Client Acquisition Sprint Update
(Days 5-??)
Hey there 👋!
Time for a transparent check-in on my Client Acquisition journey. As with any real business endeavor, I've had to adapt, pivot, and reset some expectations along the way.
What I've accomplished so far
Foundation Building Complete
I've finished updating my website with strategically positioned case studies that emphasize business outcomes rather than just visual design. This was a crucial first step in shifting how potential clients perceive my value.
Outreach Systems in Place
I've set up a profile on Contra and have been consistently applying to high-potential opportunities—averaging about 4-5 applications daily. While I haven't secured leads through this channel yet, I'm refining my approach based on response patterns.
Strategic pivots I'm making
Building Community as Authority
I recognized an opportunity to establish deeper credibility while building a valuable network. I'm launching a women in design community tomorrow (March 31st) that will position me at the center of strategic design conversations.
Creating High-Value Assets
I'm developing strategic design checklists and guides targeted to three specific audiences:
Founders & startups
Content creators
Fellow designers
These launch April 1st and will serve as both lead magnets and authority builders.
The honest assessment
The sprint hasn't gone exactly as planned. Client acquisition isn't linear, and building a strategic foundation sometimes takes longer than anticipated.
The path forward
I've recalibrated my timeline and am rewriting the remainder of my client acquisition sprint to conclude by April 6th. This revised approach incorporates what I've learned and focuses on the highest-impact activities.
What I've learned so far
The positioning shift from tactical to strategic design requires consistent reinforcement across all touchpoints
Community building can be as valuable as direct outreach for strategic positioning
Creating high-value assets takes time but builds sustainable authority
Flexibility and adaptation are essential parts of any client acquisition system
I'll continue documenting this journey with full transparency. The goal remains the same: develop a client acquisition framework that only requires 20-40% of my time while positioning me as a strategic design partner.
Sometimes the path looks different than expected, but the destination remains clear.
What aspects of this journey would you like me to explore more deeply in upcoming posts?
Until the next update,
Kristina 🌱