Ethics: It’s Not A Choice

Ethics_Its Not A Choice

“Those who stand for nothing fall for anything”  Alexander Hamilton With the popularity of “Hamilton” on Broadway, I thought this quote from Hamilton a good reminder of the importance of ethics in business.  I would assume none of you feel you are unethical, but there are slippery slopes in business that need to be addressed.…

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Planning for Success in Your Interior Design Business

Planning for success in your interior design business

Do you set aside time on your calendar to plan for your interior design business on a regular basis? I find that not every designer does this regularly. You’re the CEO of your interior design business and you need to plan for your business and not just let it happen by accident. My recommendation is…

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Building Your Trust Account

By Drue Lawlor, FASID Do you or your team members feel as if you have to know everything, be able to answer any question asked of you, and prove you are an expert in every area of your field in order to build a financially successful business? If so, you are probably like many others…

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Are You Asking The Right Questions

Are You Asking The Right Questions

By Drue Lawlor, FASID Director of Coaching at DSU Whether interviewing for a virtual assistant or for someone who will be working in your office, making the decision about who to hire is critical.  They need to fit into the culture of your firm and, depending on their job, being a team player might be…

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A Project Management Tool for Every Designer

A Project Management Tool for Every Designer

If you’re still using to-do lists, checklists, voice reminders and sticky notes to manage your projects, I encourage you to consider switching to a project management tool.  Whether you’re a sole practitioner or a large A&D firm, there is a tool to suit your needs.  The time you invest up front in getting familiar with…

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Are You Running Your Business or Is It Running You?

By Drue Lawlor, FASID Director of Coaching, Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting & Design Success University Do you find yourself ending each day with a “To Do” list that just keeps getting longer?  How often do you wish you could have more hours in the day or just find some way to shorten that “To…

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Should Interior Designers Work Without Contracts?

Should Interior Designers Work Without Contracts

This is a very important conversation about the necessity for you to use contracts and retainers in your interior design business. I’ve seen many newbies start work without contracts and retainers based on their good faith belief that the unsigned “clients” will pay. And I’ve also worked with seasoned designers who got burned by not…

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Understanding The Average Value of Your Interior Design Clients

Understanding The Average Value of Your Interior Design Clients

Understanding the average value of your interior design clients is a key component of any successful interior design business. Why? Knowing this answer will help you create your plan for the year. Here’s how knowing the average value of your interior design clients will help you create your plan: Estimate how much your average client…

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