7 years of Freelancer here, from struggling university student to a professional pao ka liao now. Took a flight to US to work and started our own business there, the culture is totally different from what we have here in Malaysia.

Since you're a frequent viewer of Chris Do, please do pay attention to what he's sharing and saying. Don't just do a mark for client, fix the client's business problem. Earlier today I met another veteran who opened her own firm in KL, she had the exact practices - not just doing design but to fix the client's business problem. Right from the campaign planning, KOL invitations, launch gambit, social media campaign, media inivtation and etc - the ala one-dragon service.

You can't scale to agency rate alone, you need a squad to help you reach there.

The industry is pretty much like what you all are saying, SMEs just want quick and cheap, if you can't do it the next fella is gonna do it for you. All hopes are not lost though and I see a lot of initiatives (Brandker) going on to fix the problem, starting from teaching the next big wave about branding and the value proposition - the usual brand story.

So please do keep your hopes high and keep educating clients on the importance of brand story.

Happy grinding y'all!

This post has been edited by s7ran9er: Oct 18 2018, 12:13 AM

Thank you, we came back after 6 months because our visa wouldn't us to overstay. But we still cool maintaining relationship over there, just need to shower them with lots of love.

The problem is most SMEs don't want you to kepoh so much, "Just do the damn job that we have asked, son!" because some of them don't see the value in your work, the software that you have purchased, the hours you put into creating, the education and research you went through to get here - you have to show them why it costs so much. (Of course, you need a proper portfolio and track record to showcase what you can do. Don't show that you can do everything).