Beautiful Sarasota
Condo at Ritz-Beach
Monday, July 13, 2009
New Product You've Gotta See!!
While I was at HD Expo in Las Vegas this year I saw a product that is truley HOT!! Planika has a range of fire burning products to rock your world! A fireplace you can hang on the wall! Coffee tables with fire cylindars incorporated in them. No venting needed. They burn a clean alcohol based bio-fuel. If you would like more info or pricing call me at 941-518-8783.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Go Green
!!!"GREEN" OFFER!!!
Bradenton/Sarasota designer Debbie Wagner of The Home Stylist will reduce her design fees by 50%, from $85/hr to $42.50/hr. to rental property owners that hire her to renovate/remodel their property using Green friendly products and practices. The reduced design fees will help offset the additional costs of some of the products.The intent is to market the finished project as a Green project and so they can market their property as a Green friendly rental with their rental company.
For more information call Debbie Wagner at 941-518-8783.
Bradenton/Sarasota designer Debbie Wagner of The Home Stylist will reduce her design fees by 50%, from $85/hr to $42.50/hr. to rental property owners that hire her to renovate/remodel their property using Green friendly products and practices. The reduced design fees will help offset the additional costs of some of the products.The intent is to market the finished project as a Green project and so they can market their property as a Green friendly rental with their rental company.
For more information call Debbie Wagner at 941-518-8783.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thought process behind rental property budgets.
In the last two months I have gotten calls from people who have purchased foreclosed properties, some of them quite expensive too. Their plans are to turn key furnish the property and put it in a rental program. The new issue I have been facing though is that they put all their money into purchasing the property and have very little left over for furnishing it.
Here is how I come up with a budget for turn-key furnishing a property for rental.
First take into consideration the true value of the property, just because it was purchased for hundreds of thousands dollars less - it still has a perceived value.
I am going to use the latest job that I did not get because the owners were unrealistic about the cost to furnish it. They purchased the home for I'm guessing $1 million, I think it probably is worth $1.3 mil. Location is amazing - walking distance to St. Armands circle, on a canal with a dock and lift. Short distance to Lido Beach. Gorgeous mediteranian style home. Approx 4500 s.f., 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den, family room, game room, laundry, kitchen, living room, dining room, breakfast room, 3 lanais and a rooftop deck! Not a stick of furniture, window treatments or electronics - completely bare.
If furnished properly and to the level that the house demands it could easily rent for $12-15,000 a month! So after crunching the numbers and my rates are very fair I came to $137,000 to turn key furnish it with window treatments, electronics and the works - move in ready. And what I have found over the years is that if the owners put in 10% of the property value it will come out perfectly - my fees included in that figure.
The owners then email me that their budget is $60,000! Four couples bought this house together and all they can come up with is $60k. I was floored! The house had to have 30 windows and sliders - how on earth can those be dressed with this budget? Not to mention the number of tv's and electronics needed. There wasn't even a washer and dryer in the place.
When furnishing a property for rental I have a checklist of all the items that are to go into that property; everything needed in the kitchen, bedding, t.v. size requirements, etc. Think about it this way, if you are going to pay $15,000 a month for a rental property you probably have a lot of money in the bank and you are used to a certain level of comfort and you expect the same or close to the same level as you have at home. So I emailed them that there is no possible way that They, I, or anyone else could turn-key furnish that place for $60k AND get it rented. I said prove to me on paper how it can be done and I will do it. My thought process is that once they put some real thought into it they would realize it can't be done. I also said if they came up with $85k I could realistically attempt to do it. Never heard from them again....
To do that place for $60k I would have to put roller shades -without the blackout liner on the bedroom windows only, one bed, one nightstand, one lamp, and one set of bedding in each of the bedrooms, no t.v. in the living room, one flatscreen in the game room and one in the family room, there wouldnt be much of any artwork in the place and the rest would go to furnishings. I would only be able to put KMart outdoor furniture on two of the lanais - if I'm lucky and I would be doing this for free because there would be no money left to pay myself! SPARSE would be the design concept!
