Dear Reader,

This is the perfect time to invest in professional development. I know many of you are stressed about money right now. 2008 wasn't easy for anyone. But when we don't have a lot of business going on, we have time to develop ourselves, set new initiatives in motion and be that much more ready when the tide turns (and it will.) www.yourdesignsuccess.com

Your energy and insights have helped me to move my thinking about my business forward in a big way. I will continue to use the tools we have developed together and I am confident that they will serve my business and my clients well in the months to come. Your energy and clarity have been invaluable, and I appreciate your confidence in me through the weeks we worked together.
Patrice Sweet, Stunning Spaces

This is the ideal time to look at mentoring, whether for 90 days, 6 months or ongoing. I have found that the right mentor makes a world of difference and have worked with a handful over the last decade that truly enabled me to drive my business to the top. If you are serious and want to review the state of your business and consider strategies for taking it to the next level and getting beyond where you may be stuck, get in touch. I offer a 30 minute confidential review at no charge.
www.yourdesignsuccess.com

You make business fun! Your coaching keeps me on track and moving forward.
Rupal Turner, Classical Feng Shui

This is the best time to join Design Mastermind! You will be able to get support and guidance in a monthly peer to peer call, access to teleseminars with business experts inside and outside of our industry, and the ultimate Designer Toolbox loaded with resources to make 2009 the year you get your business back on track and take it to the next level. www.yourdesignsuccess.com

Prospering by Design, ALWAYS (and I want to work with you to Profit from Your Passion TOO!)

Melissa Galt
The Six Figure Design Professional
Your Interior Design Business Systems Specialist
Devoted to Your Design Business Success

"The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom."

~ James Allen
1864-1912, Author of As A Man Thinketh

Beating the Post Holiday Blues

This can be a tricky time of year. The decorations have come down (except for those of us insisting on year around festiveness); family and friends have returned home; work realities have set in. It is easy to allow yourself time for the post holiday blues. Here are some quick tips to beat them, one for every sense:

TOUCH! Exercise, I know you likely made this resolution, many do, but are you making it a daily commitment? Think just 30 minutes of even walking in your neighborhood, the nearby mall, or the gym down the street. Exercise releases endorphins, otherwise known as mood boosters. This is also vital if you suffer SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and can get out in some sunshine for 30 minutes. Movement matters!

TASTE! Eating Healthy, if you are anything like me you may be battling a bit of holiday pudge. Better to get it off now than wait for it to become spring pounds, summer gain, and your annual 5-10 pounds. There is no better time than now to eat healthy. Give up sugar for 30 days, you'll feel so much better and have greater clarity and less irritability. We are what we eat; honor your health and your body.

SIGHT! Feed Your Brain, I bet that you have a mound of reading to tackle now that the holidays are over, whether it is for fun or business, feeding your brain a good mix of intriguing information, industry news, hot trends, motivational fare, and inspirational texts is vital. Turn off the TV and stretch your mind. This is also likely to strengthen your you sight or give you that reminder that you need a checkup. (Yes, glasses are on my agenda by end of January, YIKES!) Light up your mind with intelligence.

Read the Rest of the Article Here!

Asking for Referrals

Since I am big on being a connector I am always delighted to refer businesses resources to clients and colleagues, but I've found that there are successful ways to request a referral and invite business and unsuccessful ways. I often receive unsolicited emails from artists, gallery, furniture retailers and more requesting me to visit their website, make time to see them, or even pass them on to others I know. I ignore all such requests unless they have taken the time to make this appeal personal and relevant.

This applies if you are asking a colleague to connect you on Linked In, Plaxo, Facebook or any other network. Just because you are a vendor or resource to an industry at large doesn't make you automatically a relevant fit to that specific target. Stop scattering your efforts and make it personal and appropriate. This applies to small business owners (and yes, you designers) when seeking client referrals. Why are you a fit for a particular prospect? Is it your style, your portfolio, your specialty? The clearer you get, the greater the connection you will make and that means more success in your market!

Want to use this article? You can, just include the text here: Want more great business building tips? Check out www.todaybydesign.com for weekly advice, motivations and inspiration to take your business to the top! If you are ready to take real action and get a F.R.E.E. business strategy session, go to www.sixfigureprofessionals.com. Learn more about the nuts and bolts of social media for business success with Melissa Galt!

Melissa Galt, The Six Figure Interior Design Professional, specializes in interior design business systems for success. As a successful independent interior designer for over 15 years, Melissa knows the design business inside out. Now, she presents unique workshops providing design professionals, at every level of their career growth, with simple, proven systems for achievement.

Melissa shows designers, decorators, and home fashion experts how they can boost their business, put more profit in their pocket, and enjoy the life they design. Find total freedom in your business to embrace the lifestyle you want most. Get the tools and techniques, not just the strategies, for winning lead generation, masterful marketing, priceless PR, sales secrets to optimize every project, and fruitful follow up for a lifetime of raving fans.