Thursday this week I attended an intimate
design event at the Veronica Flam showroom at Americasmart.
I love, love, love her showroom! It's incredibly elegant, modern, and glamorous.
Michel Boyd spoke and we got into a discussion about how to use vendors and showrooms as team.
Way too many designers I both coach and speak to are working far too hard and not leveraging the valuable asset
in their reps.
When you're looking for something specific, it could be a fabric, a chair, a table, an accessory, anything you need, step one is to get hold of key reps and ask for their help.
They may not have it in their lines, but they'll know who will and because they want to stay top of mind and be a resource they'll connect you to who does have what you need.
Veronica Flam was quick to point out that she and her staff are delighted to work with designers to help them find whatever they need for any project that fits their aesthetic (you aren't going to contact her if you're looking for traditional or mission style.)
There are a handful of companies who carry a huge number of lines and work exclusively with the trade.
There
is no fee required to work with them, you just want to open an account.
https://www.1stdibs.com/ (Not trade exclusive, trade does get a discount)
At the top of the market you can search antique dealers, high end manufacturers, and one-of-a-kind items
Take 30 minutes to explore these options, set up an account, and stop working so hard.
Your brilliance is not in where to find it but in who can find it for you.
Leverage the assets you have at your fingertips, it really makes a difference in where you invest your time and energy.
You know what you need so when you
can communicate that effectively, you can have a team (at no cost) finding it for you.
Let's Prosper by Design, together!
Mega Hugs,
Melissa
PS. There is no glory in doing it all yourself, only burnout, and that's UGLY!
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