There are many reasons to start a business. To make money. To create something. To impact people's lives. Or because working for other people may seem dull and unfulfilling. However, the reasons people stay or are successful in business may change as they progress along their journey. They have … [Read more...]
My 2012 Business Plan Review
At the beginning of the year I wrote my business plan for 2012 where I specified a number of goals and, as promised, here is my half-yearly review of that plan. My plans and goals for passive income ended up taking over an entire (and very popular) blog post. I also set some targets in … [Read more...]
My Passive Income So Far This Year
We are half way through 2012 now. It reminds me how quickly time flies so I'll take a step back and re-evaluate where I'm going. One of the goals I had at the beginning of the year was for passive income. I had a target of $2000 to make in the first half of this year. Did I make it? Read … [Read more...]
When and How to Outsource – 4 Essential Questions
I am often asked about the role outsourcing plays as part of my graphic design business. Do you take on a job from a European or American client, employ an Asian freelancer to do it and sit back and take the profits? Er, no! I have been outsourcing projects for years now and there's … [Read more...]
Why I Love Running My Own Web Design Business
I didn't know it at the time, but setting up WordPress on RobCubbon.com in 2005 was a life changing moment. I know people are going to think that: 'This guy's lying. "Life changing" – what is this guy on about?' I'm not lying. It was life changing! 'This guy did it in 2005 – it's 2012 … [Read more...]
Meeting Clients
In a world where 99% of business communication is done by phone, email or video/text messaging – there is no substitute for meeting clients face-to-face. A personal meeting will create a better bond and this can be useful with challenging projects. Do I really need to meet this client? Not all … [Read more...]
Graphic Design Client Communication
The success of a graphic design business – or any online business – will not only be down to how to get clients but also how you keep and maintain them. This is why client communication is extremely important. There is a right and a wrong way to communicate with a client. Get it right and there … [Read more...]
The Skills You Need to Start an Online Business
There has never been a better time to start an online business. Many people ask me what skills and abilities you need to do this. Obviously you need the technical skills necessary to create the product or perform the service you are selling. But that isn't even half the story. Here are the … [Read more...]
How To Diversify and Grow Your Design Business
This is the best time ever to start and grow your own business. Lack of demand forces businesses to get creative. During the good times when the phone rings off the hook and orders are flooding in, energies are directed towards coping with work flow. I have found diversification has increased my … [Read more...]
How to Run a Graphic Design Business
We have many dreams when we were young. Some want to be rich. Some want to create great things. Some want to make a difference and do work that they enjoy. However, many of us find ourselves disillusioned by corporate structures when we start to work. If this has happened to you then, don't … [Read more...]