147. Protecting yourself with a contract. Why you need a contract as an interior designer with Erica Gelman

In this episode, designer extraordinaire and returning guest, Erica Gelman and I sat down to talk all about contracts! We covered why you need a contract, and what should be in it. If you're a designer and are looking for some insight on what to include in your design services contract, this episode is for you! We both share some lived experiences that should help you fast forward and skip a few pitfalls.  Erica is candid and an open book throughout the entire episode. She unexpectedly shares her story of being sued by a client and walks us through exactly what happened. Her experience prompted her to want to share her insights with our audience so that others can learn from her without having to go through it themselves. About Erica Erica Gelman is the principal designer of Erica Gelman Design Inc in Toronto. She graduated from the esteemed International Academy of Design & Technology and leads a talented team. Erica prides herself on a keen eye for detail; combining formal training with her flair for style and impeccable sense of colour to create truly unique spaces. Erica’s work can be seen in numerous national lifestyle publications. Her design approach is simple yet sophisticated; a combination of lush textures and bold patterns infused together to create timeless designs. Once you have a contract and it's signed with a client, follow your own contract, and hold yourself accountable. You expect your client to fulfill every part of the agreement, so make sure you do the same. Read your contract if you forgot! Every time you send one off just read it again, You’re investing in your own business by doing so, you’re putting in the time and you’re making sure that everything you’ve said to them doesn’t just stay on a piece of paper but it actually happens. Erica Gelman You can connect with Erica on Instagram @erica_gelman or on her website at www.ericagelman.com. --------------------- Have you heard? I've got a new Free masterclass, Consultations that Convert! Join me on Wednesday, March 22 to learn how I run my consultations, things to avoid, and how to make the offer and sell your services so that you can convert your consultations into full design projects!  Save your seat here: https://rebeccahay.com/masterclass    Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/ ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/ ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses: ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course  ➡️ Waiting for Power of Process? It's coming back soon, click to learn more about my systems building course.   Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!