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Every designer is unique, but all design businesses face similar challenges and follow similar growth trajectories. You can overcome those challenges more quickly by learning from those who have surmounted them before you. By doing so, you could double your net profit in short order.
In today’s podcast, Gail and Erin talk about the upcoming release of Gail’s new book, Business Breakthrough, in early April. Drawing on Gail’s years of experience helping hundreds of designers to achieve greater business success, the book has something to offer any interior design business owner, at whatever point they may be in the life of their business.
Gail explained that she was motivated to write the book because she observed over and over again that the designers whom she’s worked with hadn’t thought about their businesses in a holistic way. They plan for only one year at a time and lack a long-range vision for their business. They haven’t figured out what kind of culture they want their business to have or what size it should be.
Gail’s advice is to start with developing a 10-year vision and plan, and then work backwards to where you are now, like running a film in reverse. Having defined the starting and end points, build from the bottom up, putting in place the structure and team that will get you to where you want to be eventually. The book helps to show you how.
The book, Gail explained, has two main parts. The first part discusses the importance of developing a positive mindset that will fuel your success. She asks readers to consider what are the things you need to be aware of that are in your way and stopping you from achieving the level of financial success and recognition you want as a designer. Even with a vision and a plan, a negative mindset will hold you back and throw your plan off course.
The second part of the book deals with the structure of the business. These are pieces that need to be in place for your business to function efficiently and effectively. They include the processes and procedures of the business you need to document, marketing, financials, how to set fees, how to increase profit, and putting together and managing your team.
No matter what level your business is at, said Gail, you’re going to get some good ideas out of the book that you can implement in order to improve your business right away. After all, she added, if you’re going to have a business anyway, make money at it.
The book will initially be released at a special introductory price in Kindle format on Amazon.com at the beginning of April. Later, it will be available in hard copy as well. Because Gail wants as many designers to benefit from the book as possible, she and Erin have arranged with High Point Market that every buyer who registers for Spring Market 2021, which will take place in June, will receive an email telling them how they can download a digital copy for free.
For more information about the book and Gail and Erin’s exciting plans for the rest of this year, listen to the entire podcast.
Mentioned in This Podcast
Gail mentioned in passing that she published her first book some years ago. Written for consumers, it is called How to Design Your Perfect Interior.