1. VoIP Communications Service
I run most of my telecommunications through my cellphone because I am always on the run and I need to keep my contacts mobile. Overtime I was finding that I was spending a lot of money on daytime minutes and long distance calls. It also does not help that I live in Canada and the rates here are very high. A colleague of mine introduced me to a VoIP service that gives you calling to anywhere in North America for only a penny or two a minute. The great thing about it is that you can use your existing landline or cellphone to take advantage of this service. The company is Link2Voip and what happens is you phone a local number, it comes back to you as a busy signal and you hang up. A few seconds later your phone rings and you are given a dial tone to make your call. When parried with an unlimited incoming call cellphone plan you are unstoppable! This has saved me a ton of money and I have told many people about this service.
2. Blackberry Curve
The cellphone I had been using for the last couple of years was not ideal for business in the least. It had no Internet access and its text messaging capabilities were minimal. I had waited and waited for the iPhone to make its way up to Canada, but I could not wait any longer. Before the dawn of the 3G iPhone hitting the stream I thought more about what I needed a phone for and I soon realized the iPhone was not going to suit me well. I needed a phone that I could text, email and phone people quickly and easily whether I was running from one appointment to another, driving in my car or at my desk with a headset on. I wanted a phone with immediate response and the Blackberry Curve has been my lifesaver time and time again. For anyone who is looking for a professional communications device, look no further than Rim’s Blackberry lineup.
3. Switching To A Mac Pro Workstation
As a motion graphic designer who works with high definition video production and effects, having a Mac was a no brainer. I needed a system that could perform under the most demanding conditions. OS X is a rock solid operating system and it runs all my professional programs with ease. Other Apple honorable mentions include the Mail, Dashboard, and the Finder.
4. Website Presence
The only “face” I have is my website and it is the first thing most of my potential client sees. When it comes to the design industry, looks are everything. The more proficient and professional your website looks the easier the sale. Clients don’t have time to sort through oddly designed pages, artistic fluff and poorly designed navigation. You want your site to be clean, clear and concise. No extras. No gadgets. No gizmos. You would not show up to a job interview with your kids, a baseball hat collection or video files that did not work! So why would your website be any different? Well constructed websites have given me an advantage over my competitors and has made me stand out in the industry.
5. Google AdSense
I never thought search engine advertising would be so simple, inexpensive and profitable until I tried it. Google is a master at selling ad space and I need to give them mad props for driving new clients to my site. I spend about $30 a month on this service and I only pay when someone visits my site.
6. Craigslist
Craigslist is my secret ninja for finding new work. I snoop through a couple of different job categories and I find amazing opportunities for motion graphics work. Try lurking around from time to time yourself and I am sure you will find something useful.
Written by Jeff McIntosh
