The Productive Designer

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews the Director of Design and Founder of Perpetuum Designs, Cristiana Crin.Cristiana was born and raised in Transylvania, traveled the world to find a place that felt comfortable for her to do something different. It took her a few years, but now it's reality. Perpetuum Design is based in Chicago & London, designing spaces without geographical borders.Being organized and systematic creates an assurance from a customer's standpoint that everything is well taken care of.Your level of service and project management is essential in the design industry.Communication is a significant factor in determining the success of any project.Networking is key to bringing in more businesses.Referrals and repeat clients provide you with the assurance that few can match your unique service.Knowing who to consult with is essential for a designer, as Designer's we know a little about a lot of things.Having a construction schedule saves so many headaches on a project.So, join Crystal and Cristiana as they discuss her hospitality interior design business.Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and start thinking of unique ways to network in order to grow your business.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Cristiana:Website: perpetuumdesigns.com    I     Facebook: PerpetuumdesignsInstagram: perpetuumdesignsRecommended book:Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the owner of KMM Consulting, Kimberly Merlitti.Kimberly has 20 years of experience working in accounting for companies such as Swinerton Builders, WRNS Studio and Martin Group. Her clientele includes a diverse group of service-based companies, with a focus on small interior design, construction, and architectural firms. She is also one of Luann Nigara's Expert Resource, the leader of the Project Profitability 101 course offered through Luann University.People will see that you enjoy what you do when you are passionate about what you do and talk.The number one mistake designers make is not billing all the time they are spending on their jobs.To make your business profitable, you need to bill your rate (not a discounted rate) and you need and track your time.As a CFO, Kimberly takes out the mystery in accounting making it easier to understand.To achieve your desired business results, it requires a two-way effort. A CFO's recommendations can help you increase your business's profitability, but in order to do this you must apply the recommendations and take action.Most Designers find accounting intimidatingKimberly's goal is to help businesses understand their finances better, and to listen without judgment.A business balance sheet tells you a lot about your business.Be proactive with your business financesDo not ignore money problems, they will only get worse.So, join Crystal and Kimberly as they discuss how to make a business profitable.Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and don't be intimidated by accounting.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Kimberly:Website: kmmsf.com    I     Facebook: kimberly.merlittiInstagram: Kmmconsulting     I    Assistant email: lexxi@kmmsanfforing.comRecommended podcasts/book:Book - Why nations failPodcast: Unlocking us     I     PoliticologyResources mentioned: Project Profitability 101

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the Principal Designer and Creative Director of BryCo. Interiors, Jami Sparling.Jami officially turned her lifelong passion for interior design and decorating into a career when she founded BryCo. Interiors in 2019, leaving an 11 year career as a Paramedic, behind. Jami now operates BryCo Interiors alongside her husband Brad, and offers full-Service Interior Design & Decorating in London, ON and surrounding areas. BryCo. Interiors is a heart-centered business with a focus on relationship building.Prioritizing client relationships is essential.Deep dive into what interests you.Social Media is an essential tool in growing a business but authenticity plays a significant role in connecting to real people.Consistency in learning and growing are keys to scaling your business to the next level. You have to have a bigger vision of your business than yourself.Build a brand that encourages people to connect to support. Show authenticity, not just focusing on algorithms and marketing.Show you're vulnerable and that you are a real human behind your projects. Real things connect to real people.So, join Crystal and Jamie as they chat about her journey on building her heart-centered interior design business.Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and listen this episode to gain insight on how consistency & authenticity can help you grow your interior design businessIf you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Jamie:Website: brycointeriors.netInstagram: @bryco.interiorsRecommended podcasts:Resilient by DesignAFT ConstructionThe lifestyled companyResources mentioned:Coaching: bryco.coaching

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with brand and website designer, Katie O'Brien.Katie is an expert problem-solver, and a seasoned entrepreneur. After running a successful coaching business for 4 years, Katie discovered her superpower and passion: building digital presences that support interior designers' business and lifestyle goals.Niching down is a smart move to hone your marketing skills. Having great photos with inadequate copies is a common mistake of an interior design website.An effective interior design website should look as if they're taking you on a house tour.Ensure that your website is talking to your target customers. Should you have a privacy policy and terms and conditions on your website? Implementing lead magnets is highly recommended to grow and warm up your email list. Simplicity and strategy are essential in building your website. Always be of service. So, join Crystal and Katie as they chat about must haves for your interior design website.Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and make sure you website is working for you and not against.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Katie:Website: katieobrien.com IG: @katieobrienwebdesignRecommended podcasts:Profit is a choiceTalk Copy to MeGo Pitch yourself

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with co-owner and Director of Designer + Trade for CF Interiors Allison Andrew-Harris.Allison is no stranger to the furniture game. In 1979, her father opened a furniture store on the South Granville slope, where Allison found herself working in her early teens alongside her two brothers. Allison now oversees the Design + Trade Division of the company, ensuring interior designers across the country have all the tools they need to make furniture and lighting sourcing as easy as possible.Be confident in a male-dominated industry. Focus on your area of expertise. Making furniture buying for designers easy and more appealing..Interior Design is 20% creative and 80% administrative.Looking for international furniture suppliers?There are so many more opportunities that have opened up with the acceptance and frequent ways of working virtually Traveling alone helps you build confidence.Love what you do.So, join Crystal and Allison as they chat about how Allison manages their furniture business in a male-dominated industry.Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and visit Allison's website that will provide a one-stop shop for every designer's trade and logistics needs.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Allison:Website:  cfinteriors.ca ↔ IG: @allisonandrewharrisRecommended podcasts : Business of Design ↔ In the House ↔ Second LifeRecommended Books : Where the Crawdad Sing by Delia OwensThe Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the author, award-winning Producer and Strategist, Kim Kuhteubl.Kim founded MeByDesign, an idea boutique for the home industry a decade ago, and has worked with design entrepreneurs in the United States, Europe, and Canada. Her clients have been featured in publications like Architectural Digest, New York Times, Elle Decor, House & Garden (UK), and featured on network and cable television. Visibility is not all about having a great website and a brand logo. It means having an intangible aspect of being available. Expand your reach, consider collaborations with other designers. With experience, you will be able to hone in on what you like to do, this will help you focus in and niche downYour particular type of leadership style, structures your business and influences how you interact with the people around you.Critical point in visibility strategy for designers is to choose psychographic instead of demographic only. You need to know who your ideal client is and where they get to know you. You focus on clients that you love to work with.So, join Crystal and Kim as they discuss visibility strategy to sustain your business and start building your legacy.Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and get Kim's latest digital offering, to strategically structure your business to earn more.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Kim:Website: mebydesign.com  ↔   Instagram: @mebydesigntvRecommended podcasts :On being  ↔  99 percent invisible  ↔  Voice LessonsResources mentioned:Designer Smartcuts - 30 days of transformation designed to help interior designers strategically structure their business to earn more

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the owner and lead strategist of Growing Your Team, Jamie Van Cuyk.Jamie is an expert in hiring and onboarding teams within small businesses. Drawing from over ten years of leadership experience, Jamie teaches her clients how to hire their first team members, including employees and long-term contractors.Having the right support is crucial to growing your businessJamie's HIRE Framework. H - hiring details, I - initiating the advertising process, R - reviewing the candidate, and E - expectations and evaluations for success.Setting clear roles and responsibilities, be honest & realistic about your expectationsHiring process and finding the right candidate takes time.As the leader, you must guide & lead in order for your hire to be successfulSo join Crystal and Jamie as they discuss hiring process and finding the perfect hire. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and clearly define the job role in order to have a successful hire. If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Jamie:Website: growingyourteam.comFacebook: GrowingYourTeamInstagram: growingyourteamLinkedIn: -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamievancuyk/Recommended podcast/book:Your Sales Maden podcastQuiet by Susan CainTurn the Ship Around by Daid MarquetResources mentioned:The hiring checklist

