Hi Fred~

The first time I heard you speak a few years ago at the Seattle Design Center at the Robert Allen showroom, I immediately wrote a Bio page to add to my intro packet that I give to out to those interested in my design services. That was beneficial and seemed to give me more credibility.

I also doubled my rates- which has been great. (In fact, I need to raise them again….)

I’ve always found that when business is plentiful, or someone says “that’s all you charge”?, or there is no resistance what-so-ever, then it’s time to raise those rates! It’s always worked for me, as I always seem to get a new crop of business after raising my rates.

I’m reading your book Sell Yourself! 501 Ways to Get Them to Buy from YOU, which I’ve really enjoyed. I have put many of those ideas to work as well. For instance, I’m really into marketing on the “cheaps”.

I’ve had my work featured in the Everett Herald Home and Garden section last year. (circulation of over 100 thousand) That was free, and it has brought in thousands of dollars in revenue for my business. I also have recently started a website and blog-again free for virtually free.

Recently, I taught a class at the local frame shop “How to Decorate Using Art as a Focal Point”. I may be teaching one again at the local bookstore on arranging bookshelves. I was in a networking group for 10 years that was very beneficial and brought a lot of business as well.

Last year I contacted you regarding if there are any downloadable newsletters that designers can send to clients. (Like realtors use). You were kind enough to respond and had the idea that I should start my own! Well, I did. I now write a quarterly newsletter and send that via email to my clients. I get a great response on it.

Thanks again, you’re a great inspiration. I’m very pleased that business is through the roof right now-and am always looking to add more clients using unique marketing tools.

I enjoy reading your blog, as well. Hope to see you again at the Seattle Design Center in the future. Thanks for inspiring so many designers.

Sincerely,

Kelly DuByne
Distinctive Interior Designs
www.distinctiveinteriordesigns.net
www.distinctiveinteriordesigns.blogspot.com