A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

Welcome! Today we have Bria Hammel, the Principal Designer and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors, the CEO of Brooke & Lou, and the Co-Creator of Hammel House & Co., with us on the show. Bria leads a team of sixteen highly-skilled women who run thirty to forty significant projects each year. The company has two design teams working on the details and execution of all their projects. In today's episode, Bria explains the particulars of the way she runs her firm, she talks to us about how she learned to operate a well-managed company, and she shares the keys to scaling your interior design firm. Listen in, to find out more about Bria and the way she runs her highly-organized and very successful business. Bria's work has been featured in national publications like Traditional Home, Magnolia Journal, Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, My Domain, Style Me Pretty, and also in many other local shelter regional magazines. She was awarded the 'Fresh Faces of Design' award from HGTV in 2015 and 2018, and she's been nominated for an international design award. Bria was also selected as a 2018 Style Spotter by High Point Market Authority. Tune in now, find out what to do to make your design firm a whole lot better. Show Highlights: Bria has almost 100 000 followers on Instagram. Bria talks about the specific roles played within her team of sixteen talented women. Pricing things accurately is very important for interior designers. It's very important to keep your clients regularly updated about their projects. Bria explains why she loves listening to podcasts. Businesses go stale when they stop growing because they think they know how to do everything perfectly. You can gain a lot from working for somebody else before starting your own design firm. Bria cut her teeth at Ethan Allen and she even became their Design Manager because they believed in her. Bria explains the phases of her design process. How Bria's teams are run. The way that Bria's trust in her team engenders her clients' trust in her firm. Bria talks about the Friday reports that she gets from her team each week. Asana helps Bria and her team to coordinate their projects and Slack helps them to communicate in a very organized way. Organization is key to scaling your business. Bria has added a retail component to her business with Brooke & Lou and their exclusively designed, Life Friendly products. Bria explains what the EOS system is about and how it works. Bio: Bria Hammel PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & CEO Bria is the Principal Designer and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors, the CEO of Brooke & Lou and Co-Creator of Hammel House & Co. She leads a fresh, talented team of women who are dedicated to designing beautiful, inviting homes for clients. For Bria, every project is about creating a home filled with surprising, thoughtful spaces that lead to unexpected moments. She has an incredible eye for detail and has a passion for designing spaces that tell her clients’ stories. Bria’s work has been featured in national publications such as Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, Lonny Magazine, Style Me Pretty, as well as many other local shelter magazines. She received the “Fresh Faces of Design” award in 2015 and 2018 from HGTV, has been nominated for an International Design Award and was selected as a 2018 Style Spotter for High Point Market Authority. Bria was intrigued by design at a young age and grew up visiting wallpaper stores and furniture showrooms, as her mother was an “in-the-closet” designer. Bria has been fortunate enough to travel the world, which has given her a unique perspective on how people live, as well as a deep understanding of how different spaces can come together in incredible ways. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Shea McGee #236, #270 Tools that Bria's team uses: Asana Slack Links: Bria Hammel Interiors Facebook: Bria Hammel Interiors Instagram: Bria Hammel Interiors If you are interested in using Bria's Life Friendly products, be sure to set up your trade account today. Go to Brooke And Lou Link for LuAnn's book LuAnn Nigara Books recommended for learning about the EOS System: Traction by Gino Wickman Get A Grip by Mike Paton and Gino Wickman

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's episode is sponsored by The FabricShield, a company that cleans, protects, and performs emergency spot-cleaning for the times when accidents happen. The FabricShield is owned and operated by Rene and Scott Schleicher. Rene and Scott are passionate about their business and they know how much money your clients are spending on investing in furniture, carpets, area rugs, window treatments, and wall coverings. They truly understand the advantage you have, as a designer, when you're able to offer your clients a service to help them protect their investment for many years to come. Listen in today, to find out what Rene and Scott have to share about their unique product and the way that it adds value to any design business. Rene and Scott are a remarkably well-matched couple, both in life and in business. Rene has a background in retail furniture sales and Scott's background is in growing national business networks. This places them in a unique position to excel at both sides of their business. Their first-hand understanding of the value and pride that designers place in their clients and their homes, coupled with the astute way they run their business, makes everything happen very smoothly. This means that you can rely on them completely, and refer or hire them without any reservation. Tune in today to learn all about The FabricShield and what it does for fabrics. Show Highlights: The FabricShield makes regular fabrics perform like performance fabrics. Dealing with accidents and offering protection for any soft surface. About their complimentary spot cleaning service. You can first test a sample of your fabric, just to put your mind at ease. The water test will immediately show how well this product performs. This product never changes the feel of a fabric. The FabricShield is completely non-toxic and it dries extremely quickly, leaving no smell at all. Applying the product is a straightforward process and the technicians are very conscientious about cleaning up before they leave. Anything natural almost always comes out. Protecting your fabrics for your peace of mind. They schedule their day to leave themselves windows of opportunity to react to your stains. How interior designers can work with The FabricShield. The way that designers are rewarded for their referrals. Talking about pricing. They provide complimentary spot cleaning for 18 months. The business is now a franchise. Scott explains what makes their franchise unique. The quality of the product is the key to their business. Why Rene and Scott are uniquely positioned to lead their company. Starting a start-up business within a Fortune 500 company. About The FabricShield: The FabricShield is an in-home application to be applied to upholstery, area rugs, carpets, to any other soft surface you'd like to protect. It dries within an hour and there is no aerosol mist or haze. The FabricShield won't alter the texture or the look, feel, or color of the furnishings and its protection will keep your furnishings looking like new for longer. The FabricShield company provides complimentary spot cleaning care for 18 months once a client's furnishings have been protected with The FabricShield. Bios: Scott Schleicher Co-Founder Scott Schleicher is a co-owner of The FabricShield. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD with a B.S. degree in Mathematics. Upon graduation, he served for 5 years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He has spent the majority of his professional career in the industrial gas industry working for Air Products, Inc. in Allentown, PA. While at Air Products, he had the opportunity to start-up their MicroBulk business serving as the National Business Manager. The MicroBulk business served over 30 locations in the United States and grew rapidly under Scott’s leadership with revenues of $200K in Year 1 and growing to revenues of over $20MM in Year 10 when Scott departed the company. He then joined Airgas, Inc. and served as the President of Airgas National Carbonation (ANC). Under Scott’s leadership, ANC grew from $48MM in revenue and a 17% profit margin to $75MM in revenue and a 24% profit margin in 3 years. Scott departed Airgas in 2018 to join Rene Schleicher in establishing FabricSeal, LLC. the predecessor to The FabricShield. Rene Schleicher Co-Founder Rene Schleicher is a co-owner of FabricSeal, LLC. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD with a B.A. degree in Government and Politics. She received her Paralegal degree from the University of San Diego, CA. Rene has been an entrepreneur since graduating from college and has spent the last 20 years serving the legal and design trade industries. Rene has worked as a paralegal in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Rene formed her first start-up company as an interior decorator while living in Allentown PA. Her business grew and she eventually opened a boutique fu

Welcome to the show! We have John McClain joining us today. John is the owner and Principal Designer for John McClain Design, and he is also an ASID Associate. For John, a successful design project involves combining the client’s needs and wishes with his own natural instinct. John McClean Design has offices in Florida and Los Angeles, and in today's episode, John talks to us about his superpower, which is organizing the systems and tools that he and his team utilize to manage their projects from two locations in two different time zones. Tune in now, to learn how to set your firm up with a strong foundation. John McClain is an accomplished interior designer who has turned his lifetime passion for interior design into an opportunity to do the same for others. Shortly after launching his career, John appeared on HGTV, which allowed his personality and design perspective to become visible to a larger audience. He then joined a prestigious interior design firm/furniture design company in Los Angeles, CA, which eventually led to him starting his own home furnishings company, John McClain Home. John McClain Design is a well-crafted blend of John's past design experience, education, and innovative-forward thinking. His projects have received numerous awards and have appeared in many publications including Traditional Home and Elle Décor. John now also shares his passion for interior design through speaking engagements, television appearances, articles, and events. Listen in today, to find out what he has to share. Show Highlights: John has a degree in business management. He has always been an entrepreneur with a keen interest in learning systems and ways to make businesses run more efficiently. Systems are always evolving and changing, so you have to keep learning and growing. John talks about the structure of his business and the roles that his employees play. Synergy is really important to John, so he is always aware of what's going on with all of his firm's projects. John explains how he works and how he organizes his projects within his company. Transparency is very important, for both employees and clients. John has started using MyDoma Studio to coordinate his projects and it's made things so much easier! John explains what he likes about MyDoma Studio. Some of the tools that John and his team use to communicate and to coordinate their projects. The way that John manages his business finances. Learning the ins and outs of QuickBooks. Keeping a keen eye on your finances is key to running a successful business. John explains how he keeps his finger on the pulse of his business. Using a questionnaire to get information about potential new clients. John talks about his involvement in the consultation process. Coping with a three-hour time difference. Knowing when you have to step in as the leader. Keeping his team inclusive. Links: John McClain Home John McClain Design Instagram: @johnmcclainhome Facebook: John McClain Home Go to A Well Designed Business to sign up for your trial with MyDoma Studio. On November 1st, 2019, LuAnn will be speaking at the Portland Interior Design Society Chapter's event, the Elevate Conference. Then, the following week, on November 9th, 2019, she will be speaking at the thirtieth-anniversary celebration of the NKBA Portland Chapter. Both the IDS of Portland, Oregon, and the NKBA of Portland, Maine, are inviting you, the design professional, to join us! You don't have to be a member of IDS or NKBA to attend. Go to LuAnn's website, Luann Nigara, and click on the 'Attend A Live Event' tab to find the RSVP and registration info for these events. (And for any other event that LuAnn will be attending over the next few months.)

Welcome to another episode of our Window Treatment Friday series with LuAnn and Vita. In this series, we're talking about window treatment services and we're sharing some viable business models with you. We explain how you can incorporate a window treatment business into your interior design business and we help you find the business model that's the best fit for you. Today, we're continuing our conversation from the last episode in this series (# 462) where we outlined the framework for the 'Do It Yourself' model. In today's episode, we will be covering the 'Done For You' model, where the interior designer partners with a window treatment specialist. In this model, the interior designer is the primary creator of the vision and the plan, and takes care of the more fun aspects of the service, while all the 'behind the scenes' aspects are taken care of by the window treatment specialist. Listen in, to find out more. Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives. Vita and LuAnn have been getting some outstanding feedback about this series, so tune in today, to learn from them how to make window treatments a profitable center of revenue for your interior design firm. Show Highlights: Vita gives a recap of what she and LuAnn covered in the previous episode of this series, #462. With the 'Done For You' model, the window treatment expert expects you to call them in right at the beginning of a new project. Devising the strategy for window treatments is the first step. The designer remains the leader and the window treatment expert helps the designer understand how to find the best solutions. The importance of honing your communication skills. The way that the window treatment experts can help you, the designer. Coming up with the design is usually the most fun step for designers. An expert is someone who has made every possible mistake in their field. The role of the designer and the role of the window treatment expert. Window treatment experts use systems to keep the designers in the loop. Dealing with delays. Creating efficiency with systems. Vitalia Inc. uses Air Table, a very robust web-based project-management system that outlines every step of the project. What it means to take responsibility. The value you get from partnering with a window treatment expert. This model is a win-win for the designer and the client. Vita shares the questions that you need to ask, to find the best window treatment model that's the best fit. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Peter Lang #349 and #464 Links: To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at [email protected] To learn more about working with Window Works To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the IWCE where both LuAnn and Vita will be presenting To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) To learn about Exciting Windows To get the PDF with the Goodies from today's episode: Luann Nigara If you join LuAnn's mailing list, you can access any information that we have uploaded relating to all the previous episodes of the podcast via this link.

Welcome! Today, Christine Lin, the founder of San Francisco-based Form + Field, joins us on the show. Christine sent LuAnn an email a while back, explaining how well her brand new interior design firm is doing due to all the strategies and tactics she's learned from listening to the podcast. Christine really has a lot going on for herself. She's a multi-disciplinary creative with degrees in architecture, engineering, and business, from MIT and UC Berkeley. After spending a successful decade in the tech industry, she has now returned to her true passion of interior design. Christine's rigorous training in corporate and startup environments gave her expert communication, management, and execution skills. She brings these skills, together with her well-honed eye for seeking out new art, design, and architecture, to her firm and all her design projects. Listen in today, to find out what Christine has learned, and how she successfully applies these lessons to her business. Form + Field creates original interiors that honor the identity, history, and surroundings of their clients. With an emphasis on art, architecture, and eclectic modernism, they cultivate every project as a partnership. Form + Field has been widely recognized by publications such as Domino, Rue, California Homes, and Hospitality Design. Tune in now, to hear Christine's story. Show Highlights: Christine shares her takeaways from her experience of working part-time for another designer, and from listening to the podcast. Running your business as if it's already a big business. Christine didn't want to be putting out fires in her business. The salary that Christine paid herself last year. When she first started out, Christine paid herself a salary of $5000 per month. Establishing your company's revenue goals. Doing whatever it takes to reach your goal. Some of the key things that Christine did to get clients, when she started out on her own in business. Setting professional boundaries and treating friends as formal clients. A contract protects both the designer and the client. Boundaries create freedom. Christine shares some of the growing pains from her first year in business. Systemizing your hiring process will save you money in the long run. Cleaning up your accounting system is very important for your business. A hard lesson that Christine learned. Talking about estimates and fees. Learning to keep every aspect of your business within your control. Links: Website: Form And Field Instagram: Form And Field Pinterest: Form And Field Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Judith Taylor #340 Eileen Hahn #363 At 10 am on October 10th, 2019, LuAnn will be at the Stanford Waterside Design District, in Connecticut for her free, full-day event. This event is co-sponsored by the Stanford Waterside Design District and Aspire Design and Home. Please join us there! You can find the RSVP on the EVENTS page of LuAnn's website. LuAnn Nigara

Welcome! We're bringing you this extra little episode of A Well-Designed Business today because, over the past months, many of you have told LuAnn that you don't know what the Power Talk Friday Tour is. And a number of you have expressed just how much you need it, after finding out what it's all about. In light of this, LuAnn decided to take some time to explain exactly what the Power Talk Friday Tour is. Tune in now, to find out! Over the nearly forty years that LuAnn has been in business, she's learned a lot about creating a successful business from the deeper conversations she's had with other business owners. Almost every other owner of a thriving business that she's spoken to has had some or other sort of business coaching throughout their career. This is why LuAnn believes in business coaches and business coaching. And why she believes in business mentors and mentees, and business besties. In today's episode, she defines each of these roles, and she explains how all of this ties into the Power Talk Friday Tour. Listen in today, to find out what the Power Talk Friday Tour is, and how it happened. Show highlights: How the Power Talk Friday Tour happened. One-on-one business coaching is at the top of the food chain but not everyone can afford it. Sometimes you need someone to help you implement the new things you've learned about. Perhaps you just need someone to talk to about a new idea you've had for your business. LuAnn has selected the coaches that she respects and admires for the Tours, and she rotates them for each Tour. Why the PTF Tour is enough of an investment to make you think. Most of the experts typically charge between $400 and $700 per hour for one-on-one coaching. The conversations will be geared to hit the points that are relevant to everyone in the room. There will be small, round-table discussions with the experts after lunch. If the group is really small, you might even get a one-on-one. This event is small for a very good reason. Every single tour is different. The day always ends with a celebration dinner! Links: To find the information about the next tour that's coming up, go to www.powertalkfriday.com. If you'd like to find out if the Power Talk Friday Tour is right for you at this time, email LuAnn at [email protected], put Power Talk Friday Tour in the subject line, leave your phone number, and LuAnn will call you within 24 hours. Thank you to MyDoma Studio and Revel Woods for committing to sponsor every Power Talk Friday Tour!

