One of the many challenges for up-and-coming designers (and those of us who have been in the industry for a while, too) is in the area of “working knowledge.” There’s a LOT to know and it seems like nothing but time is going to help you know it. But the guest on this episode proves that even though she’s been in the industry for over 20 years, there are clear things you can do to accelerate your learning curve.
Andrea Hysmith of A.S.H. Designs (in Ellicott City, MD) is an Interior Specialist, Kitchen and Bath Designer, Manufacturer Representative, Speaker, and Presenter, and has been sharing her knowledge of luxury design for over 20 years. She focuses on residential and light commercial spaces and recently opened her own design space in Ellicott City as the first woman of color to do so. She’s a hard-working, hustling woman who has done the work necessary to educate herself about her craft, all for the sake of serving her clients with excellence. You’ll learn a lot about developing your own working knowledge, faster, from her intentional approach, so be sure you listen.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut SocialIt’s easy to feel that you are handicapped when you need to know more about a specialized area of design but simply don’t. Andrea never let that stop her. She’s a “go get it” kind of woman. She takes the initiative to find the resources and open the doors that will provide her with the knowledge she needs — and you can do the same.
For example, at one point in Andrea’s career, she needed to know more about custom cabinetry so she reached out to establish a relationship with a custom cabinet builder and worked shifts in his facility to learn what she needed to learn. She’s done the same with painters, a plumbers, and other specialized tradesmen, all for the sake of educating herself at the source. Though it may seem that’s a lot of irons in the fire, Andrea says it’s all cohesive if you keep things integrated within a common goal or mission.
Special certifications can help you stand out in a crowded areaAndrea holds a special certification that Darla had never heard of. The National Association of Home Builders offers a “Certified Aging in Place Specialist” certificate and Andrea is one of those who have completed the course they offer. It’s a specialty in the design and refurbishment of homes to enable those who are aging or otherwise disabled to continue to live in their homes rather than having to move.
Andrea says this is especially important to her because she has clients who have been with her for many years. Her certification enables her to serve them in new, fitting ways as they age and the relationship continues. She’s also had people reach out to her specifically because she holds the certification, and at one community event a realtor who works primarily in retirement communities asked if Andrea would serve as a recommended service provider for those the realty group serves. Are there certifications that would serve the community where you work or the clientele you specialize in serving? If so, go get them!
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PODCAST FAST TRACK
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How to Use Influencers to GROW Your Business - Episode 201
Happy Holidays from Wingnut Social! – Episode 200
Jeff Harry: Why You Need to Infuse More Play in Your Day - Episode 199
Betsy Helmuth’s Guide to 10x Your Influence - Episode 198
Social Media Copyright Guidelines: How to Protect Your Content with Jamie Lieberman - Episode 197
How to Fuse Traditional + Digital Marketing with Steven Glaze - Episode 196
Rex Rogosch’s Take on the Future of Hospitality Design - Episode 195
How to Rewire your Mindset [Jarrod Haning’s Nobel-Nominated Process] - Episode 194
Andrea Freeman’s Method: Shift Your Mindset to Scale Your Business - Episode 193
Travel + Interior Design Photography Tips [Pro Ralph Velasco Shares] - Episode 192
Can Writing a Book Catapult Your Career? LuAnn Nigara Shares Her Thoughts - Episode 191
Differentiate Yourself: Amanda Berlin Says to Tell Your Story - Episode 190
Market Your Brand to Land a Licensing Deal [Victoria Larson's Strategy] - Episode 189
WHY the New Facebook Business Suite is Sweet - Episode 188
How to Collaborate with Nano-Influencers [Neal Schaffer’s Take] - Episode 187
The Ins and Outs of Instagram Alt Text - Episode 186
Positioning in Marketing: Create Your Unique Brand with Shannyn Lee - Episode 185
How IGTV Captions Help YOU Capture a Larger Audience - Episode 184
Fall in LOVE with Your Business Again with Kris Plachy - Episode 183
6 Ways YOU can Make Money on Social Media - Episode 182
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