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with Realtor, Owner and Creative Designer at House of Huck Interiors, Meredith Huck.Meredith and her husband live in coastal Connecticut with their two young children. She is also a licensed real estate agent in the state of Connecticut. And enjoys supporting her clients to turn average houses into spectacular homes.Crystal and Meredith discuss transitioning from a corporate job to her passion project. Watching her colleague succeed with his interior design inspired Meredith to scale up her passion into an interior design business. Meredith shares that starting your own business can be challenging, it requires you to learn as you go and keep on learning. Meredith mentions that being organized and having a plan are essential in keeping your business processes. A to-do list will also help you visualize where you want to go, as well as keeping all your projects on track. And constant communication with your Clients keeps them updated on the project as well as demonstrating your professionalism.Meredith continuously networks with other Designers and reaches out to potential customers. Building a portfolio is a significant factor in getting your first client. You can also do pro-bono design projects for friends. It is a great way to showcase your skills when you are still building your business. In addition, you can post on social media to build awareness of your design skills. And with the hopes of reaching your target customers.So join Crystal and Meredith as Meredith shares her transition from corporate job to doing what she loves most. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and follow your passion.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Meredith:Website : houseofhuck.com     I     IG : houseofhuckRecommended podcast/books:Design Biz Survival Guide podcast I Well Designed Business podcast I Homebody by Joanna Gaines

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with fellow interior designers and founders of EA Home Design, Kevin Kamali and Ali Meshksar.Kevin and Ali quickly found a growing need for their services as the home renovation space began to evolve. Offering bespoke design solutions to homeowners that want to take their interiors to the next level, the two entrepreneurs have become leaders in their field, creating transformational designs including kitchens and bathrooms that have luxurious finishes.They share that excellent customer service is one secret ingredient in growing your business. In a congested industry like home renovations, how you treat your customers impacts client retention and business growth. Kevin and Ali ensure that they're able to be transparent with customers. Knowing what your customers want and having consistent communication are essential to making your project run smoothly.Kevin and Ali continued to discuss another thing that's relevant to any business's success which  is leveraging the power of social media. They emphasized that building your social media presence is vital to attracting potential clients and engaging with them. In turn, potential customers will get to know and trust you. And, when the time comes that they'll need your service, they will remember you as a figure of authority.They have also created a system where customers can set their consultation schedules online. Providing them with project estimates will determine if they're interested in proceeding or not. You have to set specific criteria on what type of clients you are willing to work with. Kevin and Ali also assure us that they may not be the cheapest home renovation in the area, but they're the best price for the quality of work.So join Crystal, Kevin and Ali as they discuss how they grew their multi-million dollar home renovation company. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. And level up your customer service skills in order to retain and attract new clients.How to reach Kevin and Ali:Website : eahomedesign.com/     I     IG : ea_home_design     I     YouTube: EAHomeDesignNEED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES for your interior design business? Get it in the show notes of Crystal's episode Why you need SOP's in your Interior Design business.

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with fellow interior designer, Racheal Hageness.Racheal is a creative professional with proven success in high-end residential design and hospitality design. Daughter of a successful construction business owner and a wildly creative mother. This proud Midwesterner has been around construction and interior design all of her life. Racheal continues this family tradition with nearly two-decades of award winning luxury environment design under her belt.She started out in this industry in hospitality interior design, then she shifted to high-end residential design. This switch has helped her to become a well-rounded interior designer by ensuring that the property is aesthetically beautiful, and personalizing each individual residence she works on.Racheal's states that the goal of hospitality is to make everyone feel at home. Her business emphasizes the importance of providing a high level of service. Involving the homeowners in the planning and the operations will ensure that your design complements their way of living without compromising the functionality of every custom piece in their homes.Her business model has always been to empathize with clients' individual needs. She wants to assure them that their homes are not someone else's but their own. Though Racheal has a team supporting her, she wants to be the main person of contact with her Clients. Building solid client relationships is her top priority which is facilitated through her exemplary level of service. So join Crystal and Racheal as they discuss her journey from hospitality design to a residential design. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and put a little more time into building your Client relationships. If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Racheal:Website : aspenjamesdesign.com     I     IG : aspenjamesdesignVideo podcast : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doNXgRzVdpARelated episode : Creating Emotional Homes and Retail EnvironmentsRecommended podcast/book: Think and Grow Rich book   I   Productivity Straight Talk podcast   I   Armchair Expert podcastNEED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE for your interior design business? Get it in the show notes of Crystal's episode Why you need SOP's in your Interior Design business.

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews entrepreneur Richard Schnitzel.Richard owns and operates a done-for-you automation company helping 6 figure entrepreneurs build the automation they need to scale their business to 7 figures and beyond. In his previous career as a Mechanical Engineer he worked across all aspects of business from sales and estimating to project management and high-end design. He believes automation doesn't have to be a dirty word and created the concept of “Authencious” Automation to help entrepreneurs level up their business through the power of technology. Crystal and Richard talked about leveraging your business with automation. Richard emphasizes the importance of understanding your primary business operations, and the workflows it entails. He helps business owners figure out what type of work they want to free themselves from doing. From there, it enables him to translate what kind of automation is fit for their business and explain to them the full scope of why automation is necessary.Richard shares that improving efficiency and efficacy are the two main goals of business automation. The process should make workflows and processes more organized, streamlined, and less stressful. He also does not guarantee that during the primary stages it will be smooth-sailing. It is like adjusting to new habits, taking detours, reassessing the effectiveness of your procedures towards achieving your desired outcome.So join Crystal and Richard as they discuss business automation and how it will help to leverage your business operations. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and try automating at least one thing in your business.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Richard:Website : richardschnitzel.com Recommended podcast/books:Tim Ferris podcastWooden on Leadership book by John Wooden

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the Productivity Specialist, Amber De La Garza.Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, host of the Productivity Straight Talk podcast, and creator of the S.T.O.P. Leverage Formula. She helps business owners improve their time management and increase your productivity to maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most!Crystal and Amber talk about productivity as a business owner. Amber explains that entrepreneurs need to know how to lead people and make decisions. She shares her S.T.O.P. framework which are the four pillars that every business owner should focus on to move and grow faster with less stress.Amber mentions that the most valuable asset in your business is yourself. She also emphasizes that productivity is a continuous learning process, and it is not something that we learn in school. As you grow in your journey as a business owner, you'll learn how to adjust when met with challenges & obstacles , especially when you are feeling unproductive. Reminding yourself of the goals that you have set,  will help you to focus on getting the important things done. So join Crystal and Amber as they chat about how to increase your productivity and how you can use it to streamline your systems and business processes. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for and listen in to learn about Amber's S.T.O.P. leverage formula.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Amber:Website : amberdelagarza.com     I     Instagram : amber_delagarzaPodcast : Productivity Straight Talk Recommended podcast/books:Grace and Grits, Profit Boss Radio, Speaking Your Brand

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the CEO and co-founder of DesignFiles, Sheilah MacSporran DesignFiles is an all-in-one interior design platform that empowers thousands of designers to grow their businesses with easy-to-use design and project management tools. With over ten years of experience in building interior design software, Sheilah remains committed to helping designers find a faster and easier path to success through the use of technology. Sheilah is living proof that failure is not the end of growing your dreams. Before Design Files, she and her husband had their share of failed projects and failed business approaches. Learning from your experiences will lead you to get better at approaching business success. First, you need to test out various samples and intensive research on your chosen niche to better position your product in the market. She also mentioned the importance of reaching out to your potential markets. Then, getting to know what they're struggling with and how your product or service can solve their problems and challenges. In the Interior Design industry, designers have many tools to use to visualize their creativity. Hopping from one tool to another could mean additional hours to your workflows. Which means lesser efficiency which made her to create an interior design software.She emphasizes the need to adapt and respond to changing market demands. As a result, Design Files continuously improve their features. Along with integration to companion software such as Quickbooks. As a business owner, you need to have a growth mindset where you use your failures to grow, improve and adapt to your customers needs. So join Crystal and Sheilah as they chat about Sheilah's journey and the challenges she faced designing an interior design software. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” by listening to this conversation. And heading over to the link below to claim their 50% off Design Files subscription promotion available to listeners of The Productive Designer podcast.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Sheilah:Website: designfiles.co     Resources mentioned:50% promotion - this is an affiliate link which means I will receive a small affiliate commission for anyone who signs up at no cost to you.

