Structure Your Interior Design Services Correctly

You can't wear all the hats.

That is the simple truth of running a successful business. It’s why teams exist and why outsourcing certain tasks can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to balancing the roles in your interior design business.

Here's the key: Evaluate your business from a high-level perspective.Where is your time most valuable? You will generate more revenue by focusing on what you do best and outsourcing the rest to experts. If you’re thinking, “But I can handle both sales and design tasks, so why pay someone else?” consider this: Clients hire us as designers because we are the experts. Could they manage their own design projects? Perhaps, but they won’t achieve the same results and it will cost them a significant amount of time and frustration. And as we like to say “They’ll eventually call us to help them fix it”

It’s time to apply this mindset to your business: Delegate to specialists.Any task that isn’t central to your conceptual work should be outsourced. Your design style is your forte and what drives your business's profitability.

Here’s what you need to consider outsourcing if you haven't already:

Accounting

Let's face it: numbers and paperwork aren't exactly our idea of a good time. As interior designers and architects, our passion lies in bringing spaces to life, not getting bogged down in accounting and HR tasks.

That's where outsourcing comes in. By handing off these essential functions to professionals who specialize in managing finances and human resources, we can free up valuable time to focus on what we do best – creating stunning designs.

Imagine having a skilled accountant or bookkeeper take care of your finances, from handling monthly sales taxes to preparing annual tax filings. It's not just about avoiding headaches; it's about ensuring accuracy and compliance while avoiding costly mistakes.

Logistics, Shipping, Handling

You don't like going to the storage unit, do you? Well, I don't either. That's why it's essential to partner with a company that can take this off your plate. Having a reliable logistics partner can streamline your operations and free up your time to focus on what you do best: conceptualize.

As a matter of fact, the idea of a warehouse that receives and handles cargo for several designers is something people are cooking up as a stand-alone business as you can see in this post from Brenae Bradley in “The Interior Designer’s Business Launchpad” facebook group.

You shouldn’t divert focus from growing your brand. Ever.

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Technical Drawings and Presentation Design

Imagine a scenario where you only have to conceptualize, direct the orchestra and schedule meetings with your clients, and behind the scenes, your team flawlessly crafts branded presentations, 3D renderings complete with real textures and references, and even provides precise quantities for quoting purposes. It sounds like a dream, doesn't it?

Navigating through the intricacies of technical drawings and 3D rendering visualizations can often feel like a daunting task for interior design professionals. From the meticulous attention to detail required to the complex software tools involved, the process can quickly become overwhelming. The time and resources spent on these technical aspects can detract from your ability to focus on what truly matters – bringing your creative vision to life.

Enter the concept of an Interior Design Membership tailored specifically for our industry. The goal is to gain access to deliverables that are well designed, follow your guidelines and help close deals. This is generally done through a wealth of resources and expertise that alleviate the burdens associated with technical drawings and 3D renderings. Leverage the collective knowledge and experience of a dedicated team of professionals who specialize in delivering high-quality visualizations.

What say you?

When it comes to choosing the best membership service for your interior design business, it's important to consider factors such as reputation, track record, and breadth of services offered. Some platforms may have limitations or exclusions that could affect your specific needs or project requirements, or even their expertise is not aligned with your use case, many are focused on general architecture, engineering, facades, and not so much, for example, on furniture brands, Italian cabinetry, etc. Additionally, consider the level of customization available within the service. While standardized solutions can be efficient, they may not always align perfectly with your unique design vision or client preferences. 

Reality is, while there are many options available, some stand out for sure. By doing a quick google search on “Interior Design Membership” you can explore all available options and find the perfect fit for your unique needs and goals.

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Installations

Don’t worry here, you're likely already managing installations effectively. Independent installers bring specialized expertise to the table, ensuring a smooth process and saving you valuable time. However, it's essential to find installers who not only excel in their craft but also maintain professionalism during client interactions. While friendly installers can be beneficial, it's important to strike a balance to avoid excessive chatter that may put your company in a hard spot. 

When selecting an installation team, prioritize those experienced with your specific products to guarantee quality workmanship. Additionally, consider providing branded t-shirts and uniforms to enhance your brand presence on-site. 

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If you're looking to connect with like-minded professionals and gain valuable insights, join us at "The Interior Design Industry Membership" on Facebook. I'll be greeting you there!