Your printed material and website are two of the most important elements of your business and what others think about you and what you do.  People can't help but form an opinion about you based on what they see.  Is your printed material and website sending the message you want to send?  Make that first impression count with the right design today.

~Tips for Selecting the Right Designer for You~

1. Do you like their material?  This is a reflection on how important they feel this is to the success of a business.
2. Did they create their own material?  It doesn't really matter if they did or not.  Just be clear about this so you aren't basing a decision partly off of liking the style of their own material and then you find out later they didn't do it.  Even the best designer knows their strengths and weaknesses and will hire others to do what they aren't comfortable doing to get a better result.
3. Do they have knowledge?  I don't mean "book smarts" here.  I'm talking about knowledge of your industry, knowledge about current trends in marketing, etc.  Ask them some questions about what they know about what you do, how they get thier information if they aren't familiar with a particular service or product, how they stay current on trends, etc.  Make sure you feel comfortable with what they know.
4. What's your budget?  You're going to have to spend some money.  You can't afford not to.  How much can you afford?  Do your homework and see what the going rate is.  Ask around - most will share.
5. Do they have options available that fit with your needs?  For example, I offer a free download on how to make sure your website is working for you.  I also offer training and some basic design at an affordable rate for those who want to take the plunge and do it themselves.  If you are going to do it yourself, make sure you understand where things are best placed in your material and on your site.  Make sure you are staying up on the current trends.  Make sure you get input and feedback from people you trust to give it to you honestly.  Please remember that designing a website or a business card or brochure is completely different than someone who is able to coordinate their clothing well or decorate their home beautifully - these are not good measures for whether you asking the right person what they think.  I know that might seem like an odd thing to say but it's important to ask the right people - maybe even pay a professional to give you feedback.  It will be worth it in the long run.
6. What kind of a timeframe are you on?  Can they meet it?
7. Do they have references?  Hear from others how the process went and how satisfied they were with the end results.
8. Integrity.  I can't say enough about this.  Do you like their business practices?  Does it feel right to work with them?  Trust your gut on this one.

I hope these tips give you some things to think about as you move forward in joyfully taking your business to the next level.