Obama?

it’s obviously clear that we need a new political system.  enough with politicians, bureaucrats and financial institutions ruling over humanity’s well being.

any suggestions people?

10 ways to promote yourself

as a designer; regardless of the avenue u have embarked on; one is always looking for different ways to promote the services to be offered.  as i’m still beginning to network and get the word out in the web design world i might very well  be the perfect candidate to provide this information to u.

here are a few simple but effective tips:

1) let every single person u know what u do.
even if u are a waiter and people ask u what u do; what do u say?  never say waiter first.  do not underestimate this first tip.

2) leave your business card in books
walk into as many bookstores and libraries as possible.  just pick up a few books; u can stick to your favourite authors if u wish; and slip your business card in.  try not to get caught doing this, some of the employees might not approve; but no harm is being done here so no need to feel guilty about it.

3) post up flyers in your neighbourhood
this is a great way to know the people in your community.  this is how relationships are built and connections are made.  remember that word of mouth is the best tool one can ever have in relation to any type of business.  people are more inclined to choose someone who was referred to them by a happy client than to search and do business with a complete stranger.

4) promote holiday specials
if there is a holiday coming around then use it to sell special low prices.  for a web designer perhaps give a special discount on websites that are anywhere between 5-10 pages.

5) tattoo your logo
a bit extreme; but if u like your design that much; then y not? hahaha.  or u can always choose something that isn’t so permanent and shave the logo into your hair.  this can be a great conversation piece.

6) helping non-government organizations
i’ve just recently come across an ngo who’s site is looking quite dull.  i can use my skills to be a part of the cause as well as build my portfolio and promote awareness.  visit some non-profit organizations or search a cause u would like to be a part of; and offer your services.

7) friends and family
their the best at promoting u; so let them know u would like their help in starting your business.  i guarantee u will get at least 2 potential clients

8 ) contact print shops
ask if they can help refer your business in an exchange for a referral fee

9) saying thanks
leave a good impression and thank new and old clients.  u can get really creative with this and hand design them.  it’s always more personal when done this way, or have a standard design with a little room to write your personalized message.

10) blog
do what i’m doing right now.  start your own blog which can be loaded with information about your business.
a) u can also link to other people’s blogs you’ve worked on
b) go to other blog sites and leave helpful tips and comments and use it as a way to redirect the user back to your site

i know i said ten but this is a great one

11) offer discount for those on a low budget
a great way to do this without losing money and time is to offer standard css templates.  there are thousands out there which can still allow u to be creative; but still not spend hours customizing a layout.

That’s it for now.  There are thousands more which i haven’t even touched but just remember to get creative about it and try to cultivate some patience with a sprinkle of tenacity.

the firebug

just discovered a neat little tool which all css addicts will fall in love with. it’s one of firefox’s add-ons. you can basically go to any css built site and dissect their entire code. after downloading it you will find it in your tools drop down menu…and away u go. Please note: when attempting to view your gmail it may cause it to slow down. just go back to your tool menu and disable it.

http://www.addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1843

enjoy!

Hello world!

hello everyone.  this be the first of many blog entries from shaktiva designs.  one of the latest; and of many; web/graphic design businesses.  here you’ll be able to find lots of tips, suggestions or comments on just about anything.  probably though, mainly on shaktiva’s interests; which include design, photography, typography and many more which i can’t think of at the moment.  so, keep coming back to see what’s going on in shaktiva’s world.