They offer an inexpensive alternative to creating your own. Personalize with your business card and present a professional piece for little cost. Remember that existing clients are your best advertisers. Give them extra business cards or brochures to pass on to their friends, and occasionally send notes, small gifts or e-mails with your Web address embedded. Work your relationships, and be sure to play up your successes.
Clients love referring a hot new designer who just finished a great project.
Use the Web to order books, supplies, computers and more. Here are the sites to watch for everything from antiques to office snacks. You generally can't order furniture or materials directly, but you can see entire lines and find local dealers. Many sites are also incredibly rich sources of industry and design information. We asked a few ASID designers to tell us how they like to bring down overhead costs.