Web development suggestions

[TB4000]

I just recently started employment at this company called Market America, whose main goal is to locate various clients in the Chicago region(businesses, churches, any organization) and convince them to allow us to build a web page for their business. I mess with websites on my own time and thought it'd be a decent way to combine my desire for a different career path with the experience I have with web design, but does anyone else do anything similar to this or know someone that does? I'm just starting with the thing and don't know how long it takes to locate clients, sealing a deal, etc.

[Chester]

Good luck. It's going to be tough. Selling web design services is a well-paved road and you're going to be mostly having to woo potential clients who have shot down countless other reps before you.

The main thing is going to be the sales process, which isn't a bad thing to be educated in. The primary thing you want to do is get your foot in the door...get some face time. People are going to try to shoot you down as soon as possible and the longer your can prolong and advance the encounter, the more chance you'll have.

[ism]

It's all about who you know. Network at every possible oppurtunity. Have a stack of business cards ready at all times.

Start and strengthen relationships with people who have good access to many people, and people who come in contact with those likely to need your services. There are the obvious ones: IT people, consultants, small business owners, anyone that needs marketing for anything (authors, singers, etc.). Then think about people who just know people and might say "oh i know something who might be able to help you..." like landlords, bartenders, your family, anyone, basically.

Make your card attractive and reflect your sense of aesthetics. Point it to a website with examples of your work. Just remember that you're a salesman, and you're selling yourself.

I'm doing consulting as a second job and I've hooked up with 2 big clients in one month through coworkers. As for how long it takes to seal a deal, you need to get a very clear idea of what the client wants, get it down in writing, with allowance for adjustments (they will happen). Good communication throughout the process makes things smoother. I recommend AIGA's Professional Practices in Graphic Design, since the same principles apply.

[TB4000]

Thanks for the info...appreciate it. This entire thing is mostly commission based though we do get a salary. But it's obvious where most of the income is gonna come.