Photo Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Clarity of Goals
**Clarity of Goals**: Tracy emphasizes the importance of setting clear, specific goals. He suggests that successful individuals have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and break down their goals into actionable steps. Clarity in goals helps in staying focused and motivated.
I met with a friend last night to talk about her business. It was delightful. The library my favorite place because it has all the answers there, was warm and welcoming as a business meeting place. It was quiet but not so quiet you needed to whisper. We could chat, expand ideas and focus.
Focus is where it got a little wonky. It’s where it gets a little wonky for many people who are doing something they love. The idea is lovely – the concept, the design and then the weeds. We wandered around in the weeds for too long. It was hard to find our way out. Wandering around in the weeds happens to many new potential business people. The weeds we wandered around in touched on how this idea could be used. The idea is 45 years old and beautiful
What happened? The idea to become the business it is chewed like a cow chewing it’s cud. There is no progress. The idea is changed, expanded, contracted but rarely put to market. It may be sold at a craft fair or may actually make it into a juried art show but that’s as far as it goes.
It never becomes a business. Why? It’s too much fun playing with the idea – fiddling with it – making a little money – it pays for itself. A fabulous hobby but not a business.
The clarity of the business goal is never expressed, and actions rarely follow.
What are your clear goals?
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
Conflict Resolution Starts with Conversation
In design and in business conflict is inevitable. Whether it’s a client who changes direction mid-project or a team member who misses a deadline, tensions can rise fast. But most conflicts don’t come from bad intentions; they come from miscommunication. The good news? Strong communication skills can turn potential clashes into opportunities for collaboration and clarity.
Motivating Your Team Through Powerful Words
Design leadership isn’t just about making creative choices—it’s about motivating the people who bring those choices to life. The right words can turn a project into a movement.
Organizing a Speech Like You Organize a Space: Function Meets Flow
“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler Designers know that great spaces aren’t accidents; they’re carefully planned for flow, balance, and purpose. The same rule applies to speeches: when your structure works, your message shines. ...
Know your Audience: Tailoring Presentations
Whether you’re pitching to a client, a builder, or a board, one size never fits all. The secret to a powerful presentation lies in knowing exactly who’s in the room—and speaking their language.
Fear is a Signal
Fear is a signal - not a stop sign Even the most polished designer has felt that familiar flutter before stepping on stage or into a client presentation. Your palms sweat, your voice trembles, and your perfectly crafted ideas suddenly feel tangled. But...
Grammar Matters
In a world where your words represent your brand, grammar isn’t just about correctness it’s about credibility. You can have the best ideas in the room, but if your sentences stumble, people stop listening. When you speak (or write) with precision, you project professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail qualities every successful designer and business owner needs.