What would a month of expert advice be without a few of the lessons I’ve learned along the way, right??

I have had a lot of great advice in my life about all kind of things, much of which I have shared here with you before.  You never know when you might learn a great lesson and I am always patiently waiting for the next one to come along and lucky for me, it always does!

But when I think back on the best advice I ever received regarding my business, one moment stands out loud and clear! I had gone back to school to get my interior design degree after finishing one in accounting. I had just arrived on the scene back at the University of Arkansas (Go Hogs!!) and met with my advisor in interior design, Sylvan Eldringhoff.

I was considering getting a minor in the Arts to fill some of my hours because my accounting degree had met all my electives. With a 4 year design degree on tap that could not be completed any quicker, I had plenty of time to work in some other educational opportunities.  So as I was batting around the idea of an art history minor, Sylvan looked at me squarely and told me what a miss it would be not to get my MBA. And my first thought was “This guy is BRILLIANT!!!!!” and he was!

Apparently Sylvan had been kicking himself for years for not doing the same as he also had both a business degree and an interior design one. And as he proceeded to remind me after all, such a big part of owning a successful interior design firm is having not only  a knack for business but a real expertise in it! It’s finding a perfect balance between letting all of your creative juices flow and pushing yourself to capitalize on money-making opportunities so you can be passionate and profitable all at the same time!

To this day, Sylvan gave me the best piece of business advice I have ever received!! And thank God I took his advice and got that Masters Degree. It has served me well every day of my career.

With that advice in mind, I know there are many designers who are searching for answers to business questions and I am passionate about helping you! My Designer MBA Camp was made to answer those questions and help you turn your business into a successful, long-term, money-producing venture. Today I am thrilled to announce the dates for my next Designer MBA Camp.

October 3-5, 2012

Tobi Fairley Studio

Little Rock, AR

Learn More Now >

Stayed tuned; I’ll be sharing a couple more pieces of advice later in the month and announcing more dates for future camps!

xo, Tobi