This document outlines 7 lessons learned from co-owning a design business for 7 years. The lessons are: prioritize client services and products; trust your instincts on projects; manage finances carefully; use the appropriate tools for each job; develop talent within the company; find a business partner with complementary skills; and implement ideas to generate value rather than just conceiving them. The document is authored by the Studio Director of Design Commission and thanks an illustrator.

1. Seven lessons from seven years co-owning
and co-running Design Commission.
David Conrad
Studio Director, Design Commission

2. Client Services
•
Products
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3. Stay busy
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4. Trust your gut
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5. Cash is king
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6. Use the best tool for the job
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7. Cultivate talent
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8. If you are going to
pick a business
partner, pick one
that kicks ass
( ideally at something
different from you)
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9. Your ideas are worthless
If you don't act on them.
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10. Thanks.
David Conrad
Studio Director, Design Commission
@davidconrad
david@designcommission.com
Special Thanks to Matty Mitchell for the illustration.
@MattyMitchell | www.matty3stars.blogspot.com
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