Home Stagers and The Power of Sticking To It

Home stagers, have you ever heard of Akio Morita? Probably not.

He started a company that produced a rice cooker. Unfortunately, it burned more rice than it cooked and less than 100 units were sold.

Had Morita and his partners given up, his company – Sony – wouldn’t be a household name.

James Dyson developed 5,126 prototypes over 5 years before succeeding in inventing the first bagless vacuum cleaner.

Oprah was fired as a television reporter. Because she was “unfit for TV.”

After being downsized from her airline industry job, British Columbia mom Sandra Wilson needed to make money.

She invented Robeez shoes when she cut up a bunch of old purses in her basement to make little booties for her son.

Ten years later she sold her private company to Stride Rite for over $30 million.

Home stagers, there’s a pattern here.

There are thousands of stories like these featuring people who faced rejection. They persevered despite the nay sayers.

While I don’t pretend to be in the same league as the examples I’ve just mentioned, it was not all that long ago that I started my staging business and spent over a year as a fairly broke single mom as I tried to figure out the right formula for making money as a home stager.

Everyone said there was no market for home staging. Real estate was selling quickly, often with multiple offers.

I kept going and into my second year I was making up to $10,000 a month just in staging fees!

Fast forward to today.

I’ve shared my blueprint for how to have a successful home staging business with thousands of students in more than 20 countries.

I recently posted a success story about a Staging Diva Graduate in Alaska. It struck a chord with several home stagers like Jackie Nordeman who wrote:

“It is very encouraging to hear how many home stagers fit into one ‘Big Boat’ and we don’t sink it! By nature I’ve never been one to give up easily, yet my one big dream of having and running my own business has teetered on the edge of quitting several times in a short period.

While I am determined, I’m not aggressive. So when I stopped in at an open house one day I was shocked by my own behavior.

I was so close to leaving without getting out of my vehicle! Instead, I walked up the front steps and into the home to meet the real estate agent!

Something inside me took over and I said to myself,

‘This is it! 2 feet, Jump in! These folks need you!’

Well was I shocked when the agent said, ‘I recognize your van and I’ve been meaning to call you.’

Can you imagine how things would’ve turned out had I just driven away?! The reason the agent recognized my van was because of the very bright and bold logo I had just had professionally installed.

Since then I have done a home staging consultation for him and he recommended me to one of his colleagues and I did a consultation for her too, all in one week!

Thanks to Debra and the comments of others, I remain inspired to persevere!”

See what can happen when you make up your mind to just keep going.

No matter what anybody else says and despite the negative voices in your head?

The great thing about a home staging business is you don’t don’t have to invest in inventory or build countless expensive prototypes like Dyson to get your business off the ground.

Compared to the examples I shared at the start of this story, home staging is such a low risk business!

I’ve collected 10 inspiring stories about home stagers and how they got their start, in a special FREE REPORT, “Ask Staging Diva: Can a Regular Person Like Me Become a Successful Home Stager?”

You can grab your FREE copy here.

Home Stagers, It’s Your Turn to Share

What motivates you to keep going? Please share by leaving a comment below. I know you’ll help motivate others.

And if you’d like me to write an article about you, please go here.

Comments

lelia moran (student) says

February 23, 2011 at 7:36 am

Hi Debra

On my way out to work this morning,thought iI would quickly check my hotmail.Feeling a little discouraged and overwhelmed at the same time,low and behold ,I read your new article abo
ut the power of sticking to it.. This was just what I needed to hear .Have been in my nursing career for 25 years thinking to myself that Ok,here II go again,out the door ,still not able to fulfill my passion for decorating.As single moms we have to keep going out there to support our families.I have just created a web page and registered my company name Home staging flaire.com,yes, it is still under construction but your article gave me hope this morning as I left for work at the hospital.I am determined to make it in this business soon and nothing is going to stop me.!! Need to order level 3 real soon!!
Jodi Whalen says

February 23, 2011 at 1:51 pm

I LOVE reading things like, especially the store about Robeez…amazing, what a brilliant idea, gave me a nice lift today Debra, thank you!!
Debbie Fiskum says

February 23, 2011 at 4:19 pm

So true, just when you think there’s no future, something turns up! But you have to get out there and DO something. Network, build a great website, send out flyers, join specific groups and just get known! It’s the only way you’ll push your company forward.

