The often elusive proverbial seat at the table is a standard metaphor for having the respect and credibility when high-level decisions of impact get made, usually long before the creative brief is written. We hear the complaint often that designers want, need and deserve a seat. And yet, most designers make half or less in income what their CEO, CMO or VP of Marketing clients make. That disparity severely compromises both credibility and confidence as a contributor equal in status. 

So getting invited to a table is just the beginning. Every table has its own dynamic around power and status. The chance to create real impact and value comes once you earn respect as a leader and expert. The ultimate power position is to be the person extending coveted invitations. 

So while we talk about sales conversations and $200K as a revenue or income milestone for financial stability and confidence, it's about more than the money. It is about shifting the dynamic of the power structure by giving design a chance to lead because designers understand yourselves as leaders. The shift is from taking orders from a creative brief or trying to figure out an informal creative brief from a client that doesn't deem it necessary, to setting the agenda and maintaining control over the conversation from the very first interaction. The most successful designers do this with finesse but the 98% don't. . 

Some of the new AIGA data shows that 85% of designers will be entrepreneurs at some point in their career. It also shows that, even as dynamics shift toward in-house teams, the self-employed or business owner designers are among those making the most money. Not all designers care about money enough to stretch but imagine everything that shifts about the industry if 10-20% of designers were earning more than $200K instead of less than 2%. Imagine how your life changes is you are among that larger elite class of consultant designers certain of your worth and leading your clients with confidence. 

My mission is to support designers as confident expert leaders and consultants who do more than wish for a seat. I want you to never again serve a client that isn't certain of your value. I want support you as you build scalable, sustainable, and profitable businesses that create a balanced and prosperous life because I know you'll use any excess to do great things for others. 

So I've designed this table to serve as a model for what I hope to help you create for your clients. Your invitation starts with a 2-day event that is part training and part mastermind. We'll explore things like power and status as well as inner authority and credibility as business owners and consultants. We'll also talk business models, sales strategies, and exit plans. The ultimate goal is to help you prepare for a more prosperous 2022 by creating a clear plan for yourself and elevating your client engagements through better positioning of your expertise. 

Whether general admission or VIP, you'll get a mix of inspiration and immediately applicable skills while connecting with like-minded future table creators and other inspiring guests. As VIP you'll just get extra content...and, if one of the first 20, a super fabulous box of goodies! (Scroll down for a preview!)

Consider yourself invited and claim your seat today!