Network, Network, Network

[mohdarif2]

We started our design studio early in 2006 with a designer and a marketer as the partners. We tried all the usual avenues of promotion; press adverts, postcards dropped around local business parks, cold-calling, email marketing, special offers etc. Whilst some of these managed to get our name out there they generated very little ROI. By far, the most effective way of winning new business has been networking. The personal touch seems to be an invaluable asset when starting a new design business, wtihout it there is very little trust from people who have never worked with you before let alone heard of you. If you can get in front of them, impress them, and put a face to a name, they will not only consider using your services themselves but also promote you to their contacts. Personality counts for a lot.

Obviously a strong portfolio is also important. When starting out this can be extremely difficult as the only work you may have is a personal portfolio which may not be relevant. Start slow, get yourself in front of as many businesses as possible and work your way up - there is no quick fix to winning projects from national companies as they want experience and expect results. Recently we pitched for a job and found it to be too large to take on. Rather than quote and try to scrape through, we were completely honest and told them we couldn't guarantee the level of service they required and in return they thanked us and promised to bear us in mind for smaller, future projects.

So at the end of the day, get out there, be open and honest and people will thank you for it. In a saturated market it's too easy for companies to go elsewhere so a professionalism and transparency will reap far more rewards than complacency and arrogance.

Good luck to anyone who is just getting going, it's a hard slog but the rewards are worth it.

Marc Swarbrick
Studio Manager

[Eoghan11]

Social networking is has proved to be very powerful these days. It is essential to notice the uses of the social networks in many of the works to get better results. One can take expert’s suggestion for the guidance required.

[Frontopni]

Nerwork is powerful for world business.


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