When I look at design portfolios, many of them are not designed to appeal to the client. If you are looking for a job at a agency that is one thing, but if you want client work, you better make a portfolio that appeals to clients. It isn't hard, it just takes a different approach and you need to step out of your designer shoes and into those of your potential clients.

When you are used to running your own business you make all the decisions. But if you want your designer to do their best work, they have to own the project. That is, they must have some personal stake in it, a sense of pride and responsibility. To do this they must be your partner in the project.