How to Get the Coaching or Consulting You Need to Run a Successful Interior Design Business

SYSTEMS & OPS

Apr 18

When I opened up my waitlist this past month, I had the pleasure of speaking with several designers who were interested in working together. Something a lot of my clients and potential clients share with me is that they've already tried a variety of things, and none of it has been effective.

Or, they invested in a program for interior designers, only to realize after a year and $10k, it wasn't helpful, and they can learn more from my blog posts.

Here's the thing. I'm a big proponent of 1:1 services and done-for-you implementation and think it's the best way to get results. But there are times when a potential client comes to me and I refer them out or decline their project, either because I won't be able to give them the result they need, or the result I can give them ISN'T what they need.

It's important to really pay attention to what you need in your business and whether what someone is offering aligns with that.

Recently I was swept up in someone else's sales page and I was like, I'm doing it, I'm signing up. I need this. But then I was like, Do I need this? Will this just add more to my plate?

After looking at what was included line by line (yes, in a vacuum, away from all the catchy sales copy that was pulling me in as it should) I asked myself these questions:

Is this particular thing something I actually need help with?
Does this address a current challenge in my business that by solving it, other things will become easier?
Why now? And, do I have the time now to devote to this?
Does this person’s free content resonate with me?
Do the things this person is selling on their website feel connected to me and my business needs?
Is the offer structured in a way that aligns with how I like to work/learn/participate? For example: 1:1, small group setting, a large group setting, self-paced with private access, or on your own.

So, as you consider programs, products, services, or coaching/consulting for your company, I encourage you to ask yourself those six questions above, and also ask yourself this:

Will I be implementing the action items on my own, OR, would it be more effective if someone else implemented them for me?

That's typically how our services go. If you need implementation, you're in Service A. If you don't need implementation because you'll do it yourself, you're in Service B.

Just like our designers who offer full service design (the design is implemented by the designer) and design day services (the design is implemented by the homeowner).

Let me share some example scenarios:

If You Struggle to Market Your Business Consistently:

If you’re struggling to be consistent with your marketing and social media posts, you could consider hiring a marketing consultant.

A marketing consultant might prepare a plan for your marketing strategy that details your content pillars, brand voice, recommended cadence for posting, etc. You would then take that plan, write the marketing pieces yourself, and post them to your channels.

Or, if none of this is in your wheelhouse, you may hire that marketing consultant to not only formulate the plan but to also manage all implementation. They could write the marketing pieces and post them to your channels as well.

If You’re Attracting the Wrong Clients:

What do I mean by wrong clients? Well, those who may balk at your fees, those who are looking to get a bargain, those whose budget limitations mean they’ll have you running in circles and will never agree to anything.

It’s possible your portfolio, online presence, or copy is not speaking to the right audience. Seek the help of a web designer, branding strategist, or copywriter (or all three!)

If You’re Struggling to Understand the Health of Your Business or Run Accurate Financials:

First stop: bookkeeper! They’ll often offer a clean up service to get your books in order, and will help you set up a chart accounts so you can gather accurate information.

If you have your financial software set up to give you good data by running accurate financial reports, and you are struggling to analyze those results and get clarity on how to proceed, a business operations consultant is likely the next step! (like Dakota Design Company!).

I also suggest you read this post, If You Think Your Interior Design Business Is Broken, Here’s What to Fix.

Here’s the thing:

I want your business to be successful. I want to make sure you never get steamrolled by clients or contractors. I don't want you to cry saying, “OH MY GOSH I'VE LEFT SO MUCH MONEY ON THE TABLE IN THE LAST XX YEARS".

I don't want you to cry about work in general. ;-)

If you're considering purchasing from me, working with me, or joining something we're hosting and are on the fence or have questions, send an email to hello@dakotadesigncompany.com or message us through the little chat box on my website (added that about a month ago and have been LOVING the chats with designers).

And if we can't help you, we're happy to recommend someone who can.