Comments on: Care to Share Your Thoughts?

By: Linda Meeks

Linda Meeks — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:33:22 +0000

My business since 1996 has been offering a variety of sewing and design services – pretty much anything and everything I could do. In January I announced that I would be specializing in slipcovers and pillows – products that I love to create! Focusing on this niche seemed like a huge risk to me in today’s economy but here is what has happened. For those services that I am no longer providing, I have referred clients to talented designers and those clients have really appreciated the new resources. At first, it was really hard to say no to any work, but now I am getting slipcover referrals from those designers. Finding my focus allowed me time to offer services I had not before, such as embroidery and hand-painted monograms (which I outsource, adding to my referral network). Also, narrowing my scope reduces the expense side of the business. Most of all, I am happier and more confident doing what I love. We all need to keep doing what we love. And remember to say thank you… to our clients… to those referring us… to our vendors… to our friends and colleagues. Thanks for all you do to inspire us Mary!!!

By: Michele Beatty

Michele Beatty — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:36:35 +0000

This information is invaluable! I love that women are so generous with their experiences. I’ve done a consultation session with Mary and have followed much of her advice listed in her book. One thing I’m working on with my blog is to “interview” local businesses who are geared toward design and feature them in exchange for placing my business cards and/or speaking about design to a group. The interview process lets you know them and more importantly they get to know you and what you do and can then reccommend you!

By: Christy Little

Christy Little — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:49:32 +0000

A great way to get newsletter ideas is by adapting ideas from other sites. I subscibe to Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens Newsletters. They all have wonderful ideas. I’ve enjoyed reading all of the wonderful ideas from all of you!

By: Ceil Petrucelli

Ceil Petrucelli — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:11:09 +0000

Debra – great idea on the packet of “Forget-Me-Not” seeds! Also had a chance to visit your website and saw that you’re also a garden designer! What a great combination!
Warmly,
Ceil Petrucelli
http://www.ceilpetrucelliinteiors.com

By: Patrina

Patrina — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:30:07 +0000

Thank you for sharing your ideas. They were great I’m almost completed my first newsletter that I’m introducing. I was wondering if anyone can share how to get decorating tips to put in my newsletter.

By: Debra Landy

Debra Landy — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:29:45 +0000

How about giving away a pack of “Forget me not” seeds with a note to your best contacts?

By: Ronica

Ronica — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:00:56 +0000

These are ALL such great ideas!!! I don’t know which one I like best.

By: Melanie McGann

Melanie McGann — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:21:16 +0000

Ceil, What great ideas!! I love the “House Therapist” name. It is what most people are looking for right now. And your marketing ideas are terrific and I plan to start incorpoating most of them in my marketing plan. I have used e-newsletters, presentations for real estate offices and neighborhood women’s club meetings. You also have a great web site!

By: Ceil Petrucelli

Ceil Petrucelli — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:45:32 +0000

Thanks to everyone for all the positive feedback on my marketing ideas! Mary, thanks for the great PR! I’ve learned that this is a process, to take things one step at a time, to remain open to new ideas and new opportunities, and not be afraid to make changes! Also, try to be flexible — sometimes, just one small thing will make a huge difference.
Here’s another idea for the “partnership” route with other businesses. I picked up the idea from a real estate/home staging newsletter and decided to modify it a bit for my own business. There are several businesses that I deal with or work with on a regular basis through my interior design business. To foster some good PR, I have given them $50.00 gift certificates toward my services (free of charge) to give to their customers as a promotional gift.. So far, I’m doing it with 2 kitchen design showrooms, a glass & shower door business, and I’m trying to find a couple of real estate agents to offer this to as well – for new homebuyers who may need decorating help or for home sellers who may need staging or organizing help. It doesn’t cost them anything and it gets my name out there – and a great sales tool to get additional business.

By: Valanda Wilson

Valanda Wilson — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:07:14 +0000

Thank you, thank you for sharing all of this valuable information. I am new to the business and greatly appreciate any valuable information that I can obtain. This is Great!