Today With Traci Connell  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, Traci Connell, founder of The Gloss—a free online learning community for designers—breaks down her upcoming Mastermind program. She also walks us through her proven framework for overcoming money mindset blocks and learning how to take calculated risks that pay off in your business. Pick It Apart: [1:40] Traci and LuAnn discuss why money mindset is what truly holds most business owners back from reaching their goals. [11:13] Traci begins unpacking her RISK framework, discussing how important it is to view mistakes as learning opportunities. [15:21] LuAnn and Traci discuss why investing in your business and in yourself is a key to success. [23:48] Traci reflects on the value of knowing your numbers—and using those numbers to make smart business decisions. [39:05] Traci breaks down her coaching programs and how they can benefit you.  LuAnn Nigara and Traci Connell's Ah-Ha Moments “Our money mindset belief becomes a filter by which we consciously and unconsciously make decisions.” -LuAnn “I’m so passionate about numbers because I want you to take a calculated risk, and to me the three components to doing that are having time, having money, and having a team of great people.” -Traci “I had to find a way to set myself apart in order to become the expert and specialized and even charge higher design fees.” -Traci More About Traci Connell  Since founding her eponymous firm, award-winning designer Traci Connell is an expert in delivering tailored interiors that are as luxurious as they are livable. With her keen eye for design, space planning and art, Connell brings understated glamour and elegance to a vast range of high-end residential interiors, commercial projects, vacation homes and custom site-specific requests. Her inspiration is attained from her explorations of the world of design, travel, art, nature and culture. With a renewed appreciation for transforming homes into an ease of escape, Connell breaks through predictability with art curation, cutting edge technologies and custom artisan talents, weaving in special, unexpected elements into every design project. As one of the most trusted design firms in Dallas, she delivers an expertly perfected, streamlined system of service that simplifies and organizes the design process. Her impeccable eye for space planning and design, combined with the team’s in-depth knowledge of project management, proves invaluable for clients ranging from busy young families to empty nesters and those seeking vacation homes. Connell’s philanthropic work within the Dallas design community includes the Dwell with Dignity “Thrift Studio” fundraiser, a design project aimed to raise money to combat homelessness in the city of Dallas and surrounding areas. She is currently serving on the ASID Texas Community Board. Traci Connell Interiors has proudly been named a Kips Bay Decorator Show House Designer of 2021,  D Home Best Designer in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and has been included on the Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List in 2018, 2020 and 2021. The firm’s work has been recognized in national and regional media publications including Luxe Interiors + Design, Wall Street Journal, Traditional Home, Modern Luxury Interiors, D Home and AD Pro among many more. Connect with Traci Connell The Gloss The Confidential Instagram Register for the Buy Wholesale for Profit intensive! A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today’s show is sponsored by The Gloss. Other Shows Mentioned: #525 Traci Connell: Take Your Business from Setback to Success   #554 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit   #909 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss   #950 Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People

Today With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso: Today on the podcast I’m joined by Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso, for the second in our new series, Overheard. We’re taking a trip down memory lane and talking about what we wish we knew then—spilling the tea on times we’ve tripped up, and sharing the qualified advice and business-savvy gleaned from those tough times. Because whether you’re a beginning, rising or seasoned designer, there are always mistakes made along the way, but, more importantly, lessons learned. Pick It Apart: [9:02] Alex talks about the power of saying no. [16:56] Kate talks about why setting baseline standards is important, as opposed to creating the client expectation of going above and beyond. [29:57] Kate shares a cautionary tale about scaling. [40:38] Erika tells about how she learned not to spend her client’s money as if it were her own money as a luxury designer. [44:03] Jennifer shares her origin story and how it tested not only her business, but her marriage. [56:35] Alex explains the hard-earned lesson of assumptions—when it comes to your team and your clients. LuAnn Nigara, Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso's Ah-Ha Moments “If you find yourself in a position of not being able to define—if not your niche, at least your ideal client—then you might be in that pattern of the of the yes mode. And life gets a lot better, and the job gets a lot more fun, when you're able to identify your ideal clients.” - Kate O’Hara “When you're giving somebody something for free, they need to know about it.” - LuAnn Nigara “Document. Document. Document. Write everything down. And then don't just hold on to it, but make sure you share it, or it's in a place where it can be accessed [by your co-workers] if you're not available.” - Alex Alonso “If you want a business to scale, neither you nor anyone else can be irreplaceable.” - Kate O’Hara “You will arrive, but it may be via a different mode of transportation…I think keeping that in mind, prevents you from trying to model someone else's process and really staying true and authentic to making this business part of your lifestyle.” - Erika Ward “What is meant to be is meant to be, and that was always meant to be part of my journey. So I can't hide my head in the sand about it. I just have to take my lumps and move on.” - Jennifer Stoner “The larger you let your business grow into that, the more challenging it can be, I think, to steer a change, you know, the ship keeps getting bigger, it's a little less nimble now to turn and shift.” - Kate O’Hara “There really is no perfect business. There are stagnant businesses. There are struggling businesses. But I think that if you have an abundance mindset—if you're open, if you're self reflective, if you're proactive—then you'll always find yourself on a path that's going to serve you.” - Kate O’Hara More About Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso   Erika Ward Erika Hollinshead Ward is an acclaimed and published interior and furniture designer, distinguished as the visionary behind Erika Ward Interiors—a design firm and showroom celebrated for seamlessly blending contemporary and classic aesthetics. With a passion for crafting timeless interiors and fostering lifestyle and wellness, Erika has become a sought-after figure among both discerning consumers and reputable brands. Equipped with a robust background in business and finance, coupled with over a decade of experience in the interior design realm, Erika has emerged as a trailblazer in East Coast design, extending her influence to clients nationwide. Since the establishment of Erika Ward Interiors in 2006, the firm has experienced remarkable growth, leaving a trail of satisfied clients who attest to the team's meticulous attention to detail and client-centric approach. Impressively, more than eighty percent of Erika's business stems from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the enduring quality of her work. Beyond her successful design ventures, Erika collaborates closely with renowned brands such as Home Depot, High Point Market, ADAC Atlanta, S.C. Johnson and Company, and Rowe Furniture, lending her voice as a spokesperson and brand ambassador in targeted marketing campaigns. Yet, amidst her professional accomplishments, Erika finds her most fulfilling roles in her personal life—as a devoted wife to her husband, Chris, and a nurturing mother to their five children. Kate O’Hara CEO + Creative Director, O’Hara Interiors Kate O’Hara is the CEO + creative director for O’Hara Interiors where she pioneered the interior design firm’s expansion to national markets and international clientele. Today, O’Hara Interiors is one of the most well-known interior design studios in the country whose award-winning work has been featured on the Architectural Digest, Wall Street Journal, Better Homes and Gardens and beyond. Named one of Austin’s Social Influencers and Minnesota’s Top 32 Under 32 Marketing Professionals, Kate is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from social media, to women in business, to online branding. Jennifer Stoner Jennifer Stoner is the acclaimed design leader behind her eponymous full-service firm, Jennifer Stoner Interiors, headquartered in Richmond, VA and Charleston, SC. For close to two decades, she has been applauded as the “go to” luxury designer for prominent c-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and entertainers.  From family estates to secluded weekend properties, her custom designed homes are always elegant yet approachable and personality driven. Today, her properties have captured the attention of Traditional Home, Aspire Design & Home, Forbes, and Home & Design.  A noted tastemaker, Jennifer has been celebrated for her sophisticated, personality-driven style in both fashion and home.  Today, she is often requested to speak at industry events educating fellow designers on creating signature business systems and VIP client experiences.  Jennifer has been hand-picked to be a “Best of KBIS” judge at the upcoming 2023 KBIS in Las Vegas, NV, the industry’s leading Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Jennifer started her career path with a business degree and law degree from the University of Florida. She went on to work as a litigator in one of the country’s largest firms and became in-house legal counsel for Mayo Clinic. While she loved the analytical side of practicing law and the project management aspects, her creative side of her soul was beckoning. She now puts her business and project management background to good use by developing signature business systems which allow her team to create VIP client experiences.  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’s favorite pastime is travel and she loves to explore the globe while adding to her enviable rolodex of resources and artisans for her clients.  Most recently she was selected as one of a small group of distinguished designers from the US to attend two global design events. She traveled to Valencia, Spain on a sponsored trip by Tile of Spain, to Cevisama, the leading luxury tile and stone exhibit.  She was also included in a select group of kitchen designers to travel with the NKBA to the German Haus Fair, an international kitchen and bath showcase.  These incredible experiences are valued by Jennifer because they allow her to bring more informed and advanced offerings to her select group of clientele. Alex Alonso The studio team collective is led by design principal Alex alonso. a maximalist at heart, after years in media and entertainment on both coasts and travels abroad he launched a studio that embraces a global perspective and celebrates the power of storytelling through spaces. reflecting a distinct design approach that is all about the mix, the result is a bold sensibility he calls “modern Victorian.” Cuban-born Alex grew up under insanely humid Miami days.  After attending Northwestern University and working in advertising in Chicago, Alex moved to Los Angeles where he worked in entertainment for many years.  All along he perfected his craft in his true passion, design.  His travels have taken him across five continents and function as a constant source of inspiration for his designs. A voracious collector, Alex is drawn to anything with a story. Alex was recently on Bravo Tv's hit design competition series, "Best Room Wins" where his "transitional" room design earned him a coveted spread in ElleDecor.com.  His room was judged by design maven and host, Genevieve Gorder, Elle Decor Editor-in-Chief, Whitney Robinson and design icon, Jonathan Adler. Connect with Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso  Jennifer Stoner’s Website Kate O’Hara’s Website Erika Ward’s Website Alex’s Website What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #6: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward   AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors   AWDB #184: Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm   AWDB #215: FaceBook Coaching Sessions- Show #1 with Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors   AWDB #278: Erika Ward – Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd.   AWDB #612: Jennifer Stoner: The Power of the Logic-Based Conversation in Interior Design   AWDB #820: Alex Alonso: Always Say Yes to a Client, Except When You Should Say No   AWDB #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life   AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business   AWDB #950: Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People

