Let's face it, I can't think of one person or business whose year 2009 was not, in some way, challenging. I (personally) and we (at Design Arts Seminars, Inc.) are no exception. We lived through it and learned a couple of things along the way:
- Focus on core values and do what you do best: I think this one is plain common sense but 2009 served as a reminder that we should focus on what sets us apart from the competition. This goes for individuals and businesses. Find your niche - aka competitive advantage - and stick to it. This is why your clients do business with you. It does not have to be complicated. It can simply be that you are reachable or that a human being answers your office line, etc. Whatever it is, nurture it and communicate on it.
- People is what matters: Clients, co-workers, employees, vendors, friends, family members... When people come together, great things happen. We are thankful for the support we received and were glad to return the favor every chance we got.
- Learn to fail: Like it or not (and I surely don't), failure is part of the journey. Most successful businesses and people have all had their fair share. Think of failure as an opportunity to learn. Think of it as a stepping stone to a better version of yourself. I know we have had our fair share of mishaps in 2009, each of which happened at the worst possible time. We took responsibility, figured out what caused the problem, took action and moved forward. It was not the first time and won't be the last.
These are three of my "lessons learned". I would love to hear your comments.
For me, the most important part has to do with people. Every time we get together, it is wonderful to see familiar faces and have a laugh or two.
As a licensed designer and also a LEED AP, I would like to see seminars that combine both requirements. In these times it is difficult to pay for all the CEU's required and as interior designers and architects are now becoming LEED certified, it would be great if you could somehow incorporate both. An accredited professional for both diciplines would have to conduct the seminar, but I'm sure that would not be a problem. If you do this, count me in for one of these seminars.
Thanks for bringing this up. I could not agree more, which is why we started the process to become a USGBC Education Provider. With more and more design professionals becoming LEED-accredited professionals, the request for continuing education courses that not only meet the state-mandated continuing education requirements but also fulfill the continuing education requirements established by GBCI (for LEED-accredited professionals) is increasing.
We - at Design Arts Seminars, Inc. - have always made a point to seek the widest accreditation possible. While it is not always an option, we try to get our courses:
1) approved by state boards that do pre-approve CE courses,
2) approved with IDCEC (Interior Design Continuing Education Council - ASID, IIDA, IDC, IDEC)
3) registered with the AIA (American Institute of Architects). The idea here being that if you are licensed in Florida and Texas for instance and also hold a membership in ASID or IIDA, attending one of our IDCEC-approved, AIA-registered courses allows you to earn CE credits toward both your state-issued licenses/registrations as well as toward your professional membership(s). Once we become an approved USGBC Education Provider, LEED APs will also earn credits toward the GBCI's requirements to maintain LEED-accredited status.
You are right. I am always amazed when I facilitate one of our seminars and see clients that have been with us from the start. It is a very rewarding experience and wonderful to know that we have been there for them from the start and they have trusted us for so many years and even overlooked our occasional misshaps.