A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

We have Kae Whitaker with us once again on today's Power Talk Friday- this time for her fifth appearance on the show! She appeared previously on episodes #26, #66, #114 where she discussed branding, how to hire and train interns, how to conduct a proper year-end review of your business and last month on episode #259 she spoke about the subject and content of a typical sale funnel email sequence for interior design firms. Today she's back to talk some more about email marketing and she will be explaining how to set up an email marketing system, with some great tips for doing it really effectively. She will also be discussing the main idea of email marketing, the difference between broadcast emails and triggered emails, how your blog actually connects and supports your email marketing and how to segment your list and what to do with the different lists. Listen in to find out more. Kae is the owner and CEO of Kae Whitaker Solutions. She uses her more than ten years of experience in retail sales and marketing development to really focus on helping small businesses to stay competitive in their respective markets and to surpass their revenue goals. Having worked with some of the nation's largest retailers, Kae has now utilized her expertise in retail sales and marketing development to create her premium coaching programs that really assist small business owners to tune into what matters most in their marketing efforts and to streamline their processes while maximizing on their clientele. Kae's highest achievements come through helping others to reach their goals, and she would love the opportunity to help you to take your brand to the next level, so listen in to find out what she has to share with you on the show today. Show highlights: How LuAnn initially found Kae through her online reputation. Understanding the type of emails that you're going to send and the categories of emails that exist within those types. The importance of using a different approach when purchasing leads or email lists. Kae's advice is for everybody regardless of the size of your email list. The role of email marketing in the customer journey. Sending different email content to the groups of people who are at different points in the customer journey. The difference between broadcast emails and trigger emails. Segmentation campaigns- what they are and when and how to use them. An example of a trigger email for interior designers. What you need to look for in your email provider. Why segmenting is really so important. How to avoid becoming a victim of the spam monster. What the engagement would look like if you hire someone to set the process up on your behalf. When to use re-engagement campaigns. Ways to grow your email list through intentional engagement. How to target growing your email list geocentrically through the content that you're putting out on social media. Where email marketing fits into marketing funnels. Why it would even be worthwhile to create just one funnel. Previous episodes mentioned on this show: Farrha Hyman #43 Cheryl Janis #41 Links: Kae's email: [email protected] Kae's website: http://kaewhitaker.com

Welcome to today's show! We have Dixie Willard, of Dixie Willard Design in Tennessee, with us today. Dixie is a co-host of the Design and Style Podcast with Rachel Moriarty, of Rachel Moriarty Interiors and today we will be talking to her about the Design and Style Community and about how her partnership with Rachel and their podcast came about. Today, Dixie also discusses her own business and she talks about the Community Projects that she's involved with too. Listen in, to find out more. Dixie got her Design Degree at the Chaminade University of Honolulu, where she graduated with honors. She has worked for an Architecture Firm as well as having worked as a Designer and a Bookkeeper, for a high-end furniture store and she has done e-design for Pottery Barn Kids, PBTeen, and West Elm. In the middle of all of that, she also managed to earn her NCIDQ Certification. After traveling around the world, Dixie and her Air Force husband have finally settled down in their forever home, in East Tennessee. Dixie loves taking continuing education classes for fun and reading Design Blogs, to keep up with all the latest trends. Listen in today, to find out more about Dixie, her Podcast and how she's really changing lives, out there, one Designer at a time! Show highlights: Dixie talks about what it took for her to obtain her NCIDQ Certification. Dixie's work with Ethan Allen. Dixie's experience of being a Bookkeeper for a high-end furniture store. The skill she's learned from first being an Air Force brat and then an Air Force wife. Their move from Oklahoma to Tennessee, where they knew absolutely no-one. Dixie talks about how she and Rachel met, at a Mastermind in Oklahoma. How the Design and Style Podcast came about. All about Rachel and Dixie's Visibility Challenge. To join the Visibility Challenge, go to Design and Style on Facebook and ask to join. The hardest part of the Visibility Challenge and the fantastic results that inevitably ensue, as a result of doing it. What's going to be happening in Dixie's community, at The Visibility Lab. The very exciting and special episode planned for the first Visibility Podcast for 2018, on the Design and Style Podcast. Moonshine tasting in the Smokey Mountains with Rachel. What happened at the Visibility Conference. The fantastic Community and Service Projects that Dixie does and how she assists, design-wise, at the Restoration House of East Tennessee. How you, as a Designer, can get involved with the Dwell With Dignity The service work that Dixie does, for Kingdom Design Ministries, for children who have suffered a trauma, or tragedy in their life. What it takes to rappel down a twelve story building! The awesome gains that you could enjoy, as a result of being a part of a networking group. Links: The Design and Style Podcast website: www.designandstylepodcast.com Design and Style can also be found on: Instagram Facebook Pinterest iTunes Youtube Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Remya Warrior #266

Today’s guest is Laura Thurman of Laura Thurman Design Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. She specializes in a global aesthetic that is filtered through a modern lens influenced by her upbringing in Los Angeles, as well as her world travels. Laura Thurman Design Studio services include custom interiors, re-design, weekend styling, and in-field developer selections. Laura talks about the importance of educating clients about the interior design process. To that end, she explains on her website to clients and potential clients the difference between “off the shelf” and “custom made.” We also discuss how she is harnessing the power of building meaningful relationships with peers and industry leaders in helping to grow her firm. In fact, our meeting is a direct result of her commitment to getting out her “box,” reaching out and asking for advice, and for remembering to return the favor. Laura is always thinking of ways to give value back to the new colleagues and mentors she has met. Laura is a delight, and I’m sure you will like her and learn much from what she has to share about intentional networking. What you’ll hear in this episode: How doors have opened recently because of networking and building professional relationships What Laura has learned from Amy Flurry’s book, Recipe for Press: Designer Edition: How to pitch an idea Why you need to do your homework How each project has multiple offshoots Giving serious thought to your WHY How to tactfully cultivate peer relationships, beginning with being intentionally present Why “thick skin” is important for entrepreneurs to cultivate How social media helps with networking How doors open when you “put it out there” Educating the client: Mainstream and retail = “off the shelf” Quality and exclusive = “to the trade” Resources: Episode 108, Amy Flurry Episode 203, Darla Powell Recipe for Press: Designer Edition, by Amy Flurry

Welcome to today's episode of Power Talk Friday! LuAnn has a really special treat in store for you today - her husband, Vince will be joining her on the show! LuAnn has recently had a lot of people asking her to address the topic of husband and wife teams, working together. She recently interviewed Syd and Shea McGee, of Studio McGee (#270) and there are also a few more interviews scheduled with husband and wife teams, which are to be aired in the near future. Vince has already appeared on the show once before, where he talked to LuAnn about the kind of advice that he would give to new entrepreneurs just starting out in their business. He discussed establishing a mission, core values and also systems. So if you're interested in finding out more about any of that, please go back and listen to episode #78. Today, LuAnn and Vince will be talking about how they've managed to be in business together for so many years, and still, like (let alone love) each other! Listen in to find out more! Vince is the brains behind the finances at Window Works, with a degree in Accounting and also an MBA in Business. He has been the fearless leader at Window Works for thirty-five years this December and he has achieved a very recognizable level of stature within their Window Treatment and Awning community. He has served on a number of Marketing and Operations Advisory Boards, for Window Works and for Dorosol (The Awning Company that they use most often) and he served for just less than two years as the Vice President of Franchise Sales, for Decorating Den. Listen in today, to find out more about how Vince and LuAnn have managed to work together, really successfully, for so long. Show highlights: Vince shares some of the core reasons that he thinks they have managed to work so happily and successfully with each other and with their third partner, Bill. How the Universe has really gifted them with their different yet clearly defined roles within their business. Recognizing their very different strengths and skills, which really blend well together, for the benefit of their business. Not micromanaging each other or their staff really works well for Vince and LuAnn. What makes a really great Salesperson. Their 'code' of who gets the final say if there's a disagreement about something in the business. (Unless it's a money decision). Letting go of your inner 'control freak' to find harmony in your business relationships. The importance of moving on after a deal has been done and signed off, regardless of what may transpire later. The importance of having a basis of respect in any relationship to avoid issues. It's so much easier to be in business with your spouse when you really do love and care for one another. Observing the fine line of respect/familiarity. Always keeping the bigger picture (the business) in mind when disagreements arise. The benefits of using rationality rather than emotional manipulation. Delineating responsibilities yet allowing people to grow by allowing them to work within their strengths and to run with what they do really well. It really helps to curb disagreements if you can actually feel the pain of your partner. Always keeping what's best for the business uppermost in mind. Links: Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Vince Nigara #78 Syd and Shea McGee #270

Welcome to today's show! We really have the most amazing surprise for all of you today- we have Syd and Shea McGee, of Studio McGee on the show with us! Shea was on the show about a month ago, (episode #236) where she talked about how Studio McGee was created in a spare bedroom and then, after many late nights of brainstorming and sharing their dreams, Shea and Syd decided to turn what was a small business for a stay at home mom, into something way beyond that. Today, you will hear Shea discuss how she always knew that she wanted to do high-end Design. She also talks about two business decisions that Syd was instrumental in making very early on, which allowed them to attract the kind of client that they really wanted to work with and she explains how Syd has also really helped her to approach certain problems in business with the right perspective. Listen in to find out more about this dynamic duo and their approach to running a really successful business. Studio McGee has been featured in House Beautiful, Domain Home, Design Sponge, Apartment Therapy, SMP Living and One Kings Lane, as well as many others. This show will also appear as a video on LuAnn's Youtube channel. (Go to Youtube for A Well Designed Business.) Listen in today and experience the really tangible love, respect, and admiration that these two have for one another and discover how Shea's dream to build a Design Empire is fast becoming a reality. Show highlights: What was going on in Syd's mind when they made the decision to move to Utah. Shea explains how Syd got involved bringing his really valuable perspective to the business. How Syd managed to figure out a way organize the operations side of their business by assessing the problems and then finding solutions. How Syd managed to streamline their systems by building their own internal software. Syd's initial focus was really on allowing the Designers to get on with their designing. The sacrifices that they made initially to ensure that there was enough content for their business to grow. The great pay off they've had from consistently investing the time in putting out really high-quality photos on Instagram. How to know when it's the right time to start charging more. How Shea and Syd have pushed each other, to create their Design Empire. The time it took for them to afford to create their own catalog. Attracting the type of clients that they have now. The financial risk that they took and what they put on the line to keep going forward to create their dream. The kind of support that Shea and Syd give one another. How they came to be doing their Webisodes on Youtube. Some of the actionable things that they have done, to really grow their business. All about McGee and Co, a website that they started about a year ago where you can go online and order from their really great product line. It's really demanding to be a very good mom and a great entrepreneur, but it can be done! Links: Shea and Syd's website: www.studio-mcgee.com You can do your purchasing from: www.mcgeeandco.com Shea and Syd on Instagram Shea and Syd on Facebook Shea and Syd on YouTube Follow A Well Designed Business on YouTube For your free offer, from MyDoma Studio, as a listener to the podcast, go to: www.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Welcome to today's show! We have Nina Magen, the Principal of Contour Interior Design, on the show with us today. Nina is a very savvy lady, who has a lot going on, on both the business and the Design side. The fact that she is driven is evident in the nine-year rise of her Design Firm and it also shows in the way that she runs her business. Today we talk to Nina about the significant impression it made on her and her business when she was on American Dream Builder TV show. We also talk to her about her staff: how she hires and what she looks for when hiring someone. So listen in to find out more. Contour is an international, full-service Interior Design firm, with offices both in Houston and Miami. There is a long list of award-winning interiors in the Contour portfolio, which have received recognition from NBC, Bravo and HGTV Networks, as well as acknowledgment for Best Interior Architecture and Best Commercial Interior, by Paper City. ASID also awarded them Best Commercial Interior. The work of Contour has been featured in Rue, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Interiors Magazine and Lux Interiors and Designs, to name just a few. Listen in today, to find out more about Nina and her approach to running Contour Interior Design. Show highlights: Nina explains how she came to have such an international team. What Nina does to encourage her team to learn from each other and to think outside of their comfort zone. American design and architecture, as compared with the more modern, forward-thinking European design. Nina discusses her approach and what she looks for when she's ready to hire a team member. The criteria for advancement, that Nina looks for in her team members. What it takes to be a really successful Designer. Nina discusses where her interest in being on a TV show came from. How Nina managed to get onto American Dream Builders TV show in 2014. Nina's harrowing experience on American Dream Builders. How Nina leveraged her life-changing experience on the TV show. Nina's constant growth, personally and business-wise, since being on the TV show. The things that Nina is looking forward to doing, in the future. How to get to be the Designer for celebrity homes. Connect with Nina: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Go to www.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to find out how MyDoma Studio can help you to run your firm more efficiently. There's a special offer there for you too, as a podcast listener. Previous shows mentioned on this episode: Amber Lewis #184

Welcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday! We have Ashley Faulkes, the CEO of Mad Lemmings with us on the show today. Ashley creates Wordpress websites and he also is an SEO expert, which is one of the main reasons that LuAnn invited him onto the show. She knows that there are many of you out there, wondering about the merits of blogging and wanting to find out how to go about doing it. This is a topic that we really can't seem to get enough information on, so listen in and learn from Ashley, who is an expert when it comes to blogging and creating websites. Ashley, whose company is fourteen years old, is an Australian who is now living in Switzerland. After skiing one time, on the last run of the day, Ashley fell, twisting his leg and breaking it in thirty-seven places. He then had to spend three days immobilized in hospital, waiting for the weekend to be over and for the surgeons to get prepared to operate. It was well worth the wait, however, and he was also really lucky because they ended up doing a first class job and getting excellent results with his leg. The spin-off of this was that it brought Ashley to blogging, which then brought him to a whole new endeavor, which he became really good at, through getting educated and also teaching. Listen in now, to find out what Ashley has to share with you about SEO and Website Creation. Show highlights: Ashley's opinion on the difference between a Square Space site and a Wordpress Migrating to a new website with all of your current content. How to attract people to your website, if you're doing the website yourself. Optimising your Home Page and your Services Page. Making a habit of getting reviews on your website for SEO- you can even set up a link for that. Getting onto your local listings, to create SEO links, when starting out. Leveraging social proof, through getting your business listed with The Chamber Of Commerce, or Government Institutions. Finding the biggest bang for your buck, for SEO rankings. How to find out, rather than guessing, if there are any people searching for a particular topic, before writing a blog post. Thinking about reasons that people would need your services, for effective blogging. How to create links to your website. Getting access to Google tools. Using the right keywords for great rankings. Pictures can be worth a thousand words. Using Youtube for great rankings. The value of re-purposing your content. Links: Ashley's website: www.madlemmings.com Ashley on Youtube: Mad Lemmings Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Lisa Escobar #258

Welcome to today's show! Our guest for today is Rasheeda Gray, the Principal of Gray Space Interior Design, which is located in the Philadelphia Metro area. Gray Space is still a side hustle for Rasheeda at this point in time and yet in just under two years, she has already had more than twenty projects! You're probably wondering how she has managed to do this, so today she shares three strategies that she has used, to land these twenty plus projects and also her thoughts on what it takes to succeed in the field of Interior Design. Listen in now, to get some really actionable tips from Rasheeda, to fill your pipeline. Rasheeda holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and International Business, as well as a Master's Degree and she currently works full time, in a corporate position. She also has a husband and two kids. Rasheeda brings her business skills to her Design Firm, so listen in, as she explains how she's managed to achieve as much as she has, in such a short time. Show highlights: What led to Rasheeda starting Gray Space Interior Design, as her side hustle. Rasheeda is a strong believer in Vision Boards. How Rasheeda managed to obtain her first two projects. The way that Rasheeda made use of social media to get herself known, as an Interior Designer. The magic mix for Rasheeda's success on social media. The secret to Rasheeda's success on Instagram. Rasheeda's way of growing her business intentionally to attain the kind of success that she has, in such a short time. Taking full advantage of any opportunity to speak at events as a great way to get yourself and your business known. What Rasheeda did to get to know five Realtors. All about Rasheeda's Consultation Special for Cyber Monday. Using Loss Leaders to attract more business. How referrals and testimonials have helped Rasheeda to fill her pipeline. The way that Rasheeda leverages her reviews on Howz, to get more business. How Rasheeda found Cheryl and then selected her to be her mentor. How mentorship has contributed to Rasheeda's success. Why it could be tricky to have a mentor from the same area as you. Why it's important to be upfront with your clients about your working a full-time job. The questionnaire that Rasheeda has her prospective clients complete right in the beginning. Assessing the needs of your clients, then providing solutions for them. The logistics of running a Design firm, a full-time job and a family. Links: To take advantage of the special incentives that are being offered to you, as a listener of the podcast: From My Doma Studio, go to: www.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness and From our newest sponsor, Fresh Books, go to www.freshbooks.com/luann

Today we have Remya Warrior on the show with us and she's a New Jersey Interior Designer with a Master's Degree as well as fourteen years of experience in the field. She is active in both the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America), where she is currently the Vice President of the New Jersey chapter, and also in ASID in New Jersey, where she is the featured Tech Talk host. Listen in today, to hear all about what that is and also to find out about Remya's very actionable Seven Step Process that she uses to really knock her networking right out of the park. Remya really loves to cook for her friends and family and she firmly believes that the kitchen is the heart of the home and it is this that has her specializing in Kitchen Design. Being an active member of the WCAA has led her to her falling in love with window treatments and specializing in that area as well. On Remya's website, there is a line that says that she helps busy, middle-income families create a home that they love and this is something that LuAnn found very interesting because she really enjoys finding out what makes you, as an Interior Designer, different. LuAnn loves researching and finding out what really sets certain Designers apart, for the purposes of the show, and she points out that your clients also want to find something on your website, that really sets you apart as a Designer. Listen in now, to find out more about Remya and the really interesting things that she does with her business, to set her apart from the rest. Show highlights: Koffee Break- the Video Resource that Remya used to have on her website. What Remya learned from doing Koffee Break for two years. What Tech Talk is all about and who Remya has connected with, through doing it. How Remya has really managed to up her game, through doing Tech Talk. How Remya selects the people that she interviews on Tech Talk. You can go to the ASID channel on YouTube, to see the library of resources that Remya has created there with her webinars. If you'd like to attend one of Remya's Tech Talk Live Webinars, you will need to friend her on Facebook. (Remya Warrior) Remya gives a detailed explanation of her Seven Step Process designed to help you to network most effectively. The heartfelt and personal messages that Remya sent to only five special people on Thanksgiving. What it takes to create a really effective Sales Conversation. The three separate email sequences that Remya has on her website to put business leads into her pipeline. Building your referral strategy, through Remya's Seven Step Process. Resources: Remya's website: www.rwarriordesigns.org Remya on Facebook-Remya Warrior Designs Remya on LinkedIn-Remya Warrior Designs Remya learned this networking technique from her friend Paul McManus! You can also search for Remya on YouTube and Ted Talk. To get 10% off your entire first purchase from Curated Kravet, go to www.curatedkravet.com and use the code C K Podcast at the checkout. If you'd like to be in one of LuAnn's Masterminds, email her at [email protected] to see if you're a good fit. Please leave your review for the show on iTunes - LuAnn will really appreciate it

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have an interview with FreshBooks today. A few months ago, FreshBooks and LuAnn started talking about them becoming a regular sponsor for this show. As pretty smart business people, they both wanted to find out more about one another before joining forces, to see who they would be getting involved with. FreshBooks asked to do a trial of two or three thirty second ad spots. Before LuAnn agreed to do any commercials for them, however, she wanted to know if they really were right for you, her listeners. And what better way for LuAnn to know if they are the right fit than to apply her ninja interview tactics to them? Listen in to find out more. LuAnn wanted the chance to ask any and every question that she thought would be helpful, for you to decide if FreshBooks is right for you because she thinks they really are a terrific platform for helping you to track the money side of your Design business. Today she talks to Julie Kerr, the Marketing Communications Strategist at FreshBooks, about FreshBooks and how she sees them as the perfect side companion to My Doma Studio. Listen in now, as Julie explains how this platform was designed, specifically for the small, serviced-based industry, to take the fear out of accounting and to help you to efficiently input, track and analyze your operations, your projects, and your business. Show highlights: Julie explains what FreshBooks is all about. Who the ideal client for FreshBooks is. Julie explains why this is the Accounting Software for non-Accountants. FreshBooks have built templates that actually help you to get paid faster. How FreshBooks helps you to track and operate your business seamlessly. You can take a picture of the receipts of money you spent, on gas, lunches or even hotel stays and the information will be automatically uploaded- and even sorted, for tax time. Your company credit cards can be linked to FreshBooks, to have all the transactions automatically uploaded. How FreshBooks helps you to easily assess the health of your business. Julie explains how the whole invoicing process of FreshBooks works. How well FreshBooks would work, as a side companion to My Doma Studios. The really beautiful design of the way that of FreshBooks looks. You can have your questions answered right away, by the Toronto based support team, at their call center. The way that the pricing structure of FreshBooks works. How FreshBooks helps you to track the exact number of hours that have been worked on a project. The different ways that you can stay connected to FreshBooks. Resources: You can get a free 30 Day Trial with FreshBooks! All you have to do is go to www.freshbooks/LuAnn to sign up! If you still have any questions, you can email their Support Team at [email protected], or you can give them a call at 1-866-303-6061.

How many times have you, as a Designer, felt like you were caught between your client and the Contractor? You know the kinds of situations where you have created a floor plan for space, only to find, on your next visit to the site, that a wall has been moved... So, what happens when this happens? Listen in now, to find out. Judith Neary and Corey Klassen have some terrific insights and advice for you around this subject, on today's Design Biz Live feature. On today's show, Corey and Judith will be talking about how to manage not being the Project Manager. The diversity of the Design Industry is your strength, but sometimes also your weakness, as a Designer, so listen in, as we pick this topic apart a bit and go through the nuances of it, so that you can find out how to avoid being in this kind of situation. Show highlights: The definition of Project Management. Judith's concept of the three legs of the stool. The challenge that Corey faced recently, around having to manage a project. The role of the General Contractor, as compared with that of an Architect, or a Designer. The different elements that need to be pulled together, to create cohesion in a project. What a really good Project Manager looks like. Where Designers tend to fall down in a project. What the initial Sales Process should cover. Judith's way of preventing the pain factor in a project. Educating the client about the costs of Project Management. When to say 'no' to a project.

Welcome to today's show! Our guest for today, Amanda Evans, is someone you may know through Instagram. She is the Founder and Principal of Amanda Evans Interiors, which is based in Vancouver. Amanda opened her business in 2009, before the birth of Theo, her first child. Today Amanda talks to LuAnn about what work looked like for her before Theo came into her life, what it looked like after Theo began pre-school and what it looks like now, after their daughter, Marlee, who is now just three months old, was born. Listen in to find out more. On the show today, Amanda gives a detailed explanation of how she grew and then filled her pipeline, so that now, only three years later, she already has three employees. If you have been battling with ways to give your new (or existing firm) a boost in getting new leads, you're going to really enjoy today's show. Listen in now, to find out from Amanda some ways to handle the transitions in life, both from a business standpoint and when things come at you personally. Show highlights: Some of Amanda's observations about the transitions in her life, over the last few years. Amanda's really intentional way of creating relationships with the Builders and Realtors that she wanted to work with. What it was like for Amanda, and how she coped, when she first joined the mostly male Builder's Association and started going to networking meetings. Amanda's way of initiating a first meeting, to connect with the Builders and Realtors that she wanted to build relationships with. Some lessons that Amanda learned, and how her thinking changed, while making the transitions in her life. How Amanda was able to up-level her work and take on even more, by hiring people to assist her. Taking the pain out of developing new relationships with Builders or Contractors. How Amanda managed to get ideal team together. Some advice to help you to hire the right people for your business. Amanda's way of growing her Instagram, to get over 12 000 followers. Some things to watch out for, when tagging people on Instagram. You really do need to credit your photographer! Winning ways to work with Instagram. Some tips for engaging with your Instagram Community. Links: Website: www.aeinteriors.ca Instagram: @amandaevansinteriors Facebook: Facebook.com/amandaevansinteriors Twitter: @amandaevansinc Previous shows mentioned on this episode: Nancy Ganzekaupher #256 Tabitha Carro #235 Shea McGee #236 Amber Lewis #184

Welcome to another Power Talk Friday! Today LuAnn is really excited to have Joe Haecker, The CEO and Founder of Dezignwall, with her on the show. Listen in to find out more about this awesome social network platform, created specifically for the Design community. Dezignwall is the fastest growing network for Design and Architectural professionals, worldwide. It is the very first social platform to address the specific needs of the international Design community and it blends the features found on top social media platforms with the ability to produce products. The goal of Dezignwall is to unite the International Design and Products community, in order to help the industry to compete in a constantly changing and growing global marketplace. Joe's background is in Custom Lighting, for hotels, casinos, high end residential and Daylight Tubular Skylight Industries. He has been responsible for setting trends, developing innovations and also coordinating world-class projects internationally, for more than seventeen years. He has served as Head Of Design for Triton Chandelier, Alger Lighting, and Solatube International. He has also consulted for many custom lighting companies, including iWorks, Spectrum, 3Form Light-Art Schonbek and lots of others. Joe has a passion for the success of the industry and he serves as an Industry Advocate, fostering a focus on global communication, collaboration and restoring the value of luxury in the industry. Joe is a single Dad of two sons and he is very involved in Business Consulting, Mentoring and establishing an ecosystem for startups and Tech Companies in the Antelope Valley and Kern Country areas of Southern California. Listen in now! Show highlights: Joe explains how Dezignwall came about, what it is and why you, as a Designer, should care. The difference between Dezignwall and Instagram. Dezignwall is a place for one of a kind artisans. The multiple angles that a product can be viewed, on Dezignwall. The awesome features to be found on Dezignwall. Why a Designer would want to upload their projects onto Dezignwall. How Dezignwall works as a sales efficiency tool. How Dezignwall works for Designers and how it works for consumers. Joe's motivation in creating Dezignwall. Dezignwall is the only social network platform that features Podcasts. Joe explains the value of having your Podcast featured on this platform, to tell your Design story. Dezignwall is a tool that has access to analytics, so it can really help you to cater to the specific needs of each client. Everything on this platform can be accessed via a keyword search. The benefits of this platform, for reaching and connecting with a global market. Dezignwall as a system for coordinating the Trade Shows that you attended. The goal that Joe had in mind when creating this platform. Resources: Website: www.dezignwall.com FB LIVE Talkshow: https://www.facebook.com/events/502777173434577/?ti=cl Social Handle: @Dezignwall, Inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCycMyaEpwYZVOg0D7pfIfA/featured Follow LuAnn on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgRScT16XD_jq_NqsPPawDA

Welcome to today's episode! We have Shannon Tate, a real go-getter, with us on the show today. She opened her business, Shannon Tate Interiors, in 2012, after having worked in a very diverse range of artistic fields, such Acting, Fine Art, Fashion, Writing, Lifestyle Coaching and even spending some time working as a Private Chef. Shannon, who is also a Certified Holistic Health Coach, loves to pair her artistic vision with her sense of empathy, her Reiki training and her knowledge of Ayurveda and Feng Shui. In addition to her Interior Design Services, Shannon designs and creates custom furniture, art and home décor for her projects. After being in business for only five years, Shannon has been featured in Home Polish three times, Apartment Therapy twice, Design Sponge, Domino, The Nest, New England Home, and Modern Sanctuary. Listen in now, to find out more about Shannon's artistic approach to her Interior Design business. Shannon grew up both in New York and Los Angeles. On today's show, she shares the story of how she, her husband and their daughter ended up in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts, so listen in, to find out more. Show highlights: Shannon talks about her earlier career, which eventually brought her to Interior Design. A funny story about why Shannon left Design School when she was still very young. The food business that Shannon and her husband ran together. How Shannon has managed to incorporate her Lifestyle Coaching with Interior Design. Their crazy move to Massachusetts, which prompted Shannon to hire a Coach. How Shannon got featured in so many top Design Publications, after opening her business only five years ago. How Shannon works to get what she really wants. The nuts and bolts of how Shannon Tate Interiors is run. Shannon explains her recent change in the way that she charges her clients. How Shannon deals with clients who want to negotiate her contract. Offering excellent Customer Service, without compromising your own principals. What's coming up for Shannon in 2018. Connect with Shannon: www.shannontateinteriors.com Facebook Instagram Remember that you can get 10% off your first purchase from Kravet, by going to www.curatedkravet.com and using the code CK Podcast at the checkout. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Ren Miller #12 Fred Berns #174 Claire Staszak #166 Amy Flurry #108 Lesley Myrick #37 Marina Umali #248 Kerry Leskowitz #98 To contact LuAnn, you can text her using the word Design Biz on 444999, or you can email her at [email protected] .