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Ashley Micciche, the CEO of True North Retirement Advisors, on the show with us today, and we're talking exit strategies. This is a very important topic because you will need an exit strategy when you get to the point in your business career where you begin thinking about whether your business is viable to sell, why you should sell it, how to sell it, and what it's worth. Everything you do in your business is about building it and setting yourself up for success. So, even if you've only been in business for a short while, you have no intention of selling in the foreseeable future, and you feel that your retirement is still a long way away, you will still benefit from this podcast. Listen in to find out more. Ashley started her career as a financial advisor in 2007, after graduating, magna cum laude, with a bachelor of science degree in business finance, from Portland State University. True North Retirement Advisors is an independent financial advisory firm, located just outside of Portland Oregon, that manages two-hundred-and-thirty-million dollars in client assets. In today's episode, Ashley explains to us how she specializes in designing, building, and implementing business exit plans to help business owners secure their final and most important business decision- their exit strategy. Ashley's mission is to transition 300 small business owners successfully into retirement in ten years, so tune in today, to find out what she has to share about planning smartly for your future. Show Highlights: Most businesses revolve around their owners, and that impacts negatively on the value of the business. Creating a thriving, systemized, well-oiled machine. Thinking about how your business could go on after you, or be sold when you are ready. Preparing for your exit as if you are going to do it. Where to start with thinking about exiting. What drives the value of your business? Ashley dispells a myth about valuing a business. Some things you should be aware of that decrease the value of a business. Ashley has a valuation tool and checklist on her website that you can use to value your business in just a few minutes. Some things to safeguard against. Getting unstuck and exiting your business with three universal steps. It's very important to get an expert to guide you through the process of selling or buying a business. Go to Value My Business to value your business. Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Meadowbank Team: #302 Do Not Let Us Design For You: #346 Eileen Hahn: #363 Links: True North RA Well Designed Article Free Checklist & Unlimited Access To Our Business Valuation Tool Alex: One Minute Retirement Tip: Subscribe on iTunes Blog: True North Retirement Advisors Website: rue North Retirement Advisors Facebook: rue North Retirement Advisors LinkedIn: Ashley Micciche LuAnn will be at the IDS Elevate Conference in Portland Oregon on Friday 1st November. RSVP link: ID Sport Land

Welcome to the show! We have another one of those rare shows today, where our guest bravely pulls back the curtain and talks to us openly about what it's like to be an entrepreneur, and to go through very tough times where everything is on the line. Taylor Spellman, the CEO and Creative Director of Taylor Spellman New York, previously appeared on the podcast in episode #106. She's back with us today to talk about an eye-opening lesson she recently learned about running a business. Taylor wanted to share this lesson with you so that you might not have to make the same mistake in your business. Tune in now, to learn something very important from Taylor. Taylor is a #smart lady, and she's really funny too! Her firm specializes in a concierge level of project management. At any one time in her business, Taylor has upwards of fifty million dollars of real estate interior architecture and design under her direction, as well as all the press and the Bravo TV shows that she has. Tune in today, to hear about the grave challenge that she recently faced and overcame. Show Highlights: Taylor explains what happened when LuAnn called to ask her to do LuAnn Live. Taylor talks about the things that caused the very difficult time that her business went through. Why you have to be very clear about what you want to do with your money. The importance of being prepared. Learning to trust the right people. Why you need to have a finger on all your accounting systems. There's a fine line between negligence and malicious intent, but the results are often the same. How Taylor's ability to value the privilege of having a home has shaped her work. Taylor learned the value of money the hard way. Taylor tells a cautionary tale about the hazards of hiring friends. Learning to run her business from her brain, rather than her heart. Getting rid of all her staff and hiring new people. The importance of tracking and checking everything in your business. Protecting your business, and your staff, with accountability. Keeping up with your goals as they unfold. Realizing who you are and moving forward. Bio: As CEO and Creative Director of Taylor Spellman New York, Taylor’s client-centric focus is bold and eclectic, showcasing the personality of the inhabitants of the spaces she creates. At any given moment, Taylor has upwards of fifty million dollars of real estate interior architecture and design under her direction. The firm specializes in a concierge level of project management with TSNY’s team of designers, contractors, and architects directing each phase of production from conception to completion at the top commercial, residential and new development properties throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Taylor has been featured in The Real Deal, Architectural Digest, The New York Times, E! News, Elle Décor and People Magazine in addition to hosting her own design show on BRAVO. You can meet Taylor, in person, at High Point, with LuAnn, Sandra Funk, and Lori Paranjape, on Sunday, October 20th, 2019, at Suria, at 2 pm. This panel, titled Confidence Sells, is co-sponsored by MyDoma Studio and Suria. Links: Website: Taylor Spellman Facebook: Taylor Spellman Instagram: Taylor Spellman Would you like to meet Luann in Connecticut on the 10th of October, 2019? This outstanding full-day event is co-sponsored by The Stanford Waterside Design District and Aspire Design and Home. The first 100 RSVPs that also show up will receive a free copy of LuAnn's second book. To RSVP, go to Luann Nigara, and look for the event in the Events and Coaching tab. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Elissa Grayer #451 Wendy Glaister #386

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Nicole Heymer, the owner and founder of Curio Electro, back with us today. Nicole is our website designer and developer, she's our branding guru, and she's also a co-author and the book-cover designer for LuAnn's new book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts, Volume One. Nicole's chapter in the book is about the questions you need to be asking yourself and your clients, to discover, establish, and make very clear what your brand is. In today's episode, she will be taking the concept of defining your brand a step further by explaining how to express the uniqueness of your brand in every aspect of your business and giving you an exercise to help you to get this done. Tune in now, to find out what Nicole has to teach you about visual branding, brand voice, and messaging. Curio Electro was founded in 2011. It is the go-to for businesses seeking smart and practical digital branding that gets results. They are experts in curating your brand voice and finding the aspects of your business that will draw in new clients by creating compelling websites and thinking through what happens after everything goes live. The collaboration with Nicole and her team is outstanding, so even after the website has been built, she and her team continue to provide marketing materials and social media graphics. We truly respect Nicole for her expertise and her business acumen. Listen in today, to learn how to express the uniqueness of your brand in every aspect of your business. Show Highlights: What you need to know about what shapes people's beliefs about your brand. Knowing what it takes to make people believe something about a brand. Creating moments for people, and telling stories. The little things that are very important to deliver to your clients. Using every aspect of your business to tell people exactly what they can expect from you. Your message has to align with what you're doing. People subconsciously judge you on your visual branding. Demonstrating to the consumer how you stand out from the rest. How you make more money when you have your brand clearly defined. Nicole shares some ways to tell your brand story, to make it real for people. Some ways to delight and surprise people with the technology you use in your business. Talk about your charitable contributions. They say a lot about your brand. Video is a really powerful way to tell your story. How to organize and prioritize your systems and your marketing. The different courses that Nicole offers to assist designers. Bio: Nicole Heymer is the founder of Curio Electro, a boutique creative agency specializing in intuitive branding, compelling design, and actionable plans. Since 2011, Curio Electro has worked within a multitude of industries and with a wide variety of clients at every stage in their development, from nationally known interior design firms to local craft breweries. Nicole's clear, practical take on creating a memorable brand has been featured in print, on podcasts, and as the framework for branding workshops. She is an active ASID Industry Partner and has served as the Editor of NJ ASID's Blueprint Magazine. Links: Website: Curio Electro Instagram: Curio Electro LinkedIn: Nicole Heymer Facebook: Curio Electro Nicole's Course for Interior Designers: Branding Discovery Get the Goodies from Today's Episode For Claire Jefford's courses Nicole will be at the Power Talk Friday Tour High Point Nicole's Previous Episodes: #125 & #317 Previous Episodes Mentioned in the Show: Pulp Design Studio #176 Savour Partnership #209 and #458 Claire Jefford #237 and #325 Kae Whitaker #26, #66, #114, #259, #274

Welcome to today's show, sponsored by Kravet Inc. We have the privilege today of having the Dallas-based interior designer, Jan Showers, join us on the show. As a successful entrepreneur, Jan understands the value of collaboration, which is a very important element of her business. In today's episode, she discusses her multi-faceted career, and she talks to us about the full lifestyle collection that she's created for Kravet, what it includes, and how her collaboration with Kravet came to be. Tune in now, to find out more! Jan's career spans three decades, and during this time, she has received many of the highest honors awarded to design professionals. Her magazine credits include Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Veranda, House Beautiful, InStyle, Traditional Home, British Home and Garden, Harper’s Bazaar, and Luxe. For the last five years, Architectural Digest has added Jan Showers and Associates to the AD100, their preeminent directory to the world of design. Jan has also written two books, Glamorous Rooms and the follow-up to that, called Glamorous Retreats. She's currently working on her third book, which is due to be released in the fall of 2020. Jan is truly one amazing lady! Listen in today, to hear about her insights and her reflections on her career. Show Highlights: Working hard, getting published, and having great photographs are all key to being noticed for the Architectural Digest's AD100. Where the inspiration for her book came from. The most challenging part of her business. Twenty years ago, Jan couldn't find what she wanted in the trade showrooms so she began creating a collection of her own, the Jan Showers Collection. Being prepared to get lucky! To do what Jan has done, you'd need to have strong systems in place, and an amazing team behind you. Jan talks about her collaboration with Kravet. Jan's impressive portfolio supplied most of the photographs for her book. Jan's third book, Glamorous Living, is coming out in September of next year. How Jan's mother influenced her life and career. High-level clients expect and deserve perfection. Jan discusses her history with Kravet. It's a good idea to start out working for someone else or to have a mentor. Jan shares her key to success. Bio: Jan Showers is a Dallas based interior designer and has been designing for clients for over 25 years. Her magazine credits alone place her in the highest echelon of designers. Aside from Jan’s interior design business, her career spans three different businesses. Jan has a to-the-trade custom furniture line, Jan Showers Collection, which is sold in eight showrooms across the U.S. Showers also has an antique showroom in the Dallas Design District, where she sells vintage items, as well as her new collection, 1308 Collection. Showers’ partnerships include a full lifestyle collection with Kravet Couture, a furniture collection with Kravet Furniture, which debuted at High Point 2019, a hand-knotted rug series for Moattar, Inc., a lighting series with L.A. based designer Joe Cariati and a cowhide rug collection for Kyle Bunting. Jan has written two books: Glamorous Rooms and her follow-up, Glamorous Retreats, both published by Abrams. She is working on writing a third book with Abrams to be released in fall 2020. Links: Website: Jan Showers Jan Showers & Kravet Inc Instagram: Jan Showers Facebook: Jan Showers Associates Twitter: Jan Showers Glamorous Rooms Glamorous Retreats Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Joe Cariati #197 Nate Berkus #433 Candice Olson #74 LuAnn and Jan will be at the Kravet showroom in the Boston Design Center on Wednesday, Oct 2nd, 2019. Please join them there!

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are very happy to have Peter Lang, the Designer CPA, on the show with us today. Peter is one of the co-authors of LuAnn's book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts. He wrote chapter two of the book, called 'Find The Best Accountant For Your Firm' because, as a creative, it can be really hard to lock down the financial side of your business. Today, Peter, who previously appeared in episode #349 of the podcast, talks to us about how he teaches designers to understand everything they really need to know about their finances. Listen in, to find out more. Peter is The Designer CPA and he genuinely loves working exclusively with design professionals just like you. He has a really strong desire to help creatives, and his goal is to help you to become a confident partner with him around the financial side of your business. Peter is based in Rhode Island but he works remotely with designers all over the USA. Tune in now, to find out what he has to share. Show Highlights: Peter and LuAnn are going to be doing Power Talk Friday together, at High Point, in October of this year. What Peter learned from the LuAnn Live event, last March. Having a great team does not mean that you should stop paying attention to your business. How Peter started teaching people about the right way to be looking at their finances. Why Peter won't work with certain people. Peter chooses to work with people who care. Peter talks about the different classes he teaches. The design industry is not straightforward when it comes down to finances. Peter understands this and he teaches you how to run your books accordingly. You want everyone on your team to be on the same page. Peter explains what his second course is all about, and how it was created specifically for the design industry. How these courses will prevent you from becoming marginalized by your CPA. Peter teaches you what you need to know about taxes. About the next course that Peter will be doing. About LuAnn's Power Talk Friday Tours. Bio: Peter Lang is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He is the founder of The Designer CPA, a CPA firm that works exclusively with business owners in the design industry. He has worked in public accounting since graduating from Providence College in 2002. After working for several larger size firms in Boston and Rhode Island, Peter realized his true passion was to start a firm that specifically focused on designers. Peter currently resides in Rhode Island with his wife Carmen and their identical twin boys, William and Matthew. He enjoys running and golfing outside of work. Links: Website: The Designer CPA Power Talk Friday Tour Peter's Courses: Classes For Designers A Well-Designed Business®️: The Power Talk Friday Experts Mydoma Studio: A Well Designed Business Instagram: The Designer CPA Facebook: The Designer CPA Twitter: The Designer CPA Previous Shows Mentioned: Peter Lang #349

Welcome! Today, Sara Lynn Brennan joins us on the show. Sara is an entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Eighteen months ago, Sara contacted LuAnn, telling her that she wanted to go to High Point Market, but she wasn't sure what to do or where to go. So LuAnn arranged to meet her there, and Sara spent two days with LuAnn and Sara Daniele, the CEO of Mydoma Studio, going from event to event, hanging out, talking, and allowing Sara to get to know some significant and influential people in the design industry. Since then, Sara has become the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxhaw, North Carolina, who specializes in Transitional Designs, where she and her design-build team take spaces from Bare Bones to Beautiful by utilizing her exclusive, approachable, and stress-free design process, transforming and renovating homes from start to finish. Listen in today, to find out what Sara has to share. Sara’s design work has been nationally published six times in the last year including publications such as Romantic Homes, Traditional Home, Window Fashion Vision, and Cottages and Bungalows, who recently offered her a role as a monthly columnist. She’s also been noticed as a rising star among colleagues in the design industry being invited as a guest on podcasts, as a panelist at High Point Market and as a host and speaker at local design events and shows. In today's episode, Sara talks to us about the extra layer that she's added to her design business, and she explains how she's put the lessons that she's learned from the guests on the podcast into action. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: How MyDoma Studio inspired Sara to create packages. Sara shares a mind-blowing story about selling packages. Why you really need to go and look at Sara's website. Sara describes her really smooth process. Getting clear about the steps that are involved in any process. Coming up with a flat-rate fee. The great reward of instant gratification. Sara describes her consultation process. The way that Sara personalizes her packages. The discovery call is a very important part of the process. Creating an approachable package to reach more people. Coming up with a detailed DIY package. A package called 'DIY with an option to buy'. Sara talks about how she presents her e-design package. Creating these packages been a labor of love for Sara. Bio: Sara Lynn Brennan is an award-winning Entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors, the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxhaw, North Carolina who specializes in Transitional Design. She and her design-build team take spaces from Bare Bones to Beautiful by utilizing her exclusive, approachable and stress-free design process, transforming and renovating homes from start to finish. Sara’s design work has been nationally published six times in the last year including publications such as Romantic Homes, Traditional Home, Window Fashion Vision, and Cottages and Bungalows, who recently offered her a role as a monthly columnist. She’s also been noticed as a rising star among colleagues in the design industry being invited as a guest on podcasts, as a panelist at High Point Market and as a host and speaker at local design events and shows. Sara’s confident, unique and fearless approach to business and design make her an inspiration to those who work with and around her. Sara is known for her recognizable “Romantic Transitional” design aesthetic, but her award-winning design team is not just about creating pretty spaces. It is Sara’s mission to educate and expose clients to the beauty and functionality of transitional design. She and her team pride themselves on creating practical, beautiful, and timeless homes that families can really LIVE in for years to come. Links: Website: Sara Lynn Brennan Design Packages and Free E-Book: Sara Brennan Blog Post: Luann Nigara Baby Designer IG: @saralynnbrennan FB: Sara Brennan Soft Design Lab HPMKT Experience Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Wendy Woloshchuk #316 Mr. Inkredible #417 Kimberly Kay #234 Kelsey Grose #167 Megan Molten #455 Darla Powell #203 and #330 Deb Barrett #53 Tobi Fairley (1st one) Lori Paranjape #34 Tori Alexander #445

Welcome to another episode of Window Treatment Friday, with LuAnn and her friend and co-host, Vita. Since starting the WTF series, they have been getting lots of emails from designers, asking questions related to their businesses. Finding the best business model for window treatment services was at the top of the list, so in today's episode, we will be outlining the framework for the 'Do It Yourself Model'. In this model, the designer takes all the risk and the responsibility- but gets all the money. In the following episodes, we will share different business models, so that you can choose the one that's the best fit for you. Today's show is an important one, so tune in now, to find out more! Vita is a class-act lady! She's the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., which is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments in the Philadelphia Metro area. Vita has been taking the lead in responding to all the emails and having the conversations with you, the listeners, about the things that really matter the most to you. After getting all your feedback to the first two episodes in this series, it made a lot of sense to address some of the more pressing topics that are on your minds. Listen in today, to find out what Vita and LuAnn have to say about finding the best business model for your window treatment services. Show Highlights: On September 23rd, the Lunch and Learn events will be kicking off once again for the season. LuAnn explains what the exciting first event, called Showroom Showdown, will be all about. Helping you to find the best business model to pursue. What the 'Do It Yourself' Model' looks like, and how it works. You will need to learn how to measure. LuAnn suggests finding information from the WCAA about certification courses in window treatments. Coming up with what the window treatment is, and learning to fill out the work and the production orders, with all the specifics. As a designer, you need to have a vision and an understanding of the practical, functional needs. Your lingo has to be very specific when communicating with the workroom. You will have to keep track of the work in progress, and you will have to follow it up. Different workrooms have different cultures. Selecting the appropriate fabrics for the treatment you've selected. Developing good relationships with the workroom. Next week we will be discussing the business model where you work with a window treatment specialist, or a project management company. Announcements: On September 23rd, the Window Works showroom, in Livingstone, New Jersey is re-igniting and kicking off the Lunch and Learn events for the season. The first Lunch and Learn event for the season is called Showroom Showdown. Reminder: LuAnn and Vita will be presenting Demystifying Window Treatments For Interior Designers, at The Design Trade Resources Showroom, in Devon, Pennsylvania, on September 24th at 12 pm. This event is free and it is sponsored by Stout Fabrics. RSVP at [email protected]. Links: To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc: Vitalia Inc To learn more about working with Window Works: windowworks-nj.com To RSVP for the Window Works Showroom Showdown To learn more about WTF on A Well-Designed Business®️: Luann Nigara To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the IWCE where both LuAnn and Vita will be presenting To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) To learn about Exciting Windows To attend our upcoming event in PA, De-Mystifying Window Treatments go to [email protected] To learn more about the Interior Design Society To learn more about Stout: Stout.com

