Interior Design Business Secrets: Create Your Own Economy

Copyright Melissa Galt 2008/20009 

While I’m in the know, I stay in touch, abreast of the daily news, the markets and more, I’ve noticed that during this alleged and perceived downturn, there is a much more significant resistance amongst peers, business associates, and fellow entrepreneurs. We aren’t participating in the bad news; we are creating our own economies.  

Now, that isn’t to say we aren’t affected. We don’t have our heads in the sand, instead we are looking forward, eyes wide open and taking advantage of opportunities created during this period to make needed changes. This is the ideal time to:  

Do reassess your marketing message, method, and target.

Don’t cut back on your marketing efforts during downtimes.  

Do create a way to stay in touch with your buyers regularly.

Don’t just send them an email when you want to sell or announce. 

Do use creative methods that you might not have considered previously.

Don’t be afraid to test more than one method or message. 

Do know who your target market is, be specific and focused.

Don’t take every prospect that comes your way, just because you are a little hungrier.  

Do look for ways to take advantage of consumers staying put, unable to move.

Don’t assume they won’t spend; they often have more money because they aren’t moving!

Do be patient and optimistic, continue taking action.

Don’t become a pessimist, and shirk responsibility for your own success.  

As a designer, it is interesting to me that while I hear that business is down and I do know of a couple of vendors struggling, I know many more that are doing well right now. In my own business I’ve noticed that many clients are still gung ho on their interiors since they realize they aren’t going to be moving for at least 2-3 years. They also learn the value of “moveable money,” my trademark phrase for furnishings.  Persistence, passion and action will reap reward.  

Are you ready to take your design business to the next level?  Go to www.yourdesignsuccess.com and sign up for your F.R.E.E. strategy
sessions with The Six Figure Designer and Interior Design Business Systems Specialist, Melissa Galt.  For more great business building content and an interactive forum to connect with colleagues and grow your practice, check out www.sixfiguredesigners.com.