Being the owner of a creative business can be a strange balancing act. On the one hand, you have to be strategic, logical, and analytical as a CEO. Then you ALSO have to be creative, intuitive, and empathetic to do your best work as a designer. WHOA! Even the best designer can have a hard time...

Have you set your business goals for 2021? I've made my list of intentions and set my strategies! And I'll bet we've set a similar goal - to be more profitable in the new year. That should be a goal for all small businesses! Now all you need are the tactics to achieve that intention. I have 4...

Do you know what I love about a new year?! It's the idea that anything is possible, that you can rethink everything with fresh ideas and exciting new ventures! My favorite thing to do at the beginning of a new year is to explore ideas for new business. It isn't about completely changing...

We're at the very end of an old (and not-so-great) year and the beginning of a new year that we hope will bring us better days. This is a pivotal time for you and your business - a great time to set important goals for what could be another rollercoaster ride of a year. There are 3...

At this time of year, most of us are sliding into the holidays at a full run, trying to take care of our clients' needs and our own holiday shopping/decorating/cooking! It's a mad dash to some time off, and if you aren't managing your time well, this is when you're going to really feel it....

This is the perfect time of year to look back at what you've accomplished and to look forward to where you want your business to go in 2021. Things slow down around the holidays since our clients want to focus on their families, so we actually have more time to review and reflect. I have great...

At the end of one year and the beginning of another, organization projects become very popular. This year, I want you to consider organizing your clients! YEP - your clients. Here's why - if you can keep your clients organized, they're going to be happier and YOU are going to be happier. They'll...

There are so many horror stories in our industry about bad subcontractors. Like the tile installer who took off with your client's payment, AND without finishing the job. Or the movers who showed up in dirty shirts and showing way too much of the "plumber butt" than anyone should ever see....

I've often said that the number one reason we have trouble selling our services is a lack of confidence. If you aren't confident in your business, you will not get the clients that you want, you won't get the fees that you want, and you REALLY won't hit those goals that you've been dying to...

It doesn’t happen often (hopefully!), but we have all had the experience of showcasing a presentation to a client, only to hear crickets at the end. UGH!! There is nothing worse! And when it does happen, we either have NO clue why, or we have a sneaking suspicion and ignored it. There are a...

I am always in favor of being completely honest with your clients - it really saves you problems in the long run. And that includes heading problems off at the pass. Communication is key to a successful project. (Yes. It's my mantra!) That is especially true when you know there are going to be...

We're moving quickly into the holiday season, and that always makes me think of gifts for my clients. One of the best gifts that any designer can give their clients may seem too mundane but is SOOO important, and that's the maintenance binder! WHAT?! A binder full of paper?? Yes! You will make...