Business of Design® | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

Regardless of project size, every design professional must rely on quality trades to bring the project vision to life. As the project lead, you need to bring out the best in every team member, hold them to exacting standards and motivate them to go the extra mile. Not an easy task. However, when you have your A Team, you will work in harmony towards a single goal and a happy client. In this episode we learn: - the power and advantages of using the BOD™ 15 for large projects - when you have buying power, your suppliers will work for you - always treat every trade on your project like a trusted advisor - sometimes being a good team player means more listening than speaking - ask for an expert opinion, that creates mutual respect. - to build a relationship, get to know your trades outside their role on the job - give credit to the tradesperson when they’ve come up with a great solution It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Finding a quality candidate to join your team can be a nerve-wracking experience, says our recruitment expert in this episode. A good fit doesn’t happen automatically. Successful growth is the result of a strategic, multi-step hiring and onboarding process (like the one we teach at Business of Design®!). In this episode we learn: - hiring is a skill, and it requires a process to support it - don’t rush to hire a friend, put them through the same process as any other hire - a clear job description allows you to focus on the required skills - identify the tasks you hate doing and hire someone to do those tasks - always have a link to hiring on your website - effective training and onboarding is essential for success - use a multi-step process to lead to hiring It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

There is power in understanding and using your numbers to grow your business, make decisions and build long-term independent wealth. When you begin a diet, you look at the number to see where you are starting from. The same thing is true for any financial makeover. Your financial data is the key to unleashing your true potential. numbers. In this episode we learn: - your personal assets minus debt equals your net worth - use the 7% rule to determine when to pay off debt early - if you’re new to investing, invest in mutual funds to grow your wealth - the #1 reason most people don’t become rich - save first, even $50 per month will add up It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing the energy in living spaces, promoting well-being, balance, and prosperity. In this episode, we learn how to use some of the practical elements of feng shui in our own projects. In this episode we learn: - what Feng Shui is and how it works - to optimize your bedroom for better sleep and improved romance - a new way to look at artwork and how it may be influencing your life - how stagnant energy can block you from succeeding It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Auditing past projects and understanding how you spend your time and where you put your attention is a first step toward self-awareness as a business owner. Without that, it’s difficult to create a business that is in harmony with personal goals. With discipline and intention, it’s possible to design the business you’ve always dreamed of owning. In this episode we learn: - being self-aware is essential, if you plan to succeed - auditing your past projects reveals how you spend your time and where you put your attention - without focus, we are in danger of having our workday slip away - block time to develop your business - 9-minute blocks of time are ideal for focus - say 'no' to everything that distracts you from your mission It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Interior design professionals, while incredibly talented and hardworking are frequently not eloquent or succinct when offering their services or presenting their brands to clients. In this episode, the second of two parts, learn the 3 Es which will help you craft an unforgettable brand narrative designed to speak directly to your ideal client. In this episode we learn: - tap into the emotional reasons clients renovate or decorate - clients want a sense of belonging and to be seen and heard - a brand is a compilation of all the feelings we have about what we are about to purchase - 3 Es of good brand copy It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Interior design professionals, while incredibly talented and hardworking are frequently not eloquent or succinct when offering their services or presenting their brands to clients. In this episode, the first of two parts, learn the 3 Es which will help you craft an unforgettable brand narrative designed to speak directly to your ideal client. In this episode we learn: - stories make your brand “stickier”, so clients remember worthwhile things about your brand - why words matter more than ever (even in our highly visual industry) - key components of an unforgettable brand story - a simple shift in your mindset will help you write content for your brand - where to start when creating a brand story - a brand is a compilation of all the feelings we have about what we are about to purchase - 3 Es of good brand copy - buzz killers like “full-service design” should be avoided It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

It’s just another day at the office for Kimberley who is going to randomly select three emails from her inbox and share what’s happening on projects. In this episode we learn: - emails often contain high stakes requests for decisions - use updates from trades as the basis for updates to clients - read it twice…are you sure you didn’t miss something It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

One of the most common operational pitfalls any design professional encounters is a scope of work that is not clearly defined. Frequently, a lack of clarity around deliverables results in an excess of work that is unpaid and a chronic lack of profitability. In this episode we learn: - perfectionism and lack of clarity around scope lead to overwork and overwhelm - to avoid the tendency to over-deliver, you must clearly define the scope of work - the first time a client wants to work out of bounds is the most important time to say no - to avoid leadership bottlenecks, stick to process - time tracking provides invaluable insights for your business It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

