You are the product that you are selling. You, your style, knowledge, expertise, and ability to create inspiring spaces, constitute your “package”. So, wrap your package in a marketable way. As interior designers and decorators, you are in a “style” industry. So, let me ask you-  when is the last time you did a survey of your own image? By image, I’m talking about your:

• Business wardrobe
• Handshake
• Company name and logo
• Business cards, letterheads, and other documents
• Briefcase
• Organizational system for client data management
• Office
• Showroom
• Displays
• Marketing materials including website, portfolio, brochures, ads

All of these things represent you, your talent, your expertise, etc. Are you projecting the image you want? Your clients respond to the message they get from all these things. Just like you do a survey and analysis for your clients, do one for yourself.

Imagine that each element mentioned above is an individual “representative” of your business.

• Does each one send the right message about you?
• Are you consistent with your business identity?
• Are you using multiple or outdated logos?
• Do you shake hands like you are in business, or do you shake hands like you are meeting your neighbor’s great grandmother?
• Does your showroom showoff your creative talents or does it need an update?
• Do you have a website or are you still getting used to using your fax machine?

If you only want to dabble, you don’t have to worry about your professional image. If you are serious about your business, you have to treat your business seriously. That means investing in all of the packaging and wrapping of what you offer. Get clear on what message you want to project. Invest in your image. You can’t realistically expect your clients to invest in their furnishings, décor, construction, etc., if you don’t invest in your business. Keep up with the times and play full out for a bigger payoff. If you want to be in business, then be in business. Don’t complain about the market unless you make every effort to stay on top of your game. If a self assessment and plan seems daunting, ask for help. After all, that’s what your clients do.

Cheryl Shelley Craig –   Maximizer - Optimizer - Marketing Muse
Waterfalls of ideas for growing your business and achieving more.
Visit her Web site at:www.cherylcraig.net
Copyright © 2008 by Cheryl Shelley Craig