Happy Nine Years!

I found myself awake around 3 am this morning thinking about how grateful I am to have been in business for 9 years.  Through all of the ups and downs I’ve experienced, I wake up every single day thankful to be transforming lives through Interior Design.

The statistics from The Small Business Administration are staggering when it comes to a business surviving.  Apparently 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years and only a third make it to the 10-year mark.  Those numbers leave me feeling optimistic as Delia Designs celebrated nine official years in business this week.  As I look back at the experiences I’ve had and few thoughts about keeping it all going.  

A commitment to my clients that includes effective communication.

Communication is key to great relationships in general and especially with my clients. From timely responses to clear and understandable questions and explanations, making sure I place an emphasis on communication helps me build long-term relationships with my clients.

Going beyond the expected.

Whether putting in a few hours to handle a client emergency nights or weekends, going above and beyond builds client loyalty.  I’m not talking about allowing yourself to be taken advantage of and constantly working past closing hours or on weekends.  I’m talking about understanding when a client has an actual need for you to do so, and doing it willingly.

Understanding that I’m not right for every client.

I had to get over my desire to have everyone love me and my business early on.  You can’t run a successful business if you’re bending over backward trying to make it fit for every client and potential client that comes along.  I’ve had plenty of clients that just didn’t work out for one reason or another.  An important turning point in my business was seeing this as a good thing rather than a devastating one.  Discovering whom you don’t fit is as important as finding out whom you do.  My services are never going to work for someone who doesn’t value the skill set I bring.  My clients view me as a partner in their success, expecting more professionalism and getting more results in return.

Embracing Change.

Things change. That’s a fact. If you don’t consistently change what you offer and the way you offer it, eventually you’re going to lose out to those who do.  My business has been in a constant state of adaptation since day one.  Over the years I’ve dropped and added many services according to two criteria. 

1.  What the needs of my clients truly are and 

2.  How practical they are to the growth of my business. 

Change and adaptation is the life-blood of business success.  As Todd Henry says, "Innovate or Die."

Setting Boundaries

There is a limit to going beyond the expected. Although you may go above and beyond on occasion, doing so all the time is bad for business. In fact, it’s critical that you set boundaries in your business.  Setting and consistently sticking to a work schedule that provides balance, taking vacations, holidays, sick days and personal days are perhaps more important when you’re the boss. Being available 24/7 isn’t something to be proud of, it’s something to worry about. “A successful business is one that knows how to treat its employees well. Even if you’re the only one.”

Disconnecting

Being the owner and perhaps the only person in your business can make disconnecting from it difficult, especially if you work from a home office.  My first few years in business I failed miserably at disconnecting. (Although at that time I was working on my business and not always in my business.)  My office was always right there in my home, tempting me on weekends, holidays and when I was sick to just fire up the computer and check that email.  Of course, once I read that first email I was lost and suddenly I found myself working when I wasn’t supposed to be.  Over the years I’ve learned the true value of disconnecting.  If you follow me on Instagram, you know that one of the most effective ways I’ve found to disconnect both physically and mentally from my business is by challenging myself physically.  Finding something that engages both my mind and body is extremely important to me. It keeps me from logging on to my email or thinking about the to-do list.  My most productive work days have been since I’ve learned to completely disconnect from my business during off-hours and holidays.

I plan to keep Delia Designs growing with you and continue to provide you nothing less than the best Interior Design Services in Philadelphia. With your support, I wish to explore new heights in year 10!