Today With Audrey Faust Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I am joined by Audrey Faust of Faust Consulting. Audrey is an accomplished finance expert with an accounting degree, an MBA, and a NeuroCoach certification. She works with women entrepreneurs to take charge of their finances. Audrey’s clients build wealth through her non-judgmental space for learning and growth.  Today’s episode is not your average finance conversation. In addition to some other tips, you may be relieved to know that Audrey gives one main strategy for building wealth that anyone, anywhere, at any time can do. And that is to change your money mindset.  Pick It Apart: [3:10] Audrey explains why 80% of businesses that view their finances once a month are more successful. [12:49] How your employees can block your growth. [16:41] Audrey shares the first thing you can do to build wealth. [27:27] The importance of showing your kids examples of abundance. [31:08] Why your net worth is important in the process of building wealth. [42:38] Tactics to start building wealth. LuAnn Nigara and Audrey Faust's Ah-Ha Moments “Businesses are 80% more successful if they look at their finances monthly,” - Audrey Faust   “What you focus on grows, whether it be your money or your wealth, it grows,” - Audrey Faust More About Audrey Faust  Audrey Faust is an accomplished finance expert, dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to take charge of their finances. Audrey holds an accounting degree, an MBA, and a NeuroCoach certification, Audrey has successfully built her own multi-million-dollar wealth through various types of personal endeavors and investments. She is committed to promoting financial literacy among women, she provides a supportive, non-judgmental space for learning and growth, which has led to clients achieving great success. Audrey's vision extends beyond financial prosperity; she encourages women to attain comprehensive wealth, encompassing monetary success, time, and ultimate freedom. She equips women with the necessary tools and wisdom to confidently build wealth. Audrey’s primary goal? To help women build genuine wealth and foster enduring peace of mind concerning their financial future. When she's not working, Audrey cherishes her time with her husband, their three adult children, a grandchild, and her three four-legged friends. She loves to travel between her homes in Northeastern PA and Southwestern FL, soaking in each place's distinct charm. Connect with Audrey Faust Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers   AWDB #913: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth   WTFP: #254: Jessica Harling: Confronting or Firing Family Members in Your Business   WTFP 256: Jessica Harling: Firing a Family Member Part 2: 9 Tips to Make it as Painless as Possible

Today With Nina Parvaresh: Hi, welcome to a Well Designed Business. My guest today, Nina Parvaresh, founder and principal of Concept-Me, is the definition of a go-getter.  After training as an architect in Paris, Nina began her career at the age of 23 by jumping foot-first into a full-scale design project in the Middle East, working primarily in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.  Nina has faced many unique challenges, including working in a male-dominated space in a male-dominated part of the globe, taking on projects for powerful families in the Middle East, and navigating cultural differences as she worked in various parts of the world.  And yet, in many ways Nina struggles with the same things that many entrepreneurs do—trying to break away from the grind to focus on becoming the CEO.  Today, she’s here to talk about the unique aspects of global design work, the importance of knowing your clients and understanding the market, and how she hopes to grow her firm. Pick It Apart: [0:27] Nina shares her story of starting her firm in the Middle East and the challenges she faced along the way. [06:55] Nina and LuAnn reflect on the importance of growth, learning, and evolution. [13:46] Nina shares how she found herself facing such a large-scale project with no experience at the age of 23. [17:36] Nina reflects on the mistakes she has made and the lessons she has learned. [25:48] Nina and LuAnn discuss what it takes to lead a large team and how to free yourself up as the CEO. LuAnn Nigara and Nina Parvaresh's Ah-Ha Moments “It’s a testament to tuning into your intuition and your gut instinct. So many times we say, don’t put a pen to paper until you get paid—and that’s usually right. But there’s a difference between going for it and taking a risk versus just laying down and doing something for free.” -LuAnn “This is not a job you can do individually. You need to be able to count on people as the years go by, and you need to be able to surround yourself with experts that are better than you.” -Nina More About Nina Parvaresh  As an only child, I come from a family of strong women. With Persian roots, I was born and raised in Paris where I became an architect by training and made that my entrepreneurial pursuit. As a third-culture kid, I got to live in different cities from New York to Istanbul. This has engrained a global sense of belonging in me and fed my creative process of gathering inspiration. When I touched down in Jeddah at age 23, I was ready to grab the bull by the horns! I was excited about the opportunities I saw in the market and was hungry to make the best of it. My first project at such a young age is still one of my most important ones because it set the stage for what I’ve done since. So, in short, I remember the young excitement, the hungry ambition, and most importantly, the look on my first client’s face when I laid out my plans for their house on a 14-seater dining table and recognized that the designs exceeded their expectation! Paris has always been home, but I also lived in New York and Istanbul, which is by far my favorite city! After that, I traveled a lot but was based in Jeddah and Dubai. I have always been drawn to cities that have soul, character and an element of chaotic order. Cities make their character through their architecture and their people. The reason I chose Dubai as my checkpoint right now is its great energy, its being a hub of so many global people and its cosmopolitan appeal. I tend to grasp the energy of different cities and I am drawn to the stories they tell. As a boutique scale firm, my vision for Concept Me was to handle projects in a very holistic manner that takes the project from A to Z. Whatever we do is always focused on creating a unique personality for any space. Creativity is at the core of what we do, being able to bring life and soul to high-end residential projects. However, we also have a mission to be ‘client-centric’. My aim is to have clients that trust us blindly, tell us what they want, and then get peace of mind until we hand over the project they had seen in their mind’s eye. We’ve made this possible at Concept Me with our multi-disciplinary team and their international talent. Essentially, I am juggling a bit too many roles at the moment, which is maybe natural in a boutique scale company environment. However, I am working on this, gradually! Primarily, however, one of the key elements of my role is client management. I take it upon me to understand my client’s mindstate, to reassure them, to direct their vision and to inform them of the rationale behind our design choices and how we can bring their space to life in the best way possible. The second key element is to be the final decision maker on all design choices. As part of a multi-disciplnary team, one that is driven by creative input, it can become challenging to keep all the creative choices from different people consistent, so that’s where I come in so we can have a final, polished, cohesive space instead of a pastiche. And finally, one of the hats I wear is the business development hat, whereby I keep signing deals while heading the design department! Connect with Nina Parvaresh Website Instagram  Facebook  TikTok YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #578 Lori Morris: When Working with the Luxury Client, the Answer is Yes!   AWDB #639 Mina Duque: Starting an Interior Design Firm in a Foreign Melting Pot   AWDB #722: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business   AWDB #823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan   AWDB #905: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: Why Successful Design Firms Choose Duke Renders for Their Rendering Projects   AWDB #951 Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: More Interior Designers Share the Value Of Using Duke Renders For Your Rendering Projects   WTFP 255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy   WTFP 253: Tim Yurek: Three Disturbing Trends That Put Small Businesses at Risk

