Design Business Freedom

Social media is an amazing tool that, when used correctly, can serve and support your business' success. It is not something that you need to dedicate gobs of time to either, as long as you can use it strategically. Selecting only certain feeds to follow, setting specific goals for engagement and activity, and not overwhelming yourself by managing too many accounts are just some of the strategies...

Today, we're diving into how to deploy the ten layers of design to maximize, multiply, and drive your profits. When we talk about these ten layers, I am referring to how you incorporate the following ten design components into each finished project: flooring, rugs, paint, upholstery, pillows and throws, case goods, lamps and lighting, accessories and art objects, artwork or wall decor, and window...

Today is all about great expectations. We're talking about creating profitable client expectations for every project, every time. When you enter into a design agreement with a new client, there needs to be clarity and transparency at all stages of the conversation. Too often I hear from designers frustrated that their clients don't have realistic expectations of their work. Working this way is str...

Today, we are diving into our next installment on the onboarding and hiring process: when and how to outsource online. Outsourcing is about hiring digital remote talent to help you in your business. Because remote talent is flexible and can be hired out on an as-needed basis, using online outsourcing keeps you nimble in both uncertain times and wonderful times. You're not locked into a commitment...

When holding interviews, it's common to feel as if you're the one being interviewed. Sometimes our nerves get the best of us, and we talk more than we listen, or we don't allow ourselves to see the candidate for the person they are presenting themselves to be. So today, we're going to dive into some of my best interviewing and onboarding tips and tricks.   In last week's episode, we discussed how...

Diving into hiring for the first time doesn't have to be complicated. It can be simple as long as you follow the process that you need for success. Often, what stops designers from hiring is that they are afraid of managing people. Yet the right team can effectively manage themselves while saving you time and giving you back that creative energy for projects where you thrive.  Today, I want to foc...

We all hit a rut at some point in our design careers. Perhaps you've gotten to a place where business seems to have slowed down and you want to hit the refresh button to jumpstart yourself into a new market of clients. Or, maybe you are a budding new designer, trying to build up your portfolio and make it into your ideal client market.  Whether you are new to the game or simply looking for a new p...

The topic we will discuss in today's episode might come as a bit of a surprise. When you are listening here with me, you are used to getting a heavy dose of strategic inspiration, motivation, and momentum. And I know that talking about firing a client may seem like a bit of a downer. But the fact of the matter is that you need to be in charge of your business at all times, and that means when a cl...

When you are gearing up to begin the design discovery process with a new client, one of the best investments to provide them with is a welcome kit. A welcome kit provides your client with a glimpse into you and your team, social proof of your work, and a peek into your design process and pricing. You want to provide your future client with a preview of the perks they will receive when working with...

When aiming for success, sometimes the biggest obstacles are your own personal thoughts and beliefs. Whether you are limiting yourself, doubting yourself, or just not pushing yourself hard enough, all of these can hold you back from the greatness that you are so capable of! That's where the Three Gs of Success will help. I'm talking about Gratitude, Goals, and Grit, in that order. These three qual...

Believe it or not, I see so many designers flying without a net, which is what I call it when you work without a letter of agreement or with one that has absolutely no protection for you in it. A letter of agreement is just another word for a contract, but it sounds much friendlier. Most importantly, a letter of agreement will outline all stipulations, clauses, and information that you and your cl...

As the fiscal year comes to a close, it can be tempting to plow straight ahead and into next year's work without pause. You might find yourself in over-drive, trying to tie-up those loose ends from this year while preparing for next year's project load. Or, maybe you had a great year and you're looking forward to what next year will bring and just can't wait to dive in. Whatever it may be that's p...

The past few years were a great time for design firms, with an extraordinarily high demand for our creative services. However, the times are beginning to change and we are seeing more and more economic uncertainty, which can be unsettling for many designers. Recessions are a normal part of economic cycles and we can't avoid them. But, we can be prepared to not only survive them, but to even thrive...

Think about your current client load and project pipeline. Are you satisfied and fulfilled by every decision that you've lined up at this moment? Or are you, like many creatives, worried about how you are going to manage all of the tasks and requests that you've agreed to while also jumping through hoops for a client's every whim to get them on board with your vision? Many of the designers that I...

What are you doing for the whole of your body and soul? Think about it for a moment. If your first reaction is to say, "Oh, I don't have time for that, I'm on a roll in my business and self-care has to wait," then I have some news for you. When you short-change yourself, you short-change your family, your friends, your clients, and, yes, your business. It's just that important. Putting yourself fi...

It may sound truly counterintuitive, but being cheap is killing your profits. We often look for ways to complete important tasks for our business by ourselves to save money. We think that this will maximize our profits because we aren't spending the money to outsource the job. But taking on too many tasks that you don't enjoy or aren't skilled at is really just taking you away from your zone of ge...

Most creatives tend to go job to job, project to project, and client to client without any sense of a waitlist or a queue. This usually ends up feeling like a rollercoaster of cash flow and profits in your business. And while a rollercoaster ride is always exciting at an amusement park, it is much less enjoyable when it comes to your business model. The last thing I want is for you to feel overwhe...

When I first started my design business, I found myself in a client trap. 80% of my revenue was coming from 20% of my clients, but 80% of my clients were delivering just 20% of my revenue. When it came to choosing clients for the first five years of my business, I was not selective and I was not discerning. I didn't even know about an ideal client. But once I made this discovery and started to foc...

In today's episode, we are diving into the many ways that you may be hiding inside your business. We are going to look at all the little ways that you are getting hung up on the mechanics of your business instead of getting yourself out there and participating in the magic of your creative energy.    I define creativity as the space where art and science meet and make magic. And I want you to be a...

Time is our greatest non-renewable resource. There never seems to be enough of it, but worrying about not having enough time only limits you further. When we worry about feeling overwhelmed or lacking the hours in a day to get everything accomplished, we give into the kind of time-shrinking thoughts that interfere with our productivity. Today, I want you to identify your limiting beliefs around ti...

When was the last time that you evaluated how you are compensated for your creative services? The last time that you raised your rates to reflect your experience and value? You know what I'm about to tell you: it's time, in fact, you're overdue! Today we're diving into how to accurately charge for your services based on your value rather than your worth. You'll learn how the solutions that you pro...

Today's episode focuses on my big "why": why I have taken on this podcast and how it can help you in your pathway to creative success. I hope that through sharing my experiences, giving you tips and tricks of the trade, and bringing in creative luminaries throughout the field, you will gain the insight and confidence to do what it takes to spark your passion. Coaching, training, inspiring, and spe...

Welcome to the Affluent Creative podcast! During our time together, you'll hear my story of building a business and brand while seeking that elusive work-life balance. It's less of a balance than a fusion because as a creative, we don't flip on our creativity at 7am and turn it off at 5pm. It's running 24/7/365 and it's who we are, beyond what we do. I want to share the wisdom I've gained from mov...

What if you had a business coach who was a creative just like you, and could ask them about how they built a successful business they love? That's what we do each week on The Affluent Creative. Hosted by Melissa Galt –– award winning business coach, marketing consultant, and interior designer with over 3 decades of creative experience –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to create systems a...