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

If you want to feel truly empowered and liberated in your business, then accept responsibility for everything. Once you do that, when problems arise, you have agency to fix them. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by an A-Team that has your back at all times. Yes, there's risk, but there’s also risk when you allow others to take the lead on the project. Own it and feel the power! In this episode we learn: - take the lead on the project - build a reliable A-Team and you will take care of each other - set a kickoff meeting with everyone involved in the project - be clear and concise with all client and trade communication - set and stick to hard boundaries - blow them away on presentation day - weekly email updates are a must Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Marketing is a struggle for many interior design firms. In this episode, SEO expert Daniela Furtado shares specific tools to understand how search works and what to do to get your firm found. In this episode we learn: - narrow your position to target your ideal client - use bottom of the funnel key words to attract your ideal client - assess the traffic, once you add the key words - refine your marketing until you are getting the leads you want - have a clear call to action - pay attention to Google’s algorithm: technical, content, back links, local, and user experience Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

If you are working in or working towards delivering a luxury experience to clients, then think carefully before asking them to complete some task on your behalf? Measure the mattress, pick up tiles, receive deliveries…all of these tasks are better left to professionals and not your clients, so says Kimberley. And by the way, she has a lot of opinions in this episode. In this episode we learn: - watch where you put the monkey - even if a request sounds simple, avoid asking your clients to work for you - anticipate future project needs and you’ll look like a rock star Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

What happens when you lose everything? Well, if you can embrace adaptability and reinvent yourself, says Ami McKay, you can emerge more powerful than ever before. If you need a new beginning, then this episode is for you. In this episode we learn: - embrace adaptability and reinvention - build a supportive and positive team and internal network - draw strength from resilience - prioritize joy from within - step out of your comfort zone and leverage past learnings and a measured mindset when faced with risks and challenges Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

If you've ever thought of a brand extension, this is your episode. From building a social media following to raising venture capital, Nicole Gibbons shares first-hand knowledge of her own path to business success. In this episode we learn: - decide what kind of business you’re want to build and test the desirability of prototypes - decide how much capital you need, if you plan to scale the business - identify your business' unique competitive advantage - how licensing works Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Interior design business owners are frequently focused on client facing experience, and that’s important, but your team is having an experience working with you too. Setting a healthy culture for everyone in your business orbit is within your power. However, if you are constantly focused on the next task and ignoring sustainable process, it’s a recipe for disaster. To grow your business without compromising creativity and quality, implement systems to build a better culture and foster collective wellbeing. In this episode we learn: - there is a tangible cost to working out of balance and without process - avoid judging success only by the bottom line - a desire to grow might be hurting the collective wellbeing of clients, team and community - sometimes you have to step out of doing the day to day tasks to become a strategic leader - what can entrepreneurs learn from large corporations - operations manuals sets culture and honors the boundaries of teammates Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

So many design professionals dream of hiring an office manager to, well, manage the office day-to-day. What’s that like? What are the benefits and challenges of adding this person to your team? What should you pay for the service? Should this person be a designer? In this episode, non-designer Hilaire Martin, answers all these questions and more. In this episode we learn: - what’s the difference between a COO and an Office Manager - what size firm would benefit from an office manager - be honest with yourself, it’s OK if your current process isn't working - map out your internal process, especially the client facing side of your business - good motivation vs. bad motivation for hiring an office manager - start small and identify one area you want to improve - define what you want to accomplish for that one area - celebrate the small and big wins Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com

In this solo episode, Kimberley shares a current job frustration. She asks the question, how complicated can it be to make over a set of stairs. The answer may surprise you. In this episode we learn: - there's no such thing as an easy job - working with a reliable team of professional trades is the best way to ensure projects run smoothly Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

If you want to gain more from Instagram than praise from fellow designers, than you have to get intentional. Your ideal client is likely online and looking for you. Have you peppered your feed with the kind of information that she’s looking for? SEO and UX expert, Darla Powell, says anyone can create a compelling message and reach their ideal clients. In this episode we learn: - optimize your user handle and name on your Instagram account - grow your account with proactive engagement - engage with suppliers and vendors if your clients are doing the same - growing an online presence is a long-game - authenticity will attract your ideal clients Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

It’s all too evident that many professionals within the design industry are out of step with the latest technology available in the lighting category. Too many decisions about lighting come down to, “that’s just how we’ve always done it”. Designing your lighting plan early and consulting a lighting expert is the most effective way to enhance the quality interior design scheme you created. In this episode we learn: - how to bring technology into the home without it looking industrial or institutional - your lighting drawing from 2023 should not look exactly like your lighting drawing from 1985 - design early to accommodate everything on the client’s wish list - create lighting scenes for the best impact - a light fixture costs more because it is a better functioning - verify lead times and stick to realistic schedules Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

The designer’s journey towards mastery is a complicated path. You manage trades, clients, and staff. In addition, for those who procure products for your clients, you manage suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers. Given time, you develop a strong relationship with your best suppliers and finding the latest, best product is as simple as reaching out to the providers you know well. But none of us can afford to be complacent as new products emerge rapidly. That means we not only rely on an A-Team of suppliers, but we are continually scanning the horizon to find out what’s new and stay ahead of our clients’ knowledge base. In this episode we learn: - it takes 21 impressions for a new brand to register with a client - a journey map of your brand experience can identify areas that are working well and those that need improvement - A.C.E. the journey, A awareness, C consulting, E executing - modernize your approach to sales; it’s a new world now Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting a design book published and wondered what exactly is involved, then this is your episode. Dallas designer, Courtney Warren wrote her first book and shared some of the challenges (it’s a real drain on your time) and the rewards of getting to print. In this episode we learn: - don’t underestimate the amount of time it will take to write the book and then work with the publisher to promote the book - having an office manager who can run the business when you are pulled away for writing or editing, is a good idea - when your publisher needs something, you’ll need to drop everything in order to meet the timelines - publishing is not a free ride toward promotion, you’ll need to do most of the leg 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

While giving back is on a lot of designers' wish lists, many are not yet making the income to pay it forward or are already working overtime to manage their paying client workload. In this episode, we talk about the benefits to philanthropy and how to be discerning as you assess opportunities. In this episode we learn: - the benefits of philanthropy include greater confidence, a richer local network and the joy of making a difference - not every opportunity is worthwhile or prudent, consider your why before saying yes It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

None of us wants to live with constant stress, but in this episode, Kimberley explores the upside to a little healthy, motivating tension. Tension is the indicator light, alerting you to a decision ahead or a situation that needs your attention. In this episode we learn: - always be open to discovering where you need to update your process - do what you can to keep an awesome employee but don’t over-compensate, you may prevent yourself from the benefits of a new hire and fresh ideas - lowering your prices to land your dream job may not be the wisest choice - learn when to let go of sunk costs It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Having a business partner sounds like heaven to most solo-preneurs. In this episode, we hear from a husband-and-wife team, who use give and take to create a seamless experience for their ideal clients. In this episode we learn: - increase your service and you increase your net worth - professional design is not for everyone, not every client is ideal - get a clear understanding of how your business makes money - taking the wrong client has consequences - communicate your value by using business language like ROI, LTV, CAC, TAM, SAM, EBITDA - part of any design job is to be empathic to your customers’ needs - be future focused, keep your eye on the horizon - never let clients dictate your process It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Frustrated with the shoddy professional practices of local renovation firms in her native Bangalore, designer Aashita Chadha had an idea. Why not create a design firm where the goal is to make the clients’ needs a top priority? Through innovative problem-solving, she and her husband are putting enjoyment back into the renovation process for their clients. In this episode we learn: - empathizing with your client allows you to focus on creating a more satisfying experience - clients must be aware of everything that is happening on site at all times - answer the client’s questions before they ask - share personal stories when you need to convince a client to trust your suggestions for a product or design idea - clients are unique beings with diverse personalities so adjust your communication style to match theirs It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

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