Anyone interested in trading their traditional 9 – 5 job to work as an entrepreneur will find this career path to be completely different. While entrepreneurs have the freedom to create their own schedule, pay themselves what they want, and be in total control of their own company, finding success as an entrepreneur doesn’t come easy. One way entrepreneurs can improve their chances of growing their dream company is to build a professional portfolio. Read on to learn four essentials every entrepreneur’s portfolio should have.
Share Relevant Past Projects
As more than 543,000 small business pop up each month in the United States, entrepreneurs have an incredibly saturated market to overcome. Entrepreneurs and freelancers in every industry constantly send proposals and pitches to new potential clients. To supplement their resumes, work history, and qualifications, entrepreneurs should also send a portfolio filled with their relevant past projects. With a comprehensive portfolio of past work, clients will be able to sift through this work and get a clear idea of the type of work to expect from the entrepreneur.
Include a Bio with a Business Headshot
The best portfolios allow clients to learn more about the entrepreneur. For this reason, portfolios should contain a concise biography and a business headshot. Developing a well-written bio will help to inform clients about who they will be working with in the near future. Similarly, working with a business headshot photographer will guarantee every entrepreneur has high-quality photos to promote themselves.
Display Samples from Current Projects
In addition to sharing past work and giving a detailed look into who they are as a person, entrepreneurs also need to display samples from their current projects in their portfolios. As entrepreneurs are self-employed and pick and choose every project that comes their way, many prospective clients are curious as to what entrepreneurs are currently working on. With samples from current projects, clients are able to gain a better understanding of an entrepreneur’s current commitments as well as determine where their strengths lie.
List Any Certifications
While a resume tends to feature the likes of skills and degrees, portfolios should include certifications and licenses. As many entrepreneurs branch out from what they initially studied in school to earn certifications in new areas of study, it’s important to display these as well in one’s portfolio. As clients review work samples displayed next to relevant and recent certifications, they’ll be better able to envision themselves working with an entrepreneur.
Professional portfolios help entrepreneurs stand out in a market saturated by independent contractors, freelancers, competing brands, and the like. Put your best entrepreneurial foot forward by creating your own portfolio. With these four tips, you’ll have a high-quality portfolio you can use to attract more clients and customers.
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