The leadership role is something people underestimate. In a lot of scenarios you have to really think about grooming the successors of task that you once would take on yourself and really just "Clone Your Execution and Philosophy" down the line. Being in charge means enabling and educating others and helping eliminate barriers to success, and that is something I've learned watching you guys.
+Roberto Blake, thank you for your information. I have learned a lot from you and the skool. You guys are awesome. It inspires me to create awesome work and content.
Thanks for the video content! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you researched - Fiymaria Graphic Gainer (google it)? It is a good exclusive guide for getting the best graphic design for your project without the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my m8 at very last got cool results with it.
The last ten seconds were so golden... the first 4 mins are just tasteful fluff that appeals to your target niche and I am glad this video caught my attention. 💯
I love your videos and advice. You're one of my heroes Chris Do. I am a freelance designer of logos & websites and I manage the online presence of some of my clients. I work mostly with small locally owned businesses on the east and west coasts and one in Cleveland. After graduation from Design school in Portland, I had been struggling to create my business and make it sustainable as my main income for five years, until just over a year ago and I'm now able to support myself and my daughter on just my business. I now have a fairly steady flow of new work and a couple of monthly retainer contracts for website management and online presence. Almost all of my work comes from repeat business or word of mouth and just a little Social media exposure. I have Chris and these Futur videos to thank for a lot of the mindset changes that helped me to get to this point. Thank you and keep doing what you are doing! I tell all of my designer friends to watch all of the Futur's videos. The point of my message is this: I have been thinking about investing in my home-based business to expand my bandwidth when I received a notice that I am about to receive a fairly sizable check from a Well-Fargo settlement. If you had $10,000 to invest in your business but, nothing in your savings how would you manage this? My plans so far are, some of this money is going to go to paying off or paying down a couple of debts to lower my monthly bills, some of this money is going into buying some new equipment (computer, monitor, color sensor, higher-speed router) and boosting my home-office space to make my workflow faster, pay for a year's worth of some of the monthly subscription services I use for my business to save money on those and lower my monthly costs, purchase some graphics templates to speed up my logo and graphic design work, and I'll put a few thousand in savings for emergencies. Beyond all of that what you recommend as wise investments either in my business or another way to manage that money that will make money. Thank you for your time and wisdom!
the bonus video is substantial. I do not own a firm but I do bring in designers to work on projects from time to time. Sometimes I feel less of a designer and more of an admin often selling the client on a promised design and direction then having to relay that to a designer. Often times the designer wants the work to be an open forum but I have to stay true to what was promised to the client. The rub happens because I too want to explore the possibilities within the project, reminiscent of the college days, but I have to run a business. It is a fine line and I need to find the balance before I grow the business.
You're totally right! there are several reasons you should focus only on one thing at the beginning. You need to set the focus for the people because the people won't do it alone. Furthermore it is also not really smart to show too many services as long as you're new to the market. As long as you haven't had any clients and did a great job, people would think you're a lier and they would jump over to the next company.......
Interesting perspective. At what stage do you think it's reasonable to add more services? Asking to learn how we can better service our clients. Thanks!
there is no fix plan for everybody, it all depends on your company, the services you provide. let's say twitter is the support plattform, on facebook you post news, blog posts ( if you have a blog ). On youtube you show people your products or showcases if you can. Then you have 3 channels focused on specific topics. If you can't create content for a platform or you would post redundant posts don't do it. Keep on the channels you can be active and engaging otherwise it will be dead and just irritating for new customers ;)
There is a great book from Gabriel Weinberg called "Traction". It explaining what's important and how you can discover the channels that are best for you. It is more a best practice.
+ProfessorBRB Yep. Designer's have problem with focus. We want to do everything and feel stymied by focusing on one thing. This is what works against us in sales/marketing our services.
I'm about to start an studio with my developer (both freelancing for 10 years). I don't really ever want to get off the tools and stop being creative, and I totally understand that limits how much we can grow but I kinda like the idea of being small.
the last comment though " the problem is, if you are making it , then you can't mange. So you need to choose to mange or you choose to make something" Preach! make a video about it in 2020 please
Could you do more episodes outside? There's something about it that makes it much more real, like I'm there with you IDK. Plus you look boss in the real world.
Hey Chris. I absolutely love your videos and you are definitely a great role model. Thank you for sharing with all of us your amazing knowledge. Expanding on advice one. I'm working on my personal brand, I want to open my own Freelance business in the future. I have three services I offer Graphic Design/ Illustration and Web Design. Now as you mentioned in the video that it's best to pick one core service which is hard... because clients are looking for the full package logo, print collaterals, and a website. Would it be possible to combined those three services into one and offer as packages? Another question I have is if we pick one core service to start with which for me would be graphic design because it's the service I have more experience with but illustration is where it all started for me with traditional drawing and expanded digitally. How and when would I expand on those services? of course I don't want to sell myself short but I don't want to confuse my audience. Not sure what to do. Also if I keep to one service I will have to change my logo to read my name and then my title graphic designer or is there another term that sums up me being versatile in Graphic Design, Web Design and illustration?
