You learned everything you could about the design process. You're creative, passionate, and talented. You're getting clients! Everything is perfect! Except... it's not.
If you feel like your interior design business drains the life out of you instead of feeding your creative fire, you’re not alone.
Most interior designers make the mistake of thinking they are in the design business.
This is understandable. You get paid to curate the aesthetic wishes of a client with the
practical needs of their home. You choose fabrics and create flow in rooms.
You, well… design.
But, if you’re a designer working with clients, you’re in the business of customer service.
This isn’t, the “the customer is always right and I must answer all their calls at any time and throw in those extra hours of work for free” type of customer service.
It’s the “I serve my clients with elegance and confidence and set boundaries that make their experience feel serene, luxury, and joyful” type.
An excellent experience for you and your clients starts with boundaries.
Boundaries with clients are necessary for the health of your business and your sanity. And those sanity-saving boundaries start with you.
First, decide how, when, and what you’re available for.
Second, tell your clients in as many ways as possible.
Third, stick to your decisions.
Let’s dive into the details.
To begin building healthy client boundaries, define what those boundaries are.
The boundaries you set with clients are personal.
But, most designers have:
● Set working hours when clients can contact them
● Office hours so they can draw a line between personal and professional time