As I searched the jumbled shelves of periodicals at a Borders in Clearwater yesterday, I found just about every magazine you could ask for. But there was just one that I needed to find, the latest Photoshop User Magazine, a publication all NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) members are familiar with. But for those of you that haven’t heard of it, Photoshop User Magazine delivers high quality training and how-to information to graphic designers and photographers internationally.

This month’s issue was different though. I wasn’t just a reader anymore, and featured on the cover is an article I wrote, “Your Most Important Client is You.” In the article I encourage readers to start treating their own business just like their very best client. If you own a small business there are some important basics to remember for your marketing efforts to be successful. My hope is that this article will provide you with some innovative ideas to help you build a stronger business. You can read the intro and more about the article below.

Who is your most important client?

The answer is simple but most people will get it wrong. Most will tell you it’s the client that pays on time or requires your services on a more frequent basis. But the correct answer is your business. Sounds crazy, right? Let me explain.

More often than not, we forget to put ourselves first; this is as true in business as it is in life. We all get caught up in the daily grind of emails pouring in, the call of social media alerts, and not to mention the actual work we’re doing for our clients. With only 24 hours in a day, managing a business and keeping clients happy is a delicate balance. Unfortunately, your own business is probably getting the short end of the stick. You’re probably asking, “How could I possibly make time to put my business first?”

You need to make the time to build, brand, and market your business. Stop putting it off and start treating your business like one of your clients, a VIP no less. When you have this mentality you’ll get more done. It’s too easy to put things off when the only person waiting for it is you. You’re not going to fire yourself, send angry emails, or even give a bad review. But in the end, you will hurt your business.

How often have you told yourself you really need some new business cards, or even a new website? Maybe you’ve been considering starting a blog. Somehow these things manage to fall to the bottom of our to-do lists, when in fact they need to be at the top. Now, you don’t necessarily need to do it all at once: choose one project at a time and tackle it! Once you start clearing off that lingering to-do list, not only will you feel accomplished, your business will thank you for it.

Tutorials

In the article I also share a couple easy ways to give your portfolio a different look. Making the images and designs that you have created appear as if they’re standing up on a reflective surface is a great way to show off your work to potential clients. I also show you how to take it to another level using the perspective transformation tools in Photoshop to make it look as if it’s standing in a three-dimensional space. See the example below.

A different approach to printing

The article also has information on printing sustainably. Going green isn’t just a trend; it’s an important change that can help our planet. But don’t think going green limits your possibilities: you can find just about any paper stock produced from recycled material; soy-based inks provide beautiful, vibrant color; and nonpetroleum-based UV coatings are just as beautiful. Some full-service printers like greenerprinter.com are completely carbon-neutral and others like 4over.com have taken the initiative to become more environmentally friendly. When you’re ready to print, I urge you to take the environment into account and incorporate sustainable printing.

Get your copy

Photoshop User Magazine is delivered to NAPP  members around the world 10 times a year. If you’re not a member and you’d like to learn more about NAPP, click here. Otherwise, Photoshop User is on newsstands now and may be available at your local book store. Thanks for stopping by and remember to put your business first.