A special 'hello' to all our new listeners and a warm welcome to the show! Today we are really happy to introduce you to our guest, Chaney Widmer, the Founder of Mix And Match Design Company. Chaney is a very smart lady, who saw a need in the market and created a really innovative way to fill it. She offers One On One Decorating Services, through her E-Design and Online Interior Design and on her Mix And Match Blog, she shares her decorating tips and inspiration. Listen in, to find out more about E-Design and how to make it work profitably for you. Today, Chaney explains how she created Mix And Match Design, in order to provide affordable and accessible Interior Design to everyone. After many years of writing a Design Blog and helping her friends and family to put together beautiful homes that they loved, Chaney decided that the time had come for her launch her own internet-based Design Business. Chaney is fully committed to taking the intimidation out of Interior Design, whether her client is starting from scratch with a brand new home, adding a few pieces to pull a room together or even just looking for a way to take their space from looking good to looking really great! Listen in now, to hear Chaney's poised and intelligent approach to her carefully designed business model. Show highlights: Chaney explains why she chose to focus her business on E-Design. What motivated Chaney to deal with the specific market that she has chosen to focus on. The demographics of the market that Chaney focuses on. The really reasonable cost of working with Chaney. The number of hours that Chaney typically spends on a $300 project. The time that it takes for Chaney to complete her average project. How her processes have evolved, over time. Chaney's detailed, but not overwhelming survey that she gives her clients to complete. How Chaney created the contract that she currently uses with her clients. How Chaney makes her money through affiliate links. Great resources for an affiliate networks, as a way to earn money through their affiliate programs. The type metric that is sought after, for Affiliate Programs. What creating an Affiliate Link would involve- it's really easy! The kind of service that Chaney offers her clients. How Chaney does her follow-ups. The eDesign Course that Chaney is going to be launching soon. The target market for Chaney's upcoming eDesign Course. Resources for Affiliate Programs: Reward Style Network – An application based Affiliate Network. Shop Style Collective – Have a pay per click affiliate program. J. Affiliate. Sign up for “How To Launch An E-Design Business" online course email list signup: bit.ly/launchanedesignbusiness Connect with Chaney on social media: Website: com Blog: com/new-blog Instagram: @mixandmatchdesigncompany Facebook: com/mixandmatchdesigncompany Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Christina Perry: #5 Danielle Liss #179 To get 10% off your next whole order from Curated Kravet Inc. head over to www.curatedkravet.com and use the code CK Podcast at the check out.

Welcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday! Everyone can start doing their happy dance today because we have Kae Whitaker on the show! After doing her really great series all about Facebook, LuAnn was considering doing another series, about landing pages, click funnels, email responders etc. She was out there, in Podcast Land, listening and looking out for the right person to have on the show- someone who could really relate to you, as Designers, as well as having all the necessary know-how, when out of the blue, she got a notification that Kae Whitaker was going live on Instagram. She went on over to have a look and there was Kae, talking about click funnels and email sequences... It was like hitting the jackpot for LuAnn because she knows that Kae really talks our language, so listen in to find out what Kae has to share with you today, about Email Marketing. If you're a new listener and you haven't yet been introduced to Kae, this is the fourth time that she's been on this show and she is really well loved by all who listen in. She was on episode 26, 66 and 114. In the past, we have discussed branding, how to hire and train interns and how to conduct a proper year-end review of your business. Today Kae is here to talk about Sales Funnels. What they are, why we need to know about them and how we can apply them to our individual interior design firms. Kae answers the questions: What kind of content should be in an email sequence and how often should I send a potential client an email? Kay is the Owner and the CEO of Kae Whitaker Solutions and she has more than ten years of experience in Retail Sales and Marketing Development. Now, her focus is on helping Small Businesses to stay competitive in their market and helping them to reach and surpass their revenue goals. She has worked with some of the largest national retailers and she now leverages her expertise in Retail Sales and Marketing Development to create her Premium Coaching Programs, that really help Small Business owners to tune in to what matters most in their Marketing efforts, by streamlining their processes and maximizing on their clientele. Kae's highest achievements come from helping others to reach their goals and she really loves having the opportunity to help people to take their brand to the next level. So, listen in now, to find out how to tune in to what really matters most for your business. Show highlights: Kae explains what a Sales Funnel Why Sales Funnels are really important for Designers. The major difference in the number of conversions, and also the ability to predict revenue, that Kae has experienced in her firm, since starting with Email Marketing. Where to start, with developing your Email Marketing. Thinking about what you could offer for free, in return for an email address. You're really not interrupting anyone, with Email Marketing, because they only opt-in if they're interested. Why video works so well, as an opt-in. What to do, right after getting your first opt-in. How to build a great, trusting relationship, through your emails. The whole point behind Email Marketing. What the content of the sequence of emails, following the opt-in, should include. The right time to schedule a chat with someone. Working with an Automated Email Responder. (Like Acuity Scheduling) Not stopping after the first 'no' can really set you apart from other Designers. If you can muster up the courage to get in front of a camera, do it! The video really converts well! Some alternative ideas, if you don't want to appear on camera. All about what's to be expected from Kae's soon to be launched Email Marketing Bootcamp. It will be live on Tuesdays at 8 pm (Central Standard Time) and it will be recorded, so you can still catch it if you miss the live broadcast. Why Kae designed her Email Marketing Bootcamp- and who it's for. The importance of spending the time to learn something new. Kae's course will cost $949 retail, and you, as listeners to A Well Designed Business Podcast will get a hefty 25% discount. Go to kaewhitaker.com/luanneemail to find the check-out form on the website. You can either pay it all at once, or you can even split it into three monthly payments. Kae will be back on the show soon, to talk about the more technical side of Email Marketing. Links: Kae’s course, Email Marketing Bootcamp is open and teaches everything you need to know in order to develop your own pipeline filling email strategy — A Well-Designed Business podcast listeners can get 25% off the $949.00 course by going to www.kaewhitaker.com/luannemail Her website: http://kaewhitaker.com

Today we have Lisa Escobar on the show and she has a Design Firm based in Las Vegas. Lisa was initially connected to LuAnn through Christie Leu (episode #182) and Darci Hether (episode #220). Lisa, Christie, Darcy and another Designer, Jessie Cooney, met at an Interior Designer Workshop Summit. They really hit it off and decided to all meet again, for a weekend retreat. Today, on the show, Lisa discusses the value of getting together with other Designers and having some quality one on one time together and she also talks about her firm, Lisa Escobar Design. Listen in to find out more. Lisa is from Las Vegas, and growing up in the 'Entertainment Capital of the World' has really had an impact on her career, where she has managed to complete a vast range of projects in an impressively short time. She has consulted on and managed high-rise condo transformations, high-end residential spaces, and new build designs, both locally and beyond. She has shaped concepts and designs for Commercial and Hospitality projects alike, collaborating with the best of the industry's Design Professionals. The influence of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas has helped Lisa to add flair and high style comfort to everything she's touched. Travelling to places such as China, Spain, and France has offered her inspiration to draw from daily, to shape her vibrant and polished style. Lisa is steadily gaining recognition from the Design Community and well-respected brands such as HGTV, Houzz, International Market Centres and the High Point Market Authority view her as a sought after tastemaker and a rising star. Lisa's ten-year history of working alongside Hotel Executives, Nightclub Owners and high profile clientele at top resorts has led her to create a business that really encompasses some very important principals. Lisa was left ingrained with some vital key service values, from the Five Star Five Diamond environment of the Wynn and Encore Resorts. Listen in today, to find out more about Lisa's approach to her Design Business, which really sets her apart from the rest. Show highlights: The great benefits of spending quality one on one time with other Designers. The 'secret sauce' behind the really valuable time that Lisa spent at the weekend retreat with three other Superwoman Designers, Christy Lou, Darcy Heather and Jessie Cooney. Lisa discusses how her typically high level, CEO, high performer, mostly male, niche market came about. The way that Lisa leverages her previous work experience in the Hospitality Industry, for her current business. How Lisa evolved towards realizing her niche. Looking at your strengths, to find your ideal market. An unintentional marketing tactic that really worked! Lisa's experience of being at Cambria's Residential Style-makers Summit, in Minnesota and how she got to go there. All about Lisa's Firm. The secret to how to ask for money. Paying attention to your gut feelings.

Welcome! Today, we're really happy to introduce you to Landy Gardner Interiors, which is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Landy Gardner Interiors have a really unique philosophy with which they approach their diverse clientele, where the focus is on individual needs and on combining the comfort of familiarity with new and fresh elements, using techniques both proven and untried. The way that a client works, plays, entertains and relaxes must all be considered, according to the Landy Gardner way of designing. Today, we're really privileged to have Landy's daughter, Dionne, on the show with us. We originally arranged to have both Landy and Dionne on the show, however, due to some technical hitches on their end, the recording of the interview had to be rescheduled twice. Sadly, in the interim, Landy Gardner passed away. He was a man bigger than life and a great, kind soul and even though LuAnn had very little exchange with him, he made a really deep impression on her. Today, Dionne talks about how she started working her Dad, the lessons that she learned from him and also about how she will continue to lead his company and carry on with his legacy, with the help of her team. LuAnn is really so very glad that Dionne decided that she still wanted to go ahead and do the interview with her today, so listen in now, as Dionne shares her memories of her father and the inspiration that he was to her. In 2001, Landy Gardner was named South East Designer Of The Year, by the Atlantic Decorative Arts Centre and he has been named Designer Of The Year by Nashville Magazine. He has been published in Southern Living, Southern Accents, Traditional Home, Nashville Lifestyles, Showcase Of Interior Design, Southern Edition, Better Homes And Gardens, Boulevards, Southern Rooms, Interior Design From Miami To Houston, Spectacular Homes Of Tennessee, Atlanta, the cover of Veranda and a feature in Veranda's twentieth anniversary edition- Twenty Years Of Memorable Rooms. Landy has also been on HDTV's Interior By Design. Landy Gardner Interior's design projects include private residences in Tennessee, New York, California, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and also The Bahamas. He has designed rooms for the Tennessee Governor's Mansion, the Junior League Of Nashville's show houses and the Judd House, in Dalton, Georgia. Landy's commercial work includes Health Spas and Executive Offices in Nashville and office buildings for Hospital Corporation Of America, across the country, and also restaurants and bars for strategic hospitality. Both Landy and His Daughter, Dionne, are rare and extraordinary individuals, as well as being really talented Designers, so listen in to this bittersweet interview, to find out more about Landy Gardner Interiors. Show highlights: How Dionne first came to work for her Dad. What it was like for Dionne, when she started working for her Dad. How Dionne got to know and admire her Dad much more deeply, after working with him. How it was all about the client, for Landy- something that really made him remarkable. The really great, collaborative dynamic that existed between Dionne and Landy. How Dionne now finds herself selecting fabrics in the way that Landy would have done it. Landy's amazingly integrated left brain/ right brain approach to his work. Dionne explains how she learned to shop for clients, using Landy's mindful method. Why Dionne and Landy were able to work together, so successfully. The way that Dionne intends to go forward with her Dad's business and honor his legacy. Landy's mindblowing process of installation, for a project. The importance of being clear about the methods that you use, in your Design process. Links: Website: http://landygardner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landygardnerinteriors/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LandyGardner

