When social distancing started a few weeks ago, we decided to sit down as a family and watch “Mary Poppins.” It was my birthday so thankfully it was my turn to choose the movie rather than having to put up, yet again, with Aaron’s usual, yet honestly terrible, choice of “Good Burger.” And as we watched together I was reminded of just how absolutely fantastic “Mary Poppins” is. The singing, the dialogue, just everything, are incredible. If you haven’t seen it in awhile, or gasp – seen it at all, use this extra time to do so. Anyways, I digress.
During the initial clap and clean up scene that happens when Mary first arrives, she pulls a potted plant out of her magical, never-ending carpet bag and states, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” How true, Mary Poppins, how very true. Even if that potted plant that you took out wasn’t really a thing of beauty (at least in my eyes) you are so right – a thing of beauty IS a joy forever.
Remember, Your Designs Matter
In times like these it’s important to be reminded that design does matter. It’s not just fluff, it’s not meaningless, it’s not unnecessary. In fact, it matters even more. As people spend days, weeks, and possibly even months in their homes, they’re going to use their homes, familiarize themselves with their homes, like never before. They’ll realize what they love, what they hate, and what may need a bit tweaking.
Their constant staring at their walls and living in very limited square footage is allowing them to realize just how important it is to invest in their home. People are also picking up where they left off the world over when it comes to home projects. Even Aaron asked me the other day, “Is there anything we can do in the house? Paint something?” Now, although there isn’t because we don’t have supplies on hand, if Aaron is asking to do home improvement projects, that means a lot of other people are as well.
Design isn’t frivolous, it’s not unnecessary, it’s not superficial. It’s important. Great design in someone’s home can continue to keep them happy, motivated, upbeat, and optimistic. It can also keep them from feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and down. So remember, in this time of extreme uncertainty and high stress, a thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Your clients need you to help them bring a thing of beauty to create that joy forever in their space. It may look different for awhile. It may be done in a way that’s with you never stepping foot in their home. It may be done in a way that’s only using materials that they already have on hand. But no matter how it’s done, now or in the future, people do need you to continue bringing beauty and joy into their home.
Resources for Success
And here’s how to do it.
- First, the pre-recorded video as promised. In it I share ways to weather this storm successfully, how to spend the extra time to expand your skills and services, and how to continue engaging future and current clients.
- Second, below you’ll see a curated collection of articles, podcasts, and resources that further address how to successfully make it through this uncertain, scary, and challenging time.
- Third, over the next few weeks I’ll be rolling out a short series called, “How I’m Handling This.” I’ll be bringing you designers who’ll share just how they’re working through this uncertainty, and planning for success on the other side.
How to Handle Talking About the Coronavirus
Leading through the Crisis – We’ve talked a lot about leadership and how important it is to lead your clients and employees successfully. Here’s a fantastic example of how Marriott’s top leader is honestly, humbly, yet inspirationally leading their team through the crisis. If you’re having to break some unfortunate news to your team as a result of this coronavirus, or just want to learn how to handle sharing unfortunate information, I highly recommend reading this article.
How to Handle Your Social Media During the Coronavirus – A fantastic post from the Wingnut Social Team on how to delicately and sensitively handle your social media during this time, while making sure you’re still present.
– A great article from Twitter on how to properly handle your social media posts during this time.
Furthering Your Skills & Education
Free Ivy League Courses – Improve your business skills by taking online classes from the best schools in the nation. Topics include everything from entrepreneurial strategies, to crafting contagious content, to construction finance.
Free Downloads on How to Handle Your Design Finances – Financial Coach Michele Williams shares free resources on how to check on your firm’s financial health, plan for your financial future, and take the first steps to achieve success.
Ideas on How to Adapt, Engage, and Continue On During this Time
How Coronavirus Will Change Interior Design – After this pandemic, it’s likely that people are going to become a lot more interested in anti-microbial materials. This article covers what’s likely to become more in demand for its special features and is a great resource for ideas on new avenues to educate yourself on – and a specialty to possibly develop.
Tips to Make Your Space More Work from Home Friendly – A great reference for what you can share with your clients during this time, inspiring them to make small improvements during this intense time at home.
A Candid Conversation About the Coronavirus – Wingnut Social and guest Jane Dagmi talk about how to make it through this crisis and strategically plan for your success on the other side of it all.
Coronavirus Support Guide – Fantastic ideas from the hugely successful entrepreneur Marie Forleo on how to manage stress, anxiety, and fear during this time, how to manage your time, how to successfully work from home, and so much more.
What Would Lu Do? – Advice from the famous LuAnn Nigara on how to successfully get yourself, your firm, and your clients through a crisis like this.
Prepare Yourself for Engaging, Connecting, & In Time, Thriving
As we endure this together, remember, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Your clients need your special gift of bringing more joy and beauty into their space. So keep on keeping on. It might be rough for awhile. Expect that. Brace yourself for that. But also engage, connect, and in time, you’ll thrive. We will get through this, together.
If you have a resource that you’d like to share with the other designers, or if you have an additional question, leave it in the comments below!
And if you’d like help focusing on the client experience at this difficult time, check out the listing of guides and resources available to you here!
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