I recently attended WordCamp Canada, a community gathering of WordPress enthusiasts, where I gave a presentation on the pitfalls of your About page. But that's not what today's episode is about. Instead, I want to discuss a fascinating concept I picked up from another presentation on email marketing. Today's episode, titled "The Two Sides of a Solopreneur Designer," is inspired by the idea that, as solopreneurs, we wear two distinct hats: the CEO and the employee. Each role has its own...

Welcome to another episode of Resourceful Designer. I'm your host, Mark, and today, I've got an interesting topic inspired by a friend’s podcast. You know, it's funny how ideas for podcast episodes can come from the most unexpected places. Sometimes, I meticulously plan out a topic, but other times, like today, a random sentence can spark an idea. Today, we’re discussing the importance of asking specific questions, especially in our design businesses. This concept hit home for me through my...

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I share a cautionary tale about losing generational clients and the critical lesson I've learned from my mistakes. Whether you're dealing with family-run businesses or companies with long-standing leadership, you'll discover the importance of building relationships with the next generation to ensure client loyalty. Listen as I recount personal stories and offer valuable insights to help you avoid falling into the same trap. Don't miss this crucial...

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the crucial aspect of redefining your introductory hook to capture clients effectively. I discuss the significance of crafting a compelling introduction on your website and other marketing materials that resonates with your target audience's "What's in it for me?" mindset.  By analyzing examples of website hooks, I emphasize the importance of conveying the value you offer to potential clients right from the start. Join me as I explore...

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Resourceful Designer, where today's message is all about the art of engagement over trivial chatter. I'm your host, Mark Des Cotes, and in episode 341 we dive deep into the importance of engaging more and talking less. We explore how the wisdom of an elementary school teacher, who emphasizes understanding her students to truly elevate their learning, can be a powerful lesson for us as graphic designers in our own client interactions. I'll share...

Welcome to episode 340 of Resourceful Designer. Today we're diving into an intriguing question: Are your design clients time or money minded? We'll unpack the significance of understanding whether your clients value their time over their money or vice versa. I'll share some personal anecdotes, like the time I decided to replace my wife's car backup camera myself to save money, and on another occasion, when purchasing a course on Facebook ads, valued my time more. We'll explore how this...

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the topic of accepting credit card payments from clients. I received an email from Phil, thanking me for the podcast's impact on his transition from working for an employer to running his own business. Phil's client asked to pay by credit card, and he was unsure how to proceed. I share the simplicity and speed of credit card payments and elaborate on the various options available, from PayPal to Stripe and other accounting software. I...

Have you ever been in a sticky situation where a client has asked for your working files? In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve deep into the topic of whether or not to hand over working files. Join me as I share personal experiences and insights to help you navigate this common dilemma in the design industry. From legal considerations to negotiating with clients, I offer practical advice to help you make informed decisions and protect your creative assets. Tune in to discover...

On this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the critical topic of backups. Through two poignant real-life stories, I stress the importance of not solely relying on web hosts for backups. I share a scenario where a client's website was lost due to an overlooked credit card update and the absence of off-site backups. I emphasize the significance of using plugins like Solid Backups for WordPress or services like Backblaze for complete cloud-based backups. I underscore the need to...

Hey there, it's Mark, and in this episode, "Persistence Will Pay Off," I want to talk to you about the challenges of running a design business. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for years, finding clients can be tough. I've been there myself, going through long stretches without new projects coming in and questioning if my business was sustainable. But I made it through, and so can you. I'm here to share some words of encouragement and actionable tips to help you...

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I discuss a common mistake designers make when presenting their work to clients. Drawing from my own experience, I delve into the significance of presentation and its impact on a design business. Sharing insights from my college days to my current approach, I highlight the practice of presenting designs to clients with crucial information included. I explain how this method not only enhances professionalism but also leverages client sharing to...

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I share my journey as an entrepreneur and the pivotal role delegation has played in shaping the success of my business. From initially shouldering every responsibility solo to embracing the power of collaboration, I delve into the transformative impact of outsourcing tasks beyond my expertise. By strategically investing in external help, whether through hiring specialists or utilizing online platforms, I've been able to optimize productivity and...

