Page 20 – Claire Jefford

Make Video NOW! My 10 Video Tips For Beginners

Making video is a must! People are very visual and creating video is one of the best ways to make your point to your audience. If you’re new to video, I have some quick tips to help you get started and to shed the excuses.

Here are my 10 video tips for beginners:

1. Invest in a selfie stick or a tripod

It’s much easier to focus on filming a great video if you aren’t worried about holding up the camera. The holder for my selfie stick attaches to my tripod to help stabilize the camera.

If you don’t have a selfie stick or a tripod, just pull out your phone and hold it up. You could also use the webcam that is built-in to your computer.

2. Invest in a lapel microphone

You simply plug one end into your phone and very quickly you have upgraded to record great, quality audio. I use my mic in all of my videos to give you, the viewer, a better experience.

If you’re curious about the gear I use, you can check out and purchase it here.

3. Hold your phone horizontally

If you’re making video for YouTube or to upload to Facebook natively, hold your phone horizontally. This will eliminate the two black frames around the video and will make you more center stage for a better viewpoint.

4. Position the camera directly in front of you (or a little bit above)

The position of the camera is important because you want the viewer to be focused on you. You don’t want to be looking down on the viewer or to show off your fabulous double-chin.

It’s a more complementary angle for you, and you can look directly into the lens of the camera more easily.

5. Turn notifications off

The last thing you want is to hear the little ding letting you know someone sent you the pizza emoji.

Eliminate distractions by silencing your notifications. This will go a long way in helping you create the best video possible and not to lose your mind when you realise you need to start recording from the beginning.

6. Use a flip chart to keep you on track

You can’t see it in the video, but right behind the camera is a flip chart with a few bullet points. I make notes for myself to stay on track, avoid forgetting what my next point is, and to make sure I’ve covered everything on my list.

You can pause during the recording of your video to refer back to your notes and simply edit out that dead space in post-production.

7. Don’t waste time

When you start your video, get right to it. Begin with your content from the very beginning.

Someone has clicked the play button because they are ready to consume your amazing content, so give them what they ask for. (This is a bit different to Facebook Live, where things are a little more relaxed.) Here’s an example of a video you can check out to see what to do!

8. Be you!

This is my most important tip!

I know it might seem like you need to be made-up and looking very professional, but truthfully, you just need to be you. Don’t compare yourself to what other people are doing, just do what feels right for you and the best way you know how to connect with your audience.

Be yourself and have fun!

9. Ask for feedback

There’s no shame in asking for comments. You should end all of your videos with a call to action. Consider directing them to your website; asking them to subscribe to your youtube channel or hitting the ‘like’ button…just don’t ask them to do all three or they will get confused and not bother to do any.

Another great call to action is to ask your viewer to leave a comment. Pose a thoughtful question that is relevant to the video’s topic, so your viewers have a reason to leave a comment and can join in the conversation.

This will make hanging out in your YouTube or Facebook comments much more fun for everyone!

10. Engage with your audience

If someone took the time to comment on your post or on your video, reply back to them. This shows your viewer that you’re a real person, you care, and that you want them to come back and spend time with you.

It’s all about engagement.

Click on the image below to find out more about my course, so you can start making more money and attracting better clients with video too!

There’s no excuse for you not to do video. I started making video in 2013, and I have connected with more of my ideal clients and have made more money as a direct result of my video content.

Are you ready to start making more money in your interior design business?
Click here to order Video for Profits now!

Video is not the future – it’s the NOW!

Embrace it and your business will boom!

Subscribe to my Colour & Interior Design YouTube channel here to see how far I’ve come in creating video over the years. Hey, you’ve got to start somewhere!

Client Newsletters Made Easy

Getting new projects for your interior design business doesn’t have to be as difficult as you may think. There is a simple way to work smarter: sending out email newsletters to a curated list of current and past clients.

Click on the video below where I walk you through my process and why the ROI on this clever and easy marketing tool, is well worth it.

Why is an email list important?

An email list is super important in your business because it gives you a personal way to keep in contact with your favorite clients. It’s also YOUR list.

You may think it’s great to have all your followers and likes on other platforms such as facebook, houzz and instagram, (just to name a few) but those platforms do not belong to you. If those platforms folded tomorrow or changed up the way they show or share your content, you have no control over that. But what you can control and what is yours, is your email list.

