Setting Boundaries: Small Business Edition

It’s tempting to take every freelance gig when starting a business, no matter the budget or workload. We're building portfolios, after all! However, there comes a time when we understand our worth and realise spending time on low-value projects holds us back.

Instead of reaching for the stars with an empty portfolio, it’s imperative to pour your heart and precision into every project. Think beyond aesthetics; create experiences that resonate, engage, and leave a lasting impression. But never be a quick fix. 

If your client is ready to elevate their business with your top-notch services that spark interest and attracts the ideal clientele, then go paint the town red (or whatever their brand colour may be) together!

Open communication is key.

To provide exceptional services, trust in the power of collaboration. Clients who are open to your insights and suggestions based on your expertise become the perfect partner, leading to unlocking creative potential for better results. Don't shy away from taking the lead, but ensure you’re keeping your client's vision and goals in mind. Ultimately, it's their project, and your primary goal is to help bring it to fruition.

Where Twists Turn into Triumphs

We're not magicians - our work is a conversation. Ideas get tossed around, refined, and polished into a work of art - but it’s a joint effort. If a client seeks a one-and-done solution, it's a mismatch. Your ideal client embraces the iterative process, understanding that twists, turns, and even moments of doubt can lead to inspiration.

Serve with purpose

Your job is to elevate and transform. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about crafting experiences that resonate, engage, and leave a lasting impression. A client who recognises the value of quality as an investment rather than an expense is the perfect partner. If open communication, diverse perspectives, and iterative progress resonate with you, seek clients who value the same over rock-bottom prices.

Be passionate about every project, considering every detail to create solutions that are both visually appealing as well as practical, strategic, and aligned with their business mission. You aren’t here to cut corners or offer the cheapest price tag. You want to focus on building meaningful relationships and exceptional value.

Micromanager?

If they dictate every design detail without any flexibility, explain your preference for shared decision-making, and that the best results come from teamwork.

They should want a design partner who will listen to their ideas and provide suggestions. If they want to wear the pants in this partnership and are set on having complete control over every aspect of the design process, they aren’t right for you.

It takes two to tango.

We all thrive on shared timelines where feedback flows freely and deadlines are respected. Have a process that unfolds seamlessly. If deadlines are ignored and feedback is elusive, you aren’t on the same wavelength.

Contract, contract, contract! They're the symbolic handshake that seals the deal.

And for you...

If you crave a collaborative journey, you have to be in sync too. Nurture your partnerships, and don’t be so focused on closing deals. If a one-time transaction is your sole desire, paths will diverge. Your goal is to be a reliable partner who helps their business thrive. Are you ready to co-create, not just consume?

In that case, embark on a collaborative adventure with no finish line in sight.