Last week, we looked back at 2023 and how it went for the interior design business. It was another crazy year, right?! So what does 2024 look like? I don't have a crystal ball, of course, but if we pay attention to economic and consumer trends out there, we can take a pretty good guess at some thing...

It's the time of year when we review where we've been and where we going in our businesses. And this year I think it's a good idea to take a look at the big picture as we think about what we want to set for our own personal and company goals. This week, I'm going to talk about how things went in the...

When our design business slows down for whatever reason, we tend to think about extra revenue streams to help us over the hump. But remember that those almost never turn out to make you "money while you sleep." There is still work involved, as well as an investment of money. I'm not telling you to a...

It's that time of year again! Time to review how your business performed in 2023 and to look ahead to the new year. I love to set goals and to plan a strategy for my business, and over the next few weeks I'm going to give you a LOT of information to help you do just that! This week we'll talk about ...

This time of year is always a mad dash to the finish line - wrapping up projects, gifting for clients, and then your own personal holiday plans. WHEW! It's no wonder we collapse in a heap at the end of the year. BUT - then we have that magical quiet time when our client are with their own families a...

You can call it customer service, client support, or customer care but all of those phrases mean one thing - taking care of your clients! And in the interior design business, that has NEVER been more important than it is today. Why? Because that client attention is what sets YOU apart from your comp...

'Tis the season to give thanks - and that includes showing appreciation for your clients. Really, that's something interior designers should plan for the entire year, not just at the holidays. It's one of the top "rules" of customer care. But how do you thank your clients in a way that's really mean...

OK - everyone have their seatbelts on? If you listen to economists and forecasters, 2024 is going to be a bit of a bumpy ride. But work that you do NOW can help you avoid some of the bigger potholes. I know you're busy and that we're heading into the craziness of the holidays, but we need to look ah...

If you aren't already in the middle of marketing for 2024 business, then it is TIME to get that plan in place! Most predictions are that the first part of next year will see more belt tightening and less business, so you want to start getting in front of your clients now with messaging that reminds ...

If you were caught off guard by the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams shutdown, you were definitely NOT alone. Hopefully you aren't one of the MANY customers who now have to resource products that they ordered - and paid for. With an uncertain economy and some shaky times for the furniture business, it's...

There is nothing more awkward than finding yourself in the middle of an argument between a client couple! There are so many times when being a designer can feel like you're also a family therapist - and that's no fun. Emotions are often high around a design project, especially because you're dealing...

Chasing your clients for payment is one of the worst things a designer has to do. You've had a great relationship, the project looks amazing, and then it feels like everything fell apart. NOTHING will take the wind out of your sails like having to constantly ask for your money. UGH. It's frustrating...