This post is an expansion of tip #67 in our post 101 Graphic Design Tips for Business Success.

Work, Work, Work!

Want to know the best secret for beating out your competition? Work more than they do. If you truly want to make a difference, you need to work harder than anyone you know. You will surely reap the benefits of your hard labor.

Type “A” clients and bosses will love you if you show up earlier than expected and sometimes stay later than needed. It’s hard to get a graphic designer that isn’t experimenting with how much (or how little) they can get away with. Rebellion goes with artistic talent, but it is best left in the high school art room. You are all grown up now and when people pay for your services, they expect the best that you can give them. So give them your best!

Focus!

Focus is the greatest tool for diligent labor. The more focused you are, the better and faster your creative will be. When you are working, be working – not surfing the net, not chatting with co-workers or procrastinating what needs to be done. Pick one thing that you know you can do better on and tackle it. If you have been slacking for a while it might take some time to build up good habits again. Have the willingness to try to change and flex your creative and organizational muscles.

Showing diligence and dedication to your job pleases your clients and ultimately polishes your reputation to a high shine.