|
Author: Lise Richards Article source: http://www.elsevier.com/. Used with author's permission.
For the past several years I have seen the emergence of a new trend called 'Lifestyling'. Lifestyling encompasses many elements on gracious living, extravagant and memorable entertaining, architecture, home design, and tips on where to live comfortably in spaces large and small, with less effort or clutter than you can imagine. In fact, this trend has effectively blurred the lines of traditional titles and professions. New ideas and new inspiration have created new sales to the tune of over 70 million dollars for one large company.
But haven't good ideas for living always been around? The answer is yes. Certainly there have been people in the past that shared tips and ideas through books and magazine articles on how to entertain, or make a special recipe; they were mostly focused on one area. Lifestyling gurus help you capture all the pieces and put them together graciously and quickly. Collectively, they promote ideas on living, entertaining, decorating, gardening, fashion and design. The focus of some of the ideas is glamorous while others are much more practical. In fact, some of the ideas are not really "new" at all, just regenerated information with a twist. Today, Lifestyling books contain the complete picture. Add to that the convenience aspect. We can obtain many of these ideas in articles, books, websites, TV and video. Product endorsements and specialized lines are also available to top Lifestylists. Can you see why the opportunities are endless?
Who are the Lifestylists?
Unless you've been whisked away to an island without TV, Internet access or a newspaper, you can't escape the ideas and publicity generated by Ms. Martha Stewart. Hands down, Martha is the most well known Lifestylist out there. Whatever your take on her style, or where her career is currently headed, she has created a multi-million dollar industry all to herself.
You may also be familiar with other Lifestylists like Susie Coelho, Carolyne Roehm, Sheila Bridges, Katie Brown and Colin Cowie to name a few. These Lifestylists were former fashion models and business owners, interior or furniture designers, caterers or event planners. Whatever their background, the ideas and information contribute in large ways to this new industry. In an era when fast food and fast pace reign supreme, and etiquette and formal parties have fallen off, they have brought the idea of homemaking and fabulous entertaining back into style.
Standing out within a proven trend
All of the ideas are not perfect for everyone. In a world where we are embracing our diversity and individual contributions, there is no doubt that the current crop of Lifestylists can stand a few more ideas. We are all becoming conditioned to receiving large amounts of information at a time. Think about how a consumer might question the value of a cookbook with just recipes over a book that explains how to shop, prepare, serve, decorate and entertain all in one book. Which do you think might capture more interest? Are your services just as interesting?
Are you capitalizing on this trend?
We are all guilty of focusing on our core competencies. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But once you've become efficient or obtained expert status in one area, it's time to expand your offerings. If you want to expand your offerings by turning what you do into a lifestyle brand - think big and think differently. Thinking of yourself as a complete brand is worthwhile to you, your clients, and your current revenue.
Look at ways you can naturally and effortlessly expand what you do. For example, I hired a caterer recently to provide food for a shower I was throwing. It would have made my life much easier if he had offered to provide complete event-planning services as well. It is a natural expansion. Even If he doesn't know a thing about planning those events or did not have the staff to do so he can easily team up with event planners that do.
Riding the trend requires a different way of thinking. Caterers are not just providing food; they become consultants in entertaining. Decorators don't just decorate; they style a room around a style of life.
Can you do it too?
Of course you can! Begin where you are with what you have.
- Take note of the new trend and think about what compliments your current services;
- Think about how to make your client's life easier by providing more ideas, value and assistance in executing those ideas. If you don't know how to do something different, seek out the information and learn it, or
- Team up with other professionals that add something complimentary to your core service;
- Reinvent your title to match your new service offerings;
- Educate your client with the information you have, but have not used and;
- Strive to provide something unique in your market.
About The Author
Lise Richards is the founder of the Artistic Lifestyling program, which helps design trade professionals, capitalize on the Lifestyling trend. The Artistic Lifestyling program is available through a licensing agreement and is expanding throughout the United States. For more information, about expanding your design and decorating services, email her at LiseRichards@ArtisticLifestyling.com
director@centerofcreativity.com
Is Your Company in Need of Family Therapy?
Underlying dynamics of a healthy company versus a dysfunctional one.
Pay-Per-Click Search Engines: A Really Bad Investment
What was once such a good thing is now a rip-off and a sham! I'm talking about pay-per-click search engines, and how they've become a really bad investment! T...
OJT - On The Job Training
Managers have two powerful ways of improving the performance and productivity of their subordinates, which are counseling and on the job training.
Full Body Awareness
This exercise should help you to feel rejuvenated and refreshed as you're drawing energy from an infinite pool. Do this exercise whenever you're depressed or do...
Can Writing Actually Improve Your Health?
Can keeping a personal journal actually improve your physical health? Experts say "yes"!
Music Software 101
Want to find out how to listen to all your favorite songs whenever you want? If so, you'll want to learn more about music software and how you can install some ...
Grains and Weight Loss--Do Whole Grains Help You Lose Weight?
Whole grains and weight loss have a definite, scientific, and proven connection. Perhaps that is not the best way or most accurate way to say it. It is actuall...
Christian Yoga?
There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue of Time magazine. This particular article covers a spectrum of opinions about mixing Christianity wi...
The Pain Factor
Last year I told an acquaintance that at the age of 46, I had taken up running. The reply was, "Oh, that's awfully hard on your knees." At first I was taken a...
Is Looking At Pornography The Same As Adultery?
Pornography has snuck into our homes like Satan did with Eve in the Garden of Eden, tempting even the purest of heart. Some people have never thought about look...
9 Steps to Getting Better Search Engine Rankings
You finally have a website and you are ready to sit back and let the visitors start rolling in. How does that saying go? "If you build it they will come." Thi...
Westie Pups - How to Prepare for Your Westie Puppy
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you will need to prepare before you bring home your westie puppy. The needs of westie pups are not tremendous, but the...
Poker Parenting: 4 Ways Poker Skills Produce Parenting Thrills
This article takes the unique and interesting approach of relating poker to parenting/fatherhood. It provides the reader with 4 ways to utilize poker skills an...
Credit Report – Watch Out for Parking Tickets
Small unpaid debts such as parking tickets are now showing up on credit reports. You should be aware that small debts can hurt you when you try to obtain credi...
Cell Phone in Forests
We are putting cell phone towers in the forests for safety, tourists and Forest Service Workers. Sounds like a good idea alright. They will also help when fight...
Learning the Secret of Contentment (Part 1)
Paul lived in a time when Christianity was more respectable church membership. It was more than a handshake and more than shouting amen; it was more than holdin...
Why Forex Traders Plan To Fail Before They Even Place Their First Trade & How You Can Know It & ...
Most budding traders do not understand the time bomb they sit on when they first structure their own trading system. This article will detail 3 main areas where...
How to Treat Your Liver Right
Find the foods you need to eat to regenerate your liver. Your liver is central to your health and by drinking and eating the right kinds of foods you will redu...
Better Results by Spending Less Money on Your PPC Campaign
Spend less money and get better results with your PPC campaign by working on your keyword selection.
The Perfect Baby Shower Gift
Choosing the perfect baby shower gift can be frustrating. Choosing a gift for mom and baby doesn't have to be hard. There are solutions to making the right imp...
Leadership Skills and Ability
What is true Leadership.
Yoga and Christianity a Conflict?
Some critics argue that Yoga and Christianity cannot co-exist, and yet we know that Yoga is not a religion. Are the Salem witch trials still so close to our he...
Go Ahead, Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Call a Reporter
Yes, you can call a reporter.
Choose To Become An Encourager
The childhood chant "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is a lie. Positive or negative, words leave a mark. The mark is not on ...
|
Print this page