Envisioning Possibilities – Reputation
Promises
“ The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.” Robert Frost
My biggest tip is to keep your promises. Do what you say you are going to do. We make a promise to our clients, associates, and friends when we say we are going to “do” something.
As a volunteer, especially in the business world, your actions are scrutinized by potential clients. They observe whether you complete your tasks on time, the quality of your work, and your level of commitment. This underscores the importance of maintaining a good reputation.
Building a good reputation takes time but can be lost in a heartbeat. Be proactive, stay authentic, and prioritize your business’s reputation for long-term success!
From Fearful to Fearless:
Every confident speaker once shook in their shoes.
How to Answer “Tricky” Questions
When you stay calm, clarify with repetition, and bridge back to your core ideas, you guide the dialogue rather than chase it. The result? You come across as thoughtful, credible, and persuasive exactly the qualities clients and colleagues remember.
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
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.
The Designer’s Elevator Pitch:
If you can’t explain your vision in a minute, you’ll lose the moment. In the world of design, opportunities often appear unexpectedly,a quick chat at a showroom, a brief meeting at a networking event, or a chance encounter with a potential...
I agree with you, that if we don’t do what we have said we will, that will get noticed. It’s important to under promise and over deliver, as they say.