Staging Diva Dispatch March 2014

How to Create a Business You Want to Work In

There's no point building a business that will make you miserable. This "misery" might come from the work you do, the people you work with, or how little profit you're making.
Before I became a home stager, I had a very successful marketing communications business. Prestigious clients like Four Seasons Hotels, a home office with no employees or overhead. Plus, I was making a healthy six-figure income. My life looked great from the outside, but I was miserable in my 10th year because I could no longer ignore the fact that I wasn't living my life's purpose and I was stifling my creativity.
When I walked away from it all and became a home stager, I was very deliberate about how I structured my business model. I knew I needed to create a business that would be much more enjoyable and personally satisfying, while still meeting my income requirements. After all, I was paying a mortgage and supporting a child on my own. > Read my 4 Tips to Boost Home Staging Profits and Joy

Flea Market Finds Transform a Family Room

I was so impressed by this redecorating project by Staging Diva Grad Lori Fischer of Rethink Home Interiors, I just had to share it with you.

Lori shot the before photo of this family room. Her Real Estate Photographer Ashlee Hall of PA Real Estate Photography shot the after image. I discuss using professional photographers in this article, though I have to admit Ashlee's work might make me rethink my position.
The client asked Rethink Home Interiors to turn her family room into a home office that could still be used as a family room and guest room as needed. Lori created a new floor plan and repurposed the client's existing furniture and accessories from this, and other, rooms in the home. By the way, this is one of the many reasons many clients will call a home stager before an interior designer for a decorating project. They expect us to be able to repurpose what they already have rather than buying all new furniture. Lori says, "We were working with a home owner who treasures consignment store and flea market finds so it made it a total blast to pull those things together in the space." I especially love how she used hits of red to tie everything together. It really draws the eye to the various zones in the room. You'd never guess she was a pharmaceutical sales rep before finding success as a home stager. Lori says: "The Staging Diva Program is so worth your time and investment. I was hesitant at first, but determined that if there was someone running a successful home staging business who was willing to share what she has learned over many years, then I should listen and learn. Debra is so generous in her willingness to see others succeed that by taking her courses and following her advice, you are giving yourself the very best chance to make a living doing what you love and do best." You can learn the staging business success formula I taught Lori through these products:

Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program

Staging Diva Dialog Coaching and Q&A Calls

Staging Diva Ultimate Portfolio Guide for Home Stagers

Staging Diva Simple Marketing Plan Companion

Staging Diva Ultimate Design Guide for Home Stagers

Melody Condrey Wins "Stages of Success" Contest!

It's tempting to get discouraged and believe we can't achieve our dreams. That we don't "deserve" to be happy, or get paid well to the do work we love. That kind of negative self-talk can kill your staging business, not to mention any potential of a satisfying life. My mission is to inspire you with possibility, and empower you with the tools to be successful. That's why I created the Stages of Success™ Contest. "Brag" about your success as a home stager on The Staging Diva Facebook Wall to acknowledge your achievements to yourself and others. You'll give our supportive community a chance to help celebrate your "Stages of Success" and inspire others at the same time!
Congratulations to this month's winner, Staging Diva Grad Melody Condrey of Creative Touch Home Staging of Round Rock TX: "Just got called today and offered my first staging project. Things have been slow since my husband's cancer diagnosis, which has been a long battle. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. Thanks to Debra for all the tips, and a great Staging Diva Program. I hope I can knock this out of the park." How You Can Win $25 in the April Contest Simply post your success on The Staging Diva Facebook Wall. Perhaps you landed your first project, wrote a staging story for the local paper, or finally settled on the perfect business name and printed your business cards. Maybe one of the homes you staged just sold, or you're marking the anniversary of starting your business!
These are all important milestones in your journey and I want to give you a place to celebrate with a group that will truly appreciate your experience and success. You don't have to be a Staging Diva Graduate to win. Each month, we'll draw one name at random. The winner will receive a $25 coupon redeemable on any purchase in the Staging Diva Store of $25 or more. Post as many times as you like, as long as you only post the same news once. > If you already have a success to celebrate, click here to post it to The Staging Diva Facebook Wall for your chance to win $25.

