I recently had the opportunity to speak at a conference to newly established, emerging and established designers about their design businesses.
It's an open forum discussion about issues they are experiencing in their business and how to manage them.
The questions that seem to come up most are:
- The design agreement and how to best handle work now. For instance, the old way was to charge hourly and a concierge fee (percentage)for purchases. This is still done but at a certain juncture of the project
- Flat fees were discussed as a way of letting the client know what to expect, but many were uncomfortable with it as they weren't sure how many hours to charge for.
- Defining the scope is vital. It has to be very clear for the client to understand what is happening when and how it will be delivered.
- Good communication and defining expectations are very important.
- Being able to clearly and accurately vett clients over the phone was another big topic. Asking the right questions, communicating the next steps and how you work.
- Charge for a consult? The consensus was yes. Absolutely.
There was so much to cover in the short time we were there. But it was super useful to the group.
Developing this and other processes early in your small business is so very important. Because it will become second nature and then confidence grows not only in the business owner or designer but also in the client.
Asking for money then becomes easy.
Communicating your value? We touched on it but time ran short.
I was thrilled to have a few of my past mentees there to support me. :) I truly enjoy mentoring others into a career they love and in turn, they connect with more than just me but a lot of others who are knowledgeable.
I do workshops twice a year: "Get The Basics In Place" and its pretty comprehensive but very useful. Its sets the foundation of really getting the processes into place.
For those who cannot make it, I will add a video course series soon.
But until then, keep reading the blog and you can always reach out.
or follow on Social Media: IG, FB, LinkedIn
-Elizabeth
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