Overview: 1.Past project review 2.How to communicate with clients 1.Clients taste in design 2.How to avoid misunderstandings w/client or project manager 3.How to reach a deadline and keep a smooth workflow 3.How to use the blog system 4.How to use the Google calendar system 5.The weekly meeting: Why and what we should figure out

1. Past project review: 1) Organic and Beyond – A Beijing based organic food company looking to create a new feeling for their brand and to make the catalog easier to read

1. Past project review: 1) Special Education Network in Beijing (SENIB) – A tool for students, parents and educators to discuss special education in Beijing

1. Past project review: 1) Lassiter – Beijing based education architecture

2. How to communicate with clients: Key points to remember: We all come from different countries/cultures Not everyone speaks the same language Not everyone has the same taste in design We are the design experts – we can’t assume the same about our clients Communication should take place in a timely fashion It is our job to show the customer what they want, and what they need

2.1 Clients taste in design: Key points to remember: We need to explain the benefits of a good design Pretty design doesn’t always mean effective We need to understand the clients needs and goals The design should have a clear path/easy to understand Usability is key – we shouldn’t compromise this, but: At the end of the day, the client is paying for the design – we need to remember this, without compromising our own design values

2.2 Avoiding misunderstandings: Key points to remember: Everyone has different ideas – these ideas should be valued and respected Both our company and clients have many different cultural backgrounds - we should try to understand this before we rush to judge Communication is the key to a good relationship If you don’t understand something, ASK! If you need help with something, ASK! Don’t be afraid to ask If you really can’t meet a deadline, discuss it first so we can set a new deadline and reach an agreement with the deadline Don’t leave things to the last minute when the pressure is high

2.3 Meeting deadlines: Key points to remember: 1.Care about deadlines 2.Keep a list of projects and deadlines 3.Communicate a clear deadline 4.Work with a cushion 5.Have a clear goal/outcome 6.Break down the project 7.Focus on the first step 8.Block off adequate time 9.Have a start and completion date for each step 10. Communicate with each step 11. Don’t overcommit 12. Learn from mistakes 13. Stay up late 14. Negotiate and meet a second deadline

3. Using the blog: Blog address: PekingDesign.com/blog Admin address: PekingDesign.com/blog/wp-admin If you don’t have an account please contact me Remember: Relevant content – keep in mind the people who will read our blog Use tags – to help people to find content Regular updates – preferably once a week or so to keep the blog lively If you use reference sites, or use information from another site, remember to link back to the source

Quick post link: Links for new posts, tags etc. Add new links and pages

Body text “more” tag, please use this! Add tags Categories Publish post

4. Using Google calendar: For the calendar address or an account, please contact me via Purpose: Remember meetings Keep to deadlines So we know who is free, and when So we know who is working on what project

To create a new event, click here, or simply drag and drop the time on the calendar

5. Weekly Meeting: What: Every Monday, 10am on Skype Why: Updates on current projects Discussions on potential clients Assign new projects to staff Help build understanding of each team members role Enable the team to interact Ideas for business development Please don’t be afraid to offer new ideas – we all want to help the business grow!

Thanks! 谢谢！ See you next time on Skype!