = Choose a Complimentary Service
- 04:42 = Partner with Other Creatives
Strategy is one of those words you hear thrown out all the time in a meeting but many times it is not clearly defined nor understood by all parties. Learning strategy is the first step in setting yourself apart as a creative professional.
I read an article on strategy which had a huge impact on how I think about strategy: http://bit.ly/wtf-strategy
I've seen this Fiverr commercial popup on my YouTube hundreds of times, however, I noticed a fatal flaw with the commercial and if you learn from this flaw it can be the key to standing out and making more money as a creative.
In this episode of traffic talk, someone asked a question of what to do when a client they were speaking with on the regular suddenly "disappeared". Should they move on or wait on the client?
With all that is going on during this global panic we have been restricted to our homes but what can we do with the time we have and how will it impact our businesses?
Two main questions from the video:
- 4:50 = What have you been neglecting in your business?
- 6:10 = What will you do when the panic is over?
I woke up in the morning, and with sleep still in my eyes stumbled to my desktop computer to check any messages that would call for my attention. I saw a new post in the Futur Pro Group, which knocked the sleep out of my eyes and immediately spurred me to look for a flight to Los Angeles.
Chris Do, the founder of The Futur, posted an update mentioning that he would host an in-person meet up for networking, teaching, and an opportunity to use their studios to create content.
For those unaware, The Futur is a content and education platform that leverages video and distance-based learning models and connects a global community of creative thinkers and entrepreneurs. This is how design education will be taught in the future.
The weekend was full of value and the opportunity to meet design leaders from all over the globe. Rather than talk about how good it was, I wanted to sum up the top 5 takeaways from the weekend, which you can apply to your business today.
1) Learn To Introduce YourselfOne of the first things we did when entering the meetup weekend was to introduce ourselves. It seemed simple enough, but there was a certain way in which we were supposed to go about introducing ourselves.
Stand up in front of a room of creatives professionals and say the following:
- Say your name
- Describe a problem businesses have
- Describe how you solve that problem
- Describe what you use to solve that problem
The key is each of these items must be covered in about 10 seconds.
I said the following:
My name is Nathan Allotey, and you know how businesses describe their product in a way that doesn’t connect with their target audience? I help brands position their product around their unique value using design and digital marketing strategy.
If you can get down your “elevator pitch” as a part of introducing yourself, it can lead the conversation toward securing new clients faster.
2) Build RelationshipsI have a confession. I thought going to the Futur meant that I would be able to rub shoulders with the leaders of the Futur and make a good impression on them. The real key is not the fact you get to meet up with Chris Do and the team (even though they are cool). The real value is found in conversations with creative professionals you meet from all over the globe.
The weekend is about learning but also building relationships, and that is a skill that is needed when working with clients. Not every client interaction will lead to a sale, and as a creative professional, you need to master the art of getting to know someone and play the long game. Some leads will take multiple interactions before officially becoming your client.
3) Collaborate With OthersFor the longest time in my business, I was a “one-man army.” I learned how to do everything from copywriting to website design and even brand strategy; however, this creates a considerable dilemma. I am limited by my time, and if I genuinely want to get clients who have larger budgets, then I will have to collaborate with others to do so.
Going to the meet up allowed me to meet other creative professionals, but there is a hidden bonus here. The Futur has a certain standard of creative professional they are teaching. Most people are not only good at what they do, but they have the business acumen to tie their work to a result. I can’t tell you the benefit of working with someone that already knows brand strategy, and I don’t have to attempt to teach it to them; this alone is a great value.
My dilemma of looking for other creatives to land larger budget projects may be solved.
4) Try Something NewDuring one of our after-hour sessions, someone asked a question, “Should I pay $2,500 to join an elite business group of female CEOs?” The group is full of their target audience, but they were not sure if paying this amount would ensure they get clients. Chris Do posed a simple question, is what you’re doing working? The simplicity of the question made the room go silent, but it was a question that caused everyone to think. Sure, $2,500 may be quite a bit of money, but if it yields at least one client, then return on investment could be tenfold.
