How She Went From Charging $0 to $5k For Strategy in 6 Months Ep. 9
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- Where has Melinda LIvsey been? What has happened to her since coming on the show? How did she go from charging $0 to $5,000 for strategy? Find out.
2:38 I went from not doing strategy at all (using a questionnaire as my "strategy," I would say). I wasn't charging for that, and now I am charging. I'm leading with that.
6:19 Could you describe to me where you’re at currently? As far as where you want to grow? I hear you wanna grow, so that’s your ideal. And you want to continue to grow, so that’s your ideal.
7:05 Well, it sounds like (from what I’m hearing) your ideal client...Are they feeling the same thing that you are, too? Are you losing them? Are you gaining them?
7:25 I would be writing down where you are and then I would be writing down your ideal, so that they can see it visually and we’re both looking at something together. Then I would break it down: where the middle is (this is your aim), so I start asking you questions: “What’s an attainable goal about midway between where you are now and where you wanna be? What would that look like to you?”
8:06 Those are the tasks that will get us to that goal, [but] what does that goal actually look like for your company?
8:58 An attainable goal that I’m hearing is that, it would be that you’re proud of your company, and that you would want to go around and that you want to be proud of it.
11:53 That more stands for something that is aligned with your business plan, and this is more aligned with how you reach your ideal client.
18:53 Why would I do that now? Because of the reasons that I was telling you, that, as the client, one, I know that it’s not necessarily (I don’t know this for sure, but) it’s not necessarily gonna reach their goal, and so, if everything’s not in alignment as far as strategy and their goals and we’re not getting anywhere, we’re just checking things off a list.
19:45 - “What makes you so special? Because I give advice out to strangers on the Internet, I give advice to the coaching group, one-on-one coaching...Why, why were you able to achieve what they weren’t able to achieve? ”
21:10 - “Just do the first small, very small step. Whatever that is. For me, it was: Learn how to do strategy. The second one, it was: Get someone to agree to let me do strategy for them for their company.”
24:03 It is a special somebody that can just take a little bit of information and even though it’s counter to everything that they’ve done before that moment, yet you’re willing to just move forward without sitting there and thinking, over-analyzing, over-thinking, and die a death of paralysis by analysis.
24:55 First, it’s my beliefs. Because I feel that my accomplishments don’t define who I am. That who I am is, is not attached to what I do, or what I accomplish, or even the things that I fail with or fail doing. The second one is, I believe it is in my personality to just do things. When opportunities come to you, when things that you learn come up, that you just embrace them. Kind of like what Chris always tells us: Embrace and pivot.
27:08 There is fear there, but to me, for me, the excitement is...it overshadows the fear.
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Thanks for all the encouragement folks!
Melinda - what do you use to formulate your strategy? Do you have a playbook that you use, which I can adapt for my design business to formulate the brand strategy ?
You did great in this series. I'm not a designer but your journey has helped me to find focus in my own work. Oh, and Chris dropped a few golden nuggets too :-P
You are just amazing! I have a virtual crush on you. ;-) Keep on with this serie, we are learning a ton from Chris and you. Thank you.
you rock, keep going gurl :-)
Hey Melinda, so happy to see you grow! Would you happen to have any resources as far as the mentioned strategy questionnaire template that I can use for my clients? Much love from a fellow creative
My favorite part of this video has to be when Melinda talks about her belief system. "I feel that my accomplishments don't define who I am, that who I am is not attached to what I do or what I accomplish or even the things that I fail" damn that was powerful!!
Felipe Mandujano thank you. :)
Melinda sounds like she's been doing this for 10 years! Chris is a magician :D
heidigfx a strategician
heidigfx wow! Thanks!
smart girl! quick learner :D
7 minutes in and Melinda's confidence is shining like never before! So proud of her!
Thank you!
Again, an inspirational video. Wisdom comes not from age, but from authenticity. Melinda, I loved your eyes looking straight into the camera. It shows you have no fear! BRAVO!
Thank you, Karine!
I feel like im so close to breaking that barrier that holds me back from changing my current brickbuilder mentality to strategist/consultant... Melinda story has helped a ton!
Keep building momentum.
You can do it! It takes a lot to push through that brick builder mentality. But once you do, you will never want to go back.
This channel deserves so much attention in the graphic design industry .I have been working freelance for only a year now after a long hiatus being in the navy and I’m already making a good amount of money doing so ! I owe a lot to this channel on the basis of self confidence. After my break I started listening to these videos during my logo work and it has helped IMMENSELY learn the in and outs of the industry that many others don’t cover . Thank you for your work and keep it up with the videos !
