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Today with Jenna Gaidusek:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today, I’m diving into the world of e-design with Jenna Gaidusek. She built her online firm to generate passive income and take control of her time back. But as we all know, passive income takes planning and work. Jenna’s giving us an inside look at her system and tips for how all designers can make it work for them! Pick it apart: [7:13] Jenna talks about the approach it takes to attract clients online [12:52] Jenna shares a detailed breakdown of the process she recommends for designers that want to create online income [15:20] LuAnn and Jenna talk about writer’s block and a simple hack to help overcome it when writing your blog posts [23:38] Jenna discusses how to get traction to your blog using online style quizzes [33:17] Jenna dives into the benefits of “The E-Design Tribe,” her online community for those interested in the e-design world LuAnn and Jenna Gaidusek’s Ah-Ha moments: “You wanted to manage and control the time you spend, so you actively worked to put processes and systems in place to execute online design.” -LuAnn “What we do needs to be conveyed visually for people who might not have the vision like we do in our head to be able to actually see it.” -Jenna “I know this is a lot of work, but it’s work that gets done to a certain extent once, then re-tweaked and revised.” -LuAnn More About Jenna Gaidusek: Jenna Gaidusek eDesign Tribe Inc founder, eDesign U, Jenna Gaidusek Designs Jenna founded the eDesign Tribe Facebook group in July 2018 with the goal to provide her unique virtual design experience and skills to a community of like-minded industry professionals. Her goal was to create an encouraging space for virtual design to thrive and prosper. Though she has a Bachelors Degree in Interior Design, she believes eDesign isn’t limited to those with a list of credentials after your name but instead, how different industry members adapt their unique business to the online world. Now with 5+ years of eDesign exclusive offerings ranging from 1:1 clients to online courses and passive income, Jenna thinks outside the box for the industry’s future and shares ALL her knowledge with the eDesign Tribe community and her students through eDesign U. She is striving to change the stigma of remote design to show designers that eDesign (AKA electronic Design) can mean a variety of things and can be adapted to any interior design industry business model as a way to streamline processes, make extra income or produce exceptional visual presentations for clients near and far. Connect with Jenna Gaidusek  Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  LinkedIn   What's new with LuAnn Nigara We are having a party! Join us for the live launch of our newest book on December 10th, at 6:30PM EST!! Did I mention It’s a FREE event? RSVP here!  Luannlive.com www.luannnigara.com/cob   Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.  To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!   Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: coming soon! Join us for a free book launch party on December 10th, at 6:30PM EST! RSVP here!    Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast   A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Mydoma Studio is your complete interior designer toolkit; workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. No matter where your client or team is located, work remotely or in-person seamlessly! You can get started at signup.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness. Other Shows Mentioned:  #209 Savour Partnership - Why You Need to Build an Email List #458 Power Talk Friday – Savour Partnership: Designing Wealth Into Your Business #611 Seasonal Living: An Interior Design Virtual Showhouse Like No Other #466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #418 Power Talk Friday: Sarah Durnez- Hiring an Interior Design VA Professional

Today with Alex and Michelle Gage: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! Today, I’m joined by Alex and Michelle Gage of Michelle Gage Interiors. When Alex saw Michelle struggling to get a clear picture of her financials, this engineer built a nice piece of software for her! Today, you’ll find out what this talented and numbers-driven interior designer was missing from her extensive Excel sheets and how it came in handy when Covid hit. More About Alex and Michelle Gage: Business Measurements grew alongside Michelle Gage Interiors as I watched Michelle evolve in the business to more complicated and detailed finances.  I saw her spend hours in Excel keeping tabs on the figures and knew there was a better way.  Computers are smarter than this.  I paid attention to her common inefficiencies and built Excel and internet tools to automatically do the work for her.  No more exporting data from your customer tracking software (Ivy/MyDoma) or Quickbooks.  Once we had this baseline built there were SO many new insightful data views we had access to - projections, trends, open PO $, spend per vendor etc.  This was a little slice of big business intelligence catered to the growing interior designer. Now Business Measurements is a subscription service with expert account setup that automatically gives the designer a day to day financial dashboard to fill the gaps between Ivy/MyDoma reporting and Quickbooks. Connect with Alex and Michelle Gage: Business Measurements for Designers  Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  What's new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.  To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Mydoma helps you get paid, generate design packages, create proposals, and both purchase and workroom orders. That’s not all, it also helps with product sourcing, time tracking, and even has a client portal. Find out more about Sara and Tom’s amazingly helpful software by visiting https://www.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Today with Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business!® Today, I’m joined by two amazing ladies, Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole. When I hear Joann and Kelly talk, and I listen to the way they describe their business, the phrase “a well-oiled machine” comes to mind. But it hardly seems big enough to describe how fine-tuned every step of their process is. Today, they’re sharing some of the secrets behind their success, focusing on the onboarding process and how they carry new clients from initial interest to writing that check!  Pick it apart: [10:20] Joann and Kelly reveal their “secret weapon” for intake conversations, and share why having trusted staff members makes all the difference [19:05] Kelly explains how their qualifying process allows them to approach their consultation with confidence [23:40] Joann and Kelly share why their system for measuring at the consultation [35:48] Joann, Kelly, and LuAnn discuss the “Client Binder” and how it allows for a smooth transition into the next steps of the process [43:48] LuAnn, Joann, and Kelly discuss why it’s important to get the proposal done within three days Ah-Ha moments from LuAnn, Joann, and Kelly: “We’ve done enough qualifying on the front end that we do not walk in treating [the consultation] as a meet and greet. We walk in with the approach that we are now working together. You are going to hire us to move forward.” -Kelly “The proposal is a lot about repeating everything the client said back to them.” -Kelly “Anytime I see a designer lamenting that a client has pushed them back on their value, I just say, “You didn’t express it.” Because what you do is so difficult and so highly-detailed that if you can make it clear to a consumer what that is, how could they debate the value of it?” -LuAnn “This is the theme that keeps emerging. You’re listening to your clients and making sure they are understood by you, and then you’re consistently creating conversations, opportunities, and presentations all through your process that keeps reinforcing, “This is what we heard you say.” -LuAnn More About Kandrac and Kole: Voted one of Atlanta’s Top 20 Residential Interior Designs by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole has been featured on HGTV as well as in The New York Times, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Home Magazine and many others as well as participants of the One Room Challenge Spring 2020. Kandrac & Kole has established a well known reputation for their approachable, dynamic personalities, their signature use of color and pattern and their one of a kind, custom designs. As industry experts for residential and commercial design, Joann Kandrac & Kelly Kole share upbeat and entertaining narratives regarding their design projects, travels and personal stories on their popular blog, their podcast Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole and via national speaking engagements. Joann and Kelly’s love and commitment to the power of interior design also extends towards their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala. Connect with Kandrac and Kole Website  Podcast Instagram   Facebook   Pinterest  Twitter LinkedIn Youtube  What's new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch www.luannnigara.com/cob   Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.  To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!   Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts   Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast   A Big THANK YOU to today’s podcast sponsor: Mydoma Studio is the complete designer toolkit—a place for you to manage all of your projects. Mydoma Studio is bringing in a Black Friday deal that you cannot miss out on! From November 26th, all the way up to the 30th, you can get 25% off your annual subscription of Mydoma Studio - which works out to a whole 4 months free! There’s no sale bigger than this, so head on over to mydomastudio.com/blackfriday to get this steal of a deal!   Other Shows Mentioned:  #482 Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big#492 Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success

Today with Brad Leavitt: Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Luann welcomes Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction back on the show today. This time, Brad is here to talk about the resistance designers might face from clients and builders in the design-build process. He’s going to teach you how to convey the value you bring to the table to overcome those objections, as well as how to price a build project.    Pick it apart: 23:35 Brad talks about the importance of showing the ROI to clients in hiring a designer 29:57 Luann and Brad discuss why designers need to be able to “ball park” the cost of a building project from the beginning 37:19 Brad gives tips on how to use social media to network and educate yourself about current market values in the build process 48:20 Brad dives into how to persuade reluctant builders that you can bring market value to the table as a designer   More About Brad Leavitt: Brad Leavitt is President of A Finer Touch Construction, LLC, a luxury residential and commercial builder located in Scottsdale, AZ. His Podcast, “The AFT Construction Podcast”, is focused on bringing value to its listeners, no matter their industry. The topics are focused on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, organization, building science and construction. Brad is an ambassador for many national brands and an energetic public speaker. Brad was born and raised in San Diego, CA as the oldest of 6 children.  He grew up in the Construction industry and worked as an electrician throughout High School for Grove Electric with his 2 uncles. They did remodels and new home builds all over San Diego, but mostly on Coronado Island and in Rancho Santa Fe.  Upon HS Graduation, he was accepted to Brigham Young University where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction Management.   Brad accepted an offer in 2005 with Trend Homes, a local production home builder in Phoenix, AZ. He worked 1 year as a superintendent before accepting a dream job building custom homes. Rowland Luxury Homes hired Brad in 2006 and immediately he was assigned to be a Project Manager at the 350MM Omni Montelucia Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, AZ. Brad oversaw the construction and completion of 34 Custom homes that ranged between 2-4MM each.  After completion of the 34 custom homes, he then assisted with the completion of the hotel guest rooms, arrival zone, lodge and spa. After Montelucia was complete, Brad worked on numerous other residential and commercial projects in the greater Phoenix Area. In March 2013, Brad was ready to begin his own company and officially started A Finer Touch Construction, also known throughout social media as AFT Construction. AFT has continued their rapid growth this past 7 years and has been fortunate to win numerous build awards for its work. AFT Construction offers a wide variety of services including: Multi family, commercial, residential, tenant improvement, retail and medical. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability and quality. Brad is married to Ashley Leavitt. Together, they have 6 children, 5 girls and 1 boy.  Brad is active with all 6 of his children, serves in his local community, and loves all sports Connect with Brad Leavitt  Podcast is “The AFT Construction Podcast"  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  LinkedIn  What's new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.  To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts   Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast   A Big THANK YOU to today’s podcast sponsors: Kravet is a reliable trade partner whether you are sourcing fabric, wallpaper, trim, rugs, furniture and of course, with Curated Kravet.com you also have lighting and accessories. If you haven't opened your trade account yet, go to Kravet.com It’s so easy to get started, go to kravet.com   Mydoma Studio is the complete designer toolkit—a place for you to manage all of your projects. Mydoma Studio is bringing in a Black Friday deal that you cannot miss out on! From November 26th, all the way up to the 30th, you can get 25% off your annual subscription of Mydoma Studio - which works out to a whole 4 months free! There’s no sale bigger than this, so head on over to mydomastudio.com/blackfriday to get this steal of a deal! Other Shows Mentioned:  #580 Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders #560 Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book #542 Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process # 483 Power Talk Friday: Wendy Cohen: PowerHouse Advisors and The PowerHouse Smart Luxury Conference

Today with Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business!® Today, I sat down with Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas. Dennese has worked in both the residential and commercial sides of the industry, but has recently drawn a line in the sand—she’s only working with general contractors who value and respect her as a designer. But how do you get to that point? How do you build those relationships with general contractors? How do you bring your expertise to the table? How do you prove your value? That’s what we’re talking about today!  Pick it apart: [7:24] Dennese shares her story of transitioning her business during a recession, determined not to close her doors [22:10] LuAnn and Dennese break down the unique challenges of the window treatment business and why you need great partners as a designer [30:30] Dennese explains how she positions herself as a unique expert when dealing with general contractors [40:40] Dennese highlights some of the moving parts in the commercial world that designers might not know about [48:50] LuAnn and Dennese discuss the difficulties and challenges Black designers face Ah-Ha moments from LuAnn and Dennese: “I want to deal with general contractors who understand what I bring to the table as a designer.” -Dennese “The other people are just trying to deliver you a product. I’m trying to use my artistic eye to make sense of what’s trying to be translated into that window.” -Dennese “We sell people, not product. We don’t reduce ourselves to a commodity. We sell our value and what we personally bring to the table.” -LuAnn “[When working with contractors,] most of the time, you have to be willing to carry the bank on the job...if you don’t have the operating capital to be able to tide over a $50,000 project and carry it over 60-90 days, it could bankrupt your business.” -LuAnn “The Pretty” More About Dennese: Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas began her career in the design field in 1991 and holds an A.A. in Interior Design from Bauder College in Miami, Florida. Although Dennese resides in the Washington Metropolitan area, her projects have taken her from coast to coast to include the Caribbean. Her motto is consistent and simple: “Maintain authenticity in style and texture, atmosphere is everything...” She brings over twenty years of experience and versatility that comes from dealing with a diversity of projects in both commercial and residential settings. Dennese brings her sense of elegance and impeccable eye for detail to each project. She possesses both the technical and interpersonal skills needed to manage and oversee the entire scope of the design/construction process. These crucial skills make Dennese a true asset to both project and client. Due to her hands-on approach, she is always refining each design until all the details are met with the proper balance in the creative aspect of each project. She describes her relationships with each client as paramount, and her goal is to assist in creating a home that fits the client’s persona, lifestyle and values. The philosophy behind Interiors by Design is the creation of a woman- and black-owned design company that blends the individual's needs and desires with experience and talent to create a stunning home environment. Dennese offers a robust reference list with an impressive portfolio of homes in the Metropolitan area throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Dennese strongly feels that two crucial factors in the client-designer relationship are mutual respect and trust. The client needs to trust the designer, which makes him/her open to professional suggestions. In turn, the designer needs to show the respect due to a client by listening and giving full credence to their desire and goals, both of which are primary. The trust factor is always key. Her clients trust that they will be guided in the right direction, one that adheres to sound design principles while adding that touch of magic. Connect with Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  What's new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch www.luannnigara.com/cob   Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.  To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!   Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts   Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast   A Big THANK YOU to today’s podcast sponsors: Kirsch is at the forefront of innovation when it comes to window treatments. They’ve been an industry leader in drapery hardware for more than one hundred years, and they also have a custom window coverings program. They also provide great resources to educate the design community to help educate you about their product so that you can properly educate your clients and position yourself as the knowledgeable designer you are. Go to kirsch.com to find out more.  Mydoma Studio is the complete designer toolkit—a place for you to manage all of your projects. Mydoma Studio is bringing in a Black Friday deal that you cannot miss out on! From November 26th, all the way up to the 30th, you can get 25% off your annual subscription of Mydoma Studio - which works out to a whole 4 months free! There’s no sale bigger than this, so head on over to mydomastudio.com/blackfriday to get this steal of a deal!

Today with Angela Kristen Taylor:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! On today’s episode, I talk to productivity expert Angela Kristen Taylor. Angela is an integrative productivity expert who helps ambitious entrepreneurs and sales professionals overcome their own internal chaos so they can create the life and business they want. She’s also the creator of The Limitless Collaborative, a one-of-a-kind virtual reality community for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and creators, to work together, learn together, and grow together. Tune in to hear what Angela has to say about unlocking productivity by starting with your emotions and experiences.    More About Angela Kristen Taylor: Angela Kristen Taylor is an integrative productivity expert who helps ambitious entrepreneurs and sales professionals overcome their own internal chaos so they can create the life and business they want. She’s a licensed realtor, certified spiritual healer, integrative nutrition health coach, mom to five kids (and two giant dogs), Disney cartoon & super-hero aficionado, and the creator of The Limitless Collaborative, a one-of-a-kind virtual reality community for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and creators to work together, learn together, and grow together.    Connect with Angela Kristen Taylor The Limitless Collaborative Website Productive Souls Website Instagram   Facebook   LinkedIn YouTube What's new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.  To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Kravet: Have you checked out their innovative program, Kravet ICreate? It makes it easier than ever to customize your furniture. You can design chests, tables, ottomans, benches, beds, and upholstery in just a few clicks on Kravet.com. is the best software platform out there for organizing your design business. Time tracking, quick books integration, client and vendor communications. Create efficiencies and take back your time. Designed by an interior designer for interior designers. Get 20% off your 1st 3 months when you go to mydomastdudio.com/awelldesigendbusiness. 20% off your 1st 3 months!   Monogram is committed to redefining the world of luxury appliances, which they believe comes down to every little detail. Monogram isn’t just focused on providing the best luxury appliances. They are also determined to provide the best resources to support their trade partners, with a national support team dedicated to offering assistance to designers. Learn more at monogram.com/luann    Other Shows Mentioned:  #577 Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot Seat #385 Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: The Productivity Specialist    

Today with Jennifer Stoner:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! Today, I sat down with interior designer Jennifer Stoner. Litigator turned interior designer? How’s that for a career change? Jennifer shows us how she uses skills she honed as a lawyer to guide her clients through their design project. She uses simple if/then logic as a powerful tool to get her clients to see how all the components of the project fit into the big picture! More About Jennifer Stoner: Jennifer Stoner is an award-winning interior designer specializing in creating beautiful "Conception to Completion" design projects for discerning clients.   Based in Richmond, Virginia, Jennifer’s services have now expanded to projects across the country. Whether in the process of building a new home, tackling a renovation or transforming your interiors, Jennifer and her team provide high-level services to both manage project details and effectively execute a plan of action.  Jennifer's talents have also been proven in the commercial realm, creating sophisticated and welcoming public spaces.  Jennifer’s passion is evident in the new construction or renovation process.  She enjoys being an integral member of the client’s design-build team from the very beginning, believing that the collaborative efforts of the architect, builder and interior designer will ultimately lead to the smoothest process for her clients and the best possible finished product. Jennifer has also established a reputation for showmanship by adding jewelry in the way of sophisticated furnishings, beautiful window treatments, luxurious rugs and all of the details that elevate a home’s presence. Jennifer’s clients have included a vast array of entrepreneurs, physicians, attorneys, developers, celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. Her work has been featured on HGTV and TLC, as well as been published in several shelter magazines such as Traditional Home Magazine, Home & Design Magazine, Richmond Magazine and R-Home Magazine, among others. She has been named as one of America's Top 100 Influencers in the Design Industry. Connect with Jennifer Stoner Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  What's new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.  To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Mydoma is the best software platform out there for organizing your design business. Time tracking, quick books integration, client and vendor communications. Create efficiencies and take back your time. Designed by an interior designer for interior designers. Get 20% off your 1st 3 months when you go to mydomastdudio.com/awelldesigendbusiness. 20% off your 1st 3 months!   Monogram now has virtual training on their products - these are one hour product demonstrations so you can get a feel for the product, become the expert on it, and determine if it’s a good fit for your projects. Learn more by going to Monogram.com/luann. Other Shows Mentioned:  #594 Reena Philpot #454, #547 Jamie Lieberman #6 Erika Ward #203, 330, 601 Darla Powell #8 Barbara Ostrom

Today with Seasonal Living:  Welcome to A Well Designed Business! Today, I meet with two design industry powerhouses, Gary Pettitt of Seasonal Living and Leslie Carothers of Savour Partnership.  Seasonal Living is an award-winning Texas-based manufacturer of modern indoor/outdoor furniture, lighting, planters, and decorative accessories. Gary is also the publisher of Seasonal Living, a consumer-facing digital lifestyle magazine.  Gary recently teamed up with Leslie, a marketing professional, to help him create the world’s first luxury virtual showhouse featuring both augmented reality and virtual reality capabilities. You may know Leslie! She has been on the show twice before, and when she told me about this virtual showhouse, I was hooked. Listen to today’s episode to hear Gary and Leslie explain what this showhouse experience is all about and how we can get in on the fun launch party that’s coming up very soon! More about Seasonal Living Virtual Showhouse  Here’s the information you to join in the fun: Register for FREE to attend the virtual showhouse by visiting Bit.ly/DesignerShowhouse or SeasonalLiving.com/designer-showhouse-registration. To put an ad in the showhouse edition of Seasonal Living digital magazine, email editor@seasonaliving.com. And you’ll want to get your free subscription to Seasonal Living magazine at SeasonalLiving.com/BonusMag. I will be hosting this amazing event, and I’d love to see you there too! We start at 6 pm Eastern on December 3rd, 2020. It will only be about 30-45 minutes and after this launch party, we’ll have the opportunity to tour the full virtual showhouse and see what our talented friends have been up to. See you there! Connect with Seasonal Living Register for Designer Virtual Showhouse Website  Instagram  Facebook   Pinterest YouTube Other Shows Mentioned:  #32 #540 #242 #20 #568 #406 #55 #214 #441 #50 #6 #278 #148 #526 #329 #452  

Today with Lisa Haude: Lisa Haude founded Paradigm Design Group in 2001. In 2020, Lisa rebranded her Houston six-person hospitality design firm to become PDG Studios and created a new luxury residential design division named Bella’s Studio. Put yourself in Lisa’s shoes. You are revving up for a big rebrand, and then the unthinkable happens. You find yourself in the midst of a global pandemic! Lisa’s story is like so many designers and business owners in the year 2020. It is a story of the dedication and resilience of a business owner in the face of unexpected, and unprecedented events. You’ll want to hear what prompted her rebrand, what she did about launching her new divisions once the pandemic hit, and what guided her through it all. More About Lisa Haude: Lisa A. Haude founded PDG Studios (formerly Paradigm Design Group) in 2001 and continues to prove that she is one of the top industry leaders in her field. A storyteller in her own right, Lisa creates truly one-of-a-kind spaces that speak authentically to the lifestyles and cultures of the clients PDG Studios designs for, celebrating unique histories all around the US. Known for her creative and unique approach to design, as well as her admirable ability to lead her team with grace, she and her team create memorable spaces that evoke beauty, luxury and comfort, and a sense of familiarity, seamlessly bridging the gap between hospitality and home life. Connect with Lisa Haude: Website  Instagram   Facebook  Pinterest What's New with LuAnn Nigara: Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch eileenbhahn.com/designers www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.  To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Mydoma Studio brings you orders, invoices and online payments, design packages, product sourcing, time tracking, and even a client portal. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to start your free trial. Jaipur Living offers the finest handmade rugs in a variety of price points. Jaipur Living is committed to the craftsmanship and artfulness of handmade rugs, and to keeping the age-old art alive. Register here to become a design partner.  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s guest is Chris Wallace, co-founder, and President of InnerView, a marketing consulting firm that helps companies align their brand and product stories with their customer-facing teams. Chris truly believes in providing value to your clients by meeting their needs and making their lives better, and getting all of your industry partners on board with that idea, or finding partners that already are. Listen in to hear what Chris has to say about leveraging those industry partnerships to do that, so that the customer experience is a focus at every single level. Chris is the Co-Founder and President of InnerView, a marketing consulting firm that helps companies align their brand and product stories with their customer-facing teams. At InnerView, Chris draws from his nearly 20 years of sales, marketing, and corporate leadership to help companies engage their frontline teams in new ways, producing improved customer experiences and better financial results. Beyond his work with clients, Chris is able to apply his passions as a teacher and thought leader. He has taught as an adjunct MBA professor at Temple’s Fox School of Business and has been published in outlets such as Harvard Business Review and Ad Age. He was also recently named to the Forbes Agency Council. Chris received a B.A. in Public Relations from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School and an MBA from Temple University. He lives outside Philadelphia with his family. Show Highlights: Chris’s passion is to get the entire value-chain, or industry, focused on the end user, which is the customer. Chris illustrates his perspective with a story around his brother and sister-in-law. There are two approaches to sales and marketing: the “old” product-focused way, and the  “21st Century Sales and Marketing” way, which goes beyond the product you offer and focuses on providing value to your clients by meeting their needs and making their lives better. Chris addresses how designers benefit from asking for this better way of marketing from their brands. Chris shares his philosophy on belief, confidence, and pride. “21st Century Sales and Marketing” is about making your client’s life be easier, it’s about helping them be more successful, and it’s about understanding their needs. Designers should communicate what their needs are by documenting what they’re wanting to deliver to the customer, and helping to educate their industry partners on how they can help with this process. Ask for the things that are going to help make you successful! Chris’s strategies on assessing the industry partners you’re doing business with. Chris shares his thoughts and tips on virtual consultations, how augmented reality can be leveraged to drive better design, and other fascinating tools of the trade. Old-school isn’t cutting it anymore because you can’t meet the modern customer’s needs. Exciting Windows is one of LuAnn’s forward-thinking vendors. Connect with Chris! Website Instagram LinkedIn Links / Resources: Hey, window treatment friends! Learn more about Exciting Windows and tell the Steves that LuAnn sent you! Process Leads to Profits - Kicking Off November 4, 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages, and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Investment: $2195 Register HERE! Design-Build For Profit Coming Back Soon! Increase Confidence, Increase Profits Coming Back in February 2021! The Profit Is In the Numbers Coming Back Soon! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Kravet’s popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture! Get started on building your custom pieces at kravet Leejofa. Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch Episodes mentioned: John Dupra #329  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Sara Brennan rejoins the show today and she’s going to be sharing how she is managing the recent influx of new clients as she scales her business, how very critical organization is to the process, and a breakdown of the services she offers. We’ll also be touching on her upcoming Process Leads to Profit course, so please join us for some great takeaway ideas to streamline your own business and to learn more about how you can really drill down into what Sara calls “the Four P’s of design: Processes, Partnerships, Packages, and Profits”, to take YOUR profits to the next level. Sara is a co-author in the upcoming second volume of A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts. She is an entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Sara has become the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxhaw, North Carolina, who specializes in Transitional Designs, where she and her design-build team take spaces from Bare Bones to Beautiful by utilizing her exclusive, approachable, and stress-free design process, transforming and renovating homes from start to finish. Sara’s design work has been nationally published six times in the last year including publications such as Romantic Homes, Traditional Home, Window Fashion Vision, and Cottages and Bungalows, who recently offered her a role as a monthly columnist. She’s also been noticed as a rising star among colleagues in the design industry being invited as a guest on podcasts, as a panelist at High Point Market, and as a host and speaker at local design events and shows. Show Highlights: Sara has developed a mapped-out process that not only gets compliments from her clients, but she’s even had clients asking her to consult with THEIR clients! Sara details how her clients are set up with the different levels of design services she offers, as not everyone wants or can afford full-service design. A storyboard with different designs and a discussion with what the client hates or loves about them is one unique system that Sara uses. Having the numbers conversation upfront is super important. Sara addresses how to respond to client trust issues. How to stop clients from ‘shopping’ you. Sara’s business model has two sources of revenue: the design fee and the furnishings as a retailer. Sara’s tips when speaking to vendors. Reverse-engineering to make sure that you can be profitable with your model will instill confidence in how you speak to people and what you’re able to offer them. Connect with Sara! Website Instagram Facebook Links : Process Leads to Profits - Kicking Off November 4, 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Investment: $2195 Register HERE! Design-Build For Profit Coming Back Soon! Increase Confidence, Increase Profits Coming Back in February 2021! The Profit Is In the Numbers Coming Back Soon! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other shows mentioned: #524 #514 #463  

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest is Phoebe Oldrey. Phoebe is the founder of Smartstyle Interiors based in the UK. Oftentimes, designers feel like they can’t niche down, thinking that will close the door on all the other possibilities out there. When Phoebe reached the point in her career where she felt the desperate drive to do something different with design, she came to realize that design wasn’t just about aesthetics or creating beautiful spaces, but that it opens opportunities to create holistic, life-altering spaces for clients. So, Phoebe did the next practical thing: she niched down, rebranded, and started focusing on the projects that truly made her happy. Let’s hear what Phoebe has to say about holistic design, niching, and following your passion in your business. Phoebe is the founder of Smartstyle Interiors, an innovative interior design studio which takes a holistic approach. In 2017, after 15 years in the industry and tired of being asked what the next tread was, Phoebe decided to take an approach to her designs that not only balances how a space works and what it looks like, but also asks “How does it make us feel”. Believing that only when we get the balance right between Function, Aesthetics and Emotions will we create amazing places people are happy in. This led to her TEDx talk “Interior design is about more than wallpaper and bean bags” and numerous speaking opportunities where she shares her passion for putting people at the front of design. Show Highlights: Talent is a gift, but it is not something that automatically opens doors for you. Phoebe discusses the skills that are needed to be successful in the industry. Phoebe shares the circumstances surrounding her desire to do more profound work. Biophilic design is a study of human beings’ relationship to nature. Niching can be very scary, but since Phoebe wasn’t doing work that she was in love with, she decided to go in a different direction. More people than ever have been interested in holistic design for their work and living spaces for the health benefits since the coronavirus event lockdowns. Holistic interior design focuses on more than just the aesthetics. It also: compliments a client’s lifestyle habits is designed to support the circadian rhythm makes the client FEEL GOOD to be in this space Designers should stop being scared of what’s unique, because what’s unique is amazing! Your niche should be made up of your own authentic passion and drive. Everything is connected: we shape our houses, and our houses shape us. Connect with Phoebe! Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest Phoebe's TEDx Talk Online Course – “Finding your Confidence with Colour”   Book Referenced by Phoebe: Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant  by W. Kim Chan and Renée Mauborgne   Links / Resources: Designer Discussion: LuAnn Nigara Hosts a Conversation with Kravet Furniture Oct 29, 2020 12:00 PM EST (United States & Canada) Register Here Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages, and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Design-Build For Profit Coming Back Soon! Increase Confidence, Increase Profits Coming Back in February 2021! The Profit Is In the Numbers Coming Back Soon! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen. Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program? Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. Other episodes mentioned: Cheryl Janis #41 Mike Peterson #569    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! There are so many of us who struggle with communicating who we are and what we do, especially on our websites. Betty Marton, founder of In Your Own Words, is back with us on the show to discuss how important it is in sharing your story to show your humanity, your journey, and your vulnerability. Betty is a lover of stories, conversation, and talking to people and hearing about their lives. She has her own separate business as a writer, copywriter, and storyteller whose passion is helping people understand their stories and bring them to life. Think about the way that you are portraying your business with your words, and be sure to listen in as Betty imparts her expertise about storytelling and the impact it can have, both on your business and your personal life. Writer and editor Betty Marton works with individuals, as well as large and small businesses, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to capture and share the stories they need to tell. She has reported on and written about a wide range of business practices and social change programs. In her work with individuals who want to tell their life stories, her innate curiosity and empathy often helps lead them to gain new insights and reimagine self-limiting beliefs. Betty is, as well, the liaison between her artist husband, Jerry Teters, and interior design clients for whom he creates commissioned paintings. Best known as an abstract artist, Jerry also creates intimate portraits of home, scene from his clients’ lives at home or on vacation. Show Highlights: As Betty explains, your profession doesn’t matter. Whatever your passion is, she can write about that. Betty loves figuring out the layers beyond the who, what, when, why, and where: the story behind the story. Everybody has a story that matters. Knowing someone’s vulnerabilities helps you connect. Meaningful articles are valuable marketing tools. Word-shaping written copy is one of Betty’s gifts. Betty gives an overview of the different ways she works with clients. In the telling of your story, Betty likes to explore the different angles that helps you see something you didn’t see before. A photo story is something that anybody can do. Betty offers 16 Questions you can ask yourself to help you dig deeper into your photograph. This enables you to learn more about yourself and the person in the picture than you would have known before. There’s also a link to discover your coronavirus photo story on Betty’s website! Check out Jerry's art! It is a valuable resource for designers. Connect with Betty! Betty’s Website      Betty’s Instagram Betty’s Facebook Betty's FREE 16 Questions Guide for Telling Your Own Photo Stories Jerry’s Website Jerry’s Instagram Links : Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company. Other shows mentioned to link #600 Celebrating the 600th Episode, LuAnn is Interviewed! #574 Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy #33 Arlene Angard – Mix 1 Part Passion + 1 Part Strategy = Success! #80 Asler Valero- Be Intentional- Design Your Business and Your Life #32 Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”! LuAnn received a request from a window treatment professional to review the “autopsy” process that LuAnn’s team does at Window Works, so this episode is dedicated to covering the review of a project once it’s completed. Whether you are a photographer, web developer, architect, or blogger, it is essential for each and every business owner to review their projects for profitability, deficiencies, processes, and client satisfaction. LuAnn discusses this process mostly from the perspective of a window treatment specialist, so if you are a designer, you have more work to do! But no worries, she’s got you designers covered on that, too! Get comfy, you’ll want to take notes! Show Highlights: There are 3 main objectives of a post-project “autopsy”. To learn: what it is we do well what it is we need to improve on and what kinds of projects we make money on LuAnn details the items that need to be reviewed: gross dollar amount of the project marketing source net cost of goods on the project review the completed project with installers, sales reps, and the office admin team tag the client in our CRM as ‘market to’, ‘don’t market to’ and ‘request a review’ review what you learned Steps you can add to this process as a design firm include: set up debriefs with your key trades especially at the completion of larger size projects ask your client how you did, in a personal, meaningful way By not examining everything, you sometimes don’t learn everything. You only learn what gets caught, not what could have been avoided. Growth and learning and excellence comes from reviewing what you do, how you do it, and who you do it for. Links : WCAA's 3x3 Virtual Learning Event FREE Virtual Learning Event! October 28-30, 2020 9am, 12pm, and 3pm Daily! Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high-end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen. Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program? Shows to include in show notes: #36 Susan Brunstrum  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest, Carissa Miller of CC and Mike, shares how a “completely unexpected opportunity” turned into a leap of faith for her and her husband, Mike. Carissa’s journey is so much more than that happy accident, though, as you’re going to hear. Listen in to this inspiring conversation around how an Instagram post that went viral launched her into a rapidly growing business that she never saw coming, as well as how she and her husband navigated the unique challenges that come with running a business with your spouse. CC and Mike are a husband and wife team who make dream homes happen nation-wide, offering full-service design, build, and remodel services to their clients. Launched in May 2016, their social media and blog following have grown rapidly to include followers from all over the world who look to CC and Mike for design and building inspiration for their own homes. CC and Mike’s audience loves following their adventures as they design, flip, and renovate homes! Show Highlights: Carissa’s background and professional experience in photography led to a desire to “re-brand” her career. Carissa shares how she has always designed and her husband, Mike, has always built their own homes, and a photo of her bedroom posted to her new Instagram account became an instant hit, with One Kings Lane and Pottery Barn asking for interviews and design advice. From there, she started getting requests from people to design for them. Contracts, policies, and procedures have been the biggest change in their lives since designing for a client, versus designing and flipping houses for themselves. Mistakes and lessons are part of the learning curve, but everybody has to start somewhere! Carissa describes how scary it was to take a leap of faith. Investing the time and money in a business coach or consultant brings another’s perspective and helps you to grow your business the right way. Carissa addresses how she and Mike stayed in agreement during the early days. “Stay in your lane” and work inside your strengths. Hiring the right employees that complement your business is critical. The transition from being business partners during the day and husband and wife after hours takes some conscious effort! Connect with Carissa! Website Instagram Facebook Blog  Links : Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! Mydoma Studio: A Well Designed Business When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen. Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program? #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward #474 Bria Hammel: Keys to Scaling Your Interior Design Firm #480 Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy and specifically the Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit, which is happening Wednesday, November 4 thru Friday, November 6, 2020. This event will run from 10:00 am EST to 6:00 pm and it is entirely virtual. In today’s conversation, Terri Taylor not only shares all the details of the outstanding Summit she has planned for you, but she shares valuable tips for running your firm. After 30 years in the industry, Terri has tons of experience in running her own firm and teaching you how to do it through her Interior Design Business Academy. And to be clear, the summit is open to all interior design business owners, not just IDBA coaching members, so be sure to check it out at Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2020 Terri Taylor is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at design conferences and showrooms throughout the country. She speaks on a number of topics related to the business of interior design, including: business practices, sales, marketing, motivation, leadership, success, and personal growth. Ms. Taylor is nationally known as an interior design business expert and coach who teaches and mentors interior designers to help them create successful design businesses. Terri has over 32 years in the interior design and construction business. She holds both residential and commercial general remodeling Arizona Contractors Licenses, and qualified for her NCIDQ certification in 1991. Terri is a professional member of ASID, IDS, and NCIDQ. Her Tucson-based design studio, Taylor Design Group, was a diversified design practice working in the areas of high-end residential design and remodeling, model home merchandising, hospitality, and medical and professional offices. Her studio has been the recipient of ASID Arizona South Chapter Design Excellence Awards every year since 1986 and she received the ASID National Design Excellence Award in 2000.  Terri’s design work has been published in regional and national design journals, including ASID ICON and Wall St. Journal. Terri retired from her studio practice in 2015. In 2009, Ms. Taylor created Design Biz Blueprint (now Interior Design Business Academy); an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of design business strategies and systems, and powerful positive mindset to help interior designers create meaningful success. She’s inspired thousands of interior design entrepreneurs through her speaking engagements, seminars, on-line education, and coaching. Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation. Show Highlights: The “nuts and bolts” side of how interior designers can get paid what they are worth is a part of the system that Terri teaches at Interior Design Business Academy: Advantages of fees vs. hourly, and design fees in relation to project budgets Pricing product/furniture properly so you don’t get push back and clients are happy How to have profitable remodeling jobs How to present and price a big design fee on a huge new build What your profit margin on a design job  should be Your mindset around wealth consciousness is actually the secret to getting paid what you are worth. Terri provides reasons why and examples of how designers are often in their own way. Once you identify and release those beliefs, rules, and practices that are keeping you “in your own way”, the “how-tos” easily fall into place. Interior Design Business Academy is a blend of educational programs and coaching: It’s lots of step-by-step, how-to-do-it recipes backed up by coaching, which creates predictably successful results. Terri explains the Growth, Structure, and Masters programs that she offers at Interior Design Business Academy. “Fly the plane while you build it.” Terri Taylor is the founder and host of the upcoming Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit - “Mastering Design Fees and Pricing”. Although it’s required by her Growth, Structure, and Masters students, this retreat is also open to the public! The 2020 Summit is a very interactive, 3-day virtual retreat, with lots of connection and sharing with designers across the country, breakout groups, all worksheets/handouts, coaching, Q and A time with Terri, and dancing… yes, it’s true, believe it or not! The 2020 Summit – “Mastering Design Fees and Pricing” is where: your passion for design combines with the ability to earn what you’re worth to become a reality. you will gain the confidence to make the shift and get the “recipe” for making consistently profitable fee-based offers for design services. you will learn to embrace your beautiful design gifts and attract high-paying clients to become a confident, well-paid designer. you do the “inside” work that allows you to shift into the abundant, confident, well-paid designer you are destined to be. you will uncover the freedom and fulfillment you’ve always wanted. This Summit is for pros, third acts, stars, leaders, game-changers, beginners, creatives, and IDBA members! There’s a Special Bonus “Wealth Consciousness Intensive Live” with Terri for Early Bird ticket holders only! Don’t miss the virtual mix and mingle event before the Summit! Remember: the only way you breakthrough is to COMMIT to doing whatever it takes to achieve the life, clients, and jobs you want.   Connect with Terri! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Website Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit “Mastering Design Fees & Pricing” Wednesday, November 4th thru Friday, November 6th, 2020 10:00 AM EST – 6:00 PM EST Virtual experience Admission: $347 or 2 payments of $207 *Early Bird pricing only valid until midnight, October 20th *Early Bird BONUS -  A pre-event Wealth Consciousness Workshop with Terri so that you can get a head start into shifting your mindset and getting paid what you are really worth! Register for 2020 Summit Links : Design-Build For Profit Coming Back Soon! Increase Confidence, Increase Profits Coming Back in February 2021! The Profit Is In the Numbers Coming Back Soon! Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2020 Other shows mentioned: #548 Terri Taylor

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Social media guru, Darla Powell from Darla Powell Interiors, joins us in this conversation today on how to get more juice from your social media efforts. We change, our business changes, and sometimes, we need to refresh our minds about what we’re really doing and who we’re doing it for. The goal here today is to talk about honing the message you’re sending out to the world, and if you already did this five years ago, well maybe it’s time to do it again! Darla is a co-author of the 2nd volume of A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts that is coming out in November 2020. Darla really is the social media guru. She blew up social from the get-go and she hasn’t stopped since. Thankfully she is just fine with sharing her tools and ideas with us, so we can try to duplicate her success. Please welcome her back to the show! Darla has a fun, genuine, and down-to-earth approach to the designing of beautiful spaces. Since she launched her career in 2016, she has grown her business almost exclusively by word-of-mouth and her clients have really fallen in love with her work! In her past life, Darla spent almost twenty years as a Detective Sergeant in Miami Florida, so one might say that she is an expert on the importance of having complete tranquility at home after a stressful day at work! Also, her background has carried over many hidden perks- including a strong sense of integrity, accountability, and a ready-for-anything-ness that is key for home renovation projects. Darla’s career transformation was fueled by her need to express her boundless creativity. She spent her childhood summers rummaging through her grandmother’s antique store where she developed an extensive knowledge of antiques, collectibles, and of pieces that look perfect together, so Darla’s refined eye definitely sees those diamonds hiding in the rough! Above all, Darla really loves creating rooms that are gorgeous, elegant and soothing. Show Highlights: This podcast helped educate Darla and gave her the courage to take a leap into a totally different career path. Darla explains how she came to create Wingnut Social. When clients are looking up your design firm online, they are also scoping out your PR sources and checking out your social media to see how you engage with others. Social media is a multi-billion dollar business and is not a trend. It’s here to stay! It’s difficult for a business to survive the long run without having a well-rounded social media presence. Darla offers her social media strategies! Marketing budgets can be 5-20% of your overall annual gross, depending on a few factors. When you’re a newer designer, that percentage should be higher because you’re building brand awareness and a following. Who are you? LuAnn shares what she looks for on designer’s websites. You have to always be able to adapt, especially in marketing. Connect with Darla! Darla’s Website Darla’s Instagram Darla’s Facebook Darla’s Twitter Wingnut Social The Wingnut Social Podcast Links : Design-Build For Profit Coming Back Soon! Increase Confidence, Increase Profits Coming Back in February 2021! The Profit Is In the Numbers Coming Back Soon! Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?LuAnn Nigara COB  Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen. Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program? Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high-end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch Previous Episodes Mentioned: Darla was on episodes #203 and #330  

Welcome to the 600th episode of A Well-Designed Business! In this milestone conversation, LuAnn is the guest today! Deb Mitchell and Betty Marton are two writers and #smartladies who are talking to LuAnn today about the 599 episodes she has under her belt. LuAnn shares how much her life has changed since she aired her first episode back in February of 2016, how appreciative she is for her guests and listeners who have played such a big part in making this podcast a success, and how grateful she is that you invite her into your lives and your businesses each week. Don’t miss this fascinating glimpse into the heart of the host of A Well-Designed Business! Deb, or DesignWriterDeb as she’s referred to on Instagram, specializes in copywriting for interior designers and creatives. Betty, of In Your Own Words, helps individuals and businesses tell their stories through narrative. Show Highlights: LuAnn shares memories from her childhood and how she first learned a good work ethic that carried her into marriage and entrepreneurship with Vin. Focus energy on learning the lessons when you’ve experienced failure. Without failures, there can be no success. If you decide to do something, you can do it. If you don’t do it, you’re the only person standing in your way! LuAnn describes how her podcast came into being and the creative ways she sourced her guests. LuAnn shares her best ‘a-ha’ moments and how every single person on their entrepreneurial journey has something to teach us. Managing a full calendar takes a lot of work, a few shortcuts, and constant conversations with her executive assistant, Lisa! Build a team you trust and have your processes down. Here’s what’s next for LuAnn! Deb, Betty, and LuAnn discuss LuAnn’s BLM special series. “Decide to be excellent!” High Point Market is the Oscars of the design industry, and this year, for a lot of us, that red carpet feels a long way away. But don’t feel like you have to miss out, because Mydoma Studio is here to bring Market to you, wherever you might be. More than just a virtual High Point, Mydoma’s Backstage at High Point Market will bring you showroom tours, private conversations with industry insiders, and insight you just can’t find anywhere else. Head over to Mydoma Studio HPMKT now to get your own backstage pass! Links : Design-Build For Profit Coming Back Soon! Increase Confidence, Increase Profits Coming Back in February 2021! The Profit Is In the Numbers Coming Back Soon!  Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service! Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative: Kravet FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! Mydoma Studio: A Well Designed Business OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED AND TAG IN SM: Carol Cox #140 Deb Mitchell #574  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the difficult questions and LuAnn gives the expert answers you’ve been wanting. Today’s dilemma comes from an anonymous listener who has been a faithful listener of the podcast since she started her business in 2014. At that time, she took the least expensive options in setting up her business and hasn’t invested since. She received an inheritance right before COVID hit, so this designer is looking for words of wisdom on whether it’s better to hold on to the money for a household expenses safety net since her husband has been furloughed and is not likely to return to work soon, or if it’s better to invest it back into her business, along with a revised business plan. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions. If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara: WWLD! Show Highlights: LuAnn shares the listener’s email to provide the full context of the issue. If the listener’s husband has not yet been returned to work or gained other employment, then the mortgage, food on the table, gas, and electricity all come first. If the household situation is not so dire, remember that there are many steps you can take to set your business up for success that are an investment of your time and not your money. Review, revise, and reflect on the business plan that she set up in 2014. LuAnn details the steps needed for the listener to get very clear on her mission and how to define her core values. Knowing your numbers are critical! Investing in your business must be done with a plan, so LuAnn walks the listener through some financial considerations. Here are the bottom-line investments that the listener must make: Work with a lawyer to register your business. Open a business bank acct. Hire a p/t bookkeeper or commit to knowledgeably doing it yourself religiously, no messing around. Find and hire a CPA, even if it not the kind like Peter Lang who works with you each month and it is just one who will see to it the quarterly and yearly taxes are filed and paid. LuAnn breaks down exactly how she would spend the $9,000. Final thoughts: Invest in your business but also invest time in planning how you will make money. Be steadfast in doing it! Check out SCORE, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping small business owners get off the ground, set and achieve their goals through free educational resources, and offers free mentoring from retired business people. Links : Design-Build For Profit Coming Back Soon! Increase Confidence, Increase Profits Coming Back in February 2021! The Profit Is In the Numbers Coming Back Soon! Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high-end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen. Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program? OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED AND TAG IN SM: Laurel Smith’s episode #545 Nate Berkus’s episode, #433 Jamie Lieberman’s episode #’s 454 and #547. Kim Worswick’s episode #234  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Judith Taylor of Judith Taylor Designs returns as a guest today to share her ideas on networking for introverts. As Judith says, it can be a struggle to be an introvert in an extrovert’s industry! She has many things to say that can help not just introverts, but anybody looking to strengthen their networking skills. Listen in to this fascinating conversation about how you can set yourself up for success, even if you’re an introvert, and how to overcome the challenges when it comes to networking. Judith is an international award-winning designer with a flair for making personal, meaningful spaces. She is the granddaughter of a once-prominent furniture manufacturer, and as such, is passionate about style and the tradition of quality fine furniture making. Liveably luxury is achieved through her timeless aesthetic. Classic details, and refined clean lines anchor a love of the mix of contemporary traditional, and global influences. Mixing patterns, unexpected combinations, dressmaker’s details, and often vibrant colours distinguish her style.  A few things you may not know about her: She started her career in Information Technology as a mainframe programmer/analyst but after 20 years as an IT consultant, her love of colour and pattern got the better of her. While working in IT, she also completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and later studied fine art at Toronto School of Art, and then most recently she studied Interior Design at the International Academy of Design and Technology where she received High Honours for her work. She is the first (and so far only) Canadian to have won a “Designer of the Year” award from the Interior Design Society out of High Point North Carolina, and was also the first to win Crate and Barrel’s “designer challenge” and you can see the “Judith chair” on the “about” page on her website, or sit on the winning entry in her living room (by invitation only)! She enjoys travel and always looks forward to spending more time at their summer place at Cape Cod. Follow along with her blog to read posts about her travels, her design insight, and lifestyle thoughts that cross her mind. She hopes you enjoy the read.  Show Highlights: Judith shares her personal experience with introversion. There’s a difference between being shy and being an introvert. Judith reveals the ingenious way she prepares herself for a group event. Avoid delivering phony-sounding elevator pitches. Tips and tactics for networking at group events. How Judith handles consultations. Since introverts tend to look inward and be self-critical, Judith had to learn to turn her vision towards her client and assess them. Marketing and writing is a place for introverts and shy people to shine. Building connections is what Judith attributes to getting her jobs. If you care, and you want to help people, potential cients are going to see that. Judith imparts her final thoughts and suggestions on getting new clients. Connect with Judith! Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Blog Links : Design-Build For Profit Coming Back Soon! Increase Confidence, Increase Profits Coming Back in February 2021! The Profit Is In the Numbers Coming Back Soon! Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020! Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan: Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company. Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM #340 Judith Taylor: Strategies for Working with Family and Friends #584 Lesley Myrick: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again #557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset #475 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time