Think like a consultant.

Reflect back to a time when you were in a team discussion trying to solve a design problem, and a teammate says "Well, let's do what the client wants."

It's a statement we hear too often, and while yes, there is merit to that question, our response should be that it's not necessarily about what they want, instead what they need. When you place all the power in the hands of a client telling you what to do, you begin to diminish your competitive advantage. The client starts to look at you like the doer and not a thought leader. You end up losing the real reason they hired you. You're a fresh mind that has a unique, unbiased perspective. Spend the time learning their business, understanding their operations, marketing, and sales. Sit down and talk candidly with their team. Extract as much information as you can, and then go back to extract more. Give your client a fresh perspective.

Clients hire us to solve real business problems. They hire consultants for the same reason. As designers, we can realize those solutions. As you start thinking like a consultant and executing like a designer, your value will increase.