G'day listeners, it's Greg Merrilees here from Studio1 Design, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to the second half of our interview with the incredible Taki Moore. In the first part of this conversation, Taki really opened our eyes to the power of frameworks - not just in business, but in life. He showed us how he uses these visual models to bring clarity and structure to everything he does, and it was truly inspiring.
Now, in this second half, Taki is going to dive even deeper, sharing insights that I know are going to be invaluable for designers, business owners, and anyone looking to level up their game. One of the things that really stood out to me was Taki's emphasis on creating the perfect work environment - not just for himself, but for his entire team.
You see, Taki understands that where we work and who we work with can have a massive impact on our productivity and creativity. That's why he's gone to such great lengths to design an office space in the Philippines that is truly unique and inspiring. And it's not just about the physical space - it's about the tools, the noise levels, the energy, and the people you surround yourself with.
Taki's approach is a masterclass in respecting individual work styles and preferences, while also fostering a cohesive, high-performing team. And as designers, I think this is something we can all learn from. After all, if we want to create amazing work for our clients, we need to make sure we're operating at our absolute best.
But Taki's insights don't stop there. He's also going to share some of the incredible ways he onboards new clients, using thoughtful, tangible touches that create a lasting impression. I'm talking custom-built boxes, personalized journals, and more - all designed to make his clients feel valued, respected, and excited to embark on their journey with him.
So buckle up, because this is going to be one heck of a ride. Taki is about to drop some serious knowledge bombs, and I can't wait for you to hear them. Let's dive in!
- The importance of frameworks in design and business, with expert insights from guest Taki
- Work environment preferences and how to create an ideal workspace to boost productivity and collaboration
- How respecting client preferences and creating tangible, visible experiences enhance communication and engagement
- How to design a memorable customer experience through packaging and follow-through
- The power of design consistency in building a unified, high-class business identity that resonates across every customer touchpoint
As designers and business owners, we're always on the lookout for new ways to level up our game. Whether it's finding the perfect workflow, crafting a killer brand identity, or delivering an unforgettable customer experience, the devil is often in the details.
That's why I was so excited to sit down with Taki Moore, the founder of Coach Marketing Machine, for the second part of our in-depth interview. Taki is known for his innovative approach to coaching and business-building, and in this conversation, he shared some truly invaluable insights that I know will resonate with anyone looking to design a high-class operation.
One of the key themes that emerged was the importance of creating the ideal work environment - not just for yourself, but for your entire team. As Taki explained, "If you know that you do your best work in some environments and you're not best work in other environments, then how about we go, what would make a workplace that rocked and build something like that?"
This really struck a chord with me, because I've seen firsthand how the physical space, tools, and even the energy of an office can impact productivity and creativity. Taki shared how he's designed his own workspace to be a distraction-free haven, complete with noise-cancelling headphones, a favorite Spotify playlist, and the simple-yet-powerful tools he loves, like an Action Method notebook.
But Taki didn't stop there. He also emphasized the importance of respecting each team member's individual work preferences and rhythms. Rather than dictating a one-size-fits-all approach, he encourages his employees to have open conversations about how they thrive - whether that's in a bustling café or a quiet home office.
"Get clear on how and where you do your best work, and then have your team have the same conversation," Taki advised. "Rather than, you know, okay, great. So just move, we're moving into the café. How about you? Let people figure that out."
This level of personalization and flexibility is something I really admire. Too often, businesses get so caught up in creating a "cool" or "trendy" office environment that they forget to consider the unique needs of the people who have to work there every day. Taki's approach flips that script, putting the individual first and designing the space around them.
But Taki's insights didn't stop there. He also shared some incredible examples of how he's applied this high-class, customer-centric mindset to his client onboarding process - and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
When a new client joins Taki's "Black Belt" program, they receive a custom-built welcome box that arrives just 24 hours after they sign up. Inside, they find a treasure trove of thoughtful touches, including a white karate belt (a symbol of their journey), an iPod Shuffle loaded with training content, and a stunning, hand-crafted moleskin journal that walks them through the program.
"It's just a chance to, it's going to stand out, make people smile," Taki explained. "We have a card that we send to clients, which has got like a picture of, it's like a postcard, right? It's got a picture of a really, really angry, frustrated, like esteem blowing out of his ears, businessman. On one side and on the back, it says you're here at Black Belt. Says, Hi Greg, here at Black Belt. We want everything to go perfectly."
The attention to detail is truly impressive, and it's a perfect example of Taki's commitment to creating a cohesive, high-class experience for his clients. But what's even more remarkable is the impact it has on his business.
"Because what happens when somebody goes, Hey, yeah, yeah. What are they going to tell their friends? I gotta, I gotta. I got my white belt yesterday. Well, what do you mean? Did you get your white belt? I didn't know you do karate. No, no, I don't do karate. I'm growing my business with this Taki guy."
In other words, these thoughtful touches don't just delight Taki's clients - they also become powerful word-of-mouth marketing tools, sparking conversations and creating a sense of excitement and community around his brand.
And that, to me, is the true power of design. It's not just about making things look pretty - it's about crafting experiences that leave a lasting impression, build trust and loyalty, and ultimately drive