Episode 179: S2| Michael Dusing’s Journey with Design Like You Mean It
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how true innovation in product design unfolds? Meet Michael Dusing from Colorado, the strategic mind behind “Design Like You Mean It.” Michael and his team have not only crossed the million-dollar revenue mark but have also doubled it by leveraging their unique design expertise in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Michael’s Journey and Motivation
Michael Dusing’s entrepreneurial voyage began in the freelancing world, navigating through various companies that intermittently required his expertise to build product teams from scratch. This experience, ripe with both successes and learning curves, highlighted the limitations of running solo operations. Driven by a desire to expand his impact and the types of projects he could undertake, Michael teamed up with a former coworker. Together, they launched “Design Like You Mean It” over three years ago, aiming to provide comprehensive design and product strategy services.
Strategies and Tips for Entrepreneurs
Throughout his journey, Michael has continuously adapted his business to meet market demands. Initially focusing on UX design, his firm evolved to emphasize product strategy as market needs shifted. Michael shares valuable strategies for growth, including:
- Finding Product-Market Fit: Continuously refine your offerings to align with market trends and customer needs.
- Building Effective Systems: Implement systems for client onboarding and communication to manage increasing client loads efficiently.
These insights not only reflect his adaptive business model but also serve as actionable advice for other entrepreneurs navigating similar growth phases.
Current Challenges and Solutions
Despite their success, challenges remain prevalent. The recent shift in market dynamics has necessitated a strategic pivot from UX design to a more holistic approach involving product strategy and development. Michael emphasizes the importance of listening to client needs and adjusting service offerings accordingly, a strategy that has helped them maintain growth. In our podcast, we discussed potential solutions, including refining client engagement strategies and further developing internal systems to support scaling efforts.
About Michael Dusing
Michael Dusing, COO and co-founder of “Design Like You Mean It,” is a visionary leader with over a decade of experience in product design and team building.
Interested parties can connect with Michael through his company’s website, Design Like You Mean It, or directly via email at hello@dlymi.com.
Conclusion
Michael Dusing’s story is a testament to the power of strategic adaptability and understanding market cues. For entrepreneurs eager to refine their strategies and scale their operations, Michael’s insights offer a roadmap to success. We invite you to reach out to him for collaboration or further discussion on overcoming business hurdles and optimizing product strategies.
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