Are You Letting Opportunities Pass You By? Here’s How to Stop Waiting and Start Closing More Deals

Ever feel like exciting projects and new clients are just out of reach, or that people mention they’ll refer you but then… crickets? You’re not alone—and trust me, it’s not because you’re not awesome at what you do. In this post, I’m breaking down my favorite strategies from my latest podcast episode to help you actually catch and close those opportunities you might not even realize are floating by! From simple tracking tools to creative follow-ups, let’s talk about how you can get proactive, stand out, and land more business—without feeling pushy or awkward!

Missing Out Without Even Knowing It

Let’s be real: most designers (myself included, once upon a time!) are so busy keeping all our project plates spinning that it’s super easy to just gloss over BIG opportunities. I hear this all the time in my Luxury Client Academy—someone tells you, “I’d love to refer you!” and you say, “Thanks!” and then… nothing happens. Or a builder casually mentions needing help on a future project, but you never hear another word.

It isn’t that these people are stringing you along; they’re just as swamped as you are. But here’s the hard truth: if you’re not catching and running with those little nuggets, someone else will, and you’ll be left wondering why your calendar isn’t as full as you’d like.

The Magic of Actually Following Up

Listen, the money is in the follow-up. I can’t say it enough. So many designers sit back and hope that builder or vendor will pick up the phone and send work your way—but hoping and waiting doesn’t close projects.

If someone drops a hint about handing you business, don’t just nod and keep moving. Do something with it! Example: one of my designers had an electrician RAVING about her, saying he wanted to refer clients. She said “Great!” and waited. Instead, I had her send a “shock and awe” box (yes, they’re my obsession)—something memorable that keeps her top of mind. And when she didn’t hear back? I had her flip the script: offer to introduce HIM to builders. Suddenly, she’s not just another designer—she’s a valuable connector. It’s about keeping the ball rolling.

You Need a Low-Tech Game Plan

I say this all the time, but most of us don’t need anything fancy to keep track of opportunities. Just write them down. Seriously! If you don’t, you’ll forget—because your brain’s already juggling a hundred other things. Get a notebook, a spreadsheet, even voice memo yourself if you have to. Note who said they’d refer you, which builder had “those two projects” (get the names!), and when to follow up next.

This doesn’t just help you remember—it helps you really see where your pipeline is strong, where things tend to stall, and reminds you to keep planting seeds for the future. Not every project is a “right now” deal; sometimes, you’re playing the long game, nurturing those potential leads with a few well-timed check-ins.

Grow Your Circle—Way Beyond Builders and Realtors

You know the obvious referral partners, but what about all the other amazing vendors you cross paths with? I’m talking high-end tile showrooms, custom cabinet makers, boutique plumbing shops, pool companies… you name it. These folks are working with the kind of clients you want, and building a real relationship can pay off in spades (not to mention make your daily work so much more fun).

Start with the vendors you love, and just focus on being helpful—connect them to your own contacts, invite them to events, share their name when it’s a good fit. Give before you ask. It’s as simple as that.

Let’s Stop Waiting and Start Winning

Here’s what I want you to do—seriously, just try it for a month and tell me it doesn’t change everything:

• Get hyper-aware of any mention of a possible referral or project. If someone brings it up, write it down!
• Make a quick list, or keep a voice note, so you never lose track.
• Don’t sit back. Circle back. Call, text, email—just reach out!
• Offer value: “Hey, can I introduce you to someone who could use your service?” You become a resource, not just a request.
• Pick a “follow-up Friday” or alliterate however you like, but make it a habit.

I promise: even if you only get a little more proactive, you’ll see more doors start to open. Don’t let opportunities pass you by just because you think people will automatically remember you (they won’t—they’re human!). The fortune really is in the follow-up.

Let me know how it goes—and if you want more ideas or want to join one of my events or the Luxury Client Academy, check out the show notes. Here’s to catching every opportunity!

Make sure to check out the full episode and check out my other blog posts here!