Why I’m All Up in Your Business

I ask a lot of questions. Maybe too many. I know some people are like, “Dag. Can you just design something already??” I will, I will. Patience, grasshopper. I’m genuinely curious by nature and if I’m designing something for you, I not only need specifics, I want to understand why you need what you’ve asked me for. Then I’ll do my best to create something that will be valuable and useful to you. I’ve often said I don’t just “push pixels.” Your marketing communications should be hittin’ on ALL cylinders and when I solicit information that may seem unrelated, I do so because it helps me design pieces that are uniquely you. It’s part of the reason I call myself OneHipSista – I’m hip beyond design or marketing.

In a recent discovery call with a client, I asked them to summarize what they needed. They had an idea of what they wanted, but they talked more about how it should look and weren’t quite sure where to start. They admitted that they’d already tried to do some of what they were looking for, but needed some help. As a lifelong learner and self-starter, I admire anyone who tries to tackle something they’re unfamiliar with. Go you! I assured them that do-it-yourself is not always intuitive or easy – even for me. I listened carefully to some of their wish list items and then…*sigh* I went all extra.

I said, “Sooo, if I understand correctly, your goal in doing this is X. Are you going to run social media campaigns to drive traffic? I mean, have you thought about if and how you want to monetize this? Or is that not your objective? What about endorsement opps or sponsorships? What’s your long-term goal?“

Loud silence. I closed my eyes and thought, “Here YOU go, Valerie. All up in their business and they are just starting out. Just taking their first steps.” When they responded and said they were going to explore those things later, I got the distinct feeling they hadn’t thought that far ahead.

Thing is, I am totally unapologetic for wanting to understand and do more because it’s how I’m made. I can’t settle with the minimum and refuse to follow a path of mediocrity. Plus, me being extra is going to get us all a win. I’m always assessing who and where I am and I’ve come to a realization that I am now confessing to the world:

I am a Consultant.

I sat down – hard – when I realized this. I have to do more! No, I don’t have an MBA. I like (and respect) credentials as much as the next person and I’m certainly pro-education, however, I don’t need a degree to know what I know or to use it to help others. In the past I’ve been dismissed or told to stay in my lane (even when they used my ideas). Man, if I sent out invoices for all the free consulting I’ve done over the years… oy. I don’t even want to think about it. There’d definitely be a CTS-V in my driveway. 640HP. Six hundred and forty, people.

With my realization comes another: instead of complaining about people who aren’t ready, like in my last post, I can help them get ready. That’s the shift I will be focusing on short-term. I’m still available to design logos, decks, websites and more, but I’m going to focus on helping people align their marketing/branding with their business. And I will be charging $500 per hour, minimum 10 hours, because that’s what consultants do, right? I’ll let you know how that goes. (Profit motive: Black on black on black CTS-V, red Recaro seats.)