The Affluent Creative  Por  arte de portada

The Affluent Creative

De: Melissa Galt
  • Resumen

  • What if you had a business coach who was a creative just like you, and could ask them about how they built a successful business they love? That’s what we do each week on The Affluent Creative. Hosted by Melissa Galt –– award winning business coach, marketing consultant, and interior designer with over 3 decades of creative experience –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to create systems and processes, increase your confidence, and build a quality team to support you. The goal is to give you the information and resources you need to avoid being overworked and undervalued, and help you earn more in less time with less stress.
    2022
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Episodios
  • 095: Saving Time & Money with AI
    Jul 15 2024

    In the fast-paced world of design, staying ahead of the curve is a must. One powerful way to achieve this is by implementing the use of AI, aka: “artificial intelligence.” Gone are the days when AI was seen only as a novelty, used for writing love poems. Today, it’s a powerful tool that can transform your business. From automating repetitive tasks to generating fresh ideas, AI is changing the way designers work. If you are hesitant about this change, I want to remind you that change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, AI can be so helpful and powerful, that it saves you time and money.

    In this episode, we dive into how AI can shake things up in your design business. We talk about embracing change and innovation, maximizing efficiency, and why exploration and learning are essential practices when it comes to integrating AI into your workflow.


    EMBRACING CHANGE AND INNOVATION

    Embracing change is key to staying relevant. AI presents a unique opportunity for designers to innovate, by giving them back time, so they can focus on their most creative tasks. AI can help you amplify your creativity. It’s not about replacing your ideas, but supercharging them!

    Innovation doesn’t stop at generating ideas or creating designs. When you adopt new AI tools, you can streamline your entire design process. Whether it’s through AI-driven design renderings, email newsletter creation, or writing website copy, the innovation potential is beyond what you can fathom. It’s time to embrace these changes, so you aren’t left behind while the rest of the industry is moving forward.

    EFFICIENCY AND TIME MANAGEMENT

    Time is a precious resource, and thankfully, AI can improve time management and productivity. It’s almost like an assistant you have always wished you could find. It automates repetitive tasks like project management, so you have more time to focus on other aspects of your work.

    Imagine having more time to explore new concepts or fine-tune your current projects! That’s the power of AI. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter and getting more done in less time.


    EXPLORATION AND LEARNING

    Integrating AI into your design practice should be a fun, exploration. Allowing yourself to experiment and “play” with new tools can lead to improvements. You need to approach this with a mindset of curiosity and fun. This is a wonderful opportunity to enhance your skills and expand your capabilities.

    Don’t rely solely on formal training, to start using this technology. I believe the best way to approach AI, is with hands-on experience. Dive in, play around, and see what works best for you and your business. It’s all about embracing the journey of discovery and using AI to enhance your design skills.

    TAKE A CHANCE ON AI - IT JUST MAY SURPRISE YOU

    By embracing change and innovation, optimizing your efficiency, and staying curious through exploration and learning, you can harness the full potential of AI in your business.

    If you are ready to save time and money, then embrace the change, explore the possibilities, and let AI become a tool to help you achieve greater success.

    IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

    • (2:15) Why you should use AI in your marketing tasks

    • (5:20) 7 marketing tasks you can outsource to AI

    • (10:50) Benefits to using Chat GPT in your marketing

    • (17:30) Website copy and the specific pages you need on your site

    • (24:20) The mindset you need to have when approaching AI

    • (26:50) A list of different AI tools you can use as a designer

    • (36:15) Why I don’t like chatbots

    • (39:40) Whether you should be trained how to use AI

    Mentioned:

