Business by Design this month focuses on the million dollar marketing word for design professionals.

THIS MONTH:
+ The Word that Wows
+ What's Yours?

+ The Word that Wows
It's never been easier to buy elsewhere the design services and products you sell.

Bummer.

That's why you need to set yourself apart like never before.

Don't tell me you're different because you really care about your customers. Or because you turn design dreams into reality. Or because you have a flair for color.

I've heard it all hundreds of times. No, thousands.

I don't want your platitutes. I want your word.

I want your "only."

Tell me you're the only professional in the city who's won awards for both interior and furniture design. Tell me you're the area's only showroom manager with a degree in architecture.

Tell me you're the region's only kitchen and bath specialist whose work's been featured in international publications Tell me you're the only local window fashion professional who specializes in retirement homes.

Tell me what only you can do, and I'll hire only you.

+ What's Yours?
"Only" is the word. Identifying yours is the challenge.

Consider:

+ Your awards

+ How else you've been honored

+ Your design specialty

+ Your client niche

+ How many clients you've served -- and where

+ Where you've been published

+ How else your work's been featured

+ Where you've spoken or taught

+ Services only you offer

+ Products only you offer

+ Former career(s)

+ Educational degree(s)