So yes, it can be done for $60k, BUT, can it be rented? Definately not for $15,000. Maybe for $3,500. So that equates to a huge loss of income. Had the owners chosen to do it right the first time, they would have paid for the cost to furnish the property within the first year from the rental income they could have aquired at the higher rate. When you decorate to the level of the property value the results are that the property is rented far more often than a property that is done cheaply.
For example, I had one couple who called me after the rental company told them they would be dropped from the program because their condo was not getting rented and was too dark. I came in renovated the place for about $40k and the results were that the property is rented most of the year and they couldnt even use it themselves because it was always rented out! The renovations were paid for the first year - now it's all gravy!
I had another couple called me that bought a luxury condo at the Ritz. It was completely empty when the rental agent wanted to show it to a potential renter so I showed up with the concept boards in hand and they signed a 2 year lease at $20k a month! The place is gorgeous and again was paid for in the first year - gravy!
When purchasing a property, owners can use a general rule of 10% of property value to turn-key furnish the place so that it is getting the most out of the rental program.
Here is how I come up with a budget for turn-key furnishing a property for rental.
First take into consideration the true value of the property, just because it was purchased for hundreds of thousands dollars less - it still has a perceived value.
I am going to use the latest job that I did not get because the owners were unrealistic about the cost to furnish it. They purchased the home for I'm guessing $1 million, I think it probably is worth $1.3 mil. Location is amazing - walking distance to St. Armands circle, on a canal with a dock and lift. Short distance to Lido Beach. Gorgeous mediteranian style home. Approx 4500 s.f., 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den, family room, game room, laundry, kitchen, living room, dining room, breakfast room, 3 lanais and a rooftop deck! Not a stick of furniture, window treatments or electronics - completely bare.
If furnished properly and to the level that the house demands it could easily rent for $12-15,000 a month! So after crunching the numbers and my rates are very fair I came to $137,000 to turn key furnish it with window treatments, electronics and the works - move in ready. And what I have found over the years is that if the owners put in 10% of the property value it will come out perfectly - my fees included in that figure.
The owners then email me that their budget is $60,000! Four couples bought this house together and all they can come up with is $60k. I was floored! The house had to have 30 windows and sliders - how on earth can those be dressed with this budget? Not to mention the number of tv's and electronics needed. There wasn't even a washer and dryer in the place.
When furnishing a property for rental I have a checklist of all the items that are to go into that property; everything needed in the kitchen, bedding, t.v. size requirements, etc. Think about it this way, if you are going to pay $15,000 a month for a rental property you probably have a lot of money in the bank and you are used to a certain level of comfort and you expect the same or close to the same level as you have at home. So I emailed them that there is no possible way that They, I, or anyone else could turn-key furnish that place for $60k AND get it rented. I said prove to me on paper how it can be done and I will do it. My thought process is that once they put some real thought into it they would realize it can't be done. I also said if they came up with $85k I could realistically attempt to do it. Never heard from them again....
To do that place for $60k I would have to put roller shades -without the blackout liner on the bedroom windows only, one bed, one nightstand, one lamp, and one set of bedding in each of the bedrooms, no t.v. in the living room, one flatscreen in the game room and one in the family room, there wouldnt be much of any artwork in the place and the rest would go to furnishings. I would only be able to put KMart outdoor furniture on two of the lanais - if I'm lucky and I would be doing this for free because there would be no money left to pay myself! SPARSE would be the design concept!
So yes, it can be done for $60k, BUT, can it be rented? Definately not for $15,000. Maybe for $3,500. So that equates to a huge loss of income. Had the owners chosen to do it right the first time, they would have paid for the cost to furnish the property within the first year from the rental income they could have aquired at the higher rate. When you decorate to the level of the property value the results are that the property is rented far more often than a property that is done cheaply.