Welcome to another episode of our Design Biz Live series with Corey Klassen and Judith Neary! Today, Corey and Judith will be discussing five fatal errors that people tend to make in their businesses. Judith and Corey run their own design firms and they have both had years of experience in the design industry, so they know what it takes to create a successful business, and they understand what you need to do to avoid the pitfalls. Listen in today, to get their expert advice. Corey is the owner of Corey Klassen Interior design, based in Vancouver. He provides professional interior design services for residential and commercial interior design projects while specializing in high-end kitchen and bath projects. Judith owns Roadside Attraction Design Studio, based in Vashon Island, Washington. She provides professional design services for kitchens, baths, and other fun living spaces. Tune in now, to find out how to avoid making these five fatal errors in your interior design business. Show Highlights: Judith talks about making the first fatal error- basing business models on demographics. Your profit margin comes from how you do your business. It's all about product, people, and place. The peril of making a value call, or a judgment about someone, without first engaging with them. Lead from selling in alignment with your business goals. Being clear with your clients about what you will do and what you will not do. Finding the right clients based on a psychographic rather than on a demographic. Sometimes it's okay to do things for the greater good even though you're not being paid for it. Being clear in your communication will be your biggest asset. The difference between a customer and a client. It's not about what you like. It's about what your client likes. A true design professional will recommend rather than offer their advice or opinion. You need to know your capacity and your capability. Internalizing your external values with a code of ethics for yourself, for your contractors, and your clients. Links: Goodies Link: Luann Nigara Corey's Website: Corey Klassen Judith's Website: Road Side Attraction Studio

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Fred Berns is back on the show with us, and if you're a regular listener, you will know that he's one of our most repeated guests. Fred is a really powerful copywriter and he is also one of the co-authors of LuAnn's most recent book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts. The topic for today's episode is Get Ready To Go Steady, so today, Fred will be explaining how to turn single sales into long-term sales. He really has a passion for helping designers to avoid leaving money on the table, so listen in, to find out what he has to share! Fred Berns is a coach and a copywriter, and he brings more than twenty-five years of experience to the table, helping designers from Dallas to Dubai create their online profiles, their websites, and social media copy for their blogs, their marketing forms, and whatever else they may require. Fred offers a wide selection of coaching services, ranging from his High-Performance Coaching Program to his Bio-Briefing, and his Website Onceover. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Fred talks about his passion for helping designers to avoid leaving money on the table. It costs five times more to attract a new customer than it does to retain an existing one. It's your fault if your client does not know all that you can do. It's so much nicer to work with people you've worked with before. Learning to develop partnerships with your clients. Fred shares a great marketing strategy. Expanding your marketing network. Sending out a "Guess what" email to your clients. Planting the seeds of long-term relationships with your clients. Dealing with conflict in the best possible way. It's not about the quantity of your client relationships. It's about the quality of your relationships. Fred's Bio: Fred Berns is the only interior design industry business coach and speaker who creates personal bios and other promotional materials for design professionals worldwide. Fred has more than 25 years experience training design professionals from Dallas to Dubai and creating their online profiles, website, and social media copy, blogs, and marketing forms. In addition, he offers a wide range of business coaching services, ranging from his High-Performance Coaching Program to his Bio Briefing and Website Onceover. As one of the biggest names in the business of interior design, he speaks at design conferences and other events throughout the U.S. and around the world. He also develops sales and marketing programs for international franchise organizations and companies within the interior design industry, and trains manufacturers, retailers, and others on how to increase sales to design professionals. Fred focuses on his keynote speeches and seminars on how designers, kitchen and bath specialists, window fashion experts and other professionals can dramatically increase sales, and market themselves more effectively. He has appeared at the International Window Coverings Expo; Neocon events; the High Point Market; Surfaces; design symposiums; home and design expos; furniture, gift and accessory shows; and national conferences of such groups as ASID, NKBA, IDS, and IFDA. Fred’s blog is read by design professionals the world over, and he regularly writes guest blog posts and articles for online and print media. He also is a frequent guest on design industry podcasts. His Interior Design Business Library includes a vast collection of books, audio and video programs and other business-building resources that he has developed for the design industry. His learning tools cover topics ranging from setting and getting higher fees and overcoming price objections to branding and million-dollar marketing on a shoestring budget. Fred’s clients today benefit from the communication and copywriting skills that he acquired during his highly-successful earlier career as a broadcast and print journalist. In that career, he founded one of Washington, D.C.’s largest and longest-established independent news bureaus. Links: Fred's Website: Interior Design Business If you'd like help with your personal promotion profile, go to Bio Briefing A Well-Designed Business®️: The Power Talk Friday Experts Sales for Creatives Article Trade Program: Well Designed Article Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Fred's Previous Episodes on A Well-Designed Business ®: #22, #48, #96, #174, #226, #289, #337, #393 Lee Cockerell #222

Welcome! Today, we're delighted to introduce you to Dennis Scully, the host of the Business of Home Podcast where each week, he interviews interior design industry thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives, to explore the changes and the challenges faced by the design community. In today's episode, Dennis and LuAnn talk tech. They discuss the way that technology is changing how business is done, and the adaptions that we have to consider making in our businesses. We all need to grow, innovate, and figure out new ways to make money and be profitable, so listen in today, to find out what Dennis has to share about the shifts that are happening within our industry. The Business of Home Podcast is a production of Business of Home which, for the past ten years, has been the leading publication covering the home industry, delivering essential business news, analysis and insights to a dedicated readership of interior design professionals, including residential, contract and hospitality designers, retailers, makers and manufacturers, executives and entrepreneurs. With a career in marketing, advertising, and business development in the home furnishings space that spans more than 20 years, Dennis has helped some of the finest companies in the industry to manage their teams and grow their brands. Tune in now, to find out how to lean into the changes that are coming. Show Highlights: Technology is changing everything! The design industry is adjusting to what today's customer is looking for. Dennis shares one of his core beliefs. People are more excited about design right now than ever before. You need to think about what you're bringing to your clients that they cannot get online. Designers today have to work even harder at educating their would-be clients about their talents and value. The undeniable issue around technology is the impact that it's going to have on all our lives and all of our businesses. So we need to figure out how we are going to deal with it. The incredible new workspace that Kravet has created to support the way that designers are now doing their business. Learning to run with the way that technology is going. It's worth experimenting with new and improved ways of doing things. It's challenging today to know where and how to put your message forward. Material Bank is a great example of a company that has taken the initiative to change with the times. Designers have not yet made the complete shift into the world of e-commerce. Designers need to understand that although there are pros and cons to technology, it is here, and it's going to keep coming our way with more innovations, at an ever-increasing pace. You, as a designer, need to know who you are, and you need to be confident with your skills and keep on honing them. Learning to lean into the changes that are coming. Things are shifting so quickly that if you don't keep up with the change you will end up going backward. Bio: Dennis Scully is the host of the weekly BOH podcast, where he explores the changes and challenges facing the interior design community through interviews with industry thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives. He is also the vice president of sales and marketing at luxury textiles company Castel. With a marketing, advertising, and business development career in the home furnishings space that spans more than 20 years, Scully has helped some of the finest companies in the industry to manage their teams and grow their brands. After wrapping up his tenure as the President of the luxury custom upholstery company Avery Boardman, Dennis returned to Business of Home, where he had previously served as the V.P. of Business Development. This time it was to launch a new column for the site, Market Report, based on Scully’s financial insights, as well as a business-focused podcast, Business of Home. Dennis began his career in the homeworld running a small retail advertising agency that created branding and marketing campaigns for many of New York’s great furniture retailers of the day. As the grandson of the founders of Scully & Scully on Park Avenue, New York retail was a world he knew well. He later joined the luxury kitchen and bath company Waterworks, ultimately serving as the New York Director of Sales and Marketing. From there he landed a job at Condé Nast, joining the launch team of Domino Magazine as its Home Furnishing Director. Dennis worked with the luxury textile brand Twill as Sales and Marketing Director, and he later worked with the Chicago-based interior designer who founded Twill, Suzanne Lovell. He joined Castel in May of 2018 to help them launch their first-ever flagship showroom in New York City’s famed D&D Building. Business of Home: For 10 years, Business of Home has been the leading publication covering the home industry, delivering essential business news, analysis and insights to a dedicated readership of interior design professionals—residential, contract and hospitality designers, retailers, m

Welcome to today's episode! We have a very special show for you, sponsored by Savour Partnership, which is owned by principals Leslie Carothers and Sam Henderson. Leslie and Sam both appeared previously in episode #209 when they first launched their company and they spoke to us about the importance of email marketing. Today, Leslie joins us. She is a visionary who has had a significant impact on our industry and she really knows how to help designers pivot and then come out of the change far stronger than ever before. Currently, Leslie and Sam have a new mission- to create awareness around the changes that are happening within the design industry and to help designers thrive in this new environment. Whether you are an interior designer, a retailer, or a brand, Leslie and Sam have the answers to successfully navigating the changes that are coming. Tune in today, to find out what Leslie has to share. Leslie's strengths are in strategic planning, online copyrighting, social media campaign execution, content marketing, and advertising. Sam's strengths lie in graphic design, video production, and e-commerce photography. Listen in today, to find out about this dynamic partnership, which is fully committed to helping you understand that you need to build and design wealth right into your interior design business. Show Highlights: Taking e-commerce matters into your own hands by designing wealth into your website. There are ways to continue making money selling products one-on-one to clients. Leslie invites you to join her Design Wealth Facebook group. Design Wealth Leslie explains how to design wealth into your website. Leslie talks about how you can thrive with the changes. Building your business from the foundation. Why you need to have digital products available on your website. Creating your own online magazine is a great way to make money. Leslie talks about her business partner, Sam, who is a master graphic designer. The products that Leslie and Sam provide for their clients. To see the fabulous mini-magazine that Leslie and Sam created for Window Works, go to Window Works. Leslie explains how her Email Opt-in Mini Magazine will help you make money. Making a little extra with affiliate marketing. About Leslie's special offer for her very comprehensive online course called Design Wealth- How To Design And Market Your Own Online Courses For 24/7 Passive Income. Info on Savour: Leslie Carothers and Sam Henderson, Savour Partnership's principals, came together to form their business collaboration based on their complementary strengths: Sam's in graphic design, video production and e-commerce photography and Leslie's in strategic planning, online copywriting, and social media campaign execution, content marketing, and advertising. They are convinced that beautiful design in online visual communications is a key competitive advantage and helps businesses build a valuable business asset with long term financial value. Savour Partnership produces magazine quality, custom-designed, downloadable e-publications, each of which can include ( but doesn't have to include) affiliate marketing links to help businesses generate revenue 24/7. Our publications help our clients: 1. Elevate the visual experience of their brand, online, to help them gain a competitive advantage. 2. Build their email lists. 3. Build a sellable business asset. As income is generated 24/7 via our beautifully presented affiliate product links, a recurring revenue stream is created. As this revenue stream increases over time, it leads to a financially valuable, sellable business asset. Our service packages include options for: Affiliate marketing set up and training. Uniquely branded 3-5 page magazines, (scroll to Package 2 and click to see our brochure) to use as free email opt-ins to help build your company's email list. Completely custom branded downloadable catalogs, e-books, online magazines, look books, portfolios, of any size. These can include video, custom animations, etc. ( see an example of a custom magazine Sam designed, here. ) Custom e-newsletters. Custom media kits. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Megan Molten #455 Brea Hammil Carla Aston #242 Leslie Price #413 Links: Website: Savour Partnership Instagram: Savour Partnership Facebook: Savour Partnership Groups: Design Wealth Price Style and Design Leslie's email - [email protected] Leslie's very comprehensive online course, called Design Wealth- How To Design And Market Your Own Online Courses For 24/7 Passive Income, is available to you for only $297 if you go to Design Wealth and use the code LUANN. (The normal price is $497)

Welcome! Today, Dane Austin, of Dane Austin Design, joins us on the show. Dane founded his award-winning, full-service interior design firm, which specializes in luxury residential interiors throughout New England and North America, in 2009. Dane has a signature design process, which he calls the Dane Austin Design. He created this highly-organized process because he truly understands the value in building profit centers around creating packages. This customer-driven plan delivers custom solutions for full-service, turnkey projects and Dane uses the packages feature from Mydoma Studio to explain, quantify, and smoothly sell his services to his clients. Listen in, to hear what Dane has to share on the show today. Dane is the artist, interior design his medium, and the client his muse. Today, we have a conversation with him about finding yourself, both as an individual and as a business person. He talks to us about how he found his Fred Berns 'only', about the significance of the ladybugs on his website, and about finding your voice within your career journey. Dane is a delightful, warm, and generous person, so tune in today, and enjoy this opportunity to get to know him! Show Highlights: It takes time to figure out who you really are. It's important to dress the part. Your attitude is the most crucial thing. A lot goes into making your way to the top in the design industry. The human connection matters the most in the end. Helping each other be better and grow. Dane discusses his approach to his work. Bold and daring use of color really works for Dane. Identifying a thread through all his projects. Marketing yourself in a way that will attract the people you'd really like to be working with. Investing in really good images is very important. Finding the right element to create the wow factor. Delivering beyond the level of the client's imagination. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Nicole Heymer - Curio Electro #125 and #317 Nate Berkus - #433 Links: Dane Austin Design Email: Dane Austin Design Facebook: Dane Austin Design Instagram: A Colorfull Life Twitter: Dane Austin Design Ask me anything” coaching Strategy Session

Welcome to the second episode of Window Treatment Friday! Starting this new series has rekindled a lot of excitement for LuAnn around window treatments! And she and Vita are both very excited to share with you that on the 24th of September, at the Design Trade Resources in Devon, Pennsylvania, they will be presenting a Continuing Education Unit, sponsored by Stout, on demystifying window treatments for interior designers. In today's episode, this dynamic duo will be discussing the pros and cons of using custom, versus ready-made window treatments. This show will set the scene for all the following episodes of WTF, so tune in now, to find out more! Vitalia (Vita for short) Vygovska is the award-winning window treatment specialist. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. Listen in today, to hear what LuAnn and Vita have to share with you. Show Highlights: Vita explains the main differences are between custom and ready-made window treatments. Custom is not necessarily the only way to go because different situations call for different things. When you would use ready-made, rather than custom window treatments. The way that Vita supports the designers she works with. When you would need to use custom window treatments. When the budget allows for it, custom will always be the better choice. Leading the conversation with your client to where you want it to go. Why most interior designers would prefer to do only custom window treatments. Some important things designers need to be aware of when they're faced with a situation where they have to use ready-made window treatments. Ready-made drapes often take a lot of work to make them look like the picture on the package. Some ways to improve ready-made drapery. Links: To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc: Vitalia Inc To learn more about working with Window Works: Window Works To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the IWCE where both LuAnn and Vita will be presenting: IWCE To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) WCAA To learn about Exciting Windows To attend our upcoming event in PA, De-Mystifying Window Treatments go to: [email protected] Facebook: Vitalia Inc Instagram: Vitalia_inc LuAnn's website: Luann Nigara LuAnn's email: [email protected] The information about the upcoming CEU on the 24th of September, at the Design Trade Resources in Devon, Pennsylvania, will be on Luann's website, under 'Events and Coaching'.

