From Beginner to Professional -
Establishing your garden design business
One of the difficulties that new Garden Designers face is the practicalities of making the leap from student – or beginner – to a professional with a thriving and well-run business. The subject is usually included in design courses, but it is rare that a design course will teach you everything you need to know.
There is a huge amount of general business information available, but much of it doesn’t apply to Garden Design. Therefore, I believe that a practical and focused guide to this subject is a must-have for every new designer and also for designers in their first few years of running their businesses.
I qualified as a professional trainer as part of my previous career, and have developed and delivered training courses throughout my working life. I loved creating these seminars, and hope you enjoy attending them too!
Each seminar is presented, via a zoom meeting, to small groups (8-10).
Asking questions and participation is encouraged and supported throughout.
Comprehensive handouts are emailed after the seminar, plus exclusive resources only available to attendees.
Seminars are booked through Eventbrite (link below)
Online Seminars for New Garden Design Professionals
Content Outline
Seminar 1 - Setting Up
Everything you need to know before you start trading - laying the groundwork for what kind of business yours will be, and getting you off to a great start!
Contents:
Type of Company to Create,
Types of Business Model,
What to offer - Services,
How to present your work - Products,
Getting Set up - Tools and Equipment,
Software and Licensing
Seminar 2 - Finding Your Vision
This seminar guides you through identifying and communicating your USP (Unique Selling Point) - or your brand identity - and for developing your business according to your vision.
Contents:
Identifying your USP,
Market research,
Understanding your ideal client,
Business plans.
Seminar 3 - Financial Management
Financial Management - the Basics. This seminar is packed with information about managing your money in the business, where it comes from, and where it goes!
Contents:
Quoting and Pricing,
Hourly Rates,
Monthly expenses,
Cashflow vs Profit,
Basic Bookkeeping.
Seminar 4 - Systems and Processes
Getting Organised, and maximising your productive time. This seminar will show you how to develop an array of templates, systems, and processes with which to efficiently run your business.
Contents:
The importance of being organised,
Developing Document Templates,
Filing systems,
Managing your workload,
Using software for task management,
Paperwork and Records
Seminar 5 - Professionalism and Credibility
The last seminar addresses an often unspoken issue - Professionalism and Credibility - how to have faith in yourself, and address imposter syndrome.
Contents:
Professionalism in documents, proposals, and communications,
Contracts,
Oversight and Training - professional competency,
Legal documents and policies,
How to think like a Business Owner