Naomi

2020 Scholarships – Apply NOW!

June 21, 2020 by Naomi

IIHS™ are excited to announce our annual Student Scholarships are open again. The scholarships will grant one successful applicant a kick start in the home staging career like no other and a second applicant a chance to be mentored by IIHS™ Principal Naomi Findlay.

There are two separate scholarships available, a course education scholarship and a mentoring scholarship

The successful applicant:

Course Education Scholarship

Will be given the opportunity to study the Art of Home Staging with IIHS™ and the enrolment fees will be covered by IIHS™. As well as 6 months worth of Professional membership with IIHS™. Total value over $1300

Mentoring Scholarship

Will be given the opportunity to be part of the IIHS™ mentoring program for three months and be a member of the IIHS™ Professional Membership for a six month period. Total Value over $1800

See what previous winner Skye Mendl had to say…..

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications will open on July 15 2020.

Applications will close on August 31 2020.

Attendees to the National Home Staging Symposium, held in Sydney on 24 – 25 October 2020, will be eligible to apply, which includes virtual ticket holders for the live stream. Get your event tickets here! Scholarship application forms will be sent out with the ticket confirmation email.

To find out more about the scholarships email [email protected]

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How To Style Your Rental Property

January 23, 2020 by Naomi

When renting, it is easy to feel like you are living in someone else’s house, and technically, you are. You don’t have to feel like an outsider in your rental property, though. Style your rental property to inject your personality into the space.

Adding your own style and elements to make the space feel like home is a great way to help you settle into the property.

We’ve all seen rental properties with old yellow walls and wallpaper that is chipping off. However, you can get permission from your landlord to fix this! Painting the walls of the property a light, clean and neutral shade is a great way to make a space feel more homely. It is also a great way to create a neutral backdrop for furniture, accessories and art.

If you are unable to paint the walls of the property, see what furniture you can buy to make the room feel more like home. Check out your local op-shop and see what bargains you can find, if you don’t have the budget to go out and purchase all new furniture. If you find some great deals, you can also paint the items to make the property feel more like home.

The flooring in a room can dramatically change how a room feels. Old carpet can make a room feel closed in a dirty. Whereas, wooden floors can make a space feel freshly renovated. Using a large neutral or natural weave rug to decorate a space is a great way to mute wall and floor colours. It also brings more texture into a space. Rugs can additionally define a space.

Give special attention to the window coverings in the property. Changing these out can be a great way to completely change the atmosphere of a space. The purpose of blinds is to control light, privacy and thermal insulator. This can dramatically change how a space looks and feels.

Another great way to bring more light into a space is by using mirrors. Hanging large mirrors in bedrooms and living rooms is a cost effective and easy way to bring more light into a space and to make the space look so much bigger!

Accessorising with throws, pillows and soft furnishings is another cost-effective and simple way to bring life into a space. Layering old lounges with a throw and pillows helps to deter the eye from the old lounge and dated carpet.

Finally, bringing plants into a space is an amazing way to style a rental property! Large or small, house plants help to purify the air, help you think more clearly and can support a calm and nurturing environment.

In some cases, it may be difficult to style a rental property can be difficult depending on the state of the property. However, rental properties can look amazing when you sure of the right tools!

When living in a rental property you want to feel as comfortable as you can in the space you are given. Figuring out what makes you feel the most comfortable is essential in creating a rental property you love.

The Key Consultants Every Small Business Owner Needs

January 16, 2020 by Naomi

Let’s face it… Running a small business can seem overwhelming.

From finding funding to finding clients, creating effective marketing efforts to dealing with rules and regulations. Small business owners have a lot on their plates.

Fortunately, there are professionals who can help guide you through the ins and outs of small business ownership. Whether you’re considering starting a new business or want to grow your existing business, these key consultants can help.

Money Matters: The Accountant

Wait a minute, you may be asking yourself. Do I really need an accountant? Isn’t that what QuickBooks is for? While accounting software can certainly be a time-saver, it’s hard to discount the importance of financial integrity for any small business. In the long run, the money saved by using accountancy services will make the investment well worth it.

What can accountants do to help your business? If you’re in the start-up stage, an account can help you decide which type of business structure makes the most sense for your model. Will you operate as a sole trader or a company? Would a partnership or a trust offer more benefits to your business? Accountants can walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can make a truly informed decision. After all, your structure will influence a number of other factors, such as how much tax you pay, your personal liability, which licenses you need, and more.

