Comments on: Products Versus Services Or Both?

By: Michael Ottman

Michael Ottman — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:52:41 +0000

Yet once again way too many comments to answer each one individually. I figured out that providing a service is a great way to make money but many people are still looking for the quick way to do it.

I figure that in the time they take to figure it out, I’m already getting small but consistent payements into my bank account. And because I started small I was able to handle the growth.

The truth is that if your business exploded overnight, you may not even know how to handle it.

As far as knowing what to charge for graphics, I simply looked at my competitors and picked a spot in the middle that I was comfortable with. Not too cheap that it screams “crappy service” and not too expensive so the average newbie cant afford me.

During the last year I have raised my prices a little but it didn’t affect my client base or orders. As I offer discounts, it provides me a way to give a better deal to the customer as well as a good service.

Thanks again for the comments.

Michael Ottman

By: Dave in Wales

Dave in Wales — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:22:03 +0000

Hi Michael
I can relate, I too have more ideas and things to do than time. So I’m trying to focus on getting just one thing working at a time. On paper I have time for it all, but then reality taps me on the shoulder and reminds me that life also happens.
Great that you’ve found your niche and doing so well at it.
You’ll be my first port of call for any of my graphics requirements.

Rock on and prosper!

By: Evan Beck

Evan Beck — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:15:35 +0000

Good for you, Michael. It looks like a quick start to success. I wonder if you are still swamped doing graphics?

How do you decide what to charge?

Thanks

By: Vance Sova

Vance Sova — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:34:33 +0000

Hi Michael,

I’ve heard about you from Rob Canyon, how well you’re doing.

Congratulations. It’s always great to hear success stories.

I wonder how much you charge for your services and if you have any discount for Alex Jeffreys students.

Before I go I’ll have a look around your blog to see if your biz website address can be found.

I don’t have any work for you yet but when i need an e-cover or anything you can do I’ll contact you.

Vance

By: Joe Fier

Joe Fier — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:55:07 +0000

Hey Mike!

It’s been a while since the last time we spoke, but it’s great to see what you’ve been up to.

You explained a lot of this to me on the multiple Skype conversations that we’ve had, and every single time it’s been extremely motivating.

I have yet to generate much of an income online, but I have implemented a plan of giving images and services out for free… and what do you know, people respond!

Thanks again for the helpful words; I could never get enough motivation to get out of my day job!

Talk soon,
Joe

By: Julie Newman

Julie Newman — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:47:16 +0000

Hi Michael,

Great job on Nikki’s cover! You are good at providing everyone’s personal style!

Product + Service = You

~ Julie

By: mickfallon

mickfallon — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:52:33 +0000

Hi michael just wanted to pop by and say a big thankyou for designing my
blog header even it looks great ,I for one will be coming back as a very pleased customer , glad to see your making a success of it ,
thank you mick.

By: Nikki

Nikki — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Hey sweetie,

I thought I’d fly on over on the purple broomstick to see what’s going on over here….there is a *tiny* bit of self-promotion in this but it’s only because you did all the graphic design for me!

As you may have seen, my book on Social Networking Sites is now live and kicking, and I’ve had loads of great feedback on it so far. I just wanted you to know that I’ve put your superb graphics to good use & it’s out there circulating the world as we speak!

Catch up with you soon,

Nikki / PMW

By: Nigel Yip

Nigel Yip — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:00:09 +0000

Hey Michael,

Firstly thank you for sharing your wonderful post with us, it’s great to hear another success story from students who were on the MWA 1.0 Course, plus to also that you hear that your are pulling the $$$ in with your wonderful design services.

Keep up the great work, I have quite a few ebooks/ websites planned over the next year which will be requiring your excellent design services.

Best Regards
Nigel

By: Trevor Jones

Trevor Jones — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:14:11 +0000

Hi I’m Trevor
Twiter ID: Trevor_T_Jones
I am a student of Alex Jeffreys I have been looking around at fellow students blogs and came across yours. Definitely one of the best. I felt I had to leave a comment because your blog is simply, so inspirational and informative, It has given me hope and ideas to better mine.
It is so clean and fresh looking. I am always worried I overdo it myself, to much content you know. Your blog is just right. I would appreciate if you would pass comment on mine just to confirm I haven’t overdone it. On my blog I am doing a theme on successful internet marketers. Really like to know what you think as I am pretty new to all this layout stuff. I hope one day that I can write about your internet success. Keep up the good work
Rgds Trevor
PS my blog http://www.trevjones.info
Hey maybe we could follow each other on twitter.