Six Tips to Being A Stand Out Professional
Design Services and Rates Guide A FREE Resource for Your Interior Design Business
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.
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.
#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.
#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.
Gina
| 18 August 2017My Procsses (or lack thereof!) are pitiful! I waste too much time and there’s little to no consistency. Isn’t half the battle knowing that you HAVE a problem? Haha! Thank you for sharing such valuable insight and info!
Claire Jefford
| 21 August 2017Hey Gina! Yes, when you have clear processes in place, everything goes much more smoothly with client projects and we are happier being organised and in control. Stick with watching my videos and check in with my FB group often and we will get you there!! Cheers for your comment.
Wendy
| 22 August 2017Great tips as always Claire! It’s so important to have processes in place. Not only does it make it easier, it keeps things really clear with your clients! No nonsense, right?
Claire Jefford
| 22 August 2017No non-sense is absolutely right Wendy! Clients know we mean business when we have clear processes and not only does it help them to feel comfortable in understanding how we work, but they respect us more for it. Cheers for reading/watching!
Darla Powell
| 29 August 2017Wow. So much info, Claire. Great advice and I love your YouTube channel.
Claire Jefford
| 31 August 2017Hey Darla! Thanks for your feedback and for loving my YT channel!!! xo
Elle
| 29 August 2017Thanks for these six tips Claire it gives me plenty to consider.
Claire Jefford
| 31 August 2017Always so much to consider in this business Elle! Hope you got some good takeaways my dear. Cheers!
Remya Warrior
| 29 August 2017I have to start posting my testimonials online. If you dont promote yourself, no one else will. Great tips here.
Claire Jefford
| 31 August 2017Remya, many clients who hire me tell me that part of the reason is because they liked my reviews and to see what other clients had to say about working with me. I always encourage others to ‘toot your own horn’, be proud and shout it out loud!! 🙂 Cheers for your stopping by!
Tia Spaulding
| 30 August 2017You always provide the best tips. Let’s just say as a new business, I am still working on all the above. However, I’m confident that I am moving in the right direction.
Claire Jefford
| 31 August 2017Thanks Tia! Love your confidence, so much to learn in this biz. I learn something new everyday!
Tarsha
| 30 August 2017Excellent tips and very useful!! I definitely need to work on being more consistent on social media. Sometimes it’s hard to find time.
Claire Jefford
| 31 August 2017There is always so much to do on social media Tarsha, eh?! That is why I suggest sticking to a couple of platforms and really rocking them, as opposed to stretching ourselves too thin by trying to be everywhere. Thanks for your comment!
Dixie
| 31 August 2017Great processes save you time, frustration, and money! Now…If only I was keeping on top of my social media the way I mean to…
Claire Jefford
| 31 August 2017Ain’t that the truth Dixie! So important to have processes, not just for us but so our clients understand how we work as well. And staying on top of social media is a full time job. We can only do what we can do in a day. Thanks for reading!