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Nancy Ganzekaufer with us today and if you're a new listener to the show and you're not familiar with her, she has already been on the show twice before, first on episode #15, where she spoke about Niche Markets and then again, on episode #159, where she had a very actionable conversation with LuAnn about getting clear and confident about who you are and what you offer. Today we are going to be talking about your business, in words. This will be the kind of show where you may want to take down some notes, so please have your pen and paper ready. Then, listen in, to find out about a fantastic, non-salesy way of having people really want to work with you. Nancy and LuAnn are eight weeks through their fantastic ten weeks Premiere Online Coaching Program, Money, Mindset, And Sales, with an awesome group of people, who are all working really hard, to get themselves to the next level. So far it's been really interesting and also very rewarding and because this Program has been such an all-round success, they have decided to do it again, so they will be launching their new program, Six Weeks To Success, in January. Listen in to find out more. Nancy has developed a powerful step by step exercise called Your Business in Words. She guides you in crafting the perfect description of your values, your interior design services and your process all with the goal of attracting more of your ideal client to you. If you have ever struggled with networking, promoting yourself or just need a proven way to make a memorable introduction of yourself, Nancy has the answer for you. Show highlights: Nancy takes you, step by step, through what their Six Weeks To Success Program, starting on January the 4th, will include. Go to www.luannnigara.com/6weeks to get the details. Registration is open! Nancy's take on the six clear and actionable steps that LuAnn and her husband do for their business, every year in January, or at any time that they're ready to start something new. Really understanding what it is that you do, in your business. Nancy explains her business, in words. The goal of having your business, in words. An exercise to help you to put your business into words. (You can go to www.nancyganzekaufer.com/ybiw for Nancy's free, twenty-minute webinar, to walk you through this process.) Being who you are, and not who you think people want to hear that you are. Adjectives to help you to get past the obvious traits that most Designers are going to bring to the table. Identifying your ideal client and also, the particular problem that you help them to solve. Using directed sentences, to describe your particular uniqueness, in your line of business. Explaining how people can work with you. Saying what the flow of your process is. Saying what your consultations consist of. How to add the enthusiasm for your last sentence. Becoming attractive by showing your passion. The more information that you give to people, the more relatable points they will have, to really connect with you. When it would be appropriate to use your description of your business in words. Resources: Sign up for Six Weeks to Success - luannnigara.com/6weeks Grab Nancy’s Freebie - Your Business in Words at www.nancyganzekaufer.com/ybiw Nancy’s website http://nancyganzekaufer.com Nancy on Twitter: nancyganzekaufe Nancy on FB: https://www.facebook.com/NancyGanzekaufer Nancy on Instagram: nancyganzekaufer Nancy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyganzekaufer/

Today we have Anne Rue on the show. Anne is the principal of Anne Rue Interiors and she has more than twenty years of experience in the world of Design, having worked with both high end residential and also commercial clients. Today, Anne shares tons of insights, from her vast experience as a business owner, for you to enjoy and appreciate. Listen in, as she talks about the complete turnaround in her eighteen-year-old business after she hired a Business Coach and also about the reality of doing Reality TV. Anne has been creating inspired living spaces for everyone, from professional athletes, multi-family housing properties, model merchandising, senior housing and even luxury motor coaches and yachts. Anne's work has been featured in Florida Design, Orlando Magazine, Orange Appeal Magazine and she's been a Design Expert on Orlando's WESH News On Sunrise and Good Day Orlando, on Fox News. You may even know Anne as the Season Eight Fan Favorite, on HGTV's Design Star, or possibly as the Designer on the hit show, Hotel Impossible, on the travel channel. Listen in now, to find out more about Anne and her fabulous Design Work. Show highlights: What drove Anne to seek help for her business, after nearly eighteen years. The benefits of working for a really great Designer in your area, regardless of the kind of work you may be required to do. The consequences of moonlighting on super luxury motor coaches and yachts. Utilising the genius of two women and their teams. Where Anne would like to be in her business, in ten years time. Some of the things that Anne learned from her two genius mentors. A book that Anne highly recommends: The Values Factor, by John Demartini. The importance of knowing who you are and where you want to be. The niche market that Anne is currently focusing on. Why Anne is currently cultivating her Builder Relationships. Working out if a project is really worth the time that it will take. The importance of working out your values- both personal values and those relating to your business. Anne's whole experience of getting onto HGTV's Design Star show. (HGTV Star) A view in hindsight of the true reality behind Reality TV. Why Anne is not pursuing a career in TV, even though she does really well with it. Links: Instagram: Anne Rue interiors Facebook: Anne Rue interiors Pinterest: Anne Rue interiors

Welcome to part two of Design Biz Live 3, with Corey Klassen. The last episode of Design Biz Live (#246) was the interview with Judith Neary, about the Self Assessment Evaluation, (which you can still find at www.windowworks-nj.com/designbiz2) that Judith and Corey put together for themselves and also for you, so that you can learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of yourself, as an Interior Designer and also of your staff. They created this because just like many of you, they battled to structure their fees. Because Judith and Corey really are pretty brilliant, they worked out a way to figure out what you're really good at, what you're not so good at, what you don't like doing, what you're not going to do... the whole thing! In the last episode, LuAnn talked with Judith, who runs a One Man Show, in Vashon Island, off the coast of Seattle, about how she used this evaluation to enable her to work in her particular zone of genius and to structure her projects and fees to best coincide with the things that she does really well and that she really likes to do. Please go back and listen, if you missed that episode. Today, we have Corey Klassen with us on the show. Corey has his Interior Design firm in Vancouver, Canada and he has a staff, so when he took the evaluation, it was not only for himself, it was for his staff too. Today, Corey will share the results that he learned from his evaluation and also the way that he utilized the information from these results, about himself and also about each of the people on his staff. Then, using that information, he moves into the best way to structure the fees for his Design firm, in order to best serve his clients and also the firm, itself. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: One of the key things that Corey recognized from his evaluation. The way that Corey has utilized all the information that he got from the Assessment, without deviation. All the work that Corey does, whether it's for a kitchen, bathroom, or anything else, it all follows exactly the same process. Looking deeper into the data, to figure out where the biggest strengths and weaknesses of himself and his staff were and to align his fees accordingly. Core shares some graphs, demonstrating the conceptual phase of his and his staff's assessment. What the graph demonstrating the execution phase of Corey's Assessment says to him. The importance of documents being communicated correctly, on time, with the right information and all complete, together. A process to ensure that the documents are being communicated correctly, on time, with the right information all complete and together, with MyDoma Studio. Flipping over to using Quickbooks to easily manage accounting systems, to save time. Some key solutions to invite the vendor into the project. Managing punch lists. Using tracking sheets for orders, to really work well as a team. A formulated process that Corey used, to help him to determine the appropriate fees to charge. Addressing, and then utilizing failures to their best advantage. The three phases of the evaluation are also the same three phases of a project. Corey's formula for structuring flat fees. Why Corey charges for each phase, before moving on to the next. The difference between General Contractors and Designers. The importance of really good communication. When product sales come into the picture. The importance of having a Termination Clause in your agreement with a client. Making use of a Design Retainer, which remains retained until the final invoice is done. (Then the balance is refunded.) If you have any questions, either for this section or for the section that Judith covered, please email them to LuAnn, to be answered on the next episode of Design Biz Live. ([email protected] and please put Design Biz Live Question in the subject line.)

Welcome to today's episode of Power Talk Friday! LuAnn is thrilled beyond belief to introduce you to today's guest, Katie Krimitsos! Katie is the founder of the Facebook Community Biz Women Rock, and she uses this platform to educate and bring women entrepreneurs together, from all around the world. When you listen to Katie on her show, she is so real, so empathetic and so willing to share what she's learned and she's really on the ball with her on-air Coaching too, so listen in today, to find out more about Katie and the way that she manages to do so many different things really, really well! Katie, who has a Masters Degree in Communication, has a great depth of experience in helping and teaching her fellow women entrepreneurs how to get their businesses on track. Within the platform of Biz Women Rock that Katie has created, she has the Biz Women Rock Podcast, she teaches a course on how to create a rocking Facebook Community, she has the Mompreneur Series, she has a blog, she has her Money Moxy Series and she also has the Biz Women Rock Academy, where you get education, support, mindset and strategy training, community challenges, hot seats, goal setting and so much more! Listen in now, to find out what Katie has to share with you on the show today. Show highlights: A huge and really common pain point around mindset, that most women entrepreneurs tend to experience. How Katie helps entrepreneurs with their mindset. The way that women's roles and responsibilities are really so deeply entwined with how they show up for business. How Katie helps women by reflecting their light back to them. How your own personal development impacts everything about your business. The journey of entrepreneurship never really ends (just like being a parent)- you will constantly be challenged to do things better. Some of the things that make the entrepreneurial journey a bit easier, down the line. How Katie helps people whose backs are against the wall, to get their businesses back on track. What Katie did to help her husband get his business back on track. The steps that Katie took to create a major transition in her business, in order to really make it work. Why you really need to be super clear about what you're doing in your business. Katie explains all about the Biz Women Rock Retreat that she's planning, between the 1st and the 3rd of December. Links: Katie's website: www.bizwomenrock.com Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/biz-women-rock-with-katie-krimitsos/id818183720?mt=2 Twitter: @katiekrimitsos Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekrimitsos/ Join Our Exclusive Facebook Group for FREE! Full of over 4,800 of your fellow business women!

Welcome to today's show! We have Michelle Woeller as our guest and today she will be talking to us about how to build a new client base, after relocating to a new area. Michelle and her family relocated to Cape Cod about a year ago and today she discusses what she had to do in her new community, and the strategies she employed, to get her Interior Design firm off the ground there. Listen in now, to get some awesome tips from Michelle. Michelle graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising and she also studied Interior Design at the same university. After a career in Retail Settings and Product Design, she took some time off, to focus her attention on raising her children. Then, in 2006, she became the lead Designer for her husband's Landscaping Company, where she and her husband collaborated in the designing of outdoor spaces for both residential and commercial properties. In 2013, Michelle launched Summerland Homes And Gardens, a Design Studio dedicated to beautiful design, for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Then, in the summer of 2016, Michelle and her family decided to move to Cape Cod, so now Michelle works with Cape Cod home owners, to transform their homes and capture the wonder of seaside living. Listen in to find out how Michelle built up her client base, in this new location. Show highlights: What it was like for Michelle, to find her feet in a new area. How Michelle did her marketing, found new vendors and formed a network, in her new area. The challenge of finding new clients in an area where most people only live for part of the year. How much Michelle's business increased over a four year period, due to paid marketing. The whole real life process that Michelle went through and how it felt for her, to identify and reach out to the Architects and Builders in her new area. The importance of not taking things personally. The value of reaching out to some people who are not directly involved in your industry. Weathering the off-season in Cape Cod. Michelle and her husband's experience of attending a three day Ten X Growth Conference Event in Miami. Some of the things that Michelle learned at the Ten X Growth Conference. Michelle's practice of starting each day with positivity, to put everything into the right perspective. The way that Michelle and her husband collaborate with their businesses. What the operational side of Michelle's business looks like. Michelle's dilemma of which direction to take her business and whether or not to expand it. How Brittanie Elms has really helped Michelle. (Go back and listen to episode #149 to find out more about Brittanie.) Michelle shares about what it was like for her, working with her husband. Links: http://summerlandhomesandgardens.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Summerland-Homes-Gardens-660101854019470/ https://www.instagram.com/ellesummerland/ Go to www.curatedkravet.com and use the code CK Podcast, to get 10% off your entire first purchase!

Welcome to another episode of A Well Designed Business! Today we have Adam Scougall on the show. He's someone who has become quite famous to all of us through the Facebook groups that we're in, where he's become our good friend and also someone that we really value! Today, Adam and LuAnn have decided to zero in on some really interesting topics, including photography and leaving your day job to become a full-time Interior Designer. Listen in now, to find out what Adam has to share with you. Adam, who is an artist as well as an Interior Designer, opened his Interiors Consulting Business in New South Wales, Australia, in 2010 and ever since then, he has been creating and studying Residential Interiors for his clients, across New South Wales. His work has been featured in many national and international publications, including Home Beautiful, Real Living, Grand Designs Australia and Singapore's Metropolitan Home Magazine. What really hooked LuAnn about Adam is that he also has a full-time corporate job, which he has no intention of leaving in the foreseeable future. LuAnn really found this is very interesting, especially when they discussed the pros and cons of having a full-time job while running a Design Business on the side. So, listen in- you may find this really interesting if you are possibly in a similar position to Adam, working full time, while building your Interior Design Business. Show highlights: The really amazing support and information that you can access, by joining Facebook Groups. What Adam is focusing on at the moment. Adam explains how he goes about saying 'no' to projects that aren't a good fit for him. How Adam manages his time. How Adam selects his ideal clients. The criteria that make something really photo-worthy for Adam. How Adam manages to get everything done for his Design projects while working full time. Scope Creep- what it means and how Adam manages to deal with it. How Adam structures his fees, to make an allowance for the amount that he has to pay his professional photographer. Adam, who does all his own styling currently, explains why his photography is so effective. Why Adam would consider hiring a stylist in the future. Adam explains his philosophy of telling a story, through his photo shoots. If you're looking to learn more about styling your own photo shoots, you can go back and listen to episode #108. Links: Adam's website: www.adamscougall.com.au website and social: https://twitter.com/AdamScougall https://www.facebook.com/adam.scougall https://www.instagram.com/adam_scougall/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-scougall-403785139/

We have Jessica Brace with us as our guest on today's Power Talk Friday. LuAnn is very appreciative and happy to have her on the show, because she's really well sought after in podcasting circles, due to her expertise in Internet and Video Marketing. LuAnn has also enjoyed several other podcast episodes, where Jessica was the featured guest, talking about Facebook Live. So listen in, as Jessica shares some of her expertise about Facebook Live with you, today. We're doing a whole series about Facebook Live on the show and statistics have been mentioned by more than a few of the guests recently, that by around 2020, approximately eighty percent of all social media will be done by video. We also know from others in the Design Industry, about how important Facebook Live, Instagram, and Snapchat have become. LuAnn finds Facebook Live to be a particular conundrum though, because, on the one hand, she sees it as a great platform for our really visual Industry, however, on the other hand, Designers do tend to struggle a bit with the mechanics of how to do it and sometimes even with the content. So listen in, as Jessica sheds some light on how to get going with Facebook Live and how to keep going, from there. Show highlights: Jessica starts off by explaining what Facebook Live really is and also, why you should consider doing it. The two types of video that Jessica uses for Facebook Live. When you would use either pop-ups or pre-planned video content on your Facebook Live. The difference between the videos on Youtube and those on Facebook Live. Why consistency is key, with Facebook Live. A strategy that works really well, with Facebook comments. The best way to get people to share your Facebook content. How to go about doing your Facebook Live and what you'll need, in order to do it. Writing a compelling headline, which is key to getting people to watch your FB Live. Introducing yourself, on your video. How FB Live videos are automatically embedded on other social media platforms, to reach a really huge audience. Why it's okay for your videos to be casual and relaxed. What to share, on your FB Live video. The fun things that you can do with your Facebook Video Library. Uploading captions on your video. There is an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for getting everything done on FB Live. How the transcripts for FB Live work. Why perfection is really the lowest standard! The fun things you can do to educate your audience, with Facebook Live. Jessica's Genius Extraction on Facebook Live. Building momentum, in order to become established on FB Live. The programs and freebies that Jessica has to offer, on her website. Go to facebook.com/groups/shebroadcasts for Jessica's group She Broadcasts. Links: Give away for listeners: Free FB Live Cheat Sheet: http://purplemermaidstudios.com her email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-brace-56858b13b/ Her FaceBook Group: She Broadcasts https://www.facebook.com/groups/shebroadcasts/?ref=br_rs

