Dear Reader,

The New Year is off to a roaring start! Join me on January 27th at 8pm EST for our first Teleseminar of the year. I'm hosting Jennifer Haubein of Best Biz Website Solutions as she shares exclusively with design professionals How to Take Your Design Business Online! (in less than 30 days*) Sign up here, F.R.E.E.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2790204 (it isn't pretty but it works!)

Big jobs can be yours! I've told you all before that I've had a website since 1994, and my largest projects have come from my site. I had one client fly in from Houston after finding me online. She interviewed me in Atlanta, hired me on the spot and I worked with her for 2 years on her Houston residence. You've got to stop waiting and take action on your future now.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2790204

I'm here to support you! If you want additional mentoring and guidance in getting your website up and finding new ways to market your services and your talents, I am always available with programs, one-on-one mentoring, and the design mastermind. Get in touch. Together we'll all go farther and I truly want to see you break out in success in 2009.

Prospering by Design, Are You?

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

"Sloppy success is better than perfect mediocrity."

~ Alex Mandossian
Internet Marketer and Millionaire

5 Shortcuts to Getting Your Website Done in 30 Days

Now that I am urging you officially and with resources to get your website done and up, I want to share some quick and easy ways to make it possible. If you will do one of these steps each day, by the close of the week you'll have your content! REMEMBER BE THERE FOR THE TELESEMINAR.
Take your design business ONLINE! (Click the link)

1. Get a Headshot! Yes, you can use a candid shot but be sure you look professional (suit isn't necessary, but showing up in either black tie or your bathing suit isn't going to win you points either!) This can be done with a photographer for under $300, I use Eric Beach, www.ericbeach.com. He is terrific. Also I hire a makeup artist, not for glamour, but to look my best. That is usually $125-$225. Plan a minimum of 2 hours as 30 minutes plus is makeup and getting ready and you'll want more than one outfit and more than one shot. The mall photographer can do it for $150 or less. I've no idea what Glamour Shots charges but it is an idea. Please don't wait to lose 10 pounds, it doesn't matter, this is a headshot not a "strut your stuff and get a guy shot" (I need those!) ALLOW 1/2 A DAY FOR THIS.
    
2. Write Your Bio! This is not just a listing of your skills and qualifications but needs to include your "points of connection." Get personal in a professional way. While it is important to share your education, it is more important to share places you've lived, traveled, what inspires you and that you have an active family (or not), if you have pets, and if you cook. The reason is that you want the prospect who reads this to find "points of connection." Maybe they cook, maybe they garden, maybe they have traveled to the same places, and maybe they went to the same high school or college. Whatever it is you want to make that "point of connection," so that they are more likely to explore working with you over another design professional of equal talent. ALLOW 1/2 A DAY FOR THIS in two parts so you write it, let it rest, then edit or rewrite, have colleagues and friends read it. SIGN UP NOW, BE ONLINE IN 45 DAYS!
   
   http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2790204
    
3. List Your Services! Don't put down everything except the kitchen sink and don't include things you don't like to do. I spoke with someone recently who did installations and he had remodeling on his list and I said "I am confused; you do installations (think drapery) and also remodeling?" He said he was trying to cover every base. Not a good idea. Stick with your specialties if it is kitchen and bath remodels list that, if it is color consulting list that, if it is window treatments list that. In some cases you are full service that is great, then list comprehensively, but know that if it is on your list you may get asked about it. ALLOW 1 HOUR.
   

Read the Rest of the Article Here!

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.