Today With Sharon Lipovsky: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I’m sitting down with Sharon Lipovsky, owner of Point Road Studios. Sharon aims to banish the world of limiting mindsets. Sharon has helped many interior designers attain their vision, including taking an aspiring interior designer from idea to seven figure business. Point Road Studios supports human development as a required step to growing both our influence and our bottom lines. Pick It Apart: [6:42] Sharon shares an example of her own experience making the mistake of working only towards the outcomes. [17:32] Sharon explains her process of coaching clients on how to obtain their “best thinking. [26:40] Sharon describes the “vision funnel” to get to your end goal.  [30:47] LuAnn and Sharon discuss the importance of listening to your inner voice.  [50:18] The importance of having a diversity of perspectives within your team. [55:05] How Sharon works with interior designers. LuAnn Nigara and Sharon Lipovsky's Ah-Ha Moments “When we lead with vision we can look to the future to get inspired and also look to the past to recognize how your story may be both holding you back and propelling you towards your vision.” - Sharon Lipovsky “To be able to take action we have to have our ‘best thinking’ of what our vision will look like. Use your vision, including the feelings you get from it, to make the right decisions to keep you on the right track.” - Sharon Lipovsky “There has to be space for you to recognize when your intuition has gathered the correct data, but also honor and recognize how and when to act upon it.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Sharon Lipovsky Driven by her personal mission to banish the world of limiting mindsets, Sharon believes that there is nothing stopping you. She leverages her champion listening superpower with clients to spark awareness, shift perspectives and energize the growth process. Her work is informed by her background as a sales and marketing executive, change agent and business owner. Sharon partners with clients ranging from tech-savvy startups and founder-led enterprises to globally-recognized brands and corporate powerhouses. What unites the leaders and teams she supports is that they are reinventing the way we do business. Point Road clients celebrate that focusing on human development is a necessary step to growing both our impact and our bottom lines. Together we really can do more than the sum of our individual parts. You can connect with Sharon every Wednesday on the Design Yourself podcast where she shares tips and inspiration for how to lead a well-designed life. As part of designing her own self, Sharon relocated in 2018 from her native Washington, DC to the Catskills of NY. You can read about her adventures in reimagining home in Dwell and the New York Times. When not stewarding the visions of her clients, you might find Sharon sowing seeds in the garden with her children, delighting in the creative cuisine of her husband or cold plunging with girlfriends. Connect with Sharon Lipovsky Website Instagram  LinkedIn: Point Road Studios Linked In: Sharon Lipovsky Design Yourself Podcast: Apple Podcasts Sharon's Home Features: NYT Dwell What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: 466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You've Defined Your Brand...Now What? - LuAnn Nigara   881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business - LuAnn Nigara Other Resources Mentioned: 5-minute Vision Meditation   Book Your Vision Reading - For the next 4 weeks, you can use code “luann” for additional $100 savings!   Oprah Clip   Early Adopters of Remote Work, They Moved Upstate Before Covid - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Today With Brittany Farinas: Today I am joined by Brittany Farinas, owner of House of One. House of One is a multifaceted Miami-based interior design firm, specializing in curated luxury residential and commercial projects. Brittany has taken leaps in her business right from the beginning, some leaps most designers are nervous to make. Working her tail off with two waitressing jobs and real estate, Brittany was able to invest in her business early on and achieve legitimacy and an increase in ROI ten-fold.  Pick It Apart: [:55] Brittany explains why curating the business side is as important as curating the designs. [11:34] LuAnn explains why she thinks design professionals shy away from investing in their business in the beginning. [16:38] Brittany shares what she experienced regarding external support for her investment decisions, both positive and negative. [21:08] Brittany shares her five-year plan, which includes staging. [30:44] Brittany explains House of One. [34:51] Shares her “come to Jesus” moments. LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Farinas's Ah-Ha Moments “Being good at owning a business is just as important as being good at the designing,” - Brittany Farinas “We can all eventually reach success, but the differentiator is believing in ourselves and that we can do it as soon as possible,” - LuAnn Nigara More About Brittany Farinas  House of One is a multifaceted Miami based interior design firm, specializing in curated luxury residential and commercial projects. By prioritizing creativity and an exceptional client experience, CEO and Creative Director  Brittany Farinas is  known for  guaranteeing that every client experiences The Art of Living With Style.  With their promise to deliver a distinct style of seamless luxury living, HO1 creates fluid interiors through elaborate spatial planning and FF&E selection. Making it their mission to design spaces that tell a story and exceed the expectations of their clients through high quality 3D visualization,  HO1 strives to create stunning, experiential properties while encouraging their clients to become creative collaborators.  At House of One, no design is ever the same. Brittany and her team are able to showcase this through custom furniture design, which is what the firm is most known for. Having designed some of the most notable interiors in South Florida and with works featured in AD Pro, Domino, Vogue Living, Wall Street Journal  and Haute Residence to name a few, House of One has carved and solidified their place as one of the fastest growing and most influential firms in the interior design sphere. Connect with Brittany Farinas Website Instagram Blog What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB: #55: Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching   506: Power Talk Friday: Natalie Norcross: A Design Partnership   AWDB #544: Power Talk Friday: Natalie Norcross: 5 Things To Do To Get PR   AWDB #741: Leia Ward: Getting Started with Luxury Staging   AWDB: #849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design Other Resources Mentioned: RESACON Vegas   Watch Kae Whitaker's Amazing Shows

Today With Raj Banyopadhyay: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by trained sex and relationship coach turned personal brand photographer Raj Banyopadhyay, of Series A Photography. We are discussing what personal branding means to him, how similar his process is to yours as an interior designer, and how he helps his clients uncover and embody their stories with powerful photos that help them connect with their audience. Pick It Apart: [8:06] Raj explains his mission as a photographer. [11:06] Raj and LuAnn discuss the nuances of branding and having a personal brand, and how it relates to interior design. [25:28] Raj and LuAnn discuss the importance of creating the moodboard for the photography session and why she got stumped with this step. [34:57] LuAnn explains why the tiger is her spirit animal. [42:46] Raj walks through what is going on behind the scenes during his photo shoots, how being a sex and relationship coach informs his photography, and the importance of attunement. [52:57] LuAnn and Raj discuss shame and how it effects both personal and professional relationships. [1:01:01] Raj his thoughts on influence and inclusivity in the historical context of photography and how that still impacts our thoughts today. LuAnn Nigara and Raj Banyopadhyay's Ah-Ha Moments “My goal as a photographer is, of course, to get beautiful pictures. But more importantly, is for you to feel safe in expressing yourself fully on camera…I love seeing the transformation that comes out in front of the camera and the transformation that they take out into the world of seeing themselves better, loving themselves better.” - Raj Bandyopadhyay “I see personal brand, as the relationship that you've created with your audience.” -  Raj Bandyopadhyay “It's a difference between capturing a beautiful photograph of you, and actually capturing you. And it's a difference between creating a beautiful room that could be anywhere or creating a room that's for that specific client.” - LuAnn Nigara “The stuff that comes up for us in front of the camera is exactly the stuff that comes up for us in the bedroom.” - Raj Bandyopadhyay More About Raj Banyopadhyay  In 2016, Raj was a Data Scientist at a hot Silicon Valley startup; with a comfortable 6-figure salary, status that came from success in a sexy field, and only a mild sense of mid-life dissatisfaction.  Then his partner, his then-wife of 8 years, came out as transgender.  Seeing his partner find joy in his true self forced Raj to ask the question, “What do I need to change in my life to feel true to myself?”  That journey led him to training as a sex and relationship coach, pursuing his creative passion, and eventually, finding a fulfilling life as an artist and photographer in NYC.  Today, as a personal branding photographer, he helps coaches, speakers and entrepreneurs convey their full, multifaceted, vibrant stories on camera.  He's passionate about helping people feel safe to express themselves fully as human beings and to build a deep, genuine, lasting connection with their audience. Connect with Raj Banyopadhyay Website Instagram  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #26: Kae Whitaker- Branding Your Business- Finally I Understand It!   AWDB #125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!   AWDB #516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand   AWDB #563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography   AWDB #752: Power Talk Friday: Kelsey Kurtis: Connection-Based Branding For Success   AWDB #759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing

Today With Jennifer Ma: Today, on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Jennifer Ma of Dwell & Oak Interior Design Studio. Before she became an interior designer, Jennifer was a competitive swimmer, a chef, and a nursing student. She also worked in luxury beauty marketing and owned a kickboxing franchise. Jennifer put her heart and soul into each venture, and took away valuable experiences that have helped her business thrive. She believes that with determination, you can pivot your career toward the lifestyle you've always envisioned. Listen now to hear her inspiring story. Pick It Apart: [1:46] Jennifer talks about her winding path from competitive swimming to culinary school and nursing school, along with the lessons each venture brought her. [8:21] As Jennifer discusses what she makes time for in her business during downtime, LuAnn asks if she allows time for self-care. [15:35] Jennifer shares an emotional story of learning resilience. [21:39] Jennifer explains how the Good Guy Clause helped when she closed her fitness business. [27:03] LuAnn and Jennifer discuss going viral on Instagram, and Jennifer shares her best advice for getting more engagement. [42:04] Jennifer recounts how she learned the importance of client experience from her kickboxing business. LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Ma's Ah-Ha Moments  “If I really, really don’t feel it in my heart and in my gut, that it’s okay to quit something after you’ve tried and put everything into it.” – Jennifer Ma   “What you put out there is what you're going to receive back.” – Jennifer Ma   “The fact that you can pull a very tangible life lesson out of each is, I think, the only way we get through things like this. It's the only way we get up in the morning and are willing to face the next possibly difficult thing that we have no idea that’s coming at us.” – LuAnn Nigara “You have to show up for yourself, and you can do it. There is no straight path to your fulfilling career.” – Jennifer Ma “The difference between success by intention and success by accident or success eluding us is that review—that consistent, constant review…each time you’re going through a phase of life.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Jennifer Ma  After moving into a brand new build home in San Diego, Jennifer started an Instagram account to document her love for customizing and decorating her home. Jennifer's goal was simple: Create a space that was inspired, beautiful, & that her family loved to be in. As Jennifer's online readership grew, so did her requests for interior design projects. Soon, she was being asked to design spaces--and entire homes--by online fans & followers from across the country. With that, Dwell & Oak was born; a full-scale design company grounded in Jen's firm belief that a home must be both beautiful and comfortable. In the years prior to launching her design company, Jennifer had already built and owned a thriving kickboxing franchise business from the ground up after being 12 years in luxury beauty marketing in NYC. Her success came from her commitment to excellence and appreciation for the client experience. This same talent, attention to detail, and entrepreneurial "can do" attitude has all helped her interior design business grow. Today, Jennifer remains committed to creating beautiful spaces that celebrate family, foster togetherness & connection, and are designed for everyday living. Connect with Jennifer Ma Website Instagram  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #006: Identifying Your Transferable Skills with Erika Ward AWDB #203: Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm AWDB #291: Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design AWDB #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet AWDB #463: Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity AWDB #786: Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed   AWDB #811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate   AWDB #677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why   AWDB #455: Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business

Today With Fernando Duque, Kelly O’Neil and Camia Brown: Today on A Well-Designed Business we are back with another Duke Renders-sponsored show. We are hearing from two more interior designers who absolutely love working with Duke Renders; Kelly O’Neil, founder of Kelly O’Neil Design and Camia Brown, founder of Camia Brown Interiors. As soon as Kelly and Camia started using Duke Renders in their projects, they never looked back. They now use them for all of their projects. They are sharing all of the benefits 3D renderings have for their businesses and why they recommend d Duke Renders to everyone. Pick It Apart   [3:54] Camia and Kelly share why they use renderings for all of their projects. [11:01] Camia explains how having a rendering facilitates the process. [16:56] Fernando shares how he has even used renderings for his own visuals. [25:10] Camia shares a specific instance where a client was not budging on a design preference and how the rendering convinced him it didn’t look right. [26:05] Kelly and Camia share the process of working with Duke Renders. [34:12] Last thoughts and benefits to using Duke Renders in your design projects. LuAnn Nigara, Fernando Duque, Kelly O’Neil and Camia Brown's Ah-Ha Moments “Using Duke Renders for your design projects uplevels your business. It’s the next phase in technology,” - LuAnn Nigara “When you have these high-quality renders from Duke Renders, there is this instantaneous trust because the clients can see that you saw their vision and customized it to them.” - Kelly O’Neil “We listen to feedback from designers to make our process as structured as possible so they always know what to expect throughout their process,” Fernando Duque More About Fernando Duque   Born in Venezuela, MBA Babson College. Serial Entrepreneur, founded more than 5 companies. I co founded Duke Renders with my brother Enrique in March 2020 in the middle of COVID 19, since then it has been a skyrocket growth with more than 100 team members today and no outside investment. We are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico. We specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging. We serve busy Interior Designers with 100% Accurate Photo-Realistic 3D Renderings of their Creative Designs. We make You and Your Clients feel Proud, Confident and Empowered at Every Single Step of the Design Process. I live in Tulum with my wife Mina, our newborn daughter Penelope and our doggy Lulu. Fun Facts: 1. I love going to the beach at 5am and do it every day! 2. Traveled the world backpacking for 2.5 years 3. Loves cooking Moroccan Food for his Moroccan Wife Connect with Fernando Duque Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Houzz A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Duke Renders.  Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #723: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business AWDB #823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan AWDB #905: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: Why Successful Design Firms Choose Duke Renders for Their Rendering Projects Other Shows Mentioned: Join us for The Power Talk Friday Tour Duke Renders - Book Call

