9 Workshops To Invest In for Successful Business Growth
It’s a new year and there’s lots to look forward to as your business grows. Whether you’ve been working in this industry for years, or are just starting out, it’s easy to get comfortable with the way things are and not want to rock the boat with new info, systems, or strategies—even if you’re planning on scaling. But this is your career we’re talking about. In a world where business practices, social media strategy, and client needs are always changing, there’s always room for learning! To help you grow with industry knowledge, I’ve collected nine fantastic workshops that you should invest in for business success.
Why Workshops?
Before we get to the workshops themselves, I think it’s important to note that continued learning is a part of keeping up with what is new in your industry, making sure you’re on pace with trends, doing the most for your business and clients, and maybe even discovering something new that you can offer. Workshops are a great way to easily (and fairly inexpensively) continue learning as you work. Usually workshops are short, so you’re not signing on for a months-long commitment, and come with a smaller price tag than registering at a university or for a certificate program.
However, that does not mean that they aren’t an investment. Because workshops are targeted, industry specific, and utilize knowledge and expertise from top professionals in the field, they can appear a bit expensive—but they are totally worth it! You’ll glean a wealth of knowledge from people who have been there; they know the pitfalls, they have insider tips, and they can offer workshops that allow for one-on-one time and in-depth discussion. You’ll get a networking opportunity that could mean the workshop pays for itself almost instantly as a fabulous return on your investment.
Workshops To Invest In
Interior Design Boss Academy
The Boss Academy is run by award-winning designer Claire Jefford and is designed to help you take control of your business. You’ll get 6 weeks of modules and content to help you navigate the business and client relations side of your company, Q&A sessions, action items, resources, and more.
From the website: “Although this course is aimed for designers 0-5 years in their business, if you have never built the foundation and solid framework for your business you will absolutely benefit from this course. BOSS Academy is about building trust with clients to land the best clients and bigger projects. Addressing each of the 6 steps in the framework will put you on a path to leveling up your business.”
Rendering Courses from Presentation by Design
Presentation by Design (formerly Virtual Design Mentor) offers a series of learn-as-you-go courses covering Chief Architect, Home Designer Pro, Sketchup, and more. These courses are easy to access, approachable, and designed to help interior designers expand their arsenal of skills and therefore their services offered.
From the website: “Are you interested in learning more about the Chief Architect for Interior Designers BUNDLE? Join Kelly Fridline, the creator and instructor of our Chief Architect and Home Designer Courses, as she explains what’s included in the bundle.”
Nancy Ganzekaufer Group Coaching
Following the careful guidance of Nancy Ganzekaufer and associate coach Lesley Myrick, these group coaching sessions are designed to help you maximize your time, get out of overwhelm, and get your business moving! For one monthly fee you get live group meetings, website audit, personalized coaching, access to a private Facebook group, a business strategy session, and more.
From the website: “Through group coaching , 1:1 coaching, robust courses, and Nancy's ridiculously valuable membership site, she will help you transform your business into a well-oiled machine that will grow to the level of profitably you desire.”
LuAnn University
Through LuAnn University you have access to a variety of courses – both short-term like three-hour-long masterclasses, and weeks long workshops—that walk you through financial, marketing, sourcing, process, and design-centered topics to help you and your business grow together!
From the website: “Not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries.”
Rolling in the Dough 5-Day Workshop
Michelle Lynne of the ML Interiors Group has created a course that helps interior designers whip their businesses into shape and plan for a profitable future. Offering incredibly valuable advice on everything from discovery calls, meetings, processes, profit increases, and scaling, the Rolling in the Dough workshop is five days of intense business overhaul.
From the website: “For Interior Designers looking to master the business of Interior Design. Say goodbye to nightmare projects, nutso budgets, and running around at the beck and call of your clients!”
Classy Career Girl Planning Workshop
If you’re feeling like your to-do list is out of control and your schedule is scattered and overwhelming, then the Classy Career Girl Planning Workshop should probably be your first stop. Started by a mom who wanted to launch her start-up while working full-time, the planning workshop is just 90 minutes and introduces you to a proven planning process that will help you identify and accomplish your goals! For anyone just starting out, or within the first few years of owning your own business, this is a great option!
From the website: “Set achievable, realistic goals that are S.M.A.R.T. so you know when you've reached your goals. Figure out what career or business goal should be the priority so you can have a profitable business or a higher salary. Establish what’s a long-term goal and what’s a short-term goal so you work on the right tasks so you can be confident you will reach your 90-day goals.”
Interior Design Standard
If you’re looking for more of a plug-and-play, start up program, the Interior Design Standard offers an intensive 6-module program that helps designers integrate and utilize proven processes, strategies, planning, and documents to book ideal clients and organize their business, specifically through Asana. The Standard gives you templates, Asana guides, and more that you can personalize and convert to use for your own interior design business.
From the website: “This is the only program of its kind that not only provides a proven pricing model and turnkey processes—but also the strategy and tangible methods behind attracting and retaining luxury clients.”
Haven Workshop Retreat
For anyone with a few days available for upgrading your workshop experience, the Haven Workshop Retreat is the place for you! Run by the team at the Haven List, the Haven Workshop Retreat is a three-day program with guest speakers and presenters in the interior design industry who help attendees establish and reach their goals in growth, profitability, and systems and processes for their business. While this workshop is intensive, it’s also framed as a retreat and offers plenty of time to explore the surrounding Newport Beach, California area.
From the website: “The Haven Workshop is for interior designers and home industry creatives who want to take control of their business strategy. Whether you're just starting out or are well-established, this experience will take your business to the next level.”
Ready for a great retreat? Use our code VDM150, when you sign up for $150 off your Haven Workshop Retreat!
Elite Design Assistants Courses
Typically a great resource for finding virtual assistant help, Elite Design Assistants also offers a variety of courses on everything from 3D modeling to Enscape, Home Designer Pro, Chief Architect, and more. This is a great go-to resource for quick how-to courses that expand your knowledge and add skill set to your interior design arsenal.
From the website: “Elite Courses gives you access to a variety of online courses and workshops designed with you in mind — Interior Designers, Real Estate Agents, and Property Stagers. Whether you need to learn how to design your website, onboard new clients, or streamline your business processes, Elite Courses can help!”
This is your sign to treat yourself by investing in courses and workshops that help you and your business experience one of your most successful, profitable, and stress-free years yet!
