The start of a new year is the time for hope, goals and most of all, clarity.
First, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Now that the festivities are over and the hustle and bustle of the Holidays has faded, many of you have found that you are ready for a fresh start . Now is a great time to use this natural momentum to clarify your business and ensure that you are on the right path. Refining your firm’s Key Characteristics is a great place to start.
Key Characteristics are a way of describing your firm’s values and traits. Create a short list of 10 to 12 adjectives or short phrases that encompass what your firm stands for. It is fascinating that although you are all interior designers, each one of you will create a unique list of characteristics. Here is an example:
Our Design Firm’s Key Characteristics:
- Creates timeless designs
- Truly understand our clients’ needs
- Professional
- Embodies understated elegance
- Creates a special experience for our clients
- Works well with the entire design and build team
- Detail Oriented
- Highest Quality
- Promotes a Green Lifestyle
- Specialize in projects with specific design challenges
It is a little bit like a vision statement and road map all rolled into one short list. You’ll know it is complete when it feels concise, complete and authentic.
Every Interior Design Business absolutely needs it's Key Characteristics Defined.
So ask yourself what you envision for your company. What are you trying to create? You are the voice of your company. You might bring your list to your team meeting and review it them. Share with them your thoughts on this identity statement. Ask the team if they have anything to add. And more importantly, discuss how the company expresses these characteristics. This is a very powerful exercise when establishing and reinforcing your company culture.
Remember to take the time to really share your vision with your team. This will help ensure that everyone knows what they are all working toward,what the expectations are and empowers them to play a major role in achieving the company’s mission.
Use this list as a powerful navigation tool for your Interior Design Business
And finally, if you use your Key Characteristics as your compass and your measuring stick, you’ll find that your decision making will be much more clear and effective.We have had clients say that when they hire a new employee, all the staff members look at the company’s Key Characteristics and discussed how well the candidate was consistent or a good fit for each of the characteristics. This is a perfect example of how fundamental establishing your key characteristics is to building the company you envision.
One of my favorite quotes is “The only place you find success before work is in the dictionary”. Keep that in mind when you are working hard on propelling yourself into this New Year. We want to wish everyone the best in 2012 and remember that we are here to help you achieve your dreams and reach your potential!
Julie Stanley
Best Practices Network
Design Success University
Studio Webware