Today With Anastasia Harrison, Traci Connell, Eileen Hahn and Jennifer Tokatyan:  Today on A Well Designed Business, I am so happy to have our roundtable discussion with four amazing #smartladys. Leadership consultants Eileen Hahn and Jennifer Tokatyan, and award-winning designers Traci Connell and Anastasia Harrison.  Both Traci and Anastasia worked with Eileen and Jennifer to improve and solidify their hiring process and it resulted in clear and successful results. They are here to share their hiring experiences, how they worked together, and offer actionable tips that you do not want to miss. Pick It Apart: [11:44] Anastasia explains her situation with knowing she has the wrong team members and what she did about it. [15:15] Eileen walks us through what to do after learning the roles we need to fill and realizing the people in them don’t belong in those roles. [19:37] Traci shares her experience with hiring designers and when she decided to reach out to Eileen and Jennifer for help. [26:44] Jennifer shares her experience working with Traci and the pain points she had to face with the previous use of recruitment companies. [34:54] Anastasia shares actionable steps for those having issues with hiring and team management. [44:18] Jennifer talks about determining the accurate fit for the role you are hiring. [47:48] Eileen provides some tools for the hiring process. LuAnn Nigara and Anastasia Harrison, Traci Connell, Eileen Hahn and Jennifer Tokatyan's Ah-Ha Moments “Eileen let me know that I had to take hold of and understand the positions I needed to fill before hiring the people to fill them. At that point, I had people in seats, but they weren’t necessarily sitting in the right ones,” - Anastasia Harrison “Everybody wants to be happy in a job that they are good at. Employers want their employees to be happy in a job that they are good at, but many times they are in the wrong place,” - Eileen Hahn “You’re not just interviewing the candidate, they are interviewing you,” - Anastasia Harrison “It is an honor to be able to hire someone to contribute to your business,” - Jennifer Tokatyan.  More About Anastasia Harrison, Traci Connell, Eileen Hahn and Jennifer Tokatyan   Anastasia Harrison: Anastasia Harrison is a rarity in the design world – she is a trained architect and an award-winning designer. Her enthusiasm for both can be seen from concept to installation, and this energy fills each of her projects. As Owner and Principal Architect at AHD&Co, Anastasia leads a creative team best known for unconventional thinking and expertise, thus providing effortless designs. She started her career working on large infrastructure projects in the NYC metro area and worked at the original World Trade Center for nearly a decade. She then moved to Europe to do design work for brands such as Donna Karen, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, and Prada.  Once back in the US, her career focused on luxury residential and hospitality design, as Director of Sustainability in NYC for Gensler. Anastasia became a leader in sustainable design and offered a new standard for mindful living with speaking engagements across the nation. In 2012, Anastasia shifted her career highlights and began working with high-profile clients on major architectural endeavors, designing legacy properties through her firm, AHD&Co. Her body of work now encompasses historic preservations, large-scale estate renovations, and new construction forever homes. Many of her clients return to her firm to seek her expertise when they secure an additional private residence or vacation home, building life-long relationships. Anastasia lives in New Jersey with her husband and two Puggles and has three young adult daughters. One of her daughters has a rare connective tissue disorder, which led her to establish a charity for children in medical crisis, the New Jersey chapter of Savvy Giving By Design. Anastasia believes there is a greater purpose to what she does in her career.  Time and again, she has found that architecture and design can do more than just create beautiful spaces – beautiful design can bring great joy and great respite into the home. Traci Connell: Since founding her eponymous firm, award-winning designer Traci Connell is an expert in delivering tailored interiors that are as luxurious as they are livable. With her keen eye for design, space planning and art, Connell brings understated glamour and elegance to a vast range of high-end residential interiors, commercial projects, vacation homes and custom site-specific requests. Her inspiration is attained from her explorations of the world of design, travel, art, nature and culture. With a renewed appreciation for transforming homes into an ease of escape, Connell breaks through predictability with art curation, cutting edge technologies and custom artisan talents, weaving in special, unexpected elements into every design project. As one of the most trusted design firms in Dallas, she delivers an expertly perfected, streamlined system of service that simplifies and organizes the design process. Her impeccable eye for space planning and design, combined with the team’s in-depth knowledge of project management, proves invaluable for clients ranging from busy young families to empty nesters and those seeking vacation homes. Connell’s philanthropic work within the Dallas design community includes the Dwell with Dignity “Thrift Studio” fundraiser, a design project aimed to raise money to combat homelessness in the city of Dallas and surrounding areas. She is currently serving on the ASID Texas Community Board. Traci Connell Interiors has proudly been named a Kips Bay Decorator Show House Designer of 2021,  D Home Best Designer in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and has been included on the Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List in 2018, 2020 and 2021. The firm’s work has been recognized in national and regional media publications including Luxe Interiors + Design, Wall Street Journal, Traditional Home, Modern Luxury Interiors, D Home and AD Pro among many more. Eileen Hahn: Eileen Hahn is a leadership consultant who works with firms like Anheuser-Busch, Ericson Worldwide, General Motors, Legoland, San Diego Padres, and interior design firms, as well as smaller entrepreneurial firms. She teaches leaders in these organizations how to hire and lead exceptional employees who bring fire and energy to their work, achieve high levels of performance, and generate financial results. Eileen’s work has improved productivity, profitability, and employee work passion. It has also brought the employees joy, peace, purpose, and prosperity. Jennifer Tokatyan: Jennifer Tokatyan is a leadership consultant and a consulting partner with Eileen B Hahn. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in small and large organizations across mul5ple industries in public, private and nonprofit sectors. She has worked with and for Fortune 500 companies as well as fast-paced entrepreneurial start-ups and Founder-led companies including interior design, hospitality, real estate, apparel, retail, manufacturing, non-profit and more. Jennifer provides leadership, talent optimization, organizational development, strategic HR consulting and coaching to organizations seeking to grow their people and business, deliver on their brand promise, create the culture and environment where its people flourish and achieve exceptional results. She has several ac5ve interior design clients across the United States and was on the expert panel at LuAnn Nigara’s Power Talk Friday at High Point Market in October, 2022 Connect with Anastasia Harrison, Traci Connell, Eileen Hahn and Jennifer Tokatyan Anastasia Harrison’s Website Traci Connell’s Website Eileen Hahn’s Website Jennifer Tokatyan’s Website What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #525: Traci Connell: Take Your Business from Setback to Success #554: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit #589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million #851: Power Talk Friday: Alexis Varbero: Making Connections that Matter #909: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss Other Resources Mentioned: AHD Trade   The Job You Were Born For: 7 Steps to Align Your Work with Your Life Mission - Eileen Hahn

Today With Jessica Lackey: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I’m sitting down with Jessica Lackey of Jessica Lackey Consulting. Her extensive experience in consulting and Fortune 500 operations leadership helps her guide businesses to grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, teams, and community. Listen in to learn what reaching the next level means to you and how to get there. Pick It Apart: [4:07] Jessica defines the starting point with her clients when they express that they want to reach “the next level." [11:16] The first thing to remove yourself from when you want to scale. [18:55] What to do once you have determined your goal. [23:02] Strategies to determine the first “bottleneck” if you’re trying to scale on your own with no help from a consultant like Jessica. [26:39] Jessica offers advice for when your clients are repeatedly clueless about what your pricing is and expect much less. [36:06] Understanding what “leveling up” means to you.  LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Lackey's Ah-Ha Moments “If you reach the next level where you have to rainmake to support that pipeline, are you designing anymore? If not, are you OK with that? People don’t expect the fact that their roles may completely shift,” - LuAnn Nigara. “When you think about scaling your business, you need to think about how far you want to remove yourself from the business. So, the first step is to remove yourself from the backend stuff that isn’t your zone of genius,” - Jessica Lackey. More About Jessica Lackey Jessica Lackey is a strategy and operations advisor who is on a mission to radically disrupt mainstream business culture in an effort to create sustainable businesses with a human-centric approach. With a background in corporate leadership, McKinsey & Company consulting, and a Harvard Business degree, Jessica knows a thing or two about hustle culture and what it feels like to judge success by the bottom line…at all costs. Now, she combines her deep experience in consulting, Fortune 500 operations leadership, and coaching to help businesses grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, team, and community. Connect with Jessica Lackey Website Instagram LinkedIn  Twitter What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #349: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA AWDB #827: Power Talk Friday: Bart Anestin: A Marketing Framework For Interior Designers AWDB #873: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Design a Better Bottom Line With The Designer CPA AWDB #909: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss AWDB #935: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders Academy: Marketing Lessons From Taylor Swift’s Playbook

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Today on A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn announces the return of the Power Talk Friday Tour! She makes some other announcements regarding LuAnn Live, and mentiones some of the dates for the PTF Tour: Dallas on Apr 5, 2024, NJ on Jun 7, 2024, Las Vegas on Aug 2, 2024 and finally, High Point on Oct 25, 2024. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With Jessica Duce, Jane Dagmi and Ericka Saurit: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Ericka Saurit, Jessica Duce, and Jane Dagmi, the masterminds behind the Vacation Rental Design Summit, happening this spring at High Point Market. According to my guests today, Vacation Rental Design is much more than beautiful spaces—it’s a scroll-stopping, memory-making, profit-building business model. And they want to teach you all about it.  We’re discussing what Vacation Rental Design is (and isn’t), what kind of designer it’s best suited for, along with the content and what to expect at this year’s summit, because the more educated and better prepared you are as a designer in this niche, the more value you’ll bring to vacation rental owners and property managers, who will want to use your services again and again. Pick It Apart [2:25] Jessica defines what Vacation Rental Design is (and isn’t). [7:17] Ericka, Jessica, and Jane all share how serendipitous it has been finding one another and creating together. [11:29] LuAnn asks what type of designer Vacation Rental Design suits best. [15:10] Ericka speaks to some of the topics they cover and educate on at the Vacation Rental Design Summit, including marketing and branding. [20:28] The guests explain what the upcoming Vacation Rental Design Summit is and the topics covered there. [31:30] Jane covers the structure and schedule of the upcoming summit at High Point’s Spring Market. [33:16] Jessica explains how this category of design has different needs from brands and vendors versus standard designers. LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Duce, Jane Dagmi and Ericka Saurit's Ah-Ha Moments  “Vacation rental design is not staging, it's not residential design, it is unique…It has a lot of layers. But it also has, in my opinion, some of the greatest rewards for a designer for creativity.” – Jessica Duce   “Any one person can be inspired to “take an action” at any moment in time. But it's the taking of the action that is the key, right? Not just hearing and feeling the inspiration—you've got to move. And you have to move through fear often.” – LuAnn Nigara   “The more educated and the more prepared [vacation rental designers] are, the better of value they can sell, the more they can sell design as a sales tool [for the vacation rental owner].” – Ericka Saurit “Designers are real arbiters of taste. They curate lifestyles for their clients. They can curate vacations. Their expertise goes beyond picking the furniture…[to] create more income that way. They are really curating that person's entire experience. That's a big responsibility and one to really accept and embrace if you're up for it.” – Jane Dagmi More About Ericka Saurit In 2020, after a 20 year global career in interior design and marketing, Ericka Saurit founded Saurit Creative with a mission to support and elevate brands across the entire home industry. Ericka believes that the more clients and customers who understand the value of working with a designer, the better world we’ll create for everyone. Ericka began her career as an interior designer, working with ESI (now NBBJ) in New York and Ralph Appelbaum Associates in Beijing for numerous cultural and hospitality clients throughout Asia, the United States, and Europe, and transitioned to a career in marketing for home brands in 2012. As a global brand marketing leader, she has overseen digital product development and brand strategy at Airbnb in San Francisco, created immersive physical and virtual brand experiences for Tag Heuer, Estee Lauder, and Procter & Gamble in addition to working with top home and lifestyle brands around the world. Ericka is an inspiring and motivating public speaker—frequently invited to lead industry discussions on marketing, brand strategy, and storytelling at conferences in the US and abroad. A southerner at heart and traveler by trade, she maintains residence in both North Carolina and the south of France. Connect with Ericka Saurit Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  Download your free brand audit Book a call with Erika What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #351: Power Talk Friday: Jane Dagmi: Editor in Chief of Designers Today   AWDB #368: Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design   AWDB #437: High Point Market: Plan a Successful Trip   AWDB #606: Phoebe Oldrey: How a Niche Can Give New Life to Your Business   AWDB #770: Tiffany Cassidy: Niching into Vacation Home Design   AWDB #868: Jill Cole: Sustaining a Prosperous Hospitality Design Firm in an Ever-Changing World   AWDB #894: Jessica Duce: The Vacation Rental Design Summit at High Point Market Other Shows Mentioned:  VRD Summit - HPXD - High Point x Design

