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Similar to starting any business, starting a home decorating business involves creating a solid business plan. Your business plan should include information such as the budget for your business, the type of clients you wish to have, and the medium you will use to reach your clients. Decide whether you will be a product-driven decorator or will be a consultant who does not sell products. There is room for both types of decorators in the industry. Remember to consider how and from where you will purchase your inventory, and don't forget to include costs such as insurance and vehicle maintenance. You may need to consult with several specialists for help in this area, as requirements vary by state, county and municipality. Make sure you have the appropriate business license before decorating any homes on commission. The Department of State can provide you with the business licensing and permit requirements for you to start a business in different states. Keep in mind that these requirements may vary widely based on state. Consult an insurance agent to help you find the proper coverage to protect your personal assets from business liabilities. Talk to a tax professional to learn how to ensure that your company is paying the correct amount of taxes. See an attorney or consult the Department of State (for your state) for guidance in incorporating your company. Startup costs for decorating businesses are often relatively low and you likely won't need a big budget to begin.Two must-haves are a good computer and reliable transportation that is also in good condition. Your basic startup costs will include the purchase of sample books, business cards, software, and promotional tools (such as brochures or any advertising you might like to do). You'll likely need to prepare a certain amount of working capital to start your decorating business. Unless you plan to work from a home office, you'll need to pay rent for an office space, electricity and internet access. You may need to pay for parking space for yourself and your future clients. A good business name will be something that is evocative, professional, and memorable. Thinking about choosing a name that is imaginative to show your clients your creative side. However, it's probably best to avoid a name that's too "cute" or trendy. Your business name should provide insight into the kind of professional work your interior decorating company will provide. Give your company name a lot of thought. Selecting a business name is one of the most important steps in planning your business. Don't underestimate the power of your name. Some of the best names for businesses are simply a combination of your name and what you do; for example, "Jake Collins Decorating". Advertising can follow many different paths. You may want to start spreading word of your business by word of mouth; to do this, you should speak with as many members of your community as possible. Let them know about your business and encourage them to contact you with any potential inquiries. Make sure you attend any markets or trade shows where people might be going to look for goods for their homes, and discuss your availability as an interior decorator. Once your business is official, you can start advertising in newspapers, on radio, or on television. This is a great way to spread information about your business without depending on word of mouth alone. You will reach a much larger audience this way. A great way to advertise your decorating business is by starting a website. You should fill this website with as many pictures as possible of your home designs and decorations. Other decorators and designers, as well as architects and real estate agents, may be able to offer you referrals. If there is any sort of builders or decorators guild in your area, join it to start connecting with other professionals in your line of work. Using social media is a great way to network with other professionals, and to promote your business. Keep an active blog so that people can see what you're doing in a day-to-day manner. Using your online presence to promote other people's work encourages them to promote your work as well.
Write a business plan. Research requirements for permits, licensing, and insurance. Consider startup costs. Select your business name. Market your decorating business. Network with other professionals.