Business of Home and Dallas Market Center bring you the next installment of the Business Accelerator Series, a designer experience focused on developing the skills, strategies and confidence to build stronger, more intentional businesses. The second session in this four-part series picks up where we left off in the spring: You’ve secured the project, and it’s time for the real work to begin. We examine the art and psychology of building a client relationship strong enough to support exceptional design; explore the contracts, boundaries and communication practices that lay the foundation for successful projects; and address how to cultivate trust, set clear expectations and guide clients through the creative process with confidence.
Business advisor Sean Low joins BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen to discuss how to establish trust from the outset, communicate clearly and create relationships in which clients feel supported while respecting your expertise.
A well-crafted contract does more than protect your business—it establishes the expectations that set up every project for success. Attorney Wendy Estela breaks down the clauses, boundaries and communication practices designers should prioritize to minimize misunderstandings, navigate challenges and strengthen client relationships.
What actually happens in a winning design presentation? Three designers walk through their real-world process—from slide decks and printed materials to samples and meeting structure—showing exactly how they convey ideas and keep clients engaged. In a follow-up conversation with Petersen, the panel will discuss their methods for helping clients evaluate options, make decisions and move projects forward.