Let's Talk Home Staging - Join me March 20

March 20 (7pm, eastern)
Staging Diva Dialog Coaching Call
For beginner and established home stagers. You don't need to be our student.

Ask me questions and get semi-private coaching in a small group for only $47.

You're guaranteed to make $500 when you implement the ideas from our conversation.

"I just listened to this month's Staging Diva Dialog and got 2 great ideas, one of which I wish I had a few weeks ago. Now I know for next time!" Donna Dazzo, Designed To Appeal

Ask Me Anything About Staging

You can ask me anything you like during Staging Diva Dialog. Here are some of the topics we covered in recent calls:

How to get testimonials before you've had your first paying client
Facebook Business Page tips
How to choose your portfolio photos
Marketing tips for open houses
How to raise your prices
Accessory rentals
When to use an assistant
Having a Realtor page on your website
And more.

"Speaking with other stagers exposed me to topics that I had not yet even considered. Can't wait until next month's call." Darby Dwyer, Queen Bee Staging Company

> Join us this month + get the recording too

Hats Off To 6 Home Stagers

Join me this month in congratulating these 6 home stagers in reaching significant milestones in their businesses and welcoming them to the Staging Diva Directory of Home Stagers. Check out their profiles and get inspired.

Special congrats to Staging Diva Grad Red Barrinuevo, of Redesign4More on his 3rd year in home staging. This award-winning Toronto stager never dreamed that his career as a stock trader would have provided the flexibility to earn a second living from his creative talents.
Year 3! Red Barrinuevo, ON Redesign4More	Red writes: "After taking the Staging Diva Program, it has been non-stop for me. I just got paid $9,500 for a project. Debra it is unbelievable, I never thought I could get paid this much for decorating. I was just all smiles the whole day because I feel like I got paid to play. Honestly, the $1295 I spent for the Staging Diva Home Staging Businss Training Program is by far the best purchase ever."

Jennifer Metcalf, WI Year 2! Madison Staging and Redesign	Sherry Multani, ON Year 2! Re-Dzine Interiors Inc	Esther Simon, NJ Simon Staging Solutions LLC	Tanya Von Styp, ON Afterglow Interiors Inc.	Thresa Bartelt, WI Staging Inspiration, LLC
Did You Know? When you're a member of the Staging Diva Directory of Home Stagers, you don't even have to build your own website to promote your business. You'll make it easy for potential clients to find you online within 7 days of submitting your materials to us. You also get free project referrals for any home staging projects we get in your area. Plus, with a Profile listing, I'll custom design a brochure for you at no charge. Sample front & back of custom brochure Here's what Jennifer Farnham says about hers, "Many thanks for providing the brochure as part of the directory listing. I'll be using it in an upcoming silent auction to promote my business. Thanks again for all your help in this new chapter of my life. You provide much more than straight business advice. Your emotional and psychological support is just as important, if not more!" Learn how you can have a successful staging business like Jennifer and the other members of the Staging Diva Inner Circle.

8,000 Home Stagers Can't Be Wrong

Staging Diva Graduates live in 22 countries, in both small towns and large metropolitain cities. The reason our home staging business training program works no matter where you live is because you're learning proven home staging business principals, and the thinking behind them.

All Staging Diva Graduates receive personalized certificates plus free Grad Badge artwork for their marketing materials and websites.

Unlike other staging programs, Staging Diva Graduates DO NOT PAY AN ONGOING FEE to be "certified" or "accredited" after completing this program.

Once you've completed the 5-course training program, you'll be able to say you are a Graduate of the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program for as long as you like.

We don't put a time limit on this like other companies do!

> Learn how to save up to $830 with a 5-course staging training package.

Do some research before enrolling in home staging training so you're sure what you're buying.

> The Staging Diva Difference

Debra Gould has been a serial entrepreneur since 1989. She is president of Voice of Possibility Group Inc. with a mission of helping entrepreneurs create their ideal businesses and lifestyles.

An internationally recognized home staging expert, Debra created the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program with 8,000 students in the U.S., Canada and 20 other countries. She is the author of 5 guides, offers a Directory of Home Stagers to help home sellers and agents locate stagers in their area and is frequently profiled in the media.

Direct inquiries to: info@stagingdiva.com