For example, I had one couple who called me after the rental company told them they would be dropped from the program because their condo was not getting rented and was too dark. I came in renovated the place for about $40k and the results were that the property is rented most of the year and they couldnt even use it themselves because it was always rented out! The renovations were paid for the first year - now it's all gravy!
I had another couple called me that bought a luxury condo at the Ritz. It was completely empty when the rental agent wanted to show it to a potential renter so I showed up with the concept boards in hand and they signed a 2 year lease at $20k a month! The place is gorgeous and again was paid for in the first year - gravy!
When purchasing a property, owners can use a general rule of 10% of property value to turn-key furnish the place so that it is getting the most out of the rental program.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Update...
Wow, it's been a while since I blogged here.
I did attend the Green trade show in W. Palm Beach and was really disappointed. There were about 20 tables with vendors and that was it. There were good products but I was already aware of at least half of them. So, although we are all trying so hard to push the Green movement it still has a ways to go.
I had a wonderful time though while I was there. My friend Elizabeth who is a designer in Ft. Lauderdale met me there and we went to Kona Grill for sushi - really delicious! and then we drove to The Breakers for martini's! I think that this is must do at least once in your life and I have been fortunate enough to have done it twice! Life is good!
I spent a few days with friends then travelled to Orlando for the Home Electronics trade show. I was disappointed with that as well since it was about 1/3 of the size of the shows in previous years. Apparently, my host told me, the economy is so bad that vendors are only doing select shows and this wasnt one of them - the big show was expected in Atlanta.
The next show I had planned to attend was KBIS in Atlanta in May. After reviewing the schedule I decided that the seminars are way to expensive! And because of the economy I have to choose which trade shows I can afford to attend. Therefore, I've decided to attend the HD Expo (Hospitality Design) in Las Vegas in mid May.
HD Expo is something I have wanted to do for years! I go to the HD Boutique show every year in South Beach but the Vegas show is REALLY BIG! Due to the economy there are some really great rates to travel to Vegas so for the price of 3 seminars at KBIS I am able to go for 5 days to HD in Vegas! I registered for three seminars (at only $37.50 ea!). They are as follows:
1) Complexity of Color
2) Creative Solutions: The Challenge of Design Excellence
3) Global Trends Report: Around the World in 80 Projects
I am really excited about the new products I will be introduced to and the cutting edge ideas and designs that keep my designs fresh and new!
I did attend the Green trade show in W. Palm Beach and was really disappointed. There were about 20 tables with vendors and that was it. There were good products but I was already aware of at least half of them. So, although we are all trying so hard to push the Green movement it still has a ways to go.
I had a wonderful time though while I was there. My friend Elizabeth who is a designer in Ft. Lauderdale met me there and we went to Kona Grill for sushi - really delicious! and then we drove to The Breakers for martini's! I think that this is must do at least once in your life and I have been fortunate enough to have done it twice! Life is good!
I spent a few days with friends then travelled to Orlando for the Home Electronics trade show. I was disappointed with that as well since it was about 1/3 of the size of the shows in previous years. Apparently, my host told me, the economy is so bad that vendors are only doing select shows and this wasnt one of them - the big show was expected in Atlanta.
The next show I had planned to attend was KBIS in Atlanta in May. After reviewing the schedule I decided that the seminars are way to expensive! And because of the economy I have to choose which trade shows I can afford to attend. Therefore, I've decided to attend the HD Expo (Hospitality Design) in Las Vegas in mid May.
HD Expo is something I have wanted to do for years! I go to the HD Boutique show every year in South Beach but the Vegas show is REALLY BIG! Due to the economy there are some really great rates to travel to Vegas so for the price of 3 seminars at KBIS I am able to go for 5 days to HD in Vegas! I registered for three seminars (at only $37.50 ea!). They are as follows:
1) Complexity of Color
2) Creative Solutions: The Challenge of Design Excellence
3) Global Trends Report: Around the World in 80 Projects
I am really excited about the new products I will be introduced to and the cutting edge ideas and designs that keep my designs fresh and new!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Schedule Update.
