Furniture showrooms not only give you an opportunity to learn by viewing sample interiors, but they also give you an opportunity to learn from the people who work there. If the store employs decorator/salespeople, you can ask questions about decorating (you can also ask for advice for your job search!). You can do the same at any retail store that sells products used for home decorating (paint, carpet, lighting, building materials, hardware stores, etc.)
Even if the salesperson is not a decorator, they may be a good source of information about the products they are selling. They can answer questions, and may be able to give you samples or written information. Be friendly and express appreciation for their help; remember, they are paid to make sales, and you will be asking for free advice.
Retail staff are likely to have more time to spend with you if you go at a slower time of day (such as a weekday morning) instead of a Saturday afternoon when they are busy helping customers.
You will find additional helpful advice on how to contact retailers and other industry experts to learn about decorating costs.
Companies that manufacture home decorating products – from flooring to fabrics – can provide a wealth of information about those particular products. Many manufacturers have local sales representatives (known as "manufacturers representatives") who may be willing to speak with you. However, these people are busy, and many prefer not to deal directly with the public. If you have ever tried to buy something directly from a large manufacturer, they probably referred you to a retail store. Put the word out to your network of contacts (friends, family, etc.) that you want to be introduced to people who work for manufacturers of home decorating products such as furniture, paint, or whatever products you want to learn more about.
If you don't have a personal connection in a particular industry, another option is to try contacting a company's public relations department. The public relations department may be able to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can. Or you can sign up to receive emails and newsletters from your favorite suppliers to get information on new products and trends before they even hit the stores.
Of course, you should also use your network of contacts to ask to be introduced to anyone working as an interior decorator or designer. If possible, go beyond getting a name and telephone number. Ask the individual who personally knows the decorator to contact them, explain that you are learning about interior decorating, and see if you can call them to ask a few questions.
If absolutely no one in your network knows anyone who is a decorator or designer, you can try arranging a meeting with a cold call. Grab the Yellow Pages and start dialing. Explain that you are studying interior decorating and ask if you can arrange to meet with the decorator for 20 minutes to ask a few questions. People are much more likely to agree to a meeting if they know it won't take too much time. Be prepared that the decorator may not be available for a personal meeting but may be willing to answer questions on the phone or by email. If they make such an offer, take them up on it! If you have your heart set on a personal meeting, try using your persuasive communication skills and say you would appreciate the opportunity to see how their office is decorated.
If a decorator agrees to a meeting, arrive on time and come prepared with a list of questions. At the 20-minute mark, acknowledge that your time is up, say you know the decorator is busy, and offer to leave. If the decorator doesn't have another appointment, they may be happy to extend the meeting. If you want to make a good impression, it's usually not a good idea to stay longer than agreed without permission. After the meeting, make sure you send a thank you note to the decorator and, if someone referred you, thank that person as well. If you make a good impression on the decorator, it might lead to future opportunities such as an internship, mentoring, or even a job.
Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Webworldarticles.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.
This article was sent to us by:
Mioara T. at
03012010
1. Interior Decorating only with symmetrical balance
All articles in this directory are property of their respective authors. Additionally, read our Privacy Policy
© 2010 WebWorldarticles.com - All Rights Reserved.