Business is Picking Up, Somewhat

Consultative Sales
So yesterday I get contacted by a potential client about some info I had sent him regarding developing a certain website for him. He needed template coding and a backend system to manage the site, except he didn’t really know where to start. So I suggested a solution and patiently described how it would benefit him and why it would save him money. Because I answered so many of his questions without ever pressuring him into hiring me, I got the job.

Friendly Banter Provides New, Bigger Opportunity
Again yesterday, another client had to upload several large files for me to view and while this was happening, we engaged in friendly conversation over MSN messenger about where we were each based out of, etc. The conversation was casual and there was some business/technical talk mixed in concerning the project at hand. We ran into some trouble with the aforementioned files and I described to him some design requirements, etc. Long story short, I got the job, and surprisingly he asked if I’d like to tender for a much larger, upcoming project he has. B-I-N-G-O.

Using Your Current Network
And to the entrepreneurs out there, friends and family can help. Spread the word about you and your business to everyone you know. You never know when some referral is going to come through. Today, one of my mother’s friends who happens to be a real estate broker requested that I contact him regarding a possible website development project. The job is still a little up in the air because he wants to see a portfolio and mine is not that extensive yet, but as long as possible jobs are coming in, it’s all good.

Work Speaks For Itself
There are tons of business articles out there that say something like 80% of your new business will come from your current clients. If you provide high quality services, customers stay loyal. And they refer others. And they give you repeat business. I did some coding for a client and fixed a site that several people before could not fix. He was so happy with the work, he posted in a public forum about how I did such a great job for him. This post in turn has netted me a new client, who has additional work for me if I do a good well on the current job. Sweet.

Potentially, First Big Project
I had a Skype chat this morning, with 2 people who are planning an ambitious, community based website (that’s as much as I can reveal). I have yet to get a detailed spec but if this project comes through, I’ll be very happy. So far my first official month in business is coming along nicely. I haven’t even set up some administrative stuff yet. The NYS Dept. of State sure takes their sweet time processing forms. Still waiting on my change of address to come through so I can set up a business banking account and merchant account. Hopefully when I unleash my direct mail campaign upon Ithaca, it’ll bring in some clients.

P.S. I’m going to be reworking this site soon. Going to be removing a lot of the pictures and some personal information. I’ve come to the realization that there is way too much of my personal info out in the public domain.

P.P.S. I’m thinking about starting another blog, using another domain, just to complain about bad companies and bad customer service. Yesterday, I had unpleasant conversation with a NYSEG rep. NYSEG is the power and gas utility company my housemates and I were using up in Ithaca. This guy reminded me of the boss in Office Space. I wish I could.. well ok, no more complaining. But yea, I want to start another blog where I can go all out. I’m the disgruntled customer that has to tell 50 gazillion people.