    081: The Four Steps to Landing Every Project



    When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

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    41 m
  • 094: 10 Tips for an Efficient Design Business, Part 1
    Jul 8 2024
    Running a design business can be both rewarding and challenging. With tight deadlines, demanding clients, and the pressure to stay creative, efficiency sometimes takes a backseat. What if there were simple, actionable tips that could transform your workflow, boost your profits, and ultimately lead to more satisfying work and happier clients? In this episode, you will discover 10 tips to help you run an efficient design business. These tips focus on strategic planning and goal setting, efficient communication and collaboration, and productivity and delegation. By implementing these strategies, you will be on your way to mastering efficiency and achieving success in your design business. STRATEGIC PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING In order to run an efficient design business, you need clear and realistic goals. You must establish these goals at the beginning of each year, and then break them down into quarterly, monthly, and weekly goals. This approach not only makes the tasks more manageable but it also ensures steady progress throughout the year. Tracking progress, setting milestones, and celebrating small wins can keep your team motivated and on track. Also, it is much easier to correct your course, when you regularly review your progress against your goals. Another critical aspect of strategic planning is setting healthy boundaries with clients. Implementing boundaries is a life changer, especially if your clients are frequently texting you, asking questions about the project. Including clear expectations and boundaries in your letter of agreement helps to manage client relationships effectively. Regular project updates, whether weekly or biweekly, ensure that everyone is on the same page. This strategic approach not only streamlines operations but also builds a more professional and respectful relationship with clients. EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION Streamlining communication within your team and with your clients can significantly boost efficiency. Reducing email clutter will save you time. Utilizing team communication tools helps maintain organized communication channels. Leveraging email subject lines and having digital folders for each client makes it easier to find important information quickly. Regularly cleaning out spam and trash emails keeps your inbox manageable. My personal rule is to never have more than 50 unread emails in my inbox at a time. Assigning buddies to new hires and conducting regular check-ins ensures that new team members integrate smoothly and are up to speed. By leveraging these tools and practices, you create an environment where communication flows effortlessly. PRODUCTIVITY AND DELEGATION If you have ever heard that multitasking is effective, I am here to tell you that is false! Multitasking might seem like a good idea, but it leads to decreased productivity and it increases stress. Focusing on one task at a time, or uni-tasking, allows you to enter your zone of genius where creativity and productivity thrive. There is nothing more powerful than being able to give your total focus to one project. Speaking of focus, having a private office space can help you minimize distractions and maximize your focus. Delegating and outsourcing are other vital strategies you should start exploring if you aren’t doing so already. Outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping, rendering, and presentation board creation can free up your time to focus on what you do best. Additionally, automating routine tasks through AI can also enhance efficiency. If you are ready to master efficiency, so you can make more profit, serve happier clients, and do more fulfilling work, then make sure to listen to this episode for all 10 tips! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: (1:45) Establishing realistic goals (3:55) Streamlining your communication (10:40) Setting healthy boundaries with clients and your team (13:40) The importance of project management software (15:45) Reducing the frequency and length of meetings (18:15) Encouraging teamwork (20:55) Enhancing the work environment (23:50) Why you need to stop multitasking (27:40) Working distraction-free in a private office area (29:20) The types of tasks you need to outsource (32:40) Automating tasks using AI When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.
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    34 m
  • 093: 5 Steps to Get Everything You Want
    Jul 1 2024

    As a designer, you might find yourself stuck in old patterns and beliefs that are preventing you from reaching your goals. You may think you aren’t good enough to be published. You may believe that you have to always say “yes” to every single prospect, regardless if it’s an ideal project or not. These types of patterns and beliefs don’t just affect your business, but your personal life as well.

    In this episode, you will learn about the transformative power of identity shifts and how they can help you achieve everything you want, in business and personal life. I am sharing the five steps you need to implement in order to shift your identity and see profound changes in your life.



    THE POWER OF THE “I AM” STATEMENT

    Understanding the power of identity is crucial for professional and personal growth. Your “I am” statements define your self-perception and guide your actions. Whether you say, “I am a runner” or “I am a workaholic,” each statement reflects your commitment to specific behaviors and actions you take.

    Changing your identity involves aligning your actions with the person you aspire to become. Overcoming limiting beliefs and adopting new habits can lead to transformative shifts. By intentionally shaping our identities and consistently taking steps toward our goals, you empower yourself to get everything you want.



    WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?

    Take some time to think about the person you aspire to become. What qualities define this ideal version of yourself? Write down these qualities and values as a guidepost. For inspiration, look for someone who is real and relatable, such as friends, peers, or fellow designers. Study their journey and the actions they took to achieve their goals. By understanding their journey, you can gain insights that may help you shape your own path.

    After actively seeking out 1 to 3 individuals who inspire you, the next step is to deliberately emulate their actions and behaviors. Don’t just copy and do what they do. After all, they may not have the same exact goals that you do. This process is more about embodying their mindset and approach. As you immerse yourself in similar practices, you will start to mold yourself into the person you envision.

    EMBODY AND CELEBRATE YOUR NEW IDENTITY

    As you become more committed to this change, you need to embody your new identity. It’s not just about going through the motions, it’s about internalizing these actions until they become second nature. Act as if you are already the person you aspire to be. This shift from doing to being is transformative.

    To reinforce this transformation, it’s critical that you celebrate your progress along the way. When you find yourself aligning your actions with your new identity, you need to stop and appreciate those moments. Acknowledge and reward yourself for the steps you are taking towards your growth. This positive reinforcement strengthens your commitment and motivates you to keep moving forward.


    SELF-COMPASSION ALONG THE WAY

    While celebrating your progress is critical, it’s equally as important to show yourself compassion when you falter on your journey. Journeys include setbacks and you will make mistakes along the way. When these setbacks occur, reflect on how the new version of you would respond. Instead of dwelling on failure, give yourself grace and learn from the experience. The new version of you would not give up in the face of challenges. They would choose to learn and grow. By embracing this mindset, you empower yourself to navigate obstacles with resilience and determination.

    It’s time to embrace change, get out of your comfort zone, and become the person who achieves everything they set their heart on.



    IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:
    • (1:35) Figuring out your “I am” statements

    • (5:45) Examples of limiting beliefs designers hold

    • (9:50) Why taking action without shifting your identity is self-sabotage

    • (12:45) The power of changing your identity with intention

    • (20:05) The five steps to shifting your identity

    • (34:45) Why comfort zones are not actually comfortable

    • (36:30) The question you need to ask yourself at the start of the day

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    39 m

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