Welcome to another episode of A Well Designed Business! Today we have Kendra Bester with us on the show. She's an Interior Decorator who runs her own firm in the Toronto area and today she talks to LuAnn about some of the challenges that she's faced and the things that she's learned in her first three years in business. She also discusses the importance of setting up great systems in your business and ensuring that you really have your finances in good order. Listen in to find out more about Kendra and the way she runs her firm. Kendra received her degree in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph. She then switched career tracks and enrolled at Humber College, in their Interior Decorating Program. She graduated there with first-class honors and she's now a Certified Interior Decorator. Listen in today, to find out more about Kendra's take on the business side of Design. Show highlights: Some tips for new Designers about the right kind of questions to ask during the initial consultation with a client. How to find the personal style for each client. Developing a set of questions, to help your client figure out what they're actually looking for. Using Pinterest to help you discover patterns that your client could be gravitating towards. The second consultation is really important- this is usually the make or breaks one. Looking for clues to better inform you about your clients. Dealing with situations where you feel you're not the right fit for the project. Gearing your portfolio towards the kinds of projects you'd really like to be doing in the future. Pictures are really powerful! Take loads of them! What it really takes to be the Boss Lady. The importance of being in the know about the financial aspect of your business. How Kendra handles the interview and hiring process. Links: A Link to Kendra's bio here: About Kendra Her Website: Kendra Bester Design Her Instagram: @kendrabesterdesign Find Kendra on Facebook: Kendra Bester Design Pinterest: Kendra Bester

Welcome to A Well Designed Business! Today we have a really special treat for LuAnn (and hopefully for you too). We have Interior Designer Marina Umali of Marina V Design Studio in New Jersey with us and on today's show she discusses the art of Feng Shui and how she uses this practice in conjunction with her Interior Design work. At the time of recording this show, both Marina and LuAnn were really looking forward to the Lunch And Learn, where Marina presented Five Easy Steps To Invite Success Into Your Personal And Your Professional Life, With The Art Of Feng Shui, at the Window Works Showroom. Although the Lunch And Learn has already aired, you can still go over to www.facebook.com/awelldesignedbusiness and find it. Listen in to find out more! Marina is a New York State Certified Interior Designer. She's lead accredited and she studied Architecture at Parson School Of Design and Interior Design at The Fashion Institute Of Technology. Marina worked as an Interior Designer for a number of different Architectural firms in New York City, before starting Marina V Design Studio. She is a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner and she is about to start her second term on the board of the International Feng Shui Guild. You may even remember Marina from the My Doma commercials that she recorded over the summer. Listen in now, to find out more about Marina and how she uses the art of Feng Shui to enhance her Designing. Show highlights: What initially drove Marina to learning about Feng Shui. Marina gives an example of how Feng Shui really changed someone's life. How changing the décor of your home, using the art of Feng Shui, could really bring changes to other, unrelated areas of your life. How Feng Shui really works hand in hand with Interior Design. Marina's common sense approach to using Feng Shui in conjunction with Interior Design. What the course that Marina did, to learn about Feng Shui, entailed. There are a number of different schools of thought about Feng Shui, so this should be kept in mind, when selecting a school, if you're considering studying it. Some of the differences in the various schools of thought about Feng Shui. Why you should care about Feng Shui, in Marina's opinion. How Fung Shui talks to other, seemingly unrelated areas of people's lives, via their intention. Marina explains how Feng Shui is working with LuAnn and her partners, at Window Works. Marina gives some things to bear in mind about Feng Shui, when making some changes, or designing a space. Playing around with the various elements of Feng Shui, to create a more harmonious space. (Water, wood, fire, metal) Why the position of your bed is more important than you'd think. Marina's intuitive use of Feng Shui. What to look out for, in terms of Feng Shui, when looking at a home. Using Feng Shui when changing the layout of a house. What the Feng Shui Guild has been set up for. Marina is going to host a workshop for interior Designers, on how to incorporate Feng Shui into your designs and also about what you need to know about Feng Shui, to inform your clients. If you, as an Interior Designer, have any questions relating to Feng Shui, you can email Marina for answers. ([email protected]) Link: Use the link www.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to access the goodies that are there for you!

Welcome to today's Power Talk Friday! This is the next episode in our Facebook Coaching Series and we have the fabulous Molly Mahoney joining us on the show today. Molly is the Prepared Performer, the Camera Confidence Coach and she's also a Facebook Live Ninja! She really has an incredible amount of energy and passion for showing Entrepreneurs, Artists and Business Owners how to up their visibility and online presence by leveraging all the latest and most powerful features that Facebook has to offer. Listen in to find out more! Today, Molly gives some really awesome tips on how to identify your ideal client, so that you can attract them to your Facebook Business Page. She also talks about how to understand Facebook Ads and about how to host Facebook Live broadcasts, to provide great value and build deeper relationships. Molly is the very first guest on this show to talk about Facebook Messenger Bots, which can really help you to attract more of your perfect clients and customers in a unique and reliable way. It is a bit complicated, so pay close attention and you're sure to get it. Molly also has a free gift for you today, so be sure to stay with us right to the end of the show. Listen in now, to learn about the really useful strategies that Molly has to share with you, to help you to effectively engage with people and to draw them into your Facebook Live Videos. Show highlights: The real point behind everything that Molly teaches. Focusing on the way that you address a mass audience. Content and confidence- they're both really important. Figuring out who you are. You really are the most important element of your business. An exercise that Molly created, called “The Quesadilla Of Awesome”, to help you discover your own, uniquely awesome skill set. Working with the way you look (and feel about the way you look) on camera. A trick to open your mind, to really embrace the space that your ideal client is in. Molly explains how to start your live video. It's one of the keys to her formula for creating really awesome live videos. Using Messenger Bots to get much higher open rates for your Facebook messages. Tips for staying platform specific and still getting people to 'click this link'. How Messenger Bots can save you having to create PDF's. Awesome ways to use your video to build viewership, even if nobody shows up to watch it. Better ways to boost your video. How Molly does her Facebook Ads as Engagement Ads. Why (and how) you should have your Facebook Ads on the news feed and not on the sidebar. Molly explains all about Messenger Bots, how to use them and what you need to have in place, in order to use them on your Facebook Business Page. Messenger Bots can be overwhelming and confusing, so Molly has created an awesome mini-course called The Messenger Automation Academy. Using Growth Tools as ways to build your subscriber base. Why you should not be doing business on your Facebook Personal Page. How Molly works her Facebook Personal Page to enhance her Facebook Business Page. Molly has a 'done for you' Bot Service because it really can be so confusing for some people. Molly has some really great, free resources for you today! Links: To access everything that Molly has for you today, go to: www.thepreparedperformer.com/design Her website: www.thepreparedperformer.com Her social: https://www.facebook.com/thepreparedperformer https://twitter.com/prep2perform https://www.instagram.com/thepreparedperformer/ https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePreparedPerformer https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-mahoney-072a1024/ https://www.pinterest.com/mollymmahoney/

We are back together for another installment of Design Biz Live, in spite of all the obstacles and scheduling conflicts we’ve had to overcome to make it happen! I’m back with my trusted experts, Judith Neary of Roadside Attraction Design Studio, and Corey Klassen of Corey Klassen Interiors. One of our goals is to cover all aspects of the flat fee vs. hourly rate question that designers face. What we have discovered is that there is a more basic issue at stake that we must turn our attention to first. The issue is that YOU, as a designer, need to know what you are and are not most efficient at in your business. In other words, you need to break down the work of a designer into your personal strengths and weaknesses. Corey and Judith have developed a self-assessment for principals to use in evaluating all the different things we do for our clients. As industry leaders, Judith and Corey have spent a lot of time speaking in front of their peers, and they have developed this tool with the purpose of evaluating your skills as they relate to your design firm. In this show, I talk with Judith about how solo firms and smaller firms can use the assessment to develop their fee structures.Let’s jump into this conversation! Show highlights: Gear your services toward your skill set according to the self-assessment How Judith and Corey got the idea for developing this helpful tool The three phases of the assessment: concept, execution, and administration Debunking the “ideal client” myth Why you need to get clear on what you do really well A basic fundamental that a designer must figure out via the self-assessment: What am I most efficient at? How can I fill in the gaps that I’m not best at? Look for opportunities to improve your skill set Your business evolves and grows as a living, breathing entity The relationship between your strengths and weaknesses and the question of flat fee vs. hourly rates For the client, services needed in each of the three phases and their associated fees Segmenting your services in each distinct phase How the designer controls “the process” Setting the project and the team up for success How designers get into trouble when they tackle things they aren’t good at How Corey graphed his and his employees’ strengths of skill and how the result measured up to their perceptions When you as the business owner-need to change the outcome How to have the difficult conversations with employees “Am I interested in rehabilitating this employee or do I want them to leave my firm?” The “show-tell-do” and feedback process Reach out to get an honest evaluation of your performance as a designer How to ask questions to former clients for feedback about your fee structure Links: Corey's website: Corey Klassen Judith's website: Road Side Attraction Studio Download the Skills Worksheet Here: www.windowworks-nj.com/designbiz2

Welcome to today's show and happy birthday to LuAnn! Today's guest, Angela Harris, is the principal of Trio Environments and she is a real dynamo! Trio Environments is one of the fastest growing Interior Design and Visual Merchandising firms in the USA today and in less than ten years, it is on track to becoming an international leader in Market-Driven Design. The company currently has over twenty employees and it manages more than seventy-six projects at any given time, both locally and nationally. More than twenty-one thousand homes have been sold with the assistance of Trio Environments, who has also generated over seven billion dollars in revenue to date, from Commercial and Residential clients. Listen in to find out more about Angela and the amazing success she's had with Trio Environments. Angela has a B.S. in Marketing and Management, from the University of Colorado. After obtaining her degree, she went to work in an Engineering Firm but wasn't really happy there, because she didn't feel that she was living up to her full potential, so she dropped everything to pursue her dream career in Interior Design. She enrolled in an Interior Design program and spent her last five hundred dollars on business cards, direct mail and a few another start-up costs and then she launched Trio Environments. Angela also has a Masters Degree in Sustainable Design, from the Philadelphia University and she sits on the Denver Home Builders Association Board of Directors. She manages seven councils through the HBA and she sits on the Sales and Marketing Council for the National Association of Home Builders. Angela has developed a three-part process, to give her company a competitive edge- it assesses a client's baseline value, through their Design program, it introduces Market Design principals and finally, it executes a design that's innovative, attractive and profitable. Listen in now, to find out how important it really is to be prepared and to have good systems in place and also to experience the passion that inspires Angela to fuse her market-driven approach with the creation of really beautiful spaces. Show highlights: Angela describes the types of relationships that she has built her business on, with builders and developers. How Angela has been able to expand her brand, to really handle the entire creative process. Angela describes her company's creative process, which really allows them to be a part of something bigger. Angela explains how their process is really all about the experience of their audience, where every detail is relevant. Angela discusses the enormous amount of work that they do on the upfront side of their projects, in terms of Market Research and Market Data. Why Angela thinks that her company has been so much more successful than most Design Firms. Angela explains her initial process of creating relationships with builders and developers- what it takes and how you, as a Designer, could learn to do the same. Angela explains the best way to start out with doing the types of projects that she does. Angela discusses how she went about creating a really awesome team, with great synergy. Capitalising on people's strengths and passions, rather than their weaknesses, to make the whole machine work. Angela explains the way that her whole team works and what everyone focuses on. They really want to help and support one another. The tight systems and solid processes that they have in place. How they actually developed these processes. Angela's Colorado Companies To Watch video, where they were awarded recognition, as one of the Companies to watch. The criteria that actually earned Angela the Award. What is involved in the bidding process, for projects? Please give LuAnn a bit of birthday love today and go on over to iTunes and rate and review this show. She will really appreciate it! Links: Her website: http://trioenvironments.com/angela-harris.htm Social: https://www.instagram.com/trioenvironments/ https://www.facebook.com/TRIOEnvironments https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-harris-89314a11/

