How to market without any money-Yeah! That’s right, no money.
New decorating professionals ask, “I have so many people in my life that expect me to decorate or stage their homes for free. How do I handle that?” I love it when that question comes up. It gives me an opportunity to show how we can make a win/win for both, the “un-chargeable” friend and you, the new professional, that is ready to stop giving it away.
Before and After Event Much like a girl’s night out, only it has a purpose and that is for you to showcase your talent and skills.
Everyone arrives early on a bright morning.
You have already taken pictures of how the room looks now.
You have coffee and sweet rolls.
Let everyone get a good look around and hear from the host,
your “un-chargeable” friend, what she wants for her room.
Now everyone goes shopping, or to a movie, or perhaps to play golf. But they must stay away until you have finished the room makeover or staging.
Once everyone is gone you are ready to weave your magic.
When they return you have that “TA-DA” moment and be prepared to schedule your next decorating, redesign or staging from the excited “chargeable” friends.
Cost to your un-chargeable friend $0. Cost to you… time. Benefit Priceless. Design Star Event
This is similar to the Before and After Event only this time the “chargeable” friends don’t leave but stay and work with you.
You share some ideas with them (but not too much).
Let them try a few things and wait to step in and weave your magic without saying a
word.
The “WOW” factor is wonderful.
It lets them see that you really do know what you are talking about and they loved
getting to play decorator for a day.
Serve snacks.
Cost to you $0 (if you bake). Gift Certificate
Make up several gift certificates with fall leaves and maybe some holiday decorations
Give them to the school for the fall fund-raisers.
Every school has fund-raisers in the fall to raise money for school projects. This may
also be a tax write-off (check with your accountant).
Cost to you $0. Free Makeover Contest
Contact a newspaper, magazine, church, school and offer to run a contest for a free One Day Room Makeover. Or you can advertise on Facebook.
The above entities will advertise for you.
All interested must go to your web site to read the rules of the contest and how to participate.
Announce the day that you will reveal the winner and how the winner will be selected.
When they come back to see if they won, let them know the day you will show the “Before” pictures.
When they come back to see the “Before” photos, announce the day you will reveal the “After” photos.
Now you have people you can contact that are interested in a makeover even if they didn’t win the contest.
Wow!
4 visits to your site and now they are hooked. Cost to you $0. There's your homework. Happy Marketing
