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  • what we do
    • we mentor
    • we research
    • we write
    • we advocate
    • we run workshops
      • How to find higher-fee design work
      • How to manage and lead a creative business
      • How to explain the measurable impact of design
  • Design Business Review
  • Who we are
  • How we can help
    • Costing pricing profit toolkit
    • …build financial knowledge
      • Financial mentoring for designers
      • ebook: Finance in a design studio ebook
      • ebook: Bookkeeping for designers
      • ebook: What’s a fair wage?
      • digital copy: the business of design publication
    • … grow your business
      • Business development mentoring
      • ebook: LinkedIn for designers
      • What’s a fair wage ebook
      • digital copy: the business of design publication
    • … build management and leadership skills
      • How to build a great creative business: good for people and profits
      • What’s the risk? ebook
      • What’s a fair wage ebook
      • digital copy: the business of design publication
    • Free resources
  • Connect
Design Business Council > Articles by: Carol Mackay
Is instagram a new business tool?
16
Jul

We asked 4 designers we know use instagram regularly, whether the channel works as a new business tool.

Posted in: Business of design , Design management ,
Tags: Diversity , Rebrand , Studio management ,
FYI Scenarios are replacing business plans
01
Jul

Clients are using scenarios to proactively plan for future events. They’re replacing business plans because it’s getting too hard to forecast with accuracy.

Posted in: Business of design , Design management ,
Tags: Diversity , Rebrand , Studio management ,
Is it time to merge?
18
Jun

Times are tough and profits are down, but we know it’s cyclical and good times will return. Why not use this downtime to question whether a merger would be good for you and your business?

Posted in: Business of design , Design management ,
Tags: Diversity , Rebrand , Studio management ,
When the government asks you to free pitch
03
Jun

The Victorian Government is asking designers to work for free – to free pitch. The Fair Work Commission clearly states working for free is unlawful. So why?

Posted in: Business of design , Design management ,
Tags: Diversity , Rebrand , Studio management ,
Are you earning less?
20
May

This week’s article justifies that feeling that we’re all earning less than we were. It’s proof it’s not just about working smarter not harder, it’s about the bigger picture.

Posted in: Business of design , Design management ,
Tags: Diversity , Rebrand , Studio management ,
End of month financial checklist
22
Apr

This is an end of month checklist to help designers understand the financial side of their business — not to do the actual bookkeeping but to confidently brief someone else and understand what’s needed.

Posted in: Business of design , Design management ,
Tags: Diversity , Rebrand , Studio management ,
Knowing when to stop
09
Apr

It’s hard to know when to stop, close a business you started and make a change. All products have a shelf life and what we want from our business evolves as we do.

Posted in: Business of design , Design management ,
Tags: Diversity , Rebrand , Studio management ,
Four ways design adds value
25
Mar

Don’t always assume clients understand why they should invest in design. Sometimes clients need to be reminded of the possibilities design delivers. Here’s 4 reasons we know …

Posted in: Business model canvas , Business of design , Design management , Studio management ,
Tags: Diversity , Rebrand , Studio management ,
3 ways to make pro bono a win:win
12
Mar

In my perfect world everyone would share expertise with those who can least afford it. I know our world is less than ideal, but working pro bono for the right clients can be as valuable to you as to them.

Posted in: Business of design , creative business coach , Design business coaching , Design business strategy , Design index , Design pricing , Design value chain ,
Tags: Business of design , design , design innovation , Design management , design studio management , designers , designers hours , designers mental health , mental health , new business development ,
Mini-case studies: designers doing business development well
05
Mar

Every design business owner knows the importance of keeping their clients happy and satisfied, but very few of us analyse the value that a positive experience will have on our bottom line. We do it very well FOR our clients but we don’t do it TO them.

Posted in: Business of design ,
Tags: Business of design , Design Business Model canvas , Design management , Design strategy ,
Don’t just try to think up answers
26
Feb

Great design rarely comes from light bulb moments — designers usually follow some kind of process. Same goes for management problems — don’t just expect to know the answers.

Posted in: Business of design , creative business coach , Design business coaching , Design business strategy , Design index , Design pricing , Design value chain ,
Tags: Business of design , design , design innovation , Design management , design studio management , designers , designers hours , designers mental health , mental health , new business development ,
The true value of clients
19
Feb

Every design business owner knows the importance of keeping their clients happy and satisfied, but very few of us analyse the value that a positive experience will have on our bottom line. We do it very well FOR our clients but we don’t do it TO them.

Posted in: Business of design ,
Tags: Business of design , Design Business Model canvas , Design management , Design strategy ,
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