Kim Suecroft

Diversify, Diversify, Diversify.

Great advice from successful business owners...

How do you diversify in our field?

1. Interior Decorating

We all have fantastic contacts and what better way to receive more business than by meeting people that are moving. Most homeowners are uninformed about cost when it comes to decorating - leaving brochures with them or better yet send a thank-you note to them and thank them for their business and invite them to use your services in their new home.

2. Redesigning

Using what homeowners already have and moving items to create a more visually pleasing home. With little or no money to put in (besides your wage) it's a fantastic way to update homes. I know I personally am constantly moving around items in my own house simply because I like to see new perspectives.

3. Seasonal Decorating

Helping clients decorate for the holiday's or different seasons is a fun and great way to add to decor without breaking the bank. Using what they already have is a great way to save money. I don't know how many times I've moved items or used existing items in a whole new way and the client has said...I never thought of that.

4. Colour Consultations

Helping homeowners with paint colour is a terrific way to change existing houses and again if they can do it themselves very inexpensive. A gallon of paint is usually only $20.00 (decent brand of paint) and what a difference paint can make.

These are only a few idea's to help keep you busy and to help round out your business. I try to alway's remember that while diversifying is alway's a great idea that over extending yourself is not. I try not to take on more than I can handle.

I hope that it helps you and your business. Have more idea's? I would love to hear about them.

Thanks.

In response to all of the comments on my previous blog post:

I bought the tablet PC from Staples and it was around 800.00 CDN. I'm really not sure if you can draw directly onto a picture but I'm sure that if it's not on a standard program there is a program out there that you can buy.

I am definatly looking in to this because it would be so much easier for clients to see than to try and explain where items can go.

Just a thought I'm wondering if you couldn't take a picture through the webcam and download it on to the computer - thus saving the steps of downloading from a camera to the computer. I'll check into this unless someone out there know's more???

Thank-you all for the fantastic comments and please keep them coming.

I have included a link to the HP website for the tablet below:

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF25a/321957-321957-3835812-3835813-3835813-3945160.html

I just cut my workload for consultations in half!!!!

I purchased a HP tablet laptop...LOVE IT!!!.

Instead of transferring all of my handwritten notes onto my laptop at the office I now can write directly onto the screen. I can also draw up quick sketches and more.

I absolutely would recommend this to other stagers - with a word of warning...BUY a BIGGER battery. The standard issue one is not great and it has to be plugged in between jobs.

I hope this helps all of you get rid of the paper and saves you work as well.

On a side note...I do not work for HP but thought that this product deserved a well earned plug.

I realize the potential of Free advertising by "wrapping" your vehicle but have always been concerned with the downside.

On the plus side -

The obvious it's FREE and if you drive as much as I do there is alot of people that see that everyday. Whether I'm parked at a house, store or just driving the exposure is huge.

It's a great way to build brand exposure as well.

On the down side -

I'm not paying attention and I cut some one off....there going to remember that and it won't be a good impression.

Privacy is a think of the past - everyone know's who I am and what I do. I'm a private person and prefer to be low-key rather than showy.

I'm torn on whether it's a good idea or not.

For the rest of the fleet...they are going to be wrapped but they're also going to have a sign that say's...Am I driving safe...1-800... Can't wait to have those phone calls.

Can't wait to hear your feedback. Thanks.

To advertise pricing or not?

At our weekly staff meeting we brought up the subject and we seem to be split on wether or not to advertise pricing.

On the one hand it's great for potential clients to know the pricing and on the other hand so does your competition.

My point is most companies advertise pricing and that some exposure is better than none.

Only offering a percentage off as my partner suggested doesn't do it for me.

I personally want to know how much the price is up front - a percentage tell's me nothing.

What are your thoughts?

Thank-you in advance for your opinions.