How To Run A Creative Business: In-depth breakdown w/ Melinda Livsey
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- Опубліковано 20 чер 2017
- Join new co-host Melinda Livsey as Chris coaches her on how to run her creative business to achieve focus, raise her rates and delegate work to others. This is an in-depth breakdown especially for freelancers who want to start their own business.
Introducing:
Melinda Livsey (co-host)
Marks & Maker
www.marksandmaker.com
Annotations
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00:54 Meet Melinda Livsey
02:18 What did you study at California State University Fullerton?
03:42 How do you schedule time to filter qualified clients?
04:35 What's taking up all of your time in your business?
06:59 Why are you accepting lower paying projects?
10:30 If a project pays you a certain amount, the amount of time it takes is your rate per hour.
13:47 Get some help: 40 Hours a week isn't enough hours to start a successful business
15:48 I outsource work, but project management and explaining the process takes time.
18:49 Every night, I write down what I need for my team to get done on trello.
12:58 Work Longer
13:20 How are you getting new business? Is this a priority for you?
14:20 How many hours can you expect to work per week when you are a business owner? 60? 80?
16:00 How can I delegate to others when it feels like it takes longer to explain it than just to do it myself?
20:00 Use Trello for project management with your team.
23:00 How Chris Do spends his day
25:00 How do you stay focused and on task?
28:29 Responsiveness
29:09 Role play Clients can't afford your services.
37:00 If you say No to the smaller jobs, you are making room for the clients that can afford you.
37:52 Money only has the power over you that you give it.
41:30 Lift the Gates: Show that you work with larger companies, to attract bigger projects.
45:00 Recap
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"If you say no to the ones that can't afford you, you're making room for the ones that can." 37:00
Boom!!!
Going to be staring at the lake all day, waiting for only the big fish to swim by
Yeah, needed to hear that today.
Time to do a pass on non-committal prospective client.
Finding Chris and the Futur was one of best things that has happened to me during this Pandemic.
Welcome to the Futur
Crazy how much value he gives for free isn't it! I feel like I'm in debt to Mr. Do...
Same here even though I am based in Singapore and a lot of low priced enquiries come in I've learnt to say no. Refer to someone able to take the job
oath!!!
I am telling you! Me too
This is really, the most valuable UA-cam content regarding any creative arts and their management that I have ever seen in my 8-9 years in UA-cam. This is the stuff other people charge a lot of money to teach.
thanks Donald for validating what we believe.
I share thesame thought - it's the Favorite playlist on my PC
I've just hit pause because i wanted to write this. *I don't see ANYBODY doing videos like these.* I've shared quite a few, as in "you have got to check this out." I'll shut up now. Keep going.
thanks Carlos!!
Also, very corageous from Melinda Livsey to do this.
Thank you!
Absolutely. This is raw, true advice that would probably cost thousands. Chris and the team are going to see how much they impact soon because this channel is truly groundbreaking
Melinda Livsey Thank you! You are making the same mistakes everybody is making and this is a great opportunity to address them. Here are my 20 cents:
*Time spent on smaller tasks*
If you have a deadline for a task, force yourself to do it closer to the deadline and make Parkinson's Law work for you. You will freak at first (OMG, I only have this time to do this?!), but eventually be amazed at the quality you can achieve (the client doesn't need to know. And when they ask for changes, you'll be less invested)
*Focus*
I'm just starting out using GTD. Very simplistically, when you write things down (everything) your brain will worry less
*Putting the hours*
I struggle with this. Working alone is a big problem. I wonder if some kind of virtual workspace (or even a spreadsheet!) where everyone can see the hours everyone is putting in would work.
Again, keep up the good work!
A comment to help you sleep better at night, Chris:
I know you said you're worried about the audience falling asleep with the number talk, but I actually got more engaged when I realized how in depth you were going. No one talks about number, and I really enjoy learning more about the "spreadsheets" behind the business.
Thank you. I appreciate the positive feedback
@@thefutur lets go! 2 yrs l8r bra
@@thefutur You state that investing 60h-80h a week in your company is a "reality" to get good results, but it seems impossible to manage the family life (having a kid) then. Do you manage to have a quality time with your family and kid with such a skedule? Or sacrificing all is the only way to go forward?
Notes:
13:55 40 hour work week.
22:58 Chris Do work schedule
25:02 Focus sheet
28:26 Responsiveness
39:05 Courage
41:37 Lift up the gates
Enjoying your notes.
Thank you! So many times I revisit thefutur videos and keep scrubing through the videos. I ve decided to make notes so I can get to what resonates with me sooner.
You attract the kind of clients that you are. If you are cheap, your clients are cheap. Your business is always a reflection of you. Your home life is desorganized, your business is desorganized.
You don't know how to deal with people at home as a person, as a friend, you don't know how to deal with people in business. If you want better clients you first you gotta make some internal changes and change a little bit of who you are because you attract the kind of client that you are. It's very very simple.
Wise words!
I strongly agree Lucas, what we see in others is always a reflection in the mirror. Tough pill to swallow even for me who acknowledges and understands that. Our perspectives depict our lives. Wish you well friend🙏
This video is powerful. I put in at least 90 hours of work. 45 hours goes to working for someone else, the rest goes to researching and developing the business of me. Told my wife that my goal is to have $100k in two years. I see how I can do it, and watching these videos really gives a completely different perspective. Thanks for the valuable info. 👍
It didn't even feel like a 46min video, nice content!
LOVE this, this is awesome. Honestly appreciate the long format, sans cuts.
I've been spending last days watching your videos 16 hours a day, taking notes, studying and trying to get the most out of your work to improve myself and start my activity.
It's actually a pretty dark period and the value you provide is helping me tremendously.
Thank you so much for what you do, Chris.
loving the free flowing conversation and I am not even in the business side/graphic designing. I was hooked to all the general wisdom you were sharing keep it up. +1
When you're just getting started with your workday and praying for a new long episode!!! Thank you for yet another resourceful episode Chris!
I love this video. Melinda asks the exact questions and comments the exact stuff I would, it feels. Very useful.
I think I am going to listen to this every Monday morning for a refresher on how to run my business. This is gold!
This is the video that got me to subscribe after a dozen or so different videos I've seen over the past year.
"It's all just a game", and your poker playing friend really spoke to me about how I should separate myself from the money of the business.
The takeaway from all of this for Melinda that got missed though, you need to more clearly define your inbound process. When you do that, someone else can take over your inbox, your inbound calls, your text messages, and reply with a canned response directing the inquiries to fill out a new project application. This application should deal with the money question up front easily. The follow up process to the completion of the project can put them easily into the next steps to schedule a meeting on days when you talk to new clients, etc.
Good luck getting better qualified business. You can always run some landing pages or alternate forms aimed at the lower priced markets to direct people towards if you suspect that the budget might be sensitive and you're willing to consider the work.
not only is this helpful for someone running or starting their own business, but also helps you understand what someone running a creative business deals with - if you're a designer working for someone running their own business..
good point. you are right!
so helpful - This is truly content marketing done correctly!!! delivering real value that addresses customer pain points or queries!!! I hate it when people bait you with tips to give the impression that they're pros just so they can sell you on a course which probably doesn't even help that much!! For me, its all about earning my trust first and then only do I feel comfortable with parting with my money to invest in what you are teaching!!
I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the content you guys put out. Sometimes facts and values like this are what inspire people. Dreams are great, but somebody telling you how to achieve them, or how they achieved their own makes it seem a lot more concrete and possible. Thank you for that.
I watched twice to make sure I get as much value! I've started a Focus sheet aside from my normal To-Do list, I'm also redoing my website with the mentality that it's going to be acting as my gate-keeper against trash clients, and I'm going to add more time for work each day. Thanks so much Chris!
I'm speechless... This is literally one of the most VALUABLE videos anyone running their own creative business needs to watch. I am awe struck at how similar Melinda's story is to mine and there is so much incredible advice to take away from this. Bravo! Just awesome!
Dani Mead glad you can relate!
Just starting my creative agency and I can completely totally relate with this. Thank you for doing this.
Happy you can relate!
I'm just now seeing all of your videos and I'm amazed and inspired. It really hits close to home. I've been doubting myself as a designer and wondering if I'm really doing what I want to be doing because it hasn't been enough to get ahead (out of school debt, take care of my family etc.) I've been handling it all wrong - pricing extremely low and not managing myself correctly. I feel that I can take my notes away from this and make a better life for my family and I. The part about not letting the money control you was especially important to me. I grew up in an immigrant family that had a business that failed with no backup plan and we literally starved at some points. I never wanted to be in those shoes again so I take whatever jobs I get freelance on top of my 9-5 inhouse design job to make ends meet. I now see the light on how it's possible that I can make adjustments and make room for better things! I've not watched TV in these last few days watching your videos. Thank you!
I have just discovered your channel and I am so happy I have! You deliver the message in a really interesting way that I can relate to immediately. Even though I'm not a graphic designer, your lessons are universal to most designer careers.
Thank you!
"Release the power that money has over you" that is the best thing I could heard right now.
I just love your videos Chris. Thanks Melinda for asking the Qs. Some of them are a burning pain for me as well. And I have started learning to love the math. It gives me so much clarity on my business. Thanks a ton to both of you.
I love that we can learn together.
I just have to say this now... I love you man!
You are always just on point, saying the right things and hitting the right places.
Let's work hard and hustle!
Chris, you are amazing! Thank so much for all of this material, it's making all the difference. Melinda, thank you so much for putting yourself out there for us to learn from. I will be forever grateful for this playlist of videos!
This video is so refreshing & so enlightening. I like the new environment and lighting as well. 👨🎨 Thanks!
💎 This is a real goldmine for creatives 'Business of One' just like me.
So many great tips in this one!
Chris your personal story is really inspiring. This channel is the most informative design Chanel I've ever subscribed to. You're the MAN!
Such a great channel!
This episode is pure gold, so much things to process. Thank so much Melinda, Chris
Chris, your content is so helpful and it gives us confidence. Being young and still in school it can be daunting to face the real world when we have little to no experience. But after watching just a couple of your videos I feel so much better about my future.
This is the best "how to business" video I have ever seen. You really ask in-depth questions, with real numbers, things that really mather and so on. Thank you very much!!! Keep up the good work :)
Thanks for watching, TheAmaretsu!
I was also having a problem with this "No" thing from the client and I can totally relate with Melinda about those "confrontational" feelings. This interview has so much depth and clarity towards the running the creative business along with the ugly truth. We often get confused with creating stuff and how to making money from it without getting exploited. Thanks for the share!
Glad I'm not the only one! Being creative and running a business forces me to confront myself and how I deal with things.
Thank you Chris for sharing all your wisdom! We need more people like you that really makes a differences in changing people’s way of thinking and therefore their lives for the better. ❤️
You have becoming a teacher to me and now I’m planing to open my own marketing agency due to everything I’ve learned from you and the team.
Thank you.
Particularly great insight from about 42:05. Loving the analogies throughout.
Very relatable to my business scene, thanks Melinda and Chris for your openness and honesty.
You're very welcome, Daniel!
I surely relate to this.. As being an solopreneur i was struggling wit all thats being talked abt.
I wish to see more of this "real" conversations.
Thanks Chris
More is coming!
3 years later? In my UA-cam feed? This is the absolute gold content, and I am so grateful, you guys.
I am learning lots of wisdom still working on my brand as an artist but to have time management has never been my skill . Thanks you I know what I need to work on now!!!
Yay for keyboard shortcuts video! Cant wait.
I'm a fairly recently self employed carpenter who came across a clip of you (Chris) giving some seminar about pricing on Facebook.