I specialize mostly in staging vacant house, but I do all types of staging. Find your niche and go after it!
Debbie, Perfect Home Staging Denver and now with White Orchid Interiors!
Debra Gould says

February 28, 2011 at 5:07 pm

Thanks all of you for that feedback. Comments from my readers help me know if I’m on the right track and writing about things that you’re interested in.

My goal with this blog is to both inform and inspire creative people who are brave enough to embrace their talents and get out there and use them to both help others and make a living at the same time.

I hope to always be adding to your “tool kit” by giving you ideas that help you do what you do!

When I’m not on here “just talking to myself” it’s way more fun and I always learn from you too. So keep those comments coming and I’ll keep writing articles!
Tristan Bliss says

October 3, 2012 at 10:04 pm

It’s been over two years of pushing through tough times with my business. Just when I think I can’t hold on for one more day of not getting the flow of clients I hoped to have by now, something unexpected happens that makes this journey worth hanging in for.
For any new home stagers, save yourself and your business from unnecessary struggles and take Debra’s course. Every possible thing you need to know for a successful start to your business is right at your fingertips.
- Debra Gould says
  
  October 3, 2012 at 10:33 pm
  
  Tristan, Thanks so much for that feedback, I really appreciate it! I’d love to feature you in an article and give you some free publicity for Blissfully Designed. You can submit details at:
  https://stagingdiva.com/homestagingbusiness/staging-success-stories/
  
  Thanks again for posting your comment and best wishes for your continued success!

“The Staging Diva Business Training Program is worth every penny!

While there are other home staging courses out there, I’m so happy I follow the business model Debra teaches in her program. It is specific, concise, and thoroughly explained.

In addition to her courses, Debra offers SO many supplemental materials that are incredibly helpful too. The community of Staging Diva Graduates is another bonus, as we all support each other and share each other’s wins.”
— Cristin Lyons (NC)*Raleigh Staging & Design

“The Staging Diva Program is very well organized and explains in the most straightforward terms how to set up your business, maintain and grow it.

By the time I was on Course 3, I had already completed three home staging jobs which more than paid for all the training!

Debra’s step-by-step process allowed me to start a 2nd career doing something I probably should have been doing all along!”
— Rob Reinhart (CA)*Make It-Home

“Once I decided home staging was for me, I was terrified of starting my own business. Staging Diva Training gave me the confidence to do what I love, and contribute to our income after being out of the work force for 15 years.

Debra gave me the information I needed to get over my fear of failure, charge what I’m worth, and get out there and start my home staging business!”
— Kelli Hughes (TX)*ReAbode Home Staging and Redesign

“I felt like I hit the jackpot when I found the Staging Diva Program. I bought it without hesitation and began my training immediately.

I’m excited and inspired. The courses exceeded my expectations and gave me the knowledge to confidently start my own staging business.

So grateful for what I learned from Debra. She shares her gifts and talents so generously!”
— Mary-Maye Lorriman (UK)*Room by Room Interiors Ltd

“The Staging Diva Program was such an influential part of my home staging business plan. The business tools, processes and procedures Debra Gould outlines in the program set you up for success.

I have taken other courses but none compare to the comprehensive program with Staging Diva.

I truly appreciate all Debra’s help and guidance through the courses and group coaching calls. She is such a great inspiration!”
— Lori Carbone (NJ)*Spaces That Speak Home Staging

“I love Debra Gould’s straight forward approach and candor. As a home stager, she knows first-hand what it’s like in the field. Debra is running her own staging business as a real business and knows what it takes.

Debra is truly an uplifting woman and I continue to aspire to follow her lead. Her amazing passion for home staging is felt all the way over here on the Jersey Shore.”
— Wynette Williams (NJ)*Red Robyn Interiors

“The Staging Diva Program taught me many secrets about home staging consultations— especially how to charge, and have no inventory.

I took another home staging course before Debra’s and the Staging Diva Program really helped build my business. Debra forced me out of my comfort zone, she is such an inspiration! Now I know I can make a difference in many people’s lives.”
— Susan Bierig (NJ)*Re-deZine The Shore Way LLC

“I loved Debra’s no-nonsense style of running a home staging business, it’s very easy and straightforward. She keeps it simple, and it all “clicked” for me.

