This post is a continuation of graphic design tip #69 in our article “101 Graphic Design Tips for Business Success.“

Cold-Calling

Part of the process of landing jobs is reaching out to potential clients. This is a great opportunity for you to handpick the people you want to work with. If you are interested in local business or bigger corporations, scout them out. Plan a strategy for reeling in some of the fish you’ve had your eye on. Take an afternoon to peruse local stores and medical plazas and test out your luck.

It’s called cold-calling by traditional standards, but you can do some things that will make your cold-calling not feel so cold, to you as well as the people you are calling on. This is a great opportunity to try out your self-promotional skills. The ultimate no-boundaries project to advertising you and your amazing potential. Get inspired. Get creative!!!

A Fun Expression From Clients

Brainstorm a tangible way of expressing your capabilities. Formatting your contact information into something tactile is an effective leave-behind to any initial contact. An interesting min-portfolio such as a yearly calendar or magnet is likely to stay on your client’s desk. Make sure you leave a fun impression of your personality with the potential client. They buy that as much as they buy your design skills.

Though cold-calling can be pretty trying at times, it’s a great way to strengthen your communication skills and practice your ability to quickly and effectively express your ideas to others. It takes a lot of practice to approach people you don’t know for business. Take it easy on yourself the first dozen or so times you try it. It will get easier and even enjoyable with time.

Agencies and design studios go under every year by not actively pursuing clients. Every person you meet is essentially keeping your business alive. It’s that important.