Years ago in Feng Shui, I remember feeling thrilled if I were called in to do two or three homes in a month...it was unheard of! No one imagined, back then, the impact it would take on. In thinking of the aspects of Home Staging and seeing so many of the beautiful websites you have with terrific Before and After pictures, I wondered if you were thinking LARGE enough?
I don't recall seeing on the sites anything about DESIGN SERVICES for Businesses. I know you're not Interior Designers but many businesses and even Corporations may not be looking for that. Just someone with the talent that you ALL possess, an eye for Beauty and a desire and knowledge to make it happen.
What about adding a page for Businesses and Corporations? I know, I must be CRAZY, isn't it difficult enough just to get work right now for Home Staging for people selling their homes? But what about in 5 or even 10 years? Those that have had the tenacity to hang in will see Home Staging has gone from something obscure to the everyday. Home Staging will be a natural part of selling a home and will you be prepared for the next steps that will follow?
Many businesses do not want to spend the money that is often charged for a complete Interior Design Service. That's where YOU Come in.....Contacts I get are for services that are wanted out there....such as SHOPPING. I don't offer personal shopping services to go with or choose new furniture but there are people out there making a LOT of money from this---and they LOVE it! Not only do many home stagers like to shop, imagine getting PAID to do it? Here on Long Island in New York, the word is OUT as in other places as well. It just might be time to ADD to what you do with what you are capable of doing.
We are taught to think "out of the box" and to think LARGE. Think about incorporating services NOW to your business for Offices, Businesses and yes, even Corporations. I am often asked to speak or have done Feng Shui with Design for Huge Corporations; I respect a privacy policy and don't publish ANY names or information without written permission. But they are calling...and they can be calling you, too!
One of those Corporations that could be calling you, too:
FOX 5 was just one....
Just THINK BIG!
Sorry, someone had to tell you. Here's a list of one site that does it all....they're thinking BIG and offer:
Complete Remodels (working with your contractor or architect), Interior Redesign, One Day Decorating, Shopping Services (I actually get a lot of calls for this; people moving into a new home that want new furniture), Real Estate Staging, Move In Decorating, Color Consults, Holiday Decorating, Decorating Workshops, seminars and Parties and of course, Feng Shui Consultations...and don't forget Gift Certificates. No place is too large or too small......definitely something to think about!
I NEVER thought my business would grow the way it did....yours will too. Might as well think ahead.
Fab. advice Carole! Another Stager from Kingston (so sorry I am terrible with names) also markets herself to divorce lawyers! You can be I'll be utilizing all this great advice.
Dane Caldwell
2 Hounds Design
Carole, you are so right, why limited yourself if you can offer the service and deliver results. If you truly love this business, staging, redesigning, renovating it shows in how you deal with your client's so they get excited and they look forward to the transformation. I am very happy for you that your business has grown, congratulations.
To add to that, I have spoken to a handful of stagers and would say that you are all so talented. Sadly, many don't charge their clients what they are worth. Remember, like anything, it's all about what the market will bear. This is why we have regular people spending $300 on a pair of jeans! Many good training programs will educate you and remind you that you should be paid for a consultation. Your driving time, time in the client's home, expertise, suggestions, and education are worth a pretty penny.
So, with that in mind, so are your staging services. There are many stagers commanding $300+ for a consultation! In addition to this, their hourly staging rates are soaring as well. These are some of the most successful stagers.
If we all charged what we were worth, we wouldn't have clients complain. It would be like a Telco monopoly, they need the service and WILL pay the price.
I love people and I thrive on helping others but lets face it, this is a business. If you are not happy with the amount of work you have and what you are making, perhaps it is time to make a change.
Just another way to work smarter and not harder.
Carole,
Since we have the talent, we might as well diversify our services. What you suggest is definitely thinking 'outside the box' and also careful planning for our business's future.
Thank you for sharing!
VAL
Hi Carole,
I sure do miss the rain and can't wait to get wet but popped in to see what you were up to and found this post...fyi, one of my largest and most active affiliates is a home entertainment site and she recommends staging the parties buy using staging principles. Great post. Miss ya!