One thing that you could do to build your portfolio fast is to not think that you need to write bunch of nice websites asap. Do a few very nice sites then write

One thing that you could do to build your portfolio fast is to not think that you need to write bunch of nice websites asap. Do a few very nice sites then write a bunch of small widgets, JQuery-esk do-dads with your own custom CSS,,sliders,faders etc.Put them all on a home page and format the page in a manner where it looks like you've done a ton of projects. On my homesite this is what I try and do. Whenever I learn something new I always think of a way to package it up into a small little one-off that I can put on my site. This way it becomes a habit and it's fun. Here's a psychological trick you can do. Find a really famous crappy looking website that everyone uses....like Craigslist. Then redesign part of it and show it to prospects. Open the conversation with "have you used Craigslist before?". Immediately you will get a "yes". Then show them the "contrast". That in and of itself can help make the sale.