Sell Yourself!…and Other Interior Design Career Concepts
Promote yourself as if your career and your future depend on it.
Because they do.
That was my message this week in a guest lecture to the interior design students at the Art Institute of Colorado. I focused on the importance of self promotion in a highly competitive job market.
Twelve Career Concepts to consider when applying for a a job with an interior design firm, or starting your own in the months ahead:
1/ You’re in Sales. First and foremost, you’re not selling sofas and space planning. You’re selling yourself.
2/ You’re Self-Employed. You’re the CEO of your own personal corporation.
3/ Your Work Doesn’t Sell Itself. Success takes more than pretty pictures.
4/ Create a Killer Commercial. Spell out your specialness in 30 seconds or less.
5/ Sell “Now!” as well as “Wow!” Explain why this is the very best time to hire you — or invest in your design services.
6/ Spread the Good Word. It doesn’t matter how good you are if only you know.
7/ There’s Stength in Numbers. Add mentors, coaches, financial advisers and others to your Personal Team.
8/ Think BIG. It’s as easy to catch the cahunas (the super employer or client) as it is to mix with the minnows.
9/ Don’t Try to be “Busy.” “Financially independent” makes more sense. Make the most valuable and productive use of your time.
10/ Consider the “Questions from Hell.” Prepare answers–ahead of time–for the questions you least want to hear.
11/ Ask! You probably won’t get what you don’t ask for: a job, a raise, a promotion, a sale, etc.
12/ Don’t Quit. Quitters never win. Winners never quit. The most successful design professionals are the most persistent.
Fred Berns is a career counselor, trainer and coach in the interior design industry.
