Not all red flags are red flags

Published 25 days ago • 1 min read

👋 Hi Reader

Recently someone booked a discovery call with me.

And when I read the responses to the pre-call questions, I almost cancelled.

There were a lot of specific instructions. And a tight deadline.

I could already feel that this project could be a nightmare…

But I thought I’d give the call a go anyway - I could always say no.

On the call, they seemed kind - stressed, but reasonable.

So I decided to gently set some boundaries and explain that while I absolutely respect her input, she also needs to trust that I can do the work she’s hiring me to do.

After a pause, she said:

“You’re getting the wrath of me being burned by other designers.”

Ahh this wasn’t a difficult client - this was just a business owner who’d been let down multiple times and was trying to protect her project.

It was a good reminder that:

👉 We never know what someone has been through.

👉 They don’t trust us… yet.

👉 Setting boundaries kindly, builds trust.

If I’d judged too quickly, I would have missed the chance to help someone who just needed to feel safe handing over their business to a stranger.

Not all red flags are red flags

Sometimes you just need to ask the right questions, and allow for understanding.

---

Want support setting boundaries in your business that don’t feel harsh or awkward?

This is the type of things I cover with 1:1 Mentorship.

Whether a one-off clarity call or 4 weeks or personalised support, we’ll work to simplify your process, learn to build trust with clients and market yourself with ease.

Book an introduction call

Or reply to this email to see if its a good fit.

Until next time, have a wonderful week!

Kat 🪴

P.S. Need help with your business? Let’s have a chat:

👉 Web Design & Branding Book a discovery call
👉 Mentorship for Freelancers Let's see if we're a fit

And if you ever feel that these emails are no longer useful for you, here is the link to unsubscribe.

Because I don't talk about it enough...

👋 Hi Reader Because I don’t talk about it enough… here’s what I do for my clients.I’m a UX turned Web & Brand designer helping tell the stories that matter.I work with change makers to clarify their mission, translate that into a visual brand & build a website to support it.Here's how:1️⃣ Website Refresh or RedesignYou've been in business a while, and have a website but: → It’s old, DIY-ed or doesn’t reflect the work→ Its not bringing in any clients→ You're embarrassed to share it We discover...

17 days ago • 1 min read

No more guessing - find your focus instead.

👋 Hi Reader Freelancing gets easier when you know who you are. When I first started freelancing as a UX Designer, I thought I had to fit into a box - minimal, slick and corporate. Not me at all. And this made it impossible to find clients. I had no idea how to even start a conversation, let alone sell to them. But then, after taking steps to find my focus it all changed. Now, 4 years later, I work with clients that I enjoy speaking to, on projects that get me excited. And you can too... I’ve...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

You’re not behind. You're evolving...

👋 Hi Reader If you’ve felt stuck or uninspired in your business lately - you’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. And no, you don’t need to burn it all down... It’s probably just time for something new. That next step might be: Refining your niche Rebranding to match who you are now Letting go of a client who no longer fits How did you feel when you read that list? Where did your mind go? Maybe that's a sign... Success in business isn’t a straight line, and there’s not one correct...