NRI

Happy New Year

2009-01-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Greetings-
Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Today I received a free download compliments of the SCORE organization. If you are not familiar with this group please take the time to check them out. They have proven invaluable to me a number of times - and I have had several mentors.
The following is a link to the download and it is on organizing - it is really a good article!
http://www.score.org/pdf/JulieMorgensternExclusiveTips.pdf
Warm Regards,
Victoria

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone-

I hope this finds each of you well and enjoying your holiday season. Many of you offer Holiday Decorating as one of your services. I recently received a number of photos from Barbie Leavell in Texas. Her Christmas decor designs are truly stunning! She has also offered this service to commercial clients. Without a doubt, this will be repeat business for Barbie in the years to come.

I know everyone is busy but don't forget to take some time out and work on your 2009 marketing campaign. You will want to be ready to hit the pavement running. January, statistically for me, at least, has always been a HUGE month for business.

Once the tree comes down and the ornaments are packed away, the client is often hit by the fact that their space looks really blah - cold and naked! Gear up to have a postcard mailing ready to go out to your clientele list. Perhaps offer a special pricing to those who respond immediately.

On another subject I watched the following webinar given by Sherwin Williams a few weeks ago. For those that attended the Vegas conference you met Jackie Jordan, who is one of the webinar presenters.
In case you missed it I am including a link for you to view it:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/975056938
you need a Windows Player 9 to view it - I guess I have this because I was able to watch! :)
If this doesn't work for some reason go ahead and contact Jackie Jordan for instructions. Email her at getcolor@sherwin.com

Sherwin Williams has also released their most popular colors used this past year. If you did not receive this list and would like one please emai me directly. I can attach it to an email and send to you.

A Newsletter will be going out soon - so be watching for that.
Also check out my latest blogging at www.nationalredesigninstitute.wordpress.com

Enjoy the Holidays!
Warmest Regards,
Victoria

SCORE WORKSHOP - FREE!

2008-11-09T05:22:00.000-08:00

Hello NRI Readers,
If you are not already signed up to receive Score's free newsletter then please consider it. Their website and newsletters contain an amazing amount of information for the small business owner and entrepreneur.
I have utilized their free counseling on more than one occasion. Their counselors are top-notch, extremely knowledgeable and right there to help you!
They are offering a free online business workshop which you can check out by clicking here:
http://www.score.org/Finding_Customers_Workshop.html
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Warmest Regards,
Victoria

Questions from our Members

2008-09-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Here are questions asked by our fellow members - please share any tips or advice! This forum is for all and would like to encourage member participation - just jump in! If you have problems posting, just email me - I will try to help! :)
Victoria

From Cindy:

I'd like some feedback from my comrades as to what they are charging and/or how they charge for their Highlighting Services (i.e. bump up the cost of the displayed items purchased and/or do they charge by Open House dates or by the month, etc.) Thank you.
Regards,
Cindy

Redesigns by Cindy
Cindy Benward, CRS
573.496.3908
http://www.redesignsbycindy.com
Recognizing the potential in your home - design anew and staging.

And Jennifer writes:

I recently purchased redesign powerpoint presentations from a couple different teachers, but I don't know how to put on the show at a venue. I need to know what equipment to buy and how to operate it. Or how to hook up to equipment available at some venues. Any help in this regard would be helpful. Also, I could use advice on what to say at presentations rather than just reading the slide verbatim. I have heard from other people it is deadly to just read from the slides. It really alienates your audience. But if all I know is what the slides say, what do I do? Thanks for your help. Enjoy the fall!
Jennifer Crabtree
www.roomredesignwizard.com

Our Websites

2008-09-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

What a Day! I have spent almost all day writing. First, updating my blog at www.nationalredesigninstitute.wordpress.com and then submitting another ezine article - and also wrote and submitted an online Press Release -
both of which will need to be approved by "someone" out there in cyberspace before they are published.
And now, here I am on our blog - and it is "ours" - it's just that nobody but me writes or comments on it!! I know many of you read it because you tell me that you do - Oh well....I have learned to just go on! :)

I recently read an article in how to create a small business website that works. I found it very interesting and also confirmed so many of the things I have "preached" about for a very long time.
In a nutshell I am going to list the most critical components of a successful website -
1. It needs to have a PROFESSIONAL appearance - if it smacks of being home-made (and trust me, visitors are extremely saavy to this) you will lose all credibility- it's as simple as that!
2. Provide relevant content and don't turn-off your visitors with an endless sales pitch!
3. Make it easy as 1-2-3 for your visitor to CONTACT you
4. If selling a product invest in a "shopping cart"
5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) needs to be done on each and every page of your site
6. Utilize sites that offer free listing of your website to garner more traffic
7. Use quality web site hosting!

And last but not least - make sure those before and after shots are nothing less than top-notch! Photos do not convey the "feeling" of the room - our redesign can truly be fabulous that "feel" is elusive and it doesn't translate that effectively to the picture........use only your best shots - lose all the others. In this instance, less is often better!!!!

Press Release Content and Template

2008-08-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Want to attract more attention to your business???
Want your phone to ring, bringing you new clients???
Want to advertise and promote your services??? ...FOR FREE????
Try submitting a Press Release -
a number of you found how successful this can be when using the NRI Vegas Conference press release.
To help you out read the following tips. In addition, be sure to follow the format to a "T" - this is the accepted format for all publications.
Good Luck,
Victoria
Always check with your local newspaper to see who and how they prefer to receive press releases. Then you are comfortable that it is being received in the format they want.
For example, some may ask that you email your copy, while another requests that you forward your release through the mail.
Try to follow up within a few days after sending your press release. Once you have emailed or mailed it you lose control of what happens to your information.
It could be one of several different scenarios:

They print it (Yipppeee - but when?)

They file it away for a later date. (It is now "filler" to be used at unknown or never date)

They throw it away. (Actually, if they don't print it, it is better it met a clean disposal)

A template follows that you can adapt for your own personal use by substituting personal information.
Learn to adapt it for other press releases and future business announcements or achievements

Press Release Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information contact
NameCompany Name
Address
Phone Number
Fax NumberEmail
AddressURL (Your website)

Attention-grabbing HeadlineCity, State, Date: Introductory paragraph describing who, what, where, when.
Paragraph 2: More detailed information
Paragraph 3: Information describing the person and/or business.
###
The pound signs are not typos - they mean "end of copy"

Marketing Evaluation

2008-07-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
I just finished putting together the NRI Newsletter which members will receive shortly. Since then I have received yet another wonderful e-newsletter from SCORE and I absolutely must share one of the articles - it follows below. I would love to encourage each of you to take advantage of all the information for small businesses that SCORE so generously shares - simply go to www.score.org and sign up! They have just incorporated a blog especially for women entrepreneuers and they have a staff of experts available for all kinds of topics.
Here is the article -I hope you take the time to read it and enjoy!
Victoria

Resilience for the Small Business Owner
Contributed by Russ Newman, PhD, JD Executive Director for Professional Practice, American Psychological Association
The threats of terrorism and a soft economy have combined to make times uncertain for the small business owner. You may be spending all of your energy in getting your company to bounce back, but it’s essential that you focus on your own resilience as well. The good news is that the skills of resilience can be learned. Here are 10 ways to build resilience. Make connections. Networking doesn’t just make good business sense, it makes good psychological sense. Form a network of professional and personal resources who can step in with advice or even just a sympathetic ear when times get tough. The support goes both ways—helping others in their time of need can benefit the helper as well.
Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. Whether your business has had to downsize or just changed markets to accommodate the economy, you should focus on the big picture and realize that these setbacks do not necessarily threaten the life of your business. Accept that change is a part of living. People evolve, and businesses do too. While change can be painful, accept that your business will change to meet new circumstances—whether it is an updated business plan or a new niche of customers served. In today’s business and economic climate, the ability to be flexible is key. Move toward your goals. Small business owners tend to be very goal-oriented, but sometimes the inactivity forced by a stagnant market can stall an entrepreneur. Develop some realistic goals and do something regularly - even if it seems like a small accomplishment - that enables you to move toward those goals. Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away. Problem-solving is an active and ongoing process that can increase resilience considerably. Look for opportunities for self-discovery. Small business owners can focus so heavily on changes in the market that they forget that they also are evolving as entrepreneurs with each challenge they meet. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggles. Nurture a positive view of yourself and your company. You may think that small business has been hit hard in this economy, but take a look at how well-positioned your company is to survive. Small business owners may have been hit hard by the economy, but they also have the ability to be nimble and flexible, something the larger companies often have trouble with.
Keep things in perspective. Assuming your basic business plan is sound, realize that the economy eventually will rebound and that other companies are facing a difficult time as well.
Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear. Take care of yourself. Small business owners spend so much time nurturing the company and their employees that they sometimes forget their own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.
Each entrepreneur may find as many ways to build resilience as he does to build his or her business. The key is to identify ways that are likely to work well for you as part of your own personal strategy for fostering resilience.

In The News

2008-06-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hello To Each of You!

I just received a link from Pamela Smith that I would like to share with all of you!
Please go to homeweekly_20080508_lo.pdf (501KB) and read what she has to say in regards to lighting!
NRI would love to feature any member in the news on our "Join Us" page - simply email me(victoria@nationalredesigninstitute.com) with your info and link and we will get it posted! And send your photo, too!
Hope to hear from you soon!
Warm Regards,
Victoria
PS
Survey Results will be announced soon in NRI Newsletter- thanks to all who have participated.

And It's FREE!!!!

2008-05-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick post to share two online spots to advertise your business.

You can list your business profile FREE at:

www.local.com and
www.listings.local.yahoo.com

If anyone out there has additional free advertsing resources please share!

Thanks so much!
Victoria

One Service - Two Markets

2008-04-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Without doubt, many of you create and mail postcards or letters offering your different services.
With the economy and slow housing market now is the perfect time to implement a mailing campaign for your staging business.
Here is a quick idea to mail to the home seller-
I emailed my logo to Kinko’s which they uploaded and printed onto a color postcard with the following title:
Exit……..Stage Right!!
Then went on to briefly explain about our consultation and staging services and why they should stage!

The other targeted market, of course, is the realtor. I am not sure where the next idea originated; however, it is too good of an idea not to pass on.
I bought a number of flower packets at Wal-Mart, attached it to one of MY designed postcards, slipped it into an envelope and mailed to specifically chosen realtors.
The mailing was limited due to cost so it was critical to choose which realtor seemed to be the best recipient. FYI – only one stamp was required to mail this.
The message on the back was very brief –
Do your Spring listings need “Curb Appeal?”
Call us for all your staging needs!

PICK THREE

2008-03-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hello To All,

To be successful with your marketing endeavors it is best to choose multiple campaigns and work them simutaneously (thank goodness this blog has spell check capabilities).

What follows is a menu of marketing ideas - select a main course and add an appetizer and dessert!

Market Menu

Set your game plan
Create a campaign
Become an expert in your field
Create a newsletter
Develop a specific Direct Mail
Write and publish articles
Offer seminars
Partner with kindred spirits
Dig up leads
Volunteer
Develop relationships with clients
Ask for referrals
Issue Press Releases
Maintain high visibility within community
Remain visible within your field
Learn presentation skills
Give Presentations
Send letters of introduction to potential clients and agents

Happy Marketing,

Victoria

The Right Tool To Hang Stuff

2008-02-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

Hello,

WOW, this tool is simple to use and saves time, walls and frustration!

Hang & Level™ is the picture hanging tool designed to mark exactly where the nail or hook goes, making it quick and easy to decorate your walls.

Available online for $19.99 + tax.
Or, visit your local Linens-N-Things and Home Depot Stores within your area.

For additional information: http://www.hangandlevel.com/

Hang & Level Tool item#662223

Sincerely,
Cindy Benward, CRS

Sherwin-William's Webinar

2008-02-12T06:59:00.001-08:00

Hello All-
The following just hit my In Box - for those of you who may not have received this I am cutting and pasting details! If you can, take advantage of this! Also if you have not signed up with S-W program, be sure to do so - they offer a wealth of free information on all decorating topics!
Warmly
Victoria

Sherwin-Williams Colormix '08
Thursday, February 21, 2008
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST

Join us for a Webinar on February 21
Sherwin-Williams is thrilled to present Colormix '08, a travel snapshot for our collective color journey. Grab your passport as we take a one hour tour of the inspiration behind the forecasted colors for 2008! You will earn .01 CEU's by attending this Webinar!
System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows� 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh�-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS� X 10.3.9 (Panther�) or newer
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/927747828

Las Vegas, Baby!

2008-02-05T14:19:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an incredible experience our first conference was. Personally, I could have done without our hotel burning down right as my plane landed in Vegas but hey! It made things interesting!
And what an amazing group of attendees. One of the biggest values to the whole experience was seeing old friends and making new ones. Next time we need more time for “US” – nothing can top camaraderie and sharing with our peers.
I miss you guys!
Victoria

DECEMBER TIPS

2007-12-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to pass on a few websites that you might want to check out. The first one is hosted by David Frey, author of The Marketing Bible. I am in the middle of this book and it is really very good. It was definitely worth the money!
However, you can become a member of his site and have access to an incredible amount of marketing ideas and strategies for FREE!!!!

Go to www.MarketingBestPractices.com and sign up today!

The other website might be a familiar one to some of you but I had never seen it before (or I may have pitched their catalog without really looking at it). This morning I took a minute and went through the catalog and saw a pretty and very inexpensive Holiday chair wrap.

They had used organza wrapped around the back of the chair, tied in a bow at the back and let the ends trail down to the floor. One picture had shown this with a sprig of holly berries and greenery tucked into the bow. I couldn't believe how pretty and simple and how I have never, ever done that!!!
And I thought I knew everything about Holiday decorating!
I am going to Michaels and buying yards of organza- which is very inexpensive and comes in different widths and tons of colors.
I went online to see if the chair was displayed on the site but it wasn't shown. However here is the website - www.grandinroad.com and check out the outlet link for great deals!

Okay, as usual I am talking to myself on this blog - isn't there ANYONE out there who would like to say something???? I hear from alot of you who say you read it. How about sharing your favorite Holiday decorating tip?? Don't be shy!
Note the Christmas green! :)
Warmly
Victoria

Prepare Your Client

2007-11-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Once you have set an appointment with your client for the initial consultation, it is beneficial to both you and your client to prepare them for your visit.

This is especially helpful if you charge your consultation fee by the hour. Oftentimes, without pre-planning, the appointment could possibly get off track. It will keep you both focused on the decorating issues and keep the appointment timely. This will also be your first step in building your client’s trust.

Depending of course on what type of initial consultation is planned you might have them prepare a list of things they wish to discuss. In addition, from the initial telephone call you can determine what to take to the home to facilitate your appointment time.

A list of suggestions to have them prepare are:
Room or rooms to be addressed
What do they want to accomplish, i.e. updated look, want to make home more inviting, to bring completion to the room(s)
List what they love about the room(s)
List what they hate about the room(s)
How does the room function?
Does it meet the family’s function requirements?
What immediate purchases would they like for the room(s)?
What future additional purchases would they like to incorporate?
Do they want to paint or wallpaper space?
Do they plan on new flooring?
Is there sufficient lighting in each space?
What is their immediate budget to reach their goals?
List purchases or additions to the room(s) they would like and prioritize them
How would they classify their personal decorating choices, i.e. Casual, Contemporary, Traditional
Do they know their preferences?
Do they entertain and how? i.e. formally or casual get-togethers
How many members in the family and ages of children
List any house pets
What are their color preferences?
If they have pictures of spaces they love then encourage them to put them in a folder for your visit

So not to overwhelm your client with all of these questions over the telephone simply suggest emailing them a short questionnaire and explain how beneficial this will be at the appointment.
Prepare a form in Word Document that can be attached to an email. Ask that they fill this out and email back to you prior to your appointment. Make sure you place a “Comment or Suggestion” space at the bottom of your form.

Hope this is helpful – and feel free to add your ideas or suggestions to the Client Questionnaire.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Victoria

2007-10-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I attended the Sherwin Williams presentation on the 2008 Color Forecast and thought I would share what I learned with those of you who have not had this opportunity in your area.
The program was presented by Jackie Jordan who is Sherwin William’s Designer Marketing Manager and a CMG Member.

The CMG is the international color forecast group and draws their forecast from inspiration found around the world. A few of the countries that Susan spoke about was Egypt, India, China and Russia.

The pictures shown from Russia truly surprised me – I had never thought of Russia as being on the cutting edge in fashion or color inspiration but the slides were beautiful!

The new color palette is strong, vibrant and dramatic. Pink, and pink in ways we never thought of – the Reds and Oranges are still packing a punch and PURPLE is coming on strong!

Call your local Sherwin Williams rep and request this new 2008 fan deck – the color named Aquarium shouldn’t be missed!

I also have a list of the top 20 neutral colors and top 20 strong colors that were used by designers nationwide last year.

If you would like to see a copy just email me and request it – I simply put the info into a word document and can attach and send to anyone who would like to have it!

Email Victoria@nationalredesigninstitute.com and request Sherwin-Williams Top 20 Sellers in the subject line.

Warmly
Victoria

News "Flash"

2007-10-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Just recently another NRI member shared a really valuable piece of information. Knowing how incredibly challenged I am with the computer she showed me a simple little device and how it works.
Many of you, no doubt, have this knowledge BUT just in case...........................

The little device is called a "flash drive" and can be found wherever computor accessories are sold. Price range from approximately $8.00 and up, depending on the megabytes, gammabytes (or something like that)-sorry, not quite that "techie" yet!

This can be inserted into your computer port and will then allow you to send your documents, client information, family photos or anything that would be disasterous should you "lose" them due to a computer crash, fire or damage.

You simply click on your document and choose "send to" flash drive name and you have created instant back-up. It works just like sending to a CD - only better!

The flash drive can be placed on a keychain or in a special small carrying case designed specifically to hold these little gems.

I purchased a small, zippered case that holds 6 and plan to keep it in my car for safe keeping.

Well, I have noticed that I mainly talk to myself on this blog - many of you know that YOU talked me into hosting this - so................please jump in at any time!! :)

More conference info will be forthcoming during the next few weeks. We also have a "special edition" in the making that promises to put a whole new slant on marketing!!!

Stay Tuned!
Victoria

The Psychology of Color

2007-09-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

By Nancy Cook

Color impacts every aspect of our life. Among the influences color affects are: feelings, emotions, perception, temperature, appetite, brain activity, time, noise, humidity and weight. This is called the Synesthesia of color or a physiological response which explains certain kinds of color effects on human perception. Dr. Albert Styne documented one the most scientific studies of the effects of color, primarily between cool and warm color hues. Cool colors resulted in a sense of space that seemed larger, cooler, quieter, and one where time was underestimated. Warm colors resulted in an animated, active space that seemed smaller, warmer, noisier and time was overestimated.

The sensory effects of color:

1. Temperature
Warm tones are colors with yellow undertones. To offset a warm room use colors with variations of blues and blue-green on large wall/floor areas.
Cool tones are colors with blue undertones. To offset a cool room use colors with variations of reds and red-oranges on large wall/floor areas.
Men tend to feel color 5 degrees warmer than women. You may want to use cooler colors when specifying to men and warmer undertones for women.

2. Noise
High pitched shrill sounds are offset by olive greens. Muffled sounds are countered by lighter colors.

3. Smell
Sweet smells are lessened by greens. Red and pink intensify the sensation of sweetness.
Bitter smells may be offset by orange.
Solvent, musky and cloying sweet odors such as those I paint, soap or perfume are offset by yellow yet purple will intensify the sensation of these odors.

4. Humidity
Dampness may be offset by yellows, yellow-oranges and tans. Dryness may be offset by blues and greens.

5. Weight
Dark colors are heavier. Light colors seem less dense and therefore lighter in weight.
One of the most interesting examples of color effects is Baker-Miller Pink also known as “drunk tank pink”. This color is used to calm violent prisoners in jails.

6. Food and Color
Think of the impact color has in restaurants. Warm bright colors can be found in many fast food restaurants specifically to stimulate the appetite, and create the perception of great tasting food. They are frequently noisy and the customer feels as if they have been there far longer than anticipated. This creates a fast turnover and higher profits. We often find the color red in residential applications in the dining room and kitchen to stimulate appetite.

8. Color and Space:
Designers can use color as an illusion to make a small room appear larger or a large room appear smaller, emphasize a feature, minimize others or enhance architectural details.
Using pale, light colors will make a room feel larger and create a sense of openness. Painting a ceiling white will make it seem higher, therefore the darker the color on the ceiling the more you will bring it down.
Dark or deeper toned colors will make a room seem cozier by creating the visual perception that the walls and ceiling are closer than they are. Using a bold or dramatic color can emphasize an architectural feature or direct the eye to a focal point in the room.

9. Brain Activity
It has been found that exposing a child to primary colors, specifically red, throughout his first year of life can stimulate activity, interest, and double the length and amount of brain waves in the child. Thus we have seen over the past decade a transition from mellow, soft colors in nurseries to the stimulating primary colors.

Bottom line – color and design are addressed hand in hand. As in all aspects of selling it is not about talking, it is about listening, observing and reading between the lines. What clients say about color is important; however as important are facial expressions, the non-verbal cues such as the colors they wear, the colors they surround themselves with, their reaction to colors and colorful objects. Color is about emotions. Design is about the client. The designer is part artist, part psychologist cognoscente that design is all about the client.

I'm back!

2007-08-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hello NRI Members,

Having just returned from vacation I am trying to settle down and apply myself to business.This morning I wanted to share a link that will allow you to sign up for a FREE Small Business Success Course. It is sponsered by About.com, a fantastic site that has a wealth of info on business tips and decorating ideas. As it is Canadian based, however, I do not recommend using any of their tax tips! :)I encourage you all to take advantage of this - it will be a great way to rejuvenate ourselves and our businesses.

Go to: http://sbinfocanada.about.com/c/ec/20.htm?n1=1

Warmest Regards,
Victoria

Vacations -Posted July 31, 2007

2007-07-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
With summer winding down, our business seems to follow suit. People are taking those last vacation days and many are buying school supplies.In fact, if you run a print ad, consider pulling it for the month of August. You will not receive a return on your advertsing dollar at the end of summer.And speaking of vacations I am actually taking one this year!However, I was reading some very interesting facts about American Entrepreneurs- and it seems as if very few of us take the much needed time off.
The World Tourism Organization reports the average annual vacation days taken as:
Italy - 42 (can you believe it?)
France - 37
Britain - 28
Canada - 26
Japan - 25
U.S. - 13
Hhmmmmm.....I think there is something wrong with this picture!

I don't want to delete any of our posts but am trying to archive them. This is just way over my head.
Please, if anybody can help do this - jump in!
Warmest Regards,Victoria