A guy I met while at college pinged me on Facebook and asked:

I was looking at starting a small graphic design/ website design company and was wondering if you had any pointers or tips on the best way to start, and how to develop a client base. I was thinking about starting by bidding for freelance jobs but it looks pretty intimidating.

It is a great question and one that I feel I can give some good insight into.

I started doing consulting when I was a sophomore in college. I got to know an alum that was speaking on campus and he learned of my budding interest in SEO/Web Dev. He connected me to a Pilates Studio in Pittsburgh (dang that was a great SEO link hehe); they were just starting a new studio and needed a website. They took a chance on me and hired me to build them a brand new site. I was determined to succeed with this trust placed in my unproven abilities.

Fast forward a few months and word had gotten around to my friends, family, professors, fellow students, alumni I connected with…that I was doing SEO consulting and web development. It’s amazing once word gets out how many people start coming to you interested in having you do a project for them.

How to Get Started

So here is what I recommend to get started freelancing.

Don’t be afraid to jump into a project that is a little outside your comfort zone. I have taken on projects knowing I will have to learn new stuff in order to succeed. Sometimes the best growth and the most learning comes from putting yourself into a corner. It may be a bit sadistic, but sometimes you should purposely put yourself into challenging situations. Don’t go crazy with that idea but sometimes you need to push yourself.

I would say the best way to get clients is to approach family/friends first. They hopefully already trust you as a person (if not a designer/developer)

Secondly, non-profits are a great way to build experience, albeit for very little (if any) money. While at college there were a few non-profits for whom I built their websites. This didn’t pay anything but it gave me three very important things:

1. A portfolio item
2. Experience working for a client
3. Confidence – by far the most important of the 3

The third way to get clients early on is to watch for small businesses that need help. Approach the owner and tell him you are a starting out in the graphic design/web dev field and would he be willing to allow you to build him a site, design a logo, etc. With this last option you have the best chance of getting paid. You could even give the owner a guarantee that if he isn’t happy with it he doesn’t have to pay you. A bit risky but if you are confident of your skills then this could be a good strategy.

I need to write a follow-up post on why business owners should take a chance on budding professionals. It really can be a great thing for both parties!

So anyone want to hire my young friend just starting out? I have high hopes for whatever it is he ends up doing.

Thanks for reading. How to Get Your First Clients as a Young Web Developer is a post from Blake Imeson

I’m on a workation right now (this was last week, just got around to publishing now). Yep, I am sitting poolside in sunny California. (no jealousy)  This has been a glorious week of exploring the San Jose/Los Altos/San Franciso area. The work part of this vacation comes every morning when I get up before 6 a.m. to get a 3-5 hours of work in before the rest of the family wakes up.

This freedom is why as long as I am still blessed to be able to make my living as a small business owner / consultant I will.

No entrepreneur lets a moment of respite go to waste, so on this vacation I finished reading Crush it! by Gary Vaynerchuck. It was a terrifically motivating book and a worthwhile read for any entrepreneur. It could be summed up in, find out your passion and figure out how to make a living with it. Now the “how to make a living” part is very much how to make the internet work for you.. So it was right up my alley :)

Gary Vee emphasized the importance of:

• Embracing your DNA
• Building your brand with transparency and authenticity
• Blogging / generating content
• Getting involved in Social Media
• Being passionate!

So after an enjoyable read I did some soul-searching about, what I am really passionate about?

My conclusion was that what makes me tick is helping people use the Internet for business. This takes many forms but usually revolves around:

Web development, Web design, Internet marketing, blogging, Social Media, SEO, WordPress, graphic design, branding, analytics, etc.

I leave you with one of my favorite insights from the read…

“Your Blog is for communicating the essence of your brand”

Have you read Crush it! and did you find something valuable in it?

If not, what was a recent business book you read that you would recommend?

Thanks for reading. Finding Your Entrepreneurial Passion is a post from Blake Imeson

Entrepreneurs thrive on market imbalance and chaos. Profit comes from inequalities and disorder in the marketplace. Entrepreneurs make money by bringing balance to these disorders.

Price of a good is high in one area of the world and low in another. Entrepreneurs will buy in the one and sell in the other. Producers may be creating brilliant products in a place like India but have no idea how to effectively market and sell their product in a market like the US.

