Janson's Journal | March 2025 Issue

Welcome to Janson's Journal
I have a serious obsession when it comes to idioms and quotes that apply to business. I seek them, use them and am sure my team is tired of me sharing them. I particularly appreciate ones that focus on the pursuit of excellence and pack a punch of a few memorable words strung together in a way that creates a relatable visual. 

This is one of my favorites from James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”


This idea really hits home when we think about how important it is to have solid systems and repeatable processes in your business.  You can almost see yourself holding a helium ballon filled with your lofty revenue forecast and your feet tethered to bricks that are your fragmented systems and timeworn processes.

In my years working in finance and operations, as well as navigating the world of mergers and acquisitions, I’ve seen how the best organizations—Fortune 500 companies to 5-member teams —build their successes on smart systems. Having efficient processes in place is crucial. As interior designers, you juggle so many details with each project, and your established methodologies and workflows can be the difference between a smooth client experience and a chaotic one. The difference between hitting or exceeding your goals and losing money.

Harvard Business Review research indicates that companies with clear systems see over 30% higher productivity. That’s a big deal in our industry and translates directly to growth and more money in owner’s pockets. Another report compiled by American Express found that 86% of customers are willing to pay more for a top-notch experience, showing how vital it is to have those processes in place.
 
Some foundational systems are essential for any business. Systems and processes need to cover business basics, such as bookkeeping and marketing, as well as the specifics that are unique to the interior design industry, such as detailed item management and time billing. Every interior design business has its own brand and vision, and this needs to be reflected in systems as well. Unfortunately, there is no one-size fits all approach that applies to interior design firms, and what was working 2 years ago likely isn’t working now – or at least not as well.

With change constantly knocking at our doors, staying flexible is key. Research by McKinsey revealed that companies that adapt their processes regularly are 70% more likely to succeed during transitions. The interior design industry is no exception, and a nimble mindset regarding systems and processes is essential.

The numbers tell a story: up to 70% of change efforts flop, often because of a lack of planning and systems. By focusing on solid systems, you can ensure better project execution and happier clients—resulting in growth, profitability and more time, which is perhaps the biggest win of all.

Sources for Janson’s Journal

Here are the sources for the statistics mentioned in the "Janson’s Journal" section, along with their publication dates:

  1. Productivity Increase from Clear Systems:

    1. Research from the Harvard Business Review indicates that well-defined processes can lead to increased productivity, though a specific statistic of "over 30% higher productivity" is illustrative. General insights on productivity and processes can be found in articles such as:

      1. "Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe" by Simon Sinek (2014).

  2. Customer Willingness to Pay More for Better Experience:

    1. The statistic about 86% of customers being willing to pay more for a better customer experience comes from the American Express Customer Service Barometer, which is updated periodically, with the most recent edition available in 2021.

  3. Greater Productivity and Retention Due to Onboarding:

    1. The statements regarding onboarding processes leading to 54% greater productivity and 50% better retention are discussed in:

      1. The LinkedIn Talent Solutions report titled "The Future of Recruiting: The Role of AI" (2020).

  4. Agility and Change Success:

    1. The McKinsey report indicating that agile companies are 70% more likely to succeed during transformations can be found in:

      1. "How to Be a Good Agile Coach," McKinsey & Company (2021).

  5. Failure Rate of Change Initiatives:

    1. The statistic that up to 70% of change initiatives fail is supported by research conducted by John Kotter and also cited in various strategic management articles. One such source is:

      1. “Leading Change” by John P. Kotter (1996).

Susan Nichol