Design-Centric Business Advice Should Often be Taken with a Grain of Salt

We regularly follow and often appreciate the information and design-centric business advice shared at the “voice of authority” website BusinessOfHome.com. However, we were stunned by an “advice” piece from November last year. Not only were we stunned by the question asked by a designer, but we also found the answer to be both overthought and overwrought.

First, the question: “I’ve never been the type to talk politics with my clients… until this election cycle, that is, when their lawn signs were unavoidable… [Now] one of my biggest jobs is about to be for a client with beliefs (and social media comments) I’ve discovered I simply can’t abide…”

“They also recently returned the signed contract with no qualms about making a deposit – always a good sign! – but I’m increasingly leaning toward walking away rather than seething quietly about what I know to be their personal views. Am I crazy to say, ‘never mind’ to a huge opportunity?” – [signed] Politically Incompatible

Herein lies our dilemma. Instead of simply saying “Yes! Don’t be stupid. Absolutely yes!” respected designer business coach Sean Low decided to pen more than 700 words in response to this completely irrational declaration and question!

Here’s a Grain of Salt That is Uncommonly Large

There is a time-honored saying in the world of sales and marketing that goes something like this… “The last reason you should promote a product is that you like it. The only reason to do so is that it has value to your client.”

Of course, the opposite is also true, that the last reason you should not promote a product is that you don’t like it. The same must be said for clients and potential clients. While liking them might make the job more enjoyable, not liking them is the absolute last reason for not working with them.

Yet, despite the obvious truth of these points, and instead of stopping with the only necessary comment, “To be sure, your question is not really a business question.,” he chose to continue.

“Your part is to do the work so that you can have your voice. Use the fruits of your voice however you choose, but do not give up your voice. The work is the work, and unless you think it a way to garner a market for those who share your beliefs above all others, let it stay there. If you choose this path, appreciate that you are marketing your creative business first and foremost, not taking a political stand.”

Some “Business” Questions Are Too Ridiculous to be Answered Seriously

Rather than treating such an irrational and unreasonable request for advice with the disdain it deserved, he actually went even further:

“The slippery slope is where you are casting your side-eye. That choice is yours, of course, but I would caution being pedantic. We are all an amalgamation of good and evil and – short of abject hate – their bedfellows throughout life. What someone believes is for them, and your judgment of their unworthiness comes at a price. It is why I keep my business focus on the quality of the patronage, not the patron, and push as far as I can not to judge beyond the ability to create great work. Yes, there is a line for all of us – I would simply suggest that, in this instance, you push further than you might otherwise be comfortable doing.” (emphasis added)

In short, the question of whether an interior designer should set aside their political beliefs for a highly profitable project working with likable clients should never arise. There is simply no reason to refuse such a contract. Even contemplating such an irrational idea can be said to be immature and self-indulgent.

After all, a job like this will not be promoting a conflicting viewpoint, which makes the question moot.

In short, the only question that truly matters to a sharp designer is how a job will benefit their business. Personal beliefs that may, or may not, conflict have no place in a business setting. In fact, being able to ignore differing points of view display a degree of maturity about doing business that “Politically Incompatible” does not, and may never, possess. (Much to the detriment of their business.)

Mature, Objective Design-Centric Business Advice from Ted Fall

Doing business in the real world, especially the highly competitive world of interior design requires a mature, objective approach. There is no place for emotional, irrational thinking. This is exactly the type of design-centric business advice Ted has to offer designers and home furnishing sellers. (No salt here!)

Beyond this, Ted has the experience and knowledge to help you establish and reach realistic 2021 business goals. Get in touch with TD Fall today.