1)     Home stagers are in high demand. With the current state of the housing market, sellers are having a difficult time selling without drastically cutting their asking price. Obviously, no homeowner wants to sell their home for less money—so, as a result, sellers are turning to home stagers to provide the solution.

2)     Starting a home staging business requires relatively little overhead. At its simplest, home staging requires an individual with a great eye, drive, ambition and the contacts necessary to make a property look great. While having capital to invest is a sizeable advantage, it’s not required. Many successful home stagers started out with low capital investment and working from their home—and some of them still do! If you’re looking for a business idea that is recession proof and doesn’t require a massive startup cost, home staging may be the answer!

3)     In today’s world, independence and self-reliance is more valuable than ever. In the “good old days”, individuals worked for companies for decades and decades. They had a steady income and good job security. Nowadays, unfortunately, that type of security is hard to come by. Layoffs are common in seemingly every industry, from finance to auto manufacturers, and just about everything in between. As an independent business owner, you partner with real estate professionals, sellers, builders and investors.  Piloting your income stream is a great feeling, trust me!

4)     The need for home staging won’t disappear. A great question to ask yourself, before starting any business, is “will the demand dry up in the future?” The answer for home stagers is clearly no! As long as there are homes to be sold, staging will remain a valuable tactic for every seller regardless of the market.

5)     With the right strategic approach, the opportunity exists to earn a six+-figure income. I’ve personally coached countless home staging professionals, many were just getting into the business, but also some who had been struggling; It takes the right approach, processes and pricing—if you’d like to learn more, join me on a free webinar see details on this website or call us!

The process of starting a business can be intimidating, but I’m available to help you every step of the way. There is no better time than right now to take the plunge if you are interested in starting a home staging business.  Contact me today to learn more!

1)     An understanding first and foremost, that success in the home staging industry results from the right approach to marketing. At the end of the day, it is your marketing & communication strategies that will make or break your business. How do you acquire and convert leads? Do you create “raving fans” of your services who spread the word? I understand marketing may not be your favorite task—but the reality is , without a well-conceived plan, it’s unlikely you’ll achieve the success you desire.

2)     A relentless commitment to self-improvement, both in terms of knowledge and in skill. One of the distinguishing characteristics of successful business owners in every industry is that they are always learning. Whether it is general business strategy or specific technical details, such as color mapping, curb appeal, design style or trends; successful home staging professionals are never satisfied with their current body of knowledge. Read books, attend workshops, listen to audiotapes and attend industry events— whatever works for your learning style. Just don’t stop growing!

3)     A focus on bottom-line results—and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Every business is about results—and home staging is certainly no exception. Are your services working for your clients? Are they selling their houses for more money than similar un-staged homes? Are they pleased with the service you provide? If the answer to any of these questions is “no”, adjustments are necessary. You should also regularly evaluate the state of your own business—are you attracting new clients? Are you positioned well in your market? Have you differentiated yourself from your competition? Are you pleased with your results? If not, make the necessary adjustments!

There is no “magic bullet” that will ensure success in the home staging industry. However, if you are able to apply the three secrets I’ve shared today, you will be well on the way to success. Contact me today to learn more about personal coaching for the staging industry! Christine@christinerae.com

Orlando, FL – November 28, 2011 – Christine Rae, President of CSP International Business Training Academy, a home staging certification and Real Estate Strategy company, recently published an article on her website (http://www.stagingtraining.com) noting that there is no better investment a home staging professional can make than in him or herself. The article, titled “Home Staging 101: Are You Investing in Yourself?” provides three tangible ways for business owners to invest in themselves.

Christine writes, “While investing into a mutual fund or a stock may net you a 10% return if you’re lucky, resources that you invest in your own knowledge and education will repay you hundreds, if not thousands, of times over.”

Certified Staging Professionals trains home stagers through a comprehensive course of study that includes 3 days in a classroom, 4 weeks of home study and 6 weeks of hands-on market coaching. CSP is also a resource for Realtors and home sellers to find and hire graduates of this highly accredited staging education program, for assisting them in successfully closing their real estate sale.

The entire article can be found at http://www.stagingtraining.com/articles/home-staging-101-are-you-investing-in-yourself.php

To learn more about Christine Rae and Certified Staging Professionals, please visit http://www.stagingtraining.com.

About CSP International™ Business Training Academy: 

CSP began as the brainchild of its founder and president, Christine Rae. A long-time corporate executive, Christine began with the CSP program and a goal of bringing her penchant for high standards and business ethics, together with her knowledge of design and the real estate industry to an industry without a map. Her own extensive training came from across North America including New York City, California, Texas and the Carolinas.  From her research Christine knew there was a need for a distinctly different approach to staging. Growing from one course to a complete school with several physical locations and 15 well trained instructors, the CSP program is the leading global source for finding highly trained stagers and is the primary destination for anyone wanting to become a stager, it is the company more real estate agents turn to, on behalf of their clients. They are a Canadian success story for sure but no longer strictly Canadian having expanded to the United States in 2006 and Australia in 2009.  The program has been translated into Mandarin; Global license opportunities currently under review include China, Germany and France.

About the CSP® designation: 

The CSP® designation is recognized by real estate professionals, builders, home stagers, decorators and home sellers for its brand reputation of excellence. The designation identifies home staging consultants who have achieved certification in the staging industry which included quality hands-on training with vigorous testing, apprenticeship, business process and ethics.

About Christine Rae:

Christine Rae, founder and president of the CSP International™ Business Training Academy, is well-known and well-respected for her work in the Real Estate Staging industry, author of Home Staging for Dummies, a small business growth expert, international speaker, trainer and developer of EcoStaging® Her passion for staging, décor, the green movement and successful entrepreneurial ventures is satisfied with her desire to help people.  Her talents are reflected in the success of the Academy. Christine’s dedication to excellence has developed CSP into an international success and into more than a training program – the CSP International Academy is a sustainable resource for continuing education, professionalism & a support network to its graduates.

Orlando, FL – November 22, 2011 – Christine Rae, President of CSP International Business Training Academy, a staging certification and Real Estate Strategy company, recently published a blog on her website (http://www.stagingtraining.com) discussing the importance of working smart, not simply working hard. The blog, titled “Home Staging Success: It’s not About Working Hard—It’s About Working Smart,” helps readers understand the value of seeking knowledge and understanding of the home staging industry.

Christine writes, “Working smart in the home staging industry means having a plan. It means developing the flair, the knowledge, and the right approach to marketing. Ultimately, it can mean a six figure income and the lifestyle you have always desired.”

Certified Staging Professionals trains home stagers through a comprehensive course of study that includes 3 days in a classroom, 4 weeks of home study and 6 weeks of hands-on market coaching. CSP is also a resource for Realtors and home sellers to find and hire graduates of this highly accredited staging education program, for assisting them in successfully closing their real estate sale.

The entire blog can be found at http://www.stagingtraining.com/blog/home-staging-success-its-not-about-working-hard-its-about-working-smart.php

To learn more about Christine Rae and Certified Staging Professionals, please visit http://www.stagingtraining.com.

About CSP International™ Business Training Academy: 

CSP began as the brainchild of its founder and president, Christine Rae. A long-time corporate executive, Christine began with the CSP program and a goal of bringing her penchant for high standards and business ethics, together with her knowledge of design and the real estate industry to an industry without a map. Her own extensive training came from across North America including New York City, California, Texas and the Carolinas.  From her research Christine knew there was a need for a distinctly different approach to staging. Growing from one course to a complete school with several physical locations and 15 well trained instructors, the CSP program is the leading global source for finding highly trained stagers and is the primary destination for anyone wanting to become a stager, it is the company more real estate agents turn to, on behalf of their clients. They are a Canadian success story for sure but no longer strictly Canadian having expanded to the United States in 2006 and Australia in 2009.  The program has been translated into Mandarin; Global license opportunities currently under review include China, Germany and France.

About the CSP® designation: 

The CSP® designation is recognized by real estate professionals, builders, home stagers, decorators and home sellers for its brand reputation of excellence. The designation identifies home staging consultants who have achieved certification in the staging industry which included quality hands-on training with vigorous testing, apprenticeship, business process and ethics.

About Christine Rae:

Christine Rae, founder and president of the CSP International™ Business Training Academy, is well-known and well-respected for her work in the Real Estate Staging industry, author of Home Staging for Dummies, a small business growth expert, international speaker, trainer and developer of EcoStaging® Her passion for staging, décor, the green movement and successful entrepreneurial ventures is satisfied with her desire to help people.  Her talents are reflected in the success of the Academy. Christine’s dedication to excellence has developed CSP into an international success and into more than a training program – the CSP International Academy is a sustainable resource for continuing education, professionalism & a support network to its graduates.

The fixation of the media on investment options recently brought an important question to my mind: how many home staging professionals are investing in their most valuable asset… themselves?

While investing into a mutual fund or a stock may net you a 10% return if you’re lucky, resources that you invest in your own knowledge and education will repay you hundreds, if not thousands, of times over.

As a home staging professional, you ultimately create the ceiling for the success of your career. How many clients you acquire, how many employees you hire, how dominant you are in your market, how much money you make… you are the only one who has the ability to limit yourself.

If your knowledge and understanding of the industry is constantly growing, so is the potential for your business.

On the other hand, if you keep doing the “same old thing”, why would you expect your results to change?

If you’re serious about succeeding with a home staging business, you need to invest in yourself. Here are three ways to begin:

1)     Create a reading list—and read on a daily basis! There is an incredible amount of information available if you are smart enough to look for it! Whether its books or blogs focused on business, sales, marketing, strategic planning, or tactics for the home staging industry specifically, I guarantee that you will be able to find valuable information that will have a real impact.

2)     Seek wisdom from experienced professionals who have found success. There is no substitute for experience—and whether we are talking specifically about home staging or about business in general, those that have found success are invaluable resources. Seek out professionals who are willing to share their knowledge with you. Ask them what contributed to their success. Ask them to share some of the lessons that they learned the hard way. Ask them what they would do to grow their business, if they were in your shoes. You will find some aren’t interested in sharing their secrets—but you’ll find plenty who are thrilled to share their knowledge  with you. At CSP International the apprentice and mentor program provides that foundation and resource.

3)     Take courses to increase your knowledge. Courses such as the CSP International Real Estate Staging Certification will fill in the “gaps” of your understanding of the home staging industry and provides a platform to take your business to the next level. At CSP, we utilize a combination of classroom, applied learning, home study and live coaching giving graduates the tools necessary for success. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity— Call 1 888 STAGING for more information!

There is no better investment that you can make than in yourself. As a home staging professional, your success is virtually unlimited. Investing into your own education and ability will allow you to grow your business and to truly live your dream. So forget the stock market—invest in yourself!

Don’t get me wrong– hard work is certainly a good thing. But in and of itself it’s not enough. Whether you are in the home staging business or some other industry, the reality is that it’s more important to work smart than it is to work hard.

What does that really mean? Working smart in the home staging industry means having a plan. It means developing the flair, the knowledge, and the right approach to marketing. Ultimately, it can mean a six figure income and the lifestyle you have always desired. (Yes! You can make money in this business)

Unfortunately, too many professionals in the home staging industry never achieve their dreams.

Instead, they work themselves into the ground—investing time into all of the wrong places. Whether it is chasing the wrong type of clients, marketing themselves through the wrong channels, or taking the wrong approach to presentations—too many home stagers work long hours, and have nothing to show for it at the end.

Nothing brings me more joy as a professional than providing these hard-working, dedicated professionals with the knowledge they need to turn their business into a success. That’s why I was thrilled last week to receive this message from an attendee of a recent class:

“I am SO glad I took this course! Christine Rae is a genius! She is a top-notch Instructor and a very classy lady…she made the class SO interesting and fun. Her ‘Co-Pilot’ Lynelle is equally skilled/savvy! I wish I had taken this course sooner!!! If anyone’s ‘thinking’ about taking this course…STOP THINKING…get on with your career…The CSP course will take you there! I had the ‘creative flair’ part down pat…was just needing some guidance around the business planning/pricing models…done and done…time to get this business rolling! Thanks.”

This individual experienced the “eureka!” moment that many home stagers never experience. She is now equipped with the knowledge, that combined with her skill set and work ethic, will allow her business to grow dramatically.

So remember: it’s not about working hard. It’s about working purposefully, equipped with the knowledge you need to succeed. To learn more, feel free to get in touch with me today!

In this course you will learn:

• What an online newsletter can do for you.
• How to collect and create a database of prospective clients.
• Create an easy online newsletter using a template program. (CONSTANT CONTACT)
• How to schedule and set up drafts for future sends.
• How to add a sign up to your website.
• And More…

INSTRUCTOR:

ANGELA BROOKS

WEBINAR / ONLINE PROGRAM

Course Fees:

$49.00 Non – CSP Members
$30.00 CSP Members

ALL participants earn 1 CE Credit towards attaining the CSP International Masters Designationupon successful completion of this webinar

In this course you will learn:

• What a weblog can do for your company
• How to attract a following of readers
• How to maximize the online exposure a blog can give you and your company
• 5 Entry Styles
• And More…

INSTRUCTOR:

ANGELA BROOKS

WEBINAR / ONLINE PROGRAM

Course Fees:

$49.00 Non – CSP Members
$30.00 CSP Members

ALL participants earn 1 CE Credit towards attaining the CSP International Masters Designationupon successful completion of this webinar

As professional staging consultants, we are first and foremost in the communications business. When serving our clients, it is not enough to KNOW what has to be said and not even enough to SAY what has to be said. It’s HOW you present yourself and your recommendations so that home sellers will listen, understand, accept and take action.

This system will give you a tried and true method that you can practice and perfect to increase your professional staging consulting expertise and effectiveness and expand your business.

INSTRUCTOR:

NAIRN FRIEMANN

WEBINAR / ONLINE PROGRAM

Course Fees:

$49.00 – NON-Members
$49.00 –CSP Members

“I did enjoy this recap of how to be with and talk with clients. I like Nairn’s no-nonsense approach; she appears very creative with a keen business sense (often thought of as opposites!” -Kathryn Wilson

ALL participants earn 1 CE Credit towards attaining the CSP International Masters Designationupon successful completion of this webinar

Learn how quality floral design can not only add flair to your staging projects but also contribute to positive emotional responses from buyers.

As professional stagers, our key objectives are to showcase the best features of a property and to distract from the weaknesses, which is often very challenging. When used strategically, attractive floral accents are an important marketing tool in this respect because of their power to attract attention.

A skilled application of floral design detailing will greatly enhance your staging projects and increase your staging success significantly.

INSTRUCTOR:

NAIRN FRIEMANN

WEBINAR / ONLINE PROGRAM

Course Fees:

$49.00 – NON-CSP MEMBERS
$49.00 – CSP MEMBERS

ALL participants earn 1 CE Credit towards attaining the CSP International Masters Designationupon successful completion of this webinar