Are you sometimes full speed ahead in your business and everything is working so perfectly and then - what happened?
Warning! Your Business is Always
Going to Be Changing
- Embrace the Entrepreneurial Evolution...
Many of you reading the 'PRES Entrepreneurs' eNewsletter have had your own business for awhile, or you may be just starting out, or you might be dreaming about starting your own business. Regardless of your situation I want to acknowledge your entrepreneurial spirit and also to share some important information with you about small business.
Home Staging and Home Redesign are still two fairly new services to Canada. Redesign was only introduced to the Canadian market place around 2002 and was off to a slow start. Home Staging began to appear on the Canadian scene around 2003 and grew more rapidly. Home Staging has far surpassed redesign in market share. Both services had been offered steadily in the United States since the 1990s with claims that it was started in the 1970s.
This is really good news for all of us in this fabulous business of transforming people's homes for living or selling. We are the pioneers of the industry and it makes sense that this new business has evolved and while 'it' evolves we need to evolve our business to stay up with the changes. There are more staging service companies and home stagers and home redesigners now in markets across Canada than ever before. This is great for all of us because we all get exposure from each other that supports this new industry trend business!
Revisit your Business Plan Often...
Years ago we used to do projections for 5 and 10 year business plans. Today you will be wise to look at your business plan every 3 to 6 months and then 1 year.
We have all heard the axiom 'the only constant is change itself' and this applies to your life and your business. Embrace it, work with it and let new ideas flow from you. All smart entrepreneurial business women will start by making a business plan. It does not have to be anything too formal unless you are asking the bank for a loan. Chances are you would only need a loan if you were buying big furniture as staging inventory otherwise you will be able to start your business with a few thousand dollars.
Here are some questions and answers for you to ponder every time you look at your Business Plan. If you have not made your business plan then before you embark on investing in a course you might want to think about some of these topics:
Q: What things are still working in my original business plan or what do I need to put in my business plan?
A: Perhaps the services you originally offered, or thought you might offer are not bringing in the revenues you expected. If you offered only home staging is it time to introduce your Redesign Move-In Services? Many people move in the summer to get their children ready for school. Find a busy neighbourhood around schools and drop off flyers or your post cards with some specials. Vista Print.ca is very inexpensive for print materials.
Q: How can I make small changes in my business to support the changes in the economy?
A: Many people are experiencing some 'pain' now due to the downturn in the economy. This is a great time to think of ‘economy saving’ ideas for your clients. Where is their pain and how can you 'ease their pain'? PRES stagers are offering and promoting their '$250 Power Staging' promotion to realtors, first time sellers, etc.
Q: Where can I be marketing that does not cost a lot of money right now?
A: Grocery stores and coffee shops are great places to put up inexpensive flyers with a tear-off of your phone number at the bottom. Why not write a testimonial for someone who has good exposure on their website to give you some exposure! Check out www.coachingwithcathy.com and see how I am getting some great exposure. My testimonial is called 'Social Proof' always good to have in your marketing materials.
My Challenge to You!
Take a look at your original business plan or if you do not have one yet, create one. What services are you going to offer NOW and what might you offer in 3 months or 6 months? Determine how you will market those services and start planning now.
Be realistic. If something is not working then change it - slowly if need to be or quickly depending on the circumstance. You are multi-talented go into your tool kit and see what makes sense to either begin offering or offer more of.
Your success is only limited by your beliefs and you can be as successful as your 'mind' lets you. What do you believe you can achieve? I believe in you, and I know you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.
NB: If you have taken the PRES 5 Day Staging & Redesign course then check out our curriculum by clicking the links on the side of this newsletter.
SOME RESOURCES FOR YOU
- blog.coachingwithcathy.com - check out the blog of our PRES 'Law of Attraction' Coach Cathy for some great information and dispelling of myths!
- www.laurenandemira.com - these are two amazing Vancouver women who wrote The Boss Of You which is all about women 'bosses' and starting up your own business. If you don't have their book I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND buying it or at the least continue to check out their blog.
- www.smallbusinessbc.ca - a great resource centre in British Columbia located in the Vancouver area. They have information on Business Plans and Marketing.
- www.sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/startup/a/regalberta.htm - a great About.com- great resource in Alberta with lots of great links for information and resources.
- Google or yahoo search: Small Businesses and you will find a number of good websites and books to check out.
With Gratitude,
Dana J. Smithers
PRES Entrepreneurs Success Coach
Founder & Creative Director
Dana J. Smithers
Sun On My Back Redesigns Owner
PRES® Professional Real Estate Stagers Trainer
PRES® Staging Resource Centre Founder
August 10 - 14 Vancouver
September 21 - 25 Vancouver
October 19 - 23 Vancouver
View All Dates and Locations »
Testimonial
"Dana is the 'Guru' of staging and redesign on the West Coast. The course I attended was beyond my expectations. Dana's style of teaching was delivered with lots of enthusiasm as she truly loves what she does and it shows. We had real hands-on on redesign and staging in 3 very different and challenging homes, best way to learn. The monthly meetings are great to connect and network with others and the topics are diversified. Dana's professionalism, commitment to excellence, her continuous support and mentoring is invaluable to help new and seasoned re-designers and stagers become the best they can be."
- Elisabeth Chamberlain
If you are interested in learning more about PRES Professional Real Estate Stagers, please contact us at:
Head Office - North Vancouver | 1 888 296 3148 | info@presstaging.com