An Experts’ Startup Checklist to Effectively Launch Your Interior Design Business

Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Interior Design Business, Interior Design Mentor, Interior Designer, Business Startup Checklist

Are you planning to launch your interior design business?

Starting a business can be an overwhelming process, but don’t worry – I have a list of action items (a part of the business starter checklist from My Design Mentor) that’ll help you get started, as well as some helpful tips on the tasks you’ll need to complete to make your business dreams a reality.

This is the business starter kit I wish I had when I was starting, and it’s all ready to help you with starting your own. Well, you’re one step closer to creating your very own business! So what are you waiting for? Listen to this episode to glimpse how easy it can be to set up your own business.

Also, enroll in My Design Mentor and choose the optional upgrade to access The Business Starter Kit for the complete checklist on how to start a business.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
  • Learn what is in My Design Mentor Business Starter Kit

  • Discover the importance of separating your business from personal

  • Find out the pros and cons of using your name as your business name

    Check out these episode highlights

    2:05 – What’s in My Design Mentor Business Starter Kit

    3:41 – Action Item #1: Decide on Your Business Name

    • Using your name simplifies your business launch

    • You won’t be required to fill out a fictitious name statement

    • It shows you are your business brand

    04:14 – How to make the challenging process of coming up with your business name fun

    • Brainstorm 50 ideas (write them down as if you are coming up with a book title)

    • Pick 10 then check if there’s a design firm that already has that name, or if there’s a well-known business using it. You don’t want people to be confused about cross-trafficking.

    • Get input from friends and family. It doesn’t mean what the majority says is the right thing for you because you’re going to have to own it, be inspired by it, feel confident, buy it, and stand behind that name.

    5:20 – How to plan for succession

    A business name is a big deal because it is a launching pad for your branding and marketing. So take time to figure it out. Check out Episode 14 with Martha Lowry and learn why she chose a business name that was not her personal name.

    It’s easier to transfer it to a new owner if you don’t use your personal name because there’s no need for rebranding or remarketing.

    6:06 – Action Item #2: Create a Business Email

    I recommend using a Gmail account, for example, business [email protected].

    The good thing about using a Google account is that you can then set up a business phone number using Google Voice. You can use it instead of your personal phone number to make and receive business calls. It’s a taxable number. You can set up a voicemail, and kind of screen your calls that way.

    Another reason to use Google for your email is you can also set up your Google Docs and YouTube channel, and claim your business on Google.

    NOTE: This is a temporary setup as you’re getting started. Eventually, you would have your website with your details as your official business email.

    7:14 – Action Item #3: Create a Business Phone Number

    I do not recommend using your cellphone number. Instead, set up your Business Phone Number using Google Voice.

    With Google, you can make and receive business calls and texts

    You can set up a voicemail, and screen your calls that way. It’s an easier way to set boundaries with your clients and filter out those sales calls.

    NOTE: There are other software or providers for business phone lines you can explore those as well.

    7:46 – Action Item #4: Apply for Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) From the IRS

    This is how the IRS knows you need to pay taxes as a business. It’s a number often required to open bank accounts, vendor accounts, and many other business transactions. It’s used in place of your social security number, so you’re not giving out your social security all the time. Instead, you give out your business identification number

    NOTE: You need to know the type of entity of your business before applying for this number. An entity of business is whether you’re a sole proprietor or a corporation.

    Pro Tip: Talk to a CPA about it before you get it set up. 

    8:48 – Action Item #5: Open a Business Bank Account

    Set up a separate bank account for your business.

    Why? Because you don’t want to mingle any of your personal finances with your business transactions.

    Should you set up your accounts based on Mike Michalowicz’s book Profit First, open it through a bank that will allow you to have multiple no-fee accounts. 

    9:48 – How to access Action Steps #6 to #19 from the Business Starter Kit

      Get the Interior Designers’ business starter checklist to get your business going. Sign up for the Design Mentor

      Thanks for listening. If you love this episode, please leave a rating and a review. This helps me reach other curious creatives like you. If you have a topic request or would like to contact me, email me at [email protected]