A New Hope

Welcome to the 8th edition of the Notes by Chris B Co newsletter. This week I’m excited to give you an update on what I’ve been doing with Chris B Co and provide some guidance for those looking to start their own side hustle.

Here's what I've prepared for you:

• Chris B Co - First new client project

  • No new projects in 900 days??!!

  • Why I was sidetracked

  • Pressing pause

  • How I started again

• Productivity Tip - Finding time

Please find any of my previous editions here if you've missed them.

01 / CHRIS B CO - FIRST NEW CLIENT PROJECT
No new projects in 900+ days??!!

It’s been a while!  Almost two and a half years since my last Product Design related client, and I have secured my next project.  Why such a long time between projects?  In simple terms, let’s say I got sidetracked. I’ll share the story and see if you agree with my reasoning.

Sidetracked

It was late 2014, and I’d been working as an industrial designer since graduating in 2007.  I’d been consistently employed but never really satisfied with working in the point-of-sale (POS) retail industry.  I was designing displays for products - where I wanted to design the products themselves.  And there was always this icky feeling designing things that would usually have a short lifespan, a handful of years max.  My freelancing gigs were okay - at least I was working on products there - but I had no idea how to grow the business or if I was actually any good at my trade.

One day at a friend’s wedding, I was talking with a close mate who was also looking to try something a bit different.  He was a builder and had been working his way up in a similar fashion to me.  He had actually helped me with some renovation work at my unit, and I really enjoyed the process.  Over a couple of beverages, we decided to combine forces and start our very own business.  Form and Frame was born.

Pressing pause

Fast forward six years - growth was slow but steady.  I had progressed my day-to-day role to finally working as a product designer but now was seeking something else - flexibility and independence.  I thought Form and Frame was the answer.  So I was less inclined to chase freelance work and instead focused my after-hours energies on learning about the construction industry and building that business up.  I was also married, planning to build a new home and start our family. So time was short, and this is where my freelance product design ended.  Or so I thought…  

If you’ve missed my previous edition that fills in the gaps after that - please read it here

What would you have done if in my position?

How I started again

May 18 2023 - I decided upon my direction.  I would stay with my passion for Product Design, seek a new place to work, learn and earn, and I would
re-boot my freelancing business.

Here’s what I did to get ready for that 1st client:

First, I had to be clear on the type of work I wanted to pursue.  Honestly, this is still shifting, but I’m ok with that.  I’m thinking about my ideal clients, the work that brings me the most joy, what I’m capable of doing and have the capacity to do.  Remember, this is all “after-hours” work, so I’m constantly weighing these factors with my personal life as well.

Second, decide on a business name and complete some registrations.  I had an existing ABN, so all that I needed to do was pick a new name for the business and register it to that original ABN.

Third, I wanted to increase my professionalism this time around.  I want to attract better clients and charge higher rates.  I want to do this by providing more value and solving bigger problems.  One of the best ways to do this is client testimonials (which I’m working on).  Next best?  Showing that you have the skills and experience to produce what customers want and that it isn’t just a hobby.  So as part of this, I created a new brand for the business, logo & style guide, and templates for proposals, presentations and invoices.

Fourth, a little bit of capital to get started and a separate bank account.  This time around, I’ve separated everything and am using QuickBooks to manage the finances.

What’s the significance?

It’s debatable!  A new start is something.  It ticks over the finances a little and provides an opportunity to test the new processes and obtain a new testimonial.  I’m optimistic that this project will have multiple phases, and working with this client will lead to future projects that enable me to provide more value.

I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes

02 / PRODUCTIVITY TIP
Finding time to do more

If you are motivated and chasing big goals, I’ve no doubt you will have a lot of items on your to-do list. But if you can’t manage your time well and find those opportunities to get things done, you will struggle to make meaningful progress and keep that motivation up. After all, one of the best methods of motivation is seeing results.

So let me ask you - What are those small steps to take you to your goal?
If it requires learning via reading, watching or writing - try these out next time you get the chance.

👂🏻 Listen to Podcasts

Best to do when your body is doing something on autopilot. Something that doesn’t take a lot of brainpower, enabling you to focus your listening to content of value (could be for entertainment or otherwise).
Try listening to Podcasts during time at the Gym, Driving, doing Chores or Supermarket shopping.

👁️ Watch Video Content 

You need to be stationary (which includes sitting on public transport). If for entertainment, it can be a social activity. But on your own, try to combine this with Meal Times, Bathroom breaks or Passive Travel (not while driving!)

✍🏻 Write

This takes the most brain power out of the three items listed and is the most difficult to find time for. Passive/Public transport is a good option, but a moving vehicle can make it hard to do efficiently. Alternatively, find small, non-busy times in the day when you can add to whatever it is you’re writing about.

Do you have any tips for me? I’d love to hear them - hit reply!