Cool Tool, Service or Resource
Google Apps Script – https://developers.google.com/apps-script/
Did you know that you can write code (Javascript) to automate between Google’s services?
I learned the basics of Google Apps Script a few years ago, and that knowledge has been dormant until recently when I had an idea for a project – a Time Tracker app that works between Google Sheets, Google Calendar, and Gmail.
The idea:
- You fill your schedule on Google Calendar
- Divide your tasks into three categories (i.e., freelancing, blogging, reading, etc.)
- The totals automatically import to a Google Sheet weekly
- You get a monthly email report
- View the chart and objectively analyze progress towards your goals
Web Design Example
Full Sail Marketing – https://fullsailmarketing.com/
If you want a perfect example of a portfolio, look no further. Here’s the thing, I believe a portfolio is OVERRATED to start freelancing. Put something simple out there and directly seek out your first client(s).
Then once you gain experience, you realize what matters to clients. And it’s not your superior skills!
Take a look at the copywriting.
First, what’s missing? There is NO reference to WordPress, HTML, or any other tech. Clients don’t understand that language that reads like a resume.
Clients want results. So use results-oriented language, specific to their industry. Examples from the website above include:
Ready to grow your contracting business?
Invest in your #1 sales tool (aka a website)
You shouldn’t lose a job because of your website.
Your website is your contracting company’s marketing hub
Their strategy aligns with the advice I regularly give you about freelancing:
- Pick a niche and specialize
- Be personal and build trust
- Get recurring revenue (they charge $100/mo maintenance fee)
What about their setup prices?
1-Page Site: $2,497
7-Page Site: $5,997
12-Page Site: $9,997
You probably are thinking, NO WAY someone would pay that, and you’re wrong.
I genuinely believe the most significant struggle people have to overcome to build a business is their thought process on money – both how to make it and how to spend it.
How to Find Clients
Are you ready for a crazy story?
I have a long-term plan to make money, which includes real estate. I don’t have enough cash to buy new properties anytime soon. But that doesn’t stop me from learning and browsing.
One weird thing I like to do is hear from subscribers like you around the world, then check out your city on Google Maps. It gives me a slice of life from hundreds or thousands of miles away.
If the town looks interesting, I’ll hop over to Zillow and see what the prices are across the U.S., compared to my local market in Southern New Jersey. Then I’ll sort by price to get a peek at the most expensive ones.
The other day I was looking at one such house and spotted something.
So now I’m thinking, I bet this “Who’s Who” magazine will tell me the homeowner’s occupation.
It’s published by an organization called The Blue Book Building & Construction Network.
My guess is this guy owns a construction business or is an executive at a commercial construction company.
On Blue Book’s website, you can search their directory for members. Boom, there is a curated lead list for YOU.
For example, here’s a link searching for San Diego, CA:
Roofing Contractors servicing San Diego and Imperial Counties – 151 Companies Found
There are an endless number of ways you can find good sources of potential clients.
Get creative, and you will get rewarded.