Are you stuck behind your laptop, wondering where your next high-value client will come from? It’s time to change that. High-end client acquisition starts with getting out, engaging with the right people, and placing yourself in environments where your ideal clients spend time. It’s one of the most effective ways to grow your design business. And the best part? It can be fun!
Episode Highlights
- 02:15 – “Why social clubs are a goldmine for networking”
- 07:30 – “How co-working spaces can lead to unexpected clients”
- 15:10 – “The power of art events and auctions for meeting collectors”
- 22:45 – “Finding the right high-end social groups and meetups”
- 30:20 – “How sporting events and exclusive travel attract luxury clients”
This isn’t about forced networking events or salesy conversations. This is about strategically integrating yourself into communities and experiences that naturally lead to business growth. Here’s how to do it.
Social and Business Clubs: High-Value Connections in the Right Spaces
If country clubs feel out of reach financially, consider social or business clubs. Many cities have exclusive yet affordable clubs where successful entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals gather—perfect for high-end client acquisition.
✓ Check out Invited Clubs (formerly Club Corp) for access to a network of clubs at a reasonable membership fee.
✓ Business clubs often have dining areas, networking events, and co-working spaces—ideal for meeting clients in a polished setting.
✓ Start your own networking circle within the club, positioning yourself as a connector and authority.
These spaces put you face-to-face with the people who can afford and appreciate professional interior design services.
Co-Working Spaces: Casual Conversations that Lead to High-end Client Acquisition
If you work from home, consider renting a desk at a co-working space—even if just for a few days a month. Entrepreneurs, CEOs, and executives use these spaces, and they often need help designing their office or home.
✓ Choose a co-working space that aligns with your brand (high-end, creative, professional).
✓ Attend networking events within the space—many offer happy hours, speaker series, and business mixers.
✓ Introduce yourself casually. You never know when someone needs a designer or knows someone who does.
Art Events and Auctions: Where Collectors Gather
Art collectors and high-end homeowners often frequent gallery openings, art auctions, and exclusive exhibits. These events provide a unique opportunity to meet clients who appreciate beauty and design.
✓ Research the galleries your ideal clients visit and attend their openings.
✓ Learn the language of art so you can engage in meaningful conversations.
✓ Attend VIP events when possible—these often attract serious collectors and investors.
Meetups and Social Groups: The Right Circles Can Lead to Clients
Not all meetup.com groups are created equal. Instead of random social outings, look for (or create) groups with affluent, design-conscious members—an excellent strategy for high-end client acquisition.
✓ Luxury car meetups attract high-net-worth individuals.
✓ Wine and champagne appreciation groups naturally foster great conversations in upscale settings.
✓ Private dining clubs or curated social groups ensure you’re networking with like-minded individuals.
✓ If the right group doesn’t exist, start your own. You control the guest list and set the tone.
Sporting and Outdoor Activities: A Natural Way to Connect
Golf, tennis, polo, and skiing aren’t just hobbies—they’re social opportunities. High achievers often participate in these sports, making them ideal for organic networking.
✓ Join a tennis or golf club where business leaders play.
✓ Participate in charity tournaments or benefit games where decision-makers gather.
✓ Attend tailgates for sporting events, where casual conversations can turn into business relationships.
One of my designers met two ideal clients at a football tailgate simply by striking up a conversation. It works!
Fashion, Trunk Shows, and Boutique Events
People who invest in their wardrobes often invest in their homes. Luxury fashion events, trunk shows, and boutique pop-ups are excellent places for high-end client acquisition, connecting you with clients who appreciate great design.
✓ Partner with personal stylists—their clients often need interior design services.
✓ Attend luxury fashion events and get on invite lists for high-end retailers.
✓ Host your own fashion-meets-design event, showcasing both personal and home style.
Private Travel and Exclusive Experiences
High-end clients are drawn to exclusive experiences, including private flights, yacht shows, and high-end travel events.
✓ Explore semi-private airlines like JSX, which cater to an upscale clientele.
✓ Attend boat and yacht shows, where affluent buyers are investing in second homes and luxury travel.
✓ Take part in destination experiences—whether it’s a luxury safari or a wine-tasting trip, you’ll meet like-minded individuals in the process.
Book Clubs and Intellectual Gatherings
If sports and social clubs aren’t your thing, consider book clubs, speaker series, and discussion groups.
✓ Join or start a book club for entrepreneurs or well traveled homeowners
✓ Attend literary salons or private speaker events, where you can engage with thought leaders.
✓ Create a design-focused discussion series, bringing together affluent homeowners and business owners.
Key Takeaways
Stepping into new circles and experiences should become part of your business development routine, especially when focusing on high-end client acquisition. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Choose one or two activities to integrate into your calendar.
- Commit to 90 days of participation—relationships take time to build.
- Engage in conversations naturally—never pitch your services outright.
- Be genuinely interested in people—the depth of your relationships determines the height of your revenue.
Networking isn’t about forcing connections—it’s about putting yourself in the right places so that opportunities flow naturally. The more you engage, the more memorable and magnetic you become.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design practice profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of interior design.
