A guest blog post by Gail Doby, ASID, Design Success University

I’ve been an interior designer for over 20 years, so I’ve had plenty of time to make these mistakes.  Here’s a startling statistic (and I’ll bet it is higher during this recession) – 62.8% of all new businesses fail within 6 years according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and 96% fail within 10 years.  That means you’re lucky to be one of 4 out of 100 to make it past 10 years…or is it luck?

What if you could avoid the mistakes that these business owners made?

I’d like to see you avoid them, and if you’ve already done a few of them, now you can learn what not to do so you don’t waste your valuable time and money:

1. Not having a written “ideal client” profile – If you don’t know who your ideal client is, how can you tell other people who they can refer to you?  If you’ve ever had the client from &%$&, (or more than once) the key is to know what you don’t want in a client as much as what you do want.
2. Not knowing the lifetime value of your client – If you’ve been in the business even a few years, you can add up your billings and divide by the number of clients to get your current lifetime value.  You should also look at how long they stay as a client.  These two metrics are critical in your business planning and if you have this data as part of your Business Dashboard, it will help you grow your business. (more…)

Good evening, I’m Ron Burgundy, and this is what’s happening in your world tonight.  What you’re about to see is a Channel 4 Social Media News exclusive.

Part of the Channel 4 News Team.

Residents have spotted a turquoise lamp traveling from one Charlottesville location to another.  It’s quite phenomenal, to say the least– a lamp traveling.  How about that?  Does it have feet?  Channel 4 has received reports that this mobile lamp is a part of a contest involving local businesses and Gibson Design Management member, the Shade Shop.  Meteorologist Brick Tamland has responded with: “I love lamp,” offering no further comments when questioned about his devotion to this mysterious lamp.

Authorities have noted that this Shade Shop’s cheerful turquoise lamp has moved to a new temporary residence every Wednesday, waiting for curious Charlottesville locals to stop by, take photos, tweet (@ShadeShop’s #TravelingLight Lamp Giveaway), or respond to the weekly question posted on the Shade Shop blog– all of which were ways to enter to win.  And the outcome? It looks like the word has traveled about this lamp and a lucky winner will bring this charming lamp home at the end of this very week!

Unfortunately this means the lamp will not be gracing our studio with his presence – but hey, I can’t even be mad. That lamp is amazing!  At least someone will be able to enjoy him in his glory.   When I am finished reading this teleprompter, you should go read the Shade Shop blog to learn more about this breaking news story and find out what lucky son of a bee-sting gets to take him home.

For all of us here at the News Center, I’m Ron Burgundy.

You stay classy, Charlottesville.

It’s no surprise that the dirty martini, a symbol of refined revelry and exceptional taste, is also Gibson Design Management’s chosen symbol for a reward of member excellence. Each month, the Dirty Martini award will be presented to one of our members, honoring the innovative, devoted and impressive achievements of the people we are so fortunate to work with.  What better way is there to applaud a job well done than by unwinding with a cocktail? Plus, we’re sure this month’s recipient—Vicky Serany of Southern Studio Interior Design— will be in need of a martini after all her hard work!

Vicky Serany

Vicky is a standout in the interior design industry, successfully applying creativity and ingenuity to every project she is involved with.  Most recently, Vicky has been asked to speak at the Southern Living Magazine’s Custom Builder Conference as an expert in the homebuilding industry. Brent Warren, manager of the program, had this to say about Vicky’s participation in their annual conference:

“Her knowledge of the homebuilding industry, impeccable tastes, enthusiasm, and thoughtful systems for managing the selection process, for both custom builders and homeowners, have proven to be invaluable tools for our organization.”

In response to this (well-deserved!) compliment, Vicky commented: “Some of the finest builders in the South are members of this unique program. It’s personally and professionally rewarding to help homeowners and builders transform dreams into reality.”

Gibson Design Management would once again like to congratulate Vicky of Southern Studio for being an exemplar of hard work and enthusiasm! Cheers!

Sometimes, receiving confirmation that you’re taking the right steps for your business is all it takes to push you ahead even further.  Success is closely linked to communication, which is why it can be particularly advantageous to talk to someone, ask questions, and discuss any possible ideas you hope to incorporate into your business structure.  This is exactly where Martha Kirkpatrick, Director, Member Services comes in for our Gibson Design Management members.  Martha provides immeasurable assistance to clients through monthly “sounding board” calls, where she lends an ear and her thoughts, helping members sort through any inquiries or ideas regarding their business’ success.

This is a service offered to all members (and included in the price of monthly membership!), and one that has played a particularly important role within our clients’ businesses—allowing clients to fine-tune new ventures, determine how to effectively use their Gibson Design Management membership, and mold personalized strategies for branding, marketing, expansion and more.  Here’s what members have said about the importance of conversation and sounding board calls:

“I think of Gibson Design Management as a very capable employee that I have on call at all times. Whether it’s product sourcing, CAD drawings or advice that I need, Gibson is always there to save me!” — Marlene Oliphant, Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC

“I love working with Gibson Design Management!  Although technically a solo-entrepreneur, I have a team of knowledge, support and creativity on my side at all times.  Monthly member calls with Martha remind me that I never need to “go it alone”!” – Sarah Devaney-O’Neil, Storibook Designs, Inc.

“The monthly mentor calls with Martha Kirkpatrick have been very helpful.  Martha always immediately finds the answers to my questions and reports back to me within 24 hours, if not sooner.  I know that in Martha I have someone to go to if I ever have a question or a need and that it will be taken care of.” — Randy Trainor, C. Randolph Trainor, LLC

“For the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in monthly coaching calls with Martha Kirkpatrick.  As the owner of a small interior design firm, I have found the calls to be both productive and motivating. Martha has listened to challenges and helped brainstorm solutions for a variety of business topics. These calls have become, without a doubt, one of the greatest benefits of my membership with Gibson Design Management.” — Vicky Serany, Southern Studio Interior Design

If you are a Gibson Design Management member and have not yet taken advantage of the sounding board calls, please email Martha to schedule.  If you are not a member, and you would like to find out more about becoming a member, please email Alexandra Gibson.

We are very excited to be working with Ondine Karady, former set decorator for Sex and the City, finalist in Bravo TV’s Top Design, and acclaimed interior designer.  Ondine was just recently named one of 20 Young Designers by Traditional Home.

We will be working with Ondine on spreading her great design and personality even further through the beauties of social media and online PR.

As part of the 20 Young Designers feature from Traditional Home, the magazine is holding a Reader’s Choice contest.  Please support Ondine and support us by voting for her!

Note:  Make sure that you click on the “Vote!” button and not just the “Like” button to vote!

Also, by voting you are automatically entered to win a complete room design and $5,000 in fabric to outfit the room so there’s some extra incentive…besides your undying love for us.