If your business is already operational, an accountant can ensure that your day-to-day transactions are recorded properly and remain within legal compliance, help oversee payroll, seek out cost savings with third parties and vendors, and even help you set up a financial safety net. If your business is in a growth stage, an accountant can help you plan cost-effective expansions, suggest ways to mitigate your tax burden, and create financial reports.

Staying Legal

The other indispensable consultant every small business owner needs is a solicitor. A good business solicitor will advise you in a number of basic (and complex) legal matters that may arise, from zoning to copyright compliance to liability issues.

When you’re shopping around for a solicitor, keep the following skill sets in mind:

Contracts: A solicitor can prepare contracts that you’ll need to use with customers, vendors, clients, or suppliers. They can also guide you through contracts that you need to sign.
Structure: You’ve already consulted your accountant about the right business structure for your needs; now it’s time to talk to your solicitor! They can help you determine which business model makes the most sense for you from a legal perspective.
Taxes and licenses: Your accountant can help you with your taxes, too, but your solicitor can help you register your business with the right government agencies and ensure you have the correct licenses and tax identification numbers for your specific needs.
Real estate: Unless you’re working from home, you’ll probably need to lease or rent real estate to house your business. A solicitor can help ensure that you exercise your rights as a tenant, and review any paperwork or contracts you’re asked to sign.
Intellectual property and copyright: If you create anything as part of your business, a solicitor can help you protect your thoughts, ideas, and creations.
Liability: Finally, and most importantly, a solicitor can help you protect yourself from liability.

By working with accountants and solicitors that specialize in small businesses, you’ll give yourself an advantage over the competition. Consider it an investment in your businesses’ future success!

The Importance Of Our Mindset When Setting Goals

December 11, 2019 by Naomi

Did you know that we all talk to ourselves about 50,000 times during each and every day?

Research has demonstrated that most of what we say to ourselves is about what we can or cannot do. So what that means is that each and every one of us has the potential to create and do something great.

With only a couple weeks left of 2019, it’s time to start framing up where your 2020 is going to go. The first step is by using the power of our mind!

It is vitally important when setting goals that we are mindful of what we say to ourselves and to other people. There is a part of your mind called your subconscious that is always listening and then acting on what you say to yourself. It also records things you see, hear, touch, taste, smell, think and do – and stores everything in your memory.

Remember back to when you learned to do something new – such as baking a cake. You might have told yourself or somebody else when taking on this new task that you can do this easily. Next time you go to bake a cake; you remember that you can bake easily, and you are confident that you can do it again. When you stand in the kitchen, your subconscious reminds you how to read the instructions, measure the right quantities, get the oven temperature right etc. – it helps you to do what you know you can do.

Importantly, your subconscious also remembers if you or other people say things like “I’m no good at cooking. There’s no way I can bake that banana bread.” Again, your subconscious will listen to you and encourage you to fail.

Your subconscious helps to bring you to whatever you are asking for. Positive or negative.

What does your mind say to you and how does it affect your goals?

10 Tips for Running a Successful Business

November 26, 2019 by Naomi

Running two businesses, as well as having four children, has made my life one major balancing act!

But what it has proved is starting and running a successful business is truly possible, even if you have a family, multiple jobs and a range of other commitments. So, here are my top 10 tips on how you too can start and run your own successful business!

Truly love your industry

Running a business is hard work but if you’re passionate about it, it’ll never truly seem like work!

Research!

Know your industry thoroughly, know who the leaders are in the field and know who your competitors are.

Flexibility is key

As a working mum, I was only ever going to succeed if I made sure flexibility was a big part of my business plan. Make sure you have a fulfilling career and a personal life.

Surround yourself with good company

Only befriend those who are supportive. Your business journey will be all the more rewarding if you share it with those that believe in you.

Have a network of experts

You cannot know everything; it’s not possible! So have an established network of experts, that way you’ll have time to thrive at what you do best.

Put your customers first

Always go the extra mile and make sure that you deliver big. Word of mouth is so powerful and when customers like what you do they tell their friends, there’s no better marketing tool.

Embrace technology and social media

Social media gives you the opportunity, as a business owner, to interact with your customers in real-time. There are so many different ways you can embrace technology and social media in your business today, it’s a critical step in transforming the overall experience of each of your customers.

Make a record of all the procedures that are involved in the running of your business

That way, when you expand and take on staff, training them will be a whole lot easier.