We all have fears that center on our work life. Am I marketing enough, am I charging too little, am I pushing the envelope too far, will the clients hate this, how will I manage this delay, and on and on. Facing fear is part of the job, any job, and it’s never easy. Taking a pause before reacting to triggers is one way to gain perspective before any response, says our guest, Tina Ramchandani of NYC. In this episode we learn: - identify big picture goals before making changes in the business - fear = false evidence appearing real - avoid stagnation and try something new to get yourself out of a funk - design and business development are never a straight line - tune out the noise and follow your own intuition It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

There are so many interesting industries that are adjacent to and compatible with the work we do as design professionals. In this episode, married partners Michelle and Brandon Burbidge share how they added a lighting manufacturing company to their already thriving design businesses. In this episode we learn: - custom lighting is not much more expensive than off the shelf fixtures - having all her systems in place landed her the best job ever - no matter the business, you have to have process - doing more custom will level up your game as a designer - be aware that something can look the same, but be made of inferior materials It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Jennifer Bertrand burst onto the scene as a contestant on HGTV’s Design Stars. She won season three and since then, she’s focused her talent on social responsibility, helping families in transition and those with special needs. In this episode, Jennifer shares some expert guidance for creating homes where clients can age in place and live with dignity. In this episode we learn: - a television show gives you a foot in the door, but you have to do the work to milk the extra profile for all it’s worth - awareness of natural circadian rhythms allows you to design for better mental health - include zero clearance entry doors, no thresholds (curbless showers) - raising up the dishwasher and other kitchen appliances helps those who are wheelchair bound to work more effectively at home - voice activated technology is the future It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

All business owners must be leaders, with an ability to influence clients, trades, team members, suppliers etc. The good news is leadership skills can be learned. Listen in to this discussion about growth mindset, leadership mentality and how to operate from a position above the line. In this episode we learn: - anyone can be a strong leader, with the ability to influence others and take responsibility for projects - a growth mindset teaches you to always assess and keep moving forward - to strengthen a future forward attitude, connect it to your purpose and communicate it in a clear way - build resilience, as a business owner, you’ll need it - don’t label emotions as good or bad, just use them to see what you can learn It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Profitability per project is a vital metric for the successful design professional. Whether you work on an hourly fee or flat fee basis, knowing which projects and which categories of goods are profitable, can direct sourcing options, marketing efforts, and long-term plans for success. In this episode we learn: - profitability per project should be looked at in two ways—product and design hours (time) - tracking time allows you to verify the validity of your fee structure - every employee has a 'cost' to the bottom line, which should be recouped - fixed and hourly fee projects require analysis of resources (including time) to understand if the goal of the work has been achieved - having a true understanding of the hours worked per project (billable and non-billable), allows you to accurately measure profit based on time It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Each of us has a belief system built up around what we understand our worth to be. Often, we tell ourselves conflicting stories about our value is and when that confusion seeps into our client relationships, it causes real damage. In this episode, we discover the three pillars of a value belief system and learn how to impact them for more positive growth. In this episode we learn: - your worth is a combination of three beliefs: belief in yourself, belief in service and belief in the emotional and financial maturity of your client - we are in the business of transformation - by limiting what we present to clients, we deny them growth and transformation - to understand your value, consider how the client’s space will evolve or transform as the result of working with you - take a strategic pause at the end of a project or milestone and look for what went well It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Ideally, every business owner wants to have a lineup of customers and always know when the next job is coming. The most successful businesses sign projects via their pipeline, not chase their pipeline when projects dry up. Lack of consistent prospecting = inconsistent results and inconsistent revenue. In this episode we learn: - attract an abundance of potential clients with a well-tuned pipeline - consider marketing methods for increasing the number of potential clients - converting potential customers into paying projects is a primary focus - create an editorial calendar and use it to keep clients coming back It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Learning to think on your feet is critically important for the design professional. Taking an improv class can improve your ability to engage in a positive way with clients and stay in the moment; allowing you to problem solve more effectively. In this episode we learn: - improv prepares you for thinking on your feet - yes, opens doors and no, closes them - fearlessness is increased with improv training - don’t try to anticipate what the client is going to say, just wait and listen It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