I will be in West Palm Beach tomorrow, March 11th, to attend the Green Conference and learn about the latest "green" practices and suppliers.
On Thursday I will be in Ft. Lauderdale and visiting the Design Center of the America's (DCOTA) to see what is still available from their floor sample sale last week.
On Friday I will be in Orlando attending the Home Electronics trade show and learn about the latest and greatest in home entertainment, security and more.
I will update my blog with everything I learned on this trip!
Pray for safe travels!
On Thursday I will be in Ft. Lauderdale and visiting the Design Center of the America's (DCOTA) to see what is still available from their floor sample sale last week.
On Friday I will be in Orlando attending the Home Electronics trade show and learn about the latest and greatest in home entertainment, security and more.
I will update my blog with everything I learned on this trip!
Pray for safe travels!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Newspaper Exposure!
My picture is in the Longboat Key Observer this week! Thanks to photographer Jessica who was snapping pic's at Lee Hienemans open house last week.
I am in the papers a lot because I go to a lot of events on the island. 80% of my customers are on Longboat Key so I attend a lot of events and I end up in the paper. It just so happens that a lady who was referred to me by her realtor the first year of my business was at this party - 6 years later! She said that she really appreciated my input to her project and that I really listened to her. Turns out she hired Lee Hieneman to do the remodel - it took her 6 years to make a decision though! She also mentioned that she's been following my career in the paper the entire time! That was great news for me to hear.
Be where your business is!!
I am in the papers a lot because I go to a lot of events on the island. 80% of my customers are on Longboat Key so I attend a lot of events and I end up in the paper. It just so happens that a lady who was referred to me by her realtor the first year of my business was at this party - 6 years later! She said that she really appreciated my input to her project and that I really listened to her. Turns out she hired Lee Hieneman to do the remodel - it took her 6 years to make a decision though! She also mentioned that she's been following my career in the paper the entire time! That was great news for me to hear.
Be where your business is!!
Give and Gain
I think I was on Linkedin when I got a link to a blog from a guy that runs a marketing firm. His philosophy for networking is to be a good listener and help people to build their businesses, give them ideas to grow on and in turn they will keep you in mind when the perfect referal comes up. This theory is called Give and Gain. His blog got a lot of positive feedback to this method of networking.
My first thought was "well, no kidding!" I guess I have always instinctively done this. Because of my line of business I have to be a good listener and I am. Because of the amount of networking and marketing I do in the community I come in contact with a wide variety of business people and ideas. Therefore whenever I speak with someone about their challenges I can almost always come up with an idea or solution for them. I also have a large binder that holds all the business cards of people I've met, therefore I can always put people together that can help each other. This morning I was talking to a business colleage who wants to sell her business so I gave her the contact info for an immigration attorney who helps foreign nationals buy businesses! Viola!
I belong to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. This is the best small chamber in the area by far. Mainly because it's members really do help each other build their businesses - unlike any other chamber in the area. There is another larger chamber in the area that is struggling. I believe it is because everytime I attend one of their events its always "what can you do for me" attitude I get from its members, or, it's a pick up joint! The members dont seem to try to help each other. Until they get that attitude adjusted they will continue to struggle in growing their membership. They need to learn Give and Gain!
This brings an important point to mind. Whenever you hear of a networking group or some sort of business group to join. Ask if you can attend a couple of meetings first. This is very important. Every legitimate group will be happy to let you attend and you get a feel for the group to see if it is a good match for you. This will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year. I review the groups that I am a member of every year to see if it is providing me with referals and business. If it is not then I dont renew my membership. I try to join a new group every year to expand my exposure and meet new business leaders in the community. A $250 membership fee for a year of exposure beats the price of print ads any day!
So Give and Gain is a great way to grow your business, and help others to grow theirs!
My first thought was "well, no kidding!" I guess I have always instinctively done this. Because of my line of business I have to be a good listener and I am. Because of the amount of networking and marketing I do in the community I come in contact with a wide variety of business people and ideas. Therefore whenever I speak with someone about their challenges I can almost always come up with an idea or solution for them. I also have a large binder that holds all the business cards of people I've met, therefore I can always put people together that can help each other. This morning I was talking to a business colleage who wants to sell her business so I gave her the contact info for an immigration attorney who helps foreign nationals buy businesses! Viola!
I belong to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. This is the best small chamber in the area by far. Mainly because it's members really do help each other build their businesses - unlike any other chamber in the area. There is another larger chamber in the area that is struggling. I believe it is because everytime I attend one of their events its always "what can you do for me" attitude I get from its members, or, it's a pick up joint! The members dont seem to try to help each other. Until they get that attitude adjusted they will continue to struggle in growing their membership. They need to learn Give and Gain!
This brings an important point to mind. Whenever you hear of a networking group or some sort of business group to join. Ask if you can attend a couple of meetings first. This is very important. Every legitimate group will be happy to let you attend and you get a feel for the group to see if it is a good match for you. This will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year. I review the groups that I am a member of every year to see if it is providing me with referals and business. If it is not then I dont renew my membership. I try to join a new group every year to expand my exposure and meet new business leaders in the community. A $250 membership fee for a year of exposure beats the price of print ads any day!
So Give and Gain is a great way to grow your business, and help others to grow theirs!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Design for the Times- Creating Calm
When we are bombarded daily with instability and lack of trust in the very establishments that we are supposed to rely on, we crave the escape to a calm and peaceful environment. Have you ever spent time in a Japanese garden? It is simple, beautiful, has lot's of open space. It involves your sense of sight, smell (subtly) hearing (with water features) and touch. And taste, if there is a Japanese tea house involved.
If you want to create a sense of calm in your own personal environment there are some easy inexpensive ways to accomplish this.
Get back to nature. Water or fire features. Nature scenes via pictures, paintings and murals. Colors from nature. Remember that in nature, the colors are dark on the floor and get lighter as you go higher. Dark ground, light sky. Add fresh flowers, real plants!
Paint. Paint your walls with soft, calm, & peaceful colors. Shades of biege, or sand are very calming. So is pale aqua, or pale pink, or soft yellow.
Remove the clutter. Clutter stifles the flow of energy. Take all the accessories out of the room then add in only a few personal items such as pictures, art, or sculpture. Personalize it but dont put every personal item in the room. Collections of similar items in threes spread around the room creates interest and a sense of balance.
Balance. Creating symmetry in a space is calming. Divide the space in half and whatever is happing on one side of the room in terms of heights, line, proportion should be happening on the other side of the room as well. For example, when you have a fireplace with a mantel and you put a tall candle on one side of the mantel put a tall candle on the other side as well to create equal balance. When you have a tall entertainment center or flat screen tv on one wall, offset on the other side of the room with a picture of the same scale hung at the same height. Asymmetrical design, where things are not equal, creates excitement and high energy - not calm.
Line. Creating horizontal lines in the room is calming. Zigzag lines create action, energy, movement and are not considered calm. Vertical lines create height but not calm. I love painting wide, horizontal bands on the walls. Even horizontal lines on pillows will work. I love horizontal lines in a room. I have taken molding strips and attached them horizontally to the wall.
Scent. I think we all know by now that Vanilla is a scent that speaks to our soul. I personnaly am tired of that scent and prefer other calming scents. I really like the Ralph Lauren Spa scent. I love lavender! People always comment on how wonderful my house smells because I have Glade plug-ins in the lavendar scent scattered throughout my house. Visit a candle and atomizer specialty shop to find the scent that speaks to you personnaly.
Sound. Home fountains come in all styles and prices. The sound of flowing water is soothing. Water features in general connect us with nature. Also, if you have a lot of hard surfaces the sound is bouncing around the room. Buffer these sounds by adding area rugs, and drapery panels to absorb the sound. Turn off the tv. Turn on soft, soothing music.