I now have the confidence to get out there and do what I am passionate about. I knew I had the talent, and now I have the business knowledge to round out my staging business. Thank you Debra!”
— Judy Chizmar (PA)*Judy Chizmar Home Transformations

“The Staging Diva Program is fantastic! I wish I had found it before completing a different home staging course. The program provided me with valuable business information that the other course lacked.

I am very impressed with Debra Gould. It is quite evident that she is honest and ethical in all her dealings with her students and clients, and that’s #1 in my books.

She truly has become my mentor!”
— Monique Milne (MB)*Milne Well Dressed Homes (MB)

“I’m so glad I came across the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program. It’s a perfect fit for me with Debra sharing her business model and what has worked for her. She takes the guess work out of how to run a successful home staging business.

Debra is supportive, down to earth and has a wealth of experience under her belt. I can now express my creative passion with more confidence following her guidance.”
— Shelley Giffin (QLD AU)*Rooms for Miracles

“The Staging Diva Program is very comprehensive, flows well, is explained simply, and the content is engaging. I loved the combination of information from Debra mixed in with student questions.

I do not need a business background to be successful as a home stager after taking the Staging Diva courses. They gave me the confidence I needed, to know that I can be successful.”
— Haana Nyamekye (MD)*Zuri Sophia Interiors

“I love that I’m pursuing a career that pays me to be creative, rather than spending my time working for someone else.

Plus, I have the freedom to be available to my family when they need me.

The Staging Diva Program filled in all the questions that I still had after completing another ‘hands on’ program. Thank you Debra, I now have the confidence to build my staging business.”
— Tracie Lacroix (BC)*Sold by Design

“This is the first time in my 57 years of life that I am pursuing something solely for myself — despite my often paralyzing fear!

I’m optimistic and excited to see what the new year has in store for me— due in large part to having found the Staging Diva Program and feeling prepared to take this new journey as a home stager. Debra, thank you sincerely!”
— Lisa Tyus-Lee (OH)*Lights Camera Stage LLC

“Debra’s knowledge and expertise on how to start a home staging business have inspired me.

As a seasoned Real Estate Agent who already staged clients homes, I believe this is a great business to be in.

I am moving my dream of staging homes into a separate business because Debra taught me how in the Staging Diva Program. Thank you Debra!”
— Leslie Manson (BC)*Staging Homes by Leslie

“I appreciate Debra’s candid approach. It’s the reason I chose the Staging Diva Program over other home staging courses.

My first project sold the first day on the market for more than the asking price. This confirmed I’m in the right business.

Thank you, Debra!”
— Casey McDougall (TX)*Custom Home Staging

“I loved the Staging Diva Program! I was skeptical about the format at first, but it was great. The notes were concise and easy to follow. Students asked questions I was wondering about myself, and Debra is clear and direct.

I’m confident in my decorating abilities, but wasn’t sure how to run a professional and profitable staging business. Debra walks you through the entire process.”
— Deborah Brischler (CA)*Home Staging Solutions

“The Staging Diva Program will help me avoid possible mistakes and has provided great clarity on many grey areas— which is great!

I love staging homes and since doing the program, I love it even more as I am confident that I can provide a really worthwhile and valuable service! These home staging courses are very practical. I wish I had completed them sooner!”
— Clodagh Doyle (Ireland)*Placelift Property Renovation Specialists

“I have never been so driven, passionate and totally motivated as I have been since completing the Staging Diva Program. I have not lost any steam nor any excitement.

The fact that the program is start-up business and marketing related to home staging makes it so perfect.”
— Dane Caldwell (ON)*2 Hounds Design

“I knew what I wanted to do as a home stager, but I didn’t know how to go about it. Staging Diva gave me the processes and I followed them.”
— Meg Ritchie (AU)*Gold Coast Homestaging

“I already have a knack for the decorating part of home staging, but I lacked the business side of things.

The Staging Diva Program was great to have at my fingertips so I could listen at my own speed and in my own time.

I was concerned about handling all the paperwork I thought had to be involved in the contracts and such, but Staging Diva has made it SO much easier!!”
— Amy Brown (MO)*Simply Staging by Amy

Home stagers, there’s a pattern here.

Home Stagers, It’s Your Turn to Share

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