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.
Think Fast, Speak Smart
When someone tosses a tough question your way, your brain might go blank before your mouth opens. That’s normal—but it’s not permanent. The trick is to pause with purpose, not panic. The repeat-pause-answer method lets you buy time...
Social Savvy
Elegant events aren’t just about the wine and the lighting they’re where lasting professional connections begin. With confidence, curiosity, and a graceful goodbye, you can turn any gala or awards night into an opportunity for genuine rapport.
Sweat Palms
Swap sweaty palms for confident handshakes.
Tell Me More
A few months ago, I watched a young designer at a networking event nervously circle the coffee station. She rehearsed “So, what do you do?” at least four times before finally approaching a woman from a major firm. Five minutes later, they were laughing...
The Conversation
Because small talk isn’t small at all. It’s where big things begin.
Power of Story Telling
The Power of Storytelling in Your Presentations Make the client the hero.Your presentation isn’t just about showcasing your design genius it’s about inviting the client into their own success story. When they can see themselves living in the space you’re describing,...