Chaos, disarray, disorder, inequilibrium, discord, disharmony, variance: these are golden-ticket words for the entrepreneur.

Where the most profit happens is when an entrepreneur finds a particularly bad inequality or unmet need in the marketplace and fills it. If he does this and is successful, of course more entrepreneurs will come flocking to make a profit.  Eventually it will become less profitable, more competitive and the consumer will rejoice as they are the victors.

While this may be elementary economics, it represents a huge opportunity to e-neurs. (heck, you can only write entrepreneur so many times)

The USA is heading straight into what are going to be some very turbulent times. Major changes are already taking place. How can an e-neur look at these changes and make money by providing value to the market?

Financial institutions are being taken over by the federal government. Is there a easier way in this Web 2.0 World to pair willing lenders with eager borrowers? Have we learned anything about reputation and rating systems online?

Newspapers are going the way of the buggy whip. (also asking for a bailout – who isn’t?) Are there parts of a newspaper best served online? Can they refocus and still have a physical paper?

There is an obvious trend towards online entertainment ala TV and movies being served through online channels. How can you make this transition easier? What will happen to your TV?
Intellectual Property law is being strained by the online distribution channels. Music, TV, Movies, these all need to adjust their business models instead of constant warring with their customer. Hulu, iTunes, Pandora – these companies are charting a new course in unfamiliar waters. Where will you go? How can you appease content providers and contentsumers?

The world is flat. Global trade is changing the rules. Shift Happens. Are you going to sell globally? Buy globally? Or even better help both those groups and facilitate trade.

Cell phones. If this change isn’t obvious and you haven’t heard of the iPhone, go back to your pleasant slumber under your rock.

These are a few quick examples of the huge amount of chaos/change happening now. The question is, how will you take advantage of this, make the world better and turn a profit?

Thanks for reading. Chaos = Opportunity | A look at New Entrepreneurship is a post from Blake Imeson

Just got back from my yearly eye appointment where I always seem to hear bad news and the Ophthalmologist started to make small talk…

Him: where do you go to school?

Me: Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

Him: What are you studying?

Me: Entrepreneurship!

Him: [usual perplexed laugh] that’s cool. So… planning on going it alone?  

I had never thought much of comments like that, but this time it really irked me. I think this is a common misconception, that entrepreneurship is all about doing it by yourself and being independent. I may have had similar thinking starting out at college, not that extreme, but I didn’t understand how important connecting with people is and how much you need to rely on people.

Anyone who thinks that e-ship is all about being independent and "going it alone", is in for a big surprise if they go that route.

Business is all about relationships with people. At every level you are depending on people. Could Walton have done it without help? Gates without Wozniak?  My dad without my mom? (haha… no seriously) 

Business partners/investors

Employees

Customers

Peers

Family

This is anything but "going it alone". 

Am I just ignorant? Can you name one successful case of an entrepreneur "going it alone"?

Thanks for reading. Entrepreneurs: “Going it Alone”…Really? is a post from Blake Imeson

I am about to start my junior year at Grove City College. The cliche is true; it flies by!

Looking back on these 2 years I have learned so many different things and found myself wishing I had known them at the beginning of freshman year. With the help of some great fellow entrepreneurs and former GCC students we are going to try and give you the head start we wished we had.

The people who have graciously helped me with this post are some of the top entrepreneurs Grove City College has produced. Many of them are highly successful, and believe me when I say, they know what they are talking about!

Thanks to these awesome people for the ideas and quotes:

Name   |   Year of Graduation   |   Major

• Sean Ammirati(02) Computer Information Systems
• Taylor Pratt (06) Business Management
• Hunter Stewart (08) Entrepreneurship, Bus Econ.
• Chris Andrew  (08) Business Economics, Finance
• Tom Griffin       (08) Entrepreneurship
• Dustin Kunkle             (09) Entrepreneurship
• Jon Bush                     (10) Entrepreneurship
• Ken Maillet       (10) Entrepreneurship
• Blake Imeson (10) Entrepreneurship, Econ

Your education is just that, YOUR education.

The greatest opportunities at college are the ones you go after. -Jon Bush

Your GPA will not get you a job. A 4.0 guarantees you nothing. Spend your time getting involved in things you are passionate about. Write a business plan, compete outside of college and add things to your resume that translate to things you care about and can talk effectively about. -Chris Andrew

Ask questions. Always. You will always learn from others, regardless of how educated you are. -Dustin  Kunkle

Be involved, not over committed. Find groups and activities to get involved in, but don’t be so over committed that between schoolwork and activities you have no time for yourself or to see friends. -Tom Griffin

Do…

• Be proactive & ambitious. Seize opportunities.
• Be involved. Especially outside of academics.
• Be a lifelong learner.

Don’t…

• Let your education be defined by the classroom.
• Stress letter grades and GPA. Instead, focus on learning, not memorizing.
• End up like any other business major. Be different.

Professors

Getting to know professors and jumping at the opportunity to volunteer to help them out on projects outside of class (like introducing a speaker, etc.) can give you a wealth of information and the connections you need to succeed. One volunteer opportunity could become the link to your future job, a valuable asset, or a loyal friend. -Jon Bush

Really get to know your professors, especially those that share your interests and passions. Find opportunities to talk to them or get involved in their lives outside of the classroom, even if just a little bit. The thing you may use most after college is the friendships and relationships you have established with professors, friends, and college staff. You will find these more valuable in the long run, and you will remember them. -Dustin Kunkle

Most professors really want to help you succeed. Make the effort to connect with them and help in any way you can. They can recommend you; but more importantly they can connect you. -Blake Imeson

Do…

• Get to know your profs. Have lunch. Talk.
• Ask good questions and don’t be afraid to challenge.

Don’t…

• Be invisible in class.
• Answer questions only to appear smart.

Lectures, Why hear another speaker?

It counts! It’s available! It’s often ignored! And it could be the most valuable opportunity of your life! Get to know your professors and speakers that come to campus! -Jon Bush

Hear every speaker you can! They are the ones who will help you to connect your college learning to real world experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of them either. They have donated their time to talk to you all and want to give you the most they can. The best memory I had was sitting with a VP from Chick-Fil-A in a van driving from Pittsburgh back to school, one of the best one and a half hours of my life! -Tom Griffin

Hearing one speaker who is actually in the business world is more valuable than a week of classroom education. They are in touch with current realities of the business world and can offer terrific insight -Blake Imeson

Do…

• Attend as many business lectures as possible. Especially if they aren’t extra credit!
• Meet the speakers.

Don’t…

• Skip a great speaker because you need to “study”.

Networking  =  Not Optional

By networking I have been able to find Alumni who have given me valuable advice about web-design, and research that has allowed me to be on the cutting edge at my current job/internship. -Jon Bush

One of the best reasons to be networked in your industry is the free advice you can get. Many internet consultants charge between $150-500/hour. Projects can be in the upwards of $30K. If you are able to make friends with industry experts, you (most likely) won’t be charged a dime. Everyone is more than happy to lend a hand to a friend. Don’t underestimate the power of relationships in any industry that you work in. They will make your life much easier. -Taylor Pratt

Business is all about connections. You will get so much more out of your college experience by getting involved in more than just attending classes, especially as an entrepreneurship student. The class material is good, but you will certain not remember all of it, especially a few years down the road. -Dustin Kunkle

Meeting people doesn’t mean you have to be best friends for life. You can have professional and personal relationships, why not start building them now? Get some business cards with your name and e-mail address (you can always write your phone # on the back) and hand them out when you meet people. God blessed us all with different strengths, don’t be afraid to ask contacts for help or favors and don’t be afraid to give them in return. -Tom Griffin

If there is one thing that has stood out to me the most in my career as an SEO, it is the importance of networking. Throughout my college career that seed was planted in my head, but for some reason I still thought I would rather try and make it on my own. The business world is much tougher than they lead us to believe in school. It requires your constant attention, especially the online business world. The game changes every day, and if you aren’t prepared for it – you’ll find your competitors sailing past your sinking ship. -Taylor Pratt

College is about getting an education, but it’s also about building relationships. Take time to build authentic and genuine relationships with those around you. They are the ones who will share your triumphs and help you through your failures. The friends you make during college will be your friends for the rest of your life, much more so than friends from high school.-Tom Griffin

Do…

• Network with speakers, professors, and even peers.
• Give out business cards
• Use your connections not only for yourself but to connect others.