Today With Morgan Molitor: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Hi, welcome to a Well Designed Business. My guest today, Morgan Molitor, was introduced to me by Brad Leavitt, a friend of the show and Power Talk Friday expert. Morgan and Brad, along with Nick Shiffer, founded the Contractor Coalition Summit, a conference for the construction industry. Morgan is also the co-founder of construction2style, a full-service design-build firm, alongside her husband Jamie. And, as if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Morgan also runs a media company for designers and construction firms, and a separate nonprofit, along with creating online education workshops. Oh, and did I mention she has three young kids?  If that sounds essentially impossible to you, you aren’t alone. Today, Morgan breaks down how she manages to keep everything running smoothly and all the lessons she has learned along the way. Pick It Apart [1:04] Morgan breaks down all of the facets of her businesses and how they came to be. [9:35] Morgan and LuAnn discuss the visionary vs. the implementer and how Morgan turns her ideas into reality. [16:20] Morgan shares her processes and the way she prioritizes tasks. [24:18] Morgan and LuAnn talk about work-life balance and maintaining connection when your spouse is your co-worker. [33:56] Morgan talks about the Contractor Coalition Summit and what attendees can expect. LuAnn Nigara and Morgan Molitor's Ah-Ha Moments “You have to take one thing at a time and be present in the moment. Okay, I'm in business mode. I'm in mom mode. And you know, being a business owner and entrepreneur, clients can rock you, family can rock you. All these things that we deal with every day in our personal lives can rock you.” -Morgan “You can have the ideas, you can see the vision, you can see where it's gonna go. But we need the person who says step one is this step two, is this step three is this. The visionary dreamer will be impacting the steps all along the way. But it's tough to get it done without the people who are getting it done.” -LuAnn More About Morgan Molitor Morgan is the other half and co-founder of construction2style, alongside her husband Jamie. Wife, mom of 3, content creator, marketing strategist, stylist and designer. For over 10 years, they've been tearing houses apart and creating new dream spaces not only for their clients but for themselves. Starting c2s from the ground up as a DIY blog and have since evolved into a full- service design + build and small media company. They document it all from the construction side, to how to build a website, developing multiple streams of revenue, to how to build your brand while ensuring profitability, marketing courses, in person workshops, and more. They also run a nonprofit called resilience2reform, giving those a voice who have reformed their lives and deserve a second chance. As well as is a partner in Contractor Coalition Summit, a four day in person national workshop geared towards Contractors for those looking to elevate their brand. MN based but nationwide, Morgan graduated from college in Long Beach, CA with a fashion merchandising and marketing degree, she has now taken that creativity and knowledge to use within their multiple businesses, clients homes and websites. Morgan oversees all content creation, manages the brand partnerships, is the writing guru, and overall creative director. She also heads up their online education courses and in- person marketing conferences. You can always find an infectious smile on Morgan’s face and hear her contagious laugh. She’s a forward thinker, risk taker, and nothing makes her happier than when she gets to play a small part in making people's dreams and lives thrive. Connect with Morgan Molitor Website Instagram Facebook X Houzz Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn Email What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process   #560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book   #580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders   #615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process   #649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

Today With Courtney Pisarik: If you've ever contemplated hiring a PR representative, this episode is a must-listen! On this Power Talk Friday we’re joined by a friend of mine, Courtney Pisarik. If you have ever used a PR or had contact with one, then Courtney’s name might ring a bell, as she co-founded Ink PR Group following her successful starting career in the world of celebrity and entertainment PR, where she worked with A-list Hollywood talents and organizations. Her ability to help individuals and brands reach major milestones is deeply rooted in her industry relationships and ability to positively influence any situation. Today she’ll be joining me to talk about what are those things you need to consider if you’re looking to hire a PR rep, starting with the most important question, the “why” of it. LuAnn Nigara and Courtney Pisarik's Ah-Ha Moments “You should not worry about the competition, you should appreciate the expertise.” - Courtney Pisarik More About Courtney Pisarik Courtney Pisarik co-founded Ink PR Group following her successful starting career in the world of celebrity and entertainment PR, where she worked with A-list Hollywood talents and organizations. Today, she’s taken her red carpet experience to the world of design, where she continuously helps launch some of the industry’s biggest stars including Bobby Berk, costar of Netflix’s Queer Eye, and Breegan Jane, HGTV host. Courtney’s ability to help individuals and brands reach major milestones is deeply rooted in her industry relationships and ability to positively influence any situation. She approaches each client with a combination of enthusiasm, curiosity, and intelligence that results in award-winning and influential campaigns. At the end of the day, her hands-on approach and ability to craft powerful brand narratives is what ultimately drives these superior results. Her expertise lies within a diverse group of services including media relations, brand development, and the ability to foster meaningful connections. With a focus on interior designers, architects, and brands in the home and lifestyle space, Ink PR Group’s reach is expansive and ever-evolving. Connect with Courtney Pisarik Website Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 369 Power Talk Friday: Stephen Karlisch: Professional Tips for Getting More Out of Your Interior Design Photoshoots AWDB 630: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Delaney: Networking and Press for Photographers and Interior Designers AWDB 563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography AWDB 444: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Winchester: Talking About Copyright and Usage with an Interiors Photographer AWDB 97: Linda Holt- From Professional Photographer to Interior Designer and Accomplished Blogger AWDB 343: Power Talk Friday: Raquel Langworthy: Partnering with Your Interiors Photographer AWDB 51: Power Talk Friday with David D. Livingston-Professional Interior Photographer AWDB 623: Power Talk Friday: Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera: The Art of Making, Not Taking, a Photo AWDB 138: Power Talk Friday – Charlotte Safavi- Why Even An Interior Designer Can Benefit From a Professional Stylist On The Photo Shoot Other Resources Mentioned: The Designer Within - John McClain’s book   Processes & Systems Collection

Today With Susan Lizan-Immerman: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Susan Lizan-Immerman, founder and CEO of MDesign Home Decor, 25+ year veteran businesswoman, and all-around #smartlady.  Susan started her business journey in the garment industry when it was very much a man’s world—but she didn’t let that stop her. Through valuable relationships and connections, as well as a real CEO mindset, that we should all aspire to, Susan grew multiple thriving businesses and created a longstanding career.  I am so excited to share with you my guest today, Susan Lizan-Immerman. Susan is a true seasoned veteran businesswoman.  Today, she’s sharing how she did it, and how you can cultivate that CEO mindset and create a successful interior design business. Pick It Apart [5:16] Susan shares her journey and how she learned that connections and networking are everything. [11:42] LuAnn and Susan discuss the importance of joining organizations and building communities, no matter what level. [15:35] Susan talks about the importance of mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee. [19:52] Susan breaks down her latest venture, MDesign, and how it can benefit interior designers. [36:10] Susan talks about what it takes to be an effective CEO. LuAnn Nigara and Susan Lizan-Immerman's Ah-Ha Moments “It took telling myself, how do I feel comfortable being uncomfortable? As soon as I start feeling uncomfortable, I have to submerge myself in that in order to feel comfortable.” -Susan “You have to be prepared to get lucky. You're constantly preparing, you're doing all of the right things. You're making all of the best decisions you can each moment that you can, and then all of a sudden, something happens.” -LuAnn More About Susan Lizan-Immerman  Conceiving, developing and executing the strategies and initiatives that drive revenue, growth, competitive market positioning, profits and shareholder value is what I do best. Throughout my career in senior executive and entrepreneurial roles with leaders in the apparel and home industry, I've earned a track record of success in achieving exceptional rather than expected results. I'm recognized as one who possesses the experience, capabilities and judgment for taking a business to its next level of success or resolving the deficiencies that impede its ability to grow. My management style can be described as "hands on" and decisive yet flexible. I value and reward creative thinking, initiative, teamwork, commitment and performance. Connect with Susan Lizan-Immerman Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  YouTube TikTok LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned:  #831 Nate Berkus: The Importance of Creating An Exceptional Client Experience

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Join me on the last show of 2023 to do a quick recap of the best episodes we had this year! From inspiring events like LuAnn Live 2023 to the launch of our docuseries, "The Making of A Well-Designed Business," it has been a journey of growth and connection. 2023 brought valuable lessons, including the importance of self-care. Stay tuned as we recap the top 10 most listened episodes of the year! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life 842: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity 847: Flashback Friday: Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success 844: John McClain: Turn Failure into Success 841: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind 843: Power Talk Friday: Carla Titus: Think Like a CEO By Outsourcing Your Numbers 848: Amy Youngblood: Why Your Contact Form is Critical in Identifying Your Ideal Interior Design Client 849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design 846: Kellie Burke: If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Risking 845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating TIE 179. Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Navigating Conflicting Messages About Money 181: Sandra Funk: A Million Dollar Mindset for Setting Boundaries and Standing in Your Space 177: Katie McDonald: Gaining a Competitive Edge Through Self-Care 180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness 196: Rachael Bozsik-Johanson: The Luxury Shift: Align Your Desires and Elevate Your Brand to the Top 3% of Your Niche 182: Amber de la Garza: The Power of Prioritization: Reimagining Productivity and Embracing Balance 183: Claire Jefford: Content is Queen: Leverage Video Content That is True To You 178: Eileen Hahn: Unlocking Your Joy: Strategies for Personal and Professional Fulfillment WTFP  161: Lynn Eastergard: Qualify Your Clients By Charging Consultation and Retainer Fees 167: Nicole Heymer: How to Find and Highlight Why Someone Should Buy From You 134: Deb Barrett: Why Textiles Matter 122: Jill Ballew: Her System for Chasing Post Installation Issues 137: Richard Bernath: Networking for a More Profitable Window Treatment Business 169: Lori Ann Jones: Broke to Stoked! Building a Profitable Window Treatment Business, the Lean Way 164: Julie Wood: Let Passion and Enthusiasm Be Your Guide Other Resources Mentioned: The “3 Fives” Routine: 15- Minutes A Day To Uplevel Your Whole Life by Joshua Smith   Interior Design Standard   Profit Insiders Academy with Nancy Ganzekaufer   The Designer Within Book by John McClain

Today With Delyse Berry: Today, I am joined by Delyse Berry, owner of Upstate Down, an interior design studio and real estate brokerage, with also a home decor store. Delyse uses a process built around a holistic approach which entails a clear formula for clients to understand what they do, their vision , and the best execution process. This framework delivers an incredible experience for clients, a streamline process for them, and has grown their business faster and more effortlessly. Listen in to get the details! Pick It Apart [3:07] How Delyse shares the process with clients without overwhelming them. [10:30] Trusting yourself so others can trust you. [12:36]  Delyse breaks down what is on the spreadsheet that clients see, and the spreadsheet that only she and her team see. [17:00] Backing up all of your documents. [24:03] How Delyse built momentum in her business in such a short period of time. [:55] Since they charge hourly, Delyse shares how they track the hours and how they invoice. LuAnn Nigara and Delyse Berry's Ah-Ha Moments  “The execution process is as important as the end result.” - Delyse Berry  “I think the industry needs to look at the way in which it is executed. If a client isn’t happy about something, we need to look at how we contribute and deliver the news to them.” - Delyse Berry “Laying out as much up front as you can during your initial conversation with a client is very important.” - Delyse Berry “A beautiful outcome can’t come from a crappy process.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Delyse Berry CEO & Principal Broker. Rhinebeck resident by way of New Jersey and Brooklyn. Interior Designer and Principal Broker with 10+ years experience in high end Real Estate in the Hudson Valley. Holiday enthusiast, treasure collector, and proud mama. Is secretly re-designing every room she enters. Connect with Delyse Berry Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?   AWDB #930: April Gandy: The Key to Managing a Successful Renovation Project   AWDB #936: Heather Vitti Pruett: Resilience and Relationships: Keys to Success in Her Interior Design Business

Today With Erin Moore: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Erin Moore. After more than a decade of experience as a sales leader in the often male-dominated tech, Erin developed a female-focused approach that she wasn't finding in traditional sales books. Now, she passionately teaches women how to sell in an authentic and personal way through her business, A Sales Conversation. Erin is here with actionable steps on how we can open our minds, expand our skill sets, and practice the art of effective selling by navigating through the three modes of selling: transactional, neutral, and emotive. Pick It Apart [1:38] LuAnn asks Erin about her philosophy on sales. [10:42] Erin talks about the importance of being able to pivot between sales modes based on the conversation. [15:18] Erin defines relational, transactional, and neutral as sales mode terms.  [20:51] LuAnn and Erin discuss how to move forward with this mindset and the importance of being in community with others and taking care of ourselves. [28:48] Erin speaks to the importance of building skills, getting coached, and practicing. [37:23] Erin shares how knowing and owning your strengths is directly related to your pricing and value. [42:17] LuAnn and Erin discuss the practice of deregulating the nervous system. LuAnn Nigara and Erin Moore's Ah-Ha Moments  “Don't lose that person that's compassionate and passionate and wants to help and so please, but just expand and then open your mind that there are skill sets that you can learn and one of them is sales. So you can still be you, but you actually have skills.” – LuAnn Nigara   “I want to let every woman know your whole self is also clear, direct, firm sets boundaries, says no.” – Erin Moore   “The difference between somebody who's skilled and somebody who isn't skilled in relationship to sales is you know how to pivot in and out of those three things of transaction of neutral, and emotive.” – Erin Moore   “When we're inside the bottle, we can't see the label.” – Erin Moore   “It's not one size fits all, it's helping and trying to identify where our strengths are. And then, to [Erin’s] point, expanding to include the other skill sets.” – LuAnn Nigara   “Perfect practice makes great play.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Erin Moore Erin Moore has been a sales leader in the tech industry for over a decade. She has acted as a powerful force for the companies she has worked for such as Marquam and Centerspan, bringing a strategic mindset and technical skillset to directing their sales teams. While working in this male-dominated field, she began to develop a female-focused sales mindset approach that she wasn't finding in traditional sales books. Now, Erin is passionate about teaching women how to sell in an authentic and personal way. Company: A Sales Conversation. Connect with Erin Moore Website LinkedIn Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals   AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business   AWDB #913: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth

Today With Christine Vroom: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors in Los Angeles, California. Christine spaces focus on enhancing mental health, along with physical and spiritual well-being, and that’s by design. Through her own mental health journey, Christine has learned how to better take care of herself, surrounded herself with a supportive team, and translated her own difficult times into compassion and understanding toward her clients.  Just as our systems and processes play a role in our business, so does our mental and physical health. Christine has put a lot of time, thought, and effort into finding the best ways to care for herself in order to show up better as a business owner. But it’s a journey. Today, she is sharing her story and some of the wisdom she has learned along the way. Pick It Apart [2:34] Christine and LuAnn discuss the importance of open, honest conversations about mental health, especially as it pertains to the interior design industry. [5:18] Christine expands on the pressure of perfectionism in this industry and shares her strategies on how to take care of ourselves and our mental health within those expectations. [10:10] Christine tells the story of her struggle to recover from an eating disorder—which is actually an anxiety disorder.  [19:06] LuAnn asks Christine what triggers her now and how she puts safeguards up to protect her mental health. [26:12] Christine speaks about evolving with her mental health and why she considers it a blessing in disguise. [39:21] Christine and LuAnn chat about how taking care of our own mental health can give us more compassion toward others and how that can especially serve us in our businesses. LuAnn Nigara and Christine Vroom's Ah-Ha Moments  “We do have to have that level of perfectionism [in the interior design industry]. But the question is, how do we take care of ourselves?” – Christine Vroom   “We're beyond that. We're beyond the ruminating. We're beyond the mental obsessions. We're beyond really caring if somebody thinks that you didn't do what you know you did. We gotta let it go.” – Christine Vroom   “I don't need to ride on your roller coaster.” – Christine Vroom   “When you're evolved, and you do know yourself well enough to know that you have anxiety or ‘fill in the blank’ then the tactic now is to actively protect your own psyche through that roller coaster ride.” – LuAnn Nigara   “If we picked out our best, best, best trait, it is also our Achilles heel.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Christine Vroom Christine Vroom Interiors is a full service interior and exterior design firm in Los Angeles, California, founded by senior designer Christine Vroom. Bringing together her love of timeless design with a fashion-forward attention to detail, Christine has made an impression on homeowners, developers, architects, and business owners alike. Guided by the philosophy of 'beauty meets function,' Christine creates liveable luxury through inviting, well designed spaces that directly enhance mental health, physical and spiritual well-being. Connect with Christine Vroom Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business   AWDB #899: Power Talk Friday: Janine Aurichio: The Inside Job: 3 Keys to Calm, Clear, and Joyful Creativity TIE #180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness

Today With Amy Flurry: Join us on this episode as we welcome Amy Flurry back to the show. Amy operates a boutique communications and brand development firm in Athens, Georgia. Along with her team and advisor, they partner with companies in the home furnishings industry to develop and implement focused communication plans, expand marketing strategies to connect to the interior design trade and apply trend direction to product development.  In today’s episode she’ll be telling us all about Aloka Homes, a company that re energizes vintage quilts, made of layers of saris that were hand-stitched in India 60-80 years ago. Prepare to be inspired by the artistry and story behind these remarkable pieces!  More About Amy Flurry Amy Flurry operates a boutique communications and brand development firm in Athens, Georgia. Along with her team and advisor, they partner with companies in the home furnishings industry to develop and implement focused communication plans, expand marketing strategies to connect to the interior design trade and apply trend direction to product development. Amy has two decades of editorial experience, producing features and writing for top print and online publications. In 2011 Amy authored Recipe for Press (Pitch Your Story and Create a Buzz,) and is a nationally recognized speaker on the subject of DIY PR. Recipe for Press (Designer Edition) is her newest book with the tools interior designers need to take advantage of the press opportunities available to creative professionals. The book took shape after two years as creative director of the first-of-its kind project management app for interior design professionals. Amy is co-founder of Paper-Cut-Project, a company that conceives highly crafted installations for fashion houses including Hermes, Kate Spade, Valentino, Christies and the Victoria & Albert Museum. She is also principal in aloka, a home accessories company with an emphasis on limited-supply vintage pillows and throws thoughtfully styled for today’s living. Connect with Amy Flurry Aloka Home Website Get the books! Recipe For Press’ Instagram Aloka Home’s Instagram Post Press Kit What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 323 Amy Flurry: How to Pitch Press and Build Relationships   AWDB 108 Power Talk Friday- Amy Flurry-How To Pitch and Get Press For Your Interior Design Firm   AWDB 21 Stacy Garcia- A Thoughtful Conversation with a Design Visionary   AWDB 47 Gail Davis: Make Your Life Count   AWDB 100 Scott Kravet – Celebrating our 100th Episode!   AWDB 757 Power Talk Friday: Nitesh Chaudhary: Jaipur Living: The Manchaha Initiative

Today With Bessie Seeley: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Many designers start their businesses on the side, from home, or wherever we can squeeze in our work. And as they grow, most of them pivot to a studio as soon as possible. After all, that’s how you connect with clients and get taken seriously…right? But what if I told you that where you work from doesn’t matter nearly as much as you think it does. What if I told you that you could run a thriving business right from your kitchen table? I’ve seen several business owners do just that over the years, and my guest today, Bessie Seeley, founder of Kardinia Interior Design, is the same way. Bessie began her career at home, but even as she grew, even as she thrived, even as she hired, she remained working from her kitchen table for the first four years in her business. And as she grew her business, she did so very deliberately. She knew that she wanted to open a studio eventually. But she was strategic about the decisions she made on that path and what she prioritized first. Today, she’s sharing her insights into how she built her business with clarity and strategy. Pick It Apart [2:01] Bessie shares her story of how she started, and grew, her business from her kitchen table. [8:47] LuAnn and Bessie discuss the strategic side of growing your business and making decisions like opening a studio or leaving your job. [10:23] Bessie talks about her company culture and workplace flexibility. [24:15] Bessie and LuAnn unpack what goes into finding and building a team that functions as a well-oiled machine (without being micromanaged). LuAnn Nigara and Bessie Seeley's Ah-Ha Moments “There are so many capable designers out there, but it's not just about creating beautiful functional designs. That's a huge part of it. And that's why clients come to us—our general aesthetic that people are drawn to. But for me, it's really about that other thing, which is that I want every client to feel listened to and cared for.” -Bessie “That is the huge lesson of what you're talking about and how you have six women that sit around you, and everybody is just in concert together. Because you have identified what is the most important thing for you in the building of your team. And you don't deviate from it.” -LuAnn More About Bessie Seeley Bessie Seeley is the founder and Principal Designer at Kardinia Interior Design, a full service boutique interior design firm based in Winter Park, FL. Kardinia Interior Design's design style can be described as timeless, curated, and bespoke, and our aesthetic seeks to balance beauty with functionality. Our collective interest and passion for creating beautiful spaces, our streamlined design process, and the white glove service and experience we offer to each and every one of our clients makes Kardinia Interior Design the coveted and creative boutique design studio it has grown to be. Bessie launched this business alongside a corporate finance career in 2018, and today, Kardinia Interior Design is a team of 6 and designs homes nationwide. Bessie lives in Orlando with her husband Jason and son Harrison. Connect with Bessie Seeley Website Website Instagram  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #786 Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed   #291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design

Today With Sonja Capasso: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today we’re welcoming Sonja Capasso of Capasso & Co to the show. I met Sonja a few months ago and I couldn’t wait to finally sit down with her and learn more about her journey. More About Sonja Capasso My interior design passion started a long time ago! I have a memory of living in our little apartment in Lake Bled, Slovenia, where I shared a room with my older sister. I was an antsy child and got bored quickly - which led me to rearrange our tiny room numerous times. I am not sure how I managed to pull apart our bunk beds at that young age, move the shelves, closets, and desks - but I kept doing it and each time I found a new layout that suited me at that time. Those were my interior design beginnings, however, I didn’t pursue a career in design until I was 35 and decided to enroll to PBSC in Florida, where I earned an AS in Interior Design Technology where I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2016. I worked for a local design firm from 2015 - 2017, and after graduating, I immediately opened my own design business and started working part time as a rendering and drafting professional. It soon became obvious to me that this is my true passion and calling, so I changed my specialty from an interior designer to a drafting and rendering artist. Over the course of my design career, I also flipped and remodeled multiple houses, designed commercial interiors, and gained great on the job and first hand knowledge and experience, which has helped me create better contract documents. During my years in school, I also obtained a Florida Realtor License and a Broker’s license (which I let pass since we moved out of state), and I also became accredited with LEED AP ID+C since I have a passion for all things organic, natural, and sustainable. After we moved from Florida to CT, I participated in a Designer of the year contest on HGTV, where I made it through the first cut. While I didn’t make it further, this was a huge accomplishment for me, and you can now find my interior design business listed on HGTV.com. While in school, I also submitted my student designs to our local South Florida ASID chapter, where I won the first prize two years in a row. Since I switched my specialty to drafting and renderings, I have worked with over 100 interior designers, most of which are repeat clients. I thoroughly enjoy my work and I am so happy to be able to have independence, be my own boss, and run my business from home. Connect with Sonja Capasso Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 918 Lorna Gross: Unlock Your Potential: Reimagine and Reinvent Yourself, Over and Over   AWDB 784 Kelly Fridline: An Alternative Path—From Architecture to Coaching in Interior Design   AWDB 807 Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Interior Design Boss Academy. Why Trust & Experience Matter in Creating a Profitable Business   AWDB 485 Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Rock the Consult   AWDB 325 Claire Jefford: Create Valuable Content to