Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to say goodbye to the dull and dreary winter months. As an interior design business, it’s important to not only provide beautiful and functional spaces for our clients but also to maintain a clean and organized work environment. This not only helps with productivity and efficiency but reflects positively on your business as a whole.
Organize your Office Space
Clear clutter- We have invoices, proposals, mail, floor plans, samples, etc. that start to clutter our desks and tend to pile up quickly. Take an hour or so to go through those piles. File anything important, throw away anything that is not, and get samples back to where they need to be.
Re-arrange furniture– It is what we do after all. Re-arrange your office. You’ll be shocked how it gives you some new energy for spring projects.
Update/ repair office equipment- Copier always leaks ink on every 5th copy, or some keys on your computer keyboard are missing? Make a list of the things that could use updating and repair and get them done! When you work in an environment that works well, you will be more efficient and get things done quicker.
Organize files + paperwork- Go through your files and get rid of anything older than seven years, throw away anything you don’t need, and box up anything thing that is complete but you need to keep for a few more years.
Update your lighting– Good lighting is key to efficient work and feeling energetic about your work. Change regular light bulbs to full spectrum bulbs. They imitate the sunlight and will make you see better and feel better.
Review and Update Business Procedures
Evaluate your processes- Take a look at your SOPs. Do they make sense? When a potential client reaches out to you, is the process the same each time? Could it be streamlined?
Implementing new processes/ technology- Take a look at maybe automating, or implementing new processes that can work more efficiently for you. Are you using technology in the best way for you in your business you can? If not, what needs to be changed, or added?
Update client databases- Take time to go through your client database and eliminate old and add new ones so it is current. You don’t have to get rid of all old clients, as often they return, but what are you doing with them? Do you send a newsletter, Holiday card, or emails with tips? Make sure that your database is current.
Marketing and Promotion
Update website and social media- Make sure your website is current and that your most recent projects are featured. This goes for your social platforms too. If you occasionally post on your personal page or once in a while on your business page, decide what your goals are and make a plan for those moving forward.
Schedule networking/ promotional events- Get out there! Share your knowledge, talk to people, and make connections. Online is great but make those personal connections too.
Create new marketing materials- How are you marketing? Create lead magnets, free downloads, quizzes, and emails with tips and tricks. How are you selling yourself? Sitting and praying for your next client is not a marketing strategy.
There is a lot to do to spring-clean your business! Don’t get overwehlmed. I make a list and write it on the big board in my office not only so I see it and I am reminded of what needs to be done but so I can cross things off and see what I have accomplished. Don’t expect to do it all at once. After all you have to fit running a business and designing for clients in there too. Put schedule time on your calendar or you won’t do it!
You got this!
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