May 22, 2008

My Big Birthday Bash in the new house

We had our first party in the new house, and although we aren't decorated or furnished, it was a blast to have friends and family over. Now the house really feels like a home. It's amazing how the energy of a home changes when friends come to visit.

Here are some photos from the weekend:


Me and Hubby Rob

My friend - and genius webmaster, Michael

Best friend Karen - revealing that her gift to me
is a playmate for Ellie (she's pregnant - yippee!)


Everyone's reaction to Karen's news


Rob performing a game show skit in my honor


Karen and Kelly - my two preggie friends



May 14, 2008

Getting Creative in a Challenging Economy

A special report for Interior Designers, Decorators, and other Home Fashion Specialists

Are you feeling like your clients and prospects are getting more wary about spending money? Are they taking longer to make decisions? Are you struggling to convince homeowners to purchase from you?

If not, great! You are one of the lucky few. Although "official" statistics do not yet show that consumer spending has dropped, many designers have seen a slow-down in spending on home furnishings.

So what do we do? Many small business owners stick their heads in the sand and ignore it, hoping that what they've done in the past will start working again... soon. But studies show that if you keep doing the same type of marketing and selling while the economy changes around you, you very well could be out of business before things pick up. If you want to be a design professional who thrives despite the challenging economy, there are many proven methods you can use.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Spend more time and energy on short-term marketing
    Long-term strategies, like branding and website optimization, are extremely important for creating a strong, profitable business, so you can't give that up. BUT - in a slower economy, you need to apply strategies that create immediate revenue. Hold a promotion, offer a limited-time special, try pay-per-click advertising.
  • Highlight your less expensive products
    Okay, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying to sell cheap things, or to sacrifice your high-end image. But there are homeowners who want to spend right now - if they can get something less expensive. If you can offer a fabric line, for example, with lower cost fabrics that are still of a quality you are proud to sell, everyone wins.
  • Go virtual
    Is there a way you can offer any of your services online or over the phone? Businesses that are working this way are seeing overhead costs go WAY down, and profits go way UP.
  • Increase online product sales
    Most designers have a hard time imagining selling online. We are artists, for goodness sake! And our services are personal and customized. How can we sell over the Internet? Well - with rising gas prices, homeowners are shopping online more than ever. These homeowners, who once only wanted customized service (and who will want this again in the next few years), will more likely purchase something now because it is quick, easy, and inexpensive. Make sure you have products for this market.
  • Ramp up your client retention
    It is always harder and more expensive to acquire a new client than it is to get business from a past one. But during a slow economy, the cost of acquiring new customers is even higher. Remember to exceed your existing clients' expectations, and keep in touch with past customers through your email newsletter and by calling them on the phone.

When the market seems tough, you just need to be smarter with your marketing. Fortunately, you now have some effective tactics to use so that you can not only get through the tough times, but actually flourish!

May 13, 2008

Leverage your business using the Internet

And make a lot more money, while working less

My next program designed to help you skyrocket your income - while working LESS hours - will be starting in June. It is an intensive course that includes lots of one-on-one time. I am going to show you specifically how to use the Internet to leverage your business - and create extra money every month. (This program requires a substantial investment, and if you think it is for you, email my assistant Scott for more information)

May 12, 2008

Do you want to create a source of passive income?

I'm thinking up ways to help you work less. I got lots of emails asking for more information after I sent my article on creating sources of passive income (see below). So I'm creating a program to help you design your own passive income product. But I need your help! If you are interested in creating an e-book or doing teleseminars from home, would you take a moment to answer a few questions for me? Your answers will help me design a program that meets your needs.

Take the survey here.