Why did it take me so long? I’m just now jumping on the Twitter wagon, despite having had an account for several months. This summer (as always) has been slow for me, so I’ve taken advantage of my downtime by learning new things, reading the blogs of top designers, and making full use of my iMac for productivity and growth. It’s been a wonderful experience so far (I just wish I was getting paid for it!).

But the one revelation that has made the biggest impact on me is Twitter. I never knew how useful it could be for my business. I had no idea of the power behind it. Maybe I’m being overdramatic, but where else can I connect with so many incredible designers, clients, and all around creative people? No where that I’ve found. I’ve discovered more amazing and inspirational blogs and websites this summer than ever before. I think I’ve grown more as a designer, and I’ve certainly become inspired for the next big project that comes my way.

That being said, there’s a lot I don’t know about Twittering, Tweeting, whatever it’s called. I know there are some guidelines to follow for business tweeting, but I’d love to get info straight from dedicated Twittererers.

So, what are your Twitter tips for a newbie? What’s the one thing you’d love to tell tweeters?

I’d love to hear how Twitter has changed your or impacted your business, and I’d love to hear any tips and advice on Tweeting for a completely behind-the-times newbie.

Happy networking!

Image credit: Comicbase

Did you know that holding the shift key when changing the volume on a Mac’s keyboard will silence that little noise each keystroke makes? Try it! It’s helpful when you’re on a call or webinar and need to adjust your volume without disrupting everyone!

Thanks go to my husband for this helpful tip!

Muahhhhahhahahaha! The transformation is complete! That’s right – our blog redesign is complete! I’m glad it’s over. It’s harder to design for my own buisness than for my clients. I’m my own worst critic!

Anyway, it was a good way to make a slow summer more productive.

Yes, that’s right – clients can be fired by their designers. It happens all the time, mostly because of a lack of compatibility between client and designer. Generally, though, the designer becomes irritated by the way a client does business.

Here is a quick list of tips to keep you from being fired by your designer:

1. Be organized. One of the biggest complaints designers have about their clients is how clients manage information. If you don’t have your thoughts together, you won’t be able to fully convey what you want to your designer. This results in your designer delivering results that are incomplete or off the mark, which in turn will make you angry or frustrated with your designer. Keeping emails to a minimum, or consolidating lots of tiny pieces of information can also help you stay organized. Get organized before you contact your designer and the relationship is sure to be much smoother.

2. Know what you want. Your designer is not a mind reader. You have to know what you want before you hire a designer. If you don’t know what you want, you won’t be happy with anything your designer sends your way – and your designer won’t know which direction to go.

3. Be honest. Need an extra week to pay your invoice? Don’t care for a concept your designer sent? Just tell them. Most designers are understanding – it’s the nature of the business. But we don’t tolerate dishonesty or no communication. Sometimes a quick email is all it takes.

4. Respect the designer’s boundaries. Most designers have set hours that they take phone calls or work on projects. This is because they have to be in the creative zone to do actual design work. If your designer asks you not to call on Tuesday, don’t do it. If your designer asks you to leave voicemail or email regarding your needs, do it. This will help the designer complete your project more quickly because they won’t be interrupted by calls while they’re working.

5. Pay up! One of the quickest ways to be fired by your designer is to not pay your invoices. If you need more time, communicate that with your designer. Otherwise, get them paid! Most designers need invoices paid quickly for cash flow purposes. Just do it. It’s the right thing to do.

6. Don’t ask for a public critique without your designer’s consent. This may sound strange, but asking for a crtique of a design piece on a public forum is not acceptable unless the designer has given consent. The reason for this is because most people on a public forum do not have the background information needed to make an informed opinion. They may not be your target audience. They may post derrogatory or demeaning comments regarding the design, which in turn can harm the designer’s public image. Asking for public opinion during the design process can also be harmful to your own perception of the design piece. Work it out with the designer, and do public testing together, in a controlled environment.

That’s it! Stay tuned for a post for designers – Don’t Get Fired by Your Client!

Yes, we’ve redesigned our website, and the blog is currently being updated as well. Don’t we look great? We’re pleased with our new look and our new name – Mad Hatter Design + Media. Design + Media encompasses all the things that Mad Hatter is – it’s not just about one aspect of the brand anymore. We design for all types of media, depending on the needs of your business.

So a big thanks goes out to our clients, without whom, our growth would not be possible. Thanks and happy Independence Day!