In this episode of Mindful Creative Podcast, host Radim Malinic speaks with Emily Cohen and her daughter Hunter Vargas of Casa Davka, business consultants for creative professionals. They discuss how creative businesses can evolve and grow, focusing on the critical importance of relationship building over traditional "selling." Emily shares her journey from designer to consultant, while Hunter explains how she naturally found her way to the family business despite initially carving her own path.

The conversation explores how creative business owners often struggle with business development, preferring to redesign websites or create marketing materials rather than building the personal relationships that truly drive business growth. Emily and Hunter emphasize that clients choose creative partners primarily because of relationships and trust ("building the love"), not just portfolios or pricing.

They challenge common myths in the creative industry, particularly the idea that hiring salespeople is effective (it rarely works) and that business development brings immediate results (it typically takes two years from first meeting to becoming a client). The pair discusses how to help introverted creatives approach relationship building in ways that feel natural and authentic.

Key takeaways 

• Creative business owners should position themselves as business people first, designers second
• Effective positioning requires identifying unique industry niches, services, and genuine differentiators
• "Building the love" through authentic relationships is more valuable than traditional sales approaches
• Business development is a daily habit that feeds the business engine continuously
• Patience is crucial - relationship building typically takes two years to convert contacts to clients
• Principles/founders must do their own relationship building; salespeople rarely succeed in creative businesses
• Creatives should stop comparing themselves to others and focus on their unique strengths
• Designers should capture and communicate metrics and results, not just creative decisions
• Being ready for change is essential for creative businesses looking to evolve
• Creative business consultants should practice what they preach in their own business approach

Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business

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