Is it possible for the professional designer to control the conversation when it comes to our skill set? What precisely separates the professional from the non-professional? It’s a challenging question, but Business of Design members Gail M. Davis and Courtney McLeod dig into the topic.

In this episode we learn:
- a high-end home purchase does not necessarily translate into high-end decorating budget
- why a consult fee and solid hourly rate will save you from clients who aren’t right or ready for you
- that six-figures (we’re talking salary not income) isn’t the end goal, it’s the starting goal
- it’s helpful to ask clients up front, ‘have you worked with a designer before?’

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Gail suggests hiring a branding coach. She works with a group on a monthly basis through Nicole Heymer at Curio Electro.

Courtney loves her Vision/Goal/Task Strategy.
- Vision is big picture, soul of your business
- Goals are set quarterly
- Tasks are narrowly defined and tackled each month.

At Business of Design we call this a Design for Living.