Students applying for a job with an architectural firm should be prepared to discuss a lot more than just architecture. A recent study of the challenges facing these students underscores the fact that traditional design industry job hunting strategies just won't cut it in
[ read more ]
Your most important personal selling tool is your promotional bio. It's your online and print profile which spells out your specialness, and identifies who and how you help as an interior design professional. You should make your bio available to everyone -- everyone -- you seek to influence i
[ read more ]
The Design Success University's 2011 Interior Design Fee & Salary Survey provides a fascinating financial snapshot of how design professionals are doing these days. The results are available for immediate download. Here are a few highlights: + 53.3% of the respondents said total rev
[ read more ]
Happy 2012! People set -- and soon forget -- all sorts of goals this time of year. Here's a goal to set -- and get: Develop a million dollar message. Craft a killer commercial. Create an "elevator speech" that differentiates and dazzles. Come up with a reply that resonates to the questio
[ read more ]
" So, why have you come to Canada?" the immigration officer at the Toronto airport asked. "I'm here on business," I replied. "What kind of business?" "I'm here to present a seminar." "Can I see your work permit?" "My what?" "Your work permit." "I, uh...don
[ read more ]
If you change your business model, adopt a “Brand Do” as well as “Can Do” attitude. Has there ever been a time when so many interior design professionals are reinventing themselves? Not that I can remember. The uncertain economy and the co
[ read more ]
You can create a "buzz" without spending lots of bucks. That was the theme of my "Big Splash, Little Cash" presentation at the recent national conference of the Window Coverings Assn. of America. Check out this quiz drawn from the Big Splash, Little Cash Marketing Materials Manual, and determi
[ read more ]
Knowing your “No-No’s” will help you fireproof your future. Want your design business to boom, rather than break in this uncertain economy? Want to stay on track, and on target? Then specify, and sidestep what you shouldn’t do. A “don
[ read more ]
If you're based near Chicago or New York, I want to talk business. Your business. I'm offering 1-on-1, in-person coaching sessions Sept. 1-3 in Chicago, and Oct. 19-21 in New York to interior design professionals and design industry partners. I'll be in both cities on other business. So wha
[ read more ]
Too many design professionals earn too little. The 2011 median income for U.S. interior designers with at least eight years experience is only $68,683. For those with 4-6 years experience, it's $51,962. For designers in business for two years or less, the median is 37,647. My source for
[ read more ]