What you will learn in this episode: 

• How to talk about what you do

• Why you MUST create and lean on industry partners 

• How to reach out to your past clients 

Are you a designer looking for more renovation management work? Is it something you really enjoy and starting to excel at but just struggling to get more projects lined up? 

Then today’s episode is for you! 

I am talking marketing 101 and what I have done to create a very successful, ongoing, constantly filled pipeline with renovation management projects.

So the first thing to do is to talk about what you do! 

This may seem obvious, but it is something that even I didn’t do in the beginning. I used to just say that “I’m an interior designer.” And leave it at that and let them form their own opinions, which probably included curtains, pillows, etc. It wasn’t until I added very important words to the end of that statement – “I’m an interior designer, and I specialize in renovation management.” That’s when the conversations took a  massive turn. People were fascinated about what I do! 

The second component of your marketing is that you MUST create and lean on industry partners. 

Who do I define as industry partners? They are anyone in the surrounding industry that can bring new work. That could be architects, or any of the trades such as plumbers and electricians. It could be the contractors from both large and small companies. It also can be realtors.

I know I used to just wait for my phone to ring from some kind of referral. Well, that is a reactive position. So the more proactive you can be with these industry partners, the more reaction they can have, and refer people accordingly. 

The piece I really had to work on, and still take a deep breath before asking or sending an email, and that is to proactively reach out to industry partners I’ve worked with in the past and ask if they have anyone to refer to me. 

Initially, it may feel desperate, I know. But trust me, it is normal not to be booked out for the next year, ten years, or whatever you think it should be!! Projects ebb and flow. 

Lastly, reach out to past clients.

They have a smaller reach typically, than your industry partners, but still, reach out to them! 

I know it’s easy to keep your head down and focused on your work, but if you keep your head down too long, your luck will run out, and your pipeline will dry up. I don’t want that for any of you! Now is the time to start your marketing. It’s the beginning of the year, and if you are slow, take this time to get those emails sent out, talk to the trades you’ve been working with and start getting your pipeline of projects filled in. 

I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com  and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!

If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g

Like this Episode?

• Be sure to check out Episode #60: How to Build Confidence to Manage a Renovation Project

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