Checking your stats is also imperative to ensure that all your hard efforts are well worth your time. My open rate on average is over 50% for each campaign I send out, so I know this works.

What is a newsletter?

A newsletter in the way that I’m describing it in this post, is different from your blog. It’s written like a micro-blog post, and it’s sent out to your best clients as a way to stay in in touch.

A newsletter is not a sales pitch. You are simply giving past clients a reminder that you exist and an update on the business without asking for anything in return.

What should you say in a newsletter?

Start your newsletters off casually, remember, these are people you’ve worked with before so you’ve already built a rapport with them. If it’s around the New Year, talk about the holidays. If it’s spring, let readers know that you’re excited about the warmer weather (hopefully!) on its way. You want to invite your readers in with a simple welcome.

Share with your readers what’s new in your business, including upcoming events or milestones you’ve achieved.

This graphic shows my 6 years anniversary in business and was created in Canva.

Build on the credibility that you already have with your clients and let them know if you’ve been featured in magazines, share your latest projects & shout about any awards you’ve recently won.

I won first place for a bedroom design in a recent contest, so I let my clients know about this achievement!

Give value & remind clients about ALL your services

Next, I give value. I share what I’ve done recently like posted a video on YouTube or if I’ve written a blog post. If I have updated my services, I tell them that too. It’s easy for people to forget all that you do, so make sure you remind them of this when you can.

As I said, newsletters are like mini-blog posts – they still need a call to action at some point. You might have them “click here to read more” or “send me a photo of your remodel.” Whatever you choose, make sure you give the reader something to do after they finish reading the newsletter…hopefully they want more anyway!

How do you do it?

MailChimp is the email-marketing platform I use, and it’s great for beginners. I make sure to include the first name of the reader to add an extra dose of a personal touch.

Consistency is also very important. Keeping in constant contact is important to keep the trust you already have with those past clients. You could do weekly, I prefer monthly for my clients.

I try not to get too fancy with emails. I keep the formatting simple and keep it valuable. That’s it.

Does email marketing work?

I keep a log showing how many inquires and bookings have come just from sending out email newsletters to past clients.

I am projecting to make $10,000 so far this year just from sending out newsletters with 10% of those clients hiring me back or referring my services!

What you need to remember

The best way to keep the eye moving down the page is to include images. Our business is all visual, so make your content visually appealing. Share some of your professionally photographed images of your designs in your newsletter.

Industrial Dining room design by Claire Jefford, Creating Contrast Designs

Be real, be you…and get personal.

My family in Mexico earlier this year.

You are not doing this to make a sale. If you do, your readers will see right through you. Newsletters are simply to keep you and your business top of mind for when past clients need you next. Sure, you can add in a promo every now and again, but you don’t need to be too ‘salesy’. Your clients already know and trust you, so your goal here is to stay ‘top of mind’.

Include some family or personal photos too, this adds a nice personal touch & makes you more relatable.

Email marketing works. You don’t have to work so hard to get new clients if you have a pool of past clients that you love. Keep in touch with those clients, and they’ll come back to you!

Are you sending out newsletters?

Comment to let me know how they are working for your business!

Want to stay updated with all of my latest blog posts? CLICK HERE to sign up for lastest updates!

Six Tips to Being A Stand Out Professional

Stand out. Get noticed. Here’s How.

To attract your ideal clients & acquire projects that get you excited to jump out of bed in the morning, you need to set the bar high & work hard.

I know, you were hoping for an easy alternative. There isn’t one. However, the rewards can definitely be worth all your blood, sweat and tears. I pinky promise.

So what is the secret?

Well, it’s no secret at all. In fact, when you know these steps, they all make perfect sense. It’s implementing them and being consistent that is the tricky part. But I know you can do it, after all, you are an entrepreneur who goes after what you want and let’s nothing stand in your way, right?!

In my latest video, I share with you 6 crucial elements that will elevate your interior design business and your brands’ reputation. Sound too good to be true? It’s not, but you need to get ready to take action. Click on the video below and let’s do this!

Below are my six tips for building a successful interior design business & brand, which I share with you in the video. I’ve also included images and examples of how I’ve done this in my own business.

As you gain more experience with each client project, you will also be building your confidence. This will get easier, I guarantee!

Six Tips for Building Your Professional Brand & Image

#1 Portfolio

A professional portfolio of your work is a must if you want to be taken seriously and get fabulous clients. Don’t be resentful when a potential client doesn’t hire you because they can’t see the value in the service you provide at the price point you offer it, only to turn around and do the exact same thing when it comes to photographing your design projects.

That is one of my biggest pet peeves! Quality photos = quality clients. Period. See my portfolio of professionally photographed spaces here.

Design by Claire Jefford, Creating Contrast Designs. Professional photography by Stephani Buchman

#2 Presentation

Dress for Success.

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

You’ve heard all the cliche’s before and they are true. Look your best and get noticed. Invest in some nice key pieces for your wardrobe & get professional head shots done for your site & to use in promotional materials.

Professional photography by Romy Riley.

#3 Processes

If you have a great portfolio and you look amazing, but your processes are all over the place, then you’re in trouble. Especially in this business, as there are so many different details to be aware of for every task that we do.

Click here to see what I take in my bag to be best prepared for the initial consultation meeting with clients.

Click here to see what products I have to offer on my ‘shop’ page to help get your processes set up to make your life easier.

Earlier this year I released my ‘ROCK the Initial Consultation Processes Package’ and it has received RAVE reviews.

Want to find out more? Click here or on the image below.

I offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the incredible value that I offer in this package. What have you got to lose?

Finally, if you need to update your packages for the services you offer, go get my free download with coaching video of my services and rates sheet here.

#4 Posts

Consistently posting on social media, while creating engaging content for your audience is essential. Not only is it a great way to show your work; latest interior decorating and design trends as well as share testimonials and achievements, but it’s also imperative for staying top-of-mind.

Even if someone following you isn’t in need of Interior Design Services now, they will likely be the first to refer you to a friend or think of you as the trusted expert when they do.

#5 Perception

Perception is everything. If you are not going to put yourself out there to show people what you do and why you are someone to watch, while looking super slick and providing advice as the expert that you are on the craft that you do, then you may as well go work for someone else.

You want your potential clients to see you as the busy professional, creating beautiful spaces and staying on top of all the latest trends with organised processes that give them confidence in your abilities. After all, it’s the truth. Share testimonials and any work you may be doing in your local community. Even if you’re not there yet, you are taking the necessary steps in positioning yourself & will get there soon.

#6 Professionalism

If you actively do all of the tips I’ve listed in this post, then you are showing the world that you are a force to be reckoned with and someone who they do not want to miss out on an opportunity to hire for their next renovation project. Now that is something you DO NOT want to miss out on.

Which of these six do you do best? Which one do you struggle with the most? Share with us, comment below!

Want my weekly no-nonsense advice on creating a successful interior design business? Click here and let the games begin my friend. I’m ready when you are.

World Market Las Vegas Furniture Show – Designers Tips

Top Tips by Designers For Attending (& Surviving!) Market

The spring Las Vegas Furniture Market was the first Market that I’ve ever attended and let me tell you, it was AH-MAZ-ING! Although I had an idea of what to expect, I didn’t know just how inspirational and powerful the entire experience would be.

So many incredible ladies in this photo taken in the Jaipur showroom, Las Vegas Market, 2017.

Seeing all the latest trends in Interior Design and connecting directly with the furniture reps is exciting, but there is much more to it. Networking and building relationships with other designers & decorators, was without a doubt, the best part for me.

You ‘Must-Ache’ some fun while at market! With Chanda Seymour & Wendy Woloshchuck

With Lauren Riviera and Alinda Morris

I attended the Red Carpet Tour hosted by Jackie Von Tobel and Deb Barrett. They took care of the hotel expenses; organising the visits to each showroom; nights out and much more. These gals work hard to make sure you see the finest showrooms and attend the best parties!

With it being my first market, I came up with the idea to ask other designers to share their top tip for attending (and surviving!) market.

In this video, there are more than a dozen helpful tips from designers all over the USA (and a couple from me…I was the only Canadian on the tour!) to get you ready for market.