The right lighting design adds texture, depth, mood, and character to spaces. Even gorgeous fabrics and furnishings fall short of their potential with poor lighting. In this episode, BOD™ BOSS Genevieve Wild discusses why you should never leave your lighting plan up to the electrician. In this episode we learn: - the right lighting makes the space, it is the 'icing on the cake' always have a considered, intentional lighting design - light the features in a room or space, avoid adding lights for the sake of generic light - avoid complicated, NASA-like switch panels throughout the house create lighting scenes for maximum impact - engage a lighting designer or enlist the assistance of your lighting suppliers - don't leave your lighting plan up to the electrician - layer lighting in a space to bring life, depth, mood and character It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

An efficient and elevated client intake is a critical part of creating a superior client experience. Determining whether the client is ideal for you, requires your focused attention as you seek to answer the potential client’s questions and provide an overview of your firm’s unique value. In this episode we learn: - the principal designer should not be the first person a prospective client speaks to - outsourcing client intake elevates your design firm's status and value to prospective clients - common red flags during the client intake - saying no to clients that aren't ideal allows you to say yes to clients that are ideal - always collect the consultation payment at the time of booking It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Old habits are difficult to break, but often these are the challenges that stand between you and success. Running an organized business means putting the end goal top of mind and then building the systems, structures, habits, and behaviors required to reach the goal. BOD™ BOSS Helen Austen shares her insights into running an organized business. In this episode we learn: - creative people and the tendency to be disorganized. - implement one step at a time - have a clear and documented system for everything! - fully commit to each system and take time to assess if it works - broad and simple is the rule - overwhelm is normal especially if there are many missing or incomplete systems It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

There is a definite connection between emotions and productivity. To avoid overwhelm, it’s important to understand and utilize the four elements of productivity: emotion, energy, time, focus. In this episode we learn: - replace means goals(the things that get you what want, like $$$) with end goals(the results you want to experience) - time management issues come from not focusing on the right goal - lack of energy/inconsistent energy occurs when we create a negative emotionally based cycle that keeps us from eating well, sleeping well, and moving your body consistently - our perceptions of childhood experiences and the voices of authority figures create negative stories that stick with us and block us from fully exploring and boldly going after our dreams - when we identify our true focus, we can use that to allocate how we want to spend our time It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Kylee Dean is a BOD™ BOSS design superstar from Las Vegas. During this episode, Kylee reveals her process for anticipating trouble on jobsites and creating process to avoid challenges and run projects more smoothly. In this episode we learn: - calendar the week ahead in detail - always ask yourself… if THIS happens, what and who will be impacted - set clear expectations - teach your GC, installers, and trades how YOU run your business - check all purchases for accuracy - anything important should be explained to clients verbally and in writing - never rely on GCs or installers to completely understand your design through drawings alone – schedule site visits regularly It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

As design professionals, we are called on to do more than create beautiful spaces. We play a critical role in helping our clients make informed decisions about how to best allocate their renovating or decorating dollars. In this episode, we dive into the key considerations for advising clients on where to splurge and where to save. From the perfect sofa to the right lighting, we'll talk vendor categories and give tips and insights to help you make smart, informed recommendations every time. In this episode we learn: - figure out what clients get really excited about and splurge in that category - keep a close eye on exactly where you are in your project budget - even if you can afford it, always assess if it’s actually the best option - invest in the future of your business so you get advice on how best to move forward It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Live from KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas! From their roots as a bathtub manufacturer to building award winning golf courses, the creativity and entrepreneurial energy of Kohler and their associates has built them into one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kimberley is joined on stage by Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability and DEI Officer at Kohler, as they discuss how we use innovation and design to be responsive to major trends that influence how we live and work. This panel discussion took place live, onsite at KBIS 2023 in the Kohler Booth. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

January was a busy month at BOD™ with ongoing inquiries about what it takes to become a BOD™ BOSS. In this episode, Cheryl Horne and Janeen Laudenback join Kimberley to review the BOD™ BOSS process and what’s in it for you. In this episode we learn: - it’s not about time on the job - it’s not about the number of people on your team - it is about drive and ambition It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

When life throws you a curve ball, like getting fired for example, what do you do? Well, according to rug designer, Julie Dasher, you pivot toward your passion. Not only was Julie able to tap into her creative side, but she was also able to channel that previously unexplored side of her personality into a lucrative business. Today, Julie and her husband work side by side with a network of female rug weavers and the intention of helping them earn more money by shortening the supply chain. In this episode we learn: - pursue your passion and the money will follow (provided you also apply your business skills) - helping others can give you a sense of purpose - everyone is an artist—find your medium - visualize your dreams and the universe will deliver - persistence pays off It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

How to define what’s in this episode….hmmmmm. Kimberley and her friend, actor and comedian, Marilyn Smith discuss life—ageism, sexism, setbacks and how to survive. In this episode we learn: - put it in writing before you change your life for an opportunity - journaling can help unlock the next path - failure or a roadblock can bring the best results It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

The journey to running a mature, profitable design firm is rarely an easy one. In this episode, Advocate-in-Chief, Kimberley Seldon shares some anecdotes on the path to success. In this episode we learn: - clients will follow whatever rules you give them, so don’t give them lousy rules - years on the job does not guarantee success or even progress - sometimes our job is to say no, early in the project - the surest way to destroy project success is to allow clients to take the lead It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Without confidence, the interior design professional can never really thrive. Thankfully, confidence is something you can learn and emulate. Designer Eric McClelland shares some tips and tricks for staying confident, even in the toughest situations. In this episode we learn: - limit project diversions initiated by the client—have a swift response and keep the project on track - 20 years ago, most designers did better work, since clients weren’t getting as involved - a concise concept eliminates some of the shopping that clients might do on their own - staying firm in your first choice (vs. backpedalling) is a display of confidence—- it’s hard to exude confidence if you are backpedalling - sometimes our job is to say no, early in the project - use budget as the condition for changing your choices - when a client wants you to price multiple options, let her know it will create additional design fees It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Practice makes perfect is an expression that’s familiar to all. While most of us don’t aim for perfection in our work life, we do desire mastery of the skills that allow us to deliver on the promise of our brands. Although it’s tedious, we will get better at what we practice. In this podcast, BOD™ Advocate in Chief asks us to consider: If I get good at what I practice, what am I practicing? In this episode we learn: - stating your boundaries without justification takes courage, but the result is greater confidence - practice saying no without qualifying - defend an expensive item you’ve proposed if it is important to the project - the goal is defending your first choice is not to “win”, it’s to stand strong in your conviction. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

To achieve different results and create the business you’ve dreamed of you must first recognize that what you are doing now isn’t working or isn’t working well enough. Hear how Business of Design® BOSS member and now, BOD™ Australian business coach, transformed her failing business in less than one year. In this episode we learn: - begin the process of converting your existing clients and project to the BOD™ 15 Step Project Management strategy asap - don’t look back—trust the results will far outweigh any discomfort as you implement new methods - use the BOD™ contract and read it line by line (it works in Australia; it’s all Jodie uses) - take a large retainer, it’s imperative to your success - log every single hour you work on a project - knowledge is power It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Wouldn’t it be amazing if your clients actually got the warm and fuzzies from the gifts you give them? Strategic gifting can lead to increased referrals, longer retention, and an elevated client experience. Everyone loves to be surprised and delighted by an unexpected and personalized gift. A gifting system make this relationship building exercise part of your turnkey client experience. In this episode we learn: - gifting without a strategic plan will lead to an inconsistent and lackluster experience for your client - quality over quantity is a good motto (the good stuff isn't cheap, and cheap stuff isn't good) - nobody needs another branded mug; gifts should be personalized and used frequently - gifting during non-peak seasons allows you to stand out from the crowd - business is about relationship building and gifting is unconditional, there are never strings attached It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

For too long, the Black family home has been left out of the story of America—a missing character. Authors Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason felt it was time to write that story. The result is a book that celebrates the beauty, culture and creativity that’s always been present, but too often ignored. In this episode we learn: - home is more than a place to live for Black families who have been denied for hundreds of years - the connections we all make to home are deeply powerful - despite imaginary divisions, we all need the same things - for too many Black homeowners, there are still a variety of overt and hidden roadblocks to owning a home - race covenants were a direct path to excluding Black families from home ownership - the Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968 - today, fewer Blacks own homes than their parents’ generation did It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

In working together for 15 years, Kimberley and Cheryl have developed a deep and lasting bond. In this special episode, Business of Design® Advocate in Chief, Kimberley shares what she sees as 15 (there are many more) of Cheryl’s most significant superpowers, things she’s learned from Cheryl. Enjoy! WE'RE CELEBRATING 300 EPISODES! In celebration of this very exciting milestone, Team BOD™ wants to celebrate our members, loyal listeners, community, and followers! As our thank you for being part of our amazing community, for one week only, use promo code EPISODE300 to get $50 off your first month of membership. Already a member? We have something for you too. Head to Business of Design®’s Instagram account and get entered to win a 1-hour coaching call with Kimberley! Valued at $525. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Sierra Collins recently returned from High Point Market where she met with our first BOD™ BOSS Group and introduced them to one of her favorite tools for achieving more in less time with fewer distractions. This tool allows individuals to merge their personal and professional lives into one, in order to live every day with greater intentionality. In this episode, we’re going to talk about the 5 areas that you must have clarity around, both personally and professionally, in order to be more intentional in your goal setting, and in your life. In this episode we learn: 1. Core Values - If someone were to ask you right now what your core values are, you should not hesitate. Core values are a set of fundamental beliefs that inform how you conduct your life, both personally and professionally. 2. Priorities - Take time to reflect on your priorities in life then let those priorities guide your decision-making. 3. Purpose - If you do not have a purpose statement for your life, it's time to write one. This is what will get you up in the morning! 4. Where You Are - I use a tool called the Wheel of Life to identify my current level of satisfaction in each area of life, ensuring I am not neglecting things that will help me achieve a more well-balanced life. 5. Where You Want To Be - This is your vision for the future, both personally and professionally. Do you have a clear vision statement? It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Connecting with like-minded design professionals at industry events is a great way to build a support network as well as elevate your business by building relationships with the luxury brands and services that help make these events possible. Marla Baker is a recognized Design Community Advocate who works to connect designer with the brands, events, educational seminars and conferences that provide so many opportunities to them and their businesses. In this episode we learn: - the importance of attending in person events - don’t be afraid to promote yourself - if you want to speak at events, start by attending - how to build confidence whether you’re looking to network or get on stage as a speaker - to ask for help and share candidly to connect with like-minded designers It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Trying out a new tradesperson can be stressful. Multiply that by a factor of ten when the new trade is a general contractor. In this episode, Kimberley talks to her newest A team contractor, Ryan Rodrigues, about how to create a more efficient process as partners. In this episode we learn: - make the big decisions, don’t ask your client to - bring your client solutions, not questions - it’s critical to stay ahead of the GC - don’t negotiate price with your contractor, educate the client or change the scope of work It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

No job is a simple job, and some days are tougher than others. Listen in as BOD™ Advocate in Chief, Kimberley Seldon, meets with her A team to solve some job site challenges in real time. In this episode we learn: - always tackle the toughest job first (eat the frog) - ask your trades to be present when you tell clients about any big setback on a project - when ordering plumbing fixtures, doors, etc. ask the supplier if you are going to need anything else for the installation - you are not alone It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Design has an obligation to be responsive to the challenges facing the world: aging in place, environmental sustainability, inclusion, urbanization, health, and wellbeing. In this episode, we’ll hear how we can impact the choices our clients make and why that’s more important than ever. In this episode we learn: - the goal is to design for compact spaces that conserve water, provide a habitat for plants and animals, keep temperatures cool, and improve air quality and livability - how the places, spaces, and environments we design seamlessly support diverse activities and the intersection of work and home - steps design professionals can take to address environmental issues It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Prop styling is an art unto itself, as every design professional knows. Getting the setting right and offering an authentic glimpse into the client’s home is the best way to create photos that appeal to your new and ideal clients. In this episode we learn: - to learn the skill, assist a stylist who has experience - designing and styling are two different talents—bring a stylist in before a home is photographed so they can give it that lived in look with accessories, art, books, flowers, pillows, and throws - projects should feel realistic to achieve the biggest impact - it’s important to shoot your best projects even when work is slow - find a place to keep inspiration ideas so you’ll have them when the time comes It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Let’s face it. Life happens. When it does, mustering the courage to go forward, one baby step at a time, walking directly into the center of the storm may be the fastest way to get you safely to the other side. Today’s guest, textile designer, Sarah Von Dreele, has her own survivor story to tell, complete with a very happy ending. In this episode we learn: - there is learning and healing that comes from going right through a challenge - allow facts and data to guide all decisions - baby steps and a healthy dose of patience are required to succeed - allow the experts around you to give you essential guidance - focus on expenses that drive revenue It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Business of Design® member, Christian Warren, is an interior designer living in Los Angeles, with a business that is currently serving clients exclusively in Memphis Tennessee. What? Christian started her interior design business in 2018 while living in Memphis, and when life took some unexpected turns, she found herself in Los Angeles, California. Now, she’s starting over, but she wants to start from her elevated positioning. In this episode we learn: - how to start over in a new location without giving up the expert positioning you established for yourself already - where to invest marketing efforts - make the most of every opportunity It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

It’s time to re-write your bio if you are not getting the exact clients and projects you want. By focusing on the 4 Ps—positioning, press, paid speaking, and partnerships—you can transform your brand. In this episode we learn: - narrow your focus to target the right clients - create strong positioning - back up positioning with press - consistency is essential - partner with companies who have the clients you want in order to fill the pipeline It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Following the Business of Design® 15 Step Project Management Strategy takes the guesswork out of project management and allows you to deliver on time, on budget results, every time. The BOD™ 15 are a series of client-facing protocols, but behind the scenes there is a lot more to consider to run your business. These are your team-facing procedures. Listen in to our last BOD™ Live conversation, lead by Janeen Laudenback, Director of Leadership & Engagement. In this episode we learn: - what team-facing procedures are - why team-facing procedures are important - the key is communications - when to discuss policies and procedures with your team - how to create an effective onboarding process for new staff / contractors It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Yes, it is possible to consistently protect your margins. Getting clear about which vendors and suppliers help you do that is critical for every design professional who intends to sustain the business and be profitable. In this episode we learn: - stop chasing tiny discounts—your time is valuable so pause to consider the profit first - be transparent with clients about pricing - never ship “curb side”, deliver to a receiver and install properly - like a good travel guide, the design professional keeps clients informed about what’s happening next and when It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

When members of our community get together to share experience and expertise, we all gain. In this episode, BOD™ Member Dane Austin, takes over the mic and talks with fellow design professional, Sashya Thind, about how when your process is structured, it allows the creativity to flow. In this episode, you will learn: - If the process is structured, the creativity can flow - The more people you hire, the easier your job gets, the easier your life gets - The importance of defining the scope of work, what’s included, and what isn’t - The value of charging for the consultation - A hybrid model of charging for your design fees - To make sure all decision makers are involved and talk about money early - If you want the best results, be the expert in the room It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

BOD™ BOSS member, Helen Austen launched her first business as a professional organizer, and it wasn’t long before happy clients started asking her to decorate and renovate for them. Today, she’s managing two businesses, and working to transition her organizing firm into a robust and profitable design firm—all while accelerating that growth with a BOD™ BOSS Group. Helen is a pro at making a swift decision that leads to immediate change…. follow her lead. In this episode we learn: - there is real intimacy when you are organizing someone’s home - your contract is your business partner - be careful how you are training your clients - charge more and don’t look back - go to the BOD™ Elite Retreat, the home tours are the icing on the cake—the learning is actionable and transformative It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Some days, it seems all we do is make decisions. Even choices with relatively small consequences can weigh heavy on the mind of the hard-working interior design professional. In this episode, we’ll look at the science behind decision making and get some expert advice on how to arrive at a sane choice in a timely fashion. In this episode we learn: - just by taking on the myriad decisions required for any design project, you are offering value to your clients - there is no guaranteed outcome or reaction, so take the pressure off yourself to hit a perfect target - when proposing one option over another, share the pros and cons of each choice - stress less over decisions that are easily reversable - standards and protocols eliminate decision fatigue in many ways - go with your gut if the stakes aren’t too high and it’s impossible to get more information It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Today’s episode follows interior designer (and BOD™ Advocate-in-Chief) through a typical day. From fabricators to Starbucks to TV production meetings to a cottage jobsite, Kimberley shares candidly, as usual. In this episode we learn: - create site notes (meeting updates) while still on site so everything is fresh in your mind - make note of phone calls, texts and emails attended to for all projects, all the time Thank you to our sponsor, Daniel House Club! It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Many staging professionals are approached by clients to continue the relationship by decorating the new home. It’s a big transition, because although these two businesses (staging and design) are compatible, they require vastly different procedures and different business models. In this episode, you’ll hear from Leia T. Ward, a Connecticut design professional who recently added design and decorating to her successful staging company. In this episode we learn: - staging and design are compatible businesses, but the business models are vastly different - an advantage of staging is the instant gratification - define your aesthetic and stick to it - never watch the competitors—focus on you - be a mentor and teach newbies how to run a business - treat your vendors like gold It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast