Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

Welcome to this episode of Resourceful Designer, where I explore the topic of thick skin in the world of design.

Reflecting on my 30+ years as a designer, I share the often unspoken truth about needing a resilient attitude to thrive in this industry.

I draw from personal experiences, offering valuable insights on handling criticism, difficult clients, and managing expectations, particularly when running your own design business.

Join me for a candid conversation about the realities of being a designer and the resilience required to navigate the challenges of this creative profession.

Welcome to Resourceful Designer, the podcast where I explore the ins and outs of running a successful design business.

In today's episode, titled "6 Pricing Hacks To Land Hesitant Clients," I share valuable strategies to influence clients into accepting pricing offers.

I delve into 6 pricing hacks. From eliminating commas in large pricing to offering three-tier pricing options,

I provide actionable tips to make your pricing more appealing and increase the likelihood of client agreement.

Tune in as I discusses real-life examples and practical strategies to help you land those hesitant clients and grow your design business.

Welcome to episode 330 of Resourceful Designer, where I explores the concept of reclaiming lost time through a "time audit." J

Listen as I delve into the benefits of identifying and eliminating time-wasting activities to make room for more meaningful endeavors.

In this episode, you'll discover practical strategies for optimizing your schedule, from setting time limits on client meetings to evaluating networking commitments.

Learn how to conduct your own time audit, gain insight into the Eisenhower Matrix method of analyzing your time, and find inspiration to prioritize self-improvement in the new year.

Stay tuned to discover how to regain control of your time and make 2024 your most productive year yet.

A look back at 2023 and a look ahead to 2024.

Thank you for your continued interest in what I do at Resourceful Designer. I appreciate you more than you know. Many great resources are available for learning and growing as a designer, and I’m humbled that you chose to spend a bit of your valuable time with me.

I am continuing my annual tradition. This last podcast episode of the year is my Look Back, Look Ahead edition. It’s where I reflect and share my year as a design business owner. Then, I’ll look ahead at what I want to accomplish in 2024.

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I explore the concept of pitch work as a powerful tool for growing your design business.

I explain the difference between pitch work and spec work, detailing how pitch work involves presenting work to a client they didn't ask for, potentially for free or at a discount.

Through personal experiences and anecdotes, I outline how pitch work has helped me grow my design businesses, including entering a new niche and building my portfolio.

I present various scenarios where pitch work can be beneficial, from offering discounted services to approaching potential clients with innovative design ideas.

My practical insights and real-world examples make this episode a must-listen for designers looking to leverage pitch work for business growth.

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer!

In today's episode, titled "10 Steps Toward Design Business Success," I have an incredible lineup of tips and strategies to share with you.

Whether you're just starting in the design industry or looking to take your established business to new heights, there are ten critical factors you need to consider. I will dive into each step.

These steps are crucial in ensuring the growth and success of your design business. So, grab your notebook and get ready to take your business to the next level!

Let's dive right in.

Welcome to episode 326 of Resourceful Designer. In this episode, I highlight the importance of informing your clients about your full range of services.

Drawing from my own experiences, I emphasize how clients may not be fully aware of everything you are capable of. By sharing my own revelations and successful strategies for informing clients, I shed light on opportunities for designers to expand their businesses and nurture existing client relationships.

Join me as I revisit the valuable insights from episode 2 and explore the impact of effectively communicating your capabilities to your clients.

Welcome back to another episode of Resourceful Designer!

In today's episode, I welcomes a special guest, Michael Bruny-Groth, the creator of Logo Package Express, Logo Package Portal, and the newest addition to the Logo Package family, Logo Package Swatch.

We dive into the details of Logo Package Swatch, a powerful tool that helps designers organize and display color palettes for their clients.

We discuss its features, customization options, and how it can prevent mistakes in copying and typing color codes.

We also explore the benefits of Logo Package Swatch, including its integration with Adobe Illustrator and the ability to find the closest Pantone color matches.

Additionally, we discuss Logo Package Express and Logo Package Portal, two other products that streamline the logo export process and provide easy access for clients.

So, whether you're a designer looking for better color organization or a client needing an efficient logo package management system, this episode has something for you.

Don't forget to use the exclusive discount code "RESOURCEFULDESIGNER" for a 20% discount on any Logo Package product (excluding Portal subscription)!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Resourceful Designer. Let's dive in!

Welcome to episode 324 of Resourceful Designer, titled "You Are An Expert." In today's episode, I share a personal story that taught him a valuable lesson about business. It may not be a story about design or web development, but it's one that you should hear. Join me as I recounts being stopped at a police roadblock and the unexpected expert status I discovered. Stay tuned to learn how knowing just a little more than someone else can make you an expert in their eyes. Let's dive in!

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! In today's episode titled "The Most Important Question You Can Ask Your Design Client," I reveal a simple question that can transform your design projects. The question that toddlers ask incessantly can unlock new possibilities and strengthen client relationships. Join me as I explain how asking "why" can clarify client needs, guide project direction, and save you time and money. Stay tuned to discover the power of this fundamental question in the design process. Let's dive in!