What are you selling?

Everybody lives by selling something. Surprisingly, I had never heard this quote from Robert Louis Stevenson in all the years I have been a business owner or perhaps it just never entered my consciousness as it did the other day when I read it.

When I read this quote, I thought of you. I thought of all the designers who haven’t heard this either or haven’t implemented its message in their own consciousness.

Everybody lives by selling something.

So what are you selling?

Selling doesn’t have to be a tangible good or product, selling your services, ideas, skills, inventions, innovation, experience, and vision are all sellable as well.

Are you even selling? Between you and me, “selling” and marketing is not my cup of tea. I’d rather be creating and teaching, but to get that I also must sell what I create. You’d probably rather spend your time designing amazing homes over selling too.

But whether we like it or not, we live by selling our talents, experiences, and expertise in society’s marketplace. That means if you’ve been avoiding marketing or feel uncomfortable talking about your services and what your talents are - you are selling yourself short.

Your Relationship with Selling

Since we don’t want to sell ourselves or our businesses short, you may need to consider your current relationship with selling. The first step is to realize that it is a necessary component to running a business. Running from selling is not running a business. Then dig a little deeper, the goal is to become more comfortable with selling so you can prosper.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Are you selling your design services?

• Do you feel uncomfortable talking to clients about your value?

• Do you know what you are selling? (Hint: it’s more than a nice home)

• Do you have something that clients want?

• Do clients want what you are selling?

• Are you effectively selling?

• Do you avoid sales and marketing?

• Do you think selling is sleazy?

Reframe Selling

When you know that everybody lives by selling something, you know that this is a necessary part of making a living as an interior designer or decorator. If you have not been comfortable with selling and marketing to this point, I urge you to examine those beliefs for a moment - what turns you off about it? Then, start to reframe the idea of selling to something you are more comfortable with.

Think of selling as getting your product in front of people who want and need your services. As a consumer, don’t you want the services that you need to be available, findable, accessible? If you aren’t selling your clients don’t know you exist, despite wanting and needing them.

Selling doesn’t have to be sleazy, slimy, or manipulative. You can sell in a way that fits your business and is comfortable for you. In fact, it's better this way because people are actually buying truth and trust.

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About The Author

Hi! I’m Capella and I’m an interior designer who helps fellow designers build their businesses. Forget secrecy and competition, I believe designers should support and uplift each other. By helping and boosting one another, we can elevate the business of interior design together! Hang around a bit and I’ll share all the business “secrets” no one else wants to talk about.