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TDGDESIGN · #1 (**Link to this post**) 09-02-10

Hi Everyone,

I am in a position where I want to expand my graphic design business. Currently, I am a sole operator and work from a home office. I have been successful to date (last 14 years) but all my work has come from word of mouth. The last few years have seen a few of my good contacts retiring or getting close.
I think I need to get a Business Development person (or partner) with fresh contacts but can't afford to put on a salaried position at this stage. I advertised on seek last year for a commission only position but got absolutely no response.

I am happy to consider a full partnership with the right person. My other option is to consider doing a merger with someone.

My field of expertise is professional services (Accountants, Lawyers etc) and corporate design but I will basically do any type of design work.

I would appreciate any comments or advice.

Thanks.

mitchcrowle · #2 (**Link to this post**) 09-02-10

Hey,

I would recommend looking around for someone who is willing to work part-time, at least at the beginning (they may be a freelancer, already work part-time or have their own business interests). A previous employer of mine expanded from a sole trader to include me and a project manager/co-ordinator, and in the beginning we were both brought on only 2 days a week. This meant that there wasn't as much pressure on our employer, and both I and the co-ordinator could continue to work on our other interests... Hope this helps!

Emroy · #3 (**Link to this post**) 09-02-10

Have you considered doing some advertising? Perhaps some cold calling or letterbox dropping?

Both of those work pretty effectively for me, I'm in Print & Design.

Regards,

Jake

Jack · #4 (**Link to this post**) 09-02-10

Hey!

A good way to to attract good Business Development Mangers is to offer them commissions that are very rewarding. Then if you find that they are doing a good job you could offer them a partnership with your company to help you develop your business further.

hope this helps.

CruzAccountant · #5 (**Link to this post**) 09-02-10

If you have contacts in a particular market, focus advertising on that market. So, if your expertise and experience is within those professions, try and target your advertising (ie flyers, ads, etc) to places relevant to those professions.

It would also be good to get a reference from existing clients, and also use your designs in those professions on your website or marketing collateral.

TDGDESIGN · #6 (**Link to this post**) 10-02-10

Thanks everyone. for your comments and advice. I have tried a lot of direct mail over the years with negligible success. I think my preferred target market is driven by peer referral rather than cold calling or mailers. I just need to work harder I guess.

However, I have not investigated the online venture Richard suggests.

Can you give me some more details Richard?

FS Concierge · #7 (**Link to this post**) 10-02-10

Hi TDG,
Apologies for any confusion. The post(s) made by Richard appeared to be spam and have been deleted.

For my own two cents worth, if you're instinct is that your business is largely driven by referral, perhaps its time to scale up your networking activities?

Good luck with everything,
Jayne

TDGDESIGN · #8 (**Link to this post**) 10-02-10

Thanks Jayne.

That puts me back to the Business Development person.

I am not very good at networking myself. Every time I try I tend to end up talking to other designers or printers. I joined the local Chamber of Commerce and was impressed by my skills when the first person I talked to wanted to set up a business meeting the next day. However I was less impressed when the business they wanted to discuss turned out to be an certain US based distributor of household products (we all know the one).

Oh well...

Astrid · #9 (**Link to this post**) 10-02-10

hi there

Isn't there any other online platform where you could meet these people who might be interested in a merger or in collaboration (I'm just thinking loud)?
Chamber of Commerce is not too bad for a start, is there a BEC out there where you live? Any other associations?
What about LinkedIn? Could you post something there?

TDGDESIGN · #10 (**Link to this post**) 10-02-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astrid

hi there

Isn't there any other online platform where you could meet these people who might be interested in a merger or in collaboration (I'm just thinking loud)?
Chamber of Commerce is not too bad for a start, is there a BEC out there where you live? Any other associations?
What about LinkedIn? Could you post something there?

Thanks Astrid,

I am on Linkedin. I am going to join AGDA but I need to redo my website first. I will look into groups as well. I thought I would try this forum first.

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