Awesome video Chris! Love it! Also what would you recommend to someone just starting out their marketing journey, no website and no paying clients(just one non-paying client), how do you recommend they go out and approach clients or get clients? Thanks P.S I'm in the paid marketing industry( Fb and Google adwords)
I have the same goal, Yes! I have a lot to offer. This really helps! I was going to do branding, I feel that I am really good at branding. I will be sending you my question thanks.
referring to the first advice if I do 3 things like this girl and I want to work for other people as a freelance or to brand my business as diverse so how many things can I cram into that one branding?
Hi , Am a Multimedia Artist With 8 Year Successful Career ,,, Now the days am Planning to Start a Online Marketing Agency And All kind of Multimedia Services . Can U Suggest Some Tips For my start up !
+Mike M Ha! So Cal is pretty awesome. Beautiful weather and people everywhere. Now, keep in mind, this along the famous Santa Monica Bluffs and I don't live here. It's a convenient spot between work and home. Where do you live?
The leadership role is something people underestimate. In a lot of scenarios you have to really think about grooming the successors of task that you once would take on yourself and really just "Clone Your Execution and Philosophy" down the line. Being in charge means enabling and educating others and helping eliminate barriers to success, and that is something I've learned watching you guys.
+Roberto Blake Well said. Boom.
+Roberto Blake, thank you for your information. I have learned a lot from you and the skool. You guys are awesome. It inspires me to create awesome work and content.
jencreativemedia So glad to heart that!
very wisely put! agree!
Thanks for the video content! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you researched - Fiymaria Graphic Gainer (google it)? It is a good exclusive guide for getting the best graphic design for your project without the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my m8 at very last got cool results with it.
4 years past and still very relevant
Yup
The last ten seconds were so golden... the first 4 mins are just tasteful fluff that appeals to your target niche and I am glad this video caught my attention. 💯
I love your videos and advice. You're one of my heroes Chris Do. I am a freelance designer of logos & websites and I manage the online presence of some of my clients. I work mostly with small locally owned businesses on the east and west coasts and one in Cleveland. After graduation from Design school in Portland, I had been struggling to create my business and make it sustainable as my main income for five years, until just over a year ago and I'm now able to support myself and my daughter on just my business. I now have a fairly steady flow of new work and a couple of monthly retainer contracts for website management and online presence. Almost all of my work comes from repeat business or word of mouth and just a little Social media exposure. I have Chris and these Futur videos to thank for a lot of the mindset changes that helped me to get to this point. Thank you and keep doing what you are doing! I tell all of my designer friends to watch all of the Futur's videos.
The point of my message is this: I have been thinking about investing in my home-based business to expand my bandwidth when I received a notice that I am about to receive a fairly sizable check from a Well-Fargo settlement. If you had $10,000 to invest in your business but, nothing in your savings how would you manage this? My plans so far are, some of this money is going to go to paying off or paying down a couple of debts to lower my monthly bills, some of this money is going into buying some new equipment (computer, monitor, color sensor, higher-speed router) and boosting my home-office space to make my workflow faster, pay for a year's worth of some of the monthly subscription services I use for my business to save money on those and lower my monthly costs, purchase some graphics templates to speed up my logo and graphic design work, and I'll put a few thousand in savings for emergencies. Beyond all of that what you recommend as wise investments either in my business or another way to manage that money that will make money.
Thank you for your time and wisdom!
the bonus video is substantial. I do not own a firm but I do bring in designers to work on projects from time to time. Sometimes I feel less of a designer and more of an admin often selling the client on a promised design and direction then having to relay that to a designer. Often times the designer wants the work to be an open forum but I have to stay true to what was promised to the client. The rub happens because I too want to explore the possibilities within the project, reminiscent of the college days, but I have to run a business. It is a fine line and I need to find the balance before I grow the business.
+Mr_ Jeff We are going to do make a video on time management and project management in the future. Maybe that will help you Jeff.
You're totally right!
there are several reasons you should focus only on one thing at the beginning.
You need to set the focus for the people because the people won't do it alone.
Furthermore it is also not really smart to show too many services as long as you're new to the market. As long as you haven't had any clients and did a great job, people would think you're a lier and they would jump over to the next company.......
Interesting perspective. At what stage do you think it's reasonable to add more services? Asking to learn how we can better service our clients. Thanks!
there is no fix plan for everybody, it all depends on your company, the services you provide. let's say twitter is the support plattform, on facebook you post news, blog posts ( if you have a blog ). On youtube you show people your products or showcases if you can. Then you have 3 channels focused on specific topics. If you can't create content for a platform or you would post redundant posts don't do it. Keep on the channels you can be active and engaging otherwise it will be dead and just irritating for new customers ;)
There is a great book from Gabriel Weinberg called "Traction". It explaining what's important and how you can discover the channels that are best for you. It is more a best practice.
A helpful reminder of the importance of focus and clarity of purpose in what we do. Thank you!
+ProfessorBRB Yep. Designer's have problem with focus. We want to do everything and feel stymied by focusing on one thing. This is what works against us in sales/marketing our services.
