Home-based credibility

In the very beginning, before you have any market presence, you may have to offer your services in a volunteer mode. Volunteering will put you and your abilities in front of people who can not only refer you to their contacts, but be references for your prospects.

For example, a graphic designer could volunteer to design a brochure for a non-profit group. The finished brochure goes in the company portfolio and on the web site as experience, with your attribution listed for all to see your handy work. Others who see your efforts and appreciate that you assisted a non-profit organization may be more willing to do business with you.