We have Lyndsay Phillips with us on today's Power Talk Friday. LuAnn is really looking forward to sharing her with you today because Lyndsay is a self-confessed organizational freak, appointed task manager, and project ninja. She's also a warrior VA (read Virtual Assistant) for Business Coaches, Accountants, Small Business Owners and Online Entrepreneurs. Her business is called Smooth Sailing Online Support and she also has a podcast called Sailing To Success Podcast. Listen in to find out more about Lyndsay, who really understands the challenges around hiring someone to help you, when growing your business and reaching the next level. Lyndsay and her super team of VA's support entrepreneurs, just like you, who have fast-paced businesses with fast-paced growth. They really help people, by managing their back office, implementing their Marketing and strategizing and implementing their Social Media Campaigns. Listen in now, to find out how Lyndsay takes care of the detail and the moving pieces, which can all be quite overwhelming for really busy people. Show highlights: Lyndsay explains why asking for help is not a weakness- in fact, it actually shows strength. Lyndsay explains how she and her team really are expert at everything that they do, in terms of supporting a business. Lyndsay's team really do understand the importance of proper postings on Social Media. The services and the packages that Lyndsay offers, to fit the unique needs of every client. Lyndsay has an enormous amount of resources and some really useful blog posts on her website. (lyndsayphillips.com) Lyndsay's suggestions for how to be really productive in the 'working at home' environment. Lyndsay even turns Skype off, if she really needs to focus on something, because derailing her focus makes her less productive. Why you should schedule breaks into your day. Ways to implement internal deadlines. Not allowing social media to be a major distraction in your day. Ways that you can use little systems, to minimise the need to reply to emails. Using the Boomerang App for emails, to avoid unnecessary distractions. The impact of your environment on the way that you feel and on your productivity. Go to lyndsayphillips.com for your free copy of Lyndsay's Client Attraction System and you can also go to www.smoothbusinessgrowth.com/beproductive for more information about what Lyndsay does. Lyndsay also works with brick and mortar businesses. Links: Her email: [email protected] Her social and website info: www.SmoothBusinessGrowth.com [email protected] Twitter and Facebook: www.LyndsayPhillips.com

Today we have Jason Harris on the show and he's someone that LuAnn's been hearing a lot about recently. There seems to be quite a buzz going on around his relatively new platform, The Design Network, yet while doing some research about Jason and his background, LuAnn found herself very intrigued about his primary business, Furniture Land South. So on the show today, they talk about this primary business, as well as about the innovation and development of the Design Network. Listen in to find out more about Jason, his family business, and his really successful Design Network. Jason's father started his business, way back in 1968, and in just one generation, he created Furniture Land South, the largest retail furniture store in the world! It covers one point three million square feet of space, they have a hundred and sixty Design Consultants working there, they represent more than a thousand brands of home furnishing companies and they turn over a hundred and fifty million dollars per year. Listen in now, to find out more about Furniture Land South and about how Jason developed the Design Network. Show highlights: Jason talks about what it was like, growing up in his dad's business. The really explosive growth of the business, which took place between 1990 and 2000, after they moved to a new campus. How Jason contributed to the successful business, between 1990 and 2000. What Jason learned from working in the business. How Jason's passion for sales and marketing developed, through his years of working in the business. The innovations that Jason brought to the business, as a young person, fresh out of college. Jason's initiative in transforming the business from paper-based to an automated system. How Jason's Dad involved both his sons in the business, from very early on. Jason explains how he's never even thought of doing anything other than working in their family business- it's something he has always been really passionate about. What inspired Jason to create his Design Network, which was started as a completely independent platform from Furniture land South. The difficulties that Jason had, in keeping the Design Network separate from Furniture Land South. Jason discusses how consumers can connect with Designers, on his Trade Direct Program. The great benefits for Designers who sign up for Jason's Trade Direct Program. What makes the Design Network a really great solution for Designers- they are really leveraging this resource now, more than ever. How Designers can interact with the Design Network platform. The Designer Boards, a unique feature of the Design Network and a great way for Designers to make a passive income. How consumers are being driven to the Design Network platform. The explorer section on the Design Network website. How the Designer Network is really making it easier for consumers to design their homes. How people are being reached at an entertainment level, on the Design Network. Finding a Design Consultant that's the right fit for you, on the Design Network platform. Links: Email: [email protected] Website: www.TheDesignNetwork.com His social: https://twitter.com/furniturelands http://blog.furniturelandsouth.com https://www.facebook.com/FurniturelandSouthNC https://www.houzz.com/pro/furniturelandsouth/furnitureland-south https://www.youtube.com/user/furniturelandsouth

LuAnn is really happy to have Carla Aston as her guest on today's show! Many of you may know Carla from her Design Blog, Designed With Carla Aston, where twice a week, she shares quality content and also her passion for Interior Design, with her two hundred thousand loyal followers. When Carla's inbox started getting really full of questions and messages from her readers, she branched out and started doing E-Consultations, where she personally and intentionally addresses home owner's questions about Design, via email. Then Carla realized that if she made E-Books on the same topics and dilemmas, with the same solutions as her E-Consultations, she would be able to sell these on her website too. Listen in now, to find out more about Carla, her Consultations, and her E-Books. Carla, a very smart lady, obtained a B.F.A. In Interior Design and then spent nine years working in Architectural Design Firms, both large and small. Since then, Carla and her family have lived in Norway and Australia, which has really given her a great perspective on culture, lifestyle, architecture, and design, all of which she brings to both her business and her blog. Carla has invested time and money and she has built her career very intentionally, so listen in, because you are really going to love the way she explains all of this, on the show today. Show highlights: Carla, who has a really clear and perfectly laid out website, explains why she likes to educate her clients, prior to working with them. Carla explains how she tailored her business over the years, to become a perfect fit for her. Carla explains where her Designed In A Click E-Consultation service came from and how works. Carla explains her alternative service, Designed By Styling. Carla explains all about her ninety minutes Designed With A Consultation service, which is done in the way that she really prefers to do things. Carla discusses the purpose behind the Outlet Area on her website, which mostly consists of PDF's on various topics that she's dealt with in her blog posts, available for between $10 and $12. Carla talks about which of her services provide the best revenue streams. The value in re-purposing certain content, that has already been used on your website. Carla discusses the biggest piece that she's selling currently, a nineteen-page PDF based on her own experiences, which deals with the issues and concerns that Designers tend to have when doing consultations. Carla discusses the components of her successful blog, Designed With Carla Aston, which is really a huge catalog and also the gateway to everything that Carla is selling. The branding mistake that Carla made, prior to getting started on her new, improved platform. What really drives Carla. The Consultant/Coach that Carla hired for the first few years before she found her own, unique voice. The most common questions that Carla gets from Designers. Carla's advice for a Designer who lives far out, in a rural area. Carla's plans for the future. Links: Email: [email protected] Her social: https://www.instagram.com/carlaaston/ https://twitter.com/search?q=carla%20aston&src=typd Her website: CarlaAston.com

Welcome to another Power Talk Friday! Today we are very happy to have Gavin Zuchlinski on the show. He is the founder of Acuity Scheduling, which is the slickest way for businesses to automate and manage their appointments online because it actually allows your clients to schedule themselves. LuAnn has an inkling that the features of Acuity Scheduling may be even better than the one she's using, so she may be switching over... Listen in to find out more. Gavin is a self-professed Tech Geek and an Espresso maniac, and he's also a really fun guy who truly and wholeheartedly believes that business should be fun. Acuity Scheduling currently supports over fifty thousand businesses, all of the different sizes, from solo-preneures to major corporations with thousands of employees. They have a really efficient Customer Service Department and their focus is on making life way easier for entrepreneurs and business owners. Listen in now to find out how Acuity Services could make your life much easier and help you run your business. Show highlights: Gavin explains what his company does, to help you to run your business. How you can customise this service to suit your specific requirements. How this service can really help you to be prepared and allow you to be more efficient. Gavin discusses the different ways that you could use this service. You could even embed Acuity on your website. How a potential client could actually schedule an appointment with you, online. How the service can make it easier for you to connect with potential clients and coordinate appointment times. About forty percent of all appointments are booked after hours when businesses are already closed for the day. How this service can help you to follow through with a potential client and convert. Even if you don't yet have a website, you can still use this service. You can even filter different kinds of requests for appointments to different parts of your calendar. How to set up and manage different appointment types. Getting reminder emails for your appointments. The monthly charges for the various services. What you can get from Acuity Scheduling, absolutely free. How you could give gift certificates via this service. You can customise this service with your own logos. Gavin explains how he initially came up with this service, to help his Mom. The six-hour work days for Gavin's Customer Support teams. If you'd like to try Acuity out, go to www.acuityscheduling.com/luann for an extended 45-day trial. (It's normally only for 14 days.) Links: https://www.facebook.com/acuityscheduling http://twitter.com/AcuitySchedulin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-zuchlinski-30b06885

Today's show is another in our Facebook Coaching Sessions Series, where we're tackling the various aspects of Facebook and how to best leverage them, for your Interior Design Firm. Today's guest is Marc Mawhinney and he is particularly skilled at working with Facebook Communities, so today, he will be discussing the best ways to go about setting these up and he also discusses the different nuances of Facebook Communities. At the end of the show, you will hear about the course that Marc is offering, called Facebook Gold. Listen in to find out more. Marc, a lifelong entrepreneur, is a Coach for Coaches. He does this through his programs, via his Podcast, Natural Born Coaches and also through his particularly successful Facebook Group, The Coaching Jungle. When LuAnn asked the peeps in her Podcast tribe about who is really good at creating Facebook Community Groups and Facebook Pages, Marc was the man that everyone told her to invite. So, today, we are going to be finding out from him all about Consumer Facing Facebook Groups, where you would be helping and teaching consumers about Interior Design, hopefully with the end result that they would hire you, to be their Interior Designer. Listen in now, as Marc explains some great strategies for setting up a really vibrant Facebook Group. Show highlights: Marc uses a great analogy to clear up some of the confusion around the differences between Facebook Business Pages, Facebook Group Pages, Facebook Fan Pages and Facebook Public Pages. How Marc's personal Facebook profile has changed since Facebook has become his business. A Facebook Group as really a great way to build your business. Why size isn't everything, with a Facebook Group. What Marc would do to build a community for a brick and mortar Interior Design business. Setting up your Facebook Group and making sure that you have the right keywords in the title. How often you need to show up, in your Facebook Group. The most powerful kinds of Facebook Groups. Why monetizing your Facebook Group, or your Podcast, is really the way to go. Some great tips for starting a Facebook Group. The three choices that you will have when starting your Facebook Group. When a Secret Facebook Group would be an appropriate choice. When a Closed Group would be a good idea. Setting up the rules for your Group. Giving great value on your Facebook Group. Why Marc has Promotion Fridays in his Group. Why Marc suggests having Theme Days, on your Facebook Group. How to let people know about your Facebook Group, if you're starting from scratch and how to get people to engage with you, once your Group has been set up. Why you shouldn't just add people to your Group, without asking them. You can access Marc's Facebook Gold Course, to help you set up your own Facebook Group, through windowworks-nj.com/facebookgold. (It has a 60-day money back guarantee.) Links: Marc's Facebook Group: www.theccoachinjungle.com His Email: [email protected] His website: http://www.naturalborncoaches.com

Today we have Katharine Earnhardt on the show! She's the Founder of Mason Lane Art Advisory, a Brooklyn-based company that styles walls with art and objects to fit client's taste, space and budget. Keeping up with the art world inventory, resources and pricing is a full-time job, and Katharine explains how designers can get support in this area so they can appropriately source and pitch the right art to clients. Katharine has a B.A. in Art History and Economics from Williams College and an M.A. in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute. Katharine has experience working in the Management office of the Museum of Modern Art, in business development at Christie's, and leading the business development team at a international art appraisal and advisory firm, Gurr Johns. Katharine is well versed in Art History and art market dynamics and works with designers through by straight referrals as well as through her trade program called Mason Lane Partners (MLP). Listen in to find out more about the kind of assistance that Katharine offers to Interior Designers through her boutique art advisory service. Show highlights: Katharine talks about her company's Interior Design Forum, called In The Maoson, that she hosts in her living room. It’s a really great networking opportunity! The pain points around buying art, that Katharine helps and educates Interior Designers and her clients with. How Katharine helps people to spend wisely when buying art. The aspects of art that go beyond the aesthetics, which can really add to the quality of the piece and also to how one feels about the work. The value in educating your client about the meaning behind an artwork and what drives price. Sometimes a client doesn’t need new art, they could just rearrange, or re-frame what they already have. The ideal height to hang your artworks- a great place to start! Katharine’s upcoming Webisode, where she goes through the kinds of problems that Designers tend to face when advising their clients about art. Go to masonlaneart.com to sign up. Why Katharine created her Webisode. Some great tips for you, from Katharine’s Webisode. The best places for you, as Designers, to source art. Some great online resources for art. What you will get from working with Mason Lane. How Mason Lane's services save Interior Designers money and time. A really fun rule, around the use of color, form, and design. Coordinating the light fixtures with the art. A frame can really make or break a piece of art! Some tips for creating professional-looking gallery walls- they really take a lot of planning. Links: Katharine’s website: http://www.masonlaneart.com Katharine on Instagram: masonlane_art.

Welcome to today's episode of Power Talk Friday! LuAnn is very excited to introduce Stephan Spencer, who she spent a short time with, just a couple of weeks ago at the chaotic, yet exhilarating Podcast Movement in Anaheim. LuAnn and Stephan first met in a Mastermind about the future of podcasting, which was given by LuAnn's friend, Edie Burke. When Stephan placed a copy of his (really thick) book on the table, LuAnn didn't think she would ever be able to understand any of it and that really made her want to get to know what goes on in his brain. She's been looking forward to having him on the show ever since then, so listen in now! Stephan is an SEO expert and a best-selling author who has written has three books, all published by O'Reilly. They are The Art Of SEO, Social E-Commerce, and Google Power Search. In 1995, Stephan founded a multi-national SEO Agency, called Net Concepts, which he sold in 2010. His client list includes Zappos, Sony, Quicksilver, and Chanel. He also has two Podcasts, the one is called The Optimised Geek and the other is Marketing Speak. Today Stephan answers some of LuAnn's questions, which are related to SEO and to Stephan, as both a Podcast Host and a seasoned Podcast Guest. He also talks about his Podcast, The Optimised Geek, where he spends time speaking to people about how to improve their health and their wealth and also about how to reboot their lives. Listen in now, to find out more about Stephan, his Podcasts, and SEO and also to get some really actionable tips. Show highlights: Stephan shares his really inspiring story about Tony Robbins, who became a catalyst for Stephan's own 'life reboot'. What Stephan gained from having been part of Tony Robbins's amazing Platinum Partnership, for three years. Stephan explains what SEO does and why it really matters. Some of the ways that you can enhance your SEO, to really stand out from the rest. Google will reward you for having really remarkable content in your website. What Stephan needed to do, in terms of SEO, in order to appear on TV. Using a dog to create a hook, to increase the emotional content of a TV segment. Stephan explains the kind of 'R and D' that he does, in order to find inspiration for the very best content. Using BuzzFeed to inspire you. How to create the kinds of connections that will become 'the rising tide that lifts all boats'. The two processes that Stephan does in tandem, to help him with the discovery of the amazing content that he's created. Who Google sees as the really big influencers. (Stephan calls them the Linkeratti!) Pitchbox- a tool that Stephan uses regularly. Identifying the content that's linked to the influencers- these will all be powerful links for you to use. Writing authentic blog posts that are actually geared towards the big influencers. Creating a really solid pitch, with a great hook. Pinterest- it has way more staying power than Instagram does. Why Google hates guest posts and guest bloggers. A great tool to see if what you're thinking of targeting, is actually going to be a popular keyword, or not. (moz.com/explorer) The services that Stephan has to offer. You can contact him at stephanspencer.com Links: His email: [email protected]

Today we have Claire Jefford on the show! LuAnn knows that hundreds of the Interior Designers that are in the three different Facebook Groups she's in are really cheering like crazy now because they all know Claire from her Design and also from her inspiring leadership, so listen in to find out more! Claire came into Interior Design in 2011, after a career in Human Resources and People Management. She found her way to Interior Design and then started her own firm. Her really exceptional organizational skills, combined with her drive, have contributed to the great success of her business, which is still fairly young. Now, in addition to Interior Design, Claire offers Coaching where she teaches other Designers to replicate her success. Although Claire has done some really great things in her career, today we will try to focus on a particular super power of hers- creating quality video content for her Design firm. Her videos have a big part to play the success of both her firm and her Coaching business, so listen in now, as Claire shares some of her best tips for creating really professional video content, on today's show. Show highlights: Claire's incredible level of interaction, leadership, and expertise, on her Facebook Group, Interior Design Business Strategies. What Claire's career in Human Resources involved and how it's informed her career in Interior Design. Claire explains how she manages to produce her really professional looking videos- all by herself! The difference between doing a Facebook Live and doing a Youtube video. The importance of having a plan, ahead of time, for your video. How and where Claire uses her videos on the services she offers. People really relate to them. Claire explains some of the technical aspects of how she makes her videos. You really don't need a fancy setup to make professional looking videos if you're using a smartphone. If the content is good, people are going to watch, even if you don't look your best. How Claire edits her videos and the software she uses to do that. The numerous things that you can do with the Camtasia App. Creating a moving video out of still pictures with Camtasia. How long it took for Claire to become adept at using Camtasia. It really isn't that complicated. How Claire cues herself when making her videos. How Claire manages to re-use her video content from Youtube to Facebook Live, Instagram, or even to send to a client. How to let people know where to find your videos. The benefits of not being perfect. The marketing value in producing a body of work on Youtube. Why you need to keep asking your clients for reviews for your videos. How Claire goes about asking her clients for reviews. Claire's great, actionable tips for new Designers who don't yet have a portfolio. All about Claire's soon to be launched a course on making videos. There will be a special launch price. The great resources available for those of you who are looking for more in-depth information from Claire, on how to market your business through video. Links: Claire's website: www.clairejefford.com

LuAnn is extremely happy to let you know that she has Shea McGee, of Studio McGee, in the house today! It's been a long time coming, as she's a very busy lady, but she's here today, and you are not going to be disappointed, so listen in to find out about the journey that Shea's been on and the challenges she's faced. If you're one of the few people who are not familiar with Shea, LuAnn assures you that she and her husband, Sid, truly are the real deal! They are the creators of Studio McGee and today you will hear how Shea realized, only after obtaining her degree in Public Relations, that what she really wanted, was to be doing Design, so she went back to school, to learn how to do that. Soon after, Shea found that she was attracting more projects than she'd ever before thought possible. She and Sid realized that with his business experience and her creative vision, they would really make an amazing team. So they decided to sell their home in California and move to Utah, where they put all their life savings on the line and started a business. Shea used the power of Instagram to grow the business and now, just less than three years later, they have over five hundred and forty thousand Instagram followers, a team of thirty, two multi-million dollar businesses (Studio McGee and McGee and Company) and they have projects all over the country. Listen in today and find out how Shea and Sid manage to run their operation and their family and also, the pro's and con's of working with a spouse. Show highlights: Shea explains how they have managed to get such great results, in such a short time. How Shea and her husband manage their hectic work schedules and still find time to spend together, as a couple and to be parents to their two little girls. The growing pains that Shea and Sid experienced, early on in their business, before they found their ideal way of working together. The real importance of separating the roles of each spouse, in a business partnership. Why you really need to sort out your personal dynamics, as a couple, before entering into a business relationship. Some ways to create the necessary balance within your business. You don't have to do everything yourself! Ways to divide up the different responsibilities, within a business. Shea gives the backstory behind their really successful businesses. How Shea stretched her content, to tell her story on Instagram when she first started out. Why they made the move from California to Utah. Shea talks about the initial dream that she and her husband shared, for their business. Shea's advice for Designers wanting to step up above the noise, with Instagram. Some tips to take a good and well-styled photo- one that stands out from the rest, in order to create a really great vignette. How Shea creates her content for Instagram now, as compared with when she first started out. Shea explains her strategic way of growing her Instagram following. How Shea manages to keep up with the engagement on Instagram, with their really huge number of followers. Where Shea draws her design inspiration from. Links: Shea's website: www.studio-mcgee.com

Welcome to today's episode of Power talk Friday! Tabitha Carro is the guest for today and she is the leader of Smart Phone Marketing School. LuAnn really struggles with so much of what it takes to be productive, in using a smartphone and she says she has ninety thumbs, so she's very excited about having Tabitha on this show today, to help her to figure some of this out. Listen in as Tabitha explains what to do, and apps that you can use, to add that extra little 'something' to your marketing, using your smartphone. Tabitha's background is as a Certified Elementary School Teacher. She was also the owner of a Curriculum Design Business, from which she developed another business when she realized that she really needed to be able to do things quickly and easily, from her iPhone. She took the bull by the horns and taught herself all the necessary design techniques with the iPhone and so developed her new business, called Smart Phone Marketing School. Now, she has tons of content, videos and tutorials, to teach the people in her Facebook and Membership communities how and what apps to use, on their iPhone, to make their social media marketing way, way easier. She teaches where things are in an app and how to tap into them and get what you want. Listen in now, as Tabitha sheds some light on how to use your smartphone to market your self really easily, even when you're on the fly! Show highlights: Tabitha explains all about the super cute and direct labeling app called This by Tin Rocket, which could be really useful in the Design Industry. Which apps Tabitha uses, on her iPhone as well as on her desktop. The best ways to utilize the Legend App, to announce across social media, that you're about to go live. Why what Tabitha teaches is great for everybody, even those that aren't so 'techy'. Why Tabitha really thinks you should care about Instagram stories. Facebook Live or Instagram Stories? When to use each one. How you can increase your engagement on Facebook Live with Instagram Stories. Apps that can really enhance your Instagram Stories. A way to put something on Instagram Stories, without showing yourself. If you have 10 000 or more followers, you can link that up with Instagram Stories. Some tips and great apps for using an iPhone with Pinterest. Tabitha has a blog post about this. Why Tabitha actually prefers using a phone screen, when working with Pinterest. Tabitha has a Facebook Live session to teach you how to use Adobe Spark on your phone. All the fabulous free content that Tabitha has made available for you. Tabitha's not all about selling, however, she is opening up a paid membership program. Links: For Tabitha's free courses, go to courses.tabithacarro.com

What is your vision for your design business? How do you manage to balance work and life? Are you managing it, or has the business taken over your life? When you’re in the middle of the day-to-day of running a business, it can be easy to forget why you started in the first place. Whether it is creative freedom, income to support your family, or a dream that has finally taken flight, it is so important to keep the values you hold dear close at hand. This podcast is all about giving you tools that you can use to launch your design business. Today, I am thrilled to bring to you Kim Worswick, who has been in business for just five short months and is already operating close to her values. What’s her secret? This podcast! Kimberley Kay Interiors is Kim’s solo firm and boy has it taken off! Kim has a strong Instagram presence, where she films these great short videos that are zany, fun and full of personality and great design. Kim’s business is based on referrals so that she can ensure that she is only taking the right amount of projects at a time. Work-Life Balance is so important to Kim, so she has set up her business around that value. Today, we will share how Kim launched her business, sticks to her values, and overcomes mistakes and challenges as her business has grown. It is encouraging to hear how this podcast has changed Kim’s life, and I would love to hear from you too! Give this episode a listen, and then reach out to me to let me know the ways our guests have transformed your design business. More from this episode: Kim talks about her crazy, zany Instagram videos. Take a little inspiration from Kim who used tools from the podcast to launch her business. Kim operates off of her 5 Key Values. Work-Life Balance is the basis for Kim’s business model. Using Interior Design as an act of community service. Growing a business only to the point where it fits within your lifestyle. Working underneath a lead designer was beneficial, but creatively stifling. Why a bookkeeper should be your first hire. Learning from mistakes and celebrating triumphs. Gaining customer loyalty by doing whatever it takes to get the design right. Links: www.kimberleykayinteriors.com https://www.instagram.com/kimberleykayinteriors/ https://www.facebook.com/kimberleykayinteriors/

We are back together for another installment of Design Biz Live, in spite of all the obstacles and scheduling conflicts we’ve had to overcome to make it happen! I’m back with my trusted experts, Judith Neary of Roadside Attraction Design Studio, and Corey Klassen of Corey Klassen Interiors. One of our goals is to cover all aspects of the flat fee vs. hourly rate question that designers face. What we have discovered is that there is a more basic issue at stake that we must turn our attention to first. The issue is that YOU, as a designer, need to know what you are and are not most efficient at in your business. In other words, you need to break down the work of a designer into your personal strengths and weaknesses. Corey and Judith have developed a self-assessment for principals to use in evaluating all the different things we do for our clients. As industry leaders, Judith and Corey have spent a lot of time speaking in front of their peers, and they have developed this tool with the purpose of evaluating your skills as they relate to your design firm. Let’s jump into this conversation! Show highlights: Gear your services toward your skill set according to the self-assessment How Judith and Corey got the idea for developing this helpful tool The three phases of the assessment: concept, execution, and administration Debunking the “ideal client” myth Why you need to get clear on what you do really well A basic fundamental that a designer must figure out via the self-assessment: What am I most efficient at? How can I fill in the gaps that I’m not best at? Look for opportunities to improve your skill set Your business evolves and grows as a living, breathing entity The relationship between your strengths and weaknesses and the question of flat fee vs. hourly rates For the client, services needed in each of the three phases and their associated fees Segmenting your services in each distinct phase How the designer controls “the process” Setting the project and the team up for success How designers get into trouble when they tackle things they aren’t good at How Corey graphed his and his employees’ strengths of skill and how the result measured up to their perceptions When you as the business owner-need to change the outcome How to have the difficult conversations with employees “Am I interested in rehabilitating this employee or do I want them to leave my firm?” The “show-tell-do” and feedback process Reach out to get an honest evaluation of your performance as a designer How to ask questions to former clients for feedback about your fee structure Links: Visit www.windowworks-nj.com/designbiz2 to download the self-assessment!

Today we are in for an incredible treat. John Rhulin is the founder of the Ruhlin Group, a powerhouse company that helps high-end firms reach their audience, maintain customers, and gain referrals through Gift-Giving. John has roots as a salesman, but by seeking opportunity, reaching for excellence, and learning the huge value of gratitude, John has created a Group with high-end clients such as the Chicago Cubs and Electrolux. With such huge clients, it might seem like a stretch to think that John has wisdom for you and your design business. Well, that simply isn’t true! The elegant principles of good gift-giving are universal, and they will help you win referrals and maintain clients. The secret is in the gift itself: personal, unexpected, and filled with authenticity. Today, you will learn what gifts to give, when to give, and how to keep your clients close at hand. It’s time to stretch those generosity muscles and make someone’s day. Winning clients and growing your business is really as easy as that! Show highlights: John shares his first selling experiences with Cutco that shaped his business acumen. Building a company around gratitude. Hear John’s incredible story about the Brooks Brothers. John has unparalleled employee relationships to change the way they do service. John’s advice to small business owners who are trying to gift their customers well. The best gift John has ever received. Re-defining the way that we treat our customers. Make referrals happen by taking care of the “inner circle.” Links: Follow the link for John’s gift to our listeners! 10 Gifts to Avoid Giving. http://giftologybook.com/design/ Pick up your copy of Giftology by John Ruhlin http://ruhlingroup.com/

