The Designer Network

What does a graphic designer have in common with a real estate agent? Not much when you compare the details of their job requirements.

However, chances are pretty good that graphic designer knows one and because most graphic designers are obsessively concerned with their reputation, that real estate agent is probably one of the best.

Why is this important?

If the design businesses you partner with aren't sharing their networks with you, something may be off about your relationship with them.

Likewise, if you aren't tapping into your designer's professional network to enhance and grow professionally and personally, you may also be missing out.

Instead of calling when you need a logo design, call and find out if they can be a resource for something else…like a real estate agent.

Graphic Design vs. Annual Reports

I meet with a business coach about every 2 months or so and yesterday we met to discuss marketing. She asked me what I say to potential clients I want to work with and I ran through a couple of mock conversations with her.

She said, "y'know, you talk a lot about graphics and graphic design, but as a general consumer I don't know what that is. If you enjoy designing annual reports for example, then say that."

Afterwards, I attended a social gathering with about 150 local business people and as they asked me what I did, I told them my company designs annual reports. The response was completely different than what I normally got. People were actually engaged, interested and willing to give me referrals of people they know.

It is amazing what can open up out of being specific in your message. This includes being specific in your advertising and marketing efforts. The best marketing is the simplest marketing.

©2008 David Scott | Cosmic: Graphic Design & Branding

Business Networking

Here in St. Pete, business networking is the buzz word of the day and if you don't belong to a business networking group, well you just won't succeed. At least, that's what I'm told, anyway. It really is amazing at how many of these groups there are around here. There's BNI, NPI, Free Networking International, Le Tip and Business Builders just to name a few.

I joined a small group called Local Business Networking (LBN). The group meets every Wednesday at 7:25am in the community room of Perkins restaurant and they seemed to take a liking to me so much that they made me secretary, which basically means I take attendance. The group is really a great group. There's a good deal of comraderie and everyone has a fun time at the meetings and it's an awesome group if you are a small business owner like a plumber, termite specialist, you sell Mary Kay or are even a massage therapist. It is not, however, for the professional graphic designer.

While I respect what groups like my LBN group does for small businesses, most of the members can't justify the costs associated with professional graphic design services. Especially when they can do it themselves using Microsoft Word! In other words, these groups are loaded with people that are overly concerned with cutting costs instead of taking steps to enhance their professional image. I've heard this referred to as steping over dollars to pick up pennies. If you play your cards right, what you put into your company you'll get back tenfold. Likewise, if you spend little you get little back.

Generating a powerful brand for your company does take time and money. It also builds confidence and morale. Can you see that a confident and high energy sales team wouldn't have to work so hard to get business? Graphic design is critcal to developing a strong corporate image that is backed by inspiring people. In the long run, the money is always well spent.

©2007 David Scott | Cosmic