Why Every Designer Needs a Weekly CEO Date
Running your own design business means wearing a lot of hats—designer, marketer, project manager, bookkeeper, and sometimes even therapist (you know it’s true). With so many moving parts, it’s easy to feel like your business is running you instead of the other way around.
That’s where a weekly CEO Date comes in.
This intentional meeting with yourself, held at the same time each week (I recommend Mondays at 10:00 a.m.), is your opportunity to step out of the day-to-day chaos and reconnect with your bigger goals.
Here’s how to structure your CEO Date so it truly supports your design business:
1. Review Your Key Metrics
You don’t need to track everything—just the numbers that matter most. For designers, that might include:
New client inquiries
Consultations booked
Proposals sent
Hours billed
Revenue earned
Don’t forget your leading metrics—the ones that predict future results. For example: email signups, website visits, or Instagram saves might indicate a growing audience ready to book a discovery call.
2. Set Your Top 3 Priorities for the Week
Ask yourself: what are the three most important things I need to complete this week to move my business forward?
These might include:
Finishing a client’s design presentation
Following up on a proposal
Scheduling your next newsletter
Keep them focused and realistic—this isn’t your entire to-do list, just the needle-movers.
3. Check In on Your Marketing
What are you doing this week to stay visible? As a designer, you want to ensure you’re:
Attracting new leads (social media, blog posts, SEO)
Nurturing current connections (emails, client check-ins)
Inviting people to work with you (clear calls to action)
Use this time to plan your content, schedule posts, or brainstorm ideas.
4. Update Your Project Tracker
Whether you use Mydoma, Trello, ClickUp, or another tool, make sure each client project is organized and on track. Update deadlines, make note of orders, and prep for any upcoming meetings.
Staying ahead here reduces stress later.
5. Block Time on Your Calendar
You’ve got your priorities—now make sure they happen. Block time this week for:
Client work
Admin tasks
Marketing
Your next CEO Date
And don’t forget to block time for YOU. Self-care is not optional for creative business owners.
Why This Matters
The CEO Date isn’t about being rigid or adding more to your plate. It’s about bringing intention and clarity to your week so you can lead your business (instead of just reacting to it).
When you treat yourself like the CEO of your business, you begin to build it with purpose. You stay connected to your goals, focused on what matters, and confident in the direction you're headed.
So tell me—when’s your next CEO Date
DOWNLOAD THE WEEKLY CEO TEMPLATE THAT I USE HERE.