Welcome! Today we are really excited to have Megan Molten on the show with us. Megan reached out to LuAnn in an email a while ago, telling her that she learned everything she knows about the business of interior design from this show, and it's changed her life. She went on to explain that after twelve years of being in health-care sales and having listened to the podcast every day for the last year, she finally quit her day job to become an interior designer. Listen in today, to hear Megan's story. Before quitting her job, Megan managed to have an incredible 29 interior design clients on the side, over six months, while still working full-time, for fifty hours a week! Now, a year later, she has a full-time business manager, a full-time designer, she has leased warehouse space, she has a studio space, she has an e-commerce business, and she has 19 000 followers on Instagram! In her first year, Megan brought in $600 000 in revenue, and she also planned her wedding and got married last May! She has been featured on eighteen different sites, from Serena and Lily to Apartment Therapy and Bungalow. Megan has achieved all of this because she truly understands that to make her dreams a reality, she has to actually do the things that she learned from the different guests on this show. In today's episode, she talks to us about the things she learned and how she's applied them. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Megan talks to us about the moment that she finally decided to quit her day job. It all began with social media, with Instagram in particular, for Megan. One of the first things that Megan did was to hire a photographer. Starting afresh, both professionally and personally. Having the support of her entrepreneurial parents really helped Megan a lot. Do what you do best, and outsource the rest. Making her first hire was one of the best decisions Megan has ever made. E-commerce makes so much sense but it really takes a lot of work. Using the services of a purchasing agent. Having conversations and making connections. The importance of finding the blind spots in your processes. Bio: Megan's love for all things interiors has been around for as long as she can remember and soon became a reality after she purchased her first home in Charleston, South Carolina and started the design process herself. She began sharing with the world all of her favorite finds and amazing transformations on social media and the world responded! It was this incredible response to Megan's designs that encouraged her to start helping friends, then friends of friends and eventually clients transform their spaces too. This exciting new "hobby" she devoted every hour to while not working her very full-time job in medical sales quickly turned into a business. She quit her 12-year career in corporate America to chase a dream-a dream that was her true passion in life-helping others achieve beautiful spaces they love. Her passion for light and airy design, go-getter attitude and attention to detail has quickly created a strong following and brand for #designsbymeganmolten and she can't wait to continue to watch her big dream grow! Links: Megan's email: [email protected] Website: Megan Molten Shop: Megan Molten Shop Instagram: Megan Molten Facebook: Megan Molten Pinterest: Megan Molten Houzz: Designs By Megan Molten Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Shea McGee #236 Cheryl Luckett - Dwell by Cheryl #291 and #397

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Jamie Lieberman is with us today. Jamie is an attorney, a podcaster, and an entrepreneur. She is also the owner and founder of Hashtag Legal, and she's dedicated to making the legal field accessible to creative professionals just like you. Jamie is down-to-earth, easy to get along with, and she is passionate about sharing the message that legal doesn't have to be scary. Listen in today, to find out how and why she does this. Jamie draws on her experience working with influencer marketing professionals, creatives, business owners, and interior designers, to help and protect them as they grow their businesses. She leads an all-female virtual team with a focus on providing clients with advice on all kinds of subjects, like intellectual property, contracts, privacy, FTC, and general business law, as well as negotiation strategies. Jamie is the co-host of the Fear Less Business Podcast and she's an outstanding speaker with tons of energy! There are so many insights to be gained from today's conversation. Tune in now, to find out how to gracefully dismantle a business partnership, keep your eyes wide open, and make sure that your contracts and agreements are all clear. Show Highlights: Daniele Liss (#171) used to be Jamie's partner in Hashtag Legal. Jamie really gets the intricacies of running a creative business. Jamie makes it very easy for people to access her talents. Managing the challenging nuances of running an interior design business. Everything changes when money comes into play. Negotiating towards a common goal, which is building a successful business. Partnership agreements can be changed. Covering vendor liability could put designers at risk. A contract is actually a gift, it's not a bad thing. It's perfectly acceptable to negotiate a contract before signing it. You have to learn from the things that come up. It's all about clear communication. Jamie is learning from her clients all the time. She likes it when her clients challenge her. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Daniele Liss #171 Amanda Berlin #420 Jenny Maddon #332 Peter Lang- The Designer CPA #349 Tori Alexander #445 Links: Jamie's website: Hashtag Legal Jamie's email: [email protected] Jamie on Instagram: Hashtag-legal Jamie on Facebook Jamie on Linked-In

Welcome to the show! Today, Carolyn Flannery, the principal of Carolyn Rebuffel Designs joins us on the show. Apart from designing interiors, Carolyn also heads up Workroom C, a textile company which offers pillows, drapery, bespoke soft goods, and fabric by the yard. Carolyn built her design business in a rather unusual way and she has a really organized approach to running it. In today's episode, she shares with us how she intentionally focuses on families with children, who understand the value of having family-friendly spaces with durable, multi-functional furnishings which are also beautiful. Listen in today, to hear about Carolyn, her business, and how she markets specifically to her ideal clients, using one strategy that has been keeping her pipeline full for more than 10 years. With over a decade of hospitality experience under her belt, Principal Designer Carolyn Rebuffel Flannery brings a thoughtful approach to each project she completes. At her namesake design firm, established in 2006, Carolyn believes that your home should be a retreat that provides you with a sense of ease and calm. After building a career as an antique store owner, buyer, and merchandiser, Carolyn transitioned to interior design, crafting practical yet beautiful interiors that reflect her clients' unique lifestyles. As a mother of four, Carolyn understands the value of creating family-friendly spaces with durable, multi-functional furnishings. Her work highlights unconventional lighting, savvy design solutions, and a healthy mix of high and low pieces. In addition to designing artful interiors, Carolyn helms WorkRoom C, a textile company that offers fabric by the yard, pillows, drapery, and bespoke soft goods. She holds a BA in Art History from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a MPS in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. Tune in now to find out more. Show Highlights: How Carolyn started with her unusual business strategy. Carolyn explains her free, and her paid consultation processes. Carolyn has grown her business so that she's in a position to direct it in any way that she chooses. It's not always the swankiest private schools that make the best clients for Carolyn. Some clients tend to experience some fear when using the services of an interior designer for the first time. Being really clear when explaining your processes and pricing to new clients. Staying on track with the amount of time that's been allocated for a consultation. You don't have to have children to be able to tap into the schools' PTA donation market. It may take some time to tap into Carolyn's kind of market. Carolyn talks about how she started with the fabrics that she's designing. The complicated reality of providing exactly what clients want. What Carolyn learned from Amy Flurry about PR. You have to have an intention behind everything that you do in your business. Other episodes mentioned in this show: Amy Flurry #108 and #323 Andrew Joseph # 39 Krista Coupar #24 #45 #60 #81 #150 Links: Carolyn Rebuffel Designs: Workroom C WorkRoom C

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's show is a special episode, sponsored by American OEM, one of our nation's leading hardwood flooring manufacturers. We're really fortunate to have Allie Finkell, the executive vice president of American OEM, with us on the show. This past spring, Allie and American OEM asked Revel Woods to invite several designers for a tour of their factory in Nashville. LuAnn and Vin were lucky enough to be included. This remarkable Tennessee-based factory is called the Prison Industry Enterprise because it operates within a penitentiary. In today's episode, Allie talks about their unique prison-based business model, she gives us a breakdown of the difference between hardwood floors made in the US and those made in China, and she discusses the relationship that American OEM has with Revel Woods, and why and how that had brought Allie and LuAnn together. Listen in today, to find out what Allie has to share about this unusual enterprise. Allie is known as royalty in the wood flooring industry because she is the great-granddaughter of L. W. Anderson, who was the founder of Anderson Hardwood Floors, and she has spent her life immersed in the hardwood flooring industry. Following early career sales and marketing experience in New York City, Allie eventually joined the family business, taking on a sales position covering the Northeastern US. During that time, Anderson was acquired by Shaw Industries, and Allie helped lead the introduction of hardwood, laminate, ceramic and vinyl into Shaw’s commercial product offering. In 2013, Allie took on the role of Director of Marketing for Mohawk Industries, building another commercial hard surface program from the ground up. Allie followed her family roots back to hardwood in 2014 when she joined American OEM as executive vice president, helping grow the Anderson-Finkell legacy of beautiful, enduring American-made flooring for the next generation. A graduate of Furman University, Allie holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Allie talks about the remarkable prison industry enterprise. How hardwood floors are made within a prison environment. The benefits of this unique business model to all concerned. How the landscape of the hardwood flooring industry has changed over the last ten to fifteen years. The way that the Chinese have begun to erode the hardwood flooring industry. The difference between the quality of the Chinese and the American product. Allie discusses the quality of the product that her company produces. The difference between hardwood and LVT flooring. Some things that designers could ask builders about hardwood flooring. Character does not have to mean rustic. Designers can purchase American OEM flooring via Revel Woods. Allie explains what makes Revel Woods so special. Hearth Wood is Allie's family flagship brand. It's her family's way to leverage their history and continue their legacy in the industry. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: John Dupra of Revel Woods #329 Links: Revel Woods American OEM Hearth Wood Floors Instagram - Revel Woods

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today, we have Elissa Grayer joining us on the show. Elissa is here today, just like so many of our guests over the years, to share her lessons in business. Today's show is a little different, however. Because, often, our colleagues have shared with us the lessons they've learned in hindsight or the past difficulties that they experienced in their careers, that they weren't sure they would ever manage to overcome. Yet today, Elissa, who is going through an unusual season in her business, bravely shares something with us that she is knee-deep in, right now. In today's episode, she talks to LuAnn about what she's been going through over the last six months, some of the lessons she's learned, and the action steps she is taking to remedy the situation. Listen in, to hear her story. After graduating from Amherst College with a B.A. in Psychology, Elissa spent 10 years in the fields of education and business, earning three masters degrees along the way. It took the joining of two individual apartments into one family-friendly space to convince her to turn her passion for interior design into a business. She was then asked to oversee another major renovation project on the Upper West Side, and thus her career began. To further her education, Elissa also studied at both the New York School of Interior Design and Parsons School of Interior Design. Launched in 2001, Elissa Grayer created her namesake design firm and quickly become the go-to talent for young families transitioning from New York City to the idyllic suburbs of Westchester County. Since then, the firm has also become known for its mastery in the planning, design, and project management of grand estates, luxury apartments, and vacation retreats across New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. Tune in now, to find out more. Show Highlights: Elissa's business has changed significantly because, since January, her turnover has taken a drastic downturn. Elissa describes what she's been going through over the last six months. Elissa recommends outsourcing your business management to Studio Webware. The value of working with an excellent business coach and having the support of like-minded business owners. It's really important to keep checking your numbers consistently. And to act timeously, if necessary. It's all about setting goals and being accountable. Elissa has never worked for anyone else, so she hasn't had the opportunity to learn business fundamentals from a seasoned business owner. Today, you have to actively market your business. The great incentive gifts that Elissa has been giving to realtors. Waiting for the right time to approach realtors to introduce your services to them. Building the skill of rainmaking. Elissa has been building time-blocking into her schedule. If you ever have downtime in your business, you can make good use of it to get started with some new processes. Learning to trust and use your intuition. Looking for the lessons in the hard times. Bio: After graduating from Amherst College with a B.A. in Psychology, Elissa spent 10 years in the fields of education and business, earning three masters degrees along the way. It took the joining of two individual apartments into one family-friendly space to convince her to turn her passion for interior design into a business. She was then asked to oversee another major renovation project on the Upper West Side, and thus her career began. To further her education she has also studied at the prestigious New York School of Interior Design and Parsons School of Interior Design. Launched in 2001, Elissa Grayer created her namesake design firm and quickly become the go-to talent for young families transitioning from New York City to the idyllic suburbs of Westchester County. Since then, the firm has also become known for its mastery in the planning, design, and project management of grand estates, luxury apartments, and vacation retreats across New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. She strives to create beautiful and functional spaces that reflect each client’s personality in an elegant and comfortable way; Classic luxury design for modern living. Elissa subscribes to the belief that creating a home should be a partnership between the designer and homeowner. Educating her clients and exposing them to the exclusive access that only an expert can bring, Elissa Grayer Interior Design creates smart solutions that fit within the homeowners’ budget and lifestyle. Links: Website: Elissa Grayer Design Instagram: Elissa Grayer Interior Design Facebook: Elissa Grayer Interior Design Pinterest: Elissa Grayer Exciting Windows

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Have you ever wished that you could outsource your procurement process to a proven professional? If so, you will gain a lot from today's show because we have Bethany Mabee with us, and Bethany is your lady if you ever want to outsource the procurement process of any interior design project! She makes it possible for you to work with her whether you're a small interior design firm looking for some help with the procurement process of a one-off project, or you're a larger firm with several projects going on at the same time, consistently. In today's episode, Bethany explains the way that she assists designers, and she discusses the kind of accountability that she has built into her process. Listen in today, to find out how Bethany could mean real magic for you and your design business. Before opening her firm, Interior Procurement Group, Bethany worked behind the scenes in the Interior Design industry for nearly 20 years. Her career began in 2001, at Eastern Accents, a Chicago-based textile manufacturer where she oversaw custom trade orders by communicating their specifications through to production. This was a perfect learning experience and stepping stone for transitioning to Gary Lee Partners, where she worked as the Architecture Firm’s Procurement Director from 2005 - 2009. Since opening her Procurement Group, Bethany has worked with dozens of designers, on a project-by-project basis, acting as an agent on their behalf. Her goal is to eliminate all non-design-related items for the designer during the furniture purchasing process so that they are free to focus on the other areas of the project that demand their attention. Tune in now, to find out more. Show Highlights: Bethany loves swimming in details and finding organization in chaos. Bethany works with different size firms and projects. Bethany works with designers only during the procurement phase of their projects. It's great for designers not to have to train someone up in the area of procurement. The vast range of procurement services that Bethany supplies. The kind of admin that Bethany covers. Why Peter Lang, the Designer CPA, specializes in the design industry. About Kimberly Merlitty's specialty. Bethany discusses the monthly check-in that she does with designers. Bethany supports interior designers at an expert level. Sending regular status reports to her clients. Confidentiality is really important to Bethany. Bethany's files are available to the designers at all times. Keeping the designers up to date with the status of their purchases. Working on the finer details. Bethany offers her support, on-site, on installation day. Bethany really respects designers. She sees them, she hears them, and she understands their value. Bio: Bethany has been working behind-the-scenes within the Interior Design industry for nearly 20 years. In 2001, her career began at Eastern Accents, a Chicago-based textile manufacturer where she oversaw custom trade orders by communicating their specifications through production. This was a perfect learning experience and stepping stone for transitioning to Gary Lee Partners, where she worked as the Architecture Firm’s Procurement Director from 2005 - 2009. In 2009 after having her first child, Bethany wanted a chance to continue doing the work she loves, while also being more available to her son. Noticing that many designers in the industry were juggling the purchasing process on their own and that most dreaded this time-consuming, archaic process. Bethany decided to branch out on her own as a consultant and provide residential furniture procurement solutions to design clients. Bethany has been able to work with a variety of clients across the country, from small boutique firms to independent designers. Bethany works with designers on a project-by-project basis and acts as an agent on their behalf. Her goal is to eliminate all non-design related items for the designer during the furniture purchasing process so that they are freed up to focus on other areas of the project that demand their attention. Bethany remotely manages all aspects of the procurement process including purchasing, billing, and warehousing. Once a designer’s specifications are finalized, Bethany takes over by generating client proposals, processing purchase orders, and communicating custom specifications and sample approvals to manufacturers/vendors as needed. Throughout the purchasing process, Bethany tracks all costs and markups for designer profitability and maintains communication and records with the designer’s accountant. Bethany also manages the installation process for her clients by facilitating vendor correspondence throughout production, communicating material timeframes to workrooms, maintaining project production status sheets, submitting regular updates to the design team, coordinating local and long-distance shipments with carriers, recording warehouse receiving reports, tracking freight and warehousing costs

Welcome another episode of Power Talk Friday and Design Biz Live, with Judith Neary and Corey Klassen. It's been several months since the last episode of the Design Biz Live series and today's show is really going to be fun, especially if you were one of the 200 people attending LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation, last March, where Corey and Judith were both guest designer panelists. Tune in to today's episode of Design Biz Live, to find out why everyone really needs a Vin man! Judith and Corey are usually the ones to come up with the topics for the Design Biz Live episodes, and their topics are mostly about the things they're facing in their businesses or the things that their colleagues are struggling with, in theirs. For today's episode, however, they have decided to talk about the things that they learned from LuAnn Live. Corey and Judith both have tons of experience in the design industry, so listen in today, to hear what they learned. Show Highlights: Corey really enjoyed connecting with other like-minded individuals and sharing stories and experiences with them. Judith, as a tenured professional in the industry, really loved the amount of information that was available at LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation. Everyone needs a Vin man! Corey talks about a moment of clarity that he experienced. LuAnn explains where the magic happens. Judith lists five of her take-aways. Corey uses spreadsheets to track everything, so he really loved Michele William's Profit First method. What Judith loved so much about Fred Berns. Your existing client base is the fastest, shortest way to putting money in your pocket. The incredible value of referrals. The power of adversity. Judith gives a shout-out to MyDoma Studios. The benefits of using MyDoma Studio's packages. Corey explains what horizontal revenue is. LuAnn shares what she learned at LuAnn Nigara Live. LuAnn Live 2 will be coming out in 2020. To get onto the email list, so that you can know what's happening and when text the word 'designbiz' to 444999.