Melinda may feel like she's not doing so hot in these role-play sessions, in my eyes this is where I've learned the most from and want to say you both are doing a great job. A role-play doesn't have to be perfect for me.
I can tell Chris was proud of Melinda, I am too.
I am wanting to express gratitude to Chris, the Futur and the people he brings on to his show. (Thanks ya'll)
elbitapmoC she’s doing great.
elbitapmoC thank you!
Chris: Aren't you afraid?
Melinda: Of what?
LOL! Best moment!
It was so nice to see Melinda evolve from someone with not enough self-confidence to a strong self-confident businesswoman. This is so inspiring. I am not even a graphic designer, but I learned so much. Can you please share the books recommended to her? I was painting while listening and could not write it down
It's fun listening to these again via a playlist compared to catching them as they come out as it's easier to compare them to past episodes. Melinda really kills it in the roleplay and it's so cool to see the direct improvement over time
OMG!!!! Melina you look so relax and confident.
Thank you!!!
Melinda should have her own series forever because I'm only 15 minutes in and I've already learned SO much. Teach me all the things, Melinda!
Thanks, Brittany!!! And thanks for the kind words (here, and on Twitter!!)
From what I remember watching Melinda the first time you started Role playing, she was slightly apprehensive, more so because her knowledge of what to say wasn't exactly there. Now.. wow! She comes across so confident.. not too rehearsed, just well prepared and a lot more experienced! Melinda.. great to see your progression. Can't wait to see where you go next and use your journey as inspiration too!
Chris.. great coaching as always! Love this role plays!
Thank you, Arthur! It's very true. Drawing from experience helps. All you have to do is take that first scary step.
(Lifting foot, ever so slowly...)
I figured i should drop a comment since you guys are testing effectiveness of your content. Normally i am one of the lurkers that doesn't actually, actively engage as a content consumer. However this is the type of content that really hypes me up. It's to the point yet deep and insightfull, without cutting corners. I can't wait for episode 2 and please keep this kind of content up. Love you guys and see you next time.
Thanks for engaging. We'll keep making, you keep letting us know how we're doing.
Glad you got a lot out of this.
I'm really proud of you, Melinda. You are setting a high floor for yourself. Way to be coach-able.
Thank you!!! Much appreciated.
I started subscribing as a Pro member a year ago or so...and am only NOW, FINALLY, implementing this as Melinda did. First I had to feel clear that I understood how to do strategy in a way that I wouldn’t be stumbling all over the place, then I had to test it with existing clients and build confidence. Then-the skies really did part and suddenly it makes sense! I’ve now re build a new site with a new name, focusing entirely on strategy as the first step to any job. It’s absolutely worked like it did with Melinda...and now I’m starting to quote the same numbers. I never thought I would. I truly feel that I can deliver, too, because my esteem has built. Thank you so much for the information, guys!!
Watching Melinda's growth has been awesome! Really eye opening as to how I can level up my process.
Yes! You can.
The thing i love the most about this vid is that Melinda's level of confidence has just SKYROCKETED from the first vid she was featured in. Chris throwing a few curve balls in the role and she dealt with it confidently. It's inspiring!
Thank you, Adrian!
I can see how Chris is proud of Melinda. I was literally screaming YES, YES!! to my screen when Melinda was talking about getting paid for thinking. Really glad to see Melinda's progress. Keep it up. Thank you guys for being that inspiring.
i'm super proud.
The Futur , i have a question though, at one point she said she’s going to take off her case studies from her website. Does it mean we shouldn’t show our work on our website?
i don't think that's what she's referring to. but i'll have to re listen to confirm. Melinda?
Hi there! I'm in the middle of a rebrand, so there are no case studies on my site currently. If I didn't say that, that's what I meant. =) I plan on having case studies on my site.
She is nobody's fool, Chris!!!!! lol I have been watching these in order, and the transformation of Melinda is stellar!! So awesome
I know how to pick them.
Melinda is new expert on the block!... waiting for next episode
Expert until he puts me in my place in episode 2. ;) jk
I can't believe I can charge for strategy after 3 years into freelancing. Thank you Chris and Melinda for this. When I watched this, I wasn't confident enough to apply it. Not until I let go of my fears. $4000 is a lot of money here in Philippines. I'm grateful for your free stuff!
You're very welcome Rica.
Amazing Melinda the change is really impressive. You guys are amazing.
Penfinity thank you!!!
Loved it Melinda, thank you for sharing. May i ask what you use for your Sales funnels...i've been hearing many people doing well with Click Funnes which i tried a month,,then i tried Leadpages for a month...i decided to try a cheaper way by using my Squarespace site and you can create a funnel with it using a coverpage on Squarespace., don't think it's as powerful click funnels or Leapges, cause i don't think you can upsells/downsells etc. I'd love to hear what you use.
