I agree with Cecil wholeheartedly. Now that the internet and faster, more powerful computers are available to us all, we have a new arsenal which helps us attract more business. Paper rolodexes are defunct--electronic PIMs allow us to get out there faster and with greater flexibility. Now, on the phone with a client, I can propose a team of creatives to work with, without fumbling through rolodex cards. Quite empowering to someone once used to daily doses of glue pots and T-squares.
Submitted by Howard Jones on Thu, 01/11/2001 - 07:24.
As somebody who quit the corporate (bank marketing) world and set up on my own 7 years ago, I continually wonder why I took so long to make the jump into what I thought was the great unknown
I have been networking in this manner for years here in Dallas, TX. It is good to know that there are others out there in other parts of the country that have joined the band-wagon. I find the flexibility of creative teams to match the projects is very appealing to my clients. They also have voiced there appreciation of better products and services at more appropriate costing. Keep up the good work out there. And, if you are in the Dallas area I am always looking for a more diverse compilation of creative professionals to add to the mix.
My gang here in N.E. Ohio has been doing the same thing for several years. It works great for both the creatives and the clients. Previously, I had a design practice with a staff, office, jazzy custom-made furniture, etc. Lots 'o overhead. Cut loose a few years back and restructured. I've been working out of the house with many of the same people I had on staff or contracted with at that time. Everybody's happy. We're all making more money and the clients are saving more.
Submitted by ndtortorella on Wed, 01/10/2001 - 12:59.
I work with like-minded people in exactly the same way here in Brisbane (that's a plug for anyone reading this to talk to me so that I can generate more work!!!). The concept of obtaining the best people on a job-by-job basis instead of just being stuck with whoever the creative company happens to employ is one that I think will grow in popularity with the expansion of the home-based professional using the current technologies of email, phone and face-to-face contact coupled with mobility, best-practice software and equipment and of course a healthy dose of current industry experience. Let there be more of it so that the client benefits from an expanded creative source and the professionals benefit from being able to source work from an expanded client base.
After several years of operating as a "virtual team" designer, (sounds more sophisticated than "freelance" doesn't it?) I can tell you the benefits are tremendous. What stands out for me is how much my clients seem to enjoy working directly with the designer or writer, as opposed to a sales/account rep. I also find it amusing how often they volunteer to come to my home office. You can learn a lot about a client over a cup of tea while standing in your kitchen.
Submitted by dragonfly on Wed, 01/10/2001 - 04:39.
Technological advances are our greatest secret weapon.
I agree with Cecil wholeheartedly. Now that the internet and faster, more powerful computers are available to us all, we have a new arsenal which helps us attract more business. Paper rolodexes are defunct--electronic PIMs allow us to get out there faster and with greater flexibility. Now, on the phone with a client, I can propose a team of creatives to work with, without fumbling through rolodex cards. Quite empowering to someone once used to daily doses of glue pots and T-squares.
Should have done it earlier
As somebody who quit the corporate (bank marketing) world and set up on my own 7 years ago, I continually wonder why I took so long to make the jump into what I thought was the great unknown
Great ideas are contageous
I have been networking in this manner for years here in Dallas, TX. It is good to know that there are others out there in other parts of the country that have joined the band-wagon. I find the flexibility of creative teams to match the projects is very appealing to my clients. They also have voiced there appreciation of better products and services at more appropriate costing. Keep up the good work out there. And, if you are in the Dallas area I am always looking for a more diverse compilation of creative professionals to add to the mix.
The only way to go
My gang here in N.E. Ohio has been doing the same thing for several years. It works great for both the creatives and the clients. Previously, I had a design practice with a staff, office, jazzy custom-made furniture, etc. Lots 'o overhead. Cut loose a few years back and restructured. I've been working out of the house with many of the same people I had on staff or contracted with at that time. Everybody's happy. We're all making more money and the clients are saving more.
Great Article
Well written and timely. Thanks!
Kudos to Cecil! This is a good thing!
Both Thumbs Up
Great ideas happen spontaneously!!!
I work with like-minded people in exactly the same way here in Brisbane (that's a plug for anyone reading this to talk to me so that I can generate more work!!!). The concept of obtaining the best people on a job-by-job basis instead of just being stuck with whoever the creative company happens to employ is one that I think will grow in popularity with the expansion of the home-based professional using the current technologies of email, phone and face-to-face contact coupled with mobility, best-practice software and equipment and of course a healthy dose of current industry experience. Let there be more of it so that the client benefits from an expanded creative source and the professionals benefit from being able to source work from an expanded client base.
Better way to know your clients.
After several years of operating as a "virtual team" designer, (sounds more sophisticated than "freelance" doesn't it?) I can tell you the benefits are tremendous. What stands out for me is how much my clients seem to enjoy working directly with the designer or writer, as opposed to a sales/account rep. I also find it amusing how often they volunteer to come to my home office. You can learn a lot about a client over a cup of tea while standing in your kitchen.