Welcome to the first episode of Window Treatment Friday! For some time now, designers have been reaching out to LuAnn and asking her to share some of her window treatment expertise, because the window treatment business is a pretty complicated area of business for many designers. So about once a month, LuAnn and Vita Vygovska will be producing an episode of Window Treatment Friday, where they will explain how designers can increase their bottom line by incorporating custom window treatments into their projects. In each episode, they will break down and unravel the intricacies of an aspect of the window treatment business, as it relates to interior designers. They will be giving you content-driven education which is unbiased, truthful, and open, to educate baby designers and inspire the more seasoned and experienced designers to have more confidence, talk to their clients with more authority, and, ultimately, make more profit. Tune in now, to find out more. Vitalia (Vita for short) Vygovska is the award-winning window treatment specialist. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. Listen in today, to hear what LuAnn and Vita have to share about the value of incorporating custom window treatments into your design projects. Show Highlights: There are some valuable resources out there for window treatments. There's the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America), Exciting Windows, ASID, the IWCE Expo, and Window Fashion Vision Magazine. The goal of Window Treatment Friday is to provide designers with just enough of the right kind of information to help them feel more confident in the world of window treatments. LuAnn explains which designers this show is talking to. Window treatments make up a large portion of interior design projects. Mistakes are part of learning, but they are costly when it comes to window treatments. LuAnn and Vita are here to share their lessons learned, and the mistakes they have made. There are pros and cons to adding window treatments to your ladder of services, as an interior designer. Window treatments make a huge difference to any interior design project. They are like jewelry for the room. There's profit to be made from including window treatments in a design project. Your number one way to make a profit is to sell more things to the same people. Some of the more nuanced points about the value of offering your clients window treatments. In the episodes coming up, LuAnn and Vita will be talking about everything, from custom versus ready-made, to specifying the differences between ready-made rods and custom-made rods, and why and when it matters. Please share with us any questions that you may have about window treatments or the challenges that you face with window treatments, in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Vita has already come up with 25 different window treatment topics to cover in this show. Links: Vita’s Website: Vitalia Inc Facebook: Vitalia Inc Instagram: Vitalia Inc Exciting Windows WCAA ASID IWCE The Window Fashion Vision Magazine Mentioned in the show: Sew Much More Podcast

Welcome! Today, Alex Gourlay joins us on the show. Eighteen months ago, Alex took LuAnn and Nancy Ganzekaupher's Money Mindset and Sales Course. Then recently, she contacted LuAnn to say that she wanted to share what she's learned since taking the course, and the things she's done since then to build her business, with all of you, her designer colleagues out there. For Alex, this has all been around mindset and about breaking through some of the patterns that she noticed in herself. Listen in today, to hear what Alex has to share. Alex Gourlay is the owner of Vellum Interiors, a high-end residential interior design studio in Sydney. Founded in 2016, Vellum Interiors has quickly gained a reputation for creating beautiful, feel-good homes. Alex’s work has been featured in multiple publications, and she was recognized as a Finalist in the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards. Tune in now for more! Show Highlights: Alex always knew that she had potential, but she also knew that there was something holding her back. Alex explains what she discovered about mindset issues and her business. Some examples of the mindset issues that Alex has managed to overcome. Two sentences that are really powerful informing how you think. Being confident without acting like a jerk. Growth mindset and fixed mindset. The fear of failure often prevents people from attempting something new. The key that has unlocked so many things for Alex. It feels uncomfortable to look in the mirror, go deep, and get to the next level. It helps to have a really supportive partner in life. The people that you surround yourself with will inevitably influence you. And some of them will try to hold you back because they're scared. The positive impact that Alex's new awareness has had on her business. You have to know what you want in order to create it. Once you know what you want, your brain looks for ways to make it happen. So many people really underestimate the power of their thoughts. Getting comfortable with your own beliefs. It's actually easier than you think to get published in magazines, as long as you do it the right way. It's all about standing in your space, staying in your lane, and being who you are. Giving yourself permission to be your best self. Bio: Alex Gourlay is the owner of Vellum Interiors, a high-end residential interior design studio in Sydney. Founded in 2016, Vellum Interiors has quickly gained a reputation for creating beautiful, feel-good homes. Alex’s work has been featured in multiple publications, and she was recognized as a Finalist in the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards. Tune in now for more! Alex’s design ethos focuses on the character of the houses and clients she works with, with an emphasis on simplicity and laid-back sophistication. She specializes in creating beautiful homes by the harbor or ocean, that her clients can love for many years. Alex’s previous experience in events and client services in global advertising firms has shaped how design projects are run at Vellum, and she is passionate about delivering a highly-organized and smooth experience for her clients. She loves to ‘surprise and delight’ her clients to keep things interesting too! A key value of Alex’s business is creating incredible relationships with clients, her suppliers, and trades, and she has garnered a reputation for being a force to be reckoned with. Alex works with people who are down-to-earth, high-net-worth Sydney-siders who have a desire to create a long-term home or holiday home. Vellum Interiors has been published in Australia House & Garden, InsideOut, Home Beautiful, and has been featured online in The Local Project, Homes to Love and Interiors Addict. Mentioned on the show: Steve Berson: The leader of Exciting Windows Book: Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Amy Flurry #108 and #323 Ren Miller (Design New Jersey) #12 Ashley Hotham-Cox #321 Shea McGee #236 and #270 Amber Lewis #169 and #184 Power Talk Friday

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, Jesse Lazarus, the Chief Process and Innovation Officer for Kravet Inc. joins us on the show. Jesse is a deep thinker, with a BA in philosophy, and in his role, at Kravet he plays an integral part in the discussion around the technology and innovations that the company chooses to partner with and embrace. Jesse spearheads Kravet's strategic plans and he implements their new digital initiatives, which include e-commerce projects, in-store experience concepts, and groundbreaking virtual design tools. Listen in today, to find out what Jesse has to share about the ongoing evolution of Kravet. Kravet is a smart company and they are guided by their mission to support you, the interior designer, in your efforts to run a really profitable business. Kravet has been a show sponsor since the beginning and, in today's episode, Jesse talks to LuAnn about how this happened. He discusses the way that technology has advanced during his time working in the interior design industry, and how the industry is changing, as a result. He also talks to us about Kravet's new showroom which opening up at the New York Design Center, the way that Kravet is evolving, and where they are heading, in terms of innovation and technology. Tune in now for more! Show Highlights: How LuAnn's collaboration with Kravet began. For Jesse, Kravet is a really great and innovative place to work. The criteria that Jesse uses to decide whether or not to partner with tech companies. One of Kravet's core mission values is to always be in support of interior designers. Although many of the new tech companies are not yet geared for the interior design industry, designers are now involved in helping those companies evolve to meet the needs of the industry. Kravet has been partnering with MyDoma Studio since the spring of 2019. Jesse discusses the reason for this partnership. Jesse discusses his perception of the two flavors of the marketplace. Being transparent and as accessible as possible is another one of Kravet's core mission values. There's so much research and product discovery happening online, currently. This has started feeding through into the design industry. The way that Jesse sees the evolution of interior design showrooms, going forward. The way that Jesse has built the digital experience into the concept for Kravet's new pilot showroom, as a subtle, supportive tool for designers. Kravet's pilot showroom is meant to be a relaxed workspace for collaboration, where designers can feel comfortable enough to come in and use their sample library as if it was their own. Kravet's pilot showroom is a way to honor their relationships with interior designers. Some new technological innovations that are destined to become a part of the design industry. Recently, designers have been collaborating to form buying groups. Jesse sees this as a natural evolutionary step. The evolution of technology has made it possible for designers to now work in any way that fits their individual business. Bio: Jesse Lazarus is Chief Process and Innovation Officer for Kravet Inc., a high-end home furnishings supplier to the interior design trade. In this role, Jesse plays an integral part in spearheading strategic plans and implementing new digital initiatives, including e-commerce projects, in-store experience concepts, and innovative virtual design tools. He received his BA in Philosophy from the State University of Stony Brook and resides in West Sayville, NY with his wife and two daughters. Links: Website: Kravet Instagram: Kravet Facebook: Kravet Pinterest: Kravet Twitter: Kravet Mydoma Code for 10% of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim: AWDB10

Welcome to the show! We have Tori Alexander with us today. Tori is a Nashville native and she's a Harpeth Hall alumna with a B.S. in Furnishings and Interiors from the University of Georgia. After graduating, Tori set herself apart as a designer with her uniquely broad understanding of architecture, while honing her skills at a boutique architecture firm in Nashville. In 2012, Tori launched her own company, Alexander Interiors, in Sacramento California, when her husband's career took their family there. Then they returned to Nashville in 2016 and Tori started her business all over again. In today's episode, she talks to us about the systems she uses to keep her projects extremely well organized. And she mentions how moving and starting over twice, and experiencing a different culture and aesthetic, really broadened her design skills and helped her become a better businesswoman. Listen in today, to find out more! Spaces you can live in. That’s Tori Alexander’s design philosophy – a vision that is top of mind as she dreams up new creations for her clients. “I design every space with the assumption that adults will spill red wine and children will spill their juice,” Tori explains. “That being said, it can still be beautiful! It is about knowing when and where to use each material.” When it comes to understanding those critical details, Tori’s credentials are truly impressive. Alexander Interiors has been featured by Southern Living, Today, Style Blueprint and more. Tune in today, to hear what Tori has to share about how to run a design-build project. Show Highlights: Tori explains where to start with a design-build project. Implementing the production list was a turning point in Tori's business. It has led to more opportunities, such as management and construction management of larger projects. Running a business in California was a constant uphill battle for Tori and this really helped her to develop an edge. Tori talks about the production list and what it entails. The management tool that has really improved the profitability of Tori's business. Tori has four categories of projects: Renovation, full design, e-design, and consulting. Projects have to make sense for Tori, first financially and then creatively. If they don't fit any of these categories, she turns them down. Tori explains the kind of project that is not a good fit for her. The way that Tori packages her consultation times. Laying the seeds in the right places. A production list documents every single task that needs to be done, no matter how large or small. How trackable goals tie into the production list. Implementing separate cross-checks for completion and accuracy. Coming up with systems to prevent unforeseen installation problems from arising. Tori shares some of the checklists that she uses. Using checklists helps to bring calmness to a potentially chaotic industry. Rewarding the team at the end of a project for a job well done. Tori Alexander- Bio Spaces you can live in. That’s Tori Alexander’s design philosophy – a vision that is top of mind as she dreams up new creations for her clients. “I design every space with the assumption that adults will spill red wine and children will spill their juice,” Alexander explains. “That being said, it can still be beautiful! It is about knowing when and where to use each material.” When it comes to understanding those critical details, Alexander’s credentials are impressive. The Nashville native and Harpeth Hall alumna earned her B.S. in Furnishings and Interiors from The University of Georgia’s esteemed program in 2008. Upon graduating, she continued to hone her skills at a boutique architecture firm in Nashville, setting herself apart as a designer with a uniquely extensive understanding of architecture. In 2012, her husband’s career took Alexander to Sacramento, Ca., where she launched her own design company, Alexander Interiors. “I think being in a new and unfamiliar city encouraged me to finally take the leap and begin working for myself,” Alexander shares. Since the launch, clients have eagerly sought out Alexander’s impeccable expertise for their own homes. Describing her style as fresh and classic all at once, Alexander creates timeless interiors with layers of color, texture, and pattern. “I love a good pattern,” Alexander says. “That’s what I feel truly sets me apart — my ability to pair pattern on pattern within the same space.” In 2016, Alexander brought her thriving business back home to Nashville – a trending city with an ever-growing design scene. But with years of experience in California and clients across the country, Alexander offers a unique perspective for clients. “I’ve been able to draw inspiration from the quirks and trends in various regions and cities,” Alexander explains. Or sometimes, the inspiration is close to home – like an antique bracelet from her grandmother serving as the muse for a hand-painted ceiling in a charming nursery. Alexander’s creativity and heart help

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Sarah Winchester with us today! Sarah is a Boston based photographer specializing in interiors and fine art photography. Social media has really raised the bar for photographers over the last few years, and as a result, the world of interiors photography has been getting a lot of recognition. So investing in an excellent professional photographer has become a valuable way for new interior designers to become known. In today's episode, Sarah talks to us about styling, copyright, what it takes to be a great interiors photographer, and she also explains what you, as an interior designer, need to look for when hiring a photographer. Listen in today, to get Sarah's practical tips and advice for showing yourself in the way that you want to be seen. Raised in Atlanta, GA Sarah brings her southern sensibility and style to her work. After years in the corporate world as a creative director, brand manager, and in-house photographer, Sarah opened her own studio in 2009. Sarah’s strengths lie in blending the needs of the client with her own unique and artistic approach, to create beautiful and effective images. Sarah graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor’s in Art and Art History and received her Masters in Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was also able to spend time studying art in Florence, Italy. Tune in now for more! Show Highlights: Sarah believes that you have to have a script, or a shot list to know where you're going, where to start and to keep things organized. Amazing photographs are essential for interior designers. Social media has raised the bar for photographers. Finding the right photographer. Photographic shoots are creative and fun, and also exhausting! What to look out for when choosing a photographer who will be the right fit. Getting as much out of a photo shoot as you possibly can. Copyright versus usage right... it can all be very confusing. Paying for usage rights for the images you've shared. Having the conversation about who owns the rights to the images on social media. There's safety in integrity so it's important to be clear right from the beginning. Partnering with local brands in order to style a project. Developing relationships with local businesses and highlighting their products in your photo shoots. Using images to sell a feeling. Bio: Sarah is a Boston based photographer specializing in interiors and fine art photography. Raised in Atlanta, GA she brings her southern sensibility and style to her work. After years in the corporate world as a creative director, brand manager, and in-house photographer, Sarah opened her own studio in 2009. Sarah’s strengths lie in blending the needs of the client with her own unique and artistic approach, to create beautiful and effective images. Sarah graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor’s in Art and Art History and received her Masters in Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was also able to spend time studying art in Florence, Italy–one of her favorite cities in the world. Sarah has worked with clients, which span the creative and professional world, from magazines and fashion houses to advertising campaigns and construction companies. Sarah feels photography is about creating, not just capturing and brings that emotion to her work. Links: Website: Sarah Winchester Studios Instagram: Sarah_W_Studios Austin Mill PR Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Stephen Karlisch # 369 David Livingstone # 51 Raquel Langworthy # 343 Sarah Winchester Studios - Pitch for LuAnne Nigara Podcast About Sarah Winchester Sarah is a Boston based photographer who shoots all over the country, specializing in interiors and fine art photography. Raised in Atlanta, GA she brings her southern sensibility and style to her work. After years in the corporate world as a creative director, brand manager, and in-house photographer, Sarah opened her own studio in 2009. Sarah’s strengths lie in blending the needs of the client with her own unique and artistic approach, to create beautiful and effective images. Sarah graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor’s in Art and Art History and received her Masters in Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was also able to spend time studying art in Florence, Italy–one of her favorite cities in the world. Sarah has worked with clients, which span the creative and professional world, from magazines and fashion houses to advertising campaigns and construction companies. She also creates a series of fine art photography stemming from a passion for art and travel; creating beautiful images to live with and love. Sarah feels photography is about creating, not just capturing and brings that emotion to her work. OVERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHERS - How to choose one? What sets me apart? In an increasingly growing field, how should a designer choose? In turn, how can a photographer set him or herself apart? (I know lots of i

Welcome to the show! Today, we have the charming Jared Hughes, an interior designer from Atlanta, joining us. Jared's Instagram and his website are well worth paying attention to because they are unusual, warm, and beautiful, and the authentic way that he has remained true to himself and his own, personal style really shines through both. In today's episode, Jared talks to us about his solid interior design business and he explains how he has built a reputation and gained recognition as a talented designer within the interior design industry, even though his firm is still under three years old. Tune in now, to find out more! Jared opened his firm after ten years of experience working for others in residential design and event and floral design. The experience that he gained from doing this has allowed him to hit the ground running and as a result, he's been producing projects that are timeless, classic, and with an unexpected twist. Listen in to find out what Jared has to share today. You're really going to enjoy this episode! Show Highlights: Jared talks about his confidence in presenting his work in his own, unique way in his Instagram and on his website. There are some key elements that are evident in all of Jared's designs. Jared explains why hints of his personal life appear regularly in his Instagram feed. Jared's biggest client is from Switzerland. What people are looking for in Atlanta, in terms of interior design. Jared talks about his incredible number of accomplishments over the last two years. Networking has really been key to Jared's success. As a new designer, it's really important to present yourself in a humble and respectful manner when getting to know more experienced designers. Jared advises you, as baby designers, to take the advice of more seasoned designers and let them help you. We never stop learning, so Jared likes to test out processes that have worked for other people. Jared is extroverted and better around other people, however, he has no problem with being alone. Jared gives some unique and useful advice to help introverted designers with networking. Jared explains where he gained the grounding for his specific design aesthetic. Bio: Jared Hughes is a globally inspired Atlanta designer with deep roots in the South. His penchant for antiques and architecture are at the heart of his work, and his fascination with fabrics is the starting point for nearly all of his design projects. He gleans inspiration from his obsession with color to rethink the past and create livable, layered spaces. With 10 years of experience in residential, event and floral design, Hughes’ breadth of experience allows him to produce projects that feel timeless and classic with an unexpected twist. Links and Resources: Website: Jared Hughes Design Instagram: Jared Hughes Design Will you be joining LuAnn in Las Vegas for her one-day Power Talk Friday Tour? LuAnn is repeating her Power Talk Friday Tour this year in Las Vegas. It is a one-day coaching event and it will be held on Saturday, July 27th, and it will run from 8.00am to 11.00pm. It will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, discussions with LuAnn's PTF experts, and four hours of round table discussions, in groups of three or less, with each expert individually. Go to Power Talk Friday to reserve your seat. This event is sponsored by Revel Woods and MyDoma Studio. To get onto LuAnn's email list to get the info, text the word DESIGNBIZ to the number 444999.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are very happy to have Kimberly Merlitti, one of our favorite Power Talk Experts, back on the show today. Many people are really in the dark about how much money is actually going in and out of their businesses. Kimberly, who first appeared in episode #361, loves teaching people to understand accounting in a way that makes them an active partner in their finances. Talking in really simple language, she helps people figure out the really important financial side of their businesses. In today's episode, you will learn about the billable hours, rates between the principal designer and junior designers, how to know your cash on hand, how to know your 'cost to be open' number, how to budget to hire a junior designer, and how to prepare for a recession. Listen in, to find out how to get to know your numbers. Kimberly Merlitti owns KMM Consulting based out of Washington, D.C. She has 20 years of experience working in accounting for companies such as Swinerton Builders, WRNS Studio, and Martin Group. She has her Masters in Accounting from Golden Gate University. Located in Washington D.C. Kimberly's clientele includes a diverse group of service-based companies, with the main focus on small interior design, construction, and architectural firms. The goal of her firm is to make the businesses she works for as profitable as they can be by educating them on accounting, cash flow management, tax deductions, project reporting, and business management. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Kimberly shares a really simple calculation for you to get to know how much of the money in your business account is actually yours. Using the best software to calculate your vendor liability. Keeping an eye on your cash flow. How to know your cash on hand. It only takes five minutes a month to know your cash on hand. Budgeting to hire a junior designer. Working out your time-billing rates and budgets. Being upfront and straightforward with your clients. Telling your clients what to expect with every stage of the design process. Things to consider when working out your 'cost to be open' number. How to prepare for a recession. Building cash reserves for difficult times. Other episodes mentioned in today's show: Alinda Morris: #429 Michele Williams #180 and #395 Peter Lang #349 Links: A Well Designed Business Kimberly's website: KMM Consulting Kimberly's email: [email protected] Need to schedule time with KMM? KMM Consulting

Welcome to today's show! We're excited to be interviewing Laura and Cliff Muller today. Laura and Cliff are the husband and wife team behind Four Point Design Build, an award-winning full-service multi-disciplinary residential and commercial high-level interior and architectural design, project management, and construction firm, based in Los Angeles. The landscape of interior design is changing, so design-build has become an incredible opportunity for interior designers to have control over their projects and to enjoy the fruits of a multi-dimensional process. In today's episode, Cliff and Laura share some of their winning design-build processes, and Laura gives some great advice about mentorship and collaborating with build professionals. Tune in now, to find out more. Four Point Design Build is owned and led by interior designer and general contractor, Laura and Cliff Muller, and with over sixty years of combined experience, FOUR POINT’s boutique hands-on style of design and project management from concept to turnkey, specializes in highly customized client-centered projects with an experienced and immaculate focus on whole home remodels, kitchens, baths, and office spaces. Cliff and Laura’s work has been seen Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Metropolis, Hospitality Design, and CA Home & Design to name a few. Listen in today, to find out about what it takes to run a successful design-build business. Show Highlights: There's a fine line between professionalism and personal expression in the world of business today. Why Laura and Cliff make such an excellent husband and wife team. Celebrating all the different people involved in a project at the end. How they developed the name of their business. Cliff and Laura's four-step business-process. Understanding what goes into a design-build project. The best way for a new designer to start out in the design-build world. Laura suggests that new designers find a design-build mentor to oversee their first small design-build project. The best way for a young designer to approach someone they would like to become their mentor. Laura explains how to make the right kind of connections. What has to happen at the beginning of a successful design-build project. The investigation and analysis that is necessary before the start of a design-build project. Knowing your self-worth and value, and the essence of the truth of your business is really empowering. Some websites that provide good information for designers and consumers to understand what to expect from a design-build project. Laura discusses the really well-received presentation that they did at the Las Vegas market, around the changing landscape of interior design. Short Company Bio: FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC LAURA MULLER – CEO, OWNER + PRINCIPAL CLIFF MULLER – SENIOR CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT June 20, 2019 For Immediate Release FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC is an award-winning full service multi-disciplinary residential and commercial high-level interior and architectural design, project management, and construction firm based in Los Angeles, serving clients nationwide. Owned and led by Interior Designer and General Contractor, Laura and Cliff Muller, and with over sixty years of combined experience, FOUR POINT’s boutique hands-on style of design and project management from concept to turnkey specializes in highly customized client-centered projects with an experienced and immaculate focus on whole home remodels, kitchens, baths, and office spaces. From high-rise and mixed-use design-build to executive offices and luxury custom homes, Cliff and Laura guide and oversee every detail and project process with systems and teams in place that allow their Clients to relax and enjoy the blessings of designing and building a custom luxury #CleanFreshModernTM space. [137] Cliff and Laura’s work has been seen Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Metropolis, Hospitality Design, and CA Home & Design to name a few. Laura is the former President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID/2016) and has the distinct honor of being selected to the prestigious 2018 DXV Design Panel and the elite 2019 Designer Council for Monogram Appliances. Cliff has collaborated on award-winning and highly celebrated projects with such renown architects as Patrick Tighe and Morphosis. [90] Link to HIGH RES IMAGES: A WELL DESIGNED BUSINESS_PODCAST ASSETS SERVICES INCLUDE > Full Service Interior Design > Architecture and Detailing > Custom Furniture Design and Fabrication > Construction Documents and Permit Acquisition > Full Service Project and Construction Management and Administration PROJECT TYPES > Residential > Commercial > Tenant Improvement > Retail > Restaurant > Multi-Family and Mixed Use TO LEARN MORE about us, our team, and our work, visit Four Point Design Build and SUBSCRIBE to

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's show is sponsored by our guest, Tobi Fairley, who previously appeared in episode #419. Tobi has been one of our industry leaders for many years, mentoring interior designers and helping them become better business persons. She is an accomplished luxury interior designer with her business based in Arkansas. She's a fabric designer, a business coach, a life coach, and she has her own podcast called Design You. Tobi has also created a unique and really effective coaching course called Tobi Fairley's DesignYou Coaching Program and in today's episode, she explains how her coaching program differs from all the rest. Tobi loves nothing more than helping people really thrive and love their business so listen in today, to learn from Tobi how to cast a wider net and start making money while you sleep. Tobi Fairley is known for her bold use of color in interior design, but she’s also one of the nation’s most progressive-thinking entrepreneurs. She is passionate about her full-service interior design company and her consulting firm which are focused on helping clients design their homes, their businesses, and their lives, with a special interest in promoting wellness and balance for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creatives. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Tobi explains what's different about her coaching. Getting out of your own head and out of your own way. Unlocking your old mindsets. Why the course is a yearly program. Tobi explains what the coaching course covers. Finances can be scary for creatives. The kind of real-time support that you will get from Tobi. The benefits of abundant thinking. The three different courses that Tobi will be re-doing, live, that are also included in her yearly course. Tobi is very straightforward with her coaching clients. Tobi explains why it's in her best interest to pour all her support into you. Why you need to be doing business differently now to how you did it in the past. Digital marketing for interior designers. Understanding the value ladder in a digital marketing system. Opening your mind to working differently. Creating a system from your design process. Becoming niche-specific. Meeting your clients right where they are. How coaching, content, and community can help you reach your goals. Bio: Traditional Home predicts “Tobi will be like Cher or Oprah, one of those women for whom one name says it all.” Tobi Fairley is known for her bold use of color in interior design, but she’s also one of the nation’s most progressive-thinking entrepreneurs. Tobi is passionate about her full-service interior design company and her consulting firm which are focused on helping clients design their homes, their businesses, and their lives, with a special interest in promoting wellness and balance for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creatives. Tobi established her firm more than 19 years ago and her projects have spanned the nation and beyond. Her award-winning interior design, product design and ideas have been featured on television and in publications worldwide including House Beautiful, Veranda, Traditional Home, Huffington Post, HGTV, The Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Coastal Living, Southern Cottages, Creative Live, the Chicago Tribune, and MSNBC. In 2017, Tobi was a columnist for Traditional Home magazine with a feature in each issue chronicling her own home renovation and reveal. Tobi’s design goal is to create interiors that will assist her clients in reaching their big, personal, and entrepreneurial dreams, while supporting their health and wellness. She designs functional homes and beautiful environments that will foster personal growth, balance, and connection for all who use them. Tobi was at the forefront of the design blog movement when she launched her blog over 10 years ago, and it’s currently read in more than 125 countries worldwide. She has been a trusted coach for over 10 years for interior designers and creatives through her live events, design and business courses, and online programs. Among Tobi’s latest ventures is Design You, a monthly coaching program, where interior designers and creatives can get all of Tobi’s best course content, along with live coaching from Tobi in the areas of business, health and wellness, and mindset for a monthly or yearly subscription. In April 2018 Tobi launched her new podcast, The Design You Podcast, where she helps Interior Designers and Creatives say no to busy and say yes to more health, wealth and joy. In her podcast episodes, Tobi shares best business practices, her personal journey as a working mom and her beliefs about personal development for creating your best life, business, and home. For the last 3 years, Tobi has had great success in product design with her licensed collections from Soicher Marin (art), Duralee (fabrics), CR Laine (upholstered furniture), Woodbridge Furniture (case goods and outdoor furniture), New River Artisans (rugs),

Welcome! Today, Beth Smith, the owner and principal designer of Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, based in New Jersey, joins me on the show. For Beth, the interior design came years after pursuing her degrees in business and accounting to fulfill her love of processes and business strategy. In today's episode, Beth talks to us about budgets, managing situations, and expectations, and also about sexual harassment and she explains to us why she now has a clause in her contract to cover it. They also discuss the power and benefits, to both your business and your self-development, of attending industry events. Tune in now, for more! After completing her M.B.A., Beth spent more than ten years in corporate finance, with companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Viacom, honing her skills in understanding clients, analytics, and budgeting, and sharpening her attention to detail. Beth's work and her design advice have been featured on television and also in various print and online publications including NBC, HGTV, Vogue, EBONY, Design*Sponge, and the New York Times. Listen in today, to hear Beth's story. Show Highlights: Leaning into your skills and expressing them to your potential clients. The skills that Beth moved over from her corporate life to her design business. Working strategically around budget issues with clients. Keeping the client's expectations realistic. What 'don't save your client's money' really means. Dealing with clients who have unreasonably low budgets. Listening to your gut and having your client trust that you know what is best for them. Coping with situations where a client does not go along with your advice. Beth takes her contracts very seriously. After signing, she sends the client a letter highlighting the important points. What Beth outlines in her welcome letter. Being responsive while still sticking to business hours. Beth explains why she does not feel the need to present her contract to her clients in person. How Beth protects herself and the team she works with. Dealing with sexual harassment. Beth talks about the great press that she has had in her design career. Beth shares some suggestions for running a design firm in a way to prepare yourself to get lucky and be noticed by Open House NYC. Most of Beth's press has come from relationships and networking. Networking from a place of giving. About Kavet's past Blogfests and how they have really helped Beth to grow her business. Bio: Beth Diana Smith is the Owner and Principal Designer of Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, a New Jersey-based interior design company. Beth, her work, and her design advice have been featured on television and in various print and online publications including NBC, HGTV, Vogue.com, EBONY, Design*Sponge, and The New York Times. But know that interior design came years after pursuing degrees in business and accounting to satiate her love of processes and business strategy. After completing her M.B.A., she spent more than a decade in corporate finance in companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Viacom honing her skills in understanding clients, analytics, budgeting, and keen attention to detail. Links and resources: Beth's Website: Beth Diana Smith Beth's Instagram: Beth Diana Smith Beth's Facebook: Beth Diana Smith Beth's Pinterest: Beth Diana Smith Beth's LinkedIn: Beth Diana Smith Luann Nigara Luann Nigara Book2 Well Designed Article Window Fashion Vision Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Nate Berkus #433 Erika Ward #6 and #278 LuAnn is repeating her Power Talk Friday Tour this year in Las Vegas. It is a one-day coaching event and it will be held on Saturday, July 27th, and it will run from 8.00am to 11.00pm. It will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, discussions with LuAnn's PTF experts, and four hours of round table discussions, in groups of three or less, with each expert individually. To get onto LuAnn's email list to get the info, text the word DESIGNBIZ to the number 444999.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, Sarah Santacroce, an internationally recognized LinkedIn Specialist & Online Presence Mentor, joins us on the show. Sarah helps convert your presence online into paying customers, and she is also the creative brain behind the LinkedIn Challenge, an event that has already helped more than 1900 people to improve their knowledge about using LinkedIn for business. Tune in now, to find out more. Sarah, who lives in Switzerland, is known for her simple, no-nonsense Swiss efficiency mixed with a dose of Californian 'yes we can' attitude. She uses her ability to focus to help you to come up with a strategy to achieve your goals. And with her experience, her skill, her empathy, and her passion, she encourages you and helps you grow your business. She has assisted hundreds of clients from all over the world by generating leads for them via LinkedIn and social serving strategies. In today's episode, Sarah will open your eyes to the untapped potential of Linkedin. Listen in, to learn from Sarah how to breathe life into your LinkedIn profile. Show highlights: Why LinkedIn is actually a great platform for introverts. How LinkedIn has changed since the millennials started showing up and changing things about two years ago. Sarah suggests some strategies for successfully using LinkedIn as a platform. How a great LinkedIn profile can really benefit introverts. Where the power of LinkedIn really lies. On LinkedIn, everything is organized by job titles so you need to figure out who you're going to be working with. Adding more experiences to your LinkedIn profile. Creating a special landing page and linking it to your LinkedIn profile. The biggest mistake Sarah's seen people make. Sarah explains where to start. Your past experience counts for a lot. Building relationships and networking effectively through social serving. LinkedIn is about creating a human connection. Posting visual content to demonstrate that you're an expert in your field. LinkedIn's mission is to be the number one platform for professional content. The amount of time it takes to create a meaningful presence on LinkedIn. Sarah talks about her podcast, Introvert Biz Growth Podcast. Extract from Sarah's website: My clients like to work with me because I’m structured, focused, result oriented, ‘the real thing’. I’m known for my simple, no-nonsense Swiss efficiency, mixed with a good dose of Californian ‘yes we can’ attitude! (we lived in California from 2006 - 2010) And she goes on to say: There are a few things I’m good at: My ability to focus on the essentials & come up with the strategy for you to achieve your goals My experience(based on many failures) of getting clients online & what it takes to grow your business My skill to quickly put myself into your client’s shoes & create an offer that he/she can’t resist My empathy, passion& encouragement to use your uniqueness to grow your business Oh, and I'm an Introvert. Links and resources: Sarah's website: Sarah Santacroce Sarah's podcast Sarah's LinkedIn: Sarah Santacroce Sarah's facebook: Sarah Santacroce Sarah's lead magnet: Sarah's Templates LuAnn's Webinar: Join me on Tuesday, June 25th at 1:00 pm est for an exclusive Mydoma Studio webinar on Sales Strategies for Interior Designers! The roles will be reversed and I will be in the hot seat talking about the strategies I have learned. Come prepared with your questions! You can ask me questions about your business, about tricky conversations with clients, about how to sell more to the same people, about anything you want really. You know me, I just love hanging out with you! Webinar: My Doma Studio

Welcome to today's episode! It's time to start thinking about the High Point Market again. If you're wondering why you need to be thinking about it now, you may be surprised to find out that the hotels are already filling up. Also, now is the right time to start mapping out your trip and go to the website at High Point Market to see who the brands are, make your appointments, and get onto the email list so you can be notified of the new product launches, the panels, and the keynote series in the theater, because you really won't want to miss a thing! Listen in today, to find out more. On the show today, we have Ashley Grigg, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the High Point Market Authority, Lisa Mende, the founder and principal of Lisa Mende Design, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jeanne Chung, a luxury interior designer and retailer based in Southern California. These three ladies will explain why you need to attend the High Point Market and they will give some great tips for making the most of the experience. They will also discuss the logistics of going to High Point, explain how to make your trip really productive, and share some really useful information about the various tours that are available. You really have to know what to do before you get to High Point, so tune in now, to get all the details. Show Highlights: Why it's really important for interior designers to invest the time and money in going to High Point Market. How half the business is conducted after the market is over. The brand cocktail parties are awesome opportunities to meet and connect with important people. The way that High Point has really impacted on Jeanne's business. Making great connections at High Point Market. How High Point Market stands out from all the rest. Having the opportunity to talk to the showroom owners. Ways for new designers to establish themselves with the various showrooms. Some things to think about when pre-planning your trip to High Point Market. Why it's a good idea to do a tour for your first trip to High Point. High Point Market covers 11 500 000 square feet! Jeanne talks about her Insider's Tour, which is geared towards designers seeking to offer customization and one-of-a-kind. Ashley talks about all the other tours that are also available for buyers at High Point. The relevant information about all the tours is available on the High Point Market authority website. High Point Market Some tips for making sure that you are able to connect with the right people at High Point. There is an incredible Market Advisor Team available for you to call to answer any questions you may have prior to arriving at HP. They will also be available during the market. Lisa's great tips and suggestions for getting ready for market. Bios: Ashley Grigg is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the High Point Market Authority. High Point Market is the largest home furnishings trade show in the world and Ashley manages many of their projects, including media relations, educational programming, social media, and digital promotions. Ashley has over 13 years of experience in marketing and event management Lisa Mende is the founder and principal of Lisa Mende Design based in Charlotte, NC which opened in 1998. She has built a reputation as one of the South’s Leading Luxury Designers and her work has been featured in many well-known national shelter and lifestyle magazines. As a designer and tastemaker, Lisa works with Brands and has served as a #Authlux Design Guild Member for House of Rohl for 2018, The Thermador Design Council and the Design Council for DSV Luxury in 2016. Lisa is an Allied Member of ASID and NKBA. She also pens the popular blog “The Design Connector” where she is currently kicking off a new series which will chronicle the renovation of her own home sharing all her favorite kitchen and bath products and as well as the renovation process with her readers. Jeanne Chung is a luxury interior designer and retailer based in Southern California. In addition to heading up her own interior design firm, Jeanne owns a retail and to the trade showroom in Pasadena, CA which has become a favorite go-to destination for both designers and design enthusiasts who seek a unique and artfully edited selection of new and vintage home furnishings and accessories. Through her design blog Cozy Stylish Chic, Jeanne has become recognized as an influencer in the industry and frequently collaborates with brands and manufacturers. She is a regular speaker on trade show designer panels and has served as a High Point Market Style Spotter. Jeanne participated in the Pasadena Showcase House of Design in 2017 and in 2018, served on the Board of the ASID Pasadena Chapter. About the High Point Market: In October and April each year, the High Point Market attracts more than 75 000 retailers, interior designers, and service providers from more than 100 countries. There are nearly 2000 exhibitor showrooms across 180 bu

