If you are in the Mid-Atlantic region you know what I speak of when I refer to the weekend’s blizzard as Snowpocalypse (or Snowmageddon).  It was major snowfall, even for this Idaho girl.  We ventured out briefly to trot around the city and take pictures of the sites in the snow, but most of the time was spent inside, catching up on some much neglected business book reading.

There’s no better time to catch up on some past due business reading than when you’re snowed in.  If you’re like me, you probably have several books in the rotation, plus a couple that are on your desk or nightstand that are in queue.  My most recent conquest:

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If you’re like most interior designers, you’re feeling the pinch of the economy.  You are not alone.  Some firms are facing difficult decisions about closing their businesses or reducing staff.  At the same time, there are firms that are busier than ever.  What are they doing differently?

They are specialists in eco-friendly and sustainable design.  They’ve built their brand around environmental responsibility and the consumer-driven demand for energy-efficient and healthy spaces and buildings.

In fact, 82% of Americans believe it is “important for companies to implement environmentally friendly practices.” – McGraw Hill

Do you need to be LEED certified to get this business and promote green products and services?  No, but it helps.

If you’d like to know more about how green can help you get business and build a thriving practice, please Click Here

Another study by the American Marketing Association and Fleishman Hillard International Communications shows that 63% of the people surveyed believe that the new administration’s policies will further accelerate the adoption of sustainability programs.

If you are looking for answers to help you grow your firm even during tough economic times, we encourage you to check out and attend Design Success University’s upcoming Green Design Summit – a ground-breaking virtual education program with 11 architecture and design industry experts, NY Times best-selling authors and environmental leaders including:

v  Penny Bonda, LEED AP & “the Mother of Green Interiors”

The New LEED Version 3 -What You Need to Know

v  Sarah Susanka, FAIA, certified Interior Designer & Author

“not so big remodeling” (and how to build a sustainable
practice)

v  Libby Langon, HGTV Star of Small Spaces, Big Style and author.

How to Work With Small Space Clients (plus she’ll share
some of her favorite tips that her clients love)

This is just a small sampling of the outstanding speakers you will hear during this two day virtual event on June 29 & 30, 2009.

No travel is required – you’ll be able to listen from the comfort of your home or office by webcast or telephone.  And, if you can’t listen to all of the calls, you’ll receive downloadable MP3s and transcripts of each session.  If you have employees, you can listen for the price of one ticket.  One ticket per firm, please.

If your colleagues are busy with eco-friendly projects, you don’t want to miss hearing about what you can do to restart and green your own business.

Click Here for more information:

Sign up For the GREEN DESIGN SUMMIT TODAY!!

Click Here

Beginning April 14, 2009, Gibson Design Management is pleased to offer a bi-weekly webinar that interior designers can attend to learn about everything GDM has to offer.  During our 30 minutes together we’ll discuss:

• Basic outsourcing advantages
• Advantages of each particular service
• Easy step-by-step of how it works
• Time for Q&A

This webinar will be available weekly on Tuesdays at 4pm EST and we encourage you to attend to learn about what our membership is all about.

Click here to sign up for the complimentary webinar.  For more information, please contact Kay Alessi, Director, Sales and Marketing.

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!”

I was recently looking for a good, comprehensive list of social media books to add to my bookshelf (and to hopefully get around to reading!).  Lee Odden from TopRank Online Marketing sent me this list:

• Cluetrain Manifesto – Rick Levine, Chris Locke, Doc Searles, Dave Weinberger
• New Rules of Marketing and PR – David Meerman Scott (video interview)
• Do It Wrong Quickly – Mike Moran (Mike’s guest post)
• Join the Conversation – Joseph Jaffe (interview)
• Groundswell – Charlene Li & Josh Bernoff (interview with Charlene)
• Personality Not Included – Rohit Bhargava  (book review)
• Tribes – Seth Godin
• Here Comes Everybody – Clay Shirky
• Age of Conversation – Gavin Heaton, Drew McLellan (100+ contributors)
• Social Media Marketing An Hour A Day – Dave Evans
• Secrets of Social Media Marketing – Paul Gillin
• Naked Conversations – Shel Israel & Robert Scoble (Video interview with Robert)
• Freakonomics – Stephen Dubner & Steven Levitt
• Buzz Marketing – Mark Hughes
• Radically Transparent – Andy Beal & Judy Strauss (interview with Andy)
• Web 2.0: New Tools, New School - Gwen Solomon & Lynne Schrum
• The Long Tail – Chris Anderson
• The Wisdom of Crowds – James Surowieki
• Marketing to the Social Web: How Digital Customer Communities Build Your Business – Larry Weber
• Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking – Andy Sernovitz, Afterward by Guy Kawasaki (interview with Guy)
• Social Media is a Cocktail Party: Why You Already Know the Rules of Social Media Marketing – Jim Tobin, Lisa Braziel (TopRank is quoted on back cover)
• Web 2.0: A Strategy Guide: Business thinking and strategies behind successful Web 2.0 implementations – Amy Shuen
• Now Is Gone: A Primer on New Media for Executives and Entrepreneurs – Brian Solis, Geoff Livingston (video interview with Brian)

To read his full blog post, click here.  Thank you Lee for this great list!

