Today we have a very special episode live from Los Angeles! Last week in “From Pitch to Press,” an all-star panel with four incredible interior designers — and Nick! — dove into the nitty gritty of getting press and different PR strategies. As Nick says, press is incredibly important for anyone running a business in this industry. After all, how else are folks supposed to hear about your interior design firm? Our four designers have all excelled in getting press and have a ton of advice to offer: Lori Gilder; Jeanne Chung; David Dalton; and Roxy Sowlaty.
Hire Out or Run PR Yourself?
On the merits of hiring out PR, David says that hiring in-house is a good idea because the designer is able to micro-manage all communication out of the office. Roxy is also unsure that hiring out is worth the high cost, especially now with social media, so she’s managing herself; as is Laurie. She prioritizes relationship-building and events, and growing relationships with people that you can trust. And Genie agrees, saying that she knows herself best and is most comfortable with showcasing her own talent.
Roxy is all about blogging and YouTube to create press herself, but says that people who “blog more, design less.” As for her TV show, Rich Kids of Beverly Hills — that’s absolutely helped her reach clients.
Advice Highlights
- Print magazines are probably becoming less relevant to millennials, even though a lot of people still love magazines. Posting press on social media is a good bet, but some magazines don’t want you to do that.
- Write language into a contract to ensure that you can use photos of your client’s home. Many clients don’t allow it at all.
- Craft a specific pitch to magazine editors, and do research on the people/magazines you are pitching to. Never get bitchy if you are turned down.
- Submit to competitions!
Chaise Lounge Updates
Our blog is up and running! Look for us on Mondays and Fridays to hear from foremost designers as on topics like the latest at market, social media marketing and the nitty-gritty of running a business.
Join Nick for not one, not two, but three events at Las Vegas Market! On July 29, Nick is moderating “From Creation to Consumer: Everything You Need To Know”, a panel discussion on the value of collaboration to create new brands! Buy your tickets now! On July 30, join Nick and friends for the Hamptons White Party & Outdoor Living Discussion. Don’t forget to wear white! Learn more and RSVP here.
And on the 31, don’t miss “Your Style, Your Brand”. Two iconic designers who have mastered the ins and outs of personal branding are joined by a stylist and photographer to give you tips and tricks on how to improve your personal brand. One lucky winner will receive a full makeover and professional headshots to ignite his or her journey to success. Join Kelli Ellis, Shayla Copas of Shayla Copas Interiors, Aaron Perkins (stylist) and Kristen Mayfield (photographer) at Las Vegas Market for this discussion, and makeover, with moderation by Nick.
Not attending market this year? Get all of the action on our Facebook and Instagram! Don’t miss our Instagram takeover.
Check out the rest of our events and learn more here.
Resources
Upcoming Markets
Wrap Up
If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!