Hi MindWave Studios! When I mention funnels in the episode, I'm referring to the steps the customer takes from awareness to becoming an advocate. So it's higher level than the mechanics of the actual funnel. It has to do with emotions, their goals/problems and overall, the customer's journey. That may or may not include an actual sales funnels like the ones you mentioned, but it may. Hope that helps!
I have just binge watched so many episodes of The Futur and have been so inspired. Thank you for all you do.
thank you Nina. glad to be part of your binge.
I love this new setting, it feels relax but also deep at the same time. Chris looks so proud of Melinda progress😊. We are also proud of you Melinda👏🏻. I hope that I would make the same breakthrough.
Thank you!!! You can do it. If I can, you definitely can too.
I just quit my job because I was not happy about my rol in the agency. I was a deliverable designer, like 'Just make me a nice logo.' I mist the professional way of working like you are telling me in this video. Now I'm resetting myself and be the graphic designer I want to be. Who is not just making a logo but a visual identity with meaning! You are really enlightening my way of thinking.
I can't believe I subscribed to the Skool like 2 years ago and this is when I am getting serious!
Well done Chris. Thank you Melinda, you have made it look easy.
Looks are very deceiving. Lots of blood, sweat, and tears!
This episode is really the turning point in any superhero movies when the lead character realizes their greatness and their superpower. Melinda, I know I'm 3 years late watching this but you're a true inspiration for sharing your thought process and how you tackle that mental box over our head. A quote I love from this episode is "Excitement shadows fear". That really hits home for me. Also, I will start implementing the 3 things Im grateful for daily practice. This by far the most relatable series. Thank you team, Chris and Melinda.
A lot of us go to smaller less prestigious schools. It shouldn't hold you back if you're scrappy. But Wow! I'm just now going through this series kind of late. She's made a huge confidence shift
I don't remember the last time I've seen this much of a great chemistry between two people. Great energy from both of you, it was wonderful to watch it!
What a difference between when Melinda showed up on your channel, stumbling over simple questions being asked of her, to now.
She's come along long way.
Kinda cool to watch myself grow.
Thats why im subscribed to this channel and thats why Mr.Do is my favorite .. u r providing what no one dare to provide
thanks dear
Keep it up
Who is this person and what happened to Melinda? Wow, she was on point and her growth and knowledge of the subject is very noticeable. I hope I can get to that level in my conversations with potential clients. The confidence she has now is through the roof. Who do I credit, the Master who knows how to teach, or the student who is open to learning? Great episode by the way. Can't wait for the next update.
Ruben Espinoza thank you Ruben!!! And yes, you totally can get there too. If you ever doubt yourself, just remember my first few episodes. ;)
Ruben Espinoza brand new you. It’s possible.
I adore Melinda so much! Truly inspiring to hear her story. Her warmth is so captivating. Wonderful series.
I’ve been watching the show since a few weeks after the first episode with Melinda it’s been awesome to see the shift in mindset and tactics and how that has effected her business. Her demeanor is 100% different now compared to what it was the first time she was on the show.
Great work Melinda! Keep it up!
Thank you! It is fun seeing the progress. :)
"Focus on what you have to gain instead what you have to lose". Great update video and congrats to Melinda for the business improvements ! Taking notes and looking forward to the next video. 2018 is a year for change.
Myxlpltx yes! 2018 will be amazing.
Yes!
Just Monday, I was tempted to post in the futur community asking for Melinda updates! What a coincidence! Maybe I can see into the Futur?!? 👀
;)
Perfect timing!
this fact-astic info. Well done Melinda. Chris, I love the way you ask the question, rephrasing it and asking her to describe her process. That's helpful. She gave the answer based on her experience, I can hear her saying she has a practice strategy with a couple of people wow great. Thank you for bringing her.
Fantastic content! Very relevant to many and to all starting up! Thank-You for sharing Melinda!
I always watch your content and really appreciate it, but this video in particular was like... God sent. I come from the same background as Melissa, working freelance and since the very beginning feeling the need to guide my clients into what they really need and not into what they think they need. A month ago I decided to turn into a brand strategist but been feeling really unsure about myself, even though at my core I know that I know what I'm doing. This is just what I needed to get going... And I don't want to be dramatic but I feel like crying. Thank you so much for creating and sharing.
Glad to hear Laura.
WOW, she is doing SO much better at speaking. WOW.
Pop off sis.
