Writing a new business plan

Do you see your firm as an Orchestra, a Rock Band, or a Jazz Quartet?

I use this continuum not because they all represent different genres, but because they reflect key management and leadership approaches.

An orchestra can be described as a large but extremely crafted ensemble, where execution is critical and individual imagination is limited in order to achieve maximum execution of fine detail. A single leader oversees and directs the pace and arrangement, and coaxes the performance to his or her liking. The common goal of seeking perfection shapes the culture of an orchestra.

A rock band has a different structure. Every band has a leader, but in most cases is ‘first among equals.” Bands that don’t have this structure tend to be short-lived. The music is largely set, but creativity has a place at the table.

A jazz quartet survives on creativity. With every performance, members look for ways to add individual creativity inside the loose format of the music. On any given day, the performance changes from the input of its members and the audience.

Deciding what type of band you are is vital to determining what kind of firm you want to be and helps you structure the priorities of your firm.

Developing a strategy for firm growth

Why did you decide to start your firm? What did you hope to achieve?

This is the question that you must be able to explain in any circumstance. In an elevator. At a baseball game. In a meeting with a potential client.

Your leadership springs from this vision. Your sincerity and commitment will be judged by your partners, staff, and the outside world.

Cultivating a practice demands a strong, clear vision of what you firm represents. It’s the guiding message of every member of your firm so it’s the most important three paragraphs you’ll every write down.

Maybe it’s time for a conversation to hone the essence of your vision.

Bringing in the right projects

Bringing in the right projects means putting your firm into the right universe of conversations.

Do you take part of events where your dream clients participate? Does your blog and social media highlight the thought leadership and creativity of your designers? If they would rather draw the post than write it, great! Let prospects (and the media) get a window into how your firm thinks and innovates. This serves to reinforce the value you are providing. 

Think about this the next time you respond to an opportunity. Do your projects demonstrate the outcomes of your vision?

The results don’t happen overnight, but your firm should take steps in this direction each and every day. Ask yourself this; what can you do, starting tomorrow?

Delivering great design for clients

Design thinking is the scaffolding to creativity.
Design thinking moves us from a narrow focus on artifacts and aesthetics to the much wider space of systems and society-wide challenges.

Wouldn’t you rather compete on a combination of creativity and efficiency, and not just the latter?

Great design happens when diverse perspectives are collectively brought to bear on a problem. This shared exploration stretches perception, inspires creativity and overcomes challenges to resolve complex issues. It allows us to consider options we would not have thought of on our own.

Ready to use design thinking on your firm so you can spend more time being creative?