Lighting. I love dimmer switches! You can set the level of lighting according to your mood and what you need to accomplish. Task lighting or general lighting is overhead, well lit lighting in the room. Add a dimmer switch and you can lower the level of light output. How about turning off all the lights and just lighting candles?! Or turning off the overhead lights and turn on low wattage lamps. Lighting is a key element to creating a calm environment.
Taste. Mmmmm! Comfort foods. Soup, starch, scones! Wine!
So, if you need a calm, personal environment to escape to just implement some of the ideas above and RELAX!! If you look around you probably have many of the items mentioned and may not even have to spend any money!
If you want to create a sense of calm in your own personal environment there are some easy inexpensive ways to accomplish this.
Get back to nature. Water or fire features. Nature scenes via pictures, paintings and murals. Colors from nature. Remember that in nature, the colors are dark on the floor and get lighter as you go higher. Dark ground, light sky. Add fresh flowers, real plants!
Paint. Paint your walls with soft, calm, & peaceful colors. Shades of biege, or sand are very calming. So is pale aqua, or pale pink, or soft yellow.
Remove the clutter. Clutter stifles the flow of energy. Take all the accessories out of the room then add in only a few personal items such as pictures, art, or sculpture. Personalize it but dont put every personal item in the room. Collections of similar items in threes spread around the room creates interest and a sense of balance.
Balance. Creating symmetry in a space is calming. Divide the space in half and whatever is happing on one side of the room in terms of heights, line, proportion should be happening on the other side of the room as well. For example, when you have a fireplace with a mantel and you put a tall candle on one side of the mantel put a tall candle on the other side as well to create equal balance. When you have a tall entertainment center or flat screen tv on one wall, offset on the other side of the room with a picture of the same scale hung at the same height. Asymmetrical design, where things are not equal, creates excitement and high energy - not calm.
Line. Creating horizontal lines in the room is calming. Zigzag lines create action, energy, movement and are not considered calm. Vertical lines create height but not calm. I love painting wide, horizontal bands on the walls. Even horizontal lines on pillows will work. I love horizontal lines in a room. I have taken molding strips and attached them horizontally to the wall.
Scent. I think we all know by now that Vanilla is a scent that speaks to our soul. I personnaly am tired of that scent and prefer other calming scents. I really like the Ralph Lauren Spa scent. I love lavender! People always comment on how wonderful my house smells because I have Glade plug-ins in the lavendar scent scattered throughout my house. Visit a candle and atomizer specialty shop to find the scent that speaks to you personnaly.
Sound. Home fountains come in all styles and prices. The sound of flowing water is soothing. Water features in general connect us with nature. Also, if you have a lot of hard surfaces the sound is bouncing around the room. Buffer these sounds by adding area rugs, and drapery panels to absorb the sound. Turn off the tv. Turn on soft, soothing music.
Lighting. I love dimmer switches! You can set the level of lighting according to your mood and what you need to accomplish. Task lighting or general lighting is overhead, well lit lighting in the room. Add a dimmer switch and you can lower the level of light output. How about turning off all the lights and just lighting candles?! Or turning off the overhead lights and turn on low wattage lamps. Lighting is a key element to creating a calm environment.
Taste. Mmmmm! Comfort foods. Soup, starch, scones! Wine!
So, if you need a calm, personal environment to escape to just implement some of the ideas above and RELAX!! If you look around you probably have many of the items mentioned and may not even have to spend any money!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Buy Local!!
Early this morning I drove to a local fruit and vegtable stand and purchased fresh produce for the week. I love the smell of cilantro! When I buy it at the grocery store I can barely smell it, but at the market the smell lures me toward it. The fresh strawberries filled my car with a sweet scent all the way home! I filled two grocery sacks to the top with fresh fruits and vegtables for $19.50. Thank you farmers! Tonight I will make stirfry for dinner with a fresh salad!
