Over the years, I have personally witnessed the rise (and in some cases the fall) of many home staging businesses. I’ve seen businesses flourish in challenging markets, and I’ve seen them fail in markets that could not have been more wide open. At the end of the day, there is no hard and fast formula to 100% guarantee success in any business—but below are three traits that separate the most successful home staging businesses from the rest.
1) A relentless commitment to marketing. It has been said that every business is a marketing business. This idea is certainly accurate in the world of home staging. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are—if nobody knows about you, they aren’t going to hire you. Your focus, therefore, needs to be on getting the word out. Whether it is social media, networking, or advertising in local newspapers, it’s important to identify a marketing plan that allows you to reach your audience and communicate the value of your services.
2) A strategic plan—and mechanisms to execute it. Even if you’re a laid-back individual at heart, there is very little chance for success without the proper planning. It’s important to have a strategic plan that sets out the long term goals for your business. Who are your target customers? How will you reach them? How will you ensure that your level of service is top-notch? However, a plan alone isn’t enough. It must be specific and measurable—so that you can hold individuals accountable to execute their responsibilities.
3) A thirst for knowledge. Most successful business owners are avid readers. And those that are not typically pursue knowledge through other platforms. The idea that knowledge is power is certainly a cliché—but it’s accurate. The more you know about the home staging industry, your market, and your customers, the better off you’ll be. Don’t stop pursuing knowledge!
Now, take stock of your business. Have you integrated these concepts into your operation? If so, congratulations—you’re well on your way to success. If not, now you know where to begin. Good luck… and please contact me to learn more!