Tips on Measuring Drapery
January 28, 2020
Bright & Bold – Paramount Trimmings Collection
June 19, 2020
I have been wanting new dining chairs for a couple of years now. I’ve had them a long time but after sitting in them at my dining table, my new home office, for 9+ hours a day I realize how comfortable they are! I don’t need to replace these chairs but they could use a little more attention.
Turns out they’ve been great and are useful and I wouldn’t have realized that until I had to sit in them for this long. All I needed was TIME in order to see what I thought I needed, I already had, I just have to make them better.
We are going through an unprecedented time in all our lives. There are a lot of unknowns but let’s think to ourselves, since we seem to have a little more time on our hands, what is something that we think we need but already have? And if we already have it, how can we make it better?
Here is a list of things you already have and what to do to make them work better for you and your business.
1. Your Space
Who doesn’t love a little bit of organization? We move at such rapid speeds, going from place to place, project to project that sometimes it’s hard to find time to catch up or just organize. Now is a great time to go through and organize samples and swatches. Move some things around that will help you be more productive.
Get rid of things you don’t need that are taking up space. Bring a little more peace and less clutter to your workspace. When it’s time to get back to into action, you’ll be ready.
2. Your Technology
Are you one of those people who updates their computer or phone as soon as they get the notification? Or are you one that gets to it “when they have time?” I am most definitely the latter. Guess what? You have time to update that phone, update your software on your computer and tablet.
Not only should you be keeping your technology up to date but keeping up with your projects digitally. There are a ton of productivity apps out there and there could be one that’s going to help you organize your projects even better than you do now. Technology is always changing so check out some different programs that can help keep your digital files and projects in better order.
3. Your Social Media
With so many people quarantined, social media is a huge outlet for people. They are getting their news, laughs and interaction through it. Use your social media to help boost your following and also stay relevant.
Share positive things about your business or projects, current or old. Put together some design plans for fun and share them online. People love to see your creativity. Interact with your followers and start conversations, it helps build your business and brings a personal touch to relationships with people. Right now so many people are cooped up and not seen and by interacting with them digitally makes them feel heard.
4. Your Clients
Repeat and word of mouth business is huge for so many designers. Everyone is feeling uncertain about the world right now. Take a moment and reach out to a previous or prospective client. When you’ve done work with people, gotten to know them and have been in their homes, you’ve created a relationship and they are more than just clients.
Send a personalized note to check in or wish them well. Don’t you love getting a letter? Set some time aside to give your clients a call to touch base on how they are doing. A little gesture like that becomes memorable to them and they’ll know who to call or recommend for their next project.
NOTE: Just don’t lick your envelopes.
5. You
We never stop learning. Everyday we all learn something new and now there’s a little time to improve in an area. Maybe you wanted to learn a new computer program or learn more about that app you just downloaded to organize your projects. Perhaps you needed some extra help on the business side of things. Research and learn about new products. Freshen up your interior photography or drawing skills.
Whether you grab a book, listen to a podcast or watch one of our how-to videos, available through our Video Gallery on carolenet.com (shameless plug), you can always improve your knowledge. It’ll help you sell better and faster.
One thing we’ve all had to do is slow down for a moment. Sure there’s tons of thoughts running through our minds and things we know we need to do. However there’s only so much you CAN do right now. Focus on you, your business and ways to improve what you have so when it’s time to get back out there, you’ll be faster, more focused and better than before.
Carole Fabrics offers more in-depth training on our Webinars. Log in to Carolenet.com to sign up. We look forward to seeing you!
Maria Rhinehart
Senior Manager | Merchandising & Marketing