I subscribed and have tried to follow along as and when I have time (2 kids!). I did design at college about 20 years ago so I can relate on some level to the principles of logo design but at its core, everything you talk about can be copy and pasted into most if not all aspects of being self employed.
I think this channel and what you're doing is incredible and very generous of you both.
Thank you so much and best of luck to Melinda in pushing past those barriers! They are there for me too. Biggest one I related to is holding off on the "money talk". For me, it's a bit like if I've invested time in coming up with an idea, a strategy, a design etc, I feel then as though I've earned the right to ask for the money I'm asking for. Coming up with a set figure from the start without showing the client I'm prepared to be invested in their dream, almost feels cheeky. But it shouldn't. Chris is right.
I'll try to take it on board!
Tom Scourfield hi Tom. Welcome to the channel. You are right. What I'm sharing is broadly applicable. Glad you saw the connection.
Good luck with your business.
Tom Scourfield thanks!
This series is so unbelievably helpful and unlike anything I've ever seen. And it's only episode 2!
Get to episode 8 and let us know what you think.
The transparency in your videos is amazing!
Love the episode Chris. Thank you
Love these nitty gritty conversations, keep it up mr Do!
melinda is coming back tomorrow to record the next segments.
Looking forward to more!
Wow this is a lot to take in but a wealth of information. Chris I love your transparency in this video. I think people perceive you as someone who always had everything at your fingertips, but this sets it straight. Keep doing what you're doing because it helps so many people in the creative world, especially those of us just starting out. Here's a big THANK YOU!!
I watched the video in its entirety. Futur, we love the content. 1 hour, 2 hours, doesn't matter. Your in-depth detail in every aspect is what I love about the stuff you put out.
This was a super insightful episode! Got some ideas where and how to improve. Thanks for sharing Chris and Melinda!
Awesome, Marko!
I'm glad that I came across this video, this is life changing !!!! Thank you so much
Keep us updated on your progress! Would love to hear how you implemented the advice.
I love this. thank you for sharing. so applicable to my work, ie. put up a few pieces of work in its best light, to show it is expensive and thoughtful and intentional.
I love "The Process" series, I wish I would've had found it earlier to avoid many mistakes I made. Thank you!
Awesome content. So many points here hit right at the heart of some of my limiting stories, worries, and excuses that have kept me playing small. This content is pointed, succinct, and is helping me cut through my crap and get in touch with a much healthier / prosperous way to approach my work. Big thanks.
William Hastings yes! I love to hear this.
BEST VIDEO EVER. This was particularly a great video for me Chris. Even if you had already answered these questions in other episodes, I think this was an awesome way to put myself into her shoes and her direct advice from you. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Yoonji, so happy you found this helpful. Sometimes I need to hear the same thing, said in many different ways, before it sinks in.
In the end was some great advice, Make your samples and site appear upscale and adjust your mindset to expect higher paying clients. Great video Melinda and Chris!
This video is inspiring... I love how he challenges Melinda and how real he’s being!
My favourite take-away is don't let money have power over you and work on talking about budgets in the beginning and often. Thank you for this video. Always appreciated 💯
Great take-aways! Two of my favorites as well.
Thanks a lot for this, was extremely helpful and I liked how both of you were calm and honest
Thanks Shayan!
Chris, I love watching and listening to you mentor and talk about these kinds of open topics. Business, numbers and tangible growth over simple dreams and wishes. This the DEEP business of design and I love it!
we mix it up. short bite sized pieces for the attention starved folks and some deeper content for those that want to dive in.
the part about not letting money have power over you - truly transformative. thank you so much.
wow, some great points, that power of money over you... and the ideas about the impressions you give on your website etc. food for much thought!
loved the hotel metaphor at 32:00
I'm 25, freelancer. Your videos are absolute gem. I'm binge watching all your videos now. I wish I discovered your channel when I started out my business. Thanks chris for bringing so much value.
Thank you for educating us Chris and Melinda!
