What’s the best shape for your ideas?

SOLO is your weekly design and visibility lab — part of the Solo Business School, and dedicated to helping solopreneurs stand out with smart systems, sharp visuals, and AI that unlocks your edge.

Each week, you get fresh ideas to help you stay small and play big.

Welcome to issue #067.

Last week, I attended Craft + Commerce, the annual gathering of creators sponsored by Kit, the company I use to send this newsletter. Over 400 people came together to exchange ideas and connect with old and new friends.

While there, I recorded a conversation about visual frameworks with Vicky Zhao, who focuses on thinking in frameworks, and Charlotte Crowther, who helps experts develop their signature frameworks. (Here's the LinkedIn post about it.) We’ll be sharing the recording soon.

It was great fun and made me realize how much I enjoy sharing ideas about this topic. With summer upon us, I also decided a lighter format — shorter, more informal — would be a great option for SOLO.

So, today begins a summer format of three questions:

First, a question you’d like me to answer.
Next, a question for you, to pause and reflect.
Finally, a question for us: a fun poll to gauge our collective thoughts on a specific topic.

A Question for Terri

This week’s question is one I’m often asked:
What’s the best way to begin using visual frameworks?

It’s a great place to launch this format.

Visual frameworks serve two powerful purposes for solopreneurs.

First, they help you think, clarifying complex ideas.
Then, they help you communicate your value to clients.

My research has found that most frameworks fall into five shape categories:

⭕️ Circles (like Venn diagrams) show overlap and relationships
🟩 Squares organize information or compare two (or more) factors
🔺 Triangles illustrate hierarchy or progression
➡️ Paths map a journey or transformation
🕸️ Networks reveal systems or interconnections

Your first step? Don’t start with the shape — start with your message.

For example:
• Showing how your offer meets client needs? Try a two-circle Venn diagram.
• Outlining your service levels? A tiered triangle works well.
• Explaining the client journey and transformation? Use a path.

🚀 Pro tip:
Get clear on your message, and the right framework will practically choose itself.

In the weeks ahead I’ll be covering the five key shapes of visual frameworks in more detail.

Have a question you’d like me to answer? Hit Reply or zip me an email.

A Question for You

This summer, I’ll also offer a simple reflection question each week — something quick but meaningful to spark your thinking.

Here’s your first one to reflect upon:

What’s one idea in your business that’s clear in your head but difficult to explain to others?

That’s a great place to try a visual framework.

A Question for Us

We all tend to gravitate toward certain shapes when thinking visually, even if we don’t realize it.

Answer this week’s poll to see how your preferences align with other readers. (Your answers are anonymous.)

Which of these shapes feels most natural for your ideas?

Circle (Venn diagram, target)

Square (2x2 matrix, grid, scorecard)

Triangle (tiered triangle, pyramid, funnel)

Path (journey, map)

Network (mind map, connections)

Quick Links

🔵 Download the Solo Business Canvas, a free visual tool to map your one-person business.
🔵 Learn to create quality content with AI as your personal assistant.
🔵 Browse the free solo resources of handpicked tools and resources I actually use.
🔵 Send me an email to book a 1:1 Coaching Session or ask a question
🔵 Explore the archives of past issues