10 Business Tips From Designer Bill Drenttel

Mar 3

Esteemed designer Bill Drenttel recently passed away, and Michael Beirut shared this text from a 1991 presentation in a post on Design Observer (now defunct).

The talk was titled “Everything I know about business in one minute.” It resonated with me and I hope it does with you also.

Focusing on making a partnership work is more profitable than focusing on making money.
Love your employees more than you love your clients.
The best new business is your current business.
Price projects by asking yourself what the client’s lawyer would charge.
It’s better to be hired for your work than for your price.
When it comes to getting paid, the first of the month is better than the thirtieth.
Making money off mechanicals, printing and computers turns your business into a commodity.
The books in your library are more important than the numbers on your balance sheet.
In order to love your work, take vacations.
Power, in business, comes from sharing money and valuing love.

via Daring Fireball