I’ve put the finishing touches on the call for tonight, and I am SO pleased with the information I will be sharing. If you need “7 Steps to Boost Your Summer Earnings” then you want to be on the call. Last chance to register – click here and call in information will be emailed directly to you. Hope to “see you” on the call.
While brainstorming topics for the call, of course there were many things that came up that I would love to share but just didn’t seem to fit the call. So here are just a few additional quick tips that might help you out in your business today.
-Mary Larsen
Quick Tips to Use Now!
1. When Opportunity Knocks – Open the Door. Sadly, a lot of design firms have had to close their doors recently. Are you ready to step in and take their place? How long has it been since you spoke with your client base? Do they think YOU are out of business because they never hear from you? Use this time as a time re-evaluate and change your business – you’ll be stronger on the other side.
2. DON’T. Gggoooo. Slow. You run your business. You make things happen. When you find your clients saying a lot of “let’s wait and see” and slowing down the design process, be prepared to share with them why Right NOW! Is the best time to be doing business. Vendors are quicker than usual – lots of subcontractors are offering special pricing – shipping fees are often being waived – be prepared. Act Fast.
3. DON’T. Gggoooo. Solo. This can be a lonely business. Now is not the time to wallow in self doubt while you wonder what is going on in the rest of the design world. Join a professional group. Meet a new vendor so you can cross advertise. Volunteer for a committee. Support each other, and boost your own biz.
4. Assumptions Make an …. You know the saying. There are plenty of people still working on their homes. There are plenty of people still purchasing. Don’t assume that everyone is looking for a deal. Many people what the BEST. Show your clients the best. Don’t assume to know what they are willing to invest – show them the best, and they will invest.
5. DON’T. Give. Up. This cycle in the design field is just a challenge. You have met many of them in the past – you will meet them in your future. Rise to the challenge. Do your best. Give it everything you got. You will get through – and be stronger on the other side.
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After reading these 5 tips, I feel jazzed and motivated. One of the hardest parts of this economy is remembering that this will pass and to use this time wisely. I am looking forward to this evening and I know I will walk away with a renewed view of my design business.
Hi Mary
Looking forward to the call tonight! Thanks for the great tips. I’m doing all of of them and keep plugging away, doing my best to think outside the box and be creative in ways to promote my business. Will post more later…
#3 is an especially good tip! I’ve joined several local networking groups that have nothing to do w/design,draperies, etc. It’s enlightening to see how other businesswomen are running and promoting their businesses in this economy. I’ve gotten good advice from some of them on various “business” aspects that were highly practical and easy to implement. And we ARE running businesses! Catch you tonight.
After reading these 5 tips I feel motivaed. i just started a new design business last year, and it started with a bang, then it came to a halt , literaly.But I refuse to give I will keep forging ahead.
Being positive is so important. People like to connect with people who are. Mary, you are great at that and it’s infectious!
Mary…only a few minutes til the call but just read this post. All good tips and I know there will be more to come. I agree with #3. I sometimes find myself thinking I’m the “lone ranger”. I love talking to other women about their businesses and especially about design businesses.
Hi Mary
Enjoyed the teleseminar last night. Some great tips – glad to know that I’m on the right track with my marketing and business development plan. The only thing I haven’t done yet is have a “Wine & Design” party. I’ll see if any local friends would be interested in hosting one for me.
I’m a member of a women business owners network based in VT and have made some amazing connections (and reconnections) with a diverse group of women. Also do some volunteer work for local non-profits and donate gift certificates regularly to fundraisers. Always something to keep me moving forward… have a great day!
Mary,
You asked me to share some of the marketing things I’m doing now to “keep in front of people” and many were mentioned on your call last night.
I have nicely designed magnetic signs on my car doors. Got them from Vista Print & they match my business cards and “theme”
Haven’t gotten a yard sign yet, but I will!
I update my database of new contacts regularly. I set aside time at least 2X per week to do that.
I follow up with former clients, prospects, etc. with handwritten notes, cards, etc in addition to emails.
I send out a monthly e-newsletter and several business associates who get it like it so much that they’ve asked me to start writing newsletters for them, too!
I’m an active member of a women business owners’ network (VT based) and attend monthly chapter meetings, share info with other business owners, and have been a guest speaker at one meeting. I also volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and a local museum.
I donate regularly to various non-profits and often run special offers on my website for new clients – sign up for contracted services and get a donation made in their honor to their favorite charity. I also do gift certificates for fundraisers for several area non profits.
I’ve added a menu of “ala carte” services in addition to my core business of complete interior design & decorating services. This was in response to people who didn’t want or need the full package – they just needed some quick help. I have a division called The House Therapist which specializes in home staging, home organizing, color consultations, shopping services, 1-3 day room makeovers, and 1-2 hour consults followed up by a written report.
I’m now on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I seem to use facebook more than the others. Learning curve, I guess.
Trying to do more with my blogs (I have 2)
Have started to write some articles and hope to publish soon.
Working on an E-Book (my latest venture) and am helping a friend with hers.
I also do affiliate marketing with links to various products & services on my website, blogs, and newsletter as a means to generate some passive income.
I run AdSense ads on my website and I also do AdWords.
I’m listed on several design & decorating directories, as well as yellow pages, and a bunch of others.
I’m doing some “partnerships” with local area businesses that I have longstanding relationships with. Included are a kitchen designer, a tile & flooring store, a landscaper, a cabinetmaker, a lighting store, a glass & shower door showroom, and a couple of others, including a real estate agent & a real estate developer.
I’m constantly learning and trying new things to see if a good fit for my business. And I’ve learned to be flexible, keep an open mind, and to look for opportunities everywhere. I also try to keep in touch with people or shops regularly by email or an in person visit.. I’m also trying to be more “visible” at various business related social functions.
I also try to get together with other designers & decorators in the area with whom I have long standing friendships – even though we may be in competition with each other to a certain degree. But we try to help each other out and send referrals on occasion. I’ve learned that it helps to be generous and open with my knowledge and expertise.
Thanks!