Design Business Clients: Communication & Management

Dealing with clients and managing their expectations along the way can often be the most frustrating part of design projects. Seasoned experts share advice for setting expectations with your clients, dealing with difficult situations, balancing creative control with client needs, and creating an experience that will make them recommend you for future design jobs. Dig in below and learn how to curate healthier relationships with clients from the start.

Tools for finding and managing clients

Damn … I missed the red flags. Now what?

Veteran CFC-er and copywriter, Deidre Rienzo, shares a client horror story about red flags ignored. What would you have done? Continue reading More

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Do Clients Want Design Work Soft, Gooey, Fast?

If your clients don’t understand the value of good design, and would rather pine for something soft, gooey and fast, you owe it to yourself (and the potential client) to help change their perspective and value of design. Follow these three approaches. More

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The Importance of a Thank You

I want you to grab a notepad or open a file on your computer, and create a list of individuals who have helped you and your work in 2011. Begin in January, and work through your mental file cabinet. Then send them a handwritten thank you note. They’ll thank you for it. Continue reading More

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2 Keys for Successful Brand Extensions

A creative brief hits your desk: Your client or executive team wants to launch a brand extension. But before you start designing, there are two key things to consider that can make or break any brand extension. More

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How to ask for a change order?

How to handle scope creep with a non profit on a tight budget Continue reading More

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When the client becomes the "art director"

Many freelance designers go out on their own to be their own “art director,” but what happens when your client assumes that role? Continue reading More

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From Commuting to Telecommuting

Jeremy Flagg, our guru on eco-friendly freelancing, describes how he persuades clients to use Skype so he doesn’t have waste time traveling. Continue reading More

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Preparing your business for baby

Like many moms-to-be running a small business, as the big date approaches, you may start to wonder: what to do about maternity leave? Lidia Varesco Racoma shares what she’s learned recently. Continue reading More

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Collaboration: It’s What Separates Smart Designers from the Apes

For designers, collaboration provides a creative boost through the shared brain power and experiences of clients and audiences. Check out these 3 tips. More

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Build Your Client Base

Are you poised to pounce on any new-business opportunities? A business expert outlines 9 approaches to position your firm to build a client base now, even if you’re swamped, so that business can benefit better when things slow. More

Categories: Design Business & The Industry of Design, Design Business Clients: Communication & Management, Design Business: Industry Issues & Advice, Featured | Tags: , , | 3 Comments