Man, you're like a therapist to her/us! Thanks. I think we secretly know these things, but sometimes you have to (be made) say it out loud, so you can hear the advice! This video was awesome.
thanks Lisa.
subscribed, thank you this is really an eye opening stuff.
I greatly appreciate what you are doing Chris . Thanks
You are DEFINITELY NOT "losing me" doing the math on her income exercise! I LOVED that! That is the kind of thing you do not learn in school, at least not for those of us who did not go to design school (my degrees are in science and I have switched over to web design) so this is extremely helpful and interesting to me! Great video!
Hi, your videos have been very inspiring. I love them, I would please like to know what schools are the best to consider studying graphic design in?
This is a great video with down to earth content, I don't think it can get better than this. I was able to relate at every step of the conversation, took down some notes for action items and also wrote down some future questions. I look forward for more of this. Well done Melinda and Chris.
Thanks, Victor! I'm excited to hear your future questions.
On a binge with your content Chris. Thanks so much for sharing man. Much love
This is incredibly helpful! I am very much relating to Melinda and her business journey. Keep up the fantastic content!
This isn't just business, this is therapy.
in a way, business coaching is exactly that. it should be therapeutic. that's my approach.
The Futur is one of those channels producing content that makes me super excited about. I just hope this thing reach millions of people some time. Chris, you are somehow a virtual mentor to me. After following you for a while, watching, reading and listening to your content, I know I can trust what you talk about.
Thanks a lot for all of this. Cheers,
a design student from Argentina.
Totally agree. He was my virtual mentor before I met him.
Juan Martin Germano thank you. Hope to see you grow in every way.
One of the most impactful videos I've ever seen on youtube. Fantastic job.
Hey Chris, thank you so much for this video. It is enlightening and I am on the right track from all your explanation with Melinda. Thank you!
You pay good money for this kind of advice. Top man Chris for sharing this, and looking forward to putting this process into action!
she got it for free by agreeing to be on the show.
38:16
Chris, this made me respect you even more.
I honestly thought "Hey, he's the Asian guy who was born in States".
I am listening to your podcast for the first time while doing my morning routine. It's excellent! I love the advice. Thank you so much for a great educational start of my day! Subscribed!👌
I knew this channel from "Nasseh Aziki" - i'm from West Borneo and before i was ever work in other country as graphic designer for printing and advertising. I'm going from zero mile and learn quite more from this channel and have one dream built a start up.
Really nice video. I liked the part (near the end) when you talked about the money, your background and the way you said how are you comfortable with having nothing. Money is a great servant, but a terrible master if you let it. I think this kind of psychology and mindset is really underrated when you are starting something new and I liked the way how you brought it to the table. It's very important to find the way to get out from your comfort zone. We often hear people to talk about that, but i saw maybe a handful of people to actually do that. Also, as someone who often had effective cca 90 working hrs per week (in my biz ofc, can't imagine to put that amount of time for someone else), I think being more productive is far more important than pumping numbers on your clock or being busy with something where you are NOT putting your max effort in. Discipline and organisational skills are crucial there. Time is the most valuable resource and asset you will ever have and, unlike money, that kind of bad investment you can't get back. Just my 2 cents on this video. Good job (u and Melinda both) and keep it up.
Thank you! I totally agree about your time comment too. Just adding hours won't do much. Like you said, productivity and organization is key!
love this video, getting into the hard stuff
Please make more of these!! They are super helpful. And thank you Chris for everything that you do for the designers.
More to come!
Chris Do, you are a great man. Thank you for sharing your advice. After working for myself for a good part of 20 yrs, I feel more empowered and have a deeper understanding of where I can improve. Thank you!!!!
Chris, it's very evident that you come across loads of people like Melinda, regardless of age or experience, where by people find it hard to say no to any work (money) that comes in simply because "bills need to get paid'. Have you ever spoken about how to get the big clients when you don't have 'big client work' to show?
i think i have. you want a deep dive?
I think it will help immensely
Good question, Emir!
