A client needed a “space-lift” for his office. We needed new waiting room chairs, art and something to hold their office supplies. The budget was small. Actually I LOVE hearing that. A small budget equals large creativity possibilities.
The “hunt” was on. We scowered the Flea Markets, Consignment stores, big retailers and a few garage sales.
We found an old Radiator ($10) an Isaac Mizrahi placemat($1.37) and ordered great new leather chairs.
You, like me, have probably faced a radiator that needed a redesign. The challenge is to blend them into a space and to re-make their image into something beautiful rather than utilitarian.
We put the Isaac Mizrahi placemat into an old frame. We then hot glued that frame on top of a long wooden empty rectangel frame and hung it between two Ansel Adams prints for their conference room.
Do you like to hear “Tight budget” I do. We would love to hear about your amazing transformations of Trash To Treasure!
DesAnn Collins
DSA Staging Director & trainer
www.DesignByDesAnn.com
Posted 2 weeks, 5 days ago at 1:40 pm. Add a comment
Do you still get intimidated by your computer? Do you avoid projects because you are sure you won’t be able to understand the technology? Computers have become an intrinsic part of our everyday work flow. Being able to navigate around your computer and locate items/files quickly is a necessity in every business. Once you learn how to take advantage of what technology and your computer can do, you’ll see a marked increase in your productivity! The Elevate course presented by Minutes Matter is a new webinar to help you understand your “new best friend!” Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have to click more than once to visit a vendor’s website?
- Do you click Start to open a software program?
- Does your Desktop contain items older than three weeks?
- Do you believe you must file all jpegs in My Pictures/Pictures folder?
- Do you spend too much time locating a file? Are there times when you’re frustrated by the computer?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then this class is for you! Minutes Matter has made it easy to become computer savvy. Simply join this 90-minute course, to explore and learn the many features of your computer, from the Desktop to the Libraries, the mouse to the keyboard and customizing your Internet browser; you’re going to love that one! Special attention will be given to topics such as creating folders and organizing files – learn about file types, how to open, copy, find, delete, and rename them. Shortcuts or hot keys, mouse tricks and clicks, screen captures, quick launch toolbar, system tray and task manager, all the tools and functions you may not know exist – these are the areas you’ll master once you’ve attended this course. Don’t miss the chance to learn how to get your computer organized!
As a bonus, every attendee will receive a folder full of free icons to get your Internet browser customized; we will demonstrate how to do this during class. In order to get everyone super excited about implementing technology into their business, here’s a little extra encouragement…a FREE iPad will be given away to one, super-lucky attendee!
Simply register for this course before 4:00 PM EDT Tuesday (August 17th) for your chance to win! Since this class is so important, it’s being offered twice – one in the evening and one in the afternoon. This course is only $47, so sign up today to reserve your spot! Can’t attend or want to view the webinar as a refresher course? Every person that registers (even if you didn’t attend live) will receive an email with a link to the recorded course which can be viewed anytime.
Register for Tuesday’s Elevate Course: 08.17.10 at 8:00 pm (EDT)
Register for Thursday’s Elevate Course: 08.19.10 at 1:00 pm (EDT)
Don’t miss this exciting event! I know, I won’t! JoAnne Lenart-Weary
Posted 2 weeks, 6 days ago at 5:29 am. 1 comment
Before you hang your ” I HAVE A DECORATING BUSINESS” shingle, consider what it takes to mount a successful business. One thing The DSA team knows, “It takes more than Talent”. After all, many talented people love what they do, but have not been able to turn it into a profitable business.
If all it took was talent, every talented singer would have a number one hit and every talented writer would have a best seller. Your talent for creating beautiful spaces is critical, but must be blended with attention to the details that compose a successful business plan. Take a long hard look at your strengths and weaknesses. Vow to overcome them or find someone to help you fill the void. Let me share the FAB Five Skills combined with talent which can result in a successful business.
1. People Skills: Understand and relate to others in a genuine way, sincerity is always appreciated. No matter what you do, you must sell yourself and respecting and caring for others is key.
2. Work Ethic: self start and work when no one requires it of you, remember you are the boss. Self Motivation is critical for a profitable business. This may come more naturally to some than others, so be aware of your personal approach to maximize it.
3. Business Skill: An organized approach to record keeping and marketing your business. This skill can be learned with practice and motivation. But also keep in mind, if number crunching is not your forte’, find a qualified person to help you.
4. Tough Skin: Learn from rejection and understand that although this may take a lot of practice, not everyone needs or wants what you have to sell.
5. Sales Skills: Enlighten a potential client to the need for your product or service rather than convincing them to buy something they don’t want. Some may have a more natural approach but finesse your sales approach by video-taping yourself sharing your product or service.
Success is a combination of talent and attention to the skills involved in growing a business. If you are considering becoming self employed and owning your own business, begin by paying attention to The FAB Five. For more details, download our FREE Entrepreneurs Guide, Five Best Practices for Entrepreneurs.
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago at 12:00 am. Add a comment
JoAnne Lenart-Weary sharing FaceTime in Kennesaw
Growing a business involves so much more than talent. One of the best things you can do to grow your business is be everywhere…now that’s pretty impossible, isn’t it. So the key is to get people talking about you and eager to connect. FaceBook is important but the best way to find your customers is FaceTime, accomplished with presentations and workshops. You find the venue and we will arm you with a presentation outline, prop list, and tips for a successful 20-45 minute presentation. Check back often as this post will evolve as we build the list for you.
Top Ten Decorating Don’ts
10. Don’t keep silk and greenery more than 3-5 years. If your floral arrangements, dried or silk, are older than that, chances are they look tired and dated. Change out dated greenery and use less of it. The trend now is palms over ficus trees. (Prop-tired dated looking floral arrangment)
9. Don’t mount window treatments even with window frame. Elevate the ceiling line and visually increase size of room by mounting window treatments 8-12″ over frame. (Prop-show photos of window treatments mounted correctly)
Okay, more tips in next post!
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago at 4:19 pm. 1 comment
