Is perfectionism holding you back in your design business? Many designers struggle with getting things just right, but the truth is, perfectionism can lead to procrastination, missed opportunities, and increased stress. The pursuit of perfection often becomes the enemy of progress. What if you could get more done and experience more success by aiming for 70% instead of 100% or 110%?

In this episode, I introduce the 70% solution, a mindset shift that helps you let go of perfectionism and start making progress. You'll learn how to balance striving for excellence with getting things done, why perfectionism leads to mental chaos and overwhelm, and how applying the 70% rule can help you deliver exceptional work without the constant need for perfection. Plus, I share how iconic business leaders like Jeff Bezos use this strategy to make better decisions faster.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

- (03:18) The high cost of perfectionism in your design business
- (08:48) The power of getting things done instead of seeking perfection
- (13:49) Using deadlines and the "pause clause" to manage indecisive clients
- (21:21) Why aiming for completion is more effective than perfection
- (28:25) How practice and producing more work leads to better results
- (30:06) The application of the 70% rule
- (41:03) Five key benefits of applying the 70% rule in your business

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Is your design business struggling to attract clients or losing potential leads, and you can’t figure out why? It might be the small details you’ve overlooked that are making a big impact. From missing contact information to no portfolio, these seemingly minor issues could be turning away ideal clients and holding back your success. The good news is, these are simple fixes that can make a world of difference.

In this episode, I uncover 10 "big little things" that are killing your design business and share actionable steps you can take to fix them. You’ll learn about everything from the importance of having your phone number and email on your website to why you need a Google listing and social media presence. Whether you're missing a portfolio or not using your face as a personal brand, each of these small tweaks can have a significant impact on your business's success. By addressing these issues, you can create a more professional online presence and make it easier for clients to find and hire you.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

- (01:48) Missing phone number costs you clients
- (04:59) Location info is essential for your site and social media
- (06:53) Not listing an email address is a big mistake
- (10:50) Lacking your name or identity hurts your brand
- (13:52) Claiming your Google My Business listing is crucial
- (16:06) Social media is a valuable search engine for designers
- (19:28) Inactive social media and blog content damages your credibility
- (23:45) Using your face over a logo strengthens your brand
- (28:13) A missing footer on your site is a critical error
- (29:33) No portfolio on your website is a deal-breaker

MENTIONED:

Learn more about Google My Business (GMB)

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Are you holding yourself back by tolerating poor performance, operational inefficiencies, or unfit clients? The reality is, what you tolerate in your life and business impacts your success and peace of mind. Tolerations not only drain your energy but also cost you in time, money, and health. If you've been putting up with less-than-ideal situations, this episode is your wake-up call to take action.

In this episode, I explore the ways tolerations are showing up in your design business and personal life. From underperforming team members to inefficient systems, I guide you in identifying the areas where you're settling for less than you deserve. You’ll learn how to create awareness around these tolerations, whether they’re costing you time, money, or your sanity, and how to either reframe them, release them, or replace them. It’s time to stop tolerating and start thriving.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

- (03:10) Identifying poor performance from team members and contractors
- (04:57) The cost of tolerating operational inefficiencies
- (07:02) Why long hours and lack of work-life balance are choices
- (09:27) The impact of tolerating unfit clients
- (10:56) Are you tolerating weak marketing and inconsistent cash flow?
- (17:24) How tolerating poor health habits can affect your business
- (25:44) Why you don’t have to tolerate poor performance from suppliers
- (40:44) Steps to release, replace, or reframe what you’re tolerating

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Have you ever experienced a client misunderstanding, scope creep, or project delays that left you frustrated and underpaid? What if you had an ironclad design agreement that safeguarded your business and profits, while giving your clients clarity and confidence? Many designers are operating with incomplete contracts, and it’s costing them time, money, and peace of mind. A comprehensive design agreement can protect you from these common pitfalls and set the stage for a smooth, successful project.