If you are trying something in your business and you’ve been doing the same thing over with mediocre results, it may be time to switch things up and try something new. Going to the Futur Pro Group meetup in LA was something new for me, and it inspired me to take more risks (calculated risks) in my own business going forward.
5) Learn To ListenDuring another one of our after-hours Q&A sessions, one of the pro group members had a question. Many people around the room were anxious to answer this question, but Chris Do stressed that the more important thing was to ask the right questions and listen to the person rather than jump to give a solution.
Diagnosis is more important than presenting a solution. Chris even shared that he has won clients over by being the agency that took the time to listen the most. Clients can feel when someone cares about them or whether you are simply after their money.
These are my 5 takeaways, of course, there are many more things I could share from the weekend, but I’m a firm believer in putting what you know into practice before trying to learn something else. These 5 items are not unique to my experience, and if you’re able to put them into practice, I’m sure some good will come out of it.
In this episode of traffic talk we look to answer a question about how to answer clients when they say your quote is too high.
For more context here is the original question:
Recently send out a quote to a prospective client and they said my quote was on the high side? How do I approach this nicely without giving too much discount?
Freelancers out there, how do you price your services? I’m a digital marketer.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- https://nathanallotey.com/resources/10-must-ask-questions-guide/
- https://nathanallotey.com/tv/064-productized-consulting-with-jane-portman/
- https://nathanallotey.com/resources/the-price-is-wrong-lecture/
As we enter the holiday season and many people get into goal setting mode, I want to draw your attention to the fact that it is okay to take a moment, reflect not he year and be thankful for what you have thus far. Don’t get so caught up in what YOU WANT that you forget what YOU HAVE.
Gratitude and thankfulness make you value your interactions with others and make you overall more appreciative.
This video is a remake or update to similar video that I created 4 years ago: https://youtu.be/DCidoxluWKU
(It sounds so crazy to say 4 years ago. Wow the fact that I have been creating content for 4 years is amazing.)
Happy Holidays!
A rookie freelancer has landed their first client and they are debating on whether or not they should let their client know they are the first client they ever had.
For context:
Should I Let them know they're my first client?
An opportunity to freelance recently fell in my lap and I'm not sure what to discuss with my first client. I've read the sidebar when it comes to pricing and scope (still working on it), but I don't want to ask for too much $$$ and underperform and vice versa. I also have to make a contract and invoice for the client and I don't want to back myself into a corner I can't get out of.
When you dealt with your first client, did you let them know upfront that they were your first client and there may be hiccups along the way? Or did you make sure as many issues as possible were wrinkled out before looking for clients?
If you're looking to positioning yourself as an expert there are two core elements that serve as necessities to positioning: pricing and perception. Both must be used in order for any brand to be positioned for high-value clients.
A videographer agreed to create a video for a client. After viewing the first draft the client wanted to completely start over even though the client signed off on the storyboard. Rather than start from scratch the freelancer refunded the client and wants to know how to prevent this in the future.
Question
Giving a client a refund, did I do something wrong?
Context:
I charged a client $1500 for a full day of shooting (4k) and editing, in addition to 3-4 hours of marketing work. He gave me a 50% deposit ($750) before I started any work. When I sent him the rough cut, he wasn't happy and was expecting something else. Something more "grand" as he put it for the amount of money he's spending.
He even went on to send me another video (which was a completely diff style) he made for only $200, which I thought was a bad move, but whatever. How can I clear up this kind of misunderstand next time? I gave him a storyboard, he's seen some of my work, I explained to him what it would be like, but then I have to deal with this.
Recently the chicken sandwich challenge was a craze that hit social media and the battle between Chick-Fil-A and Popeyes raged on. Looking at this example we see a strong example of marketing versus branding.
A freelancer lost a client due to their lack of organization and trying to juggle too many clients at once. They ask about some ways they can improve their organization so this doesn't happen in the future.
Project Management Tools:
Basecamp: https://basecamp.com/
Asana: https://asana.com/
Trello: https://trello.com/
*All three tools listed above have a free tier available.
