Just like Cinderella’s glass slipper, not every interior design job will be the right fit for you. The key is to know when to walk away if the fit is not right. Think of the last time you wore super cute shoes that were a size too small… I rest my case; nothing is worth that kind of pain!
To Small
There may be jobs that are too small in scope. Perhaps the potential clients are just looking to refresh a room by adding one or two new pieces. If you are just starting out in your interior design business, this may be a great opportunity to make a connection and gain a lifelong client. If, however, you already have a thriving business, this may not be a good use of your company’s time. Small jobs tend to be drains on both time and energy and cause unnecessary “churn” for you (and your team).
To Big
Conversely, there may be jobs that are too big for you to handle at the moment. This could be because you are already committed to other clients. Or it could mean that the job requires a company with a team of designers, and you are a one woman (or man) show. Don’t bite off more than you can chew! You will only end up with disappointed clients and a lot of stress!
You say Tomato, I say Tomató
Some people like vanilla, some people like chocolate. There is no right answer – it is ice cream! All the ice cream answers are a: YES! YES! YES! This same logic applies to interior design. There is contemporary, there is traditional. One is not better than the other. They both can be, “oh-la-la”! That being said you, as a designer, need to be real about what is in your bag of tricks and you must determine if you can meet the client in the aesthetic they are dreaming of. Cultivate a cliental that wants to be along for the ride in whatever artistic avenue you drive in.
For more support in creating and running your most successful interior design business, grab a copy of my free, in-depth free checklist: The Successful Design Biz Checklist. It is a safety net for any design business and yours as my gift!
XO