The Start Up Guy

[NorfolkGuy]

Hellooo!

I run a small logistics company but have always had a passion for design, as in over the years I’ve done freelance for startups who need stand out, cutting edge design who are just starting out. From product design to clothing I’ve done it all.

There’s a huge gap in the market for someone who is willing to invest a bit of time now for comparatively little with the view to being part of a successful business going forward. That person who is willing? Me!

 

[antropy]

There’s a huge gap in the market

If by "huge gap" you mean something that everyone and their dog is doing, then yes indeed there is!

However, if we were looking for one, we'd definitely choose one with no portfolio.

Paul.

 

[NorfolkGuy]

If by "huge gap" you mean something that everyone and their dog is doing, then yes indeed there is!

However, if we were looking for one, we'd definitely choose one with no portfolio.

Paul.

Wasn’t aware dogs could use Photoshop, illustrator, 3D studio max etc. I know they’re breeding some incredible dogs nowadays but these are some I’m yet to have the pleasure of.

Jog on Joker.

 

[antropy]

Ok but there's a serious point to be made there; what makes you think there's a gap in the market? There are a million and one freelance designers out there who want to help startups?

Also where is your portfolio?

Paul.

 

[NorfolkGuy]

Honestly, I wasn’t going to dignify what was a really daft statement but seeing as you want to know, I’ll tell you.

The brands and people I work with have become my friends, I’m not some two-bit d*ckhead on fiverrr *yawn* or freelancer *yawn*. I help my customers build a business, having been through building a business before I help mentor them and brainstorm, we learn from each other. I become a part of the business forever more. I’ve no interest in making a quick buck freelancing, that entire setup, in my opinion, is a race to the bottom.

I thought this was a business forum for helping business and individuals make progress and thrive. I’m starting to realise there’s quite a few negative idiots on here that honestly, make me just want to delete my account.

As for my portfolio, I always start with a conversation. Anyone who wishes to see my work only need ask nicely and their wish will be granted.

 

[antropy]

The brands and people I work with have become my friends, I’m not some two-bit d*ckhead on fiverrr *yawn* or freelancer *yawn*. I help my customers build a business, having been through building a business before I help mentor them and brainstorm, we learn from each other. I become a part of the business forever more. I’ve no interest in making a quick buck freelancing, that entire setup, in my opinion, is a race to the bottom.

Well that is indeed a good proposition that differentiates you from all the other freelance designers out there.

I thought this was a business forum for helping business and individuals make progress and thrive. I’m starting to realise there’s quite a few negative idiots on here that honestly, make me just want to delete my account.

Right, but my points were valid and have now made you very clearly and succinctly explain what makes what your offer different. Surely if you've built a successful business you'll be able to handle some pointed questions from people who don't have time to beat around the bush?

As for my portfolio, I always start with a conversation. Anyone who wishes to see my work only need ask nicely and their wish will be granted.

They might not ask nicely, they might just move on and think you didn't have any design experience from your initial intro.

I think you need to take on board this kind of feedback rather than get offended so quickly.

Paul.

 

[japancool]

As for my portfolio, I always start with a conversation. Anyone who wishes to see my work only need ask nicely and their wish will be granted.

OK, but if you're trying to attract people via your website, it would help your conversions if you put your portfolio up on there. It's about getting the customers to make that first approach to you.

 

[antropy]

OK, but if you're trying to attract people via your website, it would help your conversions if you put your portfolio up on there. It's about getting the customers to make that first approach to you.

Exactly.

I think the OP was hoping everyone would immediately praise this incredible idea, and jump at the chance to work with him while encouraging him with positivity and shouts of "you go girl", but I think he forgot this isn't Mumsnet ?

Paul.

 

[Fagin2021]

Big hat, no cattle, as they say in Texas.

 

[antropy]

Big hat, no cattle, as they say in Texas.

I wouldn't go that far, I'd just say he should have a think about this Elon Musk quote:

"A well thought out critique of whatever you're doing is as valuable as gold."

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

I mean if he's really here for business advice, he needs to consider if what I'm saying is true or not rather than get upset about it.

Criticise me, my business, my website, etc. all you like and if it's true I'll try and fix it ?‍

Paul.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I thought this was a business forum for helping business and individuals make progress and thrive. I’m starting to realise there’s quite a few negative idiots on here that honestly, make me just want to delete my account.

One thing new members are surprised at is the bluntness of some answers. Whilst some might be out of order, many/most comments are based on experience and knowledge. The issue comes when people do not get the answer they expect or feel they deserve and can normally be put down to lack of experience or arrogance. As you have been here for almost 5 years, I am confident that you have neither!

 

[NorfolkGuy]

Might not be mumsnet but there’s plenty of Whiney little bi*ches on here.

 

[antropy]

Might not be mumsnet but there’s plenty of Whiney little bi*ches on here.

Ok that was quite funny, but have you decided to take onboard any feedback yet?

Paul.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Might not be mumsnet but there’s plenty of Whiney little bi*ches on here

That's not a nice thing to say about new members!

 

[japancool]

Out of interest, I looked up Big Ben Transport, the company you started up in 2019, and posted about here on UKBF. That, apparently, didn't go so well. Well, that happens to all of us. A year or so ago, you were re-training as a plumber.

This is why credentials are so important. Someone who looks at your site will want to know "what successful businesses has this guy started up" BEFORE making the approach. You may have started a lot of very successful businesses, but you need to demonstrate that to potential leads.

 

[antropy]

This is why credentials are so important.

Agreed; if you want to help people build businesses, you have to show a proven track record of building businesses.

One of my mottos in life is never take advice from someone who hasn't done the thing they're trying to give advice on.

I'm not sure if that applies here to the OP or not, but I have built a successful business that designs and builds websites and my advice is that you need a portfolio.

Paul.

 

[DontAsk]

I wouldn't go that far, I'd just say he should have a think about this Elon Musk quote:

"A well thought out critique of whatever you're doing is as valuable as gold."

Must should followed his own idea before buying Twitter.

 

[antropy]

Must should followed his own idea before buying Twitter.

He tried to get out of it pretty hard.

He does appear to have done pretty significant damage to his popularity.

However, he still knows more about business than any of us I'm fairy sure.

Pau.

 

[japancool]

Pau.

You're trying to be edgy by dropping the L, aren't you?

 

[antropy]

You're trying to be edgy by dropping the L, aren't you?

Oops, sometimes I can't even spell my own name

Pa.

 

[DontAsk]

Oops, sometimes I can't even spell my own name

Pa.

Now you're just showing your age.

 

[antropy]

Now you're just showing your age.

Not with the typo, just with the Dad-joke

P.

 

[japancool]

Not with the typo, just with the Dad-joke

P.

If you were in Yorkshire, you'd be T'Pau.

 

[this.is.giles]

I'm always looking for talented designers. Do you have a portfolio?