Featured in this week's episode ofThe Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with fellow designer. Maia Roffey.Maia is a graduate of McMasters multi-disciplinary Arts & Science program in Hamilton Ontario. She took a brief detour into law school on the West coast before finding her niche in design. She graduated with honours from Ryerson's School of Interior Design. Completed her BCIN, LEED AP, and NCIDQ designations before founding Black Sheep Interior Design.Crystal and Maia take a detour from their original topic, to chat about the supply chain collaboration and other issues we are all currently facing. Maia refers to lifting up a rock in the garden, and seeing all the ants working away. The COVID pandemic has revealed the inner workings of the supply chain. When one or two of the links in the chain breaks, the entire system is affected.To avoid the stress in the procurement process for any design project, Maia recommends documenting everything. And to be as transparent as possible with the process to your client. During the last 2 years of the pandemic, no matter where you purchase from, you will meet exhausted people along the way and oversight and mistakes still happen. Patience and kindness plays an essential factor in understanding and building a great network of people to rely on and work with.From the moment we signed in on the contract to the right end of the project, we must be responsible to our clients and to our collaborators. Be transparent with the documentation of the process so clients can have proper expectations. Communication is key to the successful supply chain collaboration, project management, and procurement of any design project.So join Crystal and Maia as they talk about supply chain collaboration and the effect of Covid in the supply-chain. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. Listen to this conversation and also consider supporting Eva's Initiatives Charity.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Maia:Website: blacksheepinteriordesign.com      I      Instagram: @blacksheepid Facebook: Black Sheep Interior DesignRecommended podcasts:Bunga Bunga I i-Weigh I Momgasm

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews brand consultant and psychologist, Mohammed Abdelghfar.Crystal and Mo talk about brand strategy for interior designers and how to effectively position your interior design firm in the customers' minds. What questions you need to ask in order to gain clarity and focus to build your dream interior design brand. What it is that you do, that will ensure you build a long-lasting emotional relationship with customers that turns them into loyal ever advocating fans.Mo believes that branding begins with basic human design rather than seeing how to make money. Giving value to your clients on the human level enables you to resonate with them and help them efficiently. You need to build great client relationships to produce loyal fans and create more referrals as a service-based business.He emphasizes the significance of figuring out who you want to serve, and why you want to. Mo advises to focus more on the intrinsic motivators than seeing people as transactions or figures. Since business is a game of trust, you need to ask yourself what makes you different from your competitors and valuable to your clients?The transaction is just the start of building client relationships. Mo mentioned the need to leave them with an excellent first impression and continually nurture them even after the project is complete. People liked to be asked their opinions, for example asking them for feedback after the project is done. You want your client to remember the interaction in addition to the product itself.So join Crystal and Mo as they talk about branding and brand strategy. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”.How to reach Mo:Instagram - @moinsightsRecommended podcast/YouTube:Gary VeeChris DoValuetainment YouTube Channel

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews fellow designer and founder of Business of Design, Kimberley Seldon.Kimberley is also a broadcaster and writer who advocates for spaces that celebrate the people who live in them. Based in Toronto and Los Angeles, the award-winning Kimberley Seldon Design Group today creates exceptional living spaces for exceptional people throughout North America. She founded Business of Design to share what she's learned about how professionalism powers creativity.Kimberley is a firm believer of having a process in place, enabling you to streamline your operations. Track your tasks and time, gathering this data is crucial to running a profitable business.As a new Interior Design professional you need to be discerning in who you work for. Learning from a design firm that has structured business practices will influence your future work habits and operations if you plan to eventually run your own design business. Kimberley also stresses transparency with your clients from planning, negotiation, and pricing. Show your clients their wishlist and provide them with the actual price. It is up to your client to decide on what they would like to spend their money on-not yours. So join Crystal and Kimberley as they talk about her  journey in starting her coaching business, implementing systems to streamline her operations and managing her projects and clients. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. After you listen to this podcast, check out The Business of Design podcast to learn more about Kimberely Seldon and The Business Design coaching program. If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Kimberley:Website: businessofdesign.com     Facebook: businessofdesign    I     Instagram: business_of_design     Recommended podcast / book:Political Gabfest podcastCommonwealth by Ann Patchett

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews former Assistant Dean for Mentoring & Executive Director of the Mentoring Academy at Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Ruth Gotian.She has been hailed by the journal Nature and Columbia University as an expert in mentoring and leadership development. She is currently a contributor to Forbes and Psychology Today where she writes about ‘optimizing success'. In 2021, she was one of 30 people worldwide named to the Thinkers50 Radar List, dubbed the Oscars of management thinking. Also, she's a semi-finalist for the Forbes 50 Over 50 list.Ruth's  research is about the mindset and skill set of peak performers, including Nobel laureates, astronauts and Olympic champions. Her book, The Success Factor, shares the stories of extreme high achievers and unlocks the path to success.Crystal and Dr. Ruth discuss the success factor - traits & characteristics of high achievers and the four elements of success. Ruth believes that everybody wants to be successful they just don't know how. She believes that success consists of a skill set that can be taught. Also, discovered that what works for one person may not work for another. And an individual approach is needed. Ruth explains that these are not habits but a mindset shift.So join Crystal and Dr. Ruth as they talk about the success factor and her insights about mentorship. “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. And order Dr. Ruth's book now, available January 2022.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Dr. Ruth:Website: ruthgotian.com I Podcast: The Mentor Project I LinkedIn: rgotianRecommended podcast/book:Adam Grant, The Women's NetworkA Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm book by Robert LefkowitzThe Long Game book by Dorie ClarkResources mentioned:  The Success Factor bookPassion AuditMentoring Team

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson talks about her recent experience on firing a client. We never go into a project thinking about how and when we would need to fire a client. Join Crystal in this solo episode as she discusses her recent experience firing a client and the lessons learned. Crystal emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear direction and set of rules that can make your collaboration successful from the start right to the end. She shares that if your client is unsure of their goal, we must guide them in order to clarify the end objective. As obvious as this may be, clarifying the desired end goal upfront is so crucial, as it puts you both on the same page from the beginning.Some clients just do not communicate effectively. Their communication style may be by bombarding you with many requests that you need to complete immediately-everything is an emergency. Others do not know what they want and are unable to articulate it clearly. It is the responsibility of the project leader, to get this information out of the Client's heads and into a clear scope of work.  There is a saying “we teach people how to treat us”. This method not only sets the boundaries for the Designer and the project scope of work, but it's also the best way to meet the Client's needs and expectations. Clearly communicating a detailed process and workflow will help clients understand how the project will progress. Learning the type of client that you should or shouldn't work with, will help to hone in on the early warning signs and to know if the partnership will be a good fit or not.  The role of the business owner, you must be careful in choosing the right clients, not only for you but for your team as well. The wrong client puts a drain on time but company morale as well. Ideally, we want to address creative differences early. Firing clients should be a last resort. Establish a defined direction, set specific boundaries and deliverables upfront. So join Crystal as she shares how she's dealing with difficult client situations like to fire a client that drains your energy and motivation. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and set a process for managing your clients and your boundaries.Resource mentioned:The Wonderful World of Difficult Clients [Infographic]

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson, interviews award-winning interior designer and certified Life and Business Coach, Desi Creswell.Desi has worked at world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice. Her personal experience with burnout and the competing interests of work and home led her to transform her own life. She then used this new knowledge to provide support to the interior design community. Her training as a life coach aims to help interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally build profitable, fulfilling businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole. Crystal and Desi discuss how consistency in business is crucial in all areas of our life and business. We need to be kind to ourselves when it comes to implementing consistent practices. We have to give ourselves grace and not “should” all over ourselves. Bringing awareness to our slip-ups is the first step, then with this awareness, we can begin to be more consistent in habits we want to make.Any type of habitual change starts with a mindset and setting realistic goals that are actually attainable. There is no use in setting unrealistic goals that one would have a hard time completing or committing to. Start small and build on your wins. These wins build over time, and eventually, the habit/change becomes routine.So join in as Crystal and Desi as they chat about Desi's journey on being a life and business coach to the interior design community and having the right mindset when it comes to consistency in business. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and get Desi's planner and attend their upcoming workshop. If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Desi:Website - desicreswell.com I Instagram - @desicreswellResources mentioned:Interior Designers Get It Done Daily Planner (Free)Goal Setting For Busy Interior DesignersFriday, December 3 at 11 am central

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the host of the Simplifying Entrepreneurship podcast, and a Business Made Simple Certified coach, Peter Mohr.Peter is a serial entrepreneur, owning several businesses, he is also a business broker helping people buy and sell businesses. Peter uses his entrepreneur background by helping other business owners create turn-key businesses so that they can enjoy the entrepreneur freedom and have the majority of their time working "on" their businesses, not "in" it.Crystal & Peter discuss in order to have a successful business and enjoy entrepreneur freedom,  you need the four P's of business, Product, Process, People, and Profit. Stating how important it is to understand the problem you're solving and by showing your customer how life will be “after” your product or service. As a Business Made Simple Certified Coach, a framework Peter developed. He has simplified entrepreneurship. Depending on where you are and what you need, he can best suggest the best framework to help you in your business. So, join Crystal and Peter as they chat about Peter's coaching business and how to gain entrepreneur freedom in your business. Check out Peter's website for a free business assessment test which will take 15-20 minutes to complete. However, you will get a very detailed 50-60 page PDF document. Outlining what you're doing really well with your business and what you need to work on. So, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and take Peter's assessment test.How to reach Peter:Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.comLinkedIn: petermohr     I     Facebook: SimplifyingEntrepreneurshipRecommended podcast: Huberman Lab, Genius NetworkRecommended books: Business Made Simple by Donald MillerResources mentioned: Assessment Test

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson, chats with fellow designer and the Principal Lead Designer and Co-Owner of West of Main Design, Sascha Lafleur.Sascha had a passion for design for as long as she can remember so she  moved to Montreal to study Interior Design. She is committed to design spaces that are not just a valued addition to the client's varied lifestyles, businesses, and environments. She believes that spaces are a true reflection of who they are, where they've been, and where they are going.West of Main was initially established as an interior design services business. Over time it organically became a multi-faceted business. I includes a brick & mortar furniture store as well as a newly added e-commerce store. By launching an online e-commerce store, it allows the business to reach audiences across Canada & the United States. Sascha shares how her amazing team collaborates on the concept development to nail down the design direction.  When moving on to the planning phase, this allows for the implementation phase to run smoothly as possible. When you implement something completely unorganized in your interior design services, people live in chaos for a year to two. Which is extremely frustrating for the client, construction, and the design team. Take the proper time to plan the entire project before starting construction. Then the implementation experience can be a pleasurable journey for everyone involved.So join in as Crystal and Sascha talk about Sascha's interior design services and how she has expanded her team and furniture store . Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and listen to this episode. How to reach Sascha:Website - westofmain.comFacebook - Westofmainshoppe I      Instagram - westofmainshoppeRecommended podcast : Gut podcast

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson, interviews fellow designer, certified life coach and author, Carrie Leskowitz.Carrie is an award-winning interior designer with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of Carrie Leskowtitz Interiors, she helps clients nurture the holistic connections between their homes and their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Through self-exploration and reinvention for beautifully created homes. Focused on designing for mental health connections to promote overall well-being and abundant life.Carrie shares the journey that led her in being a life coach. She believes that things happen for a reason. And that we don't always know what they are when we're in them. She decided to become a life coach to help herself to change her perspective. She started her coaching her design clients because she had seen how the interior space of home mirrors their minds. In Carrie's book, OM for the hOMe, she shares her holistic approach to intentionally curating an environment where you'll thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is your complete guide to designing for mental health space with your authentic self in mind to achieve Zen. Full of design philosophy, creative lifestyle tips, and introspective activities.Carrie also shares that she's working with people and companies where sustainability is of importance. She likes to use non-toxic paints which every company makes now. She also recommends reducing cleaning supplies by applying the 80/20 approach. Finding more and more people are interested in going green in cleaning supplies & beauty products.So join Crystal and Carrie as they talk about Carrie's book about designing for mental health, her interior design business, and the holistic connection between our homes and our health as a whole. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” and pick up Carrie's book.How to reach Carrie:Website : carrieleskowitzinteriors.com I Instagram :  @carrieleskowitzFacebook : carrieleskowitzinteriors I LinkedIn : carrie-leskowitzRecommended podcasts: A Well Designed Business, The Genius Life and Meaningful ConversationResources mentioned - OM for the Home - A Holistic Approach to Interior Design for Your Overall Wellbeing, Body, Mind, and Spirit

Featured on today's episode The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews TEDx speaker, author of WHY the NOSE? and Chief Executive Officer at The Scented L'air, Tracy Pepe.Tracy has over 30 years of experience developing her superpower, which is the connection between mental health and our sense of smell. She is a perfumer specializing in essential oils, aromatics and chemicals. She created various scent solutions to rethink practical synesthesia (Tracy explains what synesthesia is) in architecture and interior design. Most of her design collaborations explored the idea of sensorial expansion. Adding the intertwinement of scent strategy and color to create nearly deepened ways of visitor sensation.In this episode, Tracy breaks down scent design and essential oils for consumers to understand that scent design is more than a scented candle.Tracy talks about her book which was her personal journey as a perfumer and the fear of getting COVID. And the chance of losing her sense of smell would be like a Designer losing their eyesight. Tracy explains how COVID impacts the central nervous system. In which the number one symptom is people losing their sense of smell and their sense of taste. Noting that the unfortunately the medical community downplay this. However, in the scent world, that's a huge red flag. She shares the research information about people who loses their sense of smell is close to 76% chance to experience some form of depression.So join Crystal and Tracy as they talk about Tracy's scent business, the relation of smell and depression, and the qualities to look for in buying essential oils.Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. And contact Tracy to get your copy of her new E-book, free smelling kit, or workbook.How to connect with TracyWebsite: smellingpink.caLinkedIn:  Tracy PepeRecommended podcasts/booksMy Love Story by Tina TurnerGreenlight by Matthew McConaugheyResources mentioned:Free workbook on how to regain sense of smell

Featured on today's solo episode of the Productive Designer podcast, host Crystal Collinson dives deep into something that we all fall victim to, the term “planning fallacy”. It's a familiar experience that is explored by social psychologists since the term was coined by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky in 1979.Planning fallacy refers to an optimistic prediction bias in which people underestimate the time that it will actually take to complete a task despite knowing that similar tasks that you've performed in the past have typically taken longer. We tend to exclude many variables that are out of our control and only think of some parts of the task that we can control. Therefore, we grossly underestimate how long something is gonna actually take to complete. When it comes to projects this depends on what type of fee system you are working with. Whether you're on an hourly or a flat fee, we are all guilty of not charging for every hour that we have worked.There are studies that show how we can overcome this fallacy. That is learning to break down our projects into more bite-size and manageable tasks. By doing so, we have a much better idea of estimating the amount of time each of those specific tasks is going to take. This is where time blocking comes in. The challenge is actually sticking to what you planned to do in that specific time because there will always be something that will try to distract you from your intended action.There is really no one-size-fits-all approach to overcoming the planning fallacy. Things are going to happen that are not on your schedule, but has there ever really been an actual “design emergency”, the answer is NO! The trick is breaking things down into bite-sized pieces, setting out your intentions on when and where to do these tasks and then sticking  to actually following through...yes easier said than done.So now go do something today that your future self will thank you for and listen to this short episode.Resources mentioned:Time Blocking episodeTHE PLANNING FALLACY: AN INSIDE VIEWWhy do we underestimate how long it will take to complete a task?

Featured on today's episode The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews multiple award-winning author and podcast host Stacey Brown Randall. Stacey is the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking. She's also the host of the Roadmap to Grow Your Business podcast. She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur Magazine – Investor, Business Daily, Forbes. CEO World and Fox News.Stacey shares her high-level philosophy on how to generate referrals which always comes from relationships. And relationships have to be maintained by frequent connection. Business owners are juggling both professional and personal life, and in order to maintain connections, you need to create a referral process so that you can do it consistently. The best way to maintain these connections is through touchpoints. This ensures that we're connecting the right way, with the right language. And the right amount of times in a year.We have been taught on how to generate referrals that we must ask for them. Stacey & Crystal discuss easy and effective ways to stand out amongst your competitors. And how to easily receive more business referrals without asking.Honoring the relationship with referral sources is more impactful when using the right language to direct how they think about us, which is ultimately how the referrals consistently happen. Additionally, the piece that most people miss is that referral generation needs to be strategic with a system in place so that you maintain those consistent touchpoints. So join Crystal and Stacey as they discuss on how to generate referrals and hope to inspire you to think differently about growing and maintaining your business through referrals. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and reach out to a past client.Connect with Stacey Website - staceybrownrandall.com Facebook - StaceyBrownRandallRecommended podcasts/books Podcast  - The Simple Life GardenerBook - Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews mindful business coach, Andrea Freeman.Andrea is a celebrity event planner turned mindful business coach. She works with service-based entrepreneurs around the world to help them up-level their businesses to multiple 6 to 7 figures through a couple of different vehicles like authentic thought leadership and visibility and mindset. Cultivating the habits, practices to create a business that is soulfully sustainable.Andrea shares that her personal journey as an entrepreneur where she had a number of different businesses. Andrea realized that going through her business evolutions really helped her to cultivate a new mindset. She also mentions how she created her coaching program which is based on the idea of being at a party. Andrea points out that there are two ways to be in life, to be a “guest” or be the “host”. When you're a guest at someone else's party, you don't have a say in a lot of things about the party, but being the host you have the choice to create something that's uniquely and authentically yours.Andrea is the creator of the H.O.S.T your life Accelerator program. A program to learn how to honor your why so you get really clear about why you do what you do. So that you can build a business that makes a massive impact, stands the test of time, and creates true entrepreneurial freedom.Andrea and Crystal discuss the topic of burnout. Andrea believes that you cannot talk about burnout without the discussion of boundaries. Which she thinks is going to be a critical part of being able to come out of burnout, and be successful. Andrea mentions that the more you cultivate your mindset, the easier it is to get there.So join Crystal and Andrea as they talk about Andrea's entrepreneurial journey and her coaching business. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”.How to connect with Andrea:Website - andreafreemanconsulting.comInstagram - @afreeman_instaLinkedIn - afreeman-consulting Recommended podcasts:Revisionist History    Get Rich Lucky Bitch

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews local SEO Expert, Jessica Morrison. Jessica runs a local SEO agency where she helps small businesses really increase their search engine rankings and their online visibility. Her passion has always been local business and not just local but small businesses across the world. She talks about a class of really large companies that will have a completely different SEO strategy than a business that exists in a city or a smaller town. And there are definite advantages to really increase your ranking locally. She thinks that it's often a benefit that's overlooked by small businesses. Because they think that SEO is kind of one of these things that only big companies do. Listen to learn why it is beneficial for small local companies too.Jessica discusses the three different pillars that you want to look at with local SEO. Your first one is optimizing your website. Where you want to take a look at your website and make sure it's optimized for mobile viewing. Because most people are now looking at things on smartphones. The second is social media even if it has an indirect effect on your SEO. What it does is it's increasing your brand awareness allowing your company to be “top of mind”. She continues to discuss the third factor which is the local ranking factor,. Which would be having a Google my business profile. And it can go so far as to text you if people want to interact with you. If you've optimized GMB then you can show up in the top three on the map.So join Crystal and Jessica as they discuss positioning your business through local SEO efforts. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and head on to her website to check the PDF free resource to know more about the three pillars Jessica mentioned.How to reach Jessica:Website seasidedigitaldesign.com     LinkedIn - seasidedigitaldesign     I     Instagram - @seasidedigitaldesignRecommended podcasts:Speaking Your Brand      I     Sales Maven     I     Hello Seven

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson chats with Focusologist, Penny Zenker. Penny is, an international speaker, business strategy coach, and best-selling author of the book The Productivity Zone which was an instant Amazon Best Seller, and her TEDx, "The Energy of Thought", has gained attention around the world. She has been featured on NBC News, Forbes, Inc, ESPN, and Wharton Business Radio among others.In this episode, Crystal and Penny discuss how we need to bring awareness to life and works' distractions or how and why we lose focus. Penny explains how can we start to take steps towards being more focused and being more intentional with where and how we direct our attention. Crystal believes habitual change is tough, and it is going to take a real effort to make these changes happen. Penny explains what a Focusologist is, it is someone who focuses is on the right things at the right time. It is someone who studies and practices the art of controlling and directing the energy of our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions to produce a positive, meaningful result. At the simplest, it's the art of studying how and where to focus so that we get the results that we want. Penny notes that humans are a thousand times more driven away from pain than we are towards pleasure. Avoiding the “pain” by doing almost anything other than what we are supposed to do.Crystal asks how Penny works and what are methods she uses to help people to stay focused. Penny mentioned that the first step is awareness where she has a distraction quiz where she invites everybody to take a look at and find out whether they're a squirrel or a time zombie. What the quiz is meant to do is to create that heightened awareness as to what's distracting us. To be aware that we're being distracted, that we're impulsively behaving in a certain way.Listen in on this episode where Crystal and Penny talked about the ways that people can focus and be a little bit more productive. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and learn to notice what your triggers are for losing focus. How to reach Penny:Website: pennyzenker360.comLinkedIn: pennyzenkerFacebook: PennyzPerspectiveMentioned Resources:Distraction quizBooks: Productivity-Zone-Stop-Tug-Time by Penny ZenkerRuthless-Elimination-Hurry-Emotionally-Spiritually by Jon Mark Comer Recommended podcasts:Tim Ferriss and Brene Brown

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews fellow interior design professional and author, Phyllis Harbinger. Phyllis is an Interior Designer, Educator, Strategist, Speaker, and Author of the Interior Design Productivity Toolbox. She has owned and operated her award-winning boutique firm DCI Studio for almost 30 years, serving the luxury residential market.In this episode, Phyllis shares the story of how she came to writing her book. It all started when she was in a mastermind class, and her mentor challenged them all to create an evergreen product. Phyllis thought about the budgeting tool and checklists she had created could become an evergreen product, and it did.Crystal and Phyllis move the conversation to discussing the best methods for scaling a business. Phyllis points out that we all live in a very different world now, one that allows us to work remotely, and therefore the ability to hire part-time or “fractional” is very easy to do. This allows small business owners the flexibility and freedom to hire, without having the responsibility of a full-time employee especially when you're starting out. Phyllis shares her best hiring practice. As an Educator she has an advantage she likes to call her “secret sauce”, and that is to hire through her class.  She gets to really know who the students are. As a Teacher, she gets first-hand knowledge of their work ethic, their personality traits, and their unique brilliance. She sees all that because she is interacting with them on a regular basis and she learns of their capabilities. And nine out of 10 times, they exponentially show more than anticipated.Phyllis and Crystal briefly touch on fee systems. Phyllis's preferred method is a substantial design fee for the conceptualization and creative services portion. And then her DCI Studio team move into purchase management. DCI Studio keeps all of their client's credit cards safely password-protected, using their cards to make purchases on their clients' behalf. A “Purchase Management” fee is then added on which allows for complete transparency and worrying about her clients “shopping” her.  So join Crystal and Phyllis as they discuss her book, ideas on scaling and managing an interior design business. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” and pick up Phyllis's book. How to reach Phyllis:Website : phyllisharbinger.com I Instagram : phyllisharbinger  I  Facebook : DCIStudioRecommended podcasts: Deepak ChopraRecommended books:  Get A Grip by Gion Wickman & Mike Paton, Traction by Gino Wickman 

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson strategizes with fellow interior design professional Mehnaz Malik.  In this episode, Mehnaz is interested in learning about Crystal's relationships with Builders and Contractors. And how she charges for her services. Crystal provides insight, explaining how having a different design package available is a great option for both the Contractor and the Client. These packages are priced based on the scope of work and level of design involvement. Mehnaz & Crystal also chat about how to discuss budgets with Clients.  This can sometimes be a challenge for many Design Professionals. A design package option to consider is working with a project total instead of showing an itemized list. This can be helpful when working within an overall budget.  Some clients prefer to know exactly what they are paying for each item. While other clients are okay as long as the budget is met. So, join Crystal and Mehnaz as they discuss ways to approach money, budgets, and contractors. Then, do something today that your future self will thank you for. And try some of these suggestions for yourself.  How to reach Mehnaz:Website - www.nataridesign.comIG: @nataridesignRecommended podcastsPaloma Contreras podcast

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews fellow interior design professional and Liv Pod creator, Lisa Kooistra.  Crystal and Lisa discovered that they essentially have been living parallel lives with Crystal being a few years ahead of Lisa. However, there is one major difference. While Crystal's husband is also a contractor, she does not work with him on a regular basis or really at all. Lisa on the other hand, work regularly with her contractor husband Ryan Kooistra of York Renovation Design. She and her husband do residential home renovations. Lisa cut her “interior design teeth” working for several successful design firms gaining lots of interior design experience. After years of working for different interior design firms, she and her husband both decided it was time to start their own businesses. While looking for an alternative for a home office, Lisa and her husband decided to design a self-contained unit. What they call a “Liv Pod”. The pod is located in their backyard, and it has heat, electricity, and more. The pod s connected to the main house for all electricity. It was the perfect solution to still be able to work from home while also having a separate space. The Liv Pods are available for all types of uses. And she has found that even start-up salons have found the perfect solutions to their office problems. So, join Crystal and Lisa as they chat about Lisa's similar experiences to Crystal's. What Lisa is doing to create new flexible spaces for starting businesses. Do something today that your future self will thank you for. And look into getting a pod for your business.   How to reach Lisa:Website - lkdesigns.ca      I      livpods.ca Recommended podcast - The Decibel

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson coaches fellow Interior Design professional Michaela Donato to help make her business better. This week's episode is all about Michaela's business and what insight Crystal can give to take her to the next level. Crystal will go over flat fees versus hourly pay, marketing, differentiating your business, and attracting the right clientele. Crystal asks Michaela open and honest questions about her style and what her current strategy is to find the best ways to help her. For Michaela, the main takeaway is learning how to set yourself apart from other Designers. For example, if you were in a room with one hundred other designers, what would do you do that no one else would raise their hand for? What makes you special? What could be the difference between someone choosing you or another designer? This could be your love for being environmentally friendly, your keen eye for good antique pieces, your use of bright colors, or your ability to adjust to someone's lifestyle. There could be so many different key factors that could set you apart from others, and it is important that you know what that is. Crystal and Michaela also discuss design fees,  flat-fee versus hourly. In this episode Crystal touches on the fact that everyone has to start with a lower fee, due to being new to the craft, but as your experience grows your prices need to grow too. When it is time to increase your rates, you can inform your current clients that your prices will be increasing as of a particular date. Notifying your existing Clients will make them aware that you are more experienced and therefore more valuable. This will also inform current clients that anyone they refer to you will be paying a different price. In some cases, the current clients who are used to paying a smaller fee may agree to pay more to get more value from your work or not, either way, you will be paid your worth. So, join Crystal and Michaela as they explore different ways to grow her business. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and determine what makes you and your services different from other Interior Design professionals.How to reach Michaela:Website : donatodecor.com Recommended podcasts:Happier, The School of Greatness, The Daily Shine 

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson is joined by fellow interior designer Christine Woodward. Christine is the owner of 19th & Co where she helps her clients transform their company into the next phase of growth by helping with strategy, implementation, and execution. She has a team of skilled consultants behind her that allow her to work with almost anyone wanting to grow their business. If it is not in Christine's expertise, she will find a consultant of hers that is. Her biggest rule is that her company is not mean to give you more work or be a chore, instead, it is meant to make your work life easier. Christine's ultimate goal for you is to help you get to the place where you are the most important person in the room but without the need to be there all the time (meaning a dependable team!)Christine elaborates on how she only hires women to help empower her clients. Because to Christine, most women lack confidence, particularly in the business world. This is something that Christine wants you to no longer feel, and so she hires other informed women to keep the standard of empowerment. She never wants you to feel weak or powerless. Instead, she wants to help give you a voice and see your worth in your skill. Did you know most women will only apply for jobs when they have at least eight qualifications, but men will apply after they have two? So, why do men have more confidence? Confidence is not a trait, it's a skill, and it is a skill you can learn.  Christine wants you to learn this confidence, apply it in your business, and then take your business to the next level.  So, join Crystal and Christine as they talk about confidence, and how to get your business to where you want it to be.  And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for, and be sure to contact Christine about your consultation today. How to reach Christine:Website : 19thandco.comLinkedIn- cwoodward1Recommended podcasts:The pitch and How I built this

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson joins Louise Brogan for a dual podcast of The Productive Designer and LinkedIn with Louise.   Louise will answer Crystal's many questions about how to use the social media platform LinkedIn with ease and professionalism. As this platform continues to grow in popularity,  becoming more authentic, now is the time to start defining yourself before it becomes too cluttered. Currently, the platform can be seen as a wild west. Most people have one, but only 1% of the users are currently using it regularly and to its full potential. Louise will show you how you can define yourself and get yourself established before others catch on. Unlike most social platforms LinkedIn really only needs to have two posts a week in order for you to stay ahead of the game. With that being said, it is best to be intentional with your posts. For example, if you are reposting an article, why are you reposting it? What is special about it? Elaborate on your content. Louise recommends commenting on someone's posts, instead of just “liking” it. This will show up on their comments, and it will show your name and headline. The more eye-catching your headline, the better. This will allow you to be seen instead of getting lost in the “likes”. Louise also dives into the importance knowing that the platform is a “slow burn.” You're not mean to find business in two or three weeks. You're not mean to be an overnight sensation. Instead, it is about the connections that you make and the conversations you have. Don't just instantly try to sell your product or business. You should try having a genuine conversation first to open the door. After you've established connections and had conversations, that's really when things can start moving into place. It may take two or three months or more, but in the end it will be worth it. So, join Crystal and Louise as they talk about the wild west of LinkedIn. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and be sure to tune into LinkedIn with Louise. How to reach Louise:Website : louisebrogan.com     LinkedIn : louisebrogan     Instagram- louisebrogan

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson chats with author and interior designer Pamela Durkin.Pam has been in the industry for almost thirty years, and for most of that time, she has owned her own interior design firm. Pamela believes the best part of being a Designer is knowing the value you bring to the table when someone hires you. Elaborating on knowing your worth when walking into a home. Pamela explains how when a Client is looking ot hire a  Designer it is less about the furniture selections and more about how to make a space that works. Their home is a sanctuary, and they have to feel safe, comfortable, and blissful in their space. Pamela also gives Crystal a new perspective on social media. While Crystal often sees it “as a necessary evil”.  Providing tips on how to make your social media more impactful. Aw we know in reality, it is essential, as everyone is doing it. But, if everyone is doing it, why are you? Are you just going to post a white kitchen because everyone is? Or are you going to add what makes your kitchen style different? What elements did you add? What is unique? The real question is, if everyone is posting the same things, what can you do to make you stand out? Are you commenting on other's post? The most important thing about social media is to be consistent and to show a different perspective.  So, join Crystal and Pamela as they talk about social media, owning your own business, and Pamela's book. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and check out Pamela's book Elevate on Amazon.  How to reach Pamela:Website : pamela-durkin.com      I       Facebook : pameladurkindesigns/ Instagram- @pameladurkinBook- Elevate-design-business-basement-PenthouseRecommended podcasts:Redefining WealthRecommended books:Essentialism, No BS Marketing to the Affluent, My book, Elevate

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designerhost Crystal Collinson with author and speaker J. Kelly Hoey.  Kelly started off a lawyer, but after many years on Twitter, she has since discovered her unique ability to combine networking and social media. She combined the digital age with the “analog” world, and she has unlocked the ability to create a new network without having to leave the house. In light of the pandemic and the need to meet virtually, she gives tips on how to best use your different platforms to work for you.  The biggest advice she has for anyone who is on social media is to stop thinking about social media being another alternate personality. Instead, your social media should be a reflection of who you are as a person. Depending on the platform, you can decide what piece of your personality you might share, but no matter the media, it should always be authentic. You should never be striving to be anyone other than yourself. Kelly also knows the power of networking, the right way. After meeting with someone, you should always send a quick email thanking them for the meeting. The second email afterward is most important and is often forgotten. The second email should be explaining what you did with the insight and information you were given. By doing so, you demonstrate that you listened and you took action. A simple follow-up status email shows that you are taking the time to show your appreciation. When taking time for others, people will notice. So, join Crystal and Kelly as they talk about social media, networking, and authenticity. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and check out J. Kelly's book Build Your Dream Network. How to reach Kelly:Website - jkellyhoey.co      I      Twitter- jkhoey LinkedIn- kellyhoey          I      Instagram- jkellyhoeyRecommended podcasts:The Red Note, The New Paris, Before Breakfast

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with fellow podcaster Rahul Faria. Rahul works in construction and has a clear passion for the craft. He started his podcast Build Our Future to better understand the changes the world of construction is making. He believes in understanding the past in order to create a better future. He also found that while in his podcast pursuits he fell in love with his job all over again. Sometimes in our lives, we can hit a rut in our careers and forget why we loved our job in the first place. This podcast has helped him reignite that love, by having meaningful discussions with others about various topics related to construction.  As we navigate this new world, we all have had to adjust to new difficulties due to the pandemic, and sometimes relying upon realistic timelines and budgets is almost impossible. Many want discounts due to COVID, but he has to explain the added hardships that the job now encounters including safety measures, extensions, guidelines in place during COVID outbreaks, and more. Rahul reminds us that the client should always be given realistic expectations and an understanding of the buying decisions. For example, sometimes quality is better the more you pay.  In other cases, sometimes the price is high, but the quality is not. It is his job to explain to the client what their expectations of the products should be. This allows for clients to fully understand what their choices are and what their purchase means long term. So, join Crystal and Rahul as they talk about podcasts, constructions, and realistic expectations. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and listen to Crystal on the Build Our Future Podcast.How to reach Rahul:Website - rahulfaria.com     I     LinkedIn: rahul-faria Twitter: @rahul_faria      I      Instagram: @rahulfaria Recommended podcast:Contech Crew, The Construction Record, and The Site Visit

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with former journalist and CEO of She's Newsworthy Media Jennifer Singh. Jennifer helps women entrepreneurs gain exposure in the media. As a journalist, she noticed that more men were getting tv spots and exposure than women. She believes part of this issue is related to a woman's imposter syndrome that she often feels. Jennifer also coaches women to overcome their insecurities and find what makes them stand out. She helps women entrepreneurs on how to put their best foot forward on podcast interviews, presentations, and on-camera training.    Jennifer offers many workshops to help others in their entrepreneur dreams. She includes one on one help as well as group activities. She offers a variety of options because she knows everyone needs something different in order to succeed. As we all have different learning styles.Jennifer knows the key to success is reaching all different platforms. So it is important to her that women know how to land podcast interviews and tv spots.  So, join Crystal and Jennifer as they discuss how to successfully start landing media spots. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and discover why you are “newsworthy”.How to reach Jennifer:Website – shesnewsworthy.com Instagram – @shesnewsworthyRecommended podcasts:Abraham Hicks, BizChixs and Turning Point 

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson is with interior designer Hollis Rendleman.   Hollis creates an experience in the home that is purely based on how her clients want to feel when they are in their own space. She has advice for creating more soothing office spaces in the home by adding comfort items or scents. For example, if you find velvet to be soothing then perhaps a velvet throw pillow is a small item to add that will create a more soothing workplace in your home. Hollis elaborates on different ways to get clients to talk more about how they want to feel in their home instead of just explaining their likes & dislikes. Hollis has had experience as a social worker and a retail clerk which has created this desire to tune into people's feelings. She has truly found her place in the market and is using these skills effectively to create custom interiors for each of her clients. However, getting into the interior design world and creating her own business has not always been easy. Like many, It was not always easy, and she had to push herself to pursue her dream of being her own boss. After a year of starting her own business, the pandemic hit. Like many, she struggled during that time, but thankfully, she was able to find ways to expand her business. She hosts workshops online to help people create more relaxing environments in their homes and helps others reach their full potential in their designs. The moral of the story is, there is no perfect time to start your own business, but once you found your calling, it's time to dive in and just begin somewhere…the hardest part is starting. So, join Crystal and Hollis as they talk about Hollis's journey to interior design and creating a wonderfully relaxing home. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and find what items you can add to your home that will make you more at peace in your home.How to reach Hollis:Website - hollisrendleman.com and hollisrendleman.com/workshops Facebook- HollisRendlemanInteriorLinkedIn-hollis-rendleman Instagram- @hollisrendlemaninteriors  Recommended podcasts:Boom! Lawyered, Lovett or Leave it and Pod Save the World

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with entrepreneur and owner of Alchemy Accounting and Bookkeeping Services, Michelle Cooper. Michelle is an author and business owner who helps businesses create profit and lift themselves out of poverty. She discusses how she went virtual in her work over the years, but especially when COVID hit. Shifting to work virtual has allowed her to work with people from all over the world and support others in all aspects of their bookkeeping needs. QuickBooks has been instrumental in helping Michelle stay on top of her business in assisting others with their needs. Michelle also has her own blog with a multitude of advice for businesses. Some of her best advice is teaching others how to turn a profit instead of letting their bills and expenses take control. Michelle has seven key points to help you in your business endeavors. She starts by taking a look at your mindset to find what you are truly saying about yourself and your business subconsciously. Start by clearing your mind of the negativity your subconsciously thinking about your business. What is your profitability on your price point? Where is your spending going? Who are you paying and what are you paying for? Must Haves? Convenience? What is this? Where are you discounting your services to get clients? What is your team doing and where are their hours going? Developing important and better relationships with your vendors. What is your client's lifetime value? So, join Crystal and Michelle as they talk about how Michelle can improve the mindset of your business, and how you can turn a profit on your business. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and listen to this episode of The Productive Designer. How to reach Michelle:Website - alchemyaccounting.ca LinkedIn- michellebcooper Facebook- businessamongmomsRecommended podcasts:Mind Your Business, Run Like Clockwork and Real AF

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with fellow podcaster and sales expert Nikki Rausch.  Nikki is an expert on sales with more than 25 years of selling to such prestigious organizations as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, and NASA. Nikki is dedicated to teaching entrepreneurs and small business owners to sell successfully authentically, without being pushy or “salesy”. As Design professionals our job is not only to sell our services but our ideas and concepts too. Whether we like to admit it or not, a lot of being a Designer requires us to know how to communicate and convince our Clients to buy-aka “Sell”.Nikki suggests asking a lot of questions, the more you get a potential client to talk the more you can learn about their particular needs. As you begin to build a rapport, you are establishing a relationship with them, so that they can get to “know, like and trust” you, because people will buy from people they “know”, they “like” and someone they can “trust”. So, join Crystal and Nikki as they talk about how to change your mindset on your sales approach. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for, by listening to this episode. Grab Nikki's free resource below. Free Resource: yoursalesmaven.com/designer How to reach Nikki:Website - yoursalesmaven.com/podcast/ Amazon- Nikki-Rausch LinkedIn- nicolerauschInstagram- @your_sales_maven Recommended podcastsUnlocking Us, The Brainy Business and Andy Stanley Leadership podcast

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews fellow interior design professional Ellen Smith. Ellen works in the New York and New Jersey area to help people find the perfect additions to design and decorate their homes.Ellen has discovered a way to help others find the perfect furniture for their homes without having to be in their geographical area, which has been an advantage in the current pandemic. Her services include selecting paint colors, fabrics, furniture options, and more. Ellen's business model is such that the client then has to hire their own painters, movers, and contractors to complete the onsite work. She simply assists them to find what they are looking for, she does not participate in the process of installation. She prefers to meet on Zoom and assist her clients virtually.  Ellen strongly believes you have to trust the process. The process may take numerous meetings, but the most important thing to remember is to not give up if you do not find the perfect options immediately. Sometimes it takes trusting the process and trusting the interior design professional to find what you are looking for.  So, join Crystal and Ellen as they talk about Ellen's online strategy helping you see how working remotely is possible even for interior designers and decorators. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and think about how you could expand your business reach by working remotely. How to get in touch with Ellen:Website - ethanallen.com and ellen-smith-designer-ethan-allen Instagram- @misse.designsRecommended podcast:A Well Designed Business

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with fellow interior designer and podcaster Rebecca West. Rebecca had a multitude of jobs and experiences before stumbling upon interior design. Following her divorce, she looked around her home and decided she needed to change her space into something seriously happy. She is a successful interior designer located in the Seattle area, and she recently featured Crystal on her podcast Creating Your Happy PlaceRebecca has been successful in her design endeavors and believes part of her success is knowing who she wanted to design for right away. She wants people to create spaces in their homes that make them feel safe and happy. With that in mind, her business quickly grew, and she was very intentional in her hiring selections. Now she has seven people in total that work for her. These positions include someone to focus on the administrative part of the business and affiliated designers that she can refer clients to when they are out of their geographical area. Rebecca has lots of advice, great tips on hiring, and encouragement for fellow designers. So, join Crystal and Rebecca as they chat about how Rebecca decided to change her life, how she hired, and who she designs for. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and create a space in your home that makes you seriously happy. How to Get in Touch with Rebecca:Website : podcast/creating-your-happy-place, happystartsathome.com Instagram- @seriouslyhappyhomes  Facebook- seriouslyhappyhomesRecommended podcasts: The Hidden Brain, TED Radio Hour, Creating Your Happy Place

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with fellow interior designer and podcaster Rebecca Hay where she has found new ways to continuously grow her design business. She is an expert at marketing. A wiz at adapting to changes in life, including what to do when a pandemic takes over the world. Rebecca will talk about how she got the point in her life where she felt called to be an interior design professional. She now had over ten years of experience in the interior design world but she's still learning to be encouraged by others, instead of comparing herself. Moreover, she discusses business and how she's used time blocking to keep her focused. This idea of time blocking is one Crystal has talked about in a previous episode. Rebecca's design business is also successful because she does not do it alone-you need to hire a team. She points out that the biggest lesson is learning to get help. And, have others do the work that takes too much time away from your important tasks. She still oversees the creation and content of her work. She continuously find ways to better her business has been her best decision. In her podcast, Resilient By Design, Rebecca finds immense success in teaching others online. She provide tools and motivation that Designers often need, to move the needle in their business.So, join Crystal and Rebecca as they talk about starting a podcast and how they manage their time. Listen to this episode then head on over to Resilient by Design podcast to hear the other half of chat. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for. How to reach Rebecca:Website : rebeccahay.com/podcast/  and rebeccahay.com Instagram : @rebeccahaydesigns and @msrebeccahay     Private Facebook Group for Designers  - http://tiny.cc/designcommunity Twitter : @rhaydesigns Recommended Podcast:Tobi FairleyAmy PorterfieldTim Ferris

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews financial education specialist Ashley Fox. Ashley is the owner of Emplify which is a social enterprise created to change the perspective of the role of money on people's lives. Ashley graduated from Howard University and worked as a Wall Street analyst. While working on Wall Street, she was inspired to teach others how they could be doing more with their money and make money while they are sleeping. She explains that it's not always about working hard to make more, but instead, it's about working smarter. Whether you're a small business or just a middle schooler wanting to learn, Ashley has some good tips and tricks to get started right away on investing.  She has several programs to help all ages learn how their money could be doing more for them. In this episode, she will give a few tips specifically for small business owners. So, join Crystal and Ashley as they discuss financial tips, her programs, and different mindsets to better your life. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and find out more about how you could take your business to the next level.   How to Get in Touch with Ashley:Website : empify.com Facebook: empify Twitter: @EmpifyInstagram: empify  Recommended podcasts:How I built thisAbraham Hicks

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with fellow podcasters Ruthie and Bekkah. They are the hosts of Business Talk Sister Gawk where they focus on learning about entrepreneurship and putting things to the test. They love business and specialize in helping entrepreneurs reach their full potential. Bekkah is the owner of Wise Elephant Consulting, and she aspires to assist others to succeed in their entrepreneurial dreams. She first focuses on marketing and then dives into other important aspects of the business. Bekkah is always learning and growing. She is constantly finding new methods, objects, technology, and more to help her in the workplace. From there, she discovers all the important aspects and will learn the ins and outs. She is a pro at researching and guiding others to the right tools to help them. Check out their free resources here Entrepreneur Tools & Tips  Ruthie is a certified Dave Ramsey financial coach, and she focuses on how to help others financially. Whether it be to pay off student loans or save more for retirement, Ruthie helps people plan their financial future in a way that will help them reach all their hopes and dreams.  She's helped others pay off over $140,000 of student loans, and she continues to help people become debt-free. So, join Crystal, Ruthie, and Bekkah as they talk about their business podcast, and how these two sisters are constantly helping others. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and listen to Business Talk Sister Gawk to see how you could push your business to its fullest potential.  How to reach Ruthie and Bekkah:Website - businesstalksistergawk.com Apple podcast - business-talk-sister-gawk/id1499391038 Facebook- businesstalksistergawkInstagram- @business_talk_sister_gawk Recommended podcasts:RuthieHow I Built ThisVacation Rental MachineThe Leadership VisionBekkahPlanet MoneyScrew the Commute

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews fellow interior designer and furnishings Curator Renate Ruby. Renate lives in Seattle, assisting interior designers and design enthusiasts striving to live a beautifully real life.Renate endeavors to bring wisdom and logic to others by educating people on the value Designers have. She believes that Designers often devalue the price of the furniture that is selected instead of taking into account their value in the design. She also explains that her business is meant for clients that are looking for high-end quality. She does not believe in the idea of buying a sofa and replacing it two years later. She wants others to buy something of good quality that will last for years to come.  Renate believes the Designer's value is not only in selecting beautiful pieces of furniture, but educating the Client on the economic value of a piece of furniture, and the issue with poor quality pieces. As you listen in, you will hear Renate's point of view that you might find yourself agreeing with completely or shaking your head. Whether you agree or not, Renate will enlighten you with facts and a position on furniture manufacturing that you may have not previously considered. She also has analogies that will get you thinking from a new perspective about your work. So, join Crystal and Renate as they talk about her furnishings business and help you see the value in your design services. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and think about how you can be helping the environment and economy.  How to reach Renate:Websites : brume.house   I    adorn.house    I    valuing.design Instagram : brume_house Recommended podcasts:Hidden Brain    I    Shankar Vedantam    I    Fresh Air

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews business coach and entrepreneur Elyse Tager. Elyse specializes in helping ambitious women reach their career goals and dreams by changing their mindset, coaching them in their career, seeing their full potential in the workplace. Elyse wants all career-driven women to realize their value and see their full potential. She wants to teach others how to move from a “worker bee” mindset and lifestyle to a “CEO” powered individual. She brings wisdom and perspective about the female mind, explaining how to break habits to live the life you want. She also informs us on the natural female tendencies and the nurture aspect of our brains. These hardwired tendencies can bring many benefits to the workplace that many do not even realize-we just need to change our perspective. Elyse suggests that if you want to be a CEO, you have to start acting like one. In short, Elyse is here to take you and your career as far as you want to go. The brilliant part is, you get to decide how far that is and what success means to you. Every person's goals and successes are different, and she is here to guide you in finding the perfect work-life balance for your life.  So, join Crystal and Elyse as they talk about women in business and help you gain some ideas to take your business to the next level if that is what you want. Now, do something today that your future self will thank you for and start acting like a CEO. How to reach Elyse:Website - elysetager.com Facebook - tagerstrategyInstagram- @elysetagerLinkedIn- elysetagerRecommended podcasts:Fresh AirHow I Built ThisTed Radio Hour

 Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews real estate broker, radio host, and entrepreneur, Kipola Wakilongo. Kipola started off in the real estate game younger than most, but she seems to have found success thanks to teaming up with REMAX Équipe Dynamique.  Kipola started off by saving all her money and then used her savings to invest in a property, which quickly turned into two properties. She's only been a real estate agent for four years, but she has helped over 100 families, mostly first time buyers find homes. Since the days of the pandemic started, she has used this time to increase her social media and digital usage for her company. This allows her to work despite the conditions of the pandemic, and she has learned to adapt and evolve to the situation around her. According to Kipola, if you are not trying to go online you are most likely getting behind because everyone needs a social media presence these days.  Kipola is a driven serial-preneur that wears many hats. When she's not investing or working in real estate, she offers advice to other entrepreneurs. This includes advice on how to build more of an online presence, and according to her website, everyone should have a professional photo shoot, this is required for you to portray a professional imageSo, join Crystal as they dive into Kipola's diverse life and offers suggested ideas of what your next step in your life or career could be. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for, listen to this episode so that you can begin taking the next steps in bettering your career. How to reach Kipola:Website - kipolawakilongo.comTwitter- @wakilongokipola Instagram- @wakilongokipola Facebook - shepublicrelations Recommended podcasts:Joe Budden's and Gary Vee

Featured in this week's episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews app designer Sam Smith. Vishion is a small business in Charlotte, North Carolina that is dedicated to creating a colour search app to help designers find pieces of furniture, wallpaper, paint, and more based on colour. Sam is not an interior designer, but she got the idea for Vishion after she was trying to find a piece of furniture based on a particular colour she had in mind. During that struggle, she realized it was difficult to find pieces for the home based on their colour instead of their function. This inspired her to create Vishion, a search engine for designers to find their interior needs based on colour. Vishion is currently partnered with Sherwin Williams to help you find the perfect paint colour to match your needs. It's as simple as typing in the colour you want and suddenly choices of chairs, wallpaper, rugs, and more are brought to your screen. After you've made a selection, it brings you to the website where it is found, and you can purchase your item directly from the seller. Originally, Vishion started as just an app for your phone but during quarantine they expanded to starting their own website. As this difficult time during the pandemic progresses, Sam has more ideas for expanding her business. So, join Crystal and Sam as they dive into Vishion and what is has done for interior designers. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and join Vishion to get connected to other like-minded individuals. How to Reach Sam: Website - vishion.co Facebook - VishionCoInstagram - @vishioncoRecommended Podcasts:How I Built ThisPod Save AmericaAngel podcast