The Latest from @designersobriety:
Tips
Make time to sketch, do visual plans, or have fun doodling again. Check out @behance products: http://www.creativesoutfitter.com/#cat2
Project management & billing is key. You have to know your profitability. What do you use? We use @37signals products and designsoft.com
Organization is key. Lets start with the fun stuff - have a good work bag you will love and will keep you organized check out @timbuk2.
Do you have a rainy day plan? What will you do if you lose a bunch of work? Key Employee(s)? Make a mistake? Take time to make a plan.
There is only one tip for this number: Make Creative Matter™ in all you do.
Collaborate with a printer, copywriter, photographer, illustrator orother design & web disciplines. Promote together for a common good.
Generate some business by allowing the calendar to help. Look at holiday promotion opportunities, trade show seasons, sales cycles, etc.
Make a list of the items that depress/overwhelm you to work on. Can you delegate them? If not all - some? Can you tweak your process?
Create community online through social media. It is a fun way to market yourself, network & stay connected. Hopefully this is not news.
Use plugins, shortcuts, shareware and online tools to increase your productivity. (Ask us about our favorites - or tell us yours)
Take time to assess your company's culture. Is it what you want; does it encourage the type of work and employees that you strive for?
Learn to delegate & encourage your team. The formula is simple: Assign task, cast a vision, be available & assess the outcome. Repeat
Budget inspirational & useful conferences for you & your team. Too much? Subscribe to magazines both in & out of the design industry
Do a yearly audit on costs you don't think about(ie. Web hosting, office supplies, postage/shipping) you may be amazed by what you discover.
Make sure you take time off, go on extended vacations & make sure your employees do as well. Work will be there when you get back.
Do a yearly insurance audit: Life, health, liability, E&O, WC, keyman, etc. It's not about saving money, it's about saving your butt.
Contact and thank a teacher or mentor who inspired you.
Create promotions that attract the kind of work you want to do. I know you have heard that before, but are you doing it?
Work on a network of interns & freelancers. This way you can be ready to have the help you need when you need it, help teach & employ.
Build an advisory group that you can go to for advice, guidance and support on all facets of the business.
Schedule time to take great clients & connectors to lunch, food also makes the world go round
Don't worry about where you are at, you can be great anywhere.
Constantly do new things...you need to schedule it.
Be a link in the love chain. Be a part of your community and create, support and promote your local network.
Work where it makes you happy.
Don't be afraid to evolve.
Reduce frustrations by creating great systems and work with decision makers.
Believe in something bigger than you.
Create a great work eco system.
You need to collaborate and grow from the brilliance of others.
You need to commit to both of your lives: personal and work. Don't let work interfere with your personal life, and live a personal life that inspires your work.
Don't be a secret wizard; show your employees how the business works so they understand how they fit and affect the business.
No matter what – do this only if you love it, both the good and the bad.
Check out videos from this year's HOW Presentation
Check out Rule29's
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Downloads
Download the always helpful project list (Numbers '08 format)