Thanks melinda and chris. You changing the world. Am from different industry but this is very helpful.
Thank you for the set of your video. It’s amazing for relooking to your professional design life.
YES! Melinda's back. A great video as always.
This is groundbreaking in terms of education not just for designers, but for anyone, working in any field.
Hi!!!! Thanks!
Wow! So much freakin value! Love you all!
Yes!! Thank you, Melinda, for breaking down your beliefs. And Chris, thank you for not letting go of your question: “What makes you special?” I finally got some clarity about why I excel at being an entrepreneur. Great podcast!
Chris looks really proud in this one. Real evidence of Chris' teaching
Even though I’m an interior designer, I’ve found this series sooo helpful! To understand closing a sale, negotiating and explaining the process of how I work. So instead of just taking on concept work for clients. I am going to be telling clients, I need to design and install the whole project to meet the overall vision of their home. Oh and I’m doubling my design fees!
Yay!! Tell us what happens.
Yet again another super helpful, educative and inspiring video. Gangster Chris and everyone on this channel are motivating me so much to get better and it's working already! Thanks!
That’s because you guys are great teachers as well! We have the talent and ability but you help us learn how to direct it. I’ve been able to charge more after taking your courses. Thanks to your amazing teachers 🙏🏾
bravo Melinda, thanks Chris
Melinda rocks, so happy for her and thankful for these podcasts they are game changing!
Wow congrats to melinda n chris. Results are so rewarding.
She has definitely leveled up since she's been on the show! Wow good job Melinda and Chris 👏👏👏
She's grown so much.
Thanks David!
I had the benefit of watching the before and after video right after each other and Melinda is definitely sounding super confident and looking like a true ninja 🙌👏🏾major congrats
She is transforming.
i feel lucky to be watching this series when i’m only just starting out in freelancing
Almost cliffhanger ending :) Go, Melinda!
haha :) Thanks!
I watched so many videos in this channel and I want to say Thank you. I learned SO MUCH, I kinda feel guilty not giving something back to you but I'm planning one day to support you in some way. Thanks.
cant stop my tears from coming out when Melinda started talking about her beliefs.
This shows the importance of having a process with clients, articulating it, and not deviating from said process. If you deviate just once it opens the door for them to negotiate everything.
Touché
Melinda Livsey not intended as a burn or towards you, apologies that it came off that way. Its clear you have a process and don't negotiate your value. Reverting back to it when clients want to negotiate is powerful. The brand strategy/consultation is no different then a doctor pumping the brakes when a patient comes in wanting antiobiotics without a diagnosis.
No burn taken. I probably should have used the word "true" instead of "touché" ;)
Don’t open the door for doubt.
this girl is my FAAAVE guest! she makes the videos seem so approachable and always says what i'm thinking LOL
Thank you!!!!
This is great to see! So often you watch videos on 'how to' and there's no follow up to prove that it's helped or even worked and you're just supposed to follow along blindly and put your trust in somehting - Much easier to get on board when you see things working... This is exactly what a lot of people, including myself want to see and its why The Futur is awesome! :) Great stuff!
Thanks Shaun!
Man watching these videos makes me really want to go after it! Thank you both for this! I love Melinda she’s dope lol I love seeing the growth!
oh Chris Do what are you doing to Melinda!? You two crack me up. Go Melinda, so glad to see you are having success!
Thanks Rebecca!
when the student becomes the master. I can see the proud smile from Chris! Very inspiring Melinda!
Thank you. Very informative and very well explained. God bless both of you.
Thanks guys for always being so honest ! The real worked for most of us designers is this 😊.. cheers and keep rocking !
chris you look so happy and excited. thats true God has given us the talent but it is we who take time to realize it, because we always focus what we don't have. i was that person 6 months back.
love from pakistan chris.
thank you. hope to see you one day.
really i would be lucky then. just pray for me, i want to change the education system totally. There are so many ideas in my mind and they are great but i am hesitating because no one has done this before.
So grateful for this content. Finding it a bit late but happy it exists!
I learn so much from this channel. Thank you so much.
Chris my man, you have a gift. Melinda sounds so boss with it thanks to your nurturing and mentoring!
thank you! she's becoming a power house.
Melinda!! She's an awesome individual, so happy to see her again!
Aw, Jen, you're so kind.
This is super cool and congrats to both of you! Very informative and entertaining got alot of great nuggets from this video I had to play it twice.
Thanks guys!
Best.
This is great! Congratulations Melinda and Chris. I will be on the show one day to thank you for all that you have shared and done for me so far.
Thank you!
