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RENOVATION MANAGEMENT FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS – EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS WITH A LUCRATIVE SERVICE

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE EPISODE:

THE SUCCESS I’VE ACHIEVED THROUGH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

WAYS YOU CAN INVEST YOURSELF IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

WHY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS CRITICAL TO ALL BUSINESSES

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Today I want to talk all about empowering creatives and how the key to success lies in professional development!

I know professional development isn’t anything new, yet for some reason, it is lacking in the world of creatives.

Now, I know there are events such as High Point and KBIS, and those are fantastic ways to see the products we use every day, meet reps, meet experts on those products, and go to lectures and events at those larger gatherings. But that’s it. 

You may have 1 or 2 things at your local design center, but they’re general. They have to be. They don’t know what you’re working on. 

But we, as creatives, have specific needs. I know I do. So I finally stuck my neck out and sought professional development in the areas I needed help with. 

I mentioned this podcast in today’s episode – I had no clue how to start a podcast. My mind was spinning, and it sounded overwhelming. But then I stopped and sought out other podcast experts, such as Jenna Kutcher (her podcast is great!) Then I hired an editor. From there came courses and online content. 

Professional development can also come from working for other designers. 

I can tell you firsthand that working for the likes of Charlotte and Barbara in my past was constant professional development. I watched what they did. I learned what worked. I certainly learned what didn’t work. I apply it every single day to my projects. 

And that is something that designers can often overlook is working for other designers is professional development. I know most of you are solopreneurs, and that is why we also don’t seek out professional development – we are so busy that we don’t stop long enough to think, “How can I get better at this?” 

I wasn’t looking to take on a podcast when I sought Tobi’s help. I was looking for a ‘what’s next’ step. Lo and behold, the ‘what’s next’ step turned into a podcast course and becoming a mentor and coach. Now, do you think I had the skill set to do that? Hard stop, no! But I had the knowledge and expertise, but I didn’t know what I was doing until I sought the help and guidance I needed.

You may be thinking, “Well, Renee, I don’t want to start a podcast or be a coach.” Great, but you are running a business. 

I know as a fellow creative, I wasn’t a financial guru in the early days of my business. Hell, I’m still learning. But that is something you are better served seeking an expert to help you in that. 

Maybe you’re struggling with social media (like I am!) and want help in that regard. It doesn’t really matter what you’re working on. I can tell you that someone out there can help walk you through it faster, smarter, and better. And that is what the goal should always be. 

Our clients are hiring us to manage their construction projects. Not because they can’t do it on their own, they could probably stumble through it. But why are they hiring us? Because they want an expert to help them and guide them smoother and safely through a project to save them time, money, and effort. 

So why are we not giving that to ourselves?

More often than not, I hear that you can’t afford it. It’s not in the budget this year. 

What I’ve learned is that this is a money mindset. And I learned that from Tobi.

The first time I learned that term, I was like, “What the hell is that?” But that’s really what it is. It’s a mindset about money. And if you don’t invest in yourself, whether that’s through education, mentorship, coaching, or a course, it will take you longer to get to where you want to go. 

Professional development is critical to all businesses. And I want to encourage all of us creatives listening to get whatever help you need to move the ball down the field. 

Be sure to send me an email and let me know what steps you are taking to get the help you need!