Design Business Freedom

Latest Episodes:

022: Multiply Each Project Investment To Maximize Profit Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

Today, we're diving into how to deploy the ten layers of design to maximize, multiply, and drive your profits. When we talk about these ten layers, I am referring to how you incorporate the following ten design components into each finished project: flooring, rugs, paint, upholstery, pillows and throws, case goods, lamps and lighting, accessories and art objects, artwork or wall decor, and window treatments and drapery.

Including selections from all ten of these layers maintains your scope of profit while achieving a tailored and thorough final product for your client. Every selection is a layer of investment for your client, which is a layer of profit for you. And this layering is possible with every single project! As you will learn in our conversation, the ten Layers don't change, even if your client is a maximalist or a minimalist in their design preference.

I have a very simple, proven process that I've used for years that I will be sharing with you in today's episode to help you leverage those layers and multiply those profits for your business. Be sure to tune in!

In this episode, you will hear:

What the ten layers of design are
How to use the ten Layers to multiply your profits
How to apply the layering process for both maximalist and minimalist clients
How to move your client away from focusing on their needs and toward taping into their wants

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Supporting Resources:

See my resource guide to recap the information from today's episode: https://melissagalt.mykajabi.com/profitable-expectations
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

021: Creating Profitable Client Expectations Every Time Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

Today is all about great expectations. We're talking about creating profitable client expectations for every project, every time. When you enter into a design agreement with a new client, there needs to be clarity and transparency at all stages of the conversation. Too often I hear from designers frustrated that their clients don't have realistic expectations of their work. Working this way is stressful on both ends–the client and the designer– because it creates false expectations and preconceived, inaccurate, notions.

The solution may not be easy, but you have to remember that you are in charge of helping your client create appropriate, realistic, and profitable (for your benefit!) expectations. You have to be brave enough to shine a light on those false expectations and inappropriate or preconceived notions and show your clients the truth diplomatically and professionally. Because if you don't, it's going to land you in a great deal of frustration, stress, and potential loss of profitability—none of which I want you to endure.

In today's episode, we're digging into my strategies for maintaining that crucial sense of transparency at all stages with your clients. I'll help you to navigate your process with the intention to set clear expectations for your client.

In this episode, you will hear:

How to address false client expectations
The importance of having clear expectations at the start of your design journey with a client
What to include in your design agreement to help set those expectations early

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Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love to welcome you to our creative community if you haven't yet subscribed.

Supporting Resources:

https://melissagalt.mykajabi.com/profitable-expectations
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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020: Outsource Online for Ultimate Flexibility Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

Today, we are diving into our next installment on the onboarding and hiring process: when and how to outsource online. Outsourcing is about hiring digital remote talent to help you in your business.

Because remote talent is flexible and can be hired out on an as-needed basis, using online outsourcing keeps you nimble in both uncertain times and wonderful times. You're not locked into a commitment of hours per week, you don't have benefits to pay, and you don't have vacation time to consider. For all of these reasons, it can be extremely cost-effective.

In today's episode, we are digging into the ins and outs of hiring remote talent. I'll share my recommendations for the types of work to be outsourced, when outsourcing can be especially beneficial for your practice, how to properly vet your sources and candidates, and so much more.

In this episode, you will hear:

The types of work you should consider outsourcing
Resources to use when looking for remote freelancing work
Best practices for filtering through remote candidates
What to include in your outsourced job posting and onboarding process

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love to welcome you to our creative community if you haven't yet subscribed.

Supporting Resources:

View and download all the resources mentioned in today's episode here: https://melissagalt.mykajabi.com/resources-for-hire-local
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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019: Interviewing Tips and Tricks for Hires that Stick Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

When holding interviews, it's common to feel as if you're the one being interviewed. Sometimes our nerves get the best of us, and we talk more than we listen, or we don't allow ourselves to see the candidate for the person they are presenting themselves to be. So today, we're going to dive into some of my best interviewing and onboarding tips and tricks.

In last week's episode, we discussed how to hire local assistants correctly the first time. Today's episode builds on that theme, with my interviewing tips and tricks for hiring that sticks. Hiring and team building are such broad topics with so much to dig into, so I've divided them into smaller chunks that you can focus and take action on.

Follow along with the process and join in!

In this episode, you will hear:

Unexpected question suggestions for strategic and insightful interviews
How to get a feel for a candidate's skills and experience during the interview process
Things to keep in mind during a new hire's onboarding process
Tips on structuring a thorough employment agreement

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love to welcome you to our creative community if you haven't yet subscribed.

Supporting Resources:

View and download all the resources mentioned in today's episode here: https://melissagalt.mykajabi.com/resources-for-hire-local
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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018: How To Hire Local Assistants Right the First Time Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

Diving into hiring for the first time doesn't have to be complicated. It can be simple as long as you follow the process that you need for success. Often, what stops designers from hiring is that they are afraid of managing people. Yet the right team can effectively manage themselves while saving you time and giving you back that creative energy for projects where you thrive.

Today, I want to focus in on hiring additional talent locally, as it seems to be the first step most designers take. We'll discuss the ins and outs of how to identify what positions you need to fill, how to write job descriptions that will attract quality applicants, how to sift through resumes quickly and efficiently, where to seek the best talent, and so much more. I'll also share with you some of my tried and true tips on getting to know your team and managing them effectively so that you can feel confident taking on additional hires in your business.

Tune into today's episode to get that jump start into effective hiring and next week, we'll continue our discussion of the process by going into further detail about what to expect during the interview process and beyond.

In this episode, you will hear:

How to identify what positions to fill and write a job description for those positions that will attract quality applicants.
What a red velvet rope policy is and how to apply it
Where to post to attract the best talent
How to know who will be the best fit for your team

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love to welcome you to our creative community, if you haven't yet subscribed.

Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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017: 7 Unexpected Ways to Get Clients When You're Starting Out or Stuck Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

We all hit a rut at some point in our design careers. Perhaps you've gotten to a place where business seems to have slowed down and you want to hit the refresh button to jumpstart yourself into a new market of clients. Or, maybe you are a budding new designer, trying to build up your portfolio and make it into your ideal client market.

Whether you are new to the game or simply looking for a new perspective, you need to step outside of your comfort zone and use the tools you have at your disposal to expand your business. That also means looking for clients in places that you may have yet to consider.

In today's episode, we're diving into 7 unexpected ways to find clients when you are just starting out or stuck in your business. Think of it as both inspiration and strategic guidance to help you get from starting out into a place of momentum and accomplishment.

In this episode, you will hear:

Seven out-of-the-box solutions to tracking down new markets for potential clients
Why being your own client can be especially rewarding
The importance of leveraging social media in your business
Why doing whatever it takes will get you farther than just stopping at your best

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love to welcome you to our creative community, if you haven't yet subscribed. We'd truly appreciate it if you drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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016: When and How to Fire a Client Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

The topic we will discuss in today's episode might come as a bit of a surprise. When you are listening here with me, you are used to getting a heavy dose of strategic inspiration, motivation, and momentum. And I know that talking about firing a client may seem like a bit of a downer. But the fact of the matter is that you need to be in charge of your business at all times, and that means when a client goes rogue, becomes abusive, or goes from being a great fit to being a poor fit, you have the right to fire them.

It is never an easy decision to make when you are considering firing a client. You will need to make sure you have all of your ducks in a row, that you have thought through your options and are not making decisions in the heat of the moment, and that you and your business are protected. However, I have experience in navigating these situations and I am here to help guide you through the process. I want you to be working with clients that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to hearing from, not ones that bring you and your team down.

In today's episode, I want to share some of the most common reasons that you may want to make the tough call to fire a client. We will also look at circumstances when it is in your best interest not to fire a client as well as how to go about the firing process. So before you find yourself sacrificing your peace of mind to make a project work for someone not willing to work with your terms, listen in to today's episode for some practical solutions. In this episode, you will hear:

The most common reasons for firing a client
How to navigate the process of discontinuing your work with a client
The best ways to ensure you and your team are protected when working with clients
Reasons you may want to hold off on making the decision to fire

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love to welcome you to our creative community, if you haven't yet subscribed.

Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

015: The Welcome Kit That Wins Clients Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

When you are gearing up to begin the design discovery process with a new client, one of the best investments to provide them with is a welcome kit. A welcome kit provides your client with a glimpse into you and your team, social proof of your work, and a peek into your design process and pricing. You want to provide your future client with a preview of the perks they will receive when working with you and information to help them consider their potential investment.

There's a lot of debate on what to include in a welcome kit and how to present it to a client. One thing is for sure–it needs to be easy to navigate and read, beautifully presented, and filled with testimonial proof of your creative genius. Today, I am walking you through the steps to put together an incredibly attractive and informative welcome kit that is going to win clients at first look.

In this episode, you will hear:

How to tier your welcome kit for every level of client
What to include in a welcome kit to make it informational and clear
The importance of taking a sensory approach when packaging and selecting your welcome kit materials
Why using client-friendly language throughout is necessary for securing clients

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love to welcome you to our creative community, if you haven't yet subscribed.

Supporting Resources:

Take a peek at https://thescoutguide.com/ for welcome kit design inspiration
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok @MelissaGalt

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014: The Three G's for a Successful Business Dec 26, 2022

Show notes

When aiming for success, sometimes the biggest obstacles are your own personal thoughts and beliefs. Whether you are limiting yourself, doubting yourself, or just not pushing yourself hard enough, all of these can hold you back from the greatness that you are so capable of!

That's where the Three Gs of Success will help. I'm talking about Gratitude, Goals, and Grit, in that order. These three qualities are so important in pushing yourself to become the best creative that you can be. You need to show gratitude for the successes you've already had, set goals for the success you want to achieve, and have grit to face the challenges ahead.

In today's episode, I am diving into what the Three Gs of Success look like, why they are so important in helping you achieve success, and how to incorporate them into your daily life.

In this episode, you will hear:

How practicing gratitude in your daily life can shift your thinking towards success
Why it is so important to set specific and ambitious goals for yourself
How building grit can help yourself learn to tackle obstacles in the way of your success

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Supporting Resources:

Download the Secret Super App
- App Store Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-secret-super-app/id1486428772
- Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.secretsuper&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1
Try out the Five Minute Gratitude Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Journal-Affirmation-Productivity-Mindfulness/dp/B09NPVVKWR/ref=asc_df_B09NPVVKWR/
Get your own Gratitude Jar: https://www.1800flowers.com/the-gratitude-jar-156706
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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013: The Right Design Agreement To Protect Your Profit & Peace of Mind Dec 19, 2022

Show notes

Believe it or not, I see so many designers flying without a net, which is what I call it when you work without a letter of agreement or with one that has absolutely no protection for you in it. A letter of agreement is just another word for a contract, but it sounds much friendlier. Most importantly, a letter of agreement will outline all stipulations, clauses, and information that you and your client need to set up a positive and professional project timeline.

Your business needs to have a document that provides protection for your profits and peace of mind for you as the principal of the firm while at the same time providing clarity and confidence to your client. And even though this is so important, the legalese that most contracts are written in often makes both designers and clients uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

My attorney-approved letter of agreement template is written in plain English and covers everything needed for protection from any snafus that may arise. And in today's episode, I will walk you through my process of creating the right letter of agreement that is not going to overwhelm you or your clients but will still provide all of the clarity, confidence, and cohesiveness needed for your next project.

In this episode, you will hear:

How to craft a thorough and protective letter of agreement in plain English that will be easy for you and your clients to navigate
Which clauses to walk your clients through when reviewing your Letter of Agreement
The importance of presentation and ease of information when crafting your letter

Subscribe and Review

Supporting Resources:

View my Letter of Agreement template - https://melissagalt.kartra.com/page/the-right-design-agreement
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok @MelissaGalt

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