I would say move in the circles where you want to find your big clients. Relationships are everything, and once you get your first couple of big clients the rest will start knocking on your door, specially if you keep providing quality and being reliable at any time. Just my 2 cents, hope that helps
this was a great share guys! thank you!!
Thanks so much, Chris & Melinda for this very insightful video. As a freelance photographer, I really needed to hear this, to aid me in reaffirming my value as a creative, what my focus should be and how to approach clients with more effectiveness.
Life changing stuff that will keep me as a subscriber for as long as I am a creative.
Such a helpful video!! And respect to Melinda for being so authentic and honest! I'm going through the same process so this is so helpful to me thanks a lot from Germany!! So interesting to see over and over again how much personal development and handling your personal complexes and false education is in self-employment! Keep the honest and amazing videos coming!!
Another excellent video, so much insightful content. I head up a small animation studio in South West England which on a quiet day is essentially just me (on a busy day there's 4 of us here). I can relate to 100% of the questions being asked in this video. Finding the balance between taking any work when quiet and keeping yourself free for the bigger jobs that may or may not be around the corner is a struggle. We've just passed the 2 year mark successfully running our biz after a decade working for other studios. Oh and I had to pause your video twice, just to make immediate changes to our site.... on to the next video... but first a cuppa tea.
Working hard right along side you. Congrats on the 2 years!
Real good stuff, I like you bringing in designers and coaching/helping in the vids. In fact I prefer this over random silly questions from the viewers. By having a verity of guest you will cover the different members of your audience without the "what should I read, is there a list ?" questions you seem to get every week. Great job, keeping helping people get out of level 1!
that's my mission Gilberto! let's move the community forward.
The Futur is the rising tide that lifts all boats.
Oh wow. This interview hit me square on the face. I love the way Chris is able to really think and help creators get the most out of their services. This was awesome!
Best business interview I have seen in a long while!
This movement you are creating is really a great help for the design community. Not just for people who wants to start their own creative business but also to empower creative workers. Money is one thing, but giving value to others and being appreciated is priceless.
I concur. Chris and the team have done so much for us all. And they are teaching us by example to pay it forward.
What would be the breakdown of a branding job you charge 5-7K for? Exactly how much work are you doing for that figure?
Hi Gokmen. My typical brand identity jobs currently consist of a logo, secondary logo, pattern, typefaces, color palette and suggested photography. I go through a questionnaire/research phase, design strategy, 1-3 design options, and production. I also show each design option on different applications to give an overall sense of the how the identity would look. Depending on the complexity, the project can take anywhere from12-40 hours. It's a big range, but the jobs vary and I'm constantly refining my process. Hope that helps!
Damn, you've obviously got some well off clients!
Absolutely brilliant video and content. There is certainly than enough advice and ideas here to really change my business. Most times as business owners, we all know about doing some of these things. But this video helps bring it together for me and helps me understand how to actually take action. And the production quality is outstanding.
Brian Matthews thanks! Can't wait to hear your progress.
I can't believe how much I have grown in the past few years. I use to be just like Melinda but today I am much more focused on efficiency and can tell what tasks are worth my time. I'm not even afraid to bring up budget right from the start. My confidence has grown significantly. I'm even able to keep my cool when people lose their shit and I can tell they feel bad afterwards in this situation. XD
congrats.
This video series is incredible, thanks so much for sharing this information. Sharing with my freelancer friends now. Keep up the great content!
great job on the video :) got a lot of great lessons from this segment, please produce more content on these types of topics thanks, Chris!
More on the way!
Gold. Yet another episode of The Future where I find myself pausing and taking notes. These frank discussions about money, time and value are crucial in this age of solopreneurs and micro businesses.
-Mike
Gyroscope Media thanks MIKE.
Take notes and take action!
The focus sheets made me think of 'Bullet Journaling'. Particularly the "Daily" section of it. I also found that writing down what you need to do for that day cuts out distractions.
I came here wanting business knowledge and I left with design therapy. This was a fantastic video and I’m glad I found this channel.
Thank you!!