Creating a portfolio is an essential step for anyone looking to showcase their experience and skills. It serves as a visual representation of your work and demonstrates your capabilities to potential clients, employers, and other professionals in your industry.

Think of a portfolio as a little dam that you build to make it easier to catch fish. Just as a dam helps a fisherman to trap fish in a specific area, a portfolio helps you to showcase your experience and attract new work.

A well-crafted portfolio can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing new work. It acts as a window into your skills and experience, showcasing your achievements and the impact that you have had on previous projects.

Having a portfolio also gives you a platform to demonstrate your creative process and the methods you use to achieve your goals. This can be particularly useful for creative professionals, such as graphic designers, virtual service providers, writers, blue collar workers, engineers, construction businesses, photographers and anyone else who can showcase their work in a visually appealing and engaging manner.

For those just starting out in their careers in Zimbabwe, creating a portfolio can help them to establish their brand and build a professional image. This can be especially useful for young professionals in Zimbabwe who may not have a lot of work experience, but want to demonstrate their potential and show what they can bring to the table.

In contrast, consider a fisherman in Kariba who chooses not to build a small dam on his plot. This fisherman is at a disadvantage because he has no way to showcase his skills and experience. He must rely solely on word of mouth and the occasional lucky catch to attract new business.

Similarly, professionals who do not have a portfolio are at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting new work. They do not have a platform to showcase their skills and experience, and they must rely solely on their resume and references to impress potential clients and employers. They literally have to hunt for work and prove themselves before they can get the next job, which in most cases may require them to give discounted rates in order to get the job.

When creating a portfolio, it is important to choose the right format for your needs. A digital portfolio, for example, is easy to access and share, and can be updated regularly to reflect your latest work. On the other hand, a physical portfolio is a great option for creative professionals who want to showcase their work in a tangible and memorable way.

Presenting your portfolio in a manner that shows you value time is also a plus. Employers or potential customer may find it discouraging to consider your business if all you have on your profile is the infamous phrase "PM me" or "WhatsApp me".

Regardless of the format you choose, it is important to focus on quality over quantity. Your portfolio should be a curated selection of your best work that demonstrates your skills and experience in the best light possible. Be selective about what you include, and focus on presenting your work in an engaging and professional manner.

It is also important to consider the presentation of your portfolio. Use high-quality images and clear, concise text to showcase your work, speciality, location, services or products you provide and consider adding testimonials or quotes from satisfied clients to further demonstrate your capabilities.

In conclusion, creating a portfolio is an essential step for anyone looking to showcase their experience and attract new work. Whether you are just starting out in your career or are a seasoned professional, a well-crafted portfolio can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing new work. So, choose wisely and invest the time and effort to create a portfolio that truly showcases your experience and skills.