How to Stay in Control of Your Business as it Grows
Find out how to take on more clients and bigger projects while maintaining an organised business
Amanda Pollard
23 August 2021
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
Business growth can be a tricky balancing act with many plates to spin. How do you effectively handle multiple clients and projects as well as general work administration tasks without feeling overwhelmed? We asked four UK-based interior designers on Houzz to tell us what’s helped them keep everything on track while growing their firms.
We’ve accompanied this story with images from our photo archives by Houzz pros around the world.
We’ve accompanied this story with images from our photo archives by Houzz pros around the world.
Gather a good team
To maintain standards when you’re working on different projects, it pays to have top-notch contractors around you.
“Growing an interior design business can be overwhelming and key to me is working with contractors and suppliers who are responsive and reliable,” says Lisa Lewis of Lisa Lewis Interior Design. So take time when planning for business growth to first gather your team.
To maintain standards when you’re working on different projects, it pays to have top-notch contractors around you.
“Growing an interior design business can be overwhelming and key to me is working with contractors and suppliers who are responsive and reliable,” says Lisa Lewis of Lisa Lewis Interior Design. So take time when planning for business growth to first gather your team.
“As a solo-act studio, having an established rapport with skilled, reliable, trustworthy contractors (with whom I can also have a good laugh) is, to me, the bedrock of growth,” says Roby Baldan of Roby Baldan Interiors. “They are my team.
“Most projects are bound to run into hiccups; although mistakes are not ideal, no one is perfect,” she says. “Having contractors who are adaptable to different situations, who scour projects for potential obstacles before work begins and help you analyse the feasibility of every piece, does prevent costly surprises from popping up down the road.”
“Most projects are bound to run into hiccups; although mistakes are not ideal, no one is perfect,” she says. “Having contractors who are adaptable to different situations, who scour projects for potential obstacles before work begins and help you analyse the feasibility of every piece, does prevent costly surprises from popping up down the road.”
Keep control
The key to staying on track while juggling work is organisation. Devise a system that works for you and stick to it.
“We have processes and systems that we work to time and time again, plus we use software to manage the process,” says Gemma Hill of Bayswater Interiors. “I’m a list-maker and now, with so many projects in progress, it’s the only way I feel in control overall.”
The key to staying on track while juggling work is organisation. Devise a system that works for you and stick to it.
“We have processes and systems that we work to time and time again, plus we use software to manage the process,” says Gemma Hill of Bayswater Interiors. “I’m a list-maker and now, with so many projects in progress, it’s the only way I feel in control overall.”
“I’m devoted to planning out my time carefully,” says Mia Spencer of House by Mia, who uses online software to do this. “I have my process mapped out on there and add process steps to each client as I move through individual project stages. I review weekly.”
“It’s so important to try to be organised, which can be challenging when multiple projects are going on at once,” says Lewis. “This is where Houzz Pro’s project management tools help keep things in one place.”
“It’s so important to try to be organised, which can be challenging when multiple projects are going on at once,” says Lewis. “This is where Houzz Pro’s project management tools help keep things in one place.”
Choose clients carefully
“Another important element for keeping sane is only accepting projects (however small or large) with clients with whom you have an instinctive, good understanding and connection,” says Baldan. “If you’re unsure, don’t risk it. Only a happy designer makes a happy client and this pays in the long run.”
“Learning to say ‘no’ to jobs is an essential part of growth,” says Hill. “Recognising those that are not a good fit, so you’re not wasting your time (or the client’s money) on them, is so important. It leaves the focus on those jobs that are aligned with your style and taste and clients who are on your wavelength.”
“Another important element for keeping sane is only accepting projects (however small or large) with clients with whom you have an instinctive, good understanding and connection,” says Baldan. “If you’re unsure, don’t risk it. Only a happy designer makes a happy client and this pays in the long run.”
“Learning to say ‘no’ to jobs is an essential part of growth,” says Hill. “Recognising those that are not a good fit, so you’re not wasting your time (or the client’s money) on them, is so important. It leaves the focus on those jobs that are aligned with your style and taste and clients who are on your wavelength.”
“When I first engage with a potential new client, of course I want it to be the perfect collaboration – but I do not pitch for the project,” says Baldan. “I always stay true to myself, take them through my offerings, my capabilities and also my limitations. Open communication demonstrates professionalism and a willingness to engage.”
Get in training
Ever thought about using a business coach to help you manage your workflow? For Spencer, this training has been invaluable as her firm has grown.
“I work on strategies with my coach such as goal setting and planning, which helps me focus on the bigger picture, so I know what I’m aiming for,” she says. “That way I can consider whether my day-to-day choices are serving my ultimate goals.
“I also work on having an abundance mindset, so I’m focused on opportunities and not fear of scarcity,” she adds. “This leads me to being more selective with the jobs I take and to not undercharge so I’m not overworked.”
Tell us:
What techniques do you use to help you stay in control while growing your business? Share your ideas in the Comments below, like this story and join the conversation.
Read more:
Pro to Pro: How to Deal With Clients Who Keep Asking for Changes
Ever thought about using a business coach to help you manage your workflow? For Spencer, this training has been invaluable as her firm has grown.
“I work on strategies with my coach such as goal setting and planning, which helps me focus on the bigger picture, so I know what I’m aiming for,” she says. “That way I can consider whether my day-to-day choices are serving my ultimate goals.
“I also work on having an abundance mindset, so I’m focused on opportunities and not fear of scarcity,” she adds. “This leads me to being more selective with the jobs I take and to not undercharge so I’m not overworked.”
Tell us:
What techniques do you use to help you stay in control while growing your business? Share your ideas in the Comments below, like this story and join the conversation.
Read more:
Pro to Pro: How to Deal With Clients Who Keep Asking for Changes
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Really really sound advice. I especially agree with with being more selective about which projects you accept. If you have a clash from the get go it's only going to end in tears and frustration. Also the contractor/builder advice is invaluable. Chose wisely and keep the same team so that you know what to expect. There will always be surprises but constantly changing your team is not a good idea. Personal relationships are the key.
I couldn't get past the wall paper on Stay Organized. Wow!
Hiring a full time assistant has changed my life and doubled my salary