Thanks to a number of television programs such as HGTV & TLC and mobile applications which allow individuals to create floorplans and find the perfect color palette all on their own, more homeowners are inspired to DIY which in our case stands for Design It Yourself. Now for the homeowner this trend brings joy and a feeling of accomplishment, but for designers it is a feeling of disappointment and the lose of yet another potential client. If only we could find the same enjoyment and passion for DIY that our clients have, maybe we could find a compromise and work with them to create something even more exciting that they never knew they could create without your help. The key is to build trust and take the time to educate your client on what it truly means to design and what benefits can come from working with a professional while also handing over some the control that they so desire. 


While most designers are uncomfortable with the idea of working with a DIY client and would rather pass on a job with said client we must try and understand and face the fact that his trend is here to stay and no matter how much we try to avoid it we will only come across DIY clients in larger quantities throughout our careers. Take that energy you put towards despising this trend and use it to learn more about it. And as this market of clientele grows, ask yourself this question....will your business grow with it? 


Still can't picture yourself engaging in the DIY market? Don't make that decision yet until you've sat through Tuesday's discussion presented by design industry speaker Lloyd Princeton, "Evolving Your Business with the DIY Consumer." After this presentation you will have the knowledge and confidence to take on that client you thought you could never work with and add another strength to your already successful design business. 


For more inspiration and ideas on how to get involved in this trend, visit some of the links below:
http://www.outoftheboxroomdesign.com/
http://imatchdesigners.com/design-professionals/the-secret-behind-great-diy-interior-design/
http://www.designsponge.com/

Do you find that no matter what your career, financial situation, social or relationship status is, you find yourself constantly dissatisfied, trying to fill an inner void? Feeling like you're constantly moving but not getting anywhere? Then ask yourself this, are you being true to your Passion, Purpose and Potential?

Most people live their life "following the herd," losing their own identity and personality in the process. These people usually base their beliefs and faith in others, tailoring there thoughts and ideas to what society believes to be "acceptable". 

Leading empowerment coach, Allyson Spellman is living proof that it is never too late to rebuild your life and Unleash Your authentic Voice. She has created Unleash Your Voice a brand dedicated to helping women unleash their authentic voice. She wants to let women know that the void they are seeking to fill is already within themselves and the key to finding your true self is to stop "following the herd."

On Tuesday, May 21st, BiTTT had the honor of hosting an event with Allyson Spellman where she inspired our ladies to make a change, stop settling for less and follow their intuition. The journey to self realization is a long but rewarding one, and this event was just the beginning. For those who attended, we encourage you to visit Allyson's web page and blog at www.unleashyourvoice.com and continue discovering your self worth. For those who missed the event, visit our photo gallery for images of the event and be inspired!; because its never too late to make a change.

The BiTTT community would like to take this time to offer their condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Laura Rothfuss who was killed in a cycling accident in
East Harlem last Thursday, June 8th .

Laura was only 25 years old and one of the newest members to the BiTTT community, introduced to the group by Sherri Skov. Laura was well on her way to success as she was due to start a new Full-Time position in sales at John Houshmond in just 2 weeks. May she be remembered as the adventurous, determined and sweet girl that she was.

On Tuesday, April 23rd, we held our social media event, How To Rock Social Media...Visually!, at the Grohe Live! New York City showroom. Let me start off by saying, Wow! what a beautiful space to experience. Very modern, flexible and inviting, not to mention the wonderful staff who helped prepare and make this event possible.

I am positive that all our members will agree, Lena West is a fantastic speaker! She actually made social media...fun! And with all the tips and tricks like checking group stats on LinkedIn and creating short videos with Vine, their was options for everyone no matter how big or small of an online presence one wanted to create. Some of our members wasted no time in putting their new knowledge to work, and started tweeting, pinteresting and facebooking right in the middle of the event. In a typical setting one might say, "how rude", but at a social media event, Why Not! 

I hope you all enjoyed and learned a lot from this event. Remember to sit down with that cup of tea, find your market and be social online. We can't wait to see how all of your blogs and media platforms evolve in the weeks to come. Leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts on the event and how do you feel about tackling social media now? 


Stay tuned for more images,
and video (for those who couldn't make it), within the next week.

Congratulations to BiTTT member and owner of Brooklyn-based custom, handmade carpet company, Malene Barnett, on her graduation from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses program for female entrepreneurs
and for her feature on the Morning Joe show.

If you missed the show check out the video,
where Malene shares the design process and inspiration for her custom carpets.
 

Thank to Carlisle, one of our November scholarship event sponsors, for hosting this wonderful event
in honor of Lana Lawrence and the BiTTT scholarship fund.

It is their kind of generosity that keeps the BiTTT organization alive and able to continue achieving our mission
to give back to the design community. The scholarship fund is just one way we've achieved this mission.

Thank you Carlisle, for your continued support of the BiTTT organization.