Don’t…

• Be passive.
• Just sit and listen to people … connect!
• Just use people. Be sincere and take genuine interest in them.
  

Get LinkedIn! > Business Card 2.0

If you aren’t already on the business networking site LinkedIn, you need to be! It has over 25 million business professionals. Most of the people you network with (professors, speakers, employers) will be LinkedIn.

LinkedIn allows you to  show your resume in an unobtrusive way. However, it is so much more; it will help you keep in contact with important people in your network, easily get business advice and leverage connections.

Business Card 2.0:   you may lose a business card or contact information may change, but with LinkedIn you are always going to be able to reconnect with someone you met years previously.

Most of the people in this article are on LinkedIn. (Click buttons next to names.) If you have a reason to connect with them, I’m sure they would be happy to help. Fellow students and alumni are usually glad to help you make a connection or offer advice. Don’t be afraid to ask!

I have been asked questions on LinkedIn and been able to help people and other people have answered my burning questions. I have found work through LinkedIn and been able to connect to some amazing people. It really is a great tool every entrepreneur needs in their arsenal. -Blake Imeson

Internships, earn some experience.

It might mean you’re sacrificing a summer beside the pool, but getting that work experience on your resume makes a huge difference come job hunt time. Start looking early, December/January for next summer’s position. It might not be a job you love, but it can really set you up for future positions. -Chris Andrew

Getting a job or internship is a nonstop process of contacting the companies you are interested in and keeping your name on the top of their list. Send thank you notes, ask questions, leave phone messages, make sure they tell you yes or no. Don’t take silence for an answer. -Chris Andrew

Try to get an internship or two as early in your college career as possible.   One key for internships is not to focus on the company you’re working for, but who you actually will be working with. When I reflect on the best internships I had, it wasn’t my internships at the most ‘prestigious’ firms but the brightest people I worked with. -Sean Ammirati

Do…

• Intern early and often.
• Be persistent and proactive.
• Work with brilliant people.

Don’t…

• Waste your summer at the pool or doing something that doesn’t help you develop professionally.

Interviewing. How to get that job.

Know the company inside and out. Set up a Google alert on the company you will be interviewing with and this way you will know all the current company information going into the interview. View the interview as a conversation, not as a test. Stay relaxed, ask questions to take the pressure off yourself, and stay loose. -Chris Andrew

Don’t ask a question they’ve heard a thousand times. Some people will tell you there’s no such thing as a bad question. Don’t ask, “What companies are your competitors?” You should know this based on previous research. Ask questions they haven’t heard, be insightful, be accusatory, be controversial. Give the person a reason to remember you. -Chris Andrew

Do…

• Know the company you are interviewing with.
• Be calm and confident.
• Be unusual and memorable.

Don’t…

• Be typical, ordinary, everyday.
• Be sloppy or unprofessionally dressed. Image counts.

Closing thoughts

Everyone should take E-Commerce to better understand the online world. Every business is able to use the internet as a source of revenue or customer service.Blog about something you care about and can write about on a daily basis. I was just messing around at first and all of a sudden, I was making $150 a day from my NFL blog. All-in-all, if you understand the internet and how to blog and drive traffic to your site, you will be better off, no matter what business or position you go into. -Hunter Stewart

Understand that your education should be for the glory of God, and should not take a higher priority than your relationship with Him. Instead, it should enhance that relationship. Constantly remind yourself what your priorities are.-Dustin Kunkle

Let’s face facts, it is a very competitive job market. Figure out what differentiates you from the crowd and work to become the best. You are a brand, what makes you stand out?  -Blake Imeson

Do…

• Understand the internet.
• Figure out what brand “you” involves.

Don’t…

• Lose sight of the end goal and what you are striving towards.

It’s your turn. What advice do you have for young businessmen and women starting their college careers? (Comment)

Starting in college? What are your burning questions?

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Thanks for reading. An Open Letter to Incoming Entrepreneurship Majors is a post from Blake Imeson

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAtkoje4-eM

Entrepreneurs never cease to amaze me. If you think something has been pushed to the limit in innovation, you are almost always wrong.

From Jatech LLC > Disappearing Car Door.

Hat tip to LewRockwell for sharing this.

Thanks for reading. Where did it go? …The Disappearing Car Door is a post from Blake Imeson