The foundation of a design business : Design education ; Writing a business plan ; Starting your own firm ; Strategic plan ; Top ten business practices ; Interview with Michael Graves -- Business and financial management : Financial tools ; Budgeting ; Contracts ; Managing profitability ; Interview with John Merrill -- Marketing and public relations : Marketing ; Building a marketing plan ; Public outreach ; Finding a niche ; Learning how to say no ; Public relations ; Interview with A. Eugene Kohn -- Human resources : Finding the right fit ; Reviewing your staff ; Mentoring your staff ; Employee benefits ; Hiring practices ; Firm structure ; Ownership transition ; Building a legacy firm ; Corporate retreats ; Interview with Victoria Hagan -- Project management ; Project kickoff ; Team structure and roles ; Scheduling ; Budgeting ; Contract management ; Technology and project management ; Power of communication ; Interview with Richard Meier -- Product development : Hiring a licensing agent ; Project-development process ; Negotiating the deal ; Managing the deal ; Licensing versus self-production ; Building your own brand -- Conclusion.
