What to Expect in Your First Year of Interior Design Business

Interior Design business coach Eric Lee explaining what to do in the first year of design business

Are you a new interior designer venturing into the world of business? The first year can feel overwhelming, but fear not! In this blog post, with the guidance of an experienced interior design business coach, we’ll explore what you can expect as an interior design business owner. Gain valuable insights to help you navigate this exciting journey and set yourself up for success.

Defining Your Style and Niche

In the initial stages of your interior design business, you’ll embark on a quest to discover your own unique style. It’s common for designers to evolve their career during this time, and it’s crucial to determine the type of interior design that resonates with you. From creative interior decor and styling to technical interior architecture, there’s a wide spectrum to explore. By defining your specialty and niche, you can shape your business accordingly. This clarity will not only guide your marketing efforts but also help potential clients understand the value you bring to the table. If you want to learn more about choosing your niche, you can watch this video here 

Planting Seeds for Future Growth

During your first year in business, it’s essential to set realistic expectations. Rather than expecting immediate high revenue, focus on planting seeds for future growth. Networking becomes a vital aspect of your journey, as telling people about your business and what you offer helps to cultivate connections and potential opportunities. Remember, planting seeds takes time and effort, but the rewards will manifest down the line. While you’re at it, consider expanding your knowledge of sales and marketing to effectively promote your services.

Crafting Your Process and Building Systems

As a new business owner, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment and refine your process. Every designer operates differently, and it’s crucial to find your secret recipe for customer satisfaction, efficient project execution, and maintaining consistent quality. Embrace the role of a scientist and think systematically, outlining a step-by-step approach that works for you. Documenting your process and creating templates and workflows will establish a foundation for your business, enabling you to streamline operations and, eventually, train a team

The Challenge of Running a Business

Running an interior design business involves more than just creativity. It requires learning the fundamentals of business management, which may not have been covered in design school. This learning curve can be daunting, but there are ways to accelerate your progress. Consider seeking guidance from an experienced interior design business coach who can provide you with the essential knowledge and shortcuts, sparing you the pains of trial and error. By investing in your business education, you’ll gain valuable insights into sales, marketing, pricing strategies, managing clients, and overcoming common fears associated with running a creative business.

Your first year as an interior design business owner is an exciting time filled with opportunities for growth and learning. By understanding what to expect and taking proactive steps to enhance your skills, you can set a strong foundation for your business. Remember, finding your style, defining your niche, networking, developing processes, and investing in business education are key components of a successful journey.

Are you ready to accelerate your interior design business’s success? Consider enrolling in the Interior Design Business Accelerator course led by an experienced Interior Design Business Coach. Gain the knowledge, tools, and templates you need to thrive in the competitive world of interior design. Visit the Interior Design Business Accelerator Course to learn more and take your business to the next level.

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Interior Design Business Coach Eric Lee

Eric Lee

desigN BUSINESs coaCH

Multiple Business Owner, Award-winning Designer, Business Coach for Creatives, and now… Master Trainer. 

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