Bookmarks and Diggs

Have you noticed on the left side of this blog the bar that says "SUBSCRIBE"?It is a cool little widget that lets you, my dear readers, subscribe to this great little blog. You will be notified about new postings.I would like to invite you to subscribe to INSIDE THE HOME stylist blog. It is easy, quick and you won't miss a single post.

Have you noticed on the left side further down is a bar that says "BOOKMARK"?Have you ever wondered what that is? It is a way for readers, just like you, to bookmark this blog and share your find with others. Two of the most popular collective bookmarking sites are called DIGG and DEL.ICIO.US. Visitors to Digg and del.icio.us can view what other people think are neat blogs and websites. The more diggs or points you get the more people can learn about other cool sites.

I would love for you to add me to DIGG and Del.icio.us. You can add this blog and/or www.thehomestylist.com website.It is appreciated. Thanks for spreading the love.

Do you need to be good at math to become an interior decorator?

Sometimes I get the opportunity to speak to high school students about becoming an interior decorator. One question that often comes up is "Do I need to be good at math to become an interior decorator?"

My answer: You will use math everyday!

This surprises most of the students. Now note I said you use it everyday - I didn't say you need to have an natural aptitude towards it.

To give you an example, I was recently helping my son who is in 5th grade with a math worksheet. These math examples came right from the math book:

Rashid can paint 2 square feet of fence in 10 minutes. How long will it take him to paint a fence that is 6 feet high by 25 feet long?

or

Regina wants to cover one wall of her room with wallpaper. The wall is 9 feet high and 15 feet wide. There is a doorway in the wall that is 3 feet wide by 7 feet tall. How many square feet of wallpaper will she need to buy?

See...you do use math in interior decorating.

Julie

Will you be my Friend?

Hello faithful readers of my blog.

Lately I have been working on beefing up my Facebook page and LinkedIn profile.

Are you also in Facebook?

Will you be my friend? (I feel like I'm on the grade school playground again)
http://www.facebook.com/ You'll find me under Julie Dana, of course ;)

Just be sure in mention in the friendship invite that you are a blog reader so I know you are not some weirdo ;)


Do you know about LinkedIn?

It is a professional networking site. I highly recommend it to connect and reconnect with other professionals.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/thehomestylistjuliedana

I would love especially to get testimonials from former clients. Is that you? Can you do me that favor?


Interior Decorating and Home Staging is a very personal type of business. I really get to know my clients. I consider many of you my friends. Let's help each other network and connect.

Home Decorating magazines

In the last month or so, two of my favorite shelter magazine have closed. The magazines, domino and "O" at Home, are no longer publishing. Yes, I guess it is the sign of the times but I am still bummed. Home style changes so fast that by the time some books get published cutting edge tips and designs have come and gone. Magazine print cycle is faster so you can (er--rather could) keep up with the trends.

What is your favorite shelter magazine? I need a new favorite to fill the void. What do you suggest?

Visit 'The Home Stylist' website

As you might have figured out, this blog is part of a bigger picture. INSIDE THE HOME stylist blog is from www.thehomestylist.com.

If you are reading this blog, it could be you came from the website but maybe not. So...check it out:

www.thehomestylist.com

There are great before and after photos in the gallery. You can take a fun style quiz to see what style issues you may have. There are terrific and helpful services such as paint color selections, furniture rearranging and home staging help. Check it out and tell your friends.

I love hearing from you so drop me a note at julie@thehomestylist.com

(be sure to digg the website too)

The business of Staging and Redesigning

Many people write to me about going into the business of home staging and redesign/decorating.

"It looks like it is a lot of fun"
"I just lost my job so I want to be a stager"
"I have a boring job and I want to do something creative."
"Can I help you stage or decorate?"
And my favorite...." This looks like easy money"

Yes, the actual staging and decorating is fun but that is less than 50% of what I do. How come nobody calls and asks if they can input receipts into Quickbooks? Or ask if they can photocopy handouts? (or write blog posts)

The number 1 task I do with inquiries like this is to educate potential stagers or decorators that you are running a business.

If you just lost your job and need to pay rent or mortgage, starting a new business may not be for you. It could take years to build up your business to consistently make that type of money. If you are still determined to enter this field, I welcome you!

The Home Stylist offers aspiring entrepreneurs a very helpful service with Business Advice Consultation. Learn if this business if for you and if you have what it takes to make it a success. Get insights on the steps you need to take to launch your own successful home staging or interior decorating business. You know you have been dreaming about this. Arranging a business consultation is your first step!

Do you Digg me?

Have you noticed on the left side of this blog the bar that says "SUBSCRIBE"?It is a cool little widget that lets you, my dear readers, subscribe to this great little blog. You will be notified about new postings.I would like to invite you to subscribe to INSIDE THE HOME stylist blog. It is easy, quick and you won't miss a single post.

Have you noticed on the left side further down is a bar that says "BOOKMARK"?Have you ever wondered what that is? It is a way for readers, just like you, to bookmark this blog and share your find with others. Two of the most popular collective bookmarking sites are called DIGG and DEL.ICIO.US. Visitors to Digg and del.icio.us can view what other people think are neat blogs and websites. The more diggs or points you get the more people can learn about other cool sites.I would love for you to add me to DIGG and Del.icio.us. You can add this blog and/or http://www.thehomestylist.com/ website.

It is appreciated. Thanks for spreading the love.

If you are creative, this is something you should never do.

Many people have found The Home Stylist.com from doing a search on "decorating style quiz". I have so many people say to me - "you described my style and my problems exactly". I love hearing that!


What I don't like is people taking my quiz and calling it their own. It is copyrighted. At least the other day someone called me and asked if they could put my quiz on their website. I graciously said no but thanks for asking because so many people just steal it.

In fact I have had people steal pages and pages from my website and just change the company title. URGH! I use http://www.copyscape.com/ to catch people and I have even filed a cease and desist letter. Google pulls the offending site. When you get banned from Google it is not good for your business.

Please, if you are creative enough to be in this interior decorating and staging business, you are creative enough to come up with your own content.


Please don't steal. It is bad.

House sold in 5 days

If you are a realtor and are planning your goals for next year (you do plan your goals, don't you?), I highly suggest you add professional staging to your plans.

I got this note the other day:

Julie,
Just thought you would like to know that the most recent house you did a consultation for SOLD in 5 DAYS!!!! You are a strong component of my sales success.
THANKS ,
Michael

Don't you want that kind of success too? Call me. I can help you sell houses.

Get great deals at Linens n Things

As you may know the store, Linens n' Things, is going out of business.

Great deals are to be had right now!

Did you see me in line yesterday? I was the one with a whole shopping cart full of stuff.

As the weeks go on, the discounts will be steeper but the selection with be less. This was a great store for interior decorators, redesigners,home stagers and, of course, the do-it-yourself homeowner. This is your opportunity to stock up on props, inventory, and accessories. Check out the local store near you or shop online (www.lnt.com) while you can.

I know I'll be back in the next week or two to see what is left.

Julie

A new favorite blog

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love my crockpot. I thought I was the only one who was obsessed with this marvelous appliance...that is until I saw this blog called A Year of CrockPotting.

The author, Stephanie, has pledged to use her crockpot everyday this year. Yes, 365 times straight. She has excellent recipes and great honest feedback (ie tells you when the meal bombs).

In my busy life - mother of two active boys and running my own business (www.thehomestylist.com) - I need and treasure easy meals. Crockpots rule!!!

Check that blog out for great recipes to ease your day.

Design Star - who me?

I have been frequently asked if I will be applying for the next Design Star reality competition on HGTV.

Even though I enjoy the show there are personally two reasons why I would not apply or be on the show.

1. My family

My number 1 job is to be with my family.

2. My business

My number 2 job is to keep my business growing.

Do you know that you do not get paid to be on the show as a contestant other than a daily food allowance?

There would be no money coming in for months. Could you do that?

Did you know that if you WIN - you must move to wherever it is that the producers decide to shoot the show!

I do not want to move nor do I want to be separated from my family.

Simply put - I love my life just the way it is. thanks.

If you would like to check out the other applicants or to apply to be on the show,

check out this link: HGTV Design Star.

The Home Stylist celebrates

On August 2, 2008 The Home Stylist celebrates 6 years in business.

I am so blessed to love what I do for a living, meet fantastic clients, and be able to flex my schedule around my family.

Do you know that most small businesses don't make it past the 3 year mark? I am honor that my clients have helped me make The Home Stylist so successful.

Thank you!

And here's to making the next 6 years filled with even more creativity, friends and transformations!

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