Believe in yourself! Have a business coach or mentor

While you may have a vision for your business, it can often be forgotten when you’re busy with the day-to-day operations. So make sure you have an objective business coach who can help keep you on track and make sure you have the best possible chance of kicking your goals!

How to Ensure Brand Loyalty in Home Staging

November 13, 2019 by Naomi

When most people think of brand loyalty, their first thought is about brands they use in their own day-to-day life.

What supermarket do you shop at? What brand of cereal do you buy? What fast food do you get?

Unlike food brands, home staging isn’t a service or product that is needed for every household on a weekly basis.

Home staging is a service that most households wouldn’t even use once a year. Some people spend their lifetime living in the same property, some people never plan to sell once they find their dream house. So, how can you create brand loyalty for an industry where repeat customers only happen every few years if that?!

Image Source: adoremagazine.com

Social media and advertising

Being front of mind for your potential customers is a great way to ensure that when they hear the term ‘home staging’, their first thought is you!

No matter if you want to solely advertise online, hand out flyers to mailboxes or run a Facebook ad; advertising is the most effective way to ensure that your company is everywhere.

If someone keeps seeing your brand pop up online or on social media, when it comes time to sell their property or they know someone who is, their first thought is your company.

Offer incentives

Spread the word of your business and encourage repeat customers by offering them an incentive. It could be a free service or bonus inclusion if your client shares something on social media, recommends you to a friend or is a repeat customer. This is all about creating a strong and positive relationship with your customers. You don’t necessarily have to drop your prices to meet your competitors’, but you can make your customers feel valued.

Image Source: ventandcover.com

Listen to customer feedback

Feedback isn’t always good feedback, but it can always be used for the better.

By looking at your feedback, be it online or face-to-face, you are able to understand what your customers want and need from your service and then it is up to you to meet those needs. If you keep getting feedback that the customer felt left out during the process, then make an effort to install a system which means the customer is kept up to date every step of the way.

Maintaining and improving quality

It’s important for businesses to strive for all customers to leave completely satisfied with your quality of service.

Continually improving your business ensures that you blow your customers’ expectations out of the water so they keep talking about how great their experience was. With a great experience, comes a memory so even if someone had a great experience 10 years ago they may still try to hunt down that business and hire them again.

How to Network Like a Pro

November 6, 2019 by Naomi

We’ve all heard of networking – but how exactly do you do it and why is it essential for running a successful business?

While technology has made networking easier, you still need to get outside of your comfort zone and meet people for success in your business.

Networking is a great way to get your name and business out into the world, find new clients and expand your affiliates.

Regardless of the type of business you run, networking is achieved in similar ways – here’s some ideas to get yourself out there!

Attend Events

Going to events is a great way to network. Not only can this lead to new clients but it also has the potential to lead to affiliates and possibly even partner brands. Being around like-minded people is great too as it allows you to meet other inspirational people, expand your knowledge and give you fresh ideas.

Business Cards

Carrying around business cards is still a great way to network, especially at events. You can even drop your business cards off at cafes and restaurants so you have the potential to reach a wide range of demographics! Putting your key social media handles, phone number and email on business cards is absolutely essential nowadays. People want to be able to research your business before directly contacting you.

Social Media

Networking through social media is another great way to network when you are time poor but still want to chat to people. Even if you have no time to post, comment or message in the moment, you can communicate via paid advertisements and using scheduling programs so you always have content going live across your platforms and live chats.

These techniques will allow you to connect with your audience and potential clients or partners – and you can mix it up with what’s going on in your biz calendar! Trial different ideas and techniques to figure out what works best for you, you never know who you’re going to meet and what opportunity could come your way!

India Buying Tour 2019 – Recap

October 25, 2019 by Naomi

I seriously had a ball at the IIHS India Buying Tour in May!

The homewares and furniture from these places are so unique and the experience of going with a group of like-minded property stylists who have so much in common is like no other trip you can take for your business.

I wanted to share some of the highs from our trip and announce our 2020 shopping tours for the new year!

India Buying Tour — Beautiful interiors in India

The beauty of India never ceases to amaze me – the colours are incredible every where you look!

It really is the perfect place to draw inspiration from as a creative.

We stayed for 6 nights with guided tours on four of those where we shopped until we dropped!

The custom furniture and accessories available here are so bespoke and the perfect addition to your stock collection.

Are you thinking about coming along for our next furniture and homewares shopping tour? I am taking a group to both India and Bali in 2020 (spots are already filling up)!

If you want to update your stock with custom furniture and source gorgeous homewares to suit your business and set yourself apart, then this is your chance!

Plus you’ll get to rejuvenate your mind and body with an amazing group of property stylists!

India Shopping Tour — An amazing time had by all

Click below to see all the details and join the VIP waitlist to claim your spot now as numbers are strictly limited!

Bali Buying Tour 2020

India Buying Tour 2020

Bathroom Renovations for Sale: The Must-Do’s

October 24, 2019 by Naomi

It is inevitable that before you sell your property you will have to do some bits and bobs around the house.

Renovating your bathroom ready for sale can get quite expensive quickly so it is important to figure out what you should be investing in.

Your bathroom could make or break how fast and how much your property sells for. So, what should you invest your money in to and what should you skip when renovating?

Here’s 6 must-do’s that should be on your list:

Ensure that the toilet is in complete working order – it’s a must! This is something that will start being used as soon as the new owners move in so it is absolutely essential. If the toilet bowl is cracked, leaking, wobbly or looks old then it is time to replace it for the market. No one wants to buy a house with a toilet that looks gross or broken so it is of utmost importance to fix this up right away!

2. Make sure all taps are working correctly. Fix any leaks or loose handles before you put your property on the market. The good thing about this is that it can be done in half an hour at a reasonably low price! Don’t stress if the hot and cold labels are mixed up or the wrong way around. This is common and not difficult to figure out.

3. Ensure that all drawers in the vanity and bathroom area are in working order. Focus on making sure they are clean, and open and close smoothly.

4. Fix any cracked, chipped or mouldy tiles. As most bathrooms have tiles on the floor and walls, it is absolutely essential that the tiles look clean and new.

5. Ensuring that all plumbing is in working order. If your plumbing looks dodgy or doesn’t work properly, your property will probably not get the price it deserves on the market.

6. Fix any lights that are hanging out of their socket. Not only is this a hazard but it also makes the bathroom look neglected. Installing new lights in this instance is essential.

While your bathroom may only be a small part of your property, it is an area that is used everyday and therefore needs to be presented well when you go to market.

Must-Have Home Staging Stock

October 17, 2019 by Naomi

When you reach a certain point in your home staging business, acquiring stock and inventory is an essential step up.

Purchasing this stock might seem like a bit of a leap, and depending on what stock you purchase, it might be.

However, if you are smart about what and how much stock you purchase, you could improve your overall home staging business.

Create a Sanctuary — Image via Style Curator

When it comes to stock there is typically two types: soft furnishings and hard furnishings.

Soft furnishings include items such as pillows, linen, lamps and small accessories. The way I like to think about soft furnishings is that I could pack them all in a box and put them in my car.

On the other hand, hard furnishings are big items such as lounges, arm chairs, dining tables, coffee tables, and so on. These are the items that can’t be packed and loaded single handedly.

Logically, soft furnishings should be acquired first, then later down the track hard furnishings can be acquired. It’s important to be able to consider what sort of stock you should have now!

SOFT FURNISHINGS

When it comes to soft furnishings, the items below can be purchased relatively cheaply and in bulk.

Pillows: Purchasing pillows that work well in a wide range of environments is a great way to get the most out of your money. Choose pillows in a few colours and designs so they can be used on their own or grouped together.
Faux flowers and plants: Faux flowers and plants are great when the right ones are purchased because they can look amazing and used in a range of spaces and styles. Plus they last a long time!
Books: Theses can be purchased from an op shop and are a great way to add texture and create a ‘lived in’ feeling to any space. These are the most cost-effective soft furnishings and can be used in any environment, from a study, bedroom, lounge room or even an outdoor setting.
Knick-knack accessories: These are small accessories that can be used in a variety of environments – anything from vessels, small bowls, candle holders, or any other small accessories.
Linen packs: This isn’t absolutely necessary, but having coverlets and toppers can transform a room from something dull to something amazing.

229f1da3e9e8b569b0beceee69dce779 — Image via immyandindi.com.au

HARD FURNISHINGS

As for hard furnishings, these items are more expensive so it is beneficial to go for quality over quantity.

