Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in graphic design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy De Wolfe, Founder of Presentation Design Pro, located in Port Dover, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My company is Presentation Design Pro, and I am a freelance presentation designer creating professional, brand-savvy presentations. My customers are busy people that know the power of delegation. They range greatly and include anything from multinational corporations right down to individuals working in the coaching space.
Tell us about yourself
I began working as a freelance graphic designer over 20 years ago after meeting a recent design school graduate who was building websites on her laptop while traveling the world and being inspired by her lifestyle. The idea of being a digital nomad before the term even existed was very appealing to me. I started learning everything I could while working full time, and after a few years of study and freelancing as a side hustle, I, too, began traveling and working on the road and never looked back. I have done all kinds of design, from newspaper ads to sport-team uniforms to corporate branding and websites, to book design, and now PowerPoint. I have done it all. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I started specializing in presentation design, but I am thriving in that niche and really enjoying the work. As an added bonus, I still get to lots of other types of design as happy clients may connect with me for presentation design but often need other types of design work as well.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been creating a vibrant enough business to be able to refer work to other designers in my network. Of course, I am thrilled to be doing well in my own career, but it makes me feel really great to help others build their businesses as well.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is falling into the DIY trap. You think you are saving money by doing everything on your own, but often you are spreading yourself too thin, or making yourself unprofitable or unhappy with the amount of time being spent doing tasks you don't enjoy, that takes you longer than a specialist, and that you may not be doing well. Learning to outsource and delegate can save you so much time, money, and unhappiness and is worth every penny!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a network of value. Whether this means joining a business networking group or taking a class related to your career field, meeting others experiencing similar challenges to my own has been extremely valuable in helping me overcome obstacles in building my business.
- Find a niche you love. Being a jack of all trades is great for a while, but the real financial compensation comes when you become an expert in something. Figure out that thing you really enjoy, and don't be afraid to specialize.
- Learn where to invest in outsourcing. Figure out which tasks you should hire out to others to save money and time, or have a better end result, so you can focus on your own zone of genius instead of wasting time, energy, and attention trying to do something someone else could do better and faster than you can.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://presentationdesignpro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PresentationDesignPro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presentationdesignpro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amydewolfe/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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