Day Eleven of our 12 Day Countdown – Suggestions for things you can do this month to prepare for a fabulous 2009!  Attract Affluent Clients…but how, you ask?  I know just the perfect place for you to learn about this secret to success as an interior designer. 

Design Success University states, “You’re A Talented Interior Designer…Are You Enjoying The Success You Deserve?”  Chief Vision Officer, Gail Doby believes “interior design success depends on your ability to attract affluent clients.”

DSU Membership Programs 

We’re Here For You!

“We’ve been in your shoes and we know how challenging this business can be, especially if you are working alone or in a small office. With Gail’s 20+ years in high-end residential and commercial design specializing in multi-million dollar new construction and renovation projects, and Erin’s fresh perspective as a recent graduate from design school, we understand how there are days that feel overwhelming, and we want to help you with practical and creative strategies delivered with cutting-edge classes and 24/7 access to fit your busy lifestyle.”

Learn More…

Day Eight of our 12 Day Countdown – Suggestions for things you can do this month to prepare for a fabulous 2009!  Social Networking!  What is social networking, you ask?  There are actually entire websites devoted to answering that question. 

Social Networking points out that the most popular place to do your social networking is online, probably because “the internet is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to meet other internet users to develop friendships and business relationships, too.”  That means there are other designers, potential clients and other interior design industry associates just waiting to connect with you!

Some suggestions for “places” you want to be:

Ava Living – is the world’s online interior design marketplace bringing together a diverse and passionate social network of individuals and professionals.  This site is a favorite of mine, since it is dedicated entirely to our industry.  I have met so many wonderful designers and industry enthusiasts through Ava Living.  In my opinion, being part of Ava Living is a must!  Once you join, be sure and join The Business Resource for Interior Designers – a place for interior designers to come to discuss anything related to the business of interior design. Please feel free to pose questions and give advice based on experience.

Twitter – is a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time.  To learn more about How to Use Twitter as a Twool, read this blog post by Guy Kawasaki. 

LinkedIn – an online network of more than 30 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries

I would also encourage you to check out Designing Profits and learn about the Best Practice Network.  “The Best Practices Network (BPN) is a group of interior designers from across the country who have banded together to share “best practices.” The BPN includes firms ranging from sole practitioners to 30+ person firms, residential and commercial specialists, and everything in between. Our members are carefully selected to ensure a positive and supportive learning environment where the most important business and financial strategies can be presented by experts (outsiders and by Members themselves) and adopted by all.”

Spend some time this month and familiarize yourself with what these organizations have to offer.  It is truly the easiest way to connect with the world outside your door.  There is a whole interior design industry waiting to meet you!

It’s already Day Seven of our 12 Day Countdown – Suggestions for things you can do this month to prepare for a fabulous 2009!  Yesterday we talked about taking some time to remember why you became a designer and focusing on the areas of your business that you love.  So what about those areas that you don’t enjoy, aren’t proficient in, or are not a good use of your time?  What about outsourcing?

One of the best things you can do this month is take a half hour and listen to a great interview conducted by Gail Doby, Chief Vision Officer at Design Success University.   

Outsourcing Is Not a Four Letter Word: You Can Do Less of the Busy Work & Get Back to the Real Reason You Became an Interior Designer

Please click below to listen to the replay of this interview:

GDM Replay

Learn how you can outsource the parts of the business that you don’t like, make more money and have more fun.  Discover how you can grow your firm without the headaches and fixed costs of hiring additional staff…especially when the economy is impacting your business.

“[Outsourcing through] Gibson Design Management is exactly where I am headed, giving over these details to others to deal with so I can grow my business, and of course focus on the items that I really love.”

Gail Doby, Chief Vision Officer of Design Success University, and Nika Stewart, The Designers’ Success Coach, are co-hosting an exciting event that you don’t want to miss–The Interior Design Summit on October 28, 29, & 30.

Click here to learn more

This three-day event is unlike anything that has been done for the interior design industry to date. They are interviewing 11 speakers (so far) that are top-selling authors, business consultants and agents to celebrity designers, and other amazing guests that are sure to help you grow your interior design business.

What is unique about this event is that you can listen to this from the comfort of your office or home during these three days. No travel expenses, just a nominal fee for the event and you will receive recordings so you can listen again at your convenience.

Here are some of the things you will learn:

How to book yourself solid

How to market so you don’t have to “sell” to get clients

How to build amazing referral partners that send affluent clients to you

How to create your marketing plan to get a steady flow of business

How to work with the ultra-affluent clients – how to get them and how to serve them…learn what they are looking for in an interior designer

How to use newsletters to stay connected with your prospects and clients …without having to write!

How to use social networking to create an online portfolio especially if you don’t have a website

How to build your personal brand so prospects and clients immediately know who you are and what your business represents

How to build a great team and manage your staff effectively

How to streamline the parts of your business that you don’t enjoy

And much more…

Save the dates and plan to make this an event in your office by bringing in lunch and having a discussion (with yourself if you work solo, or with your staff) to create a winning plan to take your business to the next level.

Click here to learn more about the event