Answering the question: Who are you without your business?

If you’re feeling like 2024 was a strange year for business, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve said this before on the podcast and while working with coaching clients, but this year brought a lot of unexpected challenges for designers. Many have had to rely heavily on referrals, completely shift their marketing strategies, and unfortunately, we’ve seen more design studios closing than ever before. If you’re nodding your head right now, I get it—it’s been tough. But here’s the thing: not every year in business is going to be amazing. There will be years of growth where everything feels effortless, years that are so challenging you might consider quitting, and years where you plateau, just getting by. No matter what stage you're at, the key is to stay in it for the long run and keep pivoting when necessary.If you managed to navigate 2020 and survive the rollercoaster that was 2025, then it’s time to gear up for a better 2025. In this episode, I’m sharing an action plan to set yourself up for success in Q1 2024 by focusing on just two essential things. These are the areas that transformed my studio, Current, into an industry go-to, and they can do the same for you. So, let’s get started and set the foundation for a stronger, more resilient business in 2025.

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As creatives, we often find ourselves juggling multiple projects, ideas, and responsibilities, which can lead to stress and burnout. But what if I told you that by implementing just a few key habits, you could not only enhance your productivity but also enjoy the process more? These habits are not one-size-fits-all; they can be tailored to fit your unique lifestyle and creative process. So, if you're ready to unlock your full potential and create with greater ease and joy, this episode is packed with actionable insights just for you!

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Are you chasing clients down to pay their invoices every month? Do you feel like your finances are all over the place and it's hard to predict your monthly revenue? Or do you just want a simpler way to get paid every single month without any hassle. Over the years of running my Current, I've tried multiple different payment methods. Split payments when project phases are completed, monthly installments whatever date the client started working with us, the list goes on! Some of those worked, but most of them didn't because they weren't scalable and left a big question mark on what my revenue would look like for months ahead. In today's episode I'm sharing the super simple payment structure I have setup in my business that makes invoicing stress-free, no matter how many clients we have at once, and ensures we always get paid on time.

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Audrey Saccone is a multifaceted marketer, technologist, and entrepreneur. After beginning her career at OPERA America, Audrey's work in email marketing, front-end development, and event operations laid the groundwork for her work with leaders including Marie Forleo and Sophia Amoruso. As a part of those teams, she led significant projects including the sold-out NYC book launch for Forleo’s "Everything is Figureoutable" and the premier launch of Amoruso’s Business Class, earning over $1 million in revenue.

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If you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to balance multiple roles, you know how challenging it can be to manage your time effectively while keeping stress at bay. Since having Lila, I’ve had to get really intentional about how I structure my work week. I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to work around the clock to be successful. In fact, by working part-time with a solid plan, I've been able to achieve more, stay productive, and feel less overwhelmed than ever before. In today's episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I structure my part-time work week to maximize productivity while minimizing stress. But before we dive into the details of my schedule, I want to share some key principles that have made this approach possible—clear goals, smart planning, and realistic priorities.

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In this episode we'll dive into key strategies for an effective client onboarding process for designers. Learn how to streamline your workflow with an essential onboarding email, a simple client hub in ClickUp, and a crucial kickoff call to set clear boundaries and avoid miscommunication. Olivia also shares valuable tools like a client video portal using Kajabi or Loom, and resources from her online shop including email templates and client folder templates.

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In this episode of Behind the Design, I’m diving into a topic that’s been on many designers’ minds—how to bounce back after a slow season in business. This year has been challenging for many, including myself, as my studio, Current, saw a slower-than-usual July and August.While it’s comforting to know we’re not alone, at the end of the day, we still need to make money and keep the business moving forward. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing four practical strategies you can start implementing right away to regain momentum and finish the year strong. Plus, I’ll share a little about my personal experience and the lessons I’ve learned over the years on how to navigate these slower periods.

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Join me as I celebrate seven years in business, from starting in 2017 to going full-time in 2019 to today. In this episode, Olivia dives into the seven crucial lessons she's learned over the years, touching on resilience, daily habits, the importance of knowing your numbers, and more. Olivia also offers practical advice for new entrepreneurs and reflects on her vision for the future. Don't miss out on inspiring insights and valuable tips to help you thrive in your business journey.

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In this episode,I dive deep into the behind-the-scenes experience of launching my first course, Studio Growth Accelerator. I cover the entire journey from preparation to execution, including successes, challenges, and valuable lessons learned. Whether you're thinking of creating a passive income stream in your business or are curious about different marketing strategies, find out what worked, what didn't, and how you can apply these game-changing insights to your own business.

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