Let’s dive into the exciting world of virtual design assistance, shall we? Recently, one of our MC Virtual Interior Design Assistants had the opportunity to attend the 2023 Fall Market at High Point and it was a game-changer!
Virtual Assistants like us shine in the behind-the-scenes realm, handling the nitty-gritty administrative and procurement tasks that interior designers might not fancy! This trip was all about getting the lowdown on vendor prices, lead times, quality trends and soaking up all those panel awesome discussions for some process magic.
One of the highlights? Getting hands-on with the products. While Virtual Assistants often purchase items online for interior designers, there’s something special about experiencing them in person. It offers a fresh perspective on why designers choose certain products, and jotting down notes on vendors makes our jobs much easier.
Building relationships with representatives was another key takeaway. While designers typically handle client interactions, forming connections with reps proved invaluable. Strengthening these relationships streamlines the ordering process and ensures smoother transactions for all parties involved.
The panel discussions were a treasure trove of knowledge, with industry leaders sharing insights on business management. One particularly memorable moment was when John McClain, CEO of John McClain Designs, discussed renaming “management” fees to “project fulfillment,” offering a brilliant approach to proposal management.
In essence, events like High Point Market are crucial for VAs to stay updated on trends, refine processes, and deepen product knowledge. Bringing along your Interior Design Assistant to such events can be a game-changer for your business and your clients. After all, a well-informed VA is a valuable asset to any design team.
A big thank you to our team member Megan for sharing your experience with us! We loved hearing your input and look forward to many more HPMKT trips in the future from the MCVA team!
