The Design Imposter

#32: From RFP to Proposal: Tips for New Agencies and Freelancers

Is your RFP proposal process overwhelming and fruitless? Discover the strategy to secure more wins!
Delve into the intricate world of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in this episode of "The Design Imposter," with Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis. 
If you've ever wondered how successful agencies secure new clients, this episode is a must-listen. Monique and Jessica share their tried-and-true strategies for crafting compelling proposals that stand out in a crowded marketplace.
From understanding the client's needs to presenting your agency's unique value, they cover every aspect of the RFP process. You'll learn how to prepare effectively, structure your proposal, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner, or leading a large agency, their insights will help you refine your approach and increase your chances of success.
But it's not all about the technical details. Monique and Jessica also discuss the importance of creativity and personal touch in your proposals. They emphasize the value of a well-designed presentation and how to showcase your agency's strengths authentically. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap for developing winning proposals and taking your business to the next level.
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#31: Navigating Race, Parenthood, and Professional Support

Do you feel alone and underrepresented at your job?Join us as we dive deep into a heartfelt conversation about the intersection of race, parenthood, and professional life in a post-COVID world. Black UX Labs founder Amber Fields joins Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins. Together they share personal stories and candid reflections on the unique challenges and triumphs they face as Black women in their careers and as mothers.Amber shares her journey through various cities and industries, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s authentic voice and perspective to stand out in a competitive job market. Monique and Jessica reflect on their own experiences with feeling isolated and the necessity of creating supportive communities where they can thrive.The conversation takes a poignant turn as the hosts discuss the impact of societal expectations on their roles as mothers. They explore the challenges of managing work and childcare, especially in a society that often lacks empathy for working mothers. The discussion also touches on the systemic barriers that Black professionals face, with Amber highlighting historical parallels and the ongoing struggle for representation and inclusion in industries like UX design.Listeners will be inspired by the hosts’ resilience and determination to create spaces where they and others like them can succeed. The episode underscores the importance of mental health, self-care, and community support in navigating these complex intersections of race, gender, and professional life. By sharing their stories, Jessica, Amber, and Monique provide valuable insights and actionable advice for those facing similar challenges.Want to learn more about a topic?
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#30: Hiring & Firing: A Manager’s Perspective

How many strikes are too many before it’s time to let someone go? Dive into the tough decisions behind hiring and firing from a manager's perspective in this episode of The Design Impostor. We discuss the ups and downs of building and maintaining a team, from interns to business partners. Tune in for a candid conversation that every manager and aspiring professional needs to hear!In this episode of The Design Impostor, hosts Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis tackle the complex and often emotional process of hiring and firing from a manager’s perspective. They discuss the excitement of bringing new talent into a team, as well as the heartbreak and challenges that come with letting someone go. From interns and contractors to full-time employees and business partners, Monique and Jessica share their experiences and insights on what it takes to build and maintain a successful team.Monique highlights the importance of aligning new hires with the team’s culture and work ethic, sharing stories from her mentoring experiences with design students. Jessica provides practical advice on what she looks for in an intern's portfolio and how she gauges their potential during the hiring process. Together, they emphasize the significance of curiosity, coachability, and clear communication in fostering a productive work environment.The discussion then shifts to the often overlooked but critical aspect of letting someone go. Monique and Jessica recount their personal experiences, from dealing with absenteeism to managing personality clashes that can disrupt team dynamics. They offer valuable tips on how to handle performance improvement plans and the tough conversations that come with terminating an employee.Finally, the hosts delve into the nuances of working with contractors and maintaining business partnerships. They share their strategies for vetting potential partners and ensuring that everyone on the team is aligned with the company’s goals. Throughout the episode, Monique and Jessica provide actionable advice and real-world examples, making this a must-listen for anyone involved in hiring and team management.Action Items for Managers and Leaders
Evaluate Your Hiring Process: Reflect on your current hiring practices. Are you thoroughly vetting candidates to ensure they fit your team’s culture and work ethic? Consider implementing new strategies shared in the episode.
Enhance Communication: Whether it's with employees, interns, or contractors, clear and open communication is key. Schedule regular check-ins and provide constructive feedback to help your team grow.
Set Clear Expectations: For both new hires and existing team members, make sure everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the company’s core values. This can prevent misunderstandings and improve overall performance.
Plan for Tough Conversations: Prepare for the difficult discussions that come with managing performance and, if necessary, termination. Approach these conversations with empathy and a clear action plan to support those involved.
Leverage Mentorship: If you’re in a leadership role, take the time to mentor your team members. Sharing your knowledge and experience can significantly impact their career development and your team’s success.
By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with practical tips and insights to enhance your hiring process, improve team dynamics, and handle the tough decisions with confidence. Press play and join Monique and Jessica as they navigate the intricate world of team management.Want to learn more about a topic?
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#29: SEO, Reddit, & AI

