Avoid Common Business Mistakes

Five common business mistakes redesigners make:

1) Failing to test the key elements of their advertising.
2) Running institutional advertising campaigns.
3) Not differentiating themselves from the competition enough.
4) Not developing a back-end service or product.
5) Failing to understand their client's needs and desires.

Try approaching people in different ways. Develop 3 "elevator speeches". Note which one seems to attract more interest.

Flyers and ads in the paper generally don't work. People hire designers by referrals and getting to know you personally.

Figure out what makes you special - different - unique - better than your competition.

Do you have a reason to keep in contact with clients? A back end product or service will give you that reason. For training in how to do that, we've covered it thoroughly in Advanced Redesign.

Put yourself in your client's shoes. How would you feel if someone approached you? What would you think of them? Of what they offered you? Talk to people and ask them questions. This is the best way to get to know their needs and desires. Ask.