Today, we have Cynthia Spence on show with us. She is the Principal of Cynthia Spence Design, which is a Full-Service Interior Design firm, located in the San Francisco Bay Area and it caters to both Residential and Commercial clients. Cynthia feels that the world has become increasingly more noisy and so it's really important to her to create environments that are both soothing and restorative for her clients. Today, she spends some time talking about how her previous career, in Marketing and Management positions in prominent Entertainment and High Tech companies, informs her Interior Design career. Listen in to find out more. Although it's not the typical route to Interior Design, Cynthia's experience in Relationship Marketing, Creative Services, and Project Management has had a role to play in shaping her business and has also contributed largely towards its success. You will benefit from this experience too, as she really goes into a lot of detail about the skills and services that you need to have, in order to create a truly successful firm. Listen in now, to find out what Cynthia has to share with you. Show highlights: How Cynthia's past career created a framework and positioned her perfectly for an Interior Design business. Why the skill of listening is really so important, in the Interior Design business. Cynthia explains her approach to her clients because every client is really uniquely different. Some of the nuts and bolts of how Cynthia's management experience informed her, when she started out with her own business, twelve years ago. Why you really need to take great care of your vendors- and even possibly defend them at times. Creating the right balance between your strengths and weaknesses. The real value in making mistakes. The importance of ethical behavior, honour, and integrity, for your business. Cynthia explains how her business is set up and what it looks like. How to let your client know that you have their project under control. (Even if it doesn't seem that way for you at the time!) Some advice about home automation, for new Designers. Cynthia talks about her super powers. What made Cynthia transition her career to Interior Design. The better you are at what you do, the more in demand your services will be. Why it takes a lot of resilience, to start your own business. Learning to stand in your client's shoes, to really understand them. Cynthia's goals for the next few years. Cynthia discusses the creative aspects of working as an Interior Designer. Some advice for people who are trying to work out how to market their firm. The type of aesthetic that Cynthia prefers. Spinning your own take on a particular style. Creating your own brand. If you have used any Kravet product recently, take a picture of it, post it to social media, use the hashtag #instakravet and tag Kravet, as they will repost some of them. Links: Her social media: https://twitter.com/CynthiaSpenceSF #itsallabouttheedit https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaspencedesign/

My guest today is Maria V. Kutruff, principal of Viola Interior Design, which is located in the Philadelphia area. Over the last 14 years, Maria’s work has ranged from designing custom furniture to designing office spaces to the renovation of entire residences. She is active in the American Society of Interior Designers, having served on its board and received several awards. She received her master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Design from Drexel University, where she currently teaches design at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. Our focus today is around what it takes to be an adjunct professor, including the pros, the cons, and the nitty gritty. Join us! What you’ll hear in this episode: Why the curriculum is set up to help design students explore their creativity Our goal in teaching design: to learn about design first and then budget issues Advice to all design students: Take a business class not related to design Why Maria chooses to be an adjunct professor Stay open to new ideas and stay relevant! New things outside your comfort zone The endless possibilities in networking and connection Requirements to be an adjunct professor and the process in acquiring this position How to reach out to colleagues and cultivate a relationship with a university How to prepare your curriculum and how to teach it The time commitment required as an adjunct each week When mature decisions have to be made about balancing a design business and teaching Term-by-term flexibility as an adjunct Build up your credibility as a new adjunct The possibility that exists in having a full-fledged design career along with a corollary career as an adjunct Get to know people and bring value to them Resources: Drexel University Interior Design Program: http://drexel.edu/westphal/academics/undergraduate/INTR/ Maria's website: http://violainteriordesign.com Email Maria: [email protected]

The guest for today's Power Talk Friday is Jody Padar. She's a CPA and she also has a podcast called 'Let's Get Radical', so she goes by the name 'The Radical CPA'. Jody is the CEO and the Principal of New Vision CPA Group, which is a Public Accounting firm based in the Chicago area. Jody joined her father's firm more than ten years ago and today, we talk with her about what happened when she first joined, what it was like and what transpired from that. Listen in to find out more about Jody's radical approach to accounting and how it can really be of benefit to you, in your business. LuAnn knows that at times, we all have to hear the same thing a number times before the light bulb actually goes on in our heads. Jody, as The Radical CPA, has a very different way of going about helping business owners and small businesses to navigate their way around the accounting side of their businesses and stay on track. It's a far cry from the old and staid model of accounting and this is why LuAnn has invited her on the show today, to put the bug in your ear again and to remind you that it really is time to grow up and do things right in your business. So, listen in now, for some great insights from Jody, about how accounting technology can really work for you, in your business. Show highlights: Jody talks about what it was like when she joined her father's firm and what happened there, once she joined. The realization that Jody had about her business ten years ago, as a result of working with all the new technology and software that became available to her through the internet. How Jody banded together with other young CPA's seven years ago and they became coined as a movement of doing things in a different way- or Radical CPA's. The value and insight that a CPA should be bringing to a business, should be in in the forward-looking and the cash flow projections and helping to build the business. In the past, CPA's were so busy doing things, that they didn't have the time to step back and work in an advisory capacity. Now however, they can work in that capacity, because the technology is doing all the work that they used to have to do. What you, as small business owners or Interior Designers, need to know, in order to ask an Accountant or CPA the right questions. If you're still living in a paper world, the first thing is that you have to automate, because the power is in the data. Working with Cloud Based Accounting. You can put the information in and the technology (the software program) does 85% of the work. Jody suggests using Quick Books Online, or Zero. These will allow both you and your Accountant to log in to your data. Working with your Accountant, in order to realise your goals- It's important to think about where you want to go, in your business, because the way that your Accountant is going to work with you, will be based on your values. Why Jody thinks that CPA's stand in the best position, as Business Coaches. Accounting is the language of business, so you need to be open to the advice of your Accountant, to face the facts and grow your business. It's very important to find the right Accountant- the one that you can really relate to. New school Accountants are building advisory into their practices. It's best to work with an Accountant who is working in a timely manner, in real time. You want to be talking to your Accountant four times a year, at minimum. Most Radical CPA's work in a fixed fee model, charging a subscription based monthly fee. This is to encourage communication. Your choice of entity is your number one tax saving factor. Sales tax is a huge issue, so you, as Designers really need to talk to a professional about this. Avalara.com is a great place to go to check out the Sales Tax Laws. You need to keep trying until you find the Accountant who is exactly the right fit for you and your business. Links: Jody's website: www.newvisioncpagroup.com You can listen to Jody's podcast, Let's Get Radical, on iTunes or Stitcher. Jody on Twitter: @jodypadarcpa

Today we have Kamila Gornia, a Digital Marketing Strategist, on the show and she's here to help demystify Facebook Ads for us. LuAnn is particularly interested in this topic, because she herself, doesn't have a very good grasp on it. This means that she's tended to put the brakes on with the use of social media in her business, not really knowing if it would be effective enough to be worth spending money on. However, with all the reading and listening that she's been doing around this topic recently, she feels that the time has now come to get to understand it. LuAnn tends to make the assumption that if she's struggling to understand something, then others out there will surely be too, so listen in today, as Kamila helps you to understand how Facebook Ads really work. When Kamila was only twelve years old and still living in a small town in Poland, she got her first computer. This was very exciting for her, so she dove right in and got a little nerdy. She's the kind of person who, if she sees something that seems exciting to do, she just does it! So she learned HTML and created her first website around Japanese Manga and Anime comic books (not very popular in Poland), and started marketing– without even realizing that that was what she was doing! Her approach to it was very organic and the response that she got via the chat room culture of the time was great, so it actually took off. She found it pretty easy to bring on volunteers to help her to make this available to other people, because everyone was so excited about being part of this really cool venture, even though there was no money being made. She actually managed to get to forty thousand views, without any social media or pay traffic, in less than five months! Listen in now, to find out from Kamila how you can really get Facebook Ads to work for you and your Interior Design Business. Show highlights: Kamila explains about the two different camps of people when it comes to paid advertising on Facebook. Kamila explains the first things you need to know and have in place, before spending any money or putting your toe into the water of the ads and the paid portion of Facebook. Crafting an offer (or funnel) that you can send the Facebook Ads traffic to. You need to have a very specific and focused way of getting the traffic to your website, so Kamila gives you some really great options for this. Understand that with your email list, you are actually building an asset. Kamila gives some ideas for Interior Designers to create and grow a following. Why Kamila really likes creating quizzes. A mistake that many people tend to do, with making things DIY. Using E-books, Training Programs, Questionaires or Schedule a Call, to create a Call to Action to drive traffic to your website. The Design Industry is very visual, which makes the process a lot easier. Designing your Call to Action, based on your goals. How to format your Call to Action, through using Facebook Ads. Understanding who you're targeting and also what people will be seeing, with your Facebook Ads. What a Carousel Ad The images are the most important thing with Facbook Ads, then after that comes the headline and ad copy. Get straight to the point, with the copy in your ad. Working with Conversion Objective Ads, using pixels. (You can download a Facebook Pixel plug in.) How to add a snippet of code on your Thank You Page, to turn a conversation into a lead. This can be a more profitable way to do things. Understanding who your ads are going to be shown in front of- either a warm audience or a cold one. Creating a warm audience on your website, through using pixels with your Facebook advertising. What it would cost you, to create Facebook Ads. The prices really vary a lot. How much to budget for, if you're new to Facebook Advertising. Resources: Kamila's website: www.kamilasocial.com Her podcast: The Kamila Gornia Show: Entrepreneurship | Marketing | Leadership with Heart Behind Hustle

My guest for today’s amazing show is Candy Scott, the Principal of MOOD Design + Build, based in Chicago. She gives practical advice on launching, growing, and sustaining an interior design business. Candy has 15 years’ experience in both commercial and residential design. She graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, with a BS in Interior Design. You’ll hear her describe how her early experience working with a large developer and with large corporate clients, outfitting high-rise condominiums, lobbies, model homes, and showrooms all contributed to some of the principles and lessons she brings to her own business. She founded MOOD Design + Build in 2014, and continues to work with residential clients and small business owners with their homes, offices, and small-scale commercial interiors. Show highlights: Candy’s background and experience after design school Benefits to working at a furniture store, learning customer service and different segments of the business Making mistakes in the early years: “falling down and getting back up again” The consciousness it takes to “get out of the drama” Finding the place of relating to clients, vendors, and contractors with a sense of mutuality Meeting clients where they are: hearing their frustrations and fear The range of services offered by MOOD Design + Build How the design phase and the build phase differ Breaking down a project into smaller increments and tracking the data How to be the go-to for referrals for the business that larger firms don’t want Why you must attend networking events Weekly sales activity: why you can’t let this part of your business go Developing relationships with realtors Candy’s blog post with 7 Initial Questions for Developing a Beautiful Space and 5 Steps to Making a Beautiful Space (check out her website!) Resources: Candy’s website and blog: www.modddesignbuild.com Her Twitter: https://twitter.com/CandyScott_

Great news! We have Fred Berns back on the show today, for Power Talk Friday! Fred has been with LuAnn in episodes #22, #48, #96 and #174, so they really go way, way back! If you're new to this show, you have a really great treat in store, because Fred is a Coach, specializing in the Interior Design Industry. He has been coaching and writing promotional copy for Interior Designers for more than thirty years and he is the only Interior Design Business Coach and Speaker who creates promotional materials and personal bio's for Design Professionals, right across the world. Listen in to find out more. LuAnn just adores Fred, who has really brought so much value to the Design Industry! He creates online profiles, websites, social media copy, blogs, and marketing forums. Fred believes that the Fall, which he calls The Prime Time For Promotion For Designers, to be the very best time of year for Design Professionals to market themselves. Today, Fred and LuAnn discuss ways that you can sell yourself to the same customers and clients that you have, and also to some new ones, so listen in now, as we find out from Fred why he believes this to be the very best time for you to be promoting your business. Show highlights: Fred explains why he sees the Fall as the time for gold. Fred explains his concept of a September Letter and what should go into it. The main motive behind the September Letter is to re-introduce yourself to the market place and to remind them about the fabulous services that you have to offer, with your new, killer bio. All the different people that you could send a September Letter to. What Fred sees as the number one obstacle for Design Professionals around the world. Some great ideas for Fall Specials. Fred's thoughts on giving special offers, without having to lower your fees. Snail mail sometimes has more impact than emails. Fred goes over his Champions Checklist. LuAnn gives some great ideas for Marketing yourself in the Fall and building your networking muscle. Fred reminds you that you miss a hundred percent of the shots you didn't take. What your blog posts need to be addressing, right now. Some ideas for a Fall Fix Up Session. More good reasons for marketing yourself in the Fall. Both Fred and LuAnn are going to be at America's Mart, in Atlanta, in the last week of September. If you're looking for some help with your September Letter, or with your Fall Strategy, go to biobriefing.com for a thirty-minute session with Fred. Links: His website: InteriorDesignBusiness.net Fred's Email:[email protected]

You're probably wondering what LuAnn's doing here on a Thursday, right? Well, this is a news flash that needed it's own show and its own announcement, so here it is: LuAnn, together with Nancy Ganzekaufer, the first person on the show to introduce the concept of niching in Interior Design (episode #9), is launching a ten week, Live Coaching Session and it's called Money, Mindset And Sales. LuAnn really wants to make sure that you've heard about it and that you have the chance to be in on this program, so listen in now- it's going to be killer! Nancy and LuAnn hatched this idea about a week and a half ago after they had a conversation about how they both love talking to people and teaching them about sales and they've been discussing this idea, almost constantly, since then. They also really love to see the breakthrough when someone has a shift in mindset about something, so they made a snap decision to do a Coaching Session together. No grass grows under their feet, so listen in to find out how to really kick it out and bring it home in this year of 2017. Show highlights: Nancy was back on the show for episode #159 and there she gave a list of what you need to do, to get really confident and clear on what you offer to your Interior design clients. LuAnn explains how the program, which is starting on the 13th of September, is going to work. Every session will be recorded and made available to you in your inbox, on that day, in case the time zone doesn't work for you. You will also have access to LuAnn and Nancy through a Facebook Group, for your questions. There will be a limited number of people accepted for this program. The two free coaching sessions that you will get with this program. Together, LuAnn and Nancy have fifty years of experience in high ticket sales. LuAnn explains what her goals are, for this program. LuAnn discusses two more goodies that you will get, with this program. LuAnn talks about her book, The Making Of A Well Designed Business. LuAnn discusses Nancy's fifteen module course, called Nail Your Sales Training. LuAnn gives you the cost of their Money, Mindset, And Sales coaching session. Go to windowworks-nj.com/breakthrough for all the information and to see a video of LuAnn and Nancy describing the course. This course can really help you to kill it in the last quarter of 2017! Links: windowworks-nj.com/breakthrough