Alexandra and I recently had the opportunity to join the Designers Network Group in Denver, Colorado for cocktails and conversation.  We both enjoyed this chance to connect and take part in the evening’s discussion with this terrific group of ladies.  It got me thinking how fortunate they are to be members of this peer group, which prompted me to talk to other designers around the country and learn about their peer groups.  I came away from this with one clear message; there are tremendous benefits for interior designers involved with professional peer groups. 

1. Peer Support

Kathy Martin-Friesz, Owner, Martinique Interiors, Inc. says she “enjoys the peer support and having a place to openly discuss challenges in a confidential setting.”  Being able to take challenges and concerns to a group of peers is invaluable to any business owner.  For Interior Designers, a peer group offers you a group of other designers who have been there, have probably faced a similar situation and can offer their support.  Gail Doby, Chief Vision Officer of Design Success University and an interior designer with more than twenty years experience says, “if we are having a challenge with an issue, we can discuss it as a group and offer suggestions, resources or moral support.” 

2. Shared Resources

Maybe you’re looking for a good electrician, maybe it’s a skilled masonry to install the stone on a fireplace you’ve just designed, or possibly a local artist who does fantastic murals.  Who better to ask than a group of local interior designers that you trust.  Most likely, at least one of them will have a terrific resource to share with you.  A resource you can feel secure about because you know the members of your peer group have the same high standards that you do.  Gail Doby puts it well.  “It is important for us to believe that we’re not an island out here and that we should be able to call some of our competitors. If you’re a friendly competitor and you help each other it’s not going to hurt your business, it will actually help you.”

3. Continuing Education, Guidance & Advice

Whether it is learning about a new service available in the industry, or having a guest speaker attend your meeting, peer groups offer many opportunities to learn about the design industry and the business of design.  However, another great opportunity for continuing education with peer groups is the opportunity to learn from other designers with more experience.  Ivie Parker, partner at PSI Design Studio shares “we’ve met designers who’ve had their own business for many years and can help offer guidance and advice on both business decisions and design questions.”  A peer group offers you the advantage of learning from other’s mistakes and finding out what their best practices are for just about any situation you face with your design business.

4. Referrals & Networking

One benefit shared over and over is the opportunity for referrals and networking.  While designers do occasionally compete for jobs with other members of their peer group, more often they “actually get business from other designers and refer out when we’re busy or if the project is not their expertise,” says Ivie Parker.  There is also tremendous value in networking with other designers and talking about your local industry.  You never know what new trade secrets you will learn about.  And when those times come that you do compete for a particular job, Gail Doby reminds us that “everyone knows that it is about making a connection with a client and that ultimately, we will all get our share.”

5. Fun & Camaraderie

While this might not directly impact your bottom line, it is one of the greatest benefits of a peer group.  It’s always fun to discuss your business with a group that truly understands you and cares about you…why else would mothers everywhere subject themselves to the noise and commotion of a play group for toddlers!   Knowing that you can always rely on your peer group for support and help is wonderful, “the good wine and good friendships are invaluable too!” says Kathy Martin-Friesz.

If this doesn’t make you want to join a peer group, then I don’t know what would.  Honestly, just being a part of The Designers Network for an evening was enough to make me want to join as a permanent member…unfortunately; they probably aren’t taking non-designers at this time.  If you are part of a peer group, we would love to join your group for a night of cocktails and conversation.  Please contact Alexandra Gibson at alexandra@gibsondesignmanagement.com to see if we’ll be in a neighborhood near you!”

Author: Kay Alessi

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 at 7:41 am and is filed under Education, Fun Stuff, Running an Interior Design Firm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.