We were lucky to catch up with Jen Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I think sometimes the best asset you can have are the connections you make along the way. It’s simple to always make a good impression, the second you walk out the door and interact with others you’re making connections that could possibly be your next client. My first clients were always family, and friends who knew I had a key sense of design, but one that made an impact was actually being reached out to from other creatives. My true first client was an interior designer who wanted a modern, and sophisticated logo, business cards, and website. I had worked with this client previously with another company, and she knew my work ethic, and eye for design although we didn’t work closely together, she reached out to me through LinkedIn and requested my services. My first connection made a lasting impression, from my professionalism, enthusiasm, and genuine interest got me my first client. I was extremely excited, and put my best foot forward, and have kept this client for returning work.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Sure! My name is Jen Smith and I own INTNT design which is a graphic design company here in Colorado. My style is intentional, clean, often minimalist, and modern. I got into this industry wanting to provide great design to others that was catered to the client. There is a purpose behind every detail with my designs, nothing is ever aimlessly placed, everything has been thought through. When designing a project for a client/business, it’s important that every detail reflects their values, mission, etc.

I have a B.S. in Architecture and Planning, and my family are artists. My father is a graphic designer/photographer, my mother does realism portraits, and my sister Carole owns ILL Pixy, and is skilled in multiple disciplines, but has developed her own style.

What sets me apart from others is that initial conversation, I like to meet with perspective clients, and get the details right, I want to hear what works, and doesn’t and provide my feedback. I work with such a variety of clients, from interior designers, landscaping, solar, and even a light saber companies!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

A big way I keep clients, is continuing to reach out and meeting with them for lunch/coffee. Building that relationship and keeping it is very important to me. The conversation isn’t really about, “hey do you need more work” but more getting to know them, and that’s been a huge way I have kept business.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I love reading about businesses/founders, listening to podcasts, or videos. A great podcast would be Founders, the host reads autobiographies of famous business leaders, athletes, etc. and their struggles and successes. The one on Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA, was excellent. I watch a lot on Nick Bare, I think the way he runs his company with integrity and transparency has had a large impact on me.

You don’t always have to have the inspiration from direct sources, you can always get inspiration from others and fit them into your values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.intntdesign.com
• Instagram: @intntdesign
• Facebook: INTNT design
• Linkedin: Intntdesign

Image Credits

I have the rights to the images.