Faster, Smarter, Better: What One Stager Took Away from Ellen Mann’s Session at RESACON

Ellen Mann’s session at RESACON was packed with powerful takeaways for anyone looking to run a more streamlined and profitable staging business. One concept that really stuck with attendees was something that comes from the world of business operations, but applies perfectly to staging:

Lean Sigma.

Sounds like something you’d hear in a business school class, right? But don’t worry—this isn’t about corporate jargon. It’s about getting things done faster and with fewer mistakes. And in the fast-paced world of home staging, that’s pure gold.

Let’s break it down:

Lean: Do It Faster, With Less Waste

Lean is all about efficiency—using your time, tools (like the ones that RESA® provides with your membership), and energy wisely.

In staging, that might look like:

• Having a system for packing your staging vehicle so you’re not wasting time figuring it out each time.

• Keeping your inventory organized so you’re not spending 45 minutes looking for one side table.

• Streamlining your design process so you’re not second-guessing every pillow choice on site.

Think of it as cleaning up your systems so they actually work for you—not against you.

Sigma: Do It With Fewer Mistakes

Sigma is about accuracy and consistency.

That might mean:

• Using checklists so you don’t forget important items like rugs, outlet covers, or extension cords.

• Reviewing your install photos before leaving to catch anything out of place.

• Creating a repeatable process that helps your team (or future team) follow your vision clearly.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about catching the small stuff before it becomes a big headache.

Why It Matters

Let’s face it—staging isn’t just creative, it’s physical, emotional, and time-sensitive. You’ve got installs, de-staging, clients, timelines, inventory, and a million little details in between.

So when one RESACON attendee walked out of Ellen’s session thinking, “How can I apply Lean Sigma to my business?”—we got excited.

Because even if you’re running a boutique business with a small team (or it’s just you!), these principles can help you:

• Save time

• Reduce stress

• Impress clients

• And grow with more ease

A Few Ways to Try It This Week

Here are three simple ways to start applying Lean Sigma thinking:

1. Create a staging day checklist (include tools, inventory, client reminders, etc.)

2. Sort your warehouse or storage space by room type so you can pull faster

3. Make a “mistake log”—write down small things that go wrong during installs, then create a system to prevent them

Lean Sigma isn’t just for big companies or MBA grads. It’s a mindset that helps you stage smarter.

If you missed Ellen Mann’s session at RESACON, register for the encore session taking place on ZOOM September 16th at 10:30 am PST here, it’s full of practical wisdom like this.

And if you were there? Let us know what small tweak you’ve already made in your business since getting back. Sometimes it’s the simple changes that make the biggest difference.