Allow me to start by saying it is important to make time for your own projects.

I’m one of “those people” who have to have a dozen small projects on the go. I’ve always felt that the best way to build your portfolio, enhance your experience and understanding of a particular topic or area is to actually do something in that area.

Case in point, as I may have mentioned before, with American football. My knowledge on the sport was extremely limited, restricted to those moments you find yourself in front of a Playstation or somebody handing you a rare copy of First Down (newspaper). I had a desire to learn more and more about the sport, the rules, the day-to-day runnings, so I start a blog on it. Gradually, through reading, time, making posts, I find myself with a much greater understanding and appreciation for the sport.

But, you won’t know if these projects and ideas you have are going to work unless you try them. So I encourage you, make time for your own projects, especially if you’re working in an online or design environment and especially where you need something of substance in your portfolio in order to attract more work.

It can be difficult at times, especially when you are so focused on your client’s needs and concentrating on the actual business side of things. However, I’ve had as much joy in generating leads, picking up referrals and generating new business off side projects and sample projects that I’ve launched as much as I have from working with regular clients.

Ultimately, you’re the end user, you’re the one making the spec, making the build, designing the brief and you’ve only yourself to please. If you can get that right, you open the door to so much more opportunity.

If it doesn’t work, at least it hasn’t cost you anything. As for me, I’ve got another few projects in the pipeline that have been grabbing my attention of late. All will be revealed in due time.

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