There is an age-old debate on which is more important marketing or branding. Those which a marketing background tend to have a bias toward marketing versus designers who tend to have a bias toward branding.
The truth is everything comes down to how you define marketing and how you define branding. These two are not in competition with one another but are compliments. There is no way you can implement marketing without branding, and a brand can only grow if it utilizes marketing in the right way.
So what does this mean? Marketing is the tactics and strategy used to gain people's attention, while branding is about creating consistent experiences to build trust in your customer's/client's mind.
Once you are clear on the definition of both marketing and branding than how each impacts your business becomes all the more clear.
Donald Miller on branding - https://youtu.be/oxvlGfw85cM
Chris Do, Melinda Livsey and Fabian Geyrhalter discuss branding on TheFutur: - https://youtu.be/yK7Rk7Oe588
How can you find out the unique audience and skill you can offer clients? Some people call this a niche. Once you combine your hobbies with your past education and an industry-specific problem you will have a unique value you can offer clients.
Some more context:
"I have been speaking with a potential client who is having issues with their website. Their current developer costs a lot of money and when they implement updates functionality of different aspects of the site break.
I gave them some bullet points of what’s wrong with the site. I was emailed by someone in upper management asking for a list of things wrong with the site for them to give to their developers to fix.
Have you had this happen and how should I respond? I’m not in the business to teach another developer everything they need to do to fix their client’s website."
I was watching a video on YouTube and the person in the video was an animator. They were discussing how they and others with similar channels review animation, movies, comics and sometimes illustrate and animate popular characters.
I live in a state of constant anxiety, I could wake up one day and the channel I worked so hard to build has been demonetized. This is our livelihood and how we eat...
Here’s the thing: The Platform has the Power
You may have built up your channel and provided entertainment but YouTube created the platform, purchased the servers, keep the app updated. Since that is the case. The Platform has the Power
- So do you have a business?
- Are you a product on another person’s platform?
- Ask yourself are you replaceable or a substitutionary product?
- Are you easily replaceable?
Here’s an example.
If YouTube were to go away today, would you still have a business?
If the answer is no, it’s time to look at your business because right now you are at the mercy of YouTube.
It is time to start rethinking how you have set up your business.
This is why I created the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvxqzbEX8uQ
https://nathanallotey.com/tv/063-the-product-spectrum-for-freelancers/
The core of any business is the exchange of value. What do you have to offer that is of value? I strictly think of YouTube as an audience or a place where people gather to watch videos. Some may become my client or customers and some may just watch a video or move on but relying on this as the sole income source is too risky since YouTube can do WHATEVER THEY WANT and many times in the case of YouTube, they do whatever they want and tell you later.
Social media is an acquisition channel
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram these are all places people go to for news and entertainment and businesses purchase ads on these platforms. The primary goal of these platforms is entertainment and they stay open by advertising and the platform in a sense will shift to whatever advertisers want. YouTube used to have ads that were skippable, now they have ads you cannot skip and sometimes show 2 ads in a row back to back. One way YouTube has changed is I’ve noticed views on my channel are down because there’s an emphasis on promoting videos with ads so youtube can make money.
You have to find another way to start diversifying how you make income so you are not solely dependent on one outlet.
Job security is another thing, we have to ask the same thing of our day jobs. If you were to lose your job today what would you do?
Episode Notes: https://freelancejumpstart.tv/78
In this episode a designer suggested that his friend meet up with him and they strategize how to increase their online presence and create strategy so they can compete online with their competitors. After a verbal agreement the friend took the advice and strategy but then hired another designer who was cheaper. Who's in the right?