I'm about to start an studio with my developer (both freelancing for 10 years). I don't really ever want to get off the tools and stop being creative, and I totally understand that limits how much we can grow but I kinda like the idea of being small.
How's it going 2 years later?
the last comment though " the problem is, if you are making it , then you can't mange. So you need to choose to mange or you choose to make something" Preach! make a video about it in 2020 please
Bonus: master Do speaks truth. i love hearing about the real that goes on in the business, helps a lot thanks
Thanks Gaelan. More behind the scenes content or running an agency on its way.
This is pure value Chris! This little advice that I needed was so valuable. Thanks
This was a really good video, maybe a remake is due soon? I think a lot of Futur fans could use this type of video
Could you do more episodes outside? There's something about it that makes it much more real, like I'm there with you IDK. Plus you look boss in the real world.
yeah. we can do that.
More of these vlog style ones they're great !!
More it is.
The Pharcyde always makes my day ^ ^
These were great questions and tips! Thanks for sharing!!
helloxani you're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Hey Chris. I absolutely love your videos and you are definitely a great role model. Thank you for sharing with all of us your amazing knowledge. Expanding on advice one. I'm working on my personal brand, I want to open my own Freelance business in the future. I have three services I offer Graphic Design/ Illustration and Web Design. Now as you mentioned in the video that it's best to pick one core service which is hard... because clients are looking for the full package logo, print collaterals, and a website. Would it be possible to combined those three services into one and offer as packages? Another question I have is if we pick one core service to start with which for me would be graphic design because it's the service I have more experience with but illustration is where it all started for me with traditional drawing and expanded digitally. How and when would I expand on those services? of course I don't want to sell myself short but I don't want to confuse my audience. Not sure what to do. Also if I keep to one service I will have to change my logo to read my name and then my title graphic designer or is there another term that sums up me being versatile in Graphic Design, Web Design and illustration?
Rockin' the gigantor iPad!
Good eye. iPad pro.
Chris Do and Craig Mack. I likee.
This is some beautiful information
This was a really cool setup we get to see more of California
would you like to see more of santa monica/la?
man i wanna be there! ha ha but yeah seeing it more would be nice but i guess its because i'm adventurer
Well done! Thank you! Your Dropbox link is broken though!
this video is ancient.
The Futur I saw it was dated. Any similar resource?
Thank you for your great content!
Loved the tips. Loved the Vlog even more
We snuck it in there to test. Sounds like people want more.
Sure do! youtube is loaded with tutorial for software - The behind the scenes is what's lacking, and in my opinion the more interesting part design.
Awesome video Chris! Love it!
Also what would you recommend to someone just starting out their marketing journey, no website and no paying clients(just one non-paying client), how do you recommend they go out and approach clients or get clients?
Thanks
P.S I'm in the paid marketing industry( Fb and Google adwords)
Search a blog post I wrote on how to get more clients
You are fabulous ❤
Thank you
I have the same goal, Yes! I have a lot to offer. This really helps! I was going to do branding, I feel that I am really good at branding. I will be sending you my question thanks.
Okay. But record a video. And send us link.
Yes, I will!
You can watch our video response to Ted here: ua-cam.com/video/8Qux2Zqk6aQ/v-deo.html
Hey Chris Is that prescription sunglasses or you got contacts on? :)) Love the show watched all your videos ! keep it up mate
Thanks. They are prescription. I have contacts but I never wear them.
Ahhh I see they're cool
This is really really good content guys. Keep it up!
+Nate Alspaugh Thanks for your encouragement.
referring to the first advice if I do 3 things like this girl and I want to work for other people as a freelance or to brand my business as diverse so how many things can I cram into that one branding?
I would focus on one core strength.
I love this channel. Keep it up!
Thanks Anon for posting a comment.
It's Todd White (with the dreads) and his evangelical team at 1:19
Hi , Am a Multimedia Artist With 8 Year Successful Career ,,, Now the days am Planning to Start a Online Marketing Agency And All kind of Multimedia Services . Can U Suggest Some Tips For my start up !
Awesome answers!
That was really great!
Sweet. Thanks.
Intro Music: Tha Pharcyde - Passing Me By
Classic
Dude this format is siiiik. What happened to this? Also... check out that huge bird dook on the window hahha
haha. couldn't do anything about the bird stuff.
Really well made stuff :-)
Thanks. Getting better everyday.
He always make unicorn content ❤️
Chris, all I have to say is that you live in a really nice place )))
+Mike M Ha! So Cal is pretty awesome. Beautiful weather and people everywhere. Now, keep in mind, this along the famous Santa Monica Bluffs and I don't live here. It's a convenient spot between work and home.
Where do you live?
+The Skool Network I'm in London, UK. Bad weather helps me concentrate on my work more.
Overcast skies can put you in the right creative state of mind.
Go ahead manh
webetutorial for web design services
Was that product placement at 1:34? LOL
nah. we're not sponsored.
I know. I just found the incidental camera pan humorous. :)
Sexy. Period. 💖🙊 Sorry not sorry! Preciate cha! ;)