The Web Design Business Kit
About the Author
Brendon Sinclair
Brendon is an Australian-based marketing consultant with business interests across a range of industries. He runs Tailored Consulting, is very good at marketing, and not so good at golf. Brendon wrote SitePoint's The Web Design Business Kit.
By: Brendon Sinclair
August 11th, 2003
Only 2% of the population will ever achieve their greatest life goals.
Two percent!
People fail to achieve their goals for many reasons, but the most common explanation is that we simply don’t try. Why not? Because trial naturally involves the risk of failure.
Some believe it’s safer never to try; that way, they’ll never fail.
But not you! How do I know this? Because you’ve picked up this kit. You’re interested in building your own business, and you’re willing to take the steps to achieve that.
Congratulations! What you’ve just done is more than many will ever do.
Through the course of this kit, I’m going to show you how to start, build and expand your own freelance or small Web business. We'll meet some interesting characters and, at times, deal with less than glamorous topics — unless you find breakeven analyses glamorous!
Now, you can simply read this information, absorb it and mull it over, or you can take action—immediate action. Personally, I’d recommend the latter! There’s no time like the present to ramp up your business—and this kit will be there to help you each step of the way.
You’d like to be part of the 2% of the population to achieve your life’s greatest goals?
Fantastic! Let’s get started.
This series comprises 4 articles:
Chapter 1 - Getting Started [1]
What is success? Chapter 1 begins by asking this very question. We then explore the debate over whether you should start as a freelancer, or begin your own small business.
We'll also take a look at who you can -- and should -- turn to for advice as you start on your freelance Web business! It's critical information for the new freelancer or small business person.
Chapter 6 - Market Your Business [2]
Your marketing efforts should not be expensive -- in fact, they should be very, very cheap. This chapter explains why. We discuss the nature of communication, and come to grips with the key aspects of a marketing or communications strategy.
We'll also discuss the primary marketing and promotions vehicles. This chapter includes a Public Relations Primer. Why? Because I believe PR is the most valuable marketing you can do!
Chapter 11 - Handle Client Complaints [3]
You should love complaining clients! No, I'm not kidding! This chapter explains the value complainants can contribute to your business in the immediate and long term. We'll spend a little time discussing the best ways to handle complaints, and what to do in situations when it's the complainant whose off-beam, not you!
This chapter also includes a few unorthodox ideas that have worked very well for me. For instance, we'll look at why asking clients for complaints is the best way to handle this touchy subject, and can in fact translate to a healthier bottom line!
Chapter 13 - Prepare For Expansion [4]
If you're looking to expand your business, this chapter will put you in good stead. We waste no time in exploring of the two critical elements you'll need to get right if your expansion is to succeed.
Get these two elements right, and you can retire early!
I'll explain what they are, and how you can leverage them in your own business, so that, when it comes ot the practicalities of expansion, you're in the best position to succeed.
The Web Design Business Kit
The 4 chapters in this series are actually only the first part of Folder 1 of The Web Design Business Kit [5]. The Kit contains not only the 4 chapters above, but 14 more chapters that span the entire business lifecycle: from first steps in freelancing, and establishing and running your business, to expanding your business, and looking to the future.
The kit also includes Folder 2--Documents, a set of over 60 excellent template and sample documents. From sample proposals and marketing plans, to template letters and staff employment agreements, these documents provide an invaluable resource. And they're all included in easy-to-use Word format on the kit's CD-ROM.
If you prefer to read the Adobe Acrobat PDF version of these first four chapters, you can download these four chapters, plus sample documentation, FREE [6].
Your Feedback
If you have a question about any of the information covered in this series, your best chance of a quick response is to post your query in the SitePoint.com Forums.
Suggestions for improvement as well as notices of any mistakes you may find (one or two may have slipped through the cracks) are especially welcome –send them through to us. [7]
Are you ready to take your first steps as a freelancer or small business owner? Let's go started!
[1] http://www.sitepoint.com/article/1198
[2] http://www.sitepoint.com/article/1200
[3] http://www.sitepoint.com/article/1201
[4] http://www.sitepoint.com/article/1202
[5] http://www.sitepoint.com/books/freelance1/
[6] http://www.sitepoint.com/books/freelance1/signoff.php
[7] http://www.sitepoint.com/books/contact.php
[8] http://www.sitepoint.com/article/1198/