4 things you must do when starting your business
Starting up your own business is demanding and complicated, nonetheless you have to push yourself and absorb as much as you can. It’s conceivable that you will make mistakes. There are exciting and boring parts of working for yourself. You can work your own hours, get the clients you want, be your own boss. But you might have to work overtime, deal with payments and keep yourself productive. However, the good thing is that you are in fact building your own business. How cool is that! By performing this yourself, you can increase your business depending on how much and well you work. The initial thing we are going to master are the basics of starting up.
Set goals
There are a few things you need before diving into the business. You first have to find out who you are and what you want to do. By knowing what type of design jobs and who your customers will be, it will be easier to market to a specific target group. Some like to do everything, but you can also be more specific and find a niche. “The only limits in business are the ones that you choose to set for yourself – based on your goals and desires.” (Hipp, M.) Goals can also be how much you want to earn, who you will like to be working for, or skills you would like to improve.
By identifying your core values and sharing it with your clients, they will have a better understanding of you. "They’re at the heart of what drives every decision you make in your career." (Granet, K.). Clients would like to hear that you are passionate about something and like themselves have goals they believe in. Doing too many things at the same time and not having a focus on what your goals are, can be overwhelming and you will not be able to improve. Start with small goals, like setting up your own business, getting your first customers or paycheck.
2. Your skills
What are your strengths and weaknesses? This might be hard at first, but have a look at your work or services and evaluate it. By going through it and comparing it, you can improve them and learn from your mistakes. Ask people you know and let them be honest with you. It can be things you haven’t noticed or decisions that you haven’t made. Check out other professionals out there and see what they are good at. Notice how they communicate their skills. Also have a look at what the market needs, if you have a skill that you can improve this might come in handy when finding clients.
By having a list of your own skills, you can improve or even add new skills. You will stand out by knowing more. There is so much information on the web and online classes, like skillshare. Make sure you aren’t bored when working and just redesigned what you have previously done.
3. Who are you
Think about what you actually want to do and the process you use to achieve your desired outcome. It’s useful because you can improve how you work and also the value of your outcome. Sometimes you can create things that look beautiful, but most clients want a good solution with a clear explanation. By seeing how you are working, the client will understand and trust your knowledge.
Tell them in your own creative way, such as a step by step guide. Not everyone will know what you actually do, so it’s good to give them a preview of it. "By understanding your vision before contacting you, potential clients will get a better feel for whether your style of working and theirs are consistent." (Shain, D. H.) Focus on creating it clearly and speak in a language the client will understand. They will not understand the technical terms you use when designing.
Have you decided on what type of work you don’t do? It might be the ethics or that you don’t have the skill for it. Be firm on your beliefs and work with clients you trust and want a future relationship with. Some customers might not have the same goal or you know it won’t benefit you. If you don’t have the skill for it, find others who might and work together on the project.
4. Be authentic
First impressions last a lifetime, so make sure that who and what you represent is something people want to work with. It is very important now that you show your personality online and stand out among everyone out there. Is there something about yourself that you know you are better at or that people like about you? Clients love knowing who they are working with and that they can trust that they will give them what they desire.
When buying things people choose to go with their emotions, not what is logical. Look at big brands out there, how do they differ? Do something that is totally unique, try to stand out and make a difference. The more hunger you have, the more you are going to enjoy working, and people will notice. Even if you work in front of a screen, the majority of your clients are going to come from you or people you know. Be polite, work on your social skills, be proud, stand up straight and have your own style. Your potential clients can be anyone, so make sure you always have a business card in your wallet or can easily share your contact details. If they have heard good things about you or like you when they meet you, that will get more jobs than trying to find work online.
