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Hi Reader,

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We just had a week of being on hurricane “watch”, then “warning” (cuz apparently there are stages, and it escalates). And of course — we had 5 quakes on the heavy rain day. San Diego is getting wild… but aside from my extra soaked patio and a couple of power surges, all good.

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I had time to organize some things in the office and I found old files, designs, and emails… It got me reflecting on how much things change and how much I’ve grown.

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Official stats (from the small business admin gov office) that pulled a lump in my throat:
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First Year: About 80% of new businesses survive their first year.

Five Years: Roughly half of all businesses will survive their fifth year in business.

Ten Years: About one-third of businesses will survive their tenth year.

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I’ve been doing design since 2009… but got official in 2013, and niched down in 2016.
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I’m proud of this little business that has allows me to care for my family and 2 households. If you had told me that in 2013 I would’ve laughed… but now I kinda cry (big fat happy tears).

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It got me thinking about what truly makes someone successful as a designer and I want to pass that on to YOU as a little secret weapon to vet designers. 👀

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Let me tell you, finding the right designer is not just about their favorite style or making things look pretty. It goes waaaaay beyond that.
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➡️ A designer must be a good listener. This is about your business, not a designer's personal preference. The ability to listen and understand your needs is paramount for creating designs that truly reflect your brand's essence.
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➡️ A designer must be strategic. They should not only have a keen understanding of your market but also be willing to listen and research extensively. By doing so, they can bring designs to the table that are not only visually appealing but also aligned with your business growth goals. (This is the backbone of every project for me).

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➡️ And here's the kicker – a designer must always be learning. Just like an eternal student, I'm all about learning and staying up-to-date with the latest and best practices. This ensures that I can deliver designs that not only look great but also incorporate the most effective strategies in the industry. (win-win for my clients, I learn and they benefit!)

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I want to know... is there anything else you would add to this list as a "top thing"? Like, what you'd consider a non-negotiable (I’m honestly super curious 😂).

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Cheers to your success,

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Ingrid

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Penguin Designing

Sent with love from San Diego, CA 🌴

United States

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205

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