What Kindness Means to My Business
Kindness is a bit of a buzzword lately in the business community, right up there with words like “relationships” and “collaboration.”
To be honest, I think that’s great! Businesses should be prioritizing these things. Though, throwing out these terms is one thing; to talk the talk you’ve got to walk the walk!
Before starting Amp’d Designs, I worked for several studios in New York City. I learned a lot about not only design, but how to manage projects and relationships. Along the way some practices resonated with me, while others felt discordant. It became clear that when respect didn’t go both ways, trust was lost and projects suffered. So when we moved to Asheville and I launched my business, I vowed to always prioritize respect and kindness.
According to Oxford Languages, “kindness” is defined as “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.”
To me, building a business with kindness means prioritizing relationships first. Here’s how I keep this at the forefront:
There are no stupid questions
As someone who’s built my own small business, I know that decisions to spend a lot of money aren’t made lightly. Design is a big investment, and it can seem scary and daunting.
Design is also my second language, something I know like the back of my hand, but for others it’s completely and utterly unfamiliar territory, and that’s okay.
Many of the businesses I collaborate with have never worked with a designer before, or have unfortunately had a negative experience with a past designer or gig platform. Many businesses have a lot of questions about the process—if they’re ready, what to expect, how to prepare, how their website will work, what branding even is, etc.
Before booking a project, I will always take the time to talk with you on the phone and answer as many questions as you have before you make your decision. My goal is to help you feel comfortable and help you arrive at the solution that’s the best fit for your business, whether that’s with me or with another designer.
Everyone deserves the courtesy of a response
Not every designer is a good fit for every business. There are a handful of reasons I might feel I shouldn’t take on a project, ranging from a business looking for a design style that’s dissimilar to mine to a business that just might not be quite ready yet. In these cases, I’ll always respond to let them know, and if I can I’ll refer a designer who’s a better fit for the job.
Responsiveness is something I believe is important in all areas, not just client relationships. I’ll always respond to requests for internships and jobs even when I’m not hiring. I’ll always respond to other designers and creatives, whether it’s about a collaboration or a coffee meetup or a friendly hello. Being left out in the cold is not a good feeling; I’ve been there, and I don’t want to leave others there!
Transparency supersedes secrecy
You should know what to expect during the design process before you commit to it. You should have enough information to decide whether or not a designer’s process resonates with you. That’s why I share a lot of information about how I work and my thought process for design on my website, through social media, and when I hop on a call with you.
My starting prices are also published on my website, because I don’t believe you should need to submit your contact information just to find out if you can even afford a service.
Empowerment = education
Once we finish your project, you’re not just left out in the cold with a bunch of files you have no idea how to use! Like I said, custom design is new territory for so many business owners, and part of my process is making sure you understand how to use your branding files and how to update your website.
I’d love to hear from you! What do you think about the “kindness” buzzword, and how does it come through in your business? What other qualities do you strive to represent? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message—I’d love to chat!
Curious to learn more about how we can collaborate? Please get in touch!
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