Starting a new career can be an exciting undertaking, one that often involves more challenges than many professionals might expect. Finding the tools that will allow you to start your career in the interior design industry on the right foot can be an important concern. From building your own unique brand to keeping up with the latest industry trends, the right resources and knowing where to direct your efforts could go a long way towards ensuring you are able to enjoy a brighter future.
Establish Your Brand
There are plenty of interior designers who are all competing for the same clients and business opportunities. Failing to effectively brand your business often means getting lost in the crowd. From selecting your business’s logo to detailing workflow processes and service options that will allow you stand apart from your competitors, branding can be of critical importance.
Be Aggressive When Seeking Out Partners
Long-term success often comes down to the number and quality of your client relationships. Being aggressive when soliciting new business can be of tremendous importance as client testimonials, reviews and referrals can lead to additional business opportunities. Dealing with issues like payment processing options or finding the best interior design receiving warehouse should be done early on to ensure that a lack of resources or infrastructure will be less likely to impact customer and client satisfaction.
Building a Better Resume
Possessing the right skills and background can be important concern for professionals. Obtaining additional certification, attending classes and seminars and working to broaden your pool of design skills may prove to be well worth the time and expense involved. Lacking a more impressive resume often means that countless business opportunities may be passing your by.
Creating a Portfolio
A professional-grade portfolio is an essential item for anyone who is considering working within the design industry. Your past work, previous jobs and accomplishments serve as your calling card. Showcasing them in the best light possible can often be essential for ensuring you are able to find new clients and job opportunities.
Keeping Up with the Latest Design Trends
Consumer trends and design fads can develop and evolve quite quickly. Designers who allow themselves to fall behind the times may be hard pressed to meet the needs of their clientele. Conferences, expos and even industry publications can all be essential resources for those who are seeking to keep pace with the latest industry changes or the hottest new consumer design trends. You don’t want to be repeating what you see is popular after it’s been saturated in the market. Trade shows and a good pulse for style will keep you ahead of the competition.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
