Business by Design this month celebrates its first anniversary with a look back at the Year That Was.

THIS MONTH:
+ In Retrospect
+ So They Said...
+ "Lousy Publicity of the Year" Award

In Retrospect
It was on Dec. 16, 2002 that we introduced Business by Design as "the world's only independent online newsletter dedicated to helping design trade professionals substantially increase their sales and profits."

Thanks so much for your support and feedback since.

The topics we covered the past 12 months:

Focus. The most successful design professionals have a laser beam view on their financial goals -- and on stategies to achieve them.

Tough Times Marketing. When the going gets tough, promote yourself more aggressively to prospects, and step up your service to clients.

HGTV. The good news: it's easy to get on this network that reaches 80 million homes. The bad news: you won't get paid to do so.

Price Objections. Clients don't raise 'em unless they're somewhat interested. Best reply: "I'll save you time, aggravation... and money."

Moneysaving Marketing. Some of the best costs the least. Free publicity, for example, is the best advertising design pros can't buy.

Customer Service. Talk about a key to success! Want to get and keep high end clients? Offer high end service.

Stinkin' Thinkin.' Concentrating on your attributes and past successes will help you overcome defeatist attitudes and self doubt.

Teach. Conduct a class or seminar, and you'll get paid to share your know-how -- and you'll pick up clients in the process.

Close the Sale. Qualify prospects and find out their real concerns, and you'll seal the deal if and when they get cold feet.

Pricing Problems Up North. Savvy Canadian design pros turn bellyachers into believers with a sheet of reasons why they deserve their fees.

Simple Sells. Big stars take basic steps. They think big, differentiate themselves, share expertise, upsell and attach a value to what they do.

Align Yourself. Looking for a shortcut to success? Team up in your marketing and sales with pros in related but noncompeting trades.

So They Said...
2003's Notable Quotables:

"I don't do business with jerks." Vicente Wolf

"I charge hourly fees for 'babysitting time.' I'd rather bathe my mother than wait around for a painter to show up." Marc Charbonnet

"People SHOULD feel we're expensive. We bring value and a sense of pride. I could have gotten my wedding dress at Kmart. I didn't. I had it done by Bill Blass." Alexa Hampton

"This economy will weed out the trunk slammers." LaVelle Pinder

"There will always be those who say you take too long and you charge too much." Alex Chapman