9 Aug 2010
By Marnie B (@marnieb)
Designers and developers price their services in a myriad of different ways. Some charge an hourly rate. Some have set packages. Some randomly pluck figures out of the air with no real thought put into it. What I want to know is how many use value-based pricing?
I’m a big believer in the value-based pricing method, particularly in this industry. Whether clients like to believe it or not, at the end of the day we are providing products and services that bring value to their business and increase their bottom line. Sure, some clients think we’re just monkeys that know how to use Photoshop and follow instructions, but we know that’s not true, right? So why not price your services accordingly?
26 Jul 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
Facebook is standing at the foot of a potential gold mine with the introduction of its new Facebook Credits system. Having recently come out of beta within the last few weeks, Facebook has enough pull to redefine the meaning of e-commerce and change the way we as consumers and business owners trade online.
We’re living in a world where the introduction of a global currency such as Facebook Credits could change everything. From purchasing products or services online to even grabbing some groceries from the local 7 Eleven. A global currency would allow us to quite literally purchase goods from any where at any time without the need of credit cards or secure payment gateways.
6 Apr 2010
By Marnie B (@marnieb)
My graphic and web design company has been running for more than four years now, and there’s one thing I’ve noticed that gets more work in the door than anything else. You might think I’m talking about email marketing, cold calling or Google Adwords, but you’d be wrong. I’m talking about making the effort to follow up with a potential client after sending them a quote.
Following up doesn’t have to take long, cost you anything or be a hard sell. In fact, I’ve found the exact opposite to be far more effective.
29 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
We’re business owners and we’re damn good at it, right? We love what we do and we pour buckets of blood, sweat and tears into our businesses each and every day, right? We feel so confident about what we’re doing that we wouldn’t change it for the world… well, mostly.
But what happens when you have clients or questioning the way you work? Do we falter and try to do everything we can to make the other party smile or do we stand up for ourselves for a change to do what’s right for us?
17 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
Imagine this. It’s a Saturday morning, you’re sitting in your favourite arm chair, feet up and relaxing knowing that there is absolutely nothing you have to do today. No work. Nothing. You might have a hot cup of tea in one hand and your iPhone with Tweetdeck open in the other. You’re content just tweeting to friends, maybe catching some early morning television and simply letting time pass by. Stop imagining. You can do this. I do it every weekend.
It was during one of these relaxing weekend moments when I noticed a few of my fellow designers grumble about how they have to work on the weekend. Why work weekends when you don’t have to? Why shouldn’t you be 100% happy if you can be?
If you love working weekends – that’s awesome! If you don’t, then stop – now.
11 Mar 2010
By Marnie B (@marnieb)
Even before I began designing professionally, I was always very offended when someone criticized my work. Whether it was a wallpaper design I put up on DeviantArt, a sketch in my A3 sketchpad or a painting on my wall, I took it personally when it was suggested that I could have done something better.
When I started getting paid for my work, it got much harder. Us designers pour our heart and soul into our designs, wouldn’t you agree? We spend hours researching, even more hours sketching, and once the design is finished, we spend just as much time working on the way we’re going to present it to the client. So it’s no wonder it’s hard to hear, “It’s just not what we’re looking for.”
Unfortunately this is just part of the job.
5 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
Hi folks! I’d like to introduce you to DesignLuv – a blog about design, development and being your own boss.
It’s our absolute pleasure to finally unveil this fabulous new project of ours to the design community. We’ve been planning this little gem for a few months now and we’re really beaming with excitement to watch it finally get off the ground. Now we just have to give it some time to really stretch its wings and find its place within the blogosphere.
3 Mar 2010
By Marnie B (@marnieb)
Co-existing… too good to be true? Not in marketing. Integrating the online and offline worlds could be one of the best decisions you make in terms of getting the word out about your business. They’re powerful in different ways when apart, but by combining online and offline techniques, you really will benefit from the best of both worlds.
Exposing your business to as many people as possible is absolutely crucial. Even though we live in a highly technological society, we can’t necessarily assume that everyone uses the Internet for his or her main source of information. That’s why it’s so important to cover all your bases.
The following is a guide in how to get offline marketing to work with and promote your online efforts. Yes, you really can teach old dogs new tricks!
3 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
I was reading an article written by Brian Hoff of The Design Cubicle titled Marketing Calendar for Beginner Freelance Designers and it got me thinking. Inspired designers are always popping on to the scene starting their own freelance business or creative design firm, but how many of them actually succeed? How many of these great individuals make one too many mistakes and are forced to close up shop before they’ve even had a chance to show the world what they’re capable of?
It is widely known that a huge percentage of start up businesses end up closing permanently within the first two to five years of operation, however I am a firm believer that if you have a high quality product/service, a nice dose of perseverance and some good old fashioned elbow grease, just about any idea can flourish into a successful and thriving organisation.
1 Mar 2010
By Jon Bergan (@jonbergan)
Forget about magazines, flyers and brochures for a minute and consider what life would be like if you could touch base with each and every one of your prospective and current clients for next to nothing. I’m referring to eNewsletters.
eNnewsletters are quickly shaping the way businesses market themselves in the online arena. Having a funky looking eNewsletter that is branded to your business is one thing, but it takes a well structured newsletter which communicates at a level appropriate for your readership to really be effective. With this in mind, it goes without saying that slacking on such a simple task can be the sole reason that your newsletter isn’t working for you.
