Although these tips and ideas can apply to many businesses, I have geared them specifically to owners of Desktop Publishing businesses. Of course this volunteer work can’t replace all your paying jobs but it can bring you more business and can help you get a new business started when you have no other paying clients.
Newsletters, fliers, brochures for Clubs, Schools, and Non-Profit Groups
- Schools and non-profit groups often don’t have the money to pay someone to design and produce a really nice newsletter. But they will gladly accept volunteers. I volunteered to do the newsletter for my children’s school in part because I didn’t have the freedom (young children at home) to volunteer blocks of my time over at the school. So I was providing a needed service, getting in my “parent volunteer” time, and getting practice, exposure, and something new for my portfolio.
- Often organizations don’t see the real benefit of having a newsletter — especially if they have to pay someone to do it. If you can show them how a good newsletter can increase membership and improve communication then they may find the money to at least pay for copies and postage. Start with the clubs to which you already belong. Working with clubs that have limited funds is good practice for when you start dealing with paid clients on tight budgets — you already know a lot of time & money saving shortcuts and workarounds.
- For newsletters, put your name in the masthead as designer, editor, writer, or publisher — whatever title best describes your contribution. Even a tiny line in 7pt type at the bottom of a flier is better than getting no credit at all. Include a phone number or address.
- Organizations that already have newsletter designers or editors may welcome volunteer copyeditors and proofreaders or someone to create custom artwork. Just be sure you still get credit in the publication.
- Enter these free newsletters, fliers, or brochures in design contests. If it is not possible to use a copy of the actual newsletter (perhaps because of confidential or proprietary material) but you have created an especially nice layout — create a dummy newsletter using your layout. Some contests award valuable prizes and cash. Enter other exceptional work for paying customers in design contests as well. If you win one of these design contests, you have the makings of a press release and more free publicity for your business. Get that press release out right away.
Teach classes, conduct seminars
- Many local businesses and organizations do not have the funds for paid speakers and teachers. Volunteer to present classes or conduct workshops. Include your business name and number on all handouts. Hand out business cards and brochures. Wear a nametag. By teaching others you also improve your own skills. If you belong to a club that uses members to make presentations at meetings, volunteer as often as possible. Find out if the club or organization publishes meeting announcements in local newspapers and make sure that they list you as the feature speaker.
As you gain experience and confidence you may also find that you are able to command a fee for speaking engagements. Or, you might develop a course for the local community college adult education program — where instructors often get a portion of the class fee paid by students.
- Volunteering your time and expertise in on-line forums is also another way to build your business. The primary purpose of your on-line participation should be to freely exchange information with others and develop friendships — not solicit business. However, a side benefit to active participation is that you become known as both an expert and a person willing to share with others. This can lead to business referrals, contract work, and other paying jobs.
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