Welcome to today's show! We're turning things around a bit and sharing a replay of LuAnn being interviewed by Amber De La Garza, aka the Productivity Specialist, a while back, when LuAnn was a guest on Amber's show, Productivity Straight Talk. Listen in today, to hear their conversation. In today's episode, LuAnn talks to Amber about the way that she's blended structure, systems, and processes into her business, Window Works, to help it grow to become a two-million dollar company. She talks about her success and her challenges, she shares ways to create structure in your business, and she also gives some questions to ask yourself before making any big decisions. Tune in now to find out what LuAnn has to say about her business which has been thriving in the interior design space since 1982. Show highlights: LuAnn describes what her business and her support structure look like. Luann discusses the roles that she, her husband, and their partner each play in their business, and the synergistic way they work together. How the Window Works team came together. LuAnn describes her life before structure. How structure equals freedom and success. How LuAnn woke up to the value of structure. Why you must embrace systems in order to scale. LuAnn and Amber discuss the perils of disorganization. How organization ties into productivity. How time-blocking has really worked for LuAnn. The administrative system that has had the biggest impact on LuAnn's business. Links: A Well-Designed Business Podcast Window Works Original Episode Amber’s Website: Amber Delagarza Amber's Facebook Amber's Instagram Email: [email protected] Book mentioned: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber

Welcome! Today, we have Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Artigas on the show with us. Juan Carlos is an accomplished architect and interior designer with extensive experience in high-end hospitality, restaurant, commercial, and residential design. He is currently the design director of the London Studio of the global interior architecture firm, Wilson Associates. Juan Carlos's position is multi-faceted, and in today's episode, he discusses his role and responsibilities, as the firm's design director, where he oversees the day-to-day operations and projects of the London studio. In addition to creating beautiful projects, he has been in charge of the hiring and building of a cohesive and talented team, which he has then had to lead and guide. Also, a large part of his job involves finding, meeting, and creating opportunities for new business for the firm, and he explains that this all starts with relationships and with connecting to people. Tune in now to find out more. Wilson Associates is a collection of 10 design firms around the world whose work encompasses interior architectural design, architecture, art consultancy, concept development, branding, and food and beverage design. Their portfolio includes some of the most prestigious hospitality projects in the world. Listen in today, to hear what Juan Carlos has to share. Show Highlights: Juan Carlos shares some of his experiences from the past year while building the London studio. The pros and cons of first working for a small firm, and then jumping to a big firm. Juan Carlos shares what he was looking for when hiring his team members. Starting out with a small team and growing organically. When building his team, he was looking for flexibility and team players. That's his secret to creating a small, winning team. Running a small office has involved wearing a number of different hats. Juan describes the difference between his last position and his current one, with Wilson Associates. Creating a strong foundation with the team he built. The kind of skill set that Juan Carlos required his team members to have. Why Juan Carlos prefers working in hospitality, rather than in residential. Having to take into account what the operations team is telling you when designing for hospitality. Juan Carlos describes his superpower and the superpower of Wilson Associates. The way that all the offices of Wilson Associates collaborate and support each other. Even though Wilson Associates is a global team, each studio has its own identity. How Juan Carlos, personally, cultivates a pipeline of hospitality projects. The event that Juan Carlos would recommend for everyone to go to. The biggest challenge that Juan Carlos has faced, that has also been a great lesson for him. Some advice for keeping a pressured team happy and moving. Bio: Role & Responsibility: Juan is an architect and interior designer with an extensive and holistic international experience in high-end hospitality, restaurant, commercial and residential design. Combining strengths in architecture and interior design, Juan worked eight years as an independent designer and creative consultant on different high end commercial and residential projects in Spain and abroad. He was Designer Director at Rockwell Group Europe, managing a variety of projects in Asia and the Middle East for some of the most prestigious hospitality brands. He currently leads the recently open Wilson associates London office. In charge of this edition sleep & eat theater. Juan Carlos says: “People ignore design that ignores people” Education: College Degree in Architecture at Universidad Anahuac Mexico City, Mexico Interior design degree/ Instituto Europeo di Design Madrid, Spain Master degree in project management & design Universidad San Pablo Ceu Madrid, Spain Links and resources: Wilson Associates website: Wilson Associates’ Designer Questionnaire Basics Title: Design Director London Office Languages spoken: English / Spanish and a bit of Italian Education: College Degree in Architecture/ Universidad Anahuac Mexico City Professional accreditations and/or memberships:- Interior design degree/ Istituto Europeo di Design Madrid, Spain –Master degree in project management & design Universidad San Pablo Ceu Madrid, Spain. Tenure at Wilson: March 2018 Quote you live by or your design mantra: “People ignore design that ignores people” Beyond the Basics: What attracted you to Wilson Associates? What do you enjoy most about working here? I’ve always loved a challenge; opening an office for such as important and reputable firm like Wilson Associates in a city like London has been one of the most exciting and rewarding challenges in my career to date. When did you know you wanted to be a designer? I don’t think we ever really know what we want to be, but we do begin doing things we love, and by finding our passion you realize it is something you want to do and be forever. Where do you find your design inspiration? Everything is inspiring if

Welcome to another solo Power Talk Friday! We hope you're ready for a really out-of-the-box episode today! This morning, as on most weekday mornings, LuAnn was reading the Dear Abby column. She's often thought about it and wondered why she reads it because it's such a crazy, mindless column. People write in with very real and heartbreaking problems and yet they are willing to wait for months to get an answer. That really boggles LuAnn's mind! So, this morning, she was talking out loud and ranting about it, in the very same way she did at the LuAnn Nigara Live event last month when she got really upset about designers not charging their worth. Then she had an idea! Tune in now, to find out what she came up with. Sometimes, in our businesses, when we know that things aren't quite right, we pretend that it's just not that big of a deal. So we avoid having the hard conversation or doing the hard thing. Today, LuAnn has come up with some of the top things she has found that we, as business owners, tend to convince ourselves are okay when they really are not. She has listed all the shows that go with these difficulties, so listen in today, to find out which action to take to correct each these problems. Show Highlights: LuAnn reads this morning's Dear Abby column. People tend to forget that they have a choice. LuAnn has no idea what it costs to run her business and she has no idea of the minimum billable hours that she must log each week. Should she be worried? Listen to Alinda Morris’ episode #429. Month after month I let my bookkeeper do everything, with no accountability, with no oversight on my part. Should I be worried? Listen to Andrea Schumacher’s lesson in episode #86. I don’t know how to talk to my CPA. Should I be worried? Listen to Peter Lang in episode #349. I really want to be an interior designer but I can’t get out of my day job. Should I be worried? If you want a plan to get out and do what you’re meant to do, listen to Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl in episodes #291 and #397. I’m not really making any money in my design firm, but it’s only been a few years in business. Should I be worried? Listen to Kimberley Kay in episode #234, Cat French in episode #376, and Alyce Lopez, in episode #382. I don’t know anything about home staging but I’m a designer so should I be worried? Listen to Shauna Lynn Simon in episode # 84. Also, Taylor will be back at the end of the summer. They don't talk much about home staging but if you missed her first show, listen to episode #106. Everybody says I should be doing video for my business but I hate it. Should I be worried? Listen to Arianne Bellizaire, in episode #20, talk about how she uses video in her firm and then listen to Claire Jefford teach you how to do it in episode #237. I don’t know my gross sales for 2018? I don’t know how to figure it out. Should I be worried? Listen to the shows with Michele Williams #180 #395. And her own podcast: Profit is a Choice. I run a business but I don’t take a salary, should I be worried? Listen to Kimberley Merlitti’s episode on what you really are earning with your hourly fee, in episode #361. I don’t have an email list. Should I be worried? Listen to Kae Whitakers show, episodes #’s 259 and #274. I know in my gut I need to re-brand and I want to but I’m afraid? Should I be worried? Listen to Kristen Thomas, episode #314 and Sandra Funk #145. I have a big dream for my business but I’m not sure it’ll work, so I do nothing. Should I be worried? Listen to Lori Weitzner’s episode #308 and Caitlyn Waite’s episode #284. I have an employee that I know is not a good fit but I’m afraid to have the hard conversation? Should I be worried? Listen to episode #101 with Joni Vanderslice, episode #364 with Janelle Photopoulos, and Eileen Hahn, episode #363. I’m a horrible salesperson. Should I be worried? Listen to Madeleine MacRae #315 and last Friday solo’s show #432 Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Alinda Morris #429 Andrea Schumacher #86 Peter Lang #349 Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl # 291 and #397 Kimberley Kay #234 Cat French #376 Alyce Lopez #382 Shauna Lynn Simon #84 Taylor #106 Arianne Bellizaire #20 Claire Jefford #237 Michele Williams # 180 and # 395. Her Podcast, Profit is a Choice Listen Notes: Profit Is A Choice Michele Williams Kimberley Merlitti #361 Kae Whitaker #259 and 274 Kristen Thomas #314 Sandra Funk #145 Lori Weitzner #308 Caitlyn Waite #284 Joni Vanderslice #101 Janelle Photopoulos #364 Eileen Hahn #363 Madeleine MacRae #315 Last Friday's Solo Show #432 Links: LuAnn's sales course: Sales For Creatives LuAnn's new book: LuAnn Nigara: Book2

Welcome to a very special episode of A Well-Designed Business! Today Nate Berkus joins us on the show! We really have lots to talk to him about, and at the top of the list is his first collection with Kravet Inc. This collection, called Well-Traveled, launching in June 2019 is a luxurious mix of chenille’s, statement cotton and linen prints as well as intricate embroideries, and velvet. In today's show, Nate describes how his love of organic, rich, earth-tones is incorporated in the color palette he designed for this collection. Nate's travels have been the inspiration for this collection. Each of his exclusive fabrics possesses a global point of view and the fabric collection, as a whole, represents his distinctly individual perspective, which blends history, architecture, and artwork from all around the world. Listen in to find out about Nate's approach to his business, his perspective on color and design, and how he came to work with Oprah. Show Highlights: Nate talks about his new venture, in collaboration with Kravet Inc, which launches in June 2019. Nate has really enjoyed working with the passionate, creative team at Kravet Inc! LuAnn is looking forward to featuring some of Nate's collection in her newly-renovated showroom at Window Works. Nate explains what inspired him to start his own interior design firm at the age of twenty-four. Nate talks about what he set out to do when he first started out on his own. The impact that social media has had on the interior design industry. Running his business like a Fortune 500 company with systems, procedures and cross checks. Nate explains why creating an exceptional client experience has always been as important to him as the creativity their team produces. Why you can't separate who you are professionally from who you are personally. The importance of being honest and transparent- and owning your mistakes. Always remember that you can't change your reputation. It follows you wherever you go. Nate talks about his creative director, Lauren Buxbaum Gordon, the team she leads, the way that they support one another and their process for managing interior design projects. Nate explains why he decided not to close his design firm in 2006. The magical way that Nate got to meet and work with Oprah. Even when faced with a one of a kind opportunity, Nate made decisions based on sound business principles, exemplifying true professional leadership as an interior design firm owner. The moment when Oprah told America to remember Nate's name. Nate personal work ethic is to work as hard or harder than anyone he collaborates with. He feels it shows respect and creates an environment for more collaboration. His dear friend, former Co-President of Oprah Winfrey Network and President of Harp Productions, Sheri Salata, married Nick and Jeremiah Brent. Nancy Hala, Sheri’s business partner, and co-host on their podcast, Sheri and Nancy, is a previous guest on A Well-Designed Business, episode #377 Sheri Salata, Nancy Hala, Nate and Jeremiah partner in a media company called Story. Nate discusses how he and Jeremiah work together on interior design projects and how important it is when you are in business with your spouse to respect each other's opinions. Nate gives his best advice for growing a profitable design firm. Bio: Since designer Nate Berkus established his award-winning interior design firm at the age of 24, his approachable and elevated philosophy has transformed countless homes around the world through his design work, home collections, books, television shows, and media appearances. Ever since Berkus’ first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2002, he has become one of the world’s most recognizable interior designers. His work has been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, VOGUE, InStyle, O Magazine and People. He is included on the ELLE DÉCOR “A-List” of the world’s top designers and was named to the AD100 list in 2018. Links: Website: Nate Berkus Instagram: Nate Berkus Facebook: Nate Berkus Pinterest: Nate Berkus Nate And Jeremiah By Design is on TLC on Saturday nights. Nate’s fabric collection with Kravet Inc. is called Well-Traveled. In spring 2019 Nate and Jeremiah launched a new line of furniture, with over 300 pieces, for Living Spaces, a retailer on the west coast of the US. Recommended book: The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we're talking about what to do when you know the client is wrong. For the health and success of your business, it's really critical that you know how to handle conflicts successfully. In episode #430, we talked about what to do when you are wrong. In today's episode, you will learn what to do when you do everything right but the client doesn't like it. Listen in, to get LuAnn's expert advice. Do you want to be right or do you want to get what you want? Over the years, this little phrase has really helped LuAnn navigate conflicts with clients, vendors, employees, and even with the people closest to her. And Window Works is also very clear about their core values and their commitment to 110% customer service. The team doesn't always know how each of them will handle a given situation, but they all know that they will do whatever it takes to make the client happy. Tune in now, to find out what to do when the client just isn't happy with what you've done. Show highlights: LuAnn gives an example of something that happened at Window Works this past winter. In a conflict situation with a client, be calm, non-confrontational, and let them know that you will do whatever it takes to make them happy. It's important to know what you're striving for and what your goals are. LuAnn explains why she, as the owner of the company, decided not to make the first phone call in the situation that happened with Window Works. There are subtle nuances to successfully handling difficult situations. Why Luann called the client only on the second day. LuAnn explains how she read the situation. It's very important to remain real, and not play any games. It's another thing if the client decides not to play by the rules. Setting up reminders and putting all the previous agreements in front of the client in a conversational way. Sometimes, it's best to honestly agree with the client. LuAnn shares the solution she proposed to the client. Carefully placing the message of excellent customer service in between the lines. Applying pressure in a very nice and subtle way. LuAnn explains her clear reason for creating an opportunity for a phone call the next day. Why it was so important for LuAnn to have the first order paid for right away. Selling is about listening, being on your feet, and being willing to get to the bottom of whatever is upsetting the client. Using your rationale to get the client to buy into the solution that you want to happen. Why you need to be very clear about how the payments for each section of the project must happen after agreeing to a solution. Remember that you are the leader of the transaction, so be the leader! The ultimate goal is not to win. It is to leave the client 100% satisfied. You need to know what the net cost of the project is. Paying close attention to what your client is saying is really very important. Links: To find out about LuAnn's group sales coaching course, Sales For Creatives, head over to Sales For Creatives To get onto LuAnn's email list, text the word designbiz to 444999.

