If you really would like to be #1 in what you are doing, you must start doing it for free. I know it sounds silly, but you must change the point of your thinking – think outside the box. Just assume you are a web designer. If you ever looked for job offers, or tried to gain clients you were kicked off of the game just because you cannot show samples of work you have done previously – because you really haven't one. (or maybe you have, but it was a website for your younger sisters drama club, just kidding 

On the other hand, if you already have a portfolio with your previous work, that client can check out on his own and see your real world examples, there is a much bigger chance that he would go with you.

So how to build your very own portfolio? Start posting to classifieds or better – make threads on webmasters forums like DigitalPoint or SitePoint Forums with your free offers. You can get there really interesting jobs, maybe they won't be first class at the beginning, but as soon as you will have 2–3 website samples you can climb to a higher level and get some better offers – this time even for real money.

I know this is nothing new in the industry, but many „newbies“ really doesn't know how to start they online business.

Also remember that this „technique“ works also with other computer/internet related skills/jobs, I picked up the web designer example, as it is the closest to me as I'm also a web designer/developer.

What about you? How did you begin your online ventures? Share your „stories“ below in the comments.

It is interesting that it is exactly one year from my last activity on this domain. In that time many things changed in my life. One of the most significant changes is that I'm finally out of high school (going to continue soon on university) and I have much more time then last year. This means that I have more time to learn new things, programming, developing web pages and finally – blogging.

For my readers that means more new articles about web design, programming, web development, internet marketing and other cool stuff I'm keen on :) Also I want to practice my English by writing posts as I am not a native English speaker.

I hope this time it will turn to real fun!

P.S. As you can see I've also changed the design to my custom designed and coded Wordpress template. The blog should be now more unique and memorable.

The book is assigned mostly to experienced web designers who would like to learn some advanced CSS techniques, but I believe that it is also good for novice web designers who are already playing with (X)HTML and CSS. As the covers says, we find the following inside of the book:

The latest CSS tips, tricks, and techniques; An in-depth guide to browser bugs, hacks and filters; Inspirational case study projects from two of the world’s greatest CSS masters

It sounds good isn’t it? I believe that it is good! I’ve started reading this already on yesterday evening, but it was too late and I was so tired that I must to stop it. Today I read a few pages a while ago and I must admit that on those few pages I learned a lot of new things. For example, now I know what „CSS Specificity“ is and how it works. Did you ever heard about it? No? Then order this great book and start reading it like me. :)

This time I must also admire Amazon.com for their great services and fast delivery. I’ve also ordered another web design related book (Bulletproof Web Design) which was (and I think still is) available only to pre-order and they have divided the shipment to 2 pieces, so I got my CSS Mastery book immediately without waiting to Bulletproof Web Design being available to order.

Here are some photos of the book I have taken:

At this place I’m going to write about my life, work, hobbies, experiences…which simply means: about myself. More about me as a person you can find at „About Me“ page which describes me in more detail.

Also I would like to write here about my new project – GeekHacks.com which is going to be an IT related blog which will be devoted to Linux, gadgets, internet, tips, tricks etc. Here at ErikGyepes.com I would like to write about every step I take to promote and market that page, so stay tuned if you are curious how the things going on!