Also, see what shenanigans we get up to! (Bloopers at the end)

I was also thrilled to have the opportunity to meet LuAnn Nigara of a Well Designed Business Podcast (which I’ll be a guest on her show next month, eeek!) and attend her interview with Kelli Ellis. It was very inspiring, to say the least.

LuAnn was even kind enough to give me & my facebook group, Interior Design Business Strategies, a shout out during the live event on facebook! Check out the recording of the live interview with Kelli and LuAnn here.

With LuAnn Nigara at the Design Uncorked Event hosted by Curated Kravet & sponsored by Mydoma

Here are the top tips for attending market:

Tip#1:

Photograph the showroom sign before entering so you don’t forget where items are from later when you want to reference them.

Tip#2:

Bring a friend! It makes the experience more enjoyable when you have someone to share it with.

Tip#3:

Create a binder to add your itinerary; suppliers cards/folders etc in order to stay organised.

Tip#4:

Bring several pairs of comfortable shoes!

Tip#5:

Introduce yourself to showroom reps, don’t be intimidated! They work for you.

Tip#6:

Plan it out! Make a plan of where you want to go, there is a lot to see & do at market and you can easily get distracted.

Tip#7:

Plan aside some ‘free time’ so you can meet with friends or see other showrooms & seminars while you are there.

Tip#8:

Ask showroom representatives if there company is ‘Designer Friendly’ before spending too much time in their showroom.

Tip#9:

Take photos of items/furnishings that of great interest to you while you are there, then contact the reps when you return home so not to waste time placing orders while at market.

Tip#10:

Look for consistencies in each showroom to be able to identify upcoming trends to share with clients and on social media.

Tip#11:

Bring a rollerbag! This makes it so much easier to carry everything around it and you won’t break your back!

Tip#12:

Drink a lot of wine. LOL

Tip#13:

Make appointments with showroom reps ahead of time if you are bringing clients to market. Review the types of items clients may be looking for so you can be the most efficient with everyones’ time.

Tip#14:

Go to the Vendor Directory prior to attending market so you can sort through the vendors you wish to visit on your trip. Then use the Wunderlist App that provides you with a section for notes and photographs, so you can organise information from each vendor.

Tip#15:

Allow yourself extra time when setting your ‘Out of office’ email and your pre-recorded voice-mail message. Market is tiring and it’s nice to have a day set aside when you return, to settle back into things.

Tip#16:

Email your client list – which should include both past and current clients – to let them know that you are going to market. Two reasons for this, 1) They will know that you are away and may not be able to respond to emails while you are at market 2) Shows them that you keep on top of latest trends and will have lots to share with them upon your return, should they require further interior design or decorating services.

Be sure to watch the video though, it’s so great to hear it from the mouths of these talented designers themselves and you can see what silly things we get up to as well!

Do you have any other great tips for attending market?

Don’t keep them to yourself, comment below and share with us!

Not subscribed to my YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe here and see all my videos as soon as they are published.

Take Better Pictures With Your Phone Now

Linda Holt Live Video Interview With Claire Jefford

You’ve heard of the expression, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know’, right?

Well, I had no idea how much there was to know about taking photographs with my phone until I interviewed Linda Holt.

For example – How to adjust my phone settings for higher or lower exposure; turning on grid lines for improving composition; how to hold the camera to get the best angles and so much more!

Linda’s Bio – Pretty Impressive

As one of Boston’s top head shot photographers for over 25 years, and after photographing over 3000 actors, models and celebrities, Linda Holt put aside her camera and returned to school to pursue her life long passion of interior design and decorating.

Her past photography client’s sought her out not only for her ability to have them look their very best but for her skill in having their personality shine through the lens. Today she applies those very same principles to create her signature style of fresh, colorful and well edited spaces.

Linda started her blog, Linda Holt Interiors, in 2011 as a way of merging her two passions of photography and design. Her blogs are a mix of photography tips for iphone users and design inspiration.

Linda holds three different Color certifications and has been quoted in both House Beautiful Magazine and The Huffington Post for her color expertise. She is also a featured writer for Merrimack Valley Home Magazine and writes on industry design trends.

In this live video, the fourth in my Social by Design series, Linda shares so many incredibly valuable tips and practical advice for using your phone everyday to take better quality images than you may have ever imagined possible.