Welcome to today's show! We have Debbe Daley, an interior designer in the New England area, on the show with us. Debbe is also an installed designer in the Boston Design Center’s Designer On Call program, now called Design Services program. In today's episode, Debbe talks to us about the way she handles her initial consult, about the items that she puts in a folder for her clients, and how she provides suggestions for her clients. She also talks about the book she is writing, Monetizing Your Passion- Turning Your Hobby into A Business, which is due to be launched in the fall of 2019 and she discusses the two-day seminar that she will be running in Portsmouth, in June, for interior designers. Listen in, to find out what Debbe has to share on the show today. After obtaining a business degree, Debbe took a slight detour and taught herself how to sew custom window treatments. She also spent some time doing hands-on work in the paint, wallpaper, and furniture industry. In doing this, she gained valuable knowledge and she also expanded her industry network of friends and colleagues. Now, some thirty years later, Debbe is well-respected in the industry and she is often invited to speak at industry conferences. She also writes a weekly lifestyle column for the Lowell Sun, where she covers topics about design, travel, DIY, and cooking, for the Merrimack Valley audience. Tune in now for more. Show Highlights: The five-day course in decoration and interior design that Debbe teaches to the non-design professional who is hoping to become a design professional. Debbe gives an overview of the two-day course she teaches, called Design For Today, that is geared towards professionals in the design industry. The next course will be in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on June the 27th and 28th. Debbe's two-day workshop was developed at the request of some of Debbe's seasoned colleagues from the Association of Design Education. Debbe's clients are looking for software platforms that they can use to enhance their businesses, to make their lives a bit easier. Debbe uses Design Files, a platform that is designed to do e-design. The thing that really got Debbe going in the right direction and gave her the motivation for the book she's writing. Why sharing her knowledge is so important to Debbe right now. Some of the lessons that Debbe learned from Fred Berns. Debbe's take on whether or not to put your packages on your website. How Debbe handles her initial client consultation. The mechanism that Debbe uses to stay on time. What the folder that Debbe gives her clients initially contains. Why Debbe always has her clients sign a photo release form. Debbe talks about her initial consultation rate and her hourly rate. About Debbe's Pick Your Brain segment. How Fred Berns helped Debbe to increase her rates. Debbe has set things up so that there's a package for everyone. Attracting the client that is right for you. The importance of putting yourself out there, introducing yourself to your local reps, and setting up your vendor accounts. Debbe talks about her new book, Monetizing Your Passion- Turning Your Hobby into A Business, and she explains who it is geared towards. It takes a lot of hard work to be an interior designer. As a new designer, any kind of store experience is valuable. People notice it if you're driven and you really know what you're doing, as a designer. Bio: Debbe Daley, an award-winning interior designer with more than 30 years’ experience, is known for the extraordinary service she provides prominent homeowners in New England and around the country. She supplies a complete range of design services for new and existing homes nationwide, but she focuses on working with clients in the Boston Back Bay, the North Shore of Massachusetts, Cape Cod, coastal Maine, and the New Hampshire seacoast as well as the Merrimack Valley. In addition, she is a gifted professional speaker who delivers programs to both interior design and general audiences nationwide. She presents keynotes, seminars, and workshops on topics ranging from design business success practices to the Power of Positive Energy. Debbe is the winner of numerous Houzz customer service awards and gets 80% of her business from referrals. She designs multiple homes for the same clients and works with different generations of the same family. Clients use words like “fantastic,” fabulous,” “exceptional,” “impeccable,” “outstanding,” and “a pleasure to work with” to describe her. Debbe has designed new homes and remodeled existing residences for more than 700 clients, including Fortune 500 executives, CEOs, high tech leaders, medical specialists, business owners, and other successful professionals. Her commercial design projects include funeral homes and professional offices. Debbe Daley Designs is based in an elegant design studio in the historic Abraham Shaw House in Portsmouth, NH. The firm is backed by a team of some of the region’s premier contractors, carpenters, painters, f

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we're talking about when things go wrong and how to fix them. If you'd like your business to be really successful, with loyal, long-term clients who keep coming back year after year, you have to differentiate yourself from the rest. There are two kinds of situations where you can make this happen if you're willing to conduct yourself in the way that LuAnn advises and if you're willing to spend the time perfecting the necessary skills to do so. Listen in today, to learn what LuAnn has to teach you about what to do when you've made a mistake. Sometimes, your client isn't happy with an outcome. You see their point and you agree, however, you can also see that the solution is going to be expensive for you, either in terms of time or money. So you might feel that you can't afford to fix it. The truth is, however, that you cannot afford not to fix it. Because good news travels fast and bad news travels even faster- and further. Tune in now to find out what LuAnn has to share about what to do when something goes wrong. Show Highlights: LuAnn describes a typical scenario of something going wrong. Often, we worry that if we tell a client that we've made a mistake we will be at a disadvantage with them because it could cost us money or our expertise could be questioned. Why you're not fooling anybody by pretending. When you price your projects properly you will have the money to clean things up if you need to. If it really is your mistake, just say so. It's important to acknowledge what your client is feeling. Mistakes are going to happen. So at the start of a project, explain to your client how you take care of mistakes. The first thing is to acknowledge your mistake, and the second thing is to own it. Then you tell your client what the solution is. When it's okay, and when it's not, to charge your client for the mistake. Listen to your inner voice. Listen carefully and be real with your client. Don't ignore a problem. Don't be afraid to ask your client what will make them happy. You will know when your client isn't happy, so ask them about it. It will be okay. Next week, we will talk about what to do when there's a problem, but there isn't really a problem. But you still have a problem because you have to fix it. LuAnn talks about the group sales coaching course that she has decided to run. LuAnn gives some details about the group sales coaching course and she talks about the topics that she will be covering. Links: To find out about LuAnn's group sales coaching course, head over to Sales for Creatives - (If the link is not working Friday when this airs, it will be working by Tuesday, 5/21.) To get onto LuAnn's email list, text the word designbiz to 444999.

Welcome! Today we have Alinda Morris, of Alinda Morris Interior Design, located in Gig Harbor, Washington, with us. Although her firm is small, with Alinda and just one other employee, she's running it like a bigger firm. She has her systems down, she has her practices binder, and she's tracking her hours. In today's episode, Alinda explains how she has become very clear and focused, in the last couple of years. This has really made a big difference for her in terms of peace of mind, profitability, project management, and the experience her clients have when working with her firm. Listen in today, to find out what Alinda has to share about the way that she's set herself up for success with builders and other trades, and how she ensures the success of anyone that works for her. Alinda Morris is a nationally published, award-winning interior design professional, habitual remodeler, adventurous creative, specializing in full service, luxury residential interior design. These include custom furnishings, unique kitchens & artfully designed bathrooms, attention to details, and clean, updated spaces are her specialties. She is committed to her clients having a wonderful experience. She is widely admired for her ability to create, invent, explore, and innovate. In addition to Alinda's impressive versatility, ranging from minimalist restraint to traditional chic, client’s find Alinda's passion for design infectious so that collaborating with her is a thrilling process as she works her creative magic in both visual appeal and functionality. Tune in now, for more. Show highlights: Alinda has her systems down pat, and her portfolio is really amazing! Some of the habits that Alinda has instituted in her firm. The challenges that Alinda faces. Great communication has always been very important for Alinda. The trail and error process that Alinda went through, for a few years, to find the best systems for her business. How Alinda helps her clients get a grasp on their design budget. Starting the design process with Alinda, through her questionnaire. Alinda's firm is very client-based. The way that Alinda communicates with the builders she works with. Alinda talks about her detailed special best practices binder, for her interns, with examples of how she likes things to be done. Choosing the right font for your brand. About the check-lists Alinda uses. The things she brings in for photo shoots. Alinda shares her thoughts on the way she tracks her billable hours. Alinda knows exactly how many hours she needs to bill in order to cover her costs each month. Alinda describes her magnificent small boutique studio on the waterfront at Gig Harbour, Washington. Reinvesting profits back into her business. How Alinda creates the very best experiences for her employees. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Charlotte Safavi #138 Raquel Langworthy #343 Stephen Karlisch #369 Links: Alinda Morris Interior Design Houzz Instagram Facebook

Welcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday. Today, we're having a solo show because LuAnn has some things to share about her event, LuAnn Nigara Live, which was held in New Jersey a month ago. She would also like to talk about some of the things you can do to take action in your business, in order to do better and become more profitable. Luann's event was a really special experience and an outstanding success! Almost 200 designers, speakers, panelists, sponsors, as well as LuAnn's team, attended the event and for two-and-a-half days, the room was filled with an electric atmosphere and they all really rocked it! Listen in today, to find out more. LuAnn had a vision for the event, and she really knew what she had to do. And she did it! The conversations after the panel discussions were so interactive that it felt as if there were only twenty people in the room, even though there were almost 200 people there! It was really intense in the very best way possible so we're working on doing it again, probably in eight months to a year's time. In the meantime, there's a lot of stuff coming up, like the smaller one-day events and the Power Talk Friday tours. Tune in now, to find out how to turn your inspiration into action. Show highlights: LuAnn thanks everyone and gives a quick recap of her event, LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation. You can go to the blog post on LuAnn's website LuAnn Nigara to see the pictures and get an overview of everything that happened at the event. LuAnn talks about her new book, A Well-Designed Business- The Power Talk Friday Experts. It can really help you to up your game in business. LuAnn shares some of the keys to upping your business game. Watch your mindset, and be careful not to be closed to new ideas for success. Look at the stories you tell yourself about money. Examine your own mindset about numbers. Michele Williams, in LuAnn's new book, says not to play the song in your head: I’m creative so I’m not good at numbers. Examine your mindset about your fees and don't pretend your rates are about the area you live in. Your rates are related only to your confidence as a designer and business person. What it means to not save your client's money. It is your job to make your clients aware of the best solution for their challenge or problem. They don’t have to do as you suggest but, as the expert, you must make them aware of it. Not saving your client's money also means that when they can’t afford something, they don’t get it. You don’t lower the price to meet their budget. Customer service is critical in creating a successful business. Satisfied clients return. Dissatisfied don’t always tell you, they just don’t return. Own your mistakes. Clients know when you are lying and lying is worse than making a mistake. Take action! With so much information from the live event and the podcast, overwhelm becomes a real possibility, so you have to break things down and work on your business, to get better and to become more profitable. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Fred Berns #289 Vincere #356 Chris Ramey #345 Sandra Espinet #287 Links and resources: Kravet is having a sale at their outlet. And on any regular Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order get 10% off with the code AWDB10 at checkout. Mydoma Studio for project management, time tracking, invoices, communication and saving time: A Well Designed Business A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts

Welcome to the show! We have Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto, the founders of Park and Oak Interior Design Studio, located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, with us today. These ladies work on new construction, renovation, and furnishing projects across the US, and you may even know them from their Instagram, with 130 000 followers. The way that they handle themselves and speak about their firm really conveys the confidence that they have in what they're doing. And the success they've had in their first three years in business is not at all typical. In today's episode, Renee and Christina pull back the curtain and boldly share with us their experiences and the lessons they have learned over the last three years. Listen in today, to find out what they have to share. Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto founded the Park & Oak interior design studio in 2015. They are known for creating homes that are visually stunning, yet functional and comfortable. Their work, rooted in the art of timeless style, is driven by the belief that design can be used to create feelings of comfort and happiness. It combines the best of their individual aesthetics for a unique look. Christina and Renee have a creative energy that is engaging to work with. Using beautiful and unexpected sources of inspiration, they work collaboratively with clients to create spaces that thoughtfully honor the spirit and traditions of their owner. Tune in now for more! Show Highlights: Renee and Christina talk about what each of them brought to the table when they started out, and about what attracted them to each other, as business partners. Some of the one-year and five-year goals that they established when first starting out. Renee and Christina's approach to the individual roles that they have in the business. Renee describes the really special way that she and Christina work together. From a park bench to a studio. The first person that they hired was a bookkeeper. What kept them powering through in the beginning, when they were sacrificing a lot and there were many challenges to face. Struggling with balancing family life and business. It took some time to bring their really awesome team together. In year two, they experienced a turning point in the business. They use a finite system to prevent problems and execute their projects efficiently. Learning from their mistakes and gaining the courage to stand up for themselves. Creating the right systems, in order to protect themselves. There's really a lot going on behind the scenes too. How they find the time to keep their systems in order and their projects running smoothly. Renee is behind their really impressive Instagram following. Links: Park And Oak Facebook: Park And Oak Design Twitter: Park And Oak Instagram: Park And Oak Design Pinterest: Park And Oak

Welcome! Stacey Brown Randall joins us on the show today. Stacey, a three-times repeat guest on the podcast, is one of the co-authors of LuAnn's new book, A Well-Designed Business, the Power Talk Friday Experts. Stacey really has a lot to share, to teach, and to give that is of genuine value, and she does some wonderful work with entrepreneurs. In her first and second episodes, she talked to us about Employee Management (#69), and the Client Experience (#93). In today's episode, she will explain How To Get Referrals Without Asking. Tune in now, to find out more. Stacey, who has a Master’s in Organizational Communication, provides a roadmap for small business owners and solopreneurs to generate referrals without asking through her Growth By Referrals program. She is the author of the book, Generating Business Referral- Without Asking, and she also hosts her own podcast, Roadmap to Grow your Business. Stacey lives in Charlotte NC with her husband and three kids. Listen in today, to find out what Stacey has to share about building relationships and planting the seeds of referral. Show highlights: Janelle Photopoulos changed certain things in her business, to up the client experience, based on her working with Stacey. Stacey talks about her work with Janelle. Stacey explains how she got to understand interior designers so well. Why Stacey hated asking for referrals. Stacey is debunking the advice that we've all been given, that we have to ask everyone for referrals at the end of a project. Asking for referrals generally makes people feel really uncomfortable. Changing the way we think about referrals. Looking for ways to fill a funnel after failing in her business. Stacey started unpacking the psychology and the human dynamic behind why referrals happen. Referrals actually happen because they are triggered. Why manufactured triggers are not successful. Making yourself look like a hero by offering a solution to a problem is the best way to get referrals. Stacey shares the trigger for making a referral happen. How to trigger always being top of mind in a referral source. What constitutes a great referral. Taking great care of the relationships with your referral sub-set. Identifying your referral sources. These are gold! How baby designers can start building relationships with referral sources. Using the right language. Taking care of your referral sources year after year. It all comes down to authentic relationships. Stacey's bio: Stacey Brown Randall is a member of the business failure club, a contrarian on how to generate referrals and a supporter of the entrepreneurial dream. Through her programs, she provides a roadmap to take control of your business. Stacey’s quest to crack the code on how to generate referrals without asking began after her first business failed. When she started her second business – a business and productivity coaching practice – she knew keeping her pipeline full of new clients would be one of the biggest differentiators from her business failure. She honed-in on referrals as the main source of prospects for her second business but wasn’t satisfied with the conventional advice which is to receive referrals you must ask. Stacey has taught her “no asking” referral generation strategy to hundreds of companies including Bank of America, Carroll Financial, International Minute Press, Dogtopia, O’Connor Insurance Associates, ACC Associates (Mortgage Advisor), Slater Interiors, Real Living Real Estate, Milazzo Webb Law Firm, Wells Fargo Advisors, Success Institute, HM Properties, Ameriprise, Farris Cooke CPA, Keller Williams, LearningRX and more small businesses and solopreneurs. She is a three-time entrepreneur, author of Generating Business Referrals...Without Asking, and host of the Roadmap to Grow your Business podcast. Stacey received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids, a 10-year- old son, 8-year-old daughter and she and her husband are raising their 11-year-old nephew. Links: Stacey Brown Randall Facebook LinkedIn Youtube Twitter Instagram Previous episodes Stacey has been on: #69 Employee Management #93 The Client Experience Other episode mentioned in today's show: Janelle Photopoulos, Blakely Interior Design #364 Stacey is a co-author in LuAnn's new book: LuAnn Nigara

Welcome to today's episode! We have Misty Maxey, the Bachelor Pad Designer, on the show with us today. Misty has decided to fully niche her business into designing strictly for bachelors. After spending some time doing hobby designing, she finally made the decision to get serious and look for the help she needed to learn the difference between a hobby and a business. On the show today, she explains how she knew that she had to reach out to coaches and other accomplished designers, in order to be successful. Misty really understands that by pushing through fear and doing things that scare you, you level up and make things happen. She really has her eyes wide open, and her website, (Misty Maxey) with its clear and authentic copy, describes very distinctly what she does, how she does it, and who she does it for. Listen in today, to hear what Misty has to share about the really intentional way she set up her business. Misty Maxey has always loved interior design. With two artistic parents, her creative path was written in the stars. Always seeking to grow in her knowledge and understanding of the interior design field, she regularly sought out the experience from successful designers. With knowledge and life experiences forming her understanding of the importance of interior design, she opened her business with the goal of inspiring bachelors to live their best life ever by co-creating their home that reflects who they are and to become. As a survivor of domestic violence, Misty regularly gives back by providing complimentary design services to survivors and their families. This restores dignity and gives back to her community. Tune in now, for more! Show highlights: Misty's website is really clear and specific about what she does. Tapping into the metrosexual market in Portland. Misty explains why she likes to work with bachelors. The underlying message in Misty's approach to interior design. Guys like to have their outdoor hobbies reflected in their home. Misty honors the way the guys she designs for like to live. Letting her clients know in a really fun way that they will be making an investment. How Misty learned that guys are comfortable talking about money and business. Transparency and communication are the two main things for Misty. What transparency means for Misty. Where Misty sources her products. The retail markup that Misty adds to her products. Misty explains where her money is coming from. The different packages that Misty offers. Misty's way of dealing with damaged deliveries. Misty hired the services of a market research company in Portland. Misty talks about the business coaches she has worked with. The book, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, really helped Misty push past her fear. Links: Website: Misty Maxey Instagram: Misty Maxey Designs Pinterest: Misty Maxey Twitter: Misty Maxey Books mentioned: Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way by Steven Pressfield The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield