Comments on: Look out for home staging training snake oil

By: Debra Gould, The Staging Diva

Debra Gould, The Staging Diva — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:32:46 +0000

Laura, the fact that each program offers a different "certification" proves that there is really no such thing in the normal sense of the word. "Certification" implies that an independent body monitors this and allows certain training institutions to certify it's students. I could have played this game just like everyone else but chose not too. Rather than try and scare you by saying "take the Staging Diva Program or you won't be a REAL stager", I explain what my training is about and why it will help you. I'm about empowering you to make your own decision, not taking your power away by playing to your fears.Nothing wrong with watching lots of HGTV, most of us do. But realize that while that will give you ideas for how to arrange a house, it won't teach you how to succeed in a home staging business. Keep in mind too, that these shows are about entertainment, so you'll see many things on TV that aren't what really happens in the real world. The TV cameras are only there to capture a small percentage of what actually goes on and they will also over-dramatize things because it makes for "good tv."If you're serious about making this an actual business I encourage you to check out these comments from Staging Diva students.

By: Laura Elkazzaz

Laura Elkazzaz — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:21:42 +0000

Thank you so much for clarifying for me. I am trying to start a home staging business, and have been looking into training. I was very confused by the fact that each program offered a different “certification”. My training at this point consists of watching a lot of HGTV, reading every book on staging that I can find, and staging my previous home for sale (though I didn’t call it that at the time).

By: Homework Optional for Staging Diva Students | Staging Diva Dispatch

Homework Optional for Staging Diva Students | Staging Diva Dispatch — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:48:19 +0000

[...] Look out for home staging training snake oil [...]

By: Tina Haessler

Tina Haessler — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:54:17 +0000

I have also received numerous inquiries asking my opinion of various training programs. I always suggest that people google the name of the training program to find out what people are saying…often the comments are not positive and many people are disappointed when they don’t get guaranteed employment. I suppose the old quote is true: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” Liking starting any business, it takes a lot of hard work, the right skills and a passion for the business you’re in.

This is a challenging business where business acumen is vital – in addition to a talent for decorating. The beauty of staging is that you can do it on your own, with a handful of trusted partners you can call upon when needed.

By: Heather Cook

Heather Cook — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:45:29 +0000

Debra,

I couldn’t agree more! With the way different home staging courses are being blitzed in the media, and the way they are “guaranteeing” employment afterwards is ridiculous and misleading. I can’t count how many of these students contact my company on a regular basis looking for guidance, mentoring – and jobs – after the company they are taking the course from doesn’t hire them.

Home staging is about talent and running a business. Not everyone can do it. Its not easy, despite how it seems on TV, and there are a lot of steep learning curves that come with running a real business. Image is vital; a strong portfolio, business logo and ethical manner of doing business with clients is the only way to run *any* business.

I have run across many issues with clients who had run ins with some other “stagers” who mislead them, couldn’t deliver on what they promised, charged way too much (or gave it away free) or created designs that pleased .. no one.

Building a successful home staging business takes time, money, hard work and a natural talent for design.