Is SEO a scam?No, it’s just a lot more complex than blogging and keywords. In this episode, Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins, discuss SEO with Edan Ben-Atar and dive into what makes SEO challenging: the advent of AI and Google’s secret weapon: Reddit!Edan highlights the evolving nature of Google's algorithms, which increasingly prioritize organic content over AI-generated material. This shift signifies a move away from conventional SEO strategies where content creation and blog posting were central to improving search rankings. Now, Google's algorithms are designed to recognize and promote content that exhibits genuine human engagement and creativity, aiming to enhance the user experience by ensuring the content they encounter is both original and relevant.They also delve into the strategic partnership between Google and Reddit, portraying Reddit as a powerful tool in SEO. Unlike transient social media posts whose relevance diminishes within hours, Reddit threads retain their significance over a longer period due to the platform's structure and the enduring nature of the discussions that unfold. This characteristic makes Reddit an invaluable asset for SEO as content remains accessible and relevant, continually driving traffic and engagement in a way that traditional social media platforms cannot match.Lastly, the podcast covered the influence of additional search engines and business directories like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. The discussion emphasized the commercial aspect of these platforms, where businesses must invest financially to enhance their visibility. Payment on these sites can prioritize high-rated reviews and increase the frequency of a business’s appearance in search results. This pay-to-play model underscores the competitive landscape of online visibility, where spending can significantly influence a business's online reputation and searchability.Edan is the owner of WebLime & Limey.io, specializing in WordPress and Shopify development.Want to learn more about a topic?
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#28: Grad School for Creatives: Alumni Insights from the University of Baltimore

Do you feel stuck in your career? Looking for ways to advance? Wondering if a masters degree in publishing, design, marketing or writing will take you to that next level?
Join Jesica Valis and Monique Jenkins as they reunite with former classmates from the University of Baltimore and delve into their journeys before, during, and after pursuing a Master of Arts in Integrated Design. The conversation kicks off with their decision to return to school and the allure of the Masters in Publications Design/Integrated Design program. Each guest shares personal anecdotes about their favorite classes and the profound impact these courses had on shaping their careers.
The hosts and guests discuss how the curriculum focuses on visual communication: graphic design, web design, and professional writing and explore how this multidisciplinary approach has equipped them with skills to excel in design, marketing, and management roles in their current careers.
Listeners gain insights into the practical applications of what the graduates learned, emphasizing the importance of integrating design principles with professional writing and research to thrive across multiple platforms. The discussion also touches on the ongoing impact of their education on their creative processes and professional strategies, offering valuable lessons for current and prospective students.
This episode not only celebrates the successes of its guests but also touches on the feelings of imposter syndrome when making career-changing moves and how they feel now. It serves as an inspirational guide for anyone considering advancing their education and career in the ever-evolving world of design and communication.
Meet Our Guests on LinkedIn • Don Whelan • Shannon McKenna • Tracey Hirsch
Learn more about the UB Integrated Design program.
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Learn about our agency: The Creative Circle Collective.#designimposter #impostersyndrome #gradschool #ubalt #masters #design #designers #websitedesign #creatives #marketing #printdesign

#27: Designing Within Giants: Leading UX in the Corporate World (Part 2)

Join us on "The Design Imposter" as hosts Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis chat with two awesome UX leaders, Bri-anna Lewis and Kellie Porter, about what it's like to be in charge of design at big companies.
They'll talk about how they make sure everyone works well together, how they keep their design teams happy and creative, and what they do when things change at work.
You'll hear cool stories and get tips on how to lead a design team and make a big impact with your ideas. Whether you love design, want to be a leader, or are just curious about working in a big company, this episode has something for you. So, tune in and get ready to be inspired to lead and create!
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#26: Designing Within Giants: Navigating Big Organizations as a Creative (Part 1)

In the vast expanse of corporate landscapes, where do designers find their place? This episode of "The Design Imposter," hosted by Monique Jenkins and Jessica Valis, ventures into the heart of large organizations to uncover the challenges and opportunities that await creative professionals. From the nuances of corporate culture to the dynamics of large-scale collaboration, we delve deep into what it means to be a designer amidst the giants of industry.
Join Monique and Jessica as they explore the intricate balance between creativity and conformity, and the paths designers can take to thrive in environments that often seem daunting. Our discussion covers crucial topics such as navigating corporate culture, leveraging teamwork for innovative design solutions, and carving out a career path that leads to growth and fulfillment within the sprawling structures of big organizations.
Whether you're a UI/UX enthusiast, a graphic design expert, or a branding specialist, "Designing Within Giants" offers insights and stories that resonate with the experiences of creatives navigating the corporate world. We'll also tackle listener questions, providing real-world advice and reflections on making your mark as a designer in a big organization.
Tune in to "The Design Imposter" for an episode that empowers, enlightens, and encourages designers to harness their unique talents in the service of creating impactful work, no matter the size of the stage on which they perform. Because in the world of design, it's not just about fitting into the corporate mold—it's about reshaping it with your creativity, guided by the insights and experiences of Monique and Jessica.
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#25: The Cost of Being a Freelancer + Entrepreneur

You just signed your first client and are ready to cash in that check! But wait! Have you covered all your expenses as an agency owner or freelancer?In this episode of The Design Imposter Podcast, Jessica Valis and Monique Jenkins break down some of the basic and unexpected costs associated with being your own boss. From simple $10/m subscriptions to several thousand dollar a year services, create a running list of your business expenses. Doing so will help you determine how much to charge your clients so you don’t go belly up.These monthly services go beyond Adobe Creative Suite, including business insurance, lawyer fees, accounting and bookkeeping, marketing tools, and paying employees and contractors. And don’t forget those emergency situations that are beyond your capability and require 3rd party assistance.Grab a pen and paper (or Excel) as we guide you through programs we use and help you keep track of where the money is going.Want to learn more about a topic?
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#24: Behind the Mic: Starting a Podcast with Evan Dvorkin

Have you thought of starting your own podcast?
Join co-hosts Jessica Valis & Monique Jenkins as they discuss podcasting with the producer of the Design Imposter Podcast—Evan Dvorkin from Your Social Gathering.
Evan shares stories about his journey into podcasting and a few insights into the world of podcast hosting and marketing.
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#23: Career Crossroads: Job Changes + Entrepreneurship

Have you had entrepreneurship on the brain?
On this episode of the Design Imposter, Jessica and Monique discuss corporate work culture, feeling validated in your work, and acknowledging the budding entrepreneur within.
Their discussions include knowing when it's time to quit and key steps like building community support, having a financial plan, developing an exit strategy, setting realistic goals and more. Other takeaways are understanding indicators of a toxic work environment, giving yourself grace during the transition, leveraging connections, and focusing on creating reader value not just original ideas.
Learn how to recognize the potential of being your own boss, how to prepare to break away from your “traditional career,” and launch into leadership and BYOB.
You don’t need to be a designer to appreciate the duo’s insights and vulnerabilities. For those contemplating the switch, tune in!
Episode References
The Daily — The Hybrid Worker Malaise
Patriot — Simple Payroll
YNAP.com — You Need a Budget
Action Items
Analyze current job for growth opportunities, value alignment and signs of toxic culture over next month
Research legal structures, accounting needs and payroll options for future business venture
Make list of key personal and professional contacts to engage as community support system
Develop tentative quarterly growth targets for first 2 years of entrepreneurship
Pick 2 target reader communities and analyze values, concerns and objections
Click here for the full transcription of this episode.
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