This channel feels like hidden gem! I know there are 2 million subscribers but there are so many more creators out there who would benefit from Chris and Melinda; not to mention those who follow but don't buy in to the whole process. I have binged the role plays and Melinda videos, and they gave given me the confidence to more than quadruple the price of my services. I still need to work on separating deliverables and strategy and become "known," but probably 60% of what I charge now is for strategy thanks to Chris. This has been a game changer and IS extremely cathartic. Thank you for what you do!
So helpful. Thanks so much guys!
I've just gained a lot of wisdom from this single episode. Probably my favorite video from The Futur so far.
Glad to hear
Chris looks so proud :))) Melinda - i'd be very proud of you as well! Very great done!
I am.
Thanks a million for each and every video you guys post! I cannot tell you how helpful you guys have been in the process of reinventing myself. A big thank you to Chris!
Lots of prayers for you and your team at thefutur!
from Pakistan!
I have LOVED all of the content when it comes to your content. This has broken the mold on all selling here in our world today.
From a decent novice... thank you for all of your content and strategies.
Thank you
Great insight on the change in mindset. Thanks a ton for really digging deep and sharing what actually matters. Goldmine!
i can never resist the futur's role playing. Great work, as always.
Lol. I can... when I'm involved.
That is precisely why I love Chris and his thoughts, ideas, and teaching.
This is awesome. Really thankful for the video and congrats on the growth Melinda! I can't WAIT to be taught be the Jedi Master!
Thanks Ryan!
I really enjoyed this. I align with Chris's interests a lot and he's 100% in the business of helping people.
Congrats Melinda! You have a great attitude and very inspiring for designers to start their own business. The struggle is real and I love watching your progress. Thank you Futur for keeping us posted. Keep it up!
Thanks Mika! I appreciate your encouragement.
I love that Melinda was brave enough to call Chris out. I get his method of teaching though and it’s really effective. It can be intimidating and he comes off as cocky. He needs more people to keep his personality in check though and Melinda has done that in this great video!
So amazing
I’m so happy for everyone
It’s so great to be able to see the changes overtime.
This series documentary is done so well. Great success story.
im so blessed this channel exist! keep up the good content!! you guys are so inspiring!
I love the personality of Melinda. Great video. Fun to watch!
Thank you :)
she has a fun personality.
I have never been so jacked up for the next episode. I shall sit here patiently awaiting the next video in this new series with Melinda! I must say just like Pablo Villa said this is one of the best videos, the role playing style of interview is always super informative. This one was great, keep them coming. It makes me glad I am a sustaining member and supporting you all at The Futur!
Glad you guys like the role plays. I still cringe every time he says those words.
Melinda Livsey I don't know if that nervous cringe will ever go away, but in the end your role plays ALWAYS turn out to be super useful! It's has been really interesting to follow your growth over the past year. Keep up the good work, it is inspiring **high five**
Thank you! If it helps you guys, then it's worth it.
Thank you so much for the Great Inspiration Chris ! Melinda : you are sooo sweet !! 😊😎 I’m sorry ! 😄 many greets guys and keep well 🖖
So good to see it as a walk through play. I know this as a process but had not seen how I could do it in practice.
Giving the reasons and being confident the strategy is good. “Align with your vision” and “defining their value and definition of success”
It is so important to get them to say what is success and then you smash that as they will knock down any success you define alone.
Tristan Bailey yep!
I was here when Future starting out(10k subs maybe, I don't remember). I really love the content then and I am happy to come here again and see Eric sharing these wonderful videos. Congrats Melinda!!!
who is Eric? thanks for sticking w/ us.
The Futur LOL hahahaha didn't notice that Eric part. Hahhahahahahhahahah, I mean you Chris. 😂
As a developer, I charge for strategy as well. It seems it may be a little easier for me because the actual tasks may be $50K to $250K, so doing a $7K to $12K strategy (or road mapping session as I call it) makes sense. Understanding what a business needs and how they can get to their goals is so much more important than the list of todo's. Being able to help your client get to the next level through the strategy sessions instead of only focusing on the task they think they need is really a game changer.
Congrats on breaking through the mental barriers to actually provide true value to your clients!
Great job. Thank you for sharing, Melinda.
Thanks for watching, Adam!
Ah. Love when you two link up! Great episode.
Thanks Jean! Me too.
Thanks so much for generously giving this information! Today I closed my first sale that included strategy, and it's an amazing feeling to have a client value my knowledge in addition to my design skills. This was in large part because of everything I've learned from watching these videos and soaking up all this wisdom!
Bravo.
Congrats Madison!
Great job Melinda! You got me a little excited about strategy.
Just a little?! Hope you're doing well.