Pros Reveal How They Save Time & Increase Productivity Each Week
Design pros share how they're working smarter and boosting efficiency during these busy times
In busy periods such as these, it pays to have systems in place to help you optimise productivity, work smarter and save time. Rethinking how you structure your work day, asking clients the right questions and investing in quality business software can all help you achieve improved workflow and keep stress to a minimum, according to these pros. Read on to discover other steps they’ve taken to boost performance and save time.
Having a jam-packed schedule isn’t the only reason to find ways to streamline your everyday working practices, says Tristan Haddock, director at building firm Renotech Building. “Apart from the run-of-the-mill spot fires that come with running a construction company, the industry is currently dealing with erratic weather, personnel and material shortages. So every minute of every day needs to be easily accounted for.”
A simple but effective way to minimise wasted time is to make sure you’re asking prospective clients the right questions during the initial phone call, says Anne-Marie Kruithof, interior designer and principal at Fuchsia Interiors.
These questions include:
These questions include:
- What is the scope of the project?
- Have trades or a builder been engaged?
- What is the timeline for the works?
- What is your budget?
- Have you had experience working with a designer before?
“If the project mostly requires decorating or the client seems unsure, I will offer an initial one- to two-hour consultation with a fee for service, and then go from there,” says Kruithof. “I find this very successful as it creates a level of confidence for the client to then engage my full services.”
Find out how Houzz Pro can help you run your business and manage your leads
Find out how Houzz Pro can help you run your business and manage your leads
“I also use the services of a bookkeeper so I’m not bogged down spending all my time doing admin work,” she says.
“For drafting and documentation work, I have templates set up and ready to go on my computer.
“Sourcing furniture and accessories can mostly be done online, however, if I need to I visit suppliers. I will also schedule as many other client meetings that fit in on the same day as possible.
“I also avoid clients who are looking for a ‘cheap quick fix’ and instead focus on clients who are seeking quality-driven projects,” says Kruithof.
“Sourcing furniture and accessories can mostly be done online, however, if I need to I visit suppliers. I will also schedule as many other client meetings that fit in on the same day as possible.
“I also avoid clients who are looking for a ‘cheap quick fix’ and instead focus on clients who are seeking quality-driven projects,” says Kruithof.
Haddock also finds having templates ready to go on his computer is a great time-saver. “We create templates within our software so we don’t have to manually input all the information for every project. This means only minor tweaking per job is required for initial project set-up,” he says.
“Having set routines, such as setting time aside each week or day for certain tasks including admin, also helps me save time and energy as it frees up other times for blocks of uninterrupted work,” says Haddock.
Find, network with and browse the work of other professionals on Houzz
Find, network with and browse the work of other professionals on Houzz
Choosing business software that is specifically tailored for the needs of design and renovation professionals, such as Houzz Pro, will also streamline your work processes and save you serious time, says Melanie George, manager of the client success team for Houzz. “Pros are always ‘on’ and they need a system they can access from anywhere, whether it’s on their laptop or an app on their phone.”
Houzz Pro lets them do just that: “It streamlines and centralises the processes for each project. Everything is in one place so there’s no need to flip back to your inbox or check your calendar – you can work solely from Houzz Pro,” says George.
Houzz Pro lets them do just that: “It streamlines and centralises the processes for each project. Everything is in one place so there’s no need to flip back to your inbox or check your calendar – you can work solely from Houzz Pro,” says George.
“It saves you time by automating processes – for example, pre-filled templates with line items, terms and conditions, and billing cycles that can be used again and again without the need to start from scratch with every project. This also reduces the chance of mistakes as there’s less room for human error,” says George.
“You can use the client dashboard to communicate with clients on the status of each job. The dashboard includes a message history, a project timeline that pros can then build and share with clients, and daily logs where you can share regular updates on the job site, including photos,” she says.
Houzz Pro also allows for easier collaboration with subcontractors and team members. “You can invite them to collaborate and then send tasks straight out to them from within the software,” she says.
Houzz Pro also allows for easier collaboration with subcontractors and team members. “You can invite them to collaborate and then send tasks straight out to them from within the software,” she says.
According to George, one of the Houzz Pro features that design professionals are particularly loving is the Product Clipper tool: “It lets you save specs and imagery for each product they source into a personal library so you don’t need to waste time downloading and pasting.
“And enhanced search functionality makes it easier to find products and services – including documents and room boards – within a project.”
“And enhanced search functionality makes it easier to find products and services – including documents and room boards – within a project.”
Some other useful features on Houzz Pro include:
- Project Tracker tool: Allows you to easily keep track of the status of every product and service, and create schedules.
- Takeoffs: Allows you to transform construction plans into estimates in just a few minutes.
- Xero integration: This new feature makes Houzz Pro a true end-to-end solution as you can sync all your project details with your accounting system.
It’s all part of saving your valuable time and helping you work smarter so you can focus on the things you love – producing great work and bringing your clients’ visions to life!
Your turn
How do you save time by working smarter on a day-to-day basis? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Keen to spend more time and energy on the projects that align with your business goals? Find out how in this story – Perfect Match: How to Identify Your Ideal Clients
Your turn
How do you save time by working smarter on a day-to-day basis? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Keen to spend more time and energy on the projects that align with your business goals? Find out how in this story – Perfect Match: How to Identify Your Ideal Clients