Download my FREE Tip Sheet after you watch the interview.

Grab your phone (unless you are reading this on your phone) and get ready to take your skills of phone photography to the next level!

Boost Your Brands Image & Get More Engagment

The quality and final look of photographs you share, speaks volumes about your brand as a business. I believe that this is also a key element that undoubtedly leads to increased likes, shares and ultimately, building your following on almost any social media platform.

By taking some time to learn how to properly use your camera phone, it can dramatically increase the quality of photographs you take each and every day. Thus, providing you with a better opportunity to reach a wider audience.

What I especially loved about the knowledge Linda so willingly shares, is how she went out of her way to learn about other devices just so she could bring even more value to this interview.

Linda uses an IPhone, but she exceeded my expectations by researching some specific elements of Android phones as well. As someone who is an Android user, I was pretty impressed by that!

Where To Learn More From Linda

To find out more about this topic, Linda has written plenty of blogs about using your phone to take better photographs. Click here to see a complete list of these Linda’s phone photography posts.

What was your biggest takeaway from my interview with Linda? Comment below. Don’t forget to grab my free download here of the Top 14 Tips from my interview with Linda. You will get it along with 5 other FREE incredibly helpful downloads for your interior design business, when you subscribe to my email.

Cheers Linda, for being so giving with your knowledge of Phone photography for interior designers and decorators!

After knowing Linda virtually on line for over 4 years, I finally got to meet her at KBIS Orlando Blog Tour earlier this year

All my Social by Design video interviews can be found here on the Playlist I created especially for you!

Three Things You Never Say To Clients

Ever open your mouth and your foot falls out?

When working with your interior design clients, there are times when you need to speak up about certain things and other times when it’s best to stay quiet & say nothing at all. Continue reading “Three Things You Never Say To Clients”

Current Projects: Mudroom, Powder Room & More

The month of May typically sees a bit of a slow down for new inquiries and that’s ok by me just now as we have plenty of projects on the go. Here’s a round up of what interior design and decorating projects we’ve been working on.

Project: Small Living & Dining Room Redesign

Our Burlington clients hired us to create a new layout for their main floor living areas & assist with choosing finishes for updating their kitchen; sourcing furniture and paint colours for a well put together interior design palette.

Challenge:

Although the size of the rooms we were hired to redesign were not overly large, sometimes the smaller the space, the more challenging it can be to tick all the boxes on our client’s wishlist. However, we came up with a couple of great options for them, because that’s what we do! See below.

Living Room and Dining Room Interior Re-design Layout

Second option for a slightly different layout

Furniture options with Moodboard:

Elevations for Custom Cabinetry Built In Design

Elevation of custom built in design

Finishes:

Interior Design finishes: Paint colours, countertops, fabrics & fireplace surround

A great idea that my assistant suggested was to NOT do an area rug in the dining room.

The reason being was because it is a fairly small space, adding an area rug would draw your eye to the floor and your attention to the bit of hardwood around it. Thus, making it feel even smaller. No rug = more open look with less clutter.

Wallpapered Powder Room

We are also working on 4 rooms for a wonderful client in Oakville, Ontario. We re-designed their living, dining & family room, and a bedroom. (You can now see professional photos of that project here!)

They also asked if I could choose a new paint colour for their powder room.

My response, “How about wallpaper?!!”

Wallpaper adds drama & high impact to a small space like a powder room.

The ledge behind the toilet couldn’t be wallpapered, so I recommended a custom piece of granite. This granite is ‘Black Pearl’.

Not only does it tie in nicely with the wallpaper, it also finishes off that otherwise awkward space beautifully.

With mirror & light fixture. (See the bare ledge behind the toilet before the granite piece went in)

Repeat Clients

When clients hire me back to work with them again, it’s one of the biggest compliments I can get! The funny thing is, when I return to a home that we’ve designed, it feels like I’m coming home again myself.

3000 square foot Contemporary Basement Design – photo credit Stephani Buchman Photography

These lovely clients called me back to re-design their laundry/mudroom. We are going to take down all the walls, add custom cabinetry and try to add in an area for folding laundry.

Current laundry and mudroom

I’m really excited about this project for a few reasons.
1 – I love working with these Campbleville clients
2 – They have great taste and as you can see from their basement project here, they are not ones to shy away from bold colours and fun finishes.

Instagram

I’ve also started to get serious about my Instagram, finally! We are thoughtfully curating a gorgeous feed of our projects. Below is how my feed looks..what do you think so far?

We are just getting warmed up on Instagram and adding new photos weekly, so be sure to follow me here.

Facebook

On my Facebook page last week I did, a Sofa Series where I shared videos of beautiful sofas from my design centre with pricing. I included the retail costs as well as the cost to my clients, after my designer discounts are applied.

Here was DAY 4: SOFA SERIES WITH PRICING
Silva Loveseat: Straight arm; chrome nailheads; tufted back; legs with dark wood & chrome castors
Retail price starting at $3924 My Designer Price starting at $3335.

I try to do regular series, so why not follow my Facebook page here.

So that was my week! Of all the projects that we are working on, which is your favourite?

To ‘Love Where You Live’, contact me here and let’s create something beautiful together!

Build Your Brand on Instagram

Vanessa Francis Live Interview with Claire Jefford

Pretty & inspiring images of all things interior design are meant to live on Instagram.

For your Interior Design business, there is no better platform to showcase your portfolio.

But, Instagram can be a hard nut to crack.

How do you get followers? What exactly should you post and how often? Should you set up a business or personal account?

You have Instagram questions, Vanessa has the answers

Vanessa Francis is the principal and founder of Vanessa Francis Design based just outside of Toronto, Ontario. She is known for creating beautiful & functional spaces for her clients. Her aesthetic is clean, comfortable & effortless with just the right amount of colour resulting in spaces that are timeless, classic & stylish.

She writes the popular blog Décor Happy where she shares her advice and inspiration so that everyone can have a home that makes them happy! Vanessa has nearly 18k followers on Instagram (at the time of posting this in July 2017), check out her beautiful IG account here.

In this live video interview, the third in my Social by Design series, Vanessa openly shares her secrets to getting noticed on this popular platform for interior designers.

Afterwards, be sure to Download my FREE Top Tips of things I learned from Vanessa, after you see this fabulously informative interview.

Are you ready to take Instagram by storm? Let’s do this!

Vanessa Totally Inspired Me!

After my interview with Vanessa, I decided it was time for me to get more serious about my Instagram account. Here’s some statistics over a 10 day period, based on the posts I’ve implemented so far:

I have nearly 1000 professionally photographed spaces from my Interior Decorating business, so we are going through each project, thoughtfully considering how I want my feed to look.

Download FREE 16 Top Tips When you Subscribe to my email list here.

Share Your Instagram Link Below

Comment below with your Instagram account link & let me know what your experience with this platform has been so far.

Are you getting clients from IG? Have you hooked up with different interior design brands through Instagram? Do tell!

A big thank you to my terrific friend and highly talented designer, Vanessa!!

Vanessa and I at KBIS in Orlando January 2017

Must Have Tools For The Initial Consultation

You want to impress your clients.

You want them to know that choosing you as their interior design professional was the best decision they ever made.

You want them to feel confident that their investment in hiring your services is going to be the best money they ever spent.

Am I right? (If you don’t agree, then you are in the wrong place my friend!)

So how can you be sure that clients will fall in love with you at the initial consultation and increase the chances of them asking you to continue forward with them on their renovation or decorating project?

Knock their bloody socks off from the get-go!

One way to do this is to be super organised & always come over prepared to the initial consultation meeting. I like to make sure that I am fully armed and ready to give them as much value as I can.

Some interior design professionals worry that if they give away too much info, then clients won’t need to hire them past the initial consultation stage for future services.

I don’t believe that for one second. In fact, I believe the exact opposite to that way of thinking. I say don’t hold back and give ’em all ya got!

Isn’t that what you would want from a luxury service provider?

In this video, I share with you all my ‘Must have tools’ when I meet with clients for the first time. Being organised with your paperwork, samples, marketing materials and much more will ensure you are giving your clients the best value possible. And, you will be more likely to get repeat business, referrals and fabulous reviews. It’s a win-win for everybody!

Ready to do this? Click on the play button below and allow me to show you’What’s in my bag baby!’

Alright, over to you! Did I miss something? What do you take in your bag interior design consultation bag?