Here's how you can make the leap from working for a company to starting your own interior design business.

Conversely, you can ditch everything you read above and focus on building your skills and a niche portfolio first. Work for a discounted price or even work for free (in exchange for referrals and video testimonials)if you have to. Your goal should be to get a client paying you for your interior design services as soon as possible. If this takes you to work for free for 2-3 clients, just do it and get it out of the way. Planning, pricing, market research, projections. These are all excuses you give yourself to procrastinate starting your business either out of fear or laziness.

Making the leap from working for a company to starting your own interior design business involves several key steps. Begin by honing your skills and building a portfolio of diverse projects. Conduct thorough market research to identify your target audience and niche. Develop a solid business plan outlining services, pricing, and marketing strategies. Secure necessary licenses and certifications. Build a network of contacts within the industry and establish a strong online presence. Finally, leverage your experience and passion to attract clients and establish your brand in the competitive interior design market.

Estoy bastante de acuerdo en casi todo menos en lo del nombre, creo que no es tan necesario tener un nombre pegadizo para triunfar

Estaba haciendo memoría y me doy cuenta de los desastres que cometí en mis primeras obras. Tranquilos, tranquilas, por fortuna las casas siguen en pie. Mi mayor enemigo por entonces era la colocación del material, siempre lo ponía donde más estorbaba y obviamente lo que era un exceso en un sitio en otro era un defecto, ello hacía que me tocara cargar mucho material de un sitio a otro. Con este fallo, del cual ahora me río, pero entonces no me hacía gracia, aprendí a llevar un control riguroso de los despieces de los tajos y ajustar al máximo el material que se iba a usar.

Never forget to ask for a referral. And, a testimonial (preferably video, so that you can share it on your social media platforms). This is a non-negotiable. Your clients would be glad to give you a referral & a testimonial (if you've delivered on your promise). They just need a nudge. Just ask them, "Hey, it was great working with you. If you know anyone who might be interested in my services, I'd really appreciate a referral. Your recommendation would mean a lot to me." Once they say yes, ask them if they're open to record a short video talking about their experience working with you, and get it done immediately if they respond positively.

Boca a boca a tope y email marketing desde mi punto de vista lo más efectivo, las rrss bueeeenoo si pero no demasiados estímulos

Strengthen your skills. Invest in learning AI tools to enhance your designs and streamline processes. Mastering AI gives you a competitive edge, allowing you to offer innovative, efficient solutions. This game-changer sets you apart from future competitors, positioning you for success.

There can be a lot of miscommunication around budgets, always make sure you are dealing with the decision maker. In a challenging market payments can be withheld, it is prudent to make sure that companies are longstanding and are making payments to subcontractors, have finance approved, and investor backing. A simple way to gauge this is by reference checks with subcontractors, if they are not getting paid, that is a red flag, there can also be green flags, it would be wise to learn the difference. GFC was a good example that many learnt from.

I have had my business for 16 years, and if I could do it all again, I would hone my knowledge of the financial side of the business far more quickly, much earlier on. So many designers who start their businesses love design with a passion but need to understand what it takes to run a profitable business. Could you seek out people in your network with whom you can have chats about business, not design? If you are starting a design business, it is assumed that you have many design projects and are a great designer. What most designers could be better at is running a business. An excellent first hire is an industry bookkeeper and an accountant who can help you set budget goals, too.