3 Old Fashioned Business Growth Tips for Window Treatment Workrooms
If you’re like most business owners who are working at breakneck speeds to 1) keep up with demand, 2) grow the business, and 3) stay on top of the latest business trends, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed right now.
Everything related to building a business seems to be constantly changing. However, the principles crucial to growing a successful business in the home industry have never actually changed; they are just constantly being repackaged to fit the next app, social platform, or technological breakthrough.
If you’re worn out from trying to keep up, take a breather and go back to these three tried-and-true business growth fundamentals that you might have forgotten:
1 | The Power of Presence
No, we aren’t talking about social media presence, but your actual and physical presence in the real world. You know as well as we do that the home industry is built on referrals and relationships. There isn’t a social media strategy on the planet that could provide the same value and impact as you showing up at a local networking event, industry cocktail hour, or throwing your own customer appreciation event.
2 | The Simplicity of Signage
Even if you work out of your home, your business can still benefit from proper signage beyond the standard business card or trifold brochure. Here are a few real-world places where your brand signage should be included:
A storefront or studio location, if you have one
Your office / workroom; even if that space is located inside your home, displaying your branding will make you feel more professional and will also create a nice first impression for any colleagues who stop by for an appointment
Your vehicle; a full / partial wrap is best but a simple decal on the sides and back will also suffice temporarily if cost is a concern
Yard signs for outside of your client’s home during a project
Before you start plastering your brand everywhere, make sure your logo is professional and current. Maintain the same fonts and color palettes on all your business signage, and don’t clutter each sign with too much information.
Include your logo, business name (if not stated clearly in your logo), primary phone number, and website address. You don’t need to include your email address, multiple phone numbers, or hours of operation.
3 | The Efficiency of an Email
The average adult still uses email more than they use social media, and that’s been true for decades - even despite the massive popularity of social platforms today. Don’t get so distracted by the next, shiny social media trend that you forget about the decades-proven success behind simply emailing your contacts.
Whether you’re sending a short message to a past client to say hello or you’re emailing dozens of people at the same time to announce a new service or to share a recent project, that email will often be met with, “Hey, I’m so glad you sent this message. I actually need your help with another project,” because staying top-of-mind never goes out of style.
Make Goals, Not Plans
By and large, the biggest hurdle that window treatment workroom owners and interior designers face in growing their businesses is 1) money management and 2) not being able to set goals that can be broken down into daily, actionable tasks. These two issues result in business owners feeling immobilized, unsure of their next move, and unable to afford the help or guidance they need, which further exacerbates that “stuck” feeling that we all dread.
That’s why we encourage home industry pros to make goals, not plans. A plan is an idea that you’d like to implement. A goal is a plan with a set calendar date and subtasks that need to be accomplished routinely to achieve a specific end result. Whether your struggle is learning how to allocate your cash flow or figuring out how to stay consistent with your advertising / marketing activities, you truly can jump over these hurdles.
How We Can Help
At the WCAA, we make it our mission to bring you the education you need to grow your business efficiently. From monthly webinars presented by industry experts who understand what you do (and what you need) to discounts with industry partners who can help with the tasks you’d love to outsource, look no further.
If you are already a member of the WCAA, just login to your member portal to check out the resources and education we offer. If you aren’t a member yet, consider joining. At the WCAA, you’re never in business alone.