Productized Consulting:
https://nathanallotey.com/tv/064-productized-consulting-with-jane-portman/
Looking to level up in your freelance business? You may need Creative Coaching:
http://nathanallotey.com/coaching
Like the content? Donate to the Cause:
http://nathanallotey.com/donate
The 5 Ways to transform you portfolio are:
- Copy Other Agencies
- Show Your Process
- Add Visual Storytelling
- Using Mockups
- Your About Section
References in this episode:
- https://nathanallotey.com/tv/059-freelancer-vs-consultant-vs-agency/
- https://nathanallotey.com/tv/067-never-call-yourself-a-freelancer/
- https://nathanallotey.com/tv/068-your-job-title-matters-cory-mccabe-interview/
I used to believe if I focused on having great skill that was enough to attract clients. As long as I could prove I worked harder or produced better work then somebody else I would always be the client's choice.
This couldn't have been further from the truth. The truth is it doesn't matter how good you may seem if that is not communicated through how you present your work then you are diminishing your value.
You cannot control the fact that people are going to compare you to other designers. However, you do have the ability to influence their perception of your abilities.
Do you feel like you have no creative control when completing projects for clients? Be a professional, not an amateur.
Looking to level up in your freelance business? You may need Creative Coaching:
http://nathanallotey.com/coaching
DISCOUNT CODE: PODCASTFOLLWER
Freelance Jumpstart Podcast on iTunes:
http://nathanallotey.com/itunesaudio
Free Course on How to Double Your Worth:
http://respectandvalue.com
—
Like the content? Donate to the Cause:
http://nathanallotey.com/donate
For this episode of Traffic Talk we look at the answer the question: My client has taken my beautiful work and ruined it with their suggestions! What can I do?
How to Stop Endless Client Feedback:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppc7VUswe5w
Speak Up for Your Work:
https://youtu.be/IZtFFcx5_3w
Thanks for the Feedback (Book):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143127136/
—
Looking to level up in your freelance business? You may need Creative Coaching:
http://nathanallotey.com/coaching
—
Like the content? Donate to the Cause:
http://nathanallotey.com/donate
—
Contact Me
My website: http://nathanallotey.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nathanallotey
Facebook: http://facebook.com/TheNathanAllotey
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nathan.allotey
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+NathanAllotey
Normally I use January as a planning month but as I plan I wanted to share with you what is on my mind as I move forward in 2019 toward the goals I would like to accomplish.
As I reflect on the year 2018 I explain what I felt went well, what did not go so well, and assess whether or not my goals were reached.
As I think back on how 2018 went, I wanted to make mention of a fantastic experience I had in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Epic Unknown is an invitation to explore your roots and the roots of others intimately and uniquely, deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. No two trees grow the same. No two stories are identical. It is so easy to be cavalier with the notion of leadership these days.
It's a unconference that includes hiking, biking, climbing, and adventures beyond sitting in a room all day.
As the end of the year comes to a close there will be many people who will focus on setting goals in the new year. I want to give you a framework for setting goals first made popular by George T. Doran in 1981. The most critical factor in establishing a goal is HOW you define success.
SMART Goal Framework
2:15 = Specific
2:40 = Measurable
3:35 = Actionable (Achievable)
4:36 = Realistic (Relevant)
5:52 = Time Bound
7:07 = Measuring success
Without even realizing it my YouTube channel turned 3 years old in October. In this video I discuss what happened this past year on YouTube and what I plan to do in the future.
My 2018 Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbBp5z2FDsw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQQAinyRkhg
For this episode of traffic talk someone asks when is the best time to begin discussing pricing rates. They have been asked to come up with a mockup with an existing client and are not sure whether or not the client is willing to pay for the mockup.
In this episode we look at the pros and cons of whether to move forward with your personal name or your business name. Here's a hint the name doesn't matter what you publicly project matters.
For this episode of traffic talk we answer the question: Do people still buy art? I share my unique experience of what I learned in Los Angeles and the fact that art and illustration is as popular as its has ever been but you have to pair your art with a story.
What's the difference between a $30 piece of art and a $30,000 piece of art? This episode of Freelance Jumpstart I cover the main takeaway I learned from visiting agencies and museums while in Los Angeles, CA.
This past month I've had nothing but troubles professionally, with my day job, family and other things in my personal life. It sucks and it doesn't feel good. However, I believe I am being met with so many challenges because the goals I've been working on for year are within arms length.
- No One Cares: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ziu4fNMgvM&t=2s
- Tobe's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/tobenwigwe/videos
- Epic Unknown: https://www.epicunknown.com/
This episode of traffic talk is a little different. In order to answer this question I thought it fitting for me to visit my alma mater, Baylor University, and answer a question about how I made the switch to web design.
For some context let's look at a question asked by Samuel. How exactly do you decide what to go into business for? If I recall correctly, you started in electrical engineering and then switched to web design – what was your line of reasoning for that?
For this episode of Traffic Talk a designer who has specialized in Icon design is looking to move in a new direction. He is wondering if his past content will contribute to the new direction he is taking.
For this episode of Traffic Talk we answer a question that came in from email about someone who doesn't know how to clearly define the expensive problem that they're solving in the area of client success.
At some point in your business you will need a coach to guide you toward your goals. However, not every coach will work for you there are 2 types of coaching and you need to know which one fits your learning style.
A stay at home mother has a question about how to get started as a freelancer and if she should pursue freelance photography.
In this episode I'm joined by filmmaker Cory McCabe as we expand upon why you shouldn't call yourself a freelancer and the importance of your job title to your brand.
For this episode of Traffic Talk we look at the question "How much to charge for a 3 page website?" The freelancer is working with their local chamber of commerce and they are nervous about overpricing the job.
Your title is one of the first elements that informs potential clients of your brand and how you can help. Though you may be running a freelance business if you want people to take you seriously don't call yourself a freelancer.
We look at what to consider when leaving your day job for freelancing full time and how to find work as a photographer.
Have you ever wrestled with self doubt, anxiety, perfectionism, fear of failure while working with clients? This may be a common issue creatives wrestle with called Imposter Syndrome.
For this episode of traffic talk we answer the question, "Should you host a client's website and act as the web hosting service or let a client use a different company?"
A sales funnel is a sequence of steps or actions that take place that guide a potential customer from introducing them to your brand to the final step of them making a purchase and then the follow-up.
In this episode we answer a question about a college student who secured a client but after 3 years they want to raise their rate and set new expectations going forward.
In this episode we answer a question value based pricing: the key to value based pricing is anchoring the price to what the client save or the profits the client is going to make.
We are now half way through 2018. We take a look back at what I have accomplished, how my goals have shifted and what's to come in 2018.
For this episode of traffic talk we answer the question, "How do you politely explain to a client that you do not work for free?"
UI expert and designer Jane Portman joins us to discuss productized consulting and how freelancers can implements this successfully in their business.
What do you do when a client continually requests file from you? Do you charge them or do you count it as good customer service?
The best way to grow your freelance business is to take the pressure off landing full scale projects with clients. Create a product spectrum that will allow you to diversify and make passive income.
When you've work at a company and have grown in experience, how do you go about asking for an increase in pay?
How do you go about suggesting a new service for a client and get them to pay when there's already a retainer in place?
A candid conversation about how to be successful entrepreneur and the state of creating online courses while building a community.
When working with friends and family how do you get past the guilt of charging them full price?
If you want to engage people online and build trust with others in your marketing you have to be willing to reciprocate.
What happens when you've been blacklisted by a client and how can you repair the relationship?
The Internet is experiencing a shift, and those who have build honest, authentic businesses on the Internet wills survive.
Do you present 1 logo option or several? The answer to the question is more about the client's goal than their preferences.
The freelance landscape has become crowded, but there’s still a chance to be successful if you know how to stand out from the rest. How do you freelance in 2018?
Adjusting your pricing to cover banking and payment fees in one thing but there is something larger here which involves how much money you want to make at the end of the year.
There are times when a client may ask for a "small change" but this often turns into something bigger. How do you make sure you are not tricked into getting work you're not paid for?
We dive into the answer on whether or not it's possible to freelance with a full-time job.
Traffic Talk is a new segment of the Freelance Jumpstart podcast where I answer your specific questions the business of freelance all while driving on my daily commute.
It feels good to be back. I'm back to creating content on a weekly basis and you're invited to join in on the journey.
A reflective post about how the 2017 year went in terms of reaching my goals and what lies ahead for 2018.
New website, new Q&A show, detailed guides, coaching calls and my podcast returns with a vengeance.
There comes a time when you need to evaluate if your website is accomplishing your business goals.
I've been in my product laboratory trying to time travel. Not actual time travel but creating a course I wish I had when I first started freelancing.
Every year you should set goals and then follow up with a reality check on whether or not you were able to reach those goals.
When you’re busy working in your business sometimes you don’t have the time to work on improving your business.
I attended the first ever seanwes conference in Austin, TX. this conference was focused on business a business around your passion.
Everyone I learned about creating videos for 52 weeks in a row. The good, the bad and the unsubscribed.
Podcasting is a great way to use content marketing to grow your audience. Here’s everything I learned in 1 year of podcasting.
Want 5 Proven Ways to Validate Your Product Idea?
Learn the five essentials to know if you idea will be profitable and make people stand in line for your product.
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Road to Launch my second podcast launches this week. Road to Launch is all about how to take your product from idea to a successful launch. The end result of what I am building will benefit all the listeners of Freelance Jumpstart TV.
Free bonus for all the podcast listeners: http://roadtolaunch.com
I’m sharing my story because I did not formally go to school to be a designer but I was still able to learn on the internet and build business from cultivating my skill.
My previous mentality
Originally I did not go to school for web design. I went to Baylor University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Before I get into that let me take a step back and explain my mentality going into college.
I was always looking for the next step, after elementary was middle school, after middle school was high school, after high school was college, after college would be grad school if necessary and finally join the workforce. The problem with this mentality was I was taking the next step and expecting results instead of pursuing what I was passionate about and allowing my passion to drive steps which only relate to my passion.
So following the mentality of taking the next step, I graduated began working at a web hosting company and looked for various grad schools.
When I look back on my life I recognized I truly enjoyed the process of creating. The process of taking a thought or idea and making it tangible is something I am truly passionate about.
If you notice what was happening to me it is simply this, I followed the proposed steps everyone recommended I take all the while my goals were on the back-burner. This happens far to often somewhere between high school and the workforce we tend to settle.
When I ask most people “what do you really want to do?” It’s no where near their dream.
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When did I decide I want to be a freelance designer?
I was able to complete my electrical engineering degree but when I moved back home to Houston from college I needed a job quickly.
I began working at a web hosting company and a part of that job was to help people build websites. I knew some beginning knowledge about websites and Photoshop but in order to help people I started looking deeper into how to websites work.
It was embarrassing to speak with people on the phone and fake like I knew the answer to questions, so I looked into everything I could surrounding building a website.
I then found out you can use Photoshop to create the look and feel of a website. This lead me to photoshoptutorials.ws. (This website still exists today.)
I spent hours reading tutorials and trying to learn Photoshop. I would read a tutorial and follow it step by step to complete a tutorial. This trend continued until I was able to look at images and recreate them on my own.
Others knew I worked with websites so some of my friends asked if I was open for business, I was hesitant at first but realized if I did not take a chance I would never truly learn. I said yes and then they referred someone to me.
The person described what they wanted and I asked, “how much do you charge?” I wanted to hang up the phone do research and run back. But I took a guess and had my first client. It was difficult but the more work I took on the better I became at it.
Referrals started coming in so I knew it was time to formalize my business and really learn all there was to websites. Learning the details surrounding how to official start a business took some time. Luckily I made the decision to launch my business right around the time I decided to pursue my MBA,
I am very excited and hype to announce the launch of my new weekly video show Freelance Jumpstart TV.
Starting on October 23, 2015, every week I’ll share with you tips, advice and how-tos on how to build a successful online business as a creative entrepreneur.
When I first started as a freelance web designer I had to learn things the hard way through trial and error. I want to make things easy for you, so you can focus on getting your idea off the ground and taking your business to the next level.