In this episode, I walk you through creating the perfect design agreement, clause by clause. You’ll learn which clauses are essential for protecting your practice, your profits, and your peace of mind. I’ll explain how to include clauses that set clear expectations around project timelines, scope of work, and fees. I also share why every agreement needs an expiration date, how to avoid scope creep, and the importance of a cancellation policy. This episode is packed with insights to help you confidently manage your design projects with professionalism and ease.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

- (02:15) How your agreement protects your profits and peace of mind
- (06:49) The need for an expiration date in your agreement
- (07:51) Avoiding “chase mode” with follow-up and expiration clauses
- (08:30) Clause-by-clause breakdown of the perfect design agreement
- (11:17) Setting timelines and managing project delays
- (12:47) The importance of milestones
- (15:00) How to outline service fees and avoid surprises
- (19:58) Detailing the late payment penalties
- (22:31) What is procurement management
- (38:56) Protecting your design intellectual property

MENTIONED:

The Right Design Agreement

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Are you dealing with client misunderstandings, scope creep, or unpaid work? What if a simple design agreement could protect your profits while setting clear client expectations? Many designers are working with incomplete agreements, leaving them vulnerable to disputes and unpaid fees. The right agreement can transform your business, ensuring you get paid for your time, avoid confusion, and build client trust.

In this episode, I explain why every designer needs a strong design agreement and how it can safeguard your profits, streamline communication, and prevent scope creep. I share real-world examples of how my clients have used these agreements to protect their bottom line and improve client relationships. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In Part 2, I’ll walk you through each clause your agreement needs, highlighting which ones are essential and which are optional.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

- (01:49) Why every designer needs a strong design agreement
- (04:36) Making your agreement more inviting with tools
- (07:05) How a flexible, customizable agreement speeds up client acceptance
- (09:52) Being protected is everything
- (13:34) Your agreement gets you paid for the work you do
- (16:51) Setting communication boundaries in your agreement
- (20:43) How your agreement preserves your peace of mind
- (27:06) Safeguard your practice
- (34:43) The importance of walking the clients through the agreement
- (36:40) Make your agreement a marketing tool

MENTIONED:

The Right Design Agreement

Canva

Proposify

Dubsado

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Are you tired of doing unpaid work for clients? Do you create preliminary plans, gather estimates, and offer advice, all without compensation? What if you could get paid for that upfront work? Most designers don’t realize they can (and should) charge for the early stages of a project. A Feasibility Package ensures you’re paid while helping clients understand their project’s scope and costs. Imagine no longer giving away your expertise for free and instead getting paid for the valuable work you're already doing.

In this episode, I explain how you can implement a Feasibility Package in your design business to get paid for your time and expertise. I dive into the structure of the package, what it should include, and how to price it effectively. You’ll also learn how this package can help you manage client expectations, build trust, and give you an early opportunity to assess whether a client is the right fit for you.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

- (02:00) – What is a feasibility package and when to use it?

- (03:17) – Pricing guidelines for feasibility packages

- (04:14) – What’s included in the package

- (06:06) – Importance of trades days and package fees

- (08:39) – Repurposing past work for efficiency

- (10:07) – Advising clients on contingency costs

- (15:27) – How to introduce the feasibility package to clients

- (19:38) – Using the feasibility package to qualify clients

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Your website inquiry form is your first opportunity to learn about potential clients and set the tone for your relationship. Asking the right questions is essential to ensure a successful project. From project details to budget expectations, your questions can make or break the start of a collaboration. It's also important to be selective with clients, as your time and expertise are valuable.

In this episode, I explain how to improve your inquiry form to gather key information, conduct structured Zoom consultations to build trust and qualify leads, and charge for home reviews or assessments to demonstrate your expertise. I also discuss how to recognize red flags early and choose clients who align with your values and goals. Each step in the discovery process, from initial contact to assessments, helps you secure clients who are a good fit, ensuring your business is both profitable and enjoyable to manage.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

- (01:32) The proper way to do design discovery

- (02:08) Optimizing your website inquiry form

- (03:43) Building trust with a structured Zoom consultation

- (04:45) How to price your home reviews and assessments

- (07:01) How to handle pushback from your prospects

- (08:57) How to approach offering the letter of agreement

- (10:13) The importance of having money conversations

- (12:10) A walkthrough of all the questions in your website inquiry

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.