How to Get the Coaching or Consulting You Need to Run a Successful Interior Design Business

SYSTEMS & OPS

Apr 18

Preview

Updated November 2024

The last time I opened up my waitlist, I had the pleasure of speaking with several designers who were interested in working together. Something a lot of clients and potential clients share with me is that they've already tried a variety of things, and many of them haven’t been effective.

Or, they invested in a program for interior designers, only to realize after a year and $10k, it wasn't helpful, and they were learning more from my blog posts.

Here's the thing:

I'm a big proponent of 1:1 services and done-for-you implementation and think it's the best way to get results. But there are times when a potential client comes to me and I refer them out or decline their project, either because I won't be able to give them the result they need, or the result I can give them ISN'T what they need.

When choosing a business coach or consultant to help you with your business, it’s important to pay attention to what you need in your business and whether what that person is offering aligns with that.

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In a personal example, awhile back I was swept up in a business owner’s sales page and I was like, I'm doing it, I'm signing up. I need this. But then I was like, Do I need this? Will this just add more to my plate?

After looking at what was included line by line (yes, in a vacuum, away from all the catchy sales copy and beautiful imagery that was pulling me in as it should) I asked myself these questions:

Is this particular thing something I actually need help with? Is it an area in my business that currently isn’t working?
Does this address a current challenge in my business that by solving it, other things will become easier?
Why now? And, do I have the time now to devote to this?
Does this person’s free content resonate with me?
Do the things this person is selling on their website feel connected to me and my own mission?
Is the offer structured in a way that aligns with how I like to work/learn/participate? For example: 1:1, small group setting, a large group setting, self-paced with private access, or on your own.
Will I make this investment back?

So, as you consider programs, products, services, or coaching/consulting for your company, I encourage you to ask yourself those seven questions above, and also ask yourself this:

Will I be implementing the action items on my own, OR, would it be more effective if someone else implemented them for me?

That's typically how our 1:1 services go. If you need implementation, you're in Service A. If you don't need implementation because you'll do it yourself or you have a team to do it, you're in Service B.

It’s similar to our interior designers who offer full service design (the design is implemented by the designer) and design day services (the design is implemented by the homeowner).

The other thing to remember is that you may not actually need a coach or a consultant to work through your specific situation. You might need a specialist. I see that all too often. Designers come to me and say they didn’t get results from a prior program but then it turns out they thought the program was going to do X when it only promised to do Y. In many cases, the interior designer needed more specific help, like a marketing consultant, a web designer, a PR consultant, an HR consultant, a brand designer, a copywriter, or even a full blown new hire to add to their team.

Let me share some example scenarios:

If You Struggle to Market Your Business Consistently:

If you’re struggling to be consistent with your marketing and social media posts, you could consider hiring a marketing consultant.

A marketing consultant might prepare a plan for your marketing strategy that details your content pillars, brand voice, recommended cadence for posting, etc. You would then take that plan, write the marketing pieces yourself, and post them to your channels.

Or, if none of this is in your wheelhouse, you may hire that marketing consultant to not only formulate the plan but to also manage all implementation. They could write the marketing pieces, design the creative, post content to your channels, track analytics, and handle engagement.

For many designers we work with, hiring a marketing consultant to do strategy ALONE is often not enough. They typically need BOTH strategy and implementation, unless they have someone on their team handling their marketing and the strategy is intended to give that person a professional roadmap.

If You’re Attracting the Wrong Clients:

What do I mean by wrong clients? Well, those who may balk at your fees, those who are looking to get a bargain, those whose budget limitations mean they’ll have you running in circles yet will never agree to anything.

It’s possible your portfolio, online presence, or copy is not speaking to the right audience. In this case, you would seek the help of a web designer, branding strategist, or copywriter (or all three!)

If You’re Struggling to Understand the Health of Your Business or Run Accurate Financials:

First stop: bookkeeper! They’ll often offer a clean up service to get your books in order, and will help you set up a chart accounts so you can gather accurate information.

If you have your financial software set up to give you good data by running accurate financial reports, and you are struggling to analyze those results and get clarity on how to proceed, or struggle to be profitable, a business operations consultant is likely the next step. (that’s what I do!)

I also suggest you read this post, If You Think Your Interior Design Business Is Broken, Here’s What to Fix.

Here’s the thing:

I want your business to be successful. I want to make sure you never get steamrolled by clients or contractors. I don't want you to cry saying, “OH MY GOSH I'VE LEFT SO MUCH MONEY ON THE TABLE IN THE LAST XX YEARS".

I don't want you to cry about work in general. ;-)

If you're considering purchasing from me, working with me, or joining something we're hosting and are on the fence or have questions, send an email to us at hello@dakotadesigncompany.com and let us know the specific challenges you’re trying to solve for. If we can't help you, we're happy to recommend someone who can.