Working for yourself is one of the most challenging and most rewarding career opportunities. When you’re your own boss, you don’t have to worry about multiple levels of approvals, stress of working with countless internal collaborators, or squeezing your time off into too-few vacation days.

But if you’re ready to make the leap and put your name on the door, it’s important to set the right foundation so your business thrives from Day 1. Everything from paying your self-employment tax to signing your first client can feel daunting and intimidating when you’re first starting out. That’s why we’ve put together some industry insider tips and tricks to give you the inside scoop from people who’ve been in your shoes.

Always Use a Contract

Your contract will be the lifeblood of your biz! No matter how big or small a project, it’s important to always do things the right way so that both you and your client are protected. A proper design contract outlines the full scope of work, the price, and the timeline for every project. That way, everything is written down, documented, and signed by both parties if questions ever come up.

Most designers use some type of contract with their own clients, so don’t worry about it feeling pushy or too formal. It’s beneficial for both you and your clients so that everyone gets exactly what they signed up for.

Discovery Call on Day 1

Getting to know your clients is one of—if not the most—important part of the job. You need to understand their style, their aesthetic, and their personality so you can deliver the most value. One of the best ways to do this quickly and efficiently is to set up an initial phone call that will help you do the information-gathering you need to set yourself up for success.

Make an overview (or use our template!) that outlines all the questions you have for your client before the call. That way, you have a guide for the conversation and can make the most of your time without skipping any important info!

Create a Consistent Process

Nothing makes you seem more professional than having a consistent and clear process from the outset. Decide how you will work with your clients and set the stage. Which project management tools do you use? What are your business hours? How do you like to meet with clients to deliver presentations or receive feedback? It’s important to establish all of these little details so that each of your clients gets the same amazing experience.

Outlining your own workflow and setting up templatized timelines for different types of projects is a great way to kick-start your process. You can always revise as-needed!

Collaborate with Other Designers

While interior design may seem like solo work, a lot of times, collaboration is the name of the game. You’ll need to create a design process that allows you to work closely with other designers so you can absorb their aesthetic and ensure that all of the work looks consistent and cohesive.

Think about close collaboration when you’re establishing your design process. Ensure that you build out a timeline that also allows you to work with your clients directly—instead of just for them—to achieve the best possible results and some jaw-dropping final designs.

If you’re ready to take the leap and become your own boss (and experience that amazing work-for-yourself work/life balance!) our VIDA Shop is an amazing resource. Check out all of our templates that will get you started and help you have a professional and profitable biz from the very start.