Getting web designing business, mid to big sized jobs

[Kual]

I do part time web design and Im trying to build up my references for sizable projects to put on my website as an online portfolio so I can really start advertising. As you guys know, the only way prospective clients will take you seriously is to see some of your work. So its like this paradoxial loop here.

I've done small odd jobs here and there, but nothing major. I have an web site put up any everything but no work to show.

So im wondering for you guys in the small time web design business, how did you guys get your first few jobs? Luck? I myself was no the verge of signing a contract with a company (multi-thousands over a period of a few months) to do a huge website for them, but last night the company canceled. But I came across that job by PURE LUCK. I've asked all the people who i've done odd jobs for in the past for references but ive gotten very few and no huge jobs.

Please share your experiences with me and offer any advice possible.

[yowza]

I concentrated on SEO. I made my site rank #1 for "my city web design". I'm still starting out too. However, I have gotten all of my big clients through the Search Engines.

If they think you can get them to rank high, they think that they will make their money back quickly. My clients actually have made their money back within 6 months of site completion.

However, to make the big money I think you have to know someone. For this reason I recently joined the Chamber of Commerce. I noticed that all of the bigger design companies in my area were in the Chamber of Commerce, and most of their big clients were also Chamber members. I hate networking, but I think it is necessary to advance your business.