Useful vs. Valuable as an Employee
As a Graphic Designer, one is hired because his/her education and skills are useful to company to perform job duties. However with hard economic times, jobs are not as secure which means being not only useful, but a valuable asset can help to prevent your position from reaching the chopping block of layoffs and even possible advancement. Here are some suggestions whether at a design firm or in-house department on how you can build your value with a company.
Design Firms and Agencies
At design firms that make their money through client work, one can be an asset by bringing in new business. The position may not require it, but going beyond and bringing business would be a huge benefit and maybe even a commission can be offered, an added value for both parties. Before venturing out searching for new business you could go to your employer and inquire if there are commissions for bringing sales. Ask if they have any tips, what type of business they are looking for and any sales material you can use.
Ways to bring in sales, the first and easiest avenue; Who do you know? Do any of your friends or family who work at companies that outsource design? Let them know you would get a commission, an added incentive for your friend or family member to send business your way. They may not need work, but they might know someone who does.
Networking: there are tons of free events you can attend at groups or chamber of commerce. Nervous? Then read my Article, Networking When You’re the Young Person in the Room. If the event is free, what do you have to lose?
Social Media is also another source, specifically you can post updates offering services, but a more direct approach is to search for people already looking. Typing need keywords like “Need Designer”, “Logo design” and then responding to the person directly.
In-house Design Departments
If you work in an in-house department and sales are not the issue then here are some other options. Poke your head out of your cubicle and speak up and offer ideas! Suggest ways to improve your department’s productivity or project ideas to improve the company’s design and/or marketing. Make yourself the “Idea Person”. Offering to take the lead on a project or other non-project related tasks shows you pitch in and do more than is required. Volunteering and contributing can go a long way.
Own your tasks. The less your manager has to supervise you the better. Submit updates and reports before you’re asked to show you’re on top of it and can be trusted. Follow up with them if you need something instead of just waiting on them. They will be grateful for less work and headaches.
This is your career and you can’t treat it as you’re just punching the clock to get a paycheck. You’re not in college anymore, waiting tables or working at a Starbucks. More is expected of you, especially if you want to secure your position and even advance. Otherwise, my advice to you is to start practicing the phrase, “May I take your order?”
