He Makes $15,000 A Month Drop Servicing On Fiverr

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Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Andrej, a successful entrepreneur who started his online businesses even before I did. In this interview, Andrej will share his journey, insights, and personal strategies. Let’s dive in!

 

 

Dylan: Welcome, Andrej! Could you start by telling our audience a little bit about yourself, how you got started in the online business world, and where you’re currently at?

 

Andrej: Thank you, Dylan. It’s great to be here. I started my online business journey around the same time as you. We learned the ropes together, attending conferences and receiving guidance from our mentor. While finishing my university studies in architecture, I began offering architectural renderings for real estate companies, sports studios, designers, developers, and architects. Later, I expanded into offering design services like web design and management.

 

Dylan: That’s impressive, Andrej. What led you to discover the world of online business, especially considering your background in architecture?

 

Andrej: Well, Dylan, like many people, I had the common goal of finding ways to make money. While studying at university, I experienced financial struggles and learned to budget every expense. This motivated me to explore marketing, sales, and product development. My brother discovered an online course, and we followed it diligently. We also joined a supportive community of like-minded individuals who had experienced success with the course. The key advice we received was to follow the course step-by-step, which proved instrumental in our success.

 

Dylan: It’s interesting how circumstances can lead us to unexpected opportunities. How long did it take for you to secure your first sale after starting your first business?

 

Andrej: Initially, I faced some frustration while following the email tactics from the course. To overcome this, I tried various approaches, leveraging platforms like Upwork and Fiverr and engaging in direct email marketing. One day, I decided to send emails to book appointments and directly contact potential clients instead of waiting for them to respond. I took the initiative to visit studios and call them immediately. I reached out to around 500 companies within two days, and it resulted in immediate sales.

 

Dylan: That’s a unique approach, Andrej. It’s intriguing how stepping outside the norm can yield great results. I’ve noticed that many people in the industry tend to rely heavily on email, social media, and other indirect communication methods. But personal calls seem to make a significant impact. Moving on, could you share your experience of acquiring your first clients, building your business, and transitioning into the design field?

 

Andrej: Certainly, Dylan. I faced a challenge due to the limited buying power in Slovenia, where I’m from. Following the course’s advice, I initially focused on securing local clients to establish a track record. I acquired three clients who paid me $300 per project, which I later realized was underpricing my services. To explore better opportunities, I ventured into the UK, where the buying power was higher. I secured a project worth £3,000 for just three days of work. This experience was a turning point for me, and it motivated me to shift my focus to the design field. The design space offered more possibilities and a broader range of potential clients, leading to an increase in projects and revenue from the very first week.

 

Dylan: It’s fascinating to hear about your transition and the opportunities you found in the design field. Speaking of marketing channels, what percentage of your revenue comes from platforms like Upwork and Fiverr compared to other marketing methods?

 

Andrej: Currently, my primary marketing channel is Fiverr. As a Fiverr Pro member and former top seller, I receive a significant amount of projects from this platform alone, often generating around $16,000 per month. Additionally, my team and I actively bid on projects on Upwork, securing high-quality projects from there as well.

 

Dylan: Fiverr seems to be a crucial part of your business strategy. Could you provide an overview of your journey with Fiverr and Upwork, how you built your profiles, and the system you implemented?

 

Andrej: Absolutely, Dylan. When starting on Fiverr or Upwork, it’s essential to research and understand what successful freelancers in your field are offering. Reverse-engineering their strategies can help you understand what clients expect and how to sell your services effectively. Building a portfolio is crucial, even if you’re just starting out. You can create a portfolio by completing projects for yourself or someone you know, simulating an ideal project in your field. Developing your skills and showcasing them through portfolio items is key to attracting clients on these platforms. Over time, as your profile and reputation grow, you can outsource work to other freelancers, allowing you to scale your business while maintaining quality control.

 

Dylan: That’s valuable advice, Andrej. It’s important to invest time in understanding the process, developing skills, and building relationships with clients. Regarding client communication, what are your thoughts on effectively managing client expectations and maintaining positive relationships?

 

Andrej: Communication is paramount in any business, especially when working remotely. Clients appreciate frequent updates and proactive communication. I always aim to under-promise and overdeliver, ensuring that clients receive more than they expect. Building trust through clear and transparent communication helps establish long-term relationships with clients. Additionally, I make sure to provide valuable insights, anticipate client needs, and address any challenges that arise promptly. Effective communication and efficient project management are the pillars of a successful business.

 

Dylan: You’ve highlighted the importance of effective communication and managing client expectations, which can have a significant impact on client satisfaction and long-term relationships. Besides that, what key advice or recommendation would you give to someone starting out in the drop-servicing or online business field?

 

Andrej: For someone starting out, it’s crucial to identify a skill or service that you can offer and build a business around. Once you’ve determined your offering, focus on marketing and acquiring your first sale. Effective communication that transforms one-time buyers into long-term clients is crucial for building a sustainable business.

 

Dylan: Absolutely, Andrej. It’s essential to identify a valuable skill, establish yourself as an expert, and market your services effectively. Lastly, when did you reach the point of automating your business, and what factors contributed to that decision?

 

Andrej: Automation came into play once I thoroughly understood the process and established deep expertise in the services I offered. I prefer immersing myself in a skill, selling it, and then gradually building a team and implementing procedures. By becoming an informed buyer and understanding the tasks involved, I can effectively manage the execution of those tasks and create a reliable system. Automation allows me to focus on strategic aspects of the business while maintaining quality through well-trained team members.

 

Dylan: That’s a smart approach, Andrej. By thoroughly understanding the process and developing a knowledgeable team, you can ensure the smooth operation of your business. Lastly, could you share your approach to hiring and building a team?

 

Andrej: When hiring, it’s crucial to understand the process and tasks involved. I thoroughly screen potential candidates to ensure they align with the process, values, and work ethics I desire. By being an informed buyer, I can assess their skills, time required for tasks, and cost-effectiveness. I aim to create a database of at least five potential candidates, allowing me to choose the best fit for my business needs. Ultimately, effective hiring and building relationships with your team are essential for long-term success.

 

Dylan: Yeah, you’re making sure that you really understand the service on a deep level, really understand the person delivering that service on a deep level, how they work, what their output values are, what kind of work ethic they’re going to bring to the table and what they’re going to be like to work with before you even start the project with them, I guess.

 

Andrej: Yeah, absolutely. That’s a very important thing because a lot of people think that when you research your competition, you’re just trying to steal information. But that’s not the case. Each person you reach out to can be a potential partner, client, or someone whose services you can sell. Everyone provides information that you can use and work together if it makes sense. Even if it doesn’t, you still gain new insights to improve your business.

 

Dylan: Yeah, that’s true. Another good point would be that we often overcomplicate the process of making a sale. But oftentimes, it really just comes down to the fact that the person has a need, they know you, and they know that you provide a service that can fulfill that need. That’s why they decide to work with you. So, if you build relationships with people and they know they can trust you, even from a simple email you sent them, it can lead to future opportunities. I’ve had clients come back to me years later saying, “Hey, two years ago you sent me an email, and now I actually need this thing. I’d like to work with you.” These types of relationships are valuable and simple to build by reaching out, building connections, and never burning bridges. It’s essential to remember that human relationships are key to making sales and building a successful business.

 

Andrej: Absolutely, it’s the same thing with friends and dating. You don’t want to burn through everyone; you want to make genuine connections and utilize the relationships you build. Meeting people and building those connections is always valuable. It applies to business as well.

 

Dylan: Yeah, 100%. I guess that’s a good place to wrap up. We covered more than I initially intended, but I had so many more questions for you. If anyone has questions for Andre, please comment below this interview. Thanks so much for joining me today, Andre, and we’ll talk to you soon.

 

Andrej: Thank you, Dylan. It was a pleasure to be part of this written interview and share my insights. If anyone has further questions or wishes to continue the discussion, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always open to connecting and sharing knowledge. Thank you again, and take care.