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

Transitioning from publishing interior design shelter magazines into taking on real-life clients wasn’t quite as easy as imagined, says Virginie Martocq. In this episode, Virginie shares lessons she’s learned from her best and worst client experiences. In this episode we learn: - be firm with your opinion; double down with clients who second guess - talk about money early - if you don’t feel good about the fit with a client at the consultation, walk away (if you can afford to) - avoid clients who cannot make up their minds - take time after a negative client experience to evaluate (in order to avoid a repeat 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 the hits just keep on coming, resilience allows us to persevere. In this episode, we’ll talk interior design coach, Andrew Mitchell about how to develop and foster resilience through gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. In this episode we learn: - stop pretending you have your sh*t together and ask for help. - seek balance by feeding all areas of your life - nurture relationships in your community - practice gratitude—start a gratitude journal - practice empathy with the people in your life and people you don’t know - replace negative self-talk with kind and encouraging words - practice mindfulness; be present - commit to the above activities and schedule time to practice them in your diary. Positive change comes with equal measure of intention (knowing what you want more of) and attention (applying yourself to make it happen). It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

By now, you may be convinced that written, repeatable systems are the key to your success as a business owner. Great. Now what? It’s time to write the Operations Manual, says Sydney designer, Jodie Carter. In this episode we learn: - written systems allow you to delegate effectively - hiring is simple, once you have the systems written down - each task can be broken down successfully - to experience more organization and control on projects - pass tasks on to staff with ease - no more micro-managing - take weekends back - spend more time designing. - run projects with less chaos - an operations manual creates company value 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 continually deliver quality and value to clients by relying on the trades, suppliers and manufacturers who make us look good each and every time. In this episode we hear insights from a soft furnishings expert, one of Kimberley’s A Team. In this episode we learn: - designers should demand more from their workrooms - there are endless variations which will create custom looks - when the budget is tight, spend more on fabrication and less on material - pay attention to hardware when you want to make a statement - quality installation is the only way to ensure window coverings will hang perfectly - never skimp on hiring the best trades It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Being new to the industry and starting a design business at a young age will definitely teach you some hard lessons, and as design professionals, I’m sure we’ve all made a silly mistake or two. Hopefully we can all learn from these lessons and each other’s mistakes so we don’t have to go through the pain of repeating them. In this episode we learn: - Design professionals hesitate to go into business because they think they need to take another class, but you’ll learn more working on actual projects - Do not be afraid of failure, we learn and grow from these failures - Be extra careful when confirming details with contractors, trades and suppliers through text or email, if you’re not this could lead to some very expensive mistakes - If your clients have to ask you a question after they read your contract then you need to change your contract, it should already answer all of their questions 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 the most compelling photos of your projects, you must do more than just document the space. By working with a team of professionals that includes a photographer and an expert stylist, you’ll be able to produce a narrative that markets your services to your ideal client or the publication you want to pursue. In this episode we learn: - the stylist oversees art direction; providing direction for the overall narrative of the story - preparing for the photo shoot is a huge percentage of the effort that leads to great results - avoid the cliches—stilettos and a Kelly bag on the floor of the entrance or the Hermes blanket on the sofa - always put the toilet seat down for shoots - your chances of getting published increase when you work with a stylist who is connected to the magazine you want to appear in - before scheduling the photo shoot, determine where you will use the images - a stylist helps when the designer is too close to the interior or “over it” because they’ve been working on the project for years - compelling photography is not documenting the home; it’s just capturing the magic It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Is it possible to be friends with clients? Belgian designer Isabel Gomez has all the answers and specific reasons why identifying your ideal client is may be the boost your business needs. In this episode we learn: - working for friends is possible—just follow the rules - taking responsibility gives you the opportunity to make positive changes to your method of working - narrowing down the description of your ideal client informs every decision you make - absolutely everything you do has to be intentional and related to your ideal client It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Precise and compelling copy that harmonizes with your best images can entertain, inform and delight your audience, but it also needs to establish your authority and brand position. There are specific strategies that will allow you to capture the attention of the clients you want to work with now and in future. In this episode we learn: - use direct, simple language, short sentences and present tense - use adjectives sparingly - develop words and phrases that reflect your brand and use them often. - be lighthearted, not juvenile - start with the main point - tailor the writing style to suit the platform 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 sales process, whether you love it or hate it, isn’t about you. It’s about the client. Sales coach Nikki Rausch says there is a right way to engage the client and close the sale. In this episode we learn: - sales is something you do with a client, not to a client - how to prepare yourself for the sales process - dog calling vs. cat calling energy - a 5-step process for sales - most people will not make a decision to hire you, unless you ask them - issue a final invitation for the client to buy It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Designers don’t just make spaces nice or pretty or even gorgeous, we create experiences that make spaces matter to the people who use those spaces. Whether it’s a bedroom, or a kitchen, an office, a restaurant, or a garden, the work we do improves and enhances the lives of so many others. In this episode we learn: - quality takes time - before we can design, we have to diagnose the actual problems - we do clients a disservice when we only give them what they ask for - we have a huge impact on people’s lives - designers impact their client’s lives in meaningful and lasting ways. 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 we graduate from a design or architect program and start working, it’s pretty likely our education is only just beginning. Architect, design build expert, David Supple says the insecurity we feel in our first jobs is similar to how you might feel as a chef, if you had never cooked, but had to create recipes. Becoming an expert takes time. Surround yourself with people who have the skills you don’t, and you can speed up the process and serve the clients. In this episode we learn: - education doesn’t end with formal programming - preparation before the design process is critical to success - someone has to take the lead on the project - expertise is built over time - a cohesive team of experts is the best way to satisfy clients - create a love it and loathe it list prior 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

2020 will definitely be one for the history books! As cities and countries wrestle with pandemic challenges, what’s happening to the design professional’s business? Cheryl Horne, Janeen Laudenback and Kimberley Seldon discuss how projects and clients have changed and what we can do to protect ourselves. In this episode we learn: - how to discuss new protocols for site visits - to prepare clients for much longer lead times - how to consider the comfort level of your clients and your trades - what protocol adjustments are required because of COVID-19 - how to get trades on site safely for Trade Day™ 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 month, members of Business of Design™ gather to discuss and resolve their most pressing issues. The questions vary from fees to retainers to client and trade management and everything in between. In this episode we open the mic so you can listen in. In this episode we learn: - how to handle the client who wants to do the purchasing - resistance from real estate agents when it’s time for a site visit - when to use markup and project management fees - when there’s too much info on your website - saying no is not easy, but sometimes it’s the best answer 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 month, members of Business of Design™ gather to discuss and resolve their most pressing issues. The questions vary from fees to retainers to client and trade management and everything in between. In this episode we open the mic so you can listen in. In this episode we learn: - pricing the consultation for a developer - what boundaries to place around a consultation with the developer - the right BOD™ contract for project management fees • what verbiage to use re. project management - why managing your vendors works in your favor - are we obligated to return to a project that has gone off the rails - why and how to use a retainer - are you looking for the client who sorts for the cheapest or best 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

“People don’t buy our product. They buy the belief that we can create and deliver the product. They buy our brand.” Bruce Philp, author Consumer Republic. Having a brand, and filling a particular brand space gives consumers the confidence to hire you. In this episode we learn: - 3 components of a healthy brand - why outsourcing your brand experience makes sense - how corporation (or the appearance of one) gives a client confidence - three ways small business owners give away their 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

As a design professional, most of us cannot do our work without the help of others—a team. Ideally, a team of individuals who make us look good consistently, project after project. We call that an A Team. In this episode, we learn: - licensing, thus far, is not meeting the needs of the interior design professional - creating a niche for your skillset positions you as an expert - being fully responsible for vendor selection works for us and for the client It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Although many creative professionals identify with the label of “chronic under-charger”, too few are able to wrestle free from the self-inflicted bonds. There is no honor is staying stuck or staying broke. In this episode we learn: - business owners need to know costs - clients need to know price - why flat fee proposals can be more challenging to get right - creative professionals need to understand costs and resources in order to create a price for services It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Who’s running your business today? Is it going to be my fearful, insecure self? Or is it my confident, brave, determined, grateful self? Running a business takes guts, drive and passion. Finding a tribe, a group of people that can push you to lean into your authentic, brave, knowledgeable self, and ask for help when you need it, can energize you as a business owner and renew your confidence. In this episode we learn: - you don’t know everything, but you know a lot—own your power - beware of the temptation to turn your power over to others, who may not be as well-suited to running your business, as you are - the right tribe can become your company’s board of directors - delegating is critical—get rid of those tasks you do not enjoy, or are not expert at It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

With any design problem to solve, it’s easy to make it pretty, but hard to make it matter. Choosing visionary clients and beginning every project with a beginner’s mind, allows you to listen to what the client wants and needs and solve for what matters most. In this episode we learn: - say yes to projects that are backed by clients who share similar values to you; pass on those that do not. - get clear on what defines success for a project - start with a beginner’s mind when researching and gathering information, even if you’ve done similar projects in the past - good ideas can come from anywhere. - everything is an opportunity—no project goes as planned, so lean into the challenges that come up along the way to find creative solutions that embrace the reality of the situation in an elegant and thoughtful way. 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 a young designer, just starting out, Kimberley made some big mistakes. Change may be hard, but staying stuck is impossible. In this episode we learn: - the boss makes the rules - you’re the boss, make new rules - it’s possible to change anything and everything in your current method of operation, but first, you must let go of what isn’t 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

If you’re not in control of your money, you are not in control of your life. Mind blowing. YES! Financial Planner, Brad Clinard shares advice for taking control of finances, right this minute. In this episode we learn: - establishing a financial plan for your business. It will help you navigate life transitions and create a brighter future - any “loss” can negatively impact us if we don’t work through the grief - know your dashboard of crucial financial data - get organized and take part in understanding all your financial data have a written plan - save now, no matter how little It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

These days, designers have the challenge of not only unpacking who their client is and how they really live, but also in sussing out a person's authentic style and preferences—not simply what they think they're supposed to like based on what they see in their Instagram feed. Getting beyond the story leads to deeper connection and better results. In this episode we learn: - it takes effort to uncover who your client really is, underneath the veneer of who she is presenting herself to be - observing a client at home, in her natural habitat, tells you far more than listening alone - people are wired to give the answer they think you want to hear - emotions are powerful, find out how your client feels 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 business self-help aisle at your local bookstore (or on Amazon) is overrun with recommendations. Business of Design™ member Emma Navajas narrows in on recommendations the BOD™ community needs now. As a bonus, at the end of this episode, Emma repeats her book recommendations for our Spanish speaking audience. ¡Qué maravilloso! In this episode we learn: - Emma’s fave books for the interior design creative, in four categories—business skill, negotiation skills, etiquette and mind set. 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 biggest challenge a business owner frequently has, is knowing what the biggest challenge is. If you just, “trust your gut,” when it comes to tackling a challenge, you’re likely to steer your business down the wrong path. So, how exactly can the business owner determine where the focus should be? Author and entrepreneur advocate, Michael Michalowicz shares his diagnostic formula with Business of Design™. In this episode we learn: - why the business owner struggles and gets stuck - what is the business hierarchy of needs - how to navigate getting unstuck It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Writing a book is something many designers dream of doing but very few sit down to make it happen. Anna-Carin McNamara did write her book, and “Make a home to Love” not only showcases her gorgeous design work, it speaks to her process and philosophy, offering clients a permanent record of her expert aesthetic. In this episode we learn: - a book of your design projects is a business card on steroids - stop thinking your skill set is all intuition, there is a process, write it down - writing a book can help you define and refine your process - it takes discipline to write the book, schedule 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

Start with the end in mind. Isn’t that what we do, as designers? Clients come to a design professional with a vision of what they want to create—the end product or goal. Then, it’s our job to reverse engineer the design process to reach that goal. Acting as lead on the project, gives us the best opportunity for success. In this episode we learn: - there are only 13 states that do not require licensing for general contractors - a contractor’s licenses can be beneficial, but doesn’t necessarily protect consumers - build a strong relationship with trades and contractors - build a double bottom-line - start with the end in mind It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Silver lining alert: it’s likely, this forced slow down will help us all be more comfortable with technology and working remotely. There are distinct advantages to being “remote ready”, including positioning your firm to take on those lucrative, out of town projects. Interior designer Rebecca Ward shares her strategies for successfully working remotely. In this episode we learn: - embracing technology has advantages in efficiency - a business phone line (not your cell) is the best bet - access your financials from anywhere - track tasks more efficiently - share and access all client and business files regardless file size - instant, searchable conversations with your team are possible - track every minute of the task you are working on and export it to a log sheet invoice It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Rather than wait for business to return to normal, let’s accept that everything has changed and the new normal might even be an improvement. In this episode, Kimberley makes some predictions about opportunities that will be a direct result of the current world crisis. In this episode we learn: - trade up—reconsider trade relationships and make positive changes - introduce a contract between you and your trades (Resource Guide to Excellence) - staff up—reconsider staff (independent contractor) relationships and make positive changes - make time now to work on your business, finally - embrace new technology; it’s here to stay - get ready to have less competition and more runway for the work you love 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 surest sign of business maturity is the willingness to take responsibility and ownership for everything that’s happens in your business—especially those things which go wrong. BOD™ member and DC designer, Christie Leu says when there’s a problem, “it’s all her fault,” and that means, she can correct anything that isn’t working. In this episode we learn: - look at jobs that went wrong and find what you could have done to make them better - consider how to fix or avoid a problem in the future - improve communication with clients and contractors with better written systems - be responsible for choosing who to work with and when to walk away It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Not sure what the next step is? Now is a perfect time to hit pause. Use this time of enforced slow down to reconsider all the aspects of business—those you love and those you like less. It’s also, according to Kimberley, a perfect way to improve your business with no down side. In this episode we learn: - polish your sales pitch - fine tune your website so it appeals only to ideal clients - give yourself permission to say no for a short while, if that feels good - consider passing jobs to other design friends if you don’t want them now It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Now is the perfect time to reconsider everything in your business life. Business of Design™ member, Lindsay Kjellberg suggests a closer look at expenses will help you discover what changes you can make now and in the future. In this episode we learn: - it’s ok to feel the feelings—grief, sadness, anger - categorize expenses into green, yellow and red light - block increments of time to devote to 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

Right now, for a limited time only, each one of us has a one-time-get-out-of-jail-free card. Use it to change anything or change everything that’s not working 100%. You will never have a better time to recommit or start fresh. In this episode we learn: - yes, you can raise your rates to repeat clients (even now) - yes, you can lay off staff and let go of weak trades - yes, you can focus on ideal clients only - yes, there is never going to be a better time to do what you want with 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

If you’ve been in business longer than a couple of months, you are already familiar with the proverbial ups and downs—and yes, we are going to hit some bumps ahead for the foreseeable future. Still, when the going gets tough, what’s your default? BOD™ member Nikki Fisher says, she’s an expert in not giving up. That’s an attitude that will come in very handy during the next months. In this episode we learn: - show up at industry events and expand your network—put yourself out there (online works too!) - be curious and learn adjacent skills such as how a cabinet maker draws millwork - it’s possible to feel isolated in a crowd, the trick to connection is authentic sharing - get active at Business of Design™ - form a local peer support group - set up meetings with vendors, suppliers, contractors and trades to create lead generation It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Kimberley shares some wisdom from recessions past and encourages members to avoid chasing cash and focus on profitability. Yes, even now. In this episode we learn: - why chasing income, rather than profits, is a big mistake - avoid doing anything that delays the discomfort of making the tough decisions - borrowing money can postpone the inevitable and keep you stuck in the past - negotiating fees is never a good idea, but offering a different (and well priced service) might be a good idea 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, we consider immediate dilemmas facing interior design professionals right now. Rather than guess at how clients are feeling, Kimberley goes straight to the source and asks one of her clients to share her insights with our community. In this episode we learn: - how to advise clients who are ready to move forward with a project - how to prepare clients for what might happen a few months down the road - how to diplomatically ask for payment on overdue accounts (not if you are using BOD™ 15 STEP Project Management Strategy) - don’t make assumptions about what clients want or are willing to do now - use levity to soften an awkward conversation - share your own vulnerability and awkwardness 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 determined to survive the impending recession by fine-tuning your systems and procedures? Designer Alexa Ralff is. This busy and talented designer shares her insights and strategies for success now and in the future. Spoiler alert—it’s all about process. In this episode we learn: - double down on your processes - reconnect with old clients by text or email - update existing clients with what’s next with your business - post photos of your office on insta to remind people you’re working - post photos of your favorite installs as a reminder of your fab work fab It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Now, more than ever, your ability to survive the impending recession will depend on the quality of your business decisions today. Entrepreneurial expert, David C. Baker shares some insights into what is to come and what to avoid. In this episode we learn: - what does it mean to be a lagging indicator - resist the urge to widen your positioning - resist the urge to chase cash, rather than profits - get ready to make the tough decisions It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Effectively immediately, BOD™ is supplementing its regularly scheduled podcasts with ongoing BOD™ Business Alert podcasts. The BOD™ Business Alerts will focus on narrow topics that are relative to you right now and drop with greater frequency than our weekly BOD™ Podcast programming. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Although it wasn’t a straight path, Kimberley’s journey as an interior designer took her on an adventure that ultimately lead to Business of Design™. Design Coach, Andrew Mitchell asks Kimberley about her history as a designer and how it led to this amazing community of members. In this episode we learn: - systems will change your life - mistakes are costly and painful; however they are exceptional opportunities for learning - education is essential and the learning never stops 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’re just discovered Business of Design™ or you’re sitting on the fence because making changes seems overwhelming, listen to Kimberley’s advice on how to get started. In this episode we learn: - start where you are; tackle your biggest pain points first - take BOD™ 15 STEP Project Management Strategy in order from 1-15 - confidence comes from 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

If you’re run a design business for any length of time, you know the stakes are high. There are bound to be mistakes along the way, but strategic goals can keep you on a path that ultimately leads to success. In this episode we learn: - goal setting is important because - long-, medium- and short-term goals keep you moving - the value of BIG goals - attachment vs detachment - how to get into action 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 is possible for interior design professionals to develop close and meaningful relationships with architects, but it requires a greater understanding of what each professional contributes. Spoiler alert, designers do more than pick furniture. In this episode we learn: - the best projects employ a full team from day one - developers often lead the project, hiring an architect for structure and then no one for interiors - big egos get in the way of a successful project - lots of problems are resolved by agreement around who is acting as project 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

It is possible to earn the respect of clients and trades while charging what you’re worth. Possible, but rarely easy. Pricing for Creativity author, Blair Enns and Kimberley Seldon discuss the merits of value-based pricing, while anticipating some of the largest obstacles in this two-part conversation. In this episode we learn: - the value we pass on as designer’s is (in part) a feeling—the client feels elated when the project is complete - the biggest asset of value-based fee model is extraordinary profits - profitability is a test you must pass - act like a professional, lead the client through the project It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Time spent on social media, provided there’s a targeted sales method in place, can attract ideal clients who want to buy the services you provide. In this episode, we learn a simple strategy for growing and maintaining a sales funnel that gets results. In this episode we learn: - a simple plan for getting traction on social media - a step by step process for creating a sales funnel - what a lead magnet can do - the power of the niche - what modern newsletters should look like 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 is possible to earn the respect of clients and trades while charging what you’re worth. Possible, but rarely easy. Pricing for Creativity author, Blair Enns and Kimberley Seldon discuss the merits of value-based pricing, while anticipating some of the largest obstacles in this two-part conversation. In this episode we learn: - make sure your brand is not positioned as a commodity - a client’s real power is hiring an alternative to you - a designer’s real power stems from self-esteem - always rely on policy, rather than feeling or inclination It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Kimberley shares insights from Business of Design™ Conference | Las Vegas. In this episode we learn: - why an operations manual is right for you - why a checklist for ordering custom furniture will change your life - how important it is to stay on the beam and not break your own rules - why you need to be confident, to be the expert - you can make seven figures as a design professional 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 a fully satisfying client experience with each design project, consider all five senses. In this episode we learn: - sight—colours, patterns, prints, contrasts of light and dark - scent—aromas that evoke a mood and eliminating unpleasant odors - touch—varied texture on the walls, floors and furniture - sound—pleasant background music, comfortable acoustics and the elimination of unpleasant noise or anything that impedes hearing - taste—consider selection of plates, cutlery and glassware to enhance the taste of food and beverage 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 benefits to creating a business plan—even if you’re already in business for yourself. Consider these five checkpoints to creating a robust creative offering. In this episode we learn: - interview existing clients (or clients you wish you had) to uncover primary motivations and pain points—two valuable pieces of information that will allow you to shape your best offer - identify your ideal client and then focus exclusively on marketing to that person - narrow your focus to what your ideal customer wants and needs (not what you want to sell) - establish the value of your offer—use price as a differentiator - test your "offer" with people who fit your ideal client profile - when pricing, start where the market is (not lower!) It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Too many go into business with an idealized or romantic view of what it’s going to be like to “be the boss”. If you’ve been talking about the benefits of owning your own business but not living the benefits, this episode is for you. In this episode we learn: - the common lies we tell ourselves about owning a business - how to take control of your life as the boss - being the boss is a choice - the difference between a job and a 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

What makes an ideal client, how t0 charge for the “magic” we provide, and a fabulous way to stay connected or reconnect with clients. Award winning Australian designer, Marylou Sobel, has questions in part two of this episode. In this episode we learn: - narrow your focus to grow - follow BOD™ 15 Step Project Management Strategy as prescribed - send a survey to clients to gain valuable insights - delegate more so you can concentrate on designing It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast