How to Start your Interior Design Business

Starting any business is never simple, but it doesn’t have to be as complicated as many people think. A lot of what is needed is actually fun. You have to understand that much of starting any business requires you to be a salesman. You have to build yourself and your company up.

You must get a business number and registration. You can check your government listings for the correct number. You must also check with your local accountant to see what needs to be done about taxes etc.

You must also decide if you are going to be a home business or if you are planning to run a studio for a lease. Make sure to purchase all of the necessary materials. Some items you can get for free if you know where to look. Here is a list of some of those materials.

What you will need

• Color swatches for paints and fabrics ( you can get many of them for free from local paint stores if you ask)
• Fabric samples are a necessity (you can get them for free from your local furniture store)
• Interior design magazines for client perusal (it helps them get an idea of what they like)
• Furniture catalogues (free from furniture dealers and retailers)
• Fine arts catalogue, get them from art galleries
• Kitchen and bathroom catalogues. Basically get catalogues from everybody that deals with furniture, art, and lighting stores
• Photos of your work, and signed recommendations (remember you get them from family and friends when you are just starting out)
• Your portfolio (always have a copy of your portfolio)

Tips for Building a Portfolio with Little or no Professional Experience

• Ask Friend or family to let you design a room in their house, and take pictures of your work for the portfolio.
• Get your friends and family to write letters of recommendation for you or list themselves as references.
• A leather binder, or photo album can be used to hold all of this information until you have better resources.
• If you have them, copies of your credentials should be placed at the front of your portfolio to assure your future clients that you are qualified.
• Put your best work forward. Do not show any work that you are not proud to have done.

There are of Course a couple of items that Interior designers always have on hand at all times. These are rather necessary, even if you are just starting out or want to get started.

Here is a list of some of the things that will be invaluable to you as you start your own Interior Design business. They are simply ways of helping you know what to do to get a possible client base.

• Sellyourself
  You will want to sell the public on your services and abilities. Do as much promotion as you can. Go everywhere that you can think of that hosts design events, and set yourself up as a contender.
• Mingle

Try to meet as many different types of people as possible. Go to golf and country clubs with a load of business cards on hand. Be sure to have your portfolio on hand in case you get any bites. Go to all of the popular events in your area and start talking to people.

• Start-Up Help

There are many places that you can go to get help with start up money. This only applies to people who are seeking to lease a studio outside of the home. Check your local government or business assistance programs.

• Establish your Position

You want to ensure that you can let your community know that you are out there. Handing out flyers, offering special discounts or free services to your neighbors can let the people get a sample of your work. It is a good way to get your neighbors to spread the word.

• Build your Clientele

I cannot express too much, the importance of approaching homeowners and businessmen with your ideas for refurbishing their spaces.