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!

Decorating: what is IN and OUT for 2009

In a recent industry magazine, there was a list of what is IN and OUT for 2009.
Here is just a sample:

OUT:
muddy earth tones
shiny gold
faux flowers
small picture frames
country
primitive
shabby

IN:
geometric
bohemian look
eclectic urban loft look
cooper and bronze
all shades of green
grays/pewter/silver with clear brights
frugality
handmade artisan items

How far are you OUT? are you heading IN?
Do you need help getting on trend? I can help!

Make an appointment today 716-912-1581 or julie@thehomestylist.com

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.

Clean out the clutter

Just like many people, January finds me cleaning, sorting and organizing this time of the year. One closet of mine is just overflowing with books I have read. Thinking I could use the closet for other stuff, I found the best thing to do with all these books.

The website is called Paperback swap (but they take hardcovers and audio books too.) You list books you are willing to swap and list books you want. I LOVE it!!!



I save money by not buying new books and I clean out clutter. Yeah! I highly recommend this site. (you can click on the blue box above to take you right there)

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.

Three of my favorite things

As the snow is falling and the spirit of Christmas is seeping into the air..thoughts turn to the lovely tune in Sound of Music ...These are some of my favorite things. (be thankful that you can't hear me sing)

Three of my favorite things:

1. flannel sheets
2. electric blanket
3. book light

(as I said snow is falling)

OK - Now your turn. What are your favorite things?