Later in the early afternoon I visted the Village of the Arts community. It is a community of brightly colored, craftsman era homes that serve as live/work spaces for local artists. It was such a wonderful treat! These people are so creative!
As a designer I have always tried to fill the spaces I do with local art scenes by local artists. It gives each space a unique, one-of-a-kind feeling.
I found so many different art mediums. There were welded metal sculptures with local underwater themes, framed photographs of beach scenes and crustacians, folk art with unique sayings such as "I'm from Florida, I can drink with the best!" Or, "I see drunk people" - it was pretty funny. There was also watercolor and oil paintings, and one artist was painting a 4 foot long gecko. One gallery showcased the works from students at the Ringling School of Art and Design.
We also discovered a small restaurant that has theme dinners ranging from Ethiopian to Peruvian to fresh made pizzas!
So be a tourist in your own town and buy from the locals. Walking through this small village churned the creative juices in me and inspired me to follow through with some of my artistic ideas.
Later in the early afternoon I visted the Village of the Arts community. It is a community of brightly colored, craftsman era homes that serve as live/work spaces for local artists. It was such a wonderful treat! These people are so creative!
As a designer I have always tried to fill the spaces I do with local art scenes by local artists. It gives each space a unique, one-of-a-kind feeling.
I found so many different art mediums. There were welded metal sculptures with local underwater themes, framed photographs of beach scenes and crustacians, folk art with unique sayings such as "I'm from Florida, I can drink with the best!" Or, "I see drunk people" - it was pretty funny. There was also watercolor and oil paintings, and one artist was painting a 4 foot long gecko. One gallery showcased the works from students at the Ringling School of Art and Design.
We also discovered a small restaurant that has theme dinners ranging from Ethiopian to Peruvian to fresh made pizzas!
So be a tourist in your own town and buy from the locals. Walking through this small village churned the creative juices in me and inspired me to follow through with some of my artistic ideas.
Follow Up and Follow Through
My networking and marketing efforts really paid off this week. I reconnected with businesses that have fed my business in the past to let them know that I am still in business and stronger than ever. As a result I got two leads for new owners and an offer to keep my marketing materials in the business center of a downtown condo building, I was also offered a priceless phone and contact list for a key real estate office! So next week I will touch base with the people who had the leads and I will get my marketing materials and some acrylic holders to put in the condo building. I am also going to update my website with new info and pictures and will contact a couple of my past clients for testimonials to add to the website.
I also helped three other people build their businesses. I referred a client to a personal trainer with a unique approach to physical fitness. I also helped get a key contact name for another person just building their business. In return she is going to give my card to someone who is ready to decorate in her subdivision and get me the information for advertising my business on the subdivisions website! Finally, I attended an open house for a contractor that I cross refer with and invited a client to the open house.
By helping others build their businesses they will keep me at the forefront of their minds when they hear of an opportunity to pass on to me. And, it's so easy to do because I have a mind for business and I love helping others!
I also helped three other people build their businesses. I referred a client to a personal trainer with a unique approach to physical fitness. I also helped get a key contact name for another person just building their business. In return she is going to give my card to someone who is ready to decorate in her subdivision and get me the information for advertising my business on the subdivisions website! Finally, I attended an open house for a contractor that I cross refer with and invited a client to the open house.
By helping others build their businesses they will keep me at the forefront of their minds when they hear of an opportunity to pass on to me. And, it's so easy to do because I have a mind for business and I love helping others!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Marketing my Business.
Ok, so I haven't blogged for awhile. A year to be exact. I AM still in business! 2008 was a tight year. Since I specialize in vacation homes and rentals my business is slow at the beginning of the year due to the fact that the rentals are full with seasonal visitors, but once they leave, around Easter, the phone starts ringing again. This was the case in May. Although I had my regulars calling me at the beginning of the year to do little touch ups to their units, the bigger jobs started in May. This confirms to me that my marketing efforts paid off and even though it was a horrible economic year I was still able to attract business because of my referal base. It just goes to show that if you do a great job and make sure everyone is happy at the end you will get repeat business and referrals.