Exploring Design Trends: A Dive into FreePik's 2024 Trend Report Click here to see the trend report: https://www.freepik.com/visual-trends-2024 Join me as I delve into Freepik.com's 2024 trend report, highlighting key design trends predicted for the year. Freepic.com, a platform known for offering high-quality design resources for free, reached out to discuss its latest trend report, sparking my interest in exploring the upcoming trends. With full transparency, it's noted that while...

Welcome to this episode of Resourceful Designer, where I explore the topic of thick skin in the world of design. Reflecting on my 30+ years as a designer, I share the often unspoken truth about needing a resilient attitude to thrive in this industry. I draw from personal experiences, offering valuable insights on handling criticism, difficult clients, and managing expectations, particularly when running your own design business. Join me for a candid conversation about the realities of...

Welcome to Resourceful Designer, the podcast where I explore the ins and outs of running a successful design business. In today's episode, titled "6 Pricing Hacks To Land Hesitant Clients," I share valuable strategies to influence clients into accepting pricing offers. I delve into 6 pricing hacks. From eliminating commas in large pricing to offering three-tier pricing options, I provide actionable tips to make your pricing more appealing and increase the likelihood of client agreement. ...

Welcome to episode 330 of Resourceful Designer, where I explores the concept of reclaiming lost time through a "time audit." J Listen as I delve into the benefits of identifying and eliminating time-wasting activities to make room for more meaningful endeavors. In this episode, you'll discover practical strategies for optimizing your schedule, from setting time limits on client meetings to evaluating networking commitments. Learn how to conduct your own time audit, gain insight into the...

A look back at 2023 and a look ahead to 2024. Thank you for your continued interest in what I do at Resourceful Designer. I appreciate you more than you know. Many great resources are available for learning and growing as a designer, and I’m humbled that you chose to spend a bit of your valuable time with me. I am continuing my annual tradition. This last podcast episode of the year is my Look Back, Look Ahead edition. It’s where I reflect and share my year as a design business owner. Then,...

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I explore the concept of pitch work as a powerful tool for growing your design business. I explain the difference between pitch work and spec work, detailing how pitch work involves presenting work to a client they didn't ask for, potentially for free or at a discount.  Through personal experiences and anecdotes, I outline how pitch work has helped me grow my design businesses, including entering a new niche and building my portfolio.  I present...

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! In today's episode, titled "10 Steps Toward Design Business Success," I have an incredible lineup of tips and strategies to share with you. Whether you're just starting in the design industry or looking to take your established business to new heights, there are ten critical factors you need to consider. I will dive into each step. These steps are crucial in ensuring the growth and success of your design business. So, grab your notebook and get ready...

Welcome to episode 326 of Resourceful Designer. In this episode, I highlight the importance of informing your clients about your full range of services. Drawing from my own experiences, I emphasize how clients may not be fully aware of everything you are capable of. By sharing my own revelations and successful strategies for informing clients, I shed light on opportunities for designers to expand their businesses and nurture existing client relationships. Join me as I revisit the valuable...

Welcome back to another episode of Resourceful Designer! In today's episode, I welcomes a special guest, Michael Bruny-Groth, the creator of Logo Package Express, Logo Package Portal, and the newest addition to the Logo Package family, Logo Package Swatch. We dive into the details of Logo Package Swatch, a powerful tool that helps designers organize and display color palettes for their clients. We discuss its features, customization options, and how it can prevent mistakes in copying and...

Welcome to episode 324 of Resourceful Designer, titled "You Are An Expert." In today's episode, I share a personal story that taught him a valuable lesson about business. It may not be a story about design or web development, but it's one that you should hear. Join me as I recounts being stopped at a police roadblock and the unexpected expert status I discovered. Stay tuned to learn how knowing just a little more than someone else can make you an expert in their eyes. Let's dive in!  

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! In today's episode titled "The Most Important Question You Can Ask Your Design Client," I reveal a simple question that can transform your design projects. The question that toddlers ask incessantly can unlock new possibilities and strengthen client relationships. Join me as I explain how asking "why" can clarify client needs, guide project direction, and save you time and money. Stay tuned to discover the power of this fundamental question in the design...

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the world of modern marketing and share my insights from the influential book, Selling the Invisible: A Field Guide to Modern Marketing by Harry Beckwith. Discover how the principles outlined in this book, originally written in 1997 but still applicable today, can revolutionize the way you run your graphic design business. From the importance of showcasing your work and emphasizing value over features, to building trust and creating...