From Designer to Strategic Partner
Day 1 of My Client Acquisition Sprint
Today marks the first day of my client acquisition sprint, and I wanted to share this journey with you as it unfolds. This sprint has a clear goal: to get clients (obviously) while positioning myself as a strategic design partner.
Why This Sprint Matters
As a one-person business, I rarely have the luxury of dedicating extended time solely to client acquisition. Most of us know the feast-or-famine cycle all too well - we're either too busy with client work to market ourselves, or frantically looking for work with no consistent system in place.
This sprint is my answer to that challenge. I'm treating these 2+ weeks as both an immediate push for strategic partnerships and a testing ground for systems I can maintain long-term.
The Sprint Structure
I've mapped everything into three focused phases:
Phase 1 (Days 1-7): Foundation & Positioning - Building all the assets, messaging, and positioning I need to present myself as a strategic partner.
Phase 2 (Days 8-13): Outreach & Engagement - Actively connecting with potential clients and engaging in communities where my expertise adds value.
Phase 3 (Days 14-17): Conversion & Relationship Building - Turning conversations into partnerships and setting up systems for continued growth.
Day 1: Strategic Positioning Setup
Today was all about auditing and updating my online presence. Here's what I focused on:
1. Website & Portfolio Review: I examined my case studies and reframed them to highlight business outcomes rather than just visual improvements. Where I previously emphasized the design process, I now connect each project to measurable business results.
2. Creating a Dual-Track Approach: I've restructured my services to include both tactical ux solutions (the entry point) and strategic design partnerships (the destination).
3. Unique Methodology Development: I began crafting a framework that leverages my unique combination of MBA, MLIS, and ux experience - something competitors can't easily replicate.
Early Insights
After spending the day reviewing my website and protfolio, I've already noticed several valuable insights emerging.
I'm amazed at how helpful it is to revisit my positioning with fresh eyes. I refined my brand voice to one that is kind, confident and strategic, yet approachable, speaking to founders and small business owners who need a partner, not just a designer.
I clarified my target audience: startups, founders, and small businesses working on zero-to-one ideas. These clients benefit most from my blend ability to blend ux, business strategy, and information architecture into scalable solutions. By narrowing my focusi, I can tailor my messaging, case studies, and service offerings to address their specific pain points – whether launching something new, improving an early product, or refining an existing experience to drive growth.
I also uncovered areas for improvement—like strengthening my calls-to-action and refining how I present my services—to ensure that potential clients clearly see the value in working with me.
What's Next
Tomorrow focuses on creating strategic lead magnets and content assets that demonstrate my thinking while providing immediate value to potential clients.
I'll be sharing updates throughout this sprint - both the wins and the challenges. My hope is that by documenting this journey, I can provide a roadmap for other designers looking to make a similar transition.
Have you made shifts in your business positioning? What worked for you? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments.
Until tomorrow,
Kristina
