How to Approach a Prospective Client?

One of my favorite things to do is surf for sites of businesses around me and then think of how I can make a better site. I never follow through though, how do you approach someone in a professional manner about re-designing their site. I don't want to sound like "hey your website really sucks, I can do a much better job without even trying." Would appreciate some tips, thanx. I think Pank had something on TPS somewhere are how to find freelance work but I can't find it.

Cold Calling is certainly not recommended ever. It is considered bad practice to 'tout' for business so don't approach any business with a long winded explanation of why their website sucks and how you could improve it.

There is a way however, either go into the business' personally and ask to see the manager/owner whatever (be prepared to recieve someone lower down the food chain;)) and present your business card with relevent contact details and a url to your portfolio. To be honest that's about it. Thank them for their time (even if its the teaboy you speak too).

The number one rule is don't be pushy. It is not ok to email them without permission, it is ill mannered in the extreme - so don't!

If you do go in personally, then always carry a hard portfolio, do not expect to show it to anyone, but if the need arises and they request examples of your work you can leave your portfolio for them to persuse at their lesiure.

I will try and find the info I had on this subject, no doubt I have some books and magazines somewhere on the issue, if I find anything pertinent then I will post back.

just posting to recieve a notification when thehermit repolys again..

thanx, that sounds like a plan.