| Be bold. Be brash. Graphic design is avant-garde-so | | | | will help you. If you can demonstrate ability to be a |
| market yourself in avant-garde fashion. Find ways to | | | | valuable resource, your value may skyrocket. |
| stand out from the rapidly-growing cadre of | | | | Opportunities to show your worth range from |
| unemployed and under-employed designers who have | | | | forwarding compelling articles about a prospect's |
| been laid off or cast out from their previously plentiful | | | | industry to introducing desirable strategic partners. If, for |
| jobs. | | | | example, you're courting a foodstuff manufacturer in |
| Whether you're a longtime entrepreneur or newbie, | | | | need of creative labeling solutions, you could partner |
| following are five ways to make your case for | | | | them with a progressive digital label printer. |
| consideration in a crowded marketplace: | | | | 4. Do a personal favor. Find out which decision-maker's |
| 1. Set yourself free. Offer a pro bono demonstration of | | | | third-grader needs help with an art project, and offer |
| your abilities to a desirable prospect. Without appearing | | | | to assist. Obviously, this needs to be in the context of |
| needy or desperate for business, you can create the | | | | a broader discussion, but helping out a prospect's |
| perfect showcase for your work. Impress, and you'll | | | | family or friends will help you build "community" with |
| be more likely to be invited back on a paying basis. | | | | that prospect. |
| 2. Solve a problem. Do some research, identify a | | | | 5. Research and report. Research a topic salient to a |
| graphic design problem-such as inconsistent | | | | prospect, then report your findings. Providing insightful |
| branding-then offer a solution. While you initially may | | | | information that can help a company's growth |
| receive a less-than-welcoming response (people, after | | | | demonstrates that you offer more than graphic |
| all, don't always take kindly to "constructive criticism"), | | | | design-oriented services-bolstering your case as a |
| you can plant a seed that will ultimately come to | | | | trusted advisor. |
| fruition. | | | | Thinking out-of-the-box may well get you in the door. |
| 3. Provide a business connection. Help them, and they | | | | |