I made a quick Twitter comment yesterday that all of the work Herb Communications has done -- or pitched on -- so far since April this year has come from referrals or previous relationships built via LinkedIn and other places.

It's very gratifying and much appreciated! Brands have put their trust in our results and that means a lot in this very competitive digital communications space.

I'm very hot on customer service, referrals and making sure that every effort is made to ensure the client is happy. For those that know me will also understand that I regularly call out what, in my experience, is not working too well ... and make suggestions (with examples and case studies) of what may be a better option.

The client can then decide if they're comfortable with that particular strategy at that particular time. Sometimes, it just needs to be revisited in the future. That's OK. There's no rush. Better to make sure the client is totally on board before proceeding because YOU ARE IN IT TOGETHER.

You have put your name and reputation on that particular piece of work or project and should be very happy to stand behind it, and use it as an example for your portfolio once launched.

Whatever you do, never chase the $ signs just for the quick buck. Sure, it may pay a bill here and there ... but you may never hear back from that client again.

Solid, regular, reliable work is the key to being successful and making a living. Just be honest, call it as it is and put out there what you hope to get back. Ask for referrals, send reasonable and fair quotes and respond in a timely manner -- even if it's a, "Sorry we don't know yet, still finding out an answer for you."

And help people for nothing now and again. It won't kill you. They'll remember that and -- the genuine ones -- will gladly reciprocate if you ever need some support in the future.

Don't go for the quick buck, it's just not worth it.

John.