The Martha Rules: Rule #4
Rule #4: By sharing your knowledge about your product or service with your customers, you create a deep connection that will help you learn how best to build and manage your business.
When I got to this rule a big smile formed on my face, because I think I do a pretty good job of doing this already and with the help of this blog I am able to share my knowledge, tricks, and tips with all!
Martha recommends to extend the connections. What she means by this is to get constant feedback from her clients/customers. She always wants to know what she did right, what she did wrong and what she could have done better.
Another key to rule #4 is making sure that love and concern is returned. I find myself doing this with all of my clients. Decorating is such a personal thing that it is only normal that you are going to form a strong bond with your clients. Many of my clients turn into friends during the process and that is just the icing on the cake.
I found myself nodding in agreement again when Martha mentioned the importance of developing the appropriate attitude. I find this to be true not only in business, but in life. I use to be a very negative person. I was constantly complaining about things and it got to the point where it was driving me crazy. One day I just decided to put a stop to it. I know try to deal with every situation with a smile on my face and take a deep breath before I freak out. I also treat everyone how I want to be treated from a client to a family member to the check out person at a store I’m always super friendly and respectful.
Martha also had some gems that deal specifically with clients. She wants you to remember that customers are your best consultants, to think like a customer and see beyond the initial transaction. I have to totally agree with Martha on all counts. A new client or customer is a great resource of information. They can help you come up with something new that you never thought of incorporating to your business like adding organization packages to your design business.
This by far has been my favorite chapter. Perhaps because I feel like I already do many of things that she recommends and feel a bit ahead of the game. Then I have to remind myself that I started my business without a business plan (ah bad business owner) so I must get to work on that!
Of course I needed to add some pictures and decided to sprinkle this post with some projects I worked on. To see more of the black and white bathroom above head over to Plush Palate where I am guest hosting today!
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ON THE BLOG
My living room is one of the rooms that evolved drastically from when we first moved one. Originally I painted the walls chocolate brown and did accents of white, blue and orange. That lasted maybe 2 years.
Our dining room sat empty for months. Okay maybe it was empty for just a handful of weeks and then we couldn’t take it anymore and put in a folding table and plastic outdoor chairs, but in my mind that was still empty.
On the main floor of our house we have a Florida room. Being that it’s a Florida room it is a considered a 3 season room, because there is no heat in the room. The previous owners used it as an indoor patio with outdoor furniture and it looked like this when we moved in.
You definitely follow Rule #4, 'sharing your knowledge about your product or service ' – ever since I found your blog I keep thinking, I get to look at all these beautiful pics and ideas and how-tos for FREE?!! Thank you thank you for sharing!
I love that you share your knowledge with us all, this blog is one of my favs!
P.S. I think you're just great!
Another great post. Mostly common sense, but I know I don't always do everything that you mentioned. Thanks for a gentle reminder.
I love your bathroom! So many people have bathrooms that look just like that and they want to get rid of them. Maybe they will discover your little gem!
So many good ideas to "chew" on. Thanks for sharing these and all the other wonderful inspirations you share on a daily basis.
Thanks for sharing all of this, Camila. I also loved the peek into your bathroom! It's adorable. Love the black walls!!
adorable little place there. and i am so impressed so far with the rules of martha, thus far. thank you camilla.
Hello, found you through your guest host! I'm enjoying the Martha rules. I'm also an interior designer (down under), never had a business plan, and going in a million different directions each time I see something else I've fallen in love with!! I'm going to re-visit when I have time and slowly read the rules!! Thanks 🙂
Thanks for the rules, they are so helpful! I have something for you over at my blog 🙂
Your pictures are amazing – as are you! Thanks for sharing all of these rules. I might have to go out and get the book now 🙂
I love this post. I have to get this book. I love the rule about adjusting your attitude and your personal experience about being negative and making that change. I used to be the same way and I used to be annoyed by everything but I made the conscious choice to not let small things affect my life so much. Happiness is a choice and thanks for that reminder.
Loving these posts. Did you design the bedroom? Beautiful!
xo,
cristin @ simplified bee
Adding your lovely blog to my blogroll this evening.
xo,
cristin
Thanks for sharing Martha's wisdom! I think you do a good job of sharing your wisdom/ideas. Thanks for that!
I love your bathroom and the idea of "Rock & roll and Country style" Thanks for sharing.
Great series, Camila! And such great, practical advice! I totally agree with you that your blog fulfills rule #4 "sharing your knowledge of your products and service"– I get so many great ideas from your blog! I love that you share your ideas in such an accessible way (I need those step-by-steps!). Keep up the great work and know it is appreciated!!
oh, p.s. I saw your sneak peek over on Plush Palate… love your black and white bathroom! Way to transform what could be a "blah" space!
LOVING your bathroom Camilla!! its perfect!
all of your work is great- but i just love your home office!