Are you the person everyone turns to for advice on creating a beautiful room? Is your home a decorating laboratory, where you are continually rearranging furniture, changing wall color, adding new accessories, just because you need to be creative? HGTV, TLC, Discovery Channel and others have ignited a passion for creating beautiful homes. It has also opened a whole new world of clients who never would have worked with a decorator before. We know it takes more than talent to turn your passion into a successful business. Let me, (JoAnne Lenart-Weary) share a simple plan to get started. Turn your hobby into a successful and profitable business. Read the article and start implementing the steps. Then join us to learn in a variety of ways, anything from a webinar to a hands-on class. We promise to empower you with confidence and inspiration.

1. NAME IT. Research and see if your “brilliant” idea for a name is shared by many. While brainstorming, check out godaddy.com or networksolutions.com to see if your business name is available as a domain name. If so, buy it now, don’t wait or it will be gone. For about $10 your domain name will sit there protected, until you are ready to convert it to a website.

2. LEGALIZE IT. Check with an attorney to determine what business model is best for you, sole proprieter, LLC, etc. This is also the time to file for necessary licenses required by your state and city/county. Look at yourstate.gov to find information on starting a business in your area.

3. MONETIZE IT. You need a start up fund for various up front and overhead expenses. This might be the time to set up a business credit card to use specifically for your business. Also, open a business checking account. KEEP YOUR BUSINESS MONEY SEPARATE FROM PERSONAL.

4. PROTECT IT. Time to get some quotes to secure business liability insurance. Begin with your homeowner’s agent to see if they will insure your home based business. Minimum start up should be a million dollar policy at a rate of around $500.

5. UNDERSTAND IT. “Oh this is fun, I have a business. I can plan parties, decorate rooms, stage houses, paint walls, create window treatments, Phew, I am exhausted.” There are so many services that you can offer but remember you need to be able to tell your story clearly. So select 3 major niches for your business and step out promoting them. As you gain experience, you may completely reinvent your business but don’t try to wear too many hats at once and dilute your power.

6. LEARN IT. Be the best you can be by continually honing your skills. Join us for educational opportunities like the Last Tuesday of each month, for a FREE webinar or expand your learning opportunites with a hands-on or at home class.

7. EXPERT IT. Focus on building credibility by showing the world your stuff. Most of your world may know you in another capacity, (whatever your job has been) so you need to help them understand you are worth hiring. Presentations, newsletters, giveaways can all help boost your expert status. And the really important thing, we can help you with that. We can write your newsletters and build presentations for you as well. Ask us.

8. MARKET IT. It takes more than talent to build a successful business. This is the area where most entrepreneurs fail. The key is to not market by the seat of your pants, but having a planned strategy to successfully increase revenue opportunities.

9. NETWORK IT. It takes a village to grow a business. You need support from related tradespeople and other people in the industry. Join industry associations, ask fellow business people to lunch and share ideas.

10. LOVE IT. Give yourself a break, you are a person first, then an entrepreneur. No one can run a business successfully if you aren’t paying attention to your own needs and those of the people around you.

DO YOU NEED PERSONAL COACHING FROM THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY? Need one on one help, register for a coaching package. We can help you with everything from naming and starting your business to more advanced questions for those who already have a business. Everything from business and marketing to client communications and designing the problem room. We can help analyze your website, blog, marketing materials, or critique your portfolio and improve your creative skills. However you need us, we are here to help. Schedule a time with JoAnne or Carol today.

COACHING PACKAGES:

Just a Little Bit-Sixty Minute Session -$100-This one hour package is perfect for those who just need a little bit of hand holding to move forward. Whether starting your business from scratch or improving what you already have, this one hour session will provide you with great ideas to implement. Coaching session is followed up with a written report reviewing our discussion and plan of action. Register NOW and JoAnne or Carol will call you within 24 hours to schedule your session.

Bring It On-5 Hours for $350- Are you serious about creating a successful business? Or maybe you need advice how to work with clients or even creating a perfect room. This package is perfect for those who are tired of a hobby and really want a profitable business. This package will be held in 3 sessions at your convenience. Each session is followed up with a written review and plan of action. Register NOW and JoAnne and Carol will call you within 24 hours to schedule your first session.