Last week’s “LAUNCH Business Lunch Series: Discuss your Design Business Issues for 2009” provided a chance for all of us to have some thoughtful discussions and meet a few new people over great food and a friendly setting.

Check out the photos!

Thanks to our moderators for leading the discussions at their respective tables:

What skills do you need now to be more marketable?
Robin Tooms, Managing Director, Brand Strategist, Savage

The do’s and don’ts of Freelancing/Contract
Natalie Gonzalez, Sr. Recruiter, Clearpoint Creative

How to get the most out of networking
Katie Laird, Strategic Advisor for Schipul –The Web Marketing Company

What are the best ways to win more business in a challenging year?
Mark, Hayden, Principal, Parker:Hayden Advertising + Design

At our table, we discussed the topic “What skills make you more marketable” and the conversation was quite varied but useful. For example:

• Consider additional education. Whether you want to gain new design skills or develop new business skills, more education could be a route for you to consider. Think of what has changed since the last time you were in school!
• What about a second language? Houston is a very multicultural city, and perhaps learning another language can give you an edge when that hiring manager is looking through résumés. Also, there are some areas where this is just essential. Hispanic marketing is a growing segment, and may be something you want to consider.
• Find your niche.  You are more marketable when you are doing what you are truly good out, so take some time for self-reflection and see what that might be for you. Wouldn’t you rather be known as that really great presentation designer (or whatever your skill is) than just another designer in a sea of competition?
•  Sell yourself. If you haven’t been spending enough time networking and selling your skills, now is the time to ramp those efforts up. With all of the online social networking tools available to us and the many in-person events locally, the opportunity is there. Spend some time developing your brand and your elevator pitch so that you’re ready on the spot.