Case Study: The Freelancer's Journey
Follow Isabelle, a freelance designer, as she uses the 6ixSteps framework to scale her income and impact beyond one-on-one client work.
Step 1: Clarity
STEP 1.1
Finds Her Ikigai
Isabelle moves from 'I design logos' to 'I build strategic brands for mission-driven companies'.
STEP 1.2
Defines Her Core Mission
Isabelle creates a mission to empower ethical e-commerce brands with professional design systems.
STEP 1.3
Identifies Her Ideal Client
Isabelle narrows her focus to sustainable fashion and beauty brands that need more than just a logo.
Step 2: Validation
STEP 2.1
Puts Assumptions to the Test
Will clients pay for a 'product' instead of custom work? Isabelle identifies her riskiest assumptions.
STEP 2.2
Gets Some Answers
Her interviews reveal that clients are overwhelmed by branding and love the idea of a clear, comprehensive package.
STEP 2.3
Makes a Decision
With strong validation, Isabelle decides to persevere and build her productized service.
Step 3: Offer Stack
STEP 3.1
Designs Her Offer Stack
She creates a Value Ladder, from a free Brand Clarity Checklist to her premium 'Brand-in-a-Box' service.
STEP 3.2
Crafts Her Tiers
Isabelle translates features like 'font library' into outcomes like 'brand consistency that builds trust'.
STEP 3.3
Prices Her Offers
She prices her new productized service based on the immense value and time it saves her clients.
Step 4: Launch
STEP 4.1
Creates a Launch Blueprint
Isabelle plans a launch on LinkedIn and to her email list with a goal of booking 5 'Brand-in-a-Box' clients.
STEP 4.2
Crafts Her Message
Her messaging focuses on the pain of 'inconsistent branding' and the solution of a 'complete brand system'.
STEP 4.3
Builds a Launch Calendar
Isabelle plans her content to educate her audience on the importance of a brand system before she asks for a sale.
Step 5: Growth
STEP 5.1
Builds a Growth Engine
She creates a seamless client onboarding process with a client portal, questionnaires, and automated check-ins.
STEP 5.2
Finds Her Levers
Isabelle tracks lead magnet downloads, conversion rate to booked projects, and client testimonials.
STEP 5.3
Builds Her First System
She creates an SOP for the entire 'Brand-in-a-Box' delivery process, making it repeatable and scalable.
Step 6: Scale
STEP 6.1
Expands Her Reach
Isabelle brainstorms offering ongoing content design retainers and creating a DIY course for early-stage founders.
STEP 6.2
Builds Her Team
She defines a role for a 'Junior Designer' to help with production work, freeing her up for strategy and sales.
STEP 6.3
Creates Her Vision
Isabelle sets a 3-year vision to become the go-to branding agency for ethical e-commerce businesses.