2004 Creative Business
Newsletters

The most recent Creative Business newsletters are available as downloadable PDFs.

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November/December 2004 Issue 16 pages, Articles: 1) Doing an annual, year-end financial check (contains four forms), 2) practicing the art of delegating, 3) charging for planning and consulting (contains two forms). Advice on: International copyright protection, defining "agency of record," fair pay for each partner, hiring a client's child, marking up freelance time, and client wanting protection against "consequential damages." Management tip: Using a Work-in-Progress Aging Report.

$15.00

October 2004 Special Issue: Frequently Asked Business Questions 12 pages. Answers eighteen business questions commonly asked by creative entrepreneurs. Four categories--pricing, legal/ethical, marketing, and management--are covered.

$15.00

September/October 2004 issue 16 pages. Articles on: 1) when a little client knowledge is dangerous, 2) expanding with virtual or contract employees, 3) responding to "paid spec" requests, 4) establishing employee Internet guidelines. Advice on: acquiescing to bad ideas, divulging profit margins, local pricing, maternity leave commissions, under-budget billing, charging for files, copyright for a copy, use of CB materials. Management Benchmark: when to bill for stalled projects.

$15.00

August 2004 Special Issue: Business Conditions Report The results of a nationwide survey of creative firm principals, freelancers, and in-house creative department managers conducted jointly by the Creative Business newsletter and the Design Management Institute in July, 2004. Reports on the overall business climate, changes in creative firm income levels, principals compensation, staffing levels, management trends, and the potential of eight creative services market segments. Note: This is the same content as the article "2004 Business Survey."

$15.00

July/August 2004 issue 16 pages. Articles on: 1) Common beliefs and myths that damage creative businesses, 2) considering restricted equity arrangements for employees, and 3) when sales help is affordable, and isn't, for small creative firms. Advice on: show one concept?, web page credit, employee conflicts, a way to check salaries, resizing software, charge for recycling a concept. Management benchmark: Fee multiplier for employees.

$15.00

June 2004 special issue: The Collateral Market 12 pages. Covers recent changes and trends in client needs for sales/information literature ("collateral" materials). Defines conditions and opportunities for several print and electronic types. Includes four strategies for increasing sales.

$15.00

May/June 2004 issue 16 pages. Articles on: 1) handling RFQ and other low-bid projects, 2) alternatives for problem-pricing (lack of sufficient information) projects, and 3) considerations for merging with or acquiring another firm. Advice on: parental leave, liability for client actions, employee sales commissions?, resizing ad software?, rip-off response?, work-for-hire clarification, appropriate finder's fee? Management Tip: a non-discrimination pricing policy.

$15.00

April 2004 Special Issue: Acing the Concept Presentation 12 pages. Covers ways to make the approval process easier through preparation and presentation. Includes techniques for both descriptive presentations (collaterial, ads, etc.) and process presentations (packaging, identities, ad campaigns, etc.). Also includes ways to respond to client reactions.

$15.00

March/April 2004 issue 16 pages. Articles: 1) avoiding the stress and burnout pitfall, 2) what's wrong and right with referrals, and 3) becoming a better supervisor. Advice on: paid time for employees?, a down-under opportunity?, nurturing clients, donating services to charities, NASE insurance, and how many follow-up calls to make. Management Tip: one client, one new business presentation.

$15.00

January/February 2004 Issue 16 pages. Articles on 1) setting your 2004 salaries, 2) techniques for jump-starting the creative process, and 3) how to hold more productive meetings. Advice on: preferred supplier agreements, long-term contracts, no-spec work rationale, employee contracts, home office meetings, withholding raises, replacing a sales rep. Management Benchmark: profitability goal.

$15.00