Imagine being able to travel the world, experience new cultures, and still run a thriving interior design business. For my coaching client, Megan Siason, founder of M Studio Interior Design in Southern California, this dream has become a reality. By strategically structuring her business, Megan has managed to integrate her love for travel with her passion for design, all while maintaining a successful practice. In this article, we’ll explore how Megan built her business around travel and how you can apply similar strategies to create a life and business you love while running a remote design business.
1. The Power of Outsourcing and Remote Team Building
One of the key strategies Megan used to build her travel-friendly business is outsourcing. With a remote team in place, Megan can focus on the parts of the business she loves while delegating tasks that can be done by others. Her team includes a virtual assistant, an admin extraordinaire, and a drafting expert, all working remotely to keep the business running smoothly while she’s on the road.
Outsourcing has allowed Megan to maintain a high level of service for her clients, even when she’s thousands of miles away, running a remote design business. Weekly project updates and regular communication ensure that her clients always feel connected and informed, regardless of her location.
2. Structuring Business for Flexibility and Freedom
Travel is a big part of Megan’s life, thanks to her boyfriend David’s generous time off as a tenured teacher. To make this work, we restructured her business with smart systems, increased rates, and a solid foundation that supports her lifestyle. By planning her travel around her business and vice versa, she has found a balance that allows her to enjoy both without compromising on either.
We made Megan’s approach with her clients transparent about her travel plans. She schedules meetings strategically, maintains consistent communication, and ensures that all projects stay on track, even if she’s halfway around the world. This transparency builds trust and reassures clients that their projects are in good hands.
3. Leveraging Technology for a Seamless Experience
Technology plays a crucial role in Megan’s ability to run her business from anywhere. Tools like Zoom, project management software, and digital signing platforms enable her to manage projects, communicate with clients, and keep everything organized, no matter where she is. Megan has embraced these tools to create a seamless experience for both her and her clients, making her business truly global—a must for running a remote design business.
For Megan, the shift to digital tools was a game-changer, especially during the pandemic. It allowed her to continue working with clients remotely and maintain her business’s momentum, proving that physical location is no longer a barrier in the design industry.
4. Traveling for Inspiration and Personal Growth
Megan’s extensive travels have not only enriched her personal life but also influenced her design work. From the vibrant colors of Cuba to the intricate architecture of Italy, each destination provides fresh inspiration that she brings back to her projects. This global perspective adds depth and uniqueness to her designs, setting her work apart in a competitive market.
Moreover, travel has allowed Megan to connect with like-minded individuals and expand her network, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s meeting new clients, exploring design trends in different countries, or simply recharging her creative energy, travel has become an integral part of her strategy for running a remote design business.
5. Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance
Like any entrepreneur, Megan faced challenges in building a business that allows for so much travel. Early on, she worried about how clients would react to her frequent trips. However, by organizing her schedule, maintaining open communication, and delivering consistent results, she overcame these concerns and found a balance that works for her and her clients.
Megan’s success story is a testament to the power of strategic planning and the willingness to adapt. By prioritizing her personal life and aligning her business around it, she has created a model that many designers can aspire to. It’s not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter and designing a business that supports the life you want to live—a crucial mindset when running a remote design business.
Key Takeaways
Megan Siason’s journey shows that it’s entirely possible to build a successful interior design business that allows for extensive travel. By outsourcing, leveraging technology, and structuring her business around her lifestyle, Megan has created a thriving practice that supports her passion for both design and exploration. For designers looking to integrate travel into their lives, Megan’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration on how to make it work while running a remote design business.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design business 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 design and the business of home.
