Start your own design business - a mini course

Welcome! In this 4 part series, we help you go from idea to finding clients and running your business day to day.

Checklist for part 1:

Ask:

• Why do you want to start your own business?

• Plan ahead: time, equipment and financial buffer

• Decide on what services to offer

• Narrow down and find a niche

• Understand your customers

• Set a vision for your business: what will a typical day look like?

Checklist for part 2:

• Pick the right legal structure

• Register your business (visit your government website to find out how)

• Sign up for business insurance

• Keep clear records of invoices, expenses and copies of receipts

• Use an accounting software to make life easier

Checklist for part 3:

• Create a great routine - how do you want to work day to day?

• Write down a clear process (see our video on project management)

• Find a project management tool that works for you.
  Our favorite options are:
  Trello
  Asana
  Kayla
  Slack

Checklist for part 4:

• Have your own website, not just a social media account

• Describe how you add value to clients and collaborators

• Add case studies with as much detail as possible

• Use your existing network

• Create accounts on 1-2 social media platforms and focus

• Attend in-person networking events (or online ones during COVID-19)

• Join facebook groups to learn and network