How to Say No Like a Boss - Margot Harrington

Margot Harrington gave this talk at Weapons of Mass Creation Fest 2012 in Cleveland, OH. Her description of this talk is, "So you've got networking down, you got a few connections in the design field, and before you know it you're busy with all sorts of interesting projects. Congrats! You've achieved every creative person's dream! Too bad you're delirious from lack of sleep, you have an anxious ulcer slowly brewing in your gut, and your hand is stuck in a permanent claw from grasping your mouse. Oh no! You've taken on too much because – spoiler alert – saying no is really freaking hard to do. This talk is about figuring out how and when to say no comfortably without feeling guilty. In short, it's going to be a 30 minute therapy sesh on how not to go crazy or burn bridges."

Transcript

1. Hiya, my name’s Margot! @pitchdesign pitchdesignunion.com cargocollective.com/pitchdesignunion Thursday, July 26, 12
2. Thursday, July 26, 12
3. Why do we do this to ourselves, again & again? Thursday, July 26, 12
4. Because yes is our default way of working. Thursday, July 26, 12
5. Saying no is hard / but it allows you to develop & shape your pursuits better. Thursday, July 26, 12
6. But where to start? And how? Thursday, July 26, 12
7. Getting your Hustle Straight & your Commitments Sorted Thursday, July 26, 12
8. v Thursday, July 26, 12
9. + Draws on common childhood nostalgia + People have been tracing hands into bird shapes since prehistoric times + You’ll have a reminder of it everywhere you go, every time you use your hands Thursday, July 26, 12
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12. + 5 universal steps + Tailor them to your own specifics + End goal: happier process, more confidence, more sleeping Thursday, July 26, 12
13. Pinky finger: Define your Brand Thursday, July 26, 12
14. + Your work comes from a deeper place, you have to define it for yourself and to the world. + Make it official. Nail that sucker down in some way. + Refer back to it when you’re faced with a prospect that challenges your brand or tries to modify how you work. Thursday, July 26, 12
15. My approach to my brand starts with the ampersand. Thursday, July 26, 12
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19. And, the Typeface at Uppercase Gallery in Calgary Canada, 2009 Thursday, July 26, 12
20. And, the Typeface at Typeforce #1, Chicago 2010 Thursday, July 26, 12
21. I refuse to settle for design as merely decoration. My best work comes when I run my own process with clients & collaborators who are rooted in progressive values & cultural growth. I also require time to maintain a blog because of the empowerment it gives me & my readers. Thursday, July 26, 12
22. Ring finger: How you Hustle Thursday, July 26, 12
23. + Right people, right places. + Sell it, follow through & then have an end-game. + Trust & respect = more value. + You are your network. Thursday, July 26, 12
24. Middle finger: $$$ Thursday, July 26, 12
25. + Know what’s coming in / going out. + It gets easier every year. + Practice your negotiation tactics. + Wheeling & dealing can be fun if you let it. Thursday, July 26, 12
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27. I refuse to settle for design as merely decoration. My best work comes when I run my own process with clients & collaborators who are rooted in progressive values and cultural growth. I also require the time to maintain a blog because of the empowerment it offers me & my readers. Pointer finger: Time Management Thursday, July 26, 12
28. + Are you prepared to give something else up if you say yes? + Check your calendar constantly. + There will be signs if you’re working too much, don’t ignore them. + Enforce time off, it is precious. You can’t innovate if you’re exhausted. Thursday, July 26, 12
29. Thumb: The Work Thursday, July 26, 12
30. + The work is influenced by every other part of your life. + The more you tweak your other three fingers the better your work will be. Thursday, July 26, 12
31. In conclusion: This is your guide to No. Thursday, July 26, 12
32. "There's no need to sharpen your pencils anymore. The pencils, they are sharp enough. Even the dull ones will make a mark. Warts and all, let's start this shit up. And dear god, let's make it fun, life isn't just a sequence of waiting for things to be done." - ze frank, 2012 Thursday, July 26, 12
33. Thank you! @pitchdesign pitchdesignunion.com cargocollective.com/pitchdesignunion Any Qs? Thursday, July 26, 12