What I have learned to do during the slow times is reconnect with those that referred business to me and to develop new marketing and networking plans. It's good to look back and see which plans worked and which didn't. The best plan for me is t0 network. I try different organizations each year and at the end of the year determine if they were worth it or not. I also decide what new organization I want to join that might help build my business.
The key things to look at when determining what organization will work is who are the members, are they businesses that can help build my business, how many events/opportunities does the organization provide that I can attend and meet these people.
Also, it is important that you have the opportunity to present your business at these events, such as an introduction or a 30 second opportunity to let them know who you are and why you are unique. Tailor your speech to what the members would feel is important about your business.
I find that the fact that I've won 1st runner up for rookie small business of the year in '06 gives me credibility. Also, I let people know what trade shows I'm going to and offer to bring back specific product information that they might be looking for. This let's them know that I feel its important to stay on top of new trends and products and that I want to help them with their business at the same time.
I try not to hand out my business card unless I am asked for it and then I ask for their's as well. I'm also a great listener and I ask questions about their business and what challenges they are dealing with, then I try to think of a great idea or tip to help them overcome that challenge and I reconnect with them.
I keep a large binder in my office that holds every business card I have ever received and it is organized in groups pertaining to the type of business. I also enter the contact info into my Constant Contact database as well as my email database for future marketing. When my clients ask me if I have a painter or a place to buy silk arrangements I can always pull out my binder and refer someone I have met personally!
Creating personal relationships is critical to building a successful business. Don't be short-sighted. Everyone you come in contact with is important now and can be even more so in the future. I make everyone feel they are important. I try to refer people to other business as much as possible.
When I have finished decorating a residence I go to the chamber office and pick up all the brochures, business cards, telephone books and magazines that I feel would be important to the owner and the renter and I fill a drawer with the information. This helps the local businesses and puts restaurants, parks, and arts information right at their fingertips.
When people know that you are trying to help build their business they like to help you in return!
What I have learned to do during the slow times is reconnect with those that referred business to me and to develop new marketing and networking plans. It's good to look back and see which plans worked and which didn't. The best plan for me is t0 network. I try different organizations each year and at the end of the year determine if they were worth it or not. I also decide what new organization I want to join that might help build my business.
The key things to look at when determining what organization will work is who are the members, are they businesses that can help build my business, how many events/opportunities does the organization provide that I can attend and meet these people.
Also, it is important that you have the opportunity to present your business at these events, such as an introduction or a 30 second opportunity to let them know who you are and why you are unique. Tailor your speech to what the members would feel is important about your business.
I find that the fact that I've won 1st runner up for rookie small business of the year in '06 gives me credibility. Also, I let people know what trade shows I'm going to and offer to bring back specific product information that they might be looking for. This let's them know that I feel its important to stay on top of new trends and products and that I want to help them with their business at the same time.
I try not to hand out my business card unless I am asked for it and then I ask for their's as well. I'm also a great listener and I ask questions about their business and what challenges they are dealing with, then I try to think of a great idea or tip to help them overcome that challenge and I reconnect with them.
I keep a large binder in my office that holds every business card I have ever received and it is organized in groups pertaining to the type of business. I also enter the contact info into my Constant Contact database as well as my email database for future marketing. When my clients ask me if I have a painter or a place to buy silk arrangements I can always pull out my binder and refer someone I have met personally!
Creating personal relationships is critical to building a successful business. Don't be short-sighted. Everyone you come in contact with is important now and can be even more so in the future. I make everyone feel they are important. I try to refer people to other business as much as possible.
When I have finished decorating a residence I go to the chamber office and pick up all the brochures, business cards, telephone books and magazines that I feel would be important to the owner and the renter and I fill a drawer with the information. This helps the local businesses and puts restaurants, parks, and arts information right at their fingertips.
When people know that you are trying to help build their business they like to help you in return!
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