Business of Design ™ | Interior Designers, Decorators, Stagers, Stylists, Architects & Landscapers

Do more of what you love and less of what you don't love. Sounds like a good plan, doesn't it? Of course it does. It's a simple concept that's sometimes challenging to implement says our guest expert, Brad Farris. In this episode we learn: • stay in your zone of genius by delegating what you aren't good at • the boss should have the fewest emails, not the most Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Who transitions from a cushy job in the corporate Craft Brew world into running an interior design studio? Our guest, Alexis Vitale. That's who. While the corporate world gave her structure, business knowledge, sales skills, and more, it took tremendous courage to make the switch. Find out what mattered most to this business owner during her transition. In this episode we learn: • taking a calculated risk is scary, but staying stuck in fear is worse • don't be ok, with just being ok—go for great • it's all about relationships—make frequent dates with new people and grow your network Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Let's be honest, some of the most powerful forces holding us back aren't external. Our negative self-talk contributes to lackluster results and keeps us stuck. The messages may sound harmless, even reasonable, overtime they will erode your self-confidence and hamper your success. Change the message, you change the momentum. In this episode we learn:  how negative self-talk quietly sabotages your business growth  the real cost of staying stuck in a negative mental loop  how to identify the limiting stories you keep telling yourself  what it takes to shift your mindset and reclaim momentum Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Is it possible to create a balanced sales model by mixing large, medium, and small projects for financial stability? Absolutely says our guest, Daniela Furtado. She is going to answer the question, Are Small Projects Worth It? In this episode we will explore how diversifying clients boosts cash flow, fosters relationships, and drives steady growth—without losing sight of the big vision.  In this episode we learn: - to create a revenue mix to ensure financial stability and reduce risks if a big clients drop off - establish a profitable base rate for smaller projects (e.g., consultations, design refreshes) to ensure they are worth your time and effort - never discount—just adjust the scope - use small projects for strategic growth - market your business for high-end projects by primarily showcasing large and medium projects online - instead of waiting months to land a big client, let small projects generate cash flow to sustain your marketing efforts, ensuring continuous outreach and visibility - nurture and upsell larger leads Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

We all want the healthiest client relationships possible, right? Well, it's an inside job. Sure, better systems to run your business and projects will significantly improve your client relationships. Absolutely. However, in addition we may also need to address what's going on between our ears! Long standing patterns of negative thought can morph into negative patterns of behavior, which keep us stuck.  In this episode we learn: - how the '10% right' principle can be used in conflict resolution - implement a 3:1 positive ratio in your thoughts and interactions with clients to improve the relationship and get your way more often - to consult your elder, wiser self when at an impasse or stuck on a decision - the transformative impact of celebrating small steps and victories Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Succession planning might feel like a far-off concept, but the truth is—it's never too early to start. In today's episode, we sit down with attorney Wendy Estela to tackle the big questions around IP and succession. Wendy believes that building a business that can eventually be sold doesn't just prepare you for the future—it makes your business stronger today. Tune in to learn: - What intellectual property really means for your business - How to recognize your worth as a designer and protect your value - Key succession planning options—and when to start If future-proofing your business is on your mind, this episode is for you. Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Ever feel like you're not being truly heard by your clients? You're not alone—communication can be tricky, especially when dealing with different personalities. In today's episode, we're talking D with Sierra Collins! A long-time BOD™ Partner, Sierra has worked with all our Boss Groups and countless members to master the art of effective communication. Kimberley first met Sierra years ago during her own DISC assessment, and the lessons still resonate today. Sierra breaks down how understanding DISC can transform your client interactions, including: - Why we're all a mix of DISC—and why that's a good thing - How to hire for a balanced mix of communication skills - Why having systems and solid contracts can give you the D courage you need Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Ever worried that you're charging too much? Of course you have. You're an interior design professional! But no more says Kristen Apicerno. Kristen, a Kimberley Seldon disciple, initially struggled with charging appropriate fees for her services. She felt that charging a project management fee was "double dipping" and peers and other professionals agreed. This erroneous attitude severely limited her earning potential, that is, until she joined BOD™. Once she implemented the systems, she realized she was undercharging and tackling the most challenging parts of the project for free.  Hear her story of meteoric success.  In this episode we learn: - always take the approach that designer and client are equals, and emphasize that with language - during every step, tell clients what's going to happen before it happens - ask purposeful open-ended questions and let the client do most of the talking - use post-project opportunities to gain repeats and referrals Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

We're going to talk to about the things you need to do today, if you want to sell your design firm successfully. Today's guest, Brad Farris, is going to share with us the key factors that impact your sale, how to get yourself out of the service delivery, the role growth plans in your future sale, and so much more. It's time to start thinking about your succession plan. In this episode we learn: • if you are essential to running the business, you can't sell it • build a team, then go on vacation…it's practice • long-term contracts or clients that come back to you repeatedly are more valuable • build your business in a niche that's not "one-and-done" projects • building relationships with likely buyers before they need your services • if you are planning to sell your business, learn the math of how businesses are valued • your most likely buyer is a competitor or someone who sells a different service to the same buyer Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Are you tired of pouring energy into content creation, only to be ignored by social media algorithms? YES. Does it feel like solely relying on social media to market your business might be a mistake? YES. Then consider a low-social strategy that captures the attention of your ideal clients.  In this episode we learn: - why website conversion matters to business and how to improve it - ways to bring more visitors to your website - how to turn your portfolio into a powerful lead magnet - 4 templated emails to generate leads Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Building strong connections opens up new opportunities and drives business growth. The Interior Design Community embodies this idea. Today's guest, Laurie Laizure shares her experience in supporting the interior design field by connecting designers and nurturing those relationships. In this episode we learn: - focus on video marketing, targeted toward your ideal client - reconsider self-naming your business, as it might impede a future sale - there are enough clients in the 1% for every designer to have 7 jobs annually - use your platform to address potential clients' concerns upfront Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

When was the last time you took a risk? In this episode, we'll hear how one designer did just that when she took on a large project just outside her comfort zone. Then, we'll hear from her PR firm who'll share how they leveraged the new project to gain recognition for their clients. In this episode we learn: - leverage your expertise to bring fresh insight to new project types - embrace market changes rapidly - outsource anything that's not in your zone of expertise - plan for lighting early Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

What if life-work balance isn't a tightrope, but rather it's a scenic drive in your dream car? Systems are the road maps that keep you on course. Delegation is your pit crew making sure the wheels stay on. Slowing down is how you take it all in and enjoy your own success. When you implement smart systems you'll learn that success is not about perfection—it's about enjoying the journey. In this episode we learn: - map your success route with systems - create a weekly schedule that prioritizes essential tasks for work and life - delegate to your team by allowing them to follow your systems - block time on your calendar for non-negotiables like family, rest, and self-care - complete a task audit monthly and look for ways to eliminate busy work or outdated habits that don't align with your current priorities. - regularly review your systems and goals Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

My magic is helping design leaders transform their teams and businesses by embracing an 'improv mindset.' I'm passionate about showing how practices of adaptability, bold humility, and "Yes, and..." can unlock possibility and creative partnership in every team. Through my Connective Influence Model, I share skills like creating "brave spaces" and "listening to learn", as a way to build trust, spark cohesion, and create thriving, people-first cultures. In this episode we learn: - the power of holding brave space to create psychological safety - how to foster curiosity by listening to learn - self-awareness allows you to be in the moment and present - the power of bold humility - why it's a good idea to know and challenge your patterns - how to use ‘yes, and…' to build on others' ideas instead of dismissing them Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

We all understand the value of tracking overall profitability, but sophisticated business owners will also want to track profitability by project. Why? Individual projects may vary greatly when it comes to the amount of revenue and profit they generate. Understanding project profitability allows you to focus marketing efforts and tweak offerings to increase overall financial health. In this episode we learn: - tracking project profitability allows you to be smarter in terms of marketing - analyze which types of projects bring you the greatest profit margin - don't be afraid of your P&L - hire a bookkeeper who will differentiate by project - even when you hire an accounting team, you'll need to stay involved Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Join today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership  

Key to success for many interior design professionals is hiring someone who excels in areas where they struggle. Amanda Giles shares her experience of hiring a Director of Operations after many unsuccessful attempts to hire an administrator. This detail oriented, office over-seer can significantly improve the quality of work and overall efficiency and allow you to do more work and better work. What's not to love? In this episode we learn: - be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses; nobody is good or bad at everything - structure your business by radically simplifying for your skills or hiring those with complementary strengths - work on understanding all the parts of the business, but empower and trust your team to take authority in their area - teach clients and vendors to trust your team, and back them up 100%

You're not imagining it. Interior design is a complex, complicated, and challenging career choice. That's ok, you're not afraid of hard work, but despite your best efforts, you're nowhere near where you thought you'd be by now. Some of you graduated from design school and even with the best education available, you were not taught the fundamentals of running a successful interior design firm. Others have worked for years, even decades and still don't have the essential systems, procedures, protocols, and strategies required to run a successful business. Until now, that is. In this episode, you will learn: - enjoy all the perks of business ownership, including profitability - satisfy all your clients and generate repeat and referral business - attract ideal clients with juicy projects grow staggering profits that lead to independent wealth - implement policies and procedures that guarantee you get paid - create a standardized contract that works for every project - hire the right people and learn to delegate effectively - confidently manage clients, trades and a team - finally become the expert you were meant to be Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Join today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

After a decade of designing private jet interiors, designer Lisa Morton had an ugly meltdown. Her health and well-being were hanging on by a thread. She discovered a holistic approach to design and began her studies into Feng Shui. Now a master teacher, she believes this is an excellent area of study for design professionals to consider, as younger generations are becoming increasingly concerned with the aspects of wellness. In this episode we learn: -being intentional with selections for your clients means less "fast furniture" and more pieces of value and worth - the front door is key to a home's energy, so light the entrance well, add comforting elements such as a carpet, and include live greens - the water element improves fluidity so bring it into workspaces by introducing blues or blacks, wavy patterns, water features or water images - add earth elements like brick, stone or clay to ground spaces for clients (or designers) who are stressed out such as brick, stone, or clay - warm up winter with fire elements such as animal prints, triangular shapes and pops of red or fuchsia Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Join today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

How do you know when the s%*&'s about to hit the fan? Are there warning signs, and if so, what are they? Kimberley shares her recent experience of being evacuated in the LA fires and relates it to preparedness when it comes to knowing your business is in trouble. In this episode we learn: - by the time your business is in trouble, the chances are you missed multiple warning signs - your P&L can act as an early warning protection system - analyzing incoming inquiries is your number one assessment tool - before it gets dire, get busy with client retention, client growth and client sourcing

In this candid conversation between two long time Business of Design® Members, Dane Austen interviews Kristen Apercerno on all topics from the importance of finding a mentor to developing your processes, and committing to regular marketing to collaboration over competition. Dane and Kristen share how they navigate business challenges and the lessons they've learned on the job. In this episode we learn: - find and learn from experienced professions who can guide you - develop a successful design process to streamline and elevate your work - commit to scheduling time for marketing and finances - set clear expectations in your contract - identify and leverage your superpowers - embrace practicality in your space, don't stress over imperfections - put yourself out there Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Join today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Maybe it's time to make your approach to marketing stand out. How can we do that? Well, first of all, says our guest Heather Peterson, have fun. A playful and novel approach will get your client's attention. Just make sure you know exactly which type of client you'd like to work with first. In this episode we learn: - speak to few, not many - be specific about the work you showcase and speak directly to the exact type of client you want - stay top of mind by frequent connection points - a book is a great opportunity to share recent work with past clients - sow seeds, rather than opting for a single blanket mailing - package any gifts thoughtfully, so they'll stand out - make it easy for the client to say yes to your offer by supplying them with things they can easily share Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Join today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Just because you've been doing it that way for years doesn't make it the best way. Don't surrender to so-so, when amazing is just around the corner. In this episode we learn: - top assumptions that need replacing - when it's time to abandon a method of working - why new systems can fast track you to new success Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Kimberley contemplates a tattoo for the new year, while sharing wisdom from the season's best podcasts.  In this episode we learn: 1. systems don't complicate your life, they remove friction 2. no is a complete sentence 3. let me look into that 4. design with intention, not just for attention 5. is this an insurmountable problem 6. when you are speaking to everyone, you are speaking to no one 7. the client's wish list never aligns with the client's budget 8. beware of toxic positivity 9. never be more concerned about your client's money than you are about your own 10. feel awkward for 15 seconds, and see what the client says Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

At High Point Market, in partnership with Daniel House Club and Sunpan, Kimberley talks to designers about growing your relationship and profitability with key vendors. They are an extension of your brand. In this episode we learn: - Work less, by relying on the expertise of key vendors. - Grow profitability by working in harmony with vendors. Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

At High Point Market, in partnership with Daniel House Club and Four Hands, Kimberley talks to designers about why you should ignore the client's budget, and specify better products. In this episode we learn: - Build your brand and wow your clients. - Propose the best option, not the least expensive one. - Go beyond the brief. Sometimes clients don't know what they need.

A thoughtfully designed home can not only improve aesthetics, but it can actually facilitate a more peaceful and healing environment. Designer Sara Robinson learned this lesson in a dramatic way, after receiving her own breast cancer diagnosis. If everyone functions better when design is improved, the challenge for interior design professionals is to create the right balance regardless of style or aesthetic. In this episode we learn: -how to apply Motion + Emotion = Experience, a theory that blends a patient's need to feel trust and calm with the staff's need for things to move smoothly - when balance is right, we are in a better state of mind to heal - applying lean principles of studying a process, finding what is wasteful and eliminating the waste to make things much more efficient - how design supports efficiency and the human experience - reframing approaches to mundane spaces - post-occupancy evaluation and utilizing feedback to inform your next design Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership/

Let's talk strategy. Today's guest, Casey Chastain, helps design and architecture firms align marketing and business development with their core business objectives. By identifying growth opportunities, streamlining bid processes, and ensuring all teams are connected to the firm's overall strategy, design firms can unlock untapped growth potential. In this episode we learn: - lowering your price does not necessarily lead to more clients - clients will hire you when they see value - develop a clear value proposition for marketing and business development - make sure new ideas align with overall business goals - implement reporting tools that show how marketing and business development efforts contribute to revenue - communicate goals with your team Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Sure, as interior design professionals we make homes look beautiful. However, to be truly successful and create clients for life, we have to dig deeper. Interior designer Kate Marker says she likes to tap into the feeling or mood her clients are hoping to live with, in order to satisfy their deepest needs. She does that by asking strategic questions and actively listening, so she can build meaningful relationships that last and last. In this episode we learn: - it takes time to know your clients and then tailor your designs to reflect their unique personalities - keeping the lines of communication open is critical, so build in regular updates and check-ins - listen actively to your clients' concerns and desires and let them know you hear them - foster collaboration but don't be afraid to be the expert and make strong recommendations - we build trust through transparency Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Art provides a home with soul, infusing it with the client's personality. Yet too many design professionals don't make art selections on behalf of their clients. It's not nearly as complicated to choose art as you might think. In this episode, we'll talk about ways to bring more artwork into the lives of your clients. In this episode we learn: - art can be a piece you inherited, a painting you found at an antique store, a fun pottery collection, a textile from a trip (that could be a quilt, tapestry, or rug), kids' art, etc. - galleries can be intimidating, but flea markets, vintage shops, art fairs, and online art - resources can have amazing, meaningful pieces - to create a color palette for a home, start with the art - don't worry about “matching” the artwork, opt for finding pieces that set the right mood Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Can becoming a regular TV contributor on local networks impact your business? Absolutely, says interior design professional Hellen Austen. Here's what you need to know to get yourself on TV and create a lasting impression that translates into clients. In this episode we learn: - get on a local show - you might have to pay for the opportunity - when on air, speak directly to your ideal client - being on tv isn't glamorous but it does increase your name recognition - don't be afraid to cold call the networks Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Join Kimberley and Team BOD™ at High Point Market for a rehearsal of 20/20 Vision, Be the Expert. Yes, you can run a wildly successful and profitable business. It's easier today than it's ever been. In this episode, you'll get a sneak peek at the 20 systems Kimberley shared to celebrate 20 years of Business of Design®. You'll learn what it takes to be the expert and how that benefits your clients. You'll hear systems and strategies to implement, and the motivation required to boost yourself to the next level. If you weren't able to join us live at High Point Market, here is your chance to be part of the celebration.

If you could wave a magic wand and go back in time, who would you add to your team first? A bookkeeper, like our guests today? A sales agent, like Kimberley? An assistant? An office manager? The choices are vast. Here's what to think about as you build your team. In this episode we learn: - know the strengths and weaknesses of your employees and then build around their style of working - assume the best of your employee, but look for opportunities to verify results - create boundaries and expectations that are clearly defined - allow failure to be part of your cost of doing business Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Not all contracts are created equal. An hourly fee contract has distinct advantages but so does a flat fee contract. Then there's the hybrid contract. Which one is right for you? To be honest, it doesn't matter which you use. All work effectively, provided you know how to calculate required funds, how to ask for the required funds and how to maintain control of the funds. In this episode we learn: - BOD™ finally has an ebook and an audio book - which contract is right for you—hourly, flat, hybrid - learn how to ask for the money you need - learn how to calculate up-front fees Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Do you have an appointment engine? Yup, says our guest, Nikki Nash, you have one. The real question is, are you using it and is it tuned up? There are three categories where you can focus your attention and achieve big results.  In this episode we learn: - you must go where your ideal prospect is (a place you can show up confidently) - capture their attention and spark a conversation with a clear, consistent offer - communicate your offer clearly - get the client's contact information and schedule a first date - after the first date goes well, metaphorically go on the next until they have everything needed to make a decision - propose to the clients and take your relationship to the next level Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Do you have an appointment engine? Yup, says our guest, Nikki Nash, you have one. The real question is, are you using it and is it tuned up? There are three categories where you can focus your attention and achieve big results. In this episode we learn: - you must go where your ideal prospect is (a place you can show up confidently) - capture their attention and spark a conversation with a clear, consistent offer - communicate your offer clearly - get the client's contact information and schedule a first date - after the first date goes well, metaphorically go on the next until they have everything needed to make a decision - propose to the clients and take your relationship to the next level Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

The primary challenge keeping so many women in entrepreneurial poverty is a lack of consistent income. Interestingly, that's a relatively easy fix, particularly for Business of Design® members. More challenging is the task of protecting your resources of time and energy. Yes, it's possible to build a sustainable business that prioritizes health, wealth, and relationships. In this episode we learn: - define business growth goals that aim to eliminate time and energy constraints - pay yourself while you are growing - establish a support system of therapists, coaches, business BFFs, and mastermind groups Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

The wait is over! BOD™ Run Your Business has arrived. In this episode, Advocate-in-Chief Kimberley Seldon shares her journey over the past two years, offering key insights into crafting the ultimate playbook for running a successful business. In this episode we learn: - what's inside Kimberley's latest book and how it applies to your business - everything starts with your money mindset and limiting beliefs - expertise comes through systems - hourly fees vs. flat fees, which should you use - how to embrace a standardized contract Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Yes, you can handle the important task of procurement and in doing so provide a better service to clients and be wildly more profitable. By relying on known partners, you can ease into this task and reap the many benefits. In this episode we learn: - don't try to do everything all on your own, lean on your partners - find partners who lead with exceptional service over exceptional price - ask what's possible and try new things - focus most of your energy into your superpower and create a plan to manage the onslaught of new ideas that come your way - don't forget the value of in person experiences and relationships Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Before you commit to making the trip to High Point Market, let's talk about how that investment will pay off in the future. In this episode, High Point Market Authority CEO, Tammy Covington Nagem talks about the 3-legged stool of ROI—products, education, and networking. In this episode we learn: - let the High Point Market travel concierge help you to secure your trip details and answer your burning questions - visit the High Point Market exhibitor profile pages for contact info and other details to book showroom appointments - visit the High Point Market events page to select educational and social events you don't want to miss - download the High Point Market MyMarket app to map out your daily plan for showroom visits and events - plan your first day, Oct. 26, around BOD™ events

When you blend aesthetic beauty with emotional wellness, you can create an immersive space that will nurture your clients and keep them coming back for more. By designing holistically—considering how a space looks, feels, smells, sounds, and even tastes—designer Marie Cloud creates emotionally impactful spaces that satisfy the soul. In this episode we learn: Sight | Visual Harmony | Use color, light, and texture to create a visually cohesive space that is pleasing to the eye and reflects the desired mood. Sound | Rhythm of the Home | Integrate sound into your design through the rhythm of the home. Touch | Tactile Engagement Choose materials and finishes that invite touch. Smell | Fragrance in Design Incorporate scents that align with the space's purpose. Taste | Accessible Indulgences Ensure that your favorite indulgence is always within arm's reach and integrated into the home's rhythm. Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Yes, it is possible to generate high quality leads that convert to sales. By carefully tracking your return on investment and working in tandem with your marketing partner, you can see real results. Start by knowing the key questions you should be asking any marketing partner.  In this episode we learn: - marketing that's generic doesn't work, find a unique position - know your qualification rate, closing rate, average sale, and gross margin - niche down to create a specific goal for your marketing professional - tie every lead to its exact source and know how much revenue each lead has generated - understand how you rank relative to your peers in the industry when it comes to marketing spend, ROI, and overall growth performance - know the questions you need to ask any marketing partner. Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Something's gone wrong on the project. Of course something's gone wrong on the project. It's a project, so you can rely on errors, omission and upsets. Don't let it throw you. Deficiencies are part of the business of design. In this episode we learn: - deficiencies are 100% guaranteed to happen - it is impossible to prevent most deficiencies from occurring - during the project, you and your team will prevent hundreds of deficiencies by maintaining systems - deficiencies can be the worst part of the job, stay on top of them Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

My expertise is having an eye for amazing use of wall coverings in projects. Spaces I love to renovation and design most are powder rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms (in this order). Why? I believe people typically neglect these spaces most in their homes. My superpowers are being a multi-hyphenated entrepreneur, consistently showing up authentically in a world that pressures us to compete and imitate, and using my voice to speak & share design information. In this episode we learn: - don't be afraid to take risks in design—use wall coverings and paint strategically. - having a niche can increase your marketability. - be authentically you Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

It can be challenging to think broadly into the future while responding to what is happening in the moment. Don't worry. It's ok not to know what's going to happen next. You don't have to have everything figured out in advance. Trust that your journey is big and powerful and you'll figure out how to take the next, right step. In this episode we learn: - get the soundbites—meet people, make friends, go for coffee and conversations - rely on a group of trusted advisors, formal and informal - accept that there will be days when you feel like you are going backwards - have a dream space—running, airplanes, swimming, a sit-n-spin, or anything - take time away from the work to recharge your creative battery work with a therapist, life coach, business coach Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Feeling bogged down? Overwhelmed? Are you fantasizing about an assistant who can do all the things? How to outsource, what to outsource, and why to outsource is our topic for today's show. In this episode we learn: - outsource what you like to do least or what bogs you down - where do you procrastinate, that's a good spot for outsourcing - hire someone who is better than you at a specific task - outsource the most time-consuming tasks - outsource tasks that you are able to invoice your clients for such as CAD, 3d renders, sourcing, procurement and client communications. Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Struggled with a scarcity mindset? Terrified of asking for a raise or a higher fee? You are not alone. Learn how Kimberley's former editor from Style at Home magazine, prompted her to face her own negative money mindset. Today, Angela Lawrence describes herself as a money warrior and tells you how you can become one too. In this episode we learn: - know what your money is doing for you - ask questions about how your financial advisors get paid - consider a course on investing to grow your financial awareness Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

What do you do when you find yourself with clients who want you to provide everything on their wish list for a fixed amount? They have a budget in mind, and it seems reasonable to them that you should be able to stretch their budget to include everything. Hmmmmm. Let's hear how Kimberley solved this issue on a recent project.    In this episode we learn: - clients are not expert in running design projects, you are - tell them how to spend their money in a satisfying way - remind them how indecision costs them money - forget the kids' rooms, take care of mom and dad first - the budget and the wish list never match Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

As business owners we spend a great deal of time talking about our fees, and these conversations may prompt potential clients to say something like, ohhhh, that's more than I thought it would cost. When the conversation leads there, your bottom line depends on your ability to negotiate with confidence. In this episode we learn: - 70% of your effort in negotiating should be invested in preparing for the conversation - knowing what to prepare helps you efficiently approach the process - ensuring you're clear on your ideal client profile will help you know who not to negotiate with - be clear on where you position yourself, your services and your business relative to the market, so you can talk about it - negotiating is a process, and it is something that you CAN get good at Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Many design business owners dislike accounting so much, they avoid it. But this avoidance negatively impacts your ability to perform at your best. By reimagining how financial data is communicated and simplifying the tasks, you can make accounting engaging and accessible. You can be more profitable with very little extra effort. In this episode we learn: - partner with an accounting/finance resource that engages on your level - know (and I mean really know) what is the thing that is most important thing you want to achieve in your life, and how is your business going to help you achieve it - 3-5 KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) can tell you the health of your business - stop (solely) relying on your gut and intuition to run your business - data driven decision making increases the likelihood of an improved outcome by 3x Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Kimberley shares some random thoughts from recent coaching calls and client projects. See if you can relate. In this episode we learn: - be like Taylor and make a bold change - good stands in the way of great - no contract will protect you if you don't follow the rules - you are the expert, direct clients to spend money in a way that will bring them the best value Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

The principles of storytelling, staying creative, and coming up with ideas are universal and can be applied across various domains, including marketing for interior design professionals. In this episode we learn: - storytelling can help you sell your projects and market your services - marketing, at its core, is storytelling - creatives must offer clients a vision, an experience - methods to stay creative and come up with new ideas Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast