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

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

I feel I have a good topic for the podcast and that is of a client who the 15 steps did not work well for. Wondering if the 15 steps are not right for every client or did I do something wrong?! I feel other listeners may have similar experiences with clients and how to handles them. I'd like to share the experience I am having with this client, what went wrong and when and how I'm coping with them right now and any advice Kimberly has for handling clients like this! In this episode we learn: - how to prevent clients from second guessing your selections - how to deal with a client who wants to change everything - on the lookout for the flip flopper - advice for the client who goes off the rails - why changing your process isn’t the solution sometimes 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 earn a healthy living and set aside money for your own personal wealth. That should be the goal for any business owner—yup, even you. It’s time to put aside the stories we tell ourselves to justify our decisions around money. In this episode we talk to Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, to learn how and when to start investing for your future. In this episode we learn: - you can’t just wait for the right time; start investing from day one - you don’t have to go big to get started, small things matter - nobody wins from you playing small - you don’t need to wear all the hats 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 design business owners are great at their area of expertise and have grown their business to the point that they need a team, but not just any team. Your next best hire will change everything. Since hiring is a project, we break it down so you can do it correctly from the start. In this episode we learn: - attracting great people starts with targeted marketing strategies to position your job openings as compelling - it's ok to repel people who are not a fit - interviewing is an easy conversation when you have proven questions that invite storytelling - selecting your newest team member is a decision point that affects the whole team, don't make it alone - onboarding new people requires its own set of protocols 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 want a faster way to build a better business, but there’s no getting around it—dramatic improvements require a methodical, strategic approach. In this episode, Kimberley distinguishes client facing results from team facing actions that must be taken. In this episode we learn: - glossy images in a magazine or on a website are the result of good business practices - an A team is made possible by the systems they follow - you don’t rise to a goal, you fail to your weakest system 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™ member, Brooke Aitken has some questions about how the main teachings of Business of Design™ apply to her business, as an architect rather than an interior designer. While Broke says BOD™ stopped her from throwing the towel in and gave her renewed hope for her business, she still has lots of ambition and is looking for the next push. In this episode we learn: - keep your contract simple enough for anyone to understand it - don’t compromise on quality or principles - avoid giving clients homework; you work for them, not the other way around - tighten the timeline from BOD™ STEP 1-5 for real success 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 earn a healthy living and set aside money for your own personal wealth. That should be the goal for any business owner—yup, even you. It’s time to put aside the stories we tell ourselves to justify our decisions around money. In this episode we talk to Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, to learn how and when to start investing for your future. In this episode we learn: - revenue is a vanity metric - there are key metrics to look at when reviewing your P&L - how often you should be looking at the numbers - you need to look backwards to plan ahead - understand the season of your business—is it a slow time, or you spent a lot of money in marketing recently - you can’t just wait for the right time; start investing from day one - you don’t have to go big to get started, small things matter - nobody wins from you playing small - you don’t need to wear all the hats It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a board of directors (B.O.D., see what we did there?) then this is your episode. Kimberley interviews three awesome BOD™ BOSS Members who share tips on how to remain accountable, stay inspired and reach greater heights at every stage of your business. In this episode we learn: - there is no single action that will transform your business—it takes a strategic, multi-pronged approach - determine tasks/roles that can be outsourced—it’s impossible to succeed alone - the boss gets to choose how the business is set up; you can’t do everything and you’re not a victim - find a posse whose ambition and drive matches your own 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™ member, Brooke Aitken has some questions about how the main teachings of Business of Design™ apply to her business, as an architect rather than an interior designer. While Broke says BOD™ stopped her from throwing the towel in and gave her renewed hope for her business, she still has lots of ambition and is looking for the next push. In this episode we learn: - it really is possible to present the full design scheme at STEP 5 - what happens when you can’t legally buy and sell furniture - nailing down an install date is possible with the BOD™ 15 It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Getting published is still the dream for many design professionals, but there’s more to life than print. Digital coverage and social media campaigns that target your ideal clients are a worthwhile way to get noticed. In this episode we learn: - narrow your goals to a specific publication - research publications to determine best submission practices for the editors - a perfect pitch email includes the number of images, summary of project and what makes the work stand out It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast - reach out to editors and ask what they want you to submit for consideration - always proofread your pitch - know the publication and pitch them what they want

Essentials of a High-Converting Interior Design Portfolio Learn the essentials that will help you turn your design portfolio (the second most visited page on your website) to a thriving marketing tool. Katie O’Brien shares tools to create a high-converting design portfolio that transforms browsers into clients. In this episode we learn: - analyze current website traction to determine where browsers click through and where you lose them - website copy is commonly overlooked on interior designers' portfolio pages—a few lines of copy go a long way - give individual projects their own pages and use these subpages to tell the story of your client and the project - hire a professional photographer and create a consistent look throughout your website - only showcase projects you want more of - use clear calls to action on every page 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 happens to all of us—project or career overwhelm. It might be too many items on the to-do list, or maybe you don’t have enough help. You might have too many jobs, or not enough jobs, or the right number of jobs but a project that is suffering from bad luck setbacks. While there are many catalysts to overwhelm., spotting the symptoms early can help you turn things around. In this episode we learn: - separate facts from thoughts and start feeling better immediately - make strong decisions to avoid decision fatigue - embrace discomfort by naming and noticing sensations in your body - be aware of negative self-talk - notice where you seek a distraction from doing the task ahead It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

I've had my hand in the creation of thousands of pieces of custom furniture. Not only am I an expert at how furniture is built and the different options that make it what it is, but we also work with a huge variety of designers. From single designers just getting their feet wet to established designers with decades of experience and a 50 person staff. From SF to NYC to Miami to STL. This gives me an interesting perspective on what custom is being made. In this episode we learn: - sit on everything and set a standard for your clients - discuss the wood species with the builder, use less expensive varieties for hidden details - stick to sheet and tube metal to keep pieces affordable - sell the process to your clients - custom is not a commodity, feel good about this purchase It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Construction law specialist, Thomas Nation of Harrion Clark Rickersbys shares his insights into the complex relationship between clients, designers, and money. Protecting yourself from litigation may just be a matter of clarity. In this episode we learn: - clarity around money is required by law - proper insurance is essential protection - a professional contract must also be legally enforceable - it’s illegal to make any profit which is not disclosed and agreed to - two terms, agent and principal, are reviewed in detail 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 there is no single method for protecting yourself and your business from legal trouble, a Swiss cheese defence—multiple layers of protection that work together—is a solid approach you can rely on. Jamie Lieberman of Hashtag Legal shares her experience helping entrepreneurs with the protections they need to safely run their businesses. In this episode we learn: - how to disclaim responsibility and limit liability when trades are hired by the client - becoming a general contractor may be a way to remain compliant with local laws - it’s smart to have excellent business insurance - before you get hit with a lawsuit, you will have an opportunity to agree on a solution - a lawyer can be instrumental in pre-litigation - do not use text messaging for client communication 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 this episode, Kimberley speaks with BOD™ member, Mehnaz Malik about an important change she will make to her contract. In this episode we learn: - a contract with clear and easily understood language provides added protection TAKE AWAY Hey, who knows more about design than you?? No one! Please be part of the podcast by sending us what you love about your contract. Record a short message with your name, company, insta handle and what you love about your contract, or what you need to change. Send your audio file to [email protected]. Thank you.

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. So says Business of Design® CFO, Larry Goldberg. Find out why analytics are the difference between mediocre success and a business that’s fully optimized in every way. In this episode we learn: - if you can measure it, you can manage it - financial metrics propel us to make important changes on an ongoing basis - key metrics are different in every business, but every business has them procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Suppliers and trades raising their rates or tacking on extra delivery, freight, moving charges. It seems like everyone is raising rates. Why? For one, they are actually impacted by cost increases, like fuel or supply chain issues, and because they can. Most companies are not waiting for permission to do that. Are you waiting for permission to give yourself a raise? Hmmm. In this episode, you’ll hear from BOD™ Member, a very talented interior designer from Sydney Australia. Marylou Sobel, who had a few questions about raising your rate, charging travel fees, and communicating fees to clients. In this episode we learn: - it’s ok to raise your rates, in fact, it’s important to do so - how to answer a question about markups during the first call - charging for travel is part of your business model 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 It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

2020 and 2021 kept most of us home for extended periods of time. The benefit of all this has been an increased appreciation for the comforts of home (or lack thereof). The result of this new or greater awareness is that many are now willing to invest more into creating comfortable homes that support a happier, healthier lifestyle. That’s great news for the interior design professional, but it’s not without its challenges. Supply chain issues and the resulting delays are frustrating, but they can be managed more effectively by relying on A-Team suppliers and vendors. In this episode we learn: - help your suppliers by providing drawings, inspiration photos and as much detail as possible - provide max and min dimensions to assist with sourcing - provide project budget where possible - identify rush jobs up front - prepare clients for ongoing supply chain 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

To create authentic spaces that resonate deeply, we must consider the personality of the client, the personality of the site and the personality of the architecture, says landscape architect Lanson B. Jones. We discuss the 3 Ps and how to lean into them for the most impact. In this episode we learn: - clients have built in preferences which you can’t fight - never fight with the architecture - the site must be respected to achieve harmony - start small and blow up the design - bring uniqueness into every design - mirror and pattern the internal and external details of the architecture - always tour museums that are homes or gardens It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Building an A Team involves more than just finding the right contractor. Vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers can be partner, helping you build a business that is personally and professionally satisfying and profitable. Choose your vendors wisely say brothers, Peter and Alex Spalding of Daniel House Club. In this episode we learn: - stop chasing small discounts—tiny savings are not worth the additional time and hassle - don't shop at stores that are not created to serve the designer best - reliable, trade-oriented vendors will be there when something goes sideways - don't buy a paper clip if you don't have to (watch expenses) It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

I landed the project! Isn’t that what we all hope to say each time we go to a consultation? Listen to new BOD™ member Heather Ferreras-Tokan share how she conquered her fear and insecurities and asked for the flat fee she needed to do her best work. In this episode we learn: - when discipline becomes a way of life, success is nearly guaranteed - how to use the phrase, “in my experience” - make your to do list on your log sheets and you’ll capture all the time you devote to projects - how to use the READ method for communication It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Our brains are wired to filter out information that is unnecessary; that’s why marketing fails so often. To get through the filter and get your client’s attention, you’ll have to do something radical—you’ll have to get different. Author and entrepreneur advocate, Michael Michalowicz shares his solution to the highly ignorable marketing trap. In this episode we learn: - organize clients by revenue spent and their crush factor (how much you love working with them) - find out where your ideal clients converge and market there - avoid being highly ignorable, approach clients in a way that gets their attention - perform your own R&D (rip off and duplicate) - be the true you; lean into it - be strategic about the mediums your market in (e.g., blog, tv, print ad, Facebook ad, etc.) - also, be strategic about the method (e.g., gift basket of cookies vs. gift basket of tequila) - introduce keys (signifier that tells you if the marketing piece is working) It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Most design firms focus primarily on residential or commercial projects. But what if you consistently take on both? In this episode, Business of Design® members and business partners, Veronica Martin and Carrie Stinson, share with us the pros and cons of managing commercial projects vs. residential when it comes to the design process, clients, and timelines. In this episode we learn: - best advice for transitioning between commercial and residential projects - answering an RFP (request for proposal) may mean a substantial investment of your time - Pros and cons of commercial projects vs. residential - How to get your first commercial project when your focus is residential - the difference between designing for an individual vs. designing for a company or committee After the show, be sure to check out MO BOD™ 021 | Veronica & Carrie Talk Long Term Goals. Exclusive to BOD™ Members. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Understanding your unique personality goes beyond improving your communication skills. In this episode, Sierra Collins explains how this information and new understanding helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, aids in better decision making and goal setting, and can even help you create effective plans of action. Having recently completed the DISC Assessment herself, Team BOD™’s own Cheryl Horne shares her experience and takeaways from gaining a better understanding of her own strengths and weaknesses. In this episode we learn to: - use your key personality traits to identify strengths and weaknesses - think in term of your career, not your work - set goals to build on your strength and further develop your weaknesses - look to others for strength in areas where you’ve identified a weakness - set actionable steps to reach your goals It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Are you playing the “let’s see what I can get away with game” when it comes to product markups? No judgement, it’s a popular method. However, there is a better way to maximize profitability when it comes to dealing with discounts, premium pricing, and trade incentives. A method that allows you to behave with integrity. Louisiana interior design and BOD™ member, Beth Walther, has done the math and will reveal her findings. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

Happy New Year! Is it too far into the year to say that? What about making a new year’s resolution… too late for that too? Not for me. In this episode, I’m going to share with you my new year’s resolution, my hope for this community and I’m going to do that in just one word. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Except for repeat and referral business, most clients find a designer through following their content—social media, blogs, podcasts, television, websites, etc. If you want to entice potential clients to hire you, tailoring that content to answer the client’s needs is important. In this episode, we discuss how make the creation of content a more manageable task. In this episode we learn: - content matters, but it needs to be marketed to make it effective - to gain more and better leads, be disciplined about content creation - develop the habit of creating content consistently - create anchor content and then spin off that anchor for 6-12 posts - simplify your strategy to reach more people - business building is not a spectator sport, it requires your full participation It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Yup. It’s a new year and for many it’s the ideal time for reflection. Yes, we want to set new goals, but before we can do that, we need to audit the past. In this episode we learn: - going forward starts with analyzing where you are - break out of your knowledge bubbles, online and IRL 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 Dane Austin shares insights from orchestrating successful client reveals. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

If you’ve been working with residential clients for any length of time, it’s likely you’ve thought to yourself that this work would be perfect, if only I didn’t have to deal with clients! Well, working with builders and developers does allow you to sidestep the immediate desires of the end consumer, however, you still have a client…the builder. Business of Design® member and podcast host, Crystal Collinson shares the ins and outs of this specific niche of interior design and decorating. In this episode we learn: - tight budgets and timelines are unavoidable - networking allows you to make connections with the right builders -although there isn’t an end-user customer, there is a client—the builder - the builder sales/presentation center is actually "retail interior design" It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

This episode originally aired as Episode 200. In honor of that milestone, and now to lead you into the new year, BOD™ Advocate in Chief, Kimberley Seldon shares 200 pearls of wisdom. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Ready to be inspired? Nigerian designer and new Business of Design® member, Joylene Agbamuche, transformed her flagging confidence into an unshakeable foundation for success—in less than one year’s time. Her journey could be your journey. In this episode we learn: - charging for the consultation gets you better clients and more projects - STEP 4 is tedious, but invaluable - recognize the value in what you offer so you can charge your worth - following the process means eliminating needless mistakes It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Hallelujah, it’s the end of the year. You’ve been run off your feet and it’s time to enjoy the holidays. But first…what year-end preparations do you tackle annually? How to you put a bow on the year that’s just finishing? BOD™ Director of Operations and Advocate in Chief (Cheryl and Kimberley) share some year-end musts. In this episode we learn: - move your “year-end” financials to mid-year - make goals as you go - create firm policies around holidays for staff - give thanks and appreciation to clients, trades, and staff It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast