Home Stagers and Designers on Fire

On March 15, 2022 I lost my husband to cancer and, in all honesty, I am heartbroken. I never realized how tough it would be and how profoundly everything would change.  And in spite of this, I have a fierce resolve to choose life.....to find hope......to experience new things, to live in the moment and plan for the future. We will all experience grief at some point in our life. It is part of the human experience. And although we can't deny the feelings that come up, we can choose how we move forward. I hope that this episode inspires those of you who are struggling with loss, while creating a life and business that is meaningful to you!

In this episode I talk with Erin Bridgman about money management and mindset. We discuss the biggest limiting belief that stops women business owners from dealing with financial aspects of their business, the six personal and professional bank accounts you should have, P&L numbers that you should be familiar with and so much more.

Welcome to episode #79 of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire. In this episode I talk with Andress Eichstadt about how to use Instagram effectively to grow your Home Staging or Interior Design Business.

In this episode I talk with Dixie Willard about how Mydoma helps Home Stagers and Interior Designers streamline their systems and processes. Learn how this all-in-one business management tool helps you onboard clients, generate proposals and invoices, source and procure items and so much more.

When Interior Designers, Home Stagers and Professional Organizers want to automate and streamline their marketing, Kate the Socialite is their "go to Gal". Join Kate and I in this value packed episode as Kate dishes on best practices to create an effective marketing strategy that compels your ideal clients to want to work with you.

One of the things that creatives would rather not deal with is the financial aspect of the business. I often hear "but I am not a numbers person". Like it or not, knowing your numbers is imperative in order to make sure that you are being profitable in your business. In this episode I talk with Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting and we discuss how knowing your numbers helps you make better business decisions.

In this episode I talk about how to leave a 9-5 job and start a staging and/or design business. You will get actionable step as as well as tips on how to reframe your mindset so that the transition is smooth and you can start creating a business that makes your heart sing.

In this episode I talk about how to strategically price your services with an empowered mindset. Pricing is such a hot topic and something that stagers and designers often struggle with. Whether you are new to the business or want to grow and scale, the prices that you set effect the way you feel about your business. They can help you feel great about your business or cause you to feel burnt out and resentful because you are working too much for too little. Pricing can be tricky and it is important that you do the work to define pricing that works for you and your market (with the emphasis on YOU!)

In this episode I talk with one of my coaching clients, Laurie Mattson of Rooms with Impact. Laurie is beautifully transparent about what she has learned about herself and her business. She shares golden nuggets of wisdom on gaining courage to raise prices, set better boundaries, gain the respect of Real Estate Agents and, most importantly, self respect while building her thriving staging and design business.     

In this episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire, I interview one of my coaching clients.  When Melpo and I started working together a year ago, she had only been in business for a few months. She wanted clarity around what to focus on , what types of jobs she should be going after and how to get those jobs. As we worked together a lot has changed. She has added design services to her menu, become way more confident about reaching out to Real Estate Agents, created a lead magnet, updated her website with new offerings and worked on her inner game (to much success). Learn about Melpo's journey here.

In this episode I share challenges that were going on in my personal life in 2021 and how I managed to separate my personal life from my business so that I would continue to grow. Many of us have personal stuff going on in the background and it can be tough so I hope this inspires you to "stay the course".  I also talk about hope, setting goals for 2022 and the mindset that will get you there.  And I challenge you to set a theme for the year. Let's make this your best year ever!

Wanna bring some "woo" into your systems and processes? In this episode I talk with Mary Williams, Chief Technology Therapist at Sensible Woo. Learn how to put more of you into your systems and processes so that they are tailor made to fit you like a worn pair of jeans. 

In this episode I am delighted to talk with Kate Ahl of Simple Pin Media, a Pinterest management and marketing company. Pinterest is an often overlooked marketing asset and Kate discusses how to use this platform to build your staging or design business.

In this episode I discuss why Real Estate Agents need to work with Home Stagers in order to stay competitive and get those listings. This is true now more than ever.  When stagers understand this on a deep level, they become more confident and can articulate their value more clearly.

In this episode I talk with Linda Holt of Linda Holt Creative. Linda is a certified color and interior decorating consultant with an extensive background in professional photography. Linda has put aside her heavy DSLR camera and now shoots exclusively with her iphone and Samsung. Today she uses her photographic eye and smartphone expertise to teach interior designers, stagers and creatives the tips, tricks and tools to get great photos, using your smartphone. Get on the waitlist for her next class here (cart opens Nov. 26th and closes Nov. 30th , 2021) Smart Phone Photography for Interior Designers*  When you sign up for the waitlist you get a $50 discount code good for Black Friday only * I am a proud affiliate  

In this episode I would like to talk with you about how fear impacts success in our business (and life) and why it is so important to understand the fears that are not always conscious.

In this episode Michelle and I discuss why Michelle loves to be known as the "go to girl" and how her staging and design business has evolved since she began in 2007. You will learn how Michelle pivoted due to the pandemic, how she makes sure that she remains profitable and her "words of wisdom" for stagers beginning their business. Michelle also shares information on 2 niches she serves- Military and Senior moves.

In this episode Bridget and I discuss how to create multiple streams of income in your staging and decorating business so that you create depth and stay profitable no matter what outside circumstances are thrown your way (like a pandemic). Join us as we discuss how Bridget generates business in ways that you may or may not have thought of and how she enjoyed her best year ever!

In this episode I talk with Karen Yankovich about how Home Stagers and Designers can leverage Linked In to build their business. Karen is the CEO of Uplevel Media and an internationally recognized LI expert. A popular trainer and speaker, Karen's social media advice and contributions can be found on Social Media Examiner and the Huffington Post. 

In this episode I interview Jan Poulain and Liz Larson of Perfectly Placed for You. They are not only best friends, they co -own a successful Massachusetts Staging company. Learn how they have built their business by honoring 2 huge values that they share-friendship and fun.

In this episode I talk with 2 seasoned Interior Designers about the benefits of going to High Point market and what to expect. If you are a designer or stager who has never been to "market" you will learn the benefits of going, what to bring and why joining a tour might be the best way to find your way around.

Are you struggling with what to say to Sellers and Real Estate Agents because you are in a "hot Seller's market"? In this episode I share insights on how to "sell" your staging services in any Real Estate market. The way that you position your services is more important than ever.  Learn what to say to Agents and Sellers so that they see the value of staging.

In this episode I talk with Adrienne Lord of Staged to Sell. Adrienne shares her experience of owning a Real Estate Brokerage that includes a full service staging component.

In this episode Aaron and Angela Bell of Smartphone Video Formula share the knowledge they have gained after spending years creating videos for their clients and learning all of the tricks of the trade.

In this episode I answer 3 questions that I often get from Home Stagers about getting business from Real Estate Agents.

In this episode I talk with Michelle Cortizo of Cortizo Interiors. Michelle and I explore intentionally creating a life and business that focuses on being more connected to what brings you joy and deeper meaning. We also discuss how Michelle built her Interior Design business by taking on large projects and fostering strong relationships.

In this episode I talk with Amie Stepkoski of A Step Above Design in Florida. Amy is a member of my  Home Stagers on Fire Coaching Group and I have watched her grow from a struggling beginner stager to a stager who is growing her business by fine tuning her messaging and getting more and more repeat business from Real Estate Agents.

In this episode I talk with Elizabeth Polansky of the Styled Home about how she grew her interior decorating business into a full service staging and design business with a 10,000 square foot warehouse and retail store.

In this episode I talk with Beverly Ferguson of the Reflective Designer. Beverly shares her story on how she built her Interior Design business ,serving the high tech community in and around Boston. This episode is for any woman who thinks she can't create a purposeful life and business at any age, under any circumstances!

In this episode I discuss how to take action from a higher level of thinking in order to get better results in your business.

In this episode I talk with one of my fabulous coaching clients, Nancy Safran. Nancy came to me 5 years ago after being laid off from her position as an early childhood specialist. She was at a turning point and wanted to reinvent her previous career in Interior Design, but she was unsure where to begin. Nancy has worked with me both one on one and in my group coaching program and it has been great to watch the trajectory of her staging career. She now stages homes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and gets 75% of her business from Real Estate Agents. The relationships that she has built with these agents is built on trust and mutual respect and Nancy loves building a career that allows ample time for personal fulfillment and her family.

In this episode I talk with Donel Beals. Donel is a designer and home stager on Cape Cod. Join us as we discuss how coaching has impacted Donel's business and life in very specific ways. Learn how we worked together on mindset and business strategies that have enabled Donel to grow her business in a way that allows her to put her family first while creating a business that she loves.

In this episode I talk with Bobby Tsui, founder of The Same Circle Method. Bobby coaches Interior Designers by helping them use social media in order to target and build relationships with their ideal clients. His unique approach focuses on "the right message" to "the right clients" sprinkled with a secret sauce called "humanity". 

In this episode I talk with Helen Bartlett of Refined Interior Solutions. A multi award winning stager, Helen has been featured in the local newspaper, magazines and the HGTV show Bargain Mansions. Listen in as Helen takes us on a journey of how she singlehandedly built her thriving business from scratch.

In this episode I talk with Ryan Marsh of Onstage. As one of three partners in this multi state staging company, Ryan has been instrumental in the financial growth and digitized systems and processes that help this company run like a well oiled machine. If you are thinking of expanding your staging business this episode is pure gold!

We hear alot about taking actionable steps in order to create success. And while taking action is important, the inner game behind your actions is most important. In this episode I share why actionable steps are not enough and how your beliefs either empower you to create the results you want or they sabotage your efforts.

In this episode Nikki Rausch talks about her unique approach to selling and why it is important to sell authentically and from a place of connection and service as opposed to being manipulative and pushy. Nikki's "feel good" approach to sales will have you winning over ideal clients by magnetizing them to you. You will learn Nikki's strategies to look  for Buying Signals as well as her Selling Staircase model that clearly articulates where the Buyer is in the process and how to lead them through to the close.    

In this episode Pam and I discuss how she evolved from building a staging business on the coast of New Hampshire, to adding design jobs including commercial office redesigns and multi million dollar residential renovations. If you believe that variety is the "spice of life" you must listen to this fun interview.

In this episode I talk with my colleagues from the Design for Today Collaborative , Join Debbe Daley, Wendy Woloshchuk and I as we discuss how to optimize the experience for your clients from beginning to end and how to create clients for life!

In this episode I talk with Brigitte Van Tuijl.  Listen to us talk about why it is so important for women to embolden themselves and go after what they want in spite of fears and limiting beliefs about what is possible for them. 

In this episode I talk with Amber Griffiths. Amber is a brand strategist and we discuss how to build higher impact connections so that you increase profit and work on projects that bring you joy. Amber discusses brand persona, your Zone of Genius, how your brand strategy should paint the picture of what it might be to work with you and so much more!

In this episode we discuss racism and how it effects our staging sisters in life and in business. This episode is about listening to 2 courageous women as they reveal what the world looks like through their eyes. My hope is that we all ask ourselves-how can we do better? How can we be better? And how can we walk beside our staging sisters and let them know that we care?

In this episode Michele Williams will share her insights into a Profit First business methodology to leverage your money. Join us as we discuss strategies that  you might implement in your business in order to be more profitable.

In this episode I am going to do a deep dive into why creating an Ideal Real Estate Client Avatar is an effective tool to help you create more compelling emails, blogs and Newsletters in order to attract those agents you would really like to work with.

In this episode Tony McDonnell  and I will talk about how Home Stagers might approach Real Estate Agents, which agents to target, how to stand apart, the #1 misconception agents have about staging, what to do if agents don't get back to you and so much more!

Pricing strategies can be challenging for both new and seasoned stagers. Many stagers feel lost when it comes to setting prices that result in profitability. And let's face it, profitability is Queen, right? Join Caterine Lewis Brown and I as we discuss strategies that you might implement when setting and raising your prices.

Entrepreneurs are often tasked with navigating change. Since change is inevitable-whether it be due to the economy, personal events,  the Real Estate market or coronavirus, it is important to know how to embrace change from the inside so that you are equipped to come through stronger, more resilient and more  empowered than ever before. In this episode I will share mindset strategies that will help you do just that. 

In this episode Jennie Norris and I discuss how she rebuilt her Home Staging Business when she moved from California to Colorado. Join us as Jennie shares marketing tips and business strategies that enabled her to grow a thriving home staging business from scratch.

In this episode I share insights on why it is more important than ever to build your following of ideal clients by understanding deeply who they are and conveying effectively who you are so that they choose you. People choose to work with people that they know,like and trust. Learn how you can differentiate yourself from the competition, rise above the noise and become the "go to" stager or designer in your area.

In this episode Judy Weber and I discuss how to build more engagement in order to create a thriving community of ideal clients. Recently named among the "Top 100 People in Real Estate" for Coaching, Judy Weber has developed a reputation as a no-nonsense,tell-it-like-it-is, results-oriented business coach, with heart. A sought after key note trainer, award winning Real Estate Agent, former Philly trial lawyer, Judy is also the creator of the "She is Extraordinary" franchise. Judy will be joining me as well as 4 other Industry leaders in the Business of Real Estate Retreat Intensive in Kissimmee , Florida in Feb. 2020. Learn more here: https://businessofrealestateretreat.com      

In this episode I talk with you about visibility and why it is more important than ever to be strategic about your visibility plan so that your ideal clients choose you. The internet has changed everything. It is easier now more than ever to target and speak to large numbers of your ideal clients This is both a blessing and a curse. It is also easier for your competition to do the same. Don't get left behind! I would also like to tell you about a special 1 on 1  90 minute session with me that I am offering called Amp Up Your Visibility where together we will: Define your ideal clients so that your marketing message is on point Strategize where you will find your ideal clients so that you leverage your time Do a deep dive into your visibility fears and work on ways to overcome those fears Work on getting in front of the camera Create a laser focused plan to be more visible in 2020 Specially priced at $197 for a limited amount of time.  Sign up here : https://2019discoverysession.as.me/amp-up-your-visibility