Designer's Daily Journal

Since this is my first day of blogging let me get you up to speed. I'm an interior designer in Sarasota and in Orlando, specifically Celebration Florida. I started my business in 2003 and have been growing it ever since. I specialize in vacation homes and condos and 80% of my clients dont live here full time. I get all of my business through referals. Usually, realtors and property management companies refer me to their clients.

I belong to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and the Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce.

So, I've recently been doing a marketing push. I joined the Lakewood Ranch Business Aliance group in order to make more contacts in the LWR area. Networking is huge here in Florida - it's the best way to get business. I signed up to help out on the events committee and we're in the process of planning an event during the Christmas season.

I am also in the process of joining the Sarasota Association of Realtors. The reason I've decided to join is because many of the people who give me leads already belong to this organization and suggested that I join. The main reason for joining is that I am now trying to really focus on International clients and SAR is hosting an event focusing on international clients. Also, there is an organization called International Real state Council that I want to learn more about.

Friday I went to the beach with my husband, while the kids were at school, and I brought some reading material that I wanted to catch up on. I read in Biz941 about the importance of blogging. I made some business calls and played in the surf.

Saturday I drove to Orlando to attend the Furniture and Accessories Market at the Orlando Convention Center. I drove 3.5 hours round trip to go to show that took me 1.5 hrs to walk through! At first I thought it was going to be a total waste because most of the stuff was cheap crap. However, I did make some worthwhile supplier contacts. I now have two places to purchase mattress sets, a great contact for buying silk florals, and numerous contacts for artwork. All of these contacts will sell to me at wholesale prices so in the end this was more than worth my time and effort.

Today, I decided to do research on blogggin and how I can benefit from it and I set up my blogsite. A new learning experience! I also printed out my business plan and a copy of my 1-page condensed business plan for tomorrows appointment.

Tomorrow I have an appointment at the Small Business Development Center where I will review, with one of their experts, my business strategy, how it can be improved, what I'm doing right, what I'm doing wrong, how to direct more people to my website and now blogsite, and any other advice they have to offer. No matter how long you've been in business you should review your business plan, make changes if needed and always look for professional advice. You should also commit 30% of your time marketing.