Running a Design Business: Selling Design to Clients

Learn how to win design projects, convince your clients to go with the best solutions, and cultivate lasting working relationships.

Introduction

• Welcome

1. Getting the Project

• First contact: Selling yourself
• Presenting previous projects
• Delivering the contract
• Setting expectations
• Common errors: Getting the project

2. Beginning the Work

• What to ask
• Developing criteria for approval
• Communication during the design phase
• Common issues: Time and money
• Common errors: Beginning the work

3. Presenting to the Client

• Communication: Design-speak vs. Client-speak
• Crafting the presentation
• Delivering the presentation
• Managing the meeting
• Common errors: Presenting to the client

4. During the Process: Dealing with Conflict

• Clients who want to play designer
• When a client plays mix and match with a solution
• Color problems
• Choosing your battles
• Time and money
• Common errors: Dealing with conflict

5. Completing the Project: Maintaining or Ending the Relationship

• How to maintain a relationship over time
• When and how to fire a client

Conclusion

• Next steps