It’s never been easier to buy elsewhere the design services and products that you sell.

But there’s one thing that prospects can’t get elsewhere: You.

First and foremost, you’re not selling fabrics or furniture or flooring. First and foremost, you’re selling yourself.

How to present yourself with pizzazz and communicate with confidence are key themes of the book Sell Yourself! 501 Ways to Get Them to Buy from YOU.

It’s a must-read for individuals looking to polish their self promotion skills.

Here’s what you need to promote yourself as a unique, 1-of-a-kind design professional.

Discover how to establish your expertise, use self promotion to overcome price objections, and create and leave a favorable impression.

The most important sale design professionals ever make is the personal one. This toot-your flute, blow-your horn success textbook shows you how to “ace” that sale.

For more information and ordering details, click here: http://fredberns.com/Products_SellYourself.html

If you’re an experienced interior design professional, and still aren’t earning the income you could be, I have a suggestion for you.

Quit this business.

Not next month. Not next week. Quit this business now.

The new year is a good time to take stock, and take action.  Your action should be to quit this business…

…of thinking small.
…of reaching out to customers who can’t afford you.
…of taking on projects that are more trouble than the they’re worth.
…of spending too much time on non-income producing activity
…of charging too little for your services.

Simply put, it’s time to quit this business of self-sabotage.

Good things come to those who quit… harmful habits.

This can be your career year if you stop saying “yes” when you should say no. And offering to lower your fees before you’re asked to do so. And hanging on to difficult clients, irresponsible employees and unprofitable product lines.

Want to make this your career year? Then make sure you DON’T…

…seek customers.  They want the lowest price. “Clients” seek the best solutions to their design challenges.

…meet your clients’ needs. Exceed them. Good service isn’t good enough anymore.
…wait for clients to call. Call them. “Smile and dial” at every opportunity.

…do what you can delegate. Why spend  weeks learning a computer program a 13 year neighbor can handle for you in  minutes?

…assume your job is secure. The client — or design firm — that hires you today can fire you tomorrow.

…cut your fees. Raise them. How can you expect others to attach value to your service if you don’t?

… apologize for your price. Describe it as an “investment” in your design services.

…give away your time. Bill for consultation, installation, travel, and all of your time, all of the time. 

…just think locally. Think globally. Use your website to position yourself in the international marketplace.

…compete with big boxes and online options. You offer service and expertise. They don’t.

….fear price objections. Embrace them. They’re buying signals.

…fear “no.” It could just mean “not yet.”

…work hard. Work smart. Make better use of working time, and you’ll have more time for family, friends and fun.

…work for jerks. Your time is too precious. Life is too short.

Do you, or someone you know, know Dubai?

I’m looking for any and all information about challenges facing the design industry in Dubai and elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates.

I’m presenting full day sales and marketing programs for designers and design industry partners Feb. 5-6 at the Office Exhibition 2008  at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

That requires a whole lot  of homework and preparation.

So…any information you have, or any links or contacts you can email me (Fred@FredBerns.com), about his area would be greatly appreciated.

 Thanks so much!