Every year at this time I run this message to remind interior design professionals to appreciate themselves.

The message is especially important now, as we close out a year that’s been so challenging for so many. The 2009 economy tested, troubled and tormented design professionals around the world.

That was then. This is now.

Your focus this holiday season should be on family and friends and fun.

This is no time to look back on what didn’t work. Rather, it’s a time to look ahead at what will. Watch for details about a January program that will help you get 2010 off to a stunning start.

Give yourself something over the holidays that doesn’t cost anything, come in a box, or sit under a tree.

Credit.

Credit yourself for changing people’s living space. And changing their work space. And changing their lives.

Credit yourself for saving them time, money and headaches.

Credit yourself for providing ideas and insights and inspiration to those who are clueless about interiors.

And credit yourself for turning houses into homes, and offices into creative working environments.

As you think about gifts this holiday season, appreciate your own.

You have more than talent for design. You have the gifts of artistry, creativity, style, vision, and resourcefulness.

You have the wisdom to solve problems, the expertise to manage projects, and the imagination to make dreams come true.

You have what it takes to be a contractor, coach, consultant and confidant.

Not to mention that one other gift you possess as a design professional: A Mass of Class.

May the new year bring you the recognition and rewards that you want and deserve.

Best Wishes for the Happiest of Holidays!

Warm regards,

Fred

Fred Berns is a sales and marketing coach for interior design professionals worldwide.

  Good things come to those who wait — and for those who ordered the Big Splash, Little Cash Marketing Manual, the wait is over.

Digital and print copies of this 154 page collection of high impact, low cost marketing forms and articles for interior design professionals will be distributed over the next week.

The first of the digital downloads went out yesterday, and the feedback has been flattering.

From our good friend Jeanette Simpson, who owns Kidspace Interiors (www.kidspaceinteriors.com) in Lakewood Ranch, FL. came this email comment:

Wow! I have just finished skimming through the digital version of  Big Splash, Little Cash Marketing Manual. What a gold mine of ideas and advice! Forms are even included in the digital download!

This was just what I needed to organize my marketing efforts more effectively. Looking forward to delving into this more in-depth.
 
Thanks for using my “only” in the manual too! Thanks for all your efforts in behalf of the interior design industry! It is greatly appreciated.

The Big Splash manual is the only resource available with such an extensive collection of  marketing forms used by the world’s most successful design professionals.

It includes “done-for-you” samples and examples of rate hike letters, “ONLY” statements, cover letters, website and social networking bios, voicemail messages, letters to prospective corporate partners — and a whole lot more.

For more information about the Big Splash, Little Cash Marketing Materials Manual, click here: http://fredberns.com/marketingmanual/.

Fred Berns helps interior design professionals around the world  increase their sales and marketing  skills.

One of the most common questions I hear from design professionals these days is the easiest to answer.

The question: How can I work with better clents?

The answer: Ask your better clients.

Your best customers can and will help you build a higher caliber clientele.

They can introduce you to people they know who appreciate fine design and quality products. And can afford them. And who want to establish a long term relationship with a design professional.

All you have to do is ask.

Your best customers can be your best marketing representatives.

They can give you testimonials and referrals. They can tell you which local organizations to get involved with. And which local publications to submit articles to.

Maybe they can even introduce you to local realtors or builders or facility managers.

All you have to do is ask.

And there’s no better time to ask than now. The holiday season provides a fine opportunity to take your best clients to lunch, and  seek help from, as well as give thanks to your best clients.

What better season to express your appreciation for their business? And, what better setting in which to ask for their suggestions on how to build your business?

+ Four Magic Words

“I need your help.”

Those are the words I advise my coaching clients to use when they take a client to lunch.

What surprises these design professionals is how positive is the response.

They’re amazed how flattered their customers are to be asked, how eager they are to help, how willing they are to make personal introductions, to track down information and assist in any other way they can.

Your best customers know you, and like you and want to help you. Often, they have insights about the high end market that you don’t. They can answer the questions that you can’t.

You best customers can and will open doors for you.

All you have to do is ask. 

Fred Berns is  a sales and marketing trainer and coach for interior design professionals around the world.