Mattresses: Often clients do not have enough beds to show off the best use of the space, or they have moved and have taken their mattresses with them so these are a must!
Dining chairs: Not all dining chairs go with tables, or look good with them, so having some neutral dining chairs that work with a range of colours is a great idea so you can use the clients dining table.
Bedside tables: Bedside tables have the potential to open up the bedroom and transform the space into something amazing. Having bedside tables that are unique, yet work well in a variety of environments is essential.
Lounges: Lounges can easily begin to look old, worn and unpleasant when they’ve been used for years. Having lounges in stock that are a neutral colour are a great idea as they can be used in a range of different styled homes.
Coffee tables: Coffee tables are a great way to show off the space in a lounge room and add an element of homeliness to the space. Not everyone has a coffee table, and if they do it might be old and worn. Having new, coffee tables as part of your stock can transform a space.

5512a478c1edcd04581dc6e05593f575 — Image via southernliving.com

New Ideas for Your Home Staging Business

October 10, 2019 by Naomi

Figuring out how to stay above your competition can be difficult. Do you drop your prices? Do you become more like your competition? Do you change your core business structure?

The great news is that you don’t have to do any of the above!

In the age of technology, you can do a million and one things to switch up your business and create a unique element of interest that sets you above other home stagers in your area.

All that you have to decide is what ideas you are going to pursue! Here’s some to get you started:

Create a YouTube channel

It’s no secret that YouTube is the place to be at the moment. Creating a YouTube channel where you can give home staging advice, film the process of staging a property (you will need to get your clients permission for this), film your day to create a ‘Day in the Life of a Home Stager’ vlog or even just discussing key topics in the industry is a great way to promote your business, earn some extra money and create a whole new business venture.

Start a blog

This is just the written version of a YouTube video. Blogs are a great way to engage your audience and to share advice and your thoughts.

Warehouse tours

We know home staging involves a lot of storage and everyone stores things differently. Join up with some other local home stagers and host a warehouse tour on a weekend to allow for maximum creative flow, new ideas for storage and in turn bring the community closer together.

Create an online op-shop

it is inevitable that home staging businesses have a reasonable amount of stock turnover.. Instead of just throwing these pieces away, you can put them online. This can be connected to your home staging business website and act as a side project. Whenever an item of stock wont be used again just post it on the op-shop for someone else to buy. You can label the stock as pick up only between certain times. This is a great way to regularly clear out old or broken stock to make way for new items.

Host regular home staging meet ups

It is of utmost importance to have positive relationships with other home stagers in your area. Hosting a meet up every few months will allow for a community to form where you are able to discuss local issues in the home staging community and create other events such as educational events and charity events.

Why is Defining the Function of a Space Important?

October 3, 2019 by Naomi

When someone moves into a new property, one of the first things they think is ‘what will I use this space for?’

Some spaces are obvious…the kitchen is for cooking, the bedroom is for sleeping, the lounge room is for watching television. But as home stagers, we know there’s so much more to it than that!

The spaces we create don’t necessarily have to be practical for day to day living. By that, I mean we don’t need to include a ‘play room’ for kids or a spot for all the shoes at the front door.

It is important that we hold onto the hopeful mentality that buyers have and create a space that would be used in an ideal world (without the clutter!)

So, why is it so important to define the function of a space as a home stager?

Image via amberinteriordesign.com

When an empty property is put on the market, potential buyers are likely to become overwhelmed over the prospect of what they will use each space for. What room is better for a teenager and what one for a preteen? Should there be two living spaces? Is there enough room for a study space or home office?

Similarly, when a property is put on the market without professional property styling and using the seller’s current layout, the property is less likely to appeal to the buyer. Leaving the property in it’s original state will create elements of clutter and uncertainty about what space is to be used for what. This is because we adapt to how our families use a space and often don’t notice that there is anything out of the ordinary about this.

This is where the magic of home staging comes in.

When staging a property, it is up to the home stager to determine what a space is best used for. If there is an awkward space between two bedrooms, a home stager may place a study desk there. This is something potential buyers might not have thought of doing, but seeing the desk there allows for the space to seem larger, and like the desk was always supposed to go there.

Image via cocolapinedesign.com

The accessories and furniture home stagers use allow for a space to have a clear and obvious activity attached to it. The items in the bedroom show that the space is used for sleeping, and the same goes for the lounge room, study space and kitchen. Doing this allows for potential buyers to see the size of the space, as well as the ideal activity to be done in the space, creating a homely and ‘I could live here’ atmosphere for all potential buyers.

Image via myscandinavianhome.com