Managing a business is hard, and it is even more challenging during the current circumstances. Every field has its own set of obstacles, including the interior design industry. On a normal day, interior designers may have a list that can feel like a mile long. Now with social distancing, that list has probably changed quite significantly over the last few months. Here are 5 unexpected challenges interior designers are facing during COVID-19:
1. WORKING REMOTELY
Just because you’re not at the office, doesn’t mean work stops. If you’re able to continue with certain projects, you may have had to adjust the way you work with your clients. If you’ve been hosting client consultations online, you can still conduct your meetings in a beautiful professional space, away from family life. Change your backdrop on Zoom, to feature an Elle Décor background or a favourite shot from your portfolio.
Without the right processes in place, interior designers can also find it difficult to manage normal business functions when working with their teams remotely. To work more efficiently, consider cloud-based business management software for interior designers that gives you easy access to your documents no matter where you are.
2. DEALING WITH A SLOWER SUPPLY CHAIN
If you’re moving ahead with ongoing projects, maybe your client still wants the project done sooner, rather than later. Whatever the timeline may be, interior designers now find themselves in a difficult situation, as supply chains have been significantly reduced. Your vendors may not be able to fulfill your orders, and workrooms may be temporarily closed. Whatever your situation may be, this is where setting expectations with your clients become extremely important.
3. MANAGING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS
More likely than not, you’ve worked with a client with sky-high expectations. Being an interior designer is all about working with people and managing expectations. Don’t panic, or get discouraged. Set boundaries and do what you can to work within their budget. Don’t forget to be open and honest with them about what’s going on in the industry, so there are no surprises with extended deadlines.
4. JUGGLING MULTIPLE HATS
Over the last few months, many small business owners have had to reduce overhead costs, lay off staff and balance work with their domestic life. As a result, you may be finding yourself not only managing certain areas of your business that you weren’t as involved with before, but also wearing multiple hats at home as well. This can be both challenging and overwhelming. If you’re able to grab a few minutes to yourself, tackle an area of your work life that has been stressing you out to make your life easier.
5. ASSESSING COSTS
Interior designers have to monitor cash flow and client budgets very closely. If a client changes their mind or a project runs longer than anticipated, you can find yourself in a tight situation. Every aspect of a firm needs to run efficiently to ensure no money is wasted in the process of creation. More and more interior designers are opting to use accounting software for interior designers. It streamlines the process of bookkeeping, helping turn a grueling task into a ten-minute job.
