If you're an experienced design professional who isn't earning what you could be -- and should be-- Business by Design this month has a suggestion for you.

THIS MONTH
+Be a Quitter
+ Success "Don'ts"
+ Best Practices?

+Be a Quitter
Quit this business.

Not next month. Not next week. Quit this business now.

The new year is a good time to take stock, and take action. Your action should be to quit this business of...

...thinking small.

...dealing with customers who can't afford you.

...taking on projects that are more trouble than the they're worth.

...spending too much time on non-income producing activities.

...giving away your expertise.

...charging too little.

Simply put, it's time to quit this business of self-sabotage.

Good things come to those who quit -- harmful habits. Replace yours with winning ways. Think Big. Aim High. Promote Yourself. Attach Value to your service.

+Success "Don'ts"
Want to make this your career year? Then DON'T...

+ seek customers. Only "clients" are more interested in design solutions than the lowest price.

+ meet your clients' needs. Exceed them. Good service isn't good enough anymore.

+ do what you should delegate. Don't spend weeks learning a computer program the 13 year neighbor can handle in minutes.

+ assume your job is secure. The client--or design firm--that hires you today can fire you tomorrow.

+ cut your fees. Raise them. How can you expect others to attach value to your service if you don't?

+ apologize for your price. Call it an "investment" in your design services.

+ give away your time. Bill for consultation, installation, travel, and all of your time, all of the time.

+ advertise. Write articles. Free publicity is the best advertising you can't buy.

+ think locally. Think globally. Use your website to position yourself in the international marketplace.

+ compete with big boxes and online options. You offer service and expertise. They don't.

+ fear price objections. Embrace them. They're buying signals.

+ fear "no." It may just mean "not yet."

+ work hard. Work smart. Make better use of working time, and you'll have more time for family, friends and fun.

+ work for jerks. Your time is too precious. Life is too short.

+ Best Practices?
What sales and/or marketing practices have worked best for you?

A broad question, I know, but an important one for me.

I'm collecting a list of best practices to share with the designers and industry partners I address in Dubai on Feb. 5-6.

Please send any and all ideas to me at Fred@FredBerns.com . Thanks very much!