Let’s Get Personal

Here are the do’s and the don’ts of building solid, long-term relationships with your clients

GOOD BUSINESSES attract new clients. Great businesses keep them. It’s simple, really. Your best client is the one that keeps coming back to you again and again. These are the types of long-term relationships that carry design businesses through tough economic times. A successful design business knows the key to profitability is finding the right balance between attracting new clients, while taking good care of the ones it already has.

Building a Buff Business

Want to get in shape? Consider hiring a coach as a personal trainer for your company

IF YOU’RE currently running a design firm — large or small — you’ve undoubtedly realized that there is a big difference between the work you do in your business and the work you do on your business. While many emerging designers believe the quality of their work alone will help them attract high-paying clients, seasoned professionals know business success is the product of quality design solutions and effective business processes.

Revive your Rolodex

Making the right connections is an important part of building a successful business

IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE to hire staff with expertise in every conceivable area, so your best option is establishing a network of professionals who can perform some of the essential functions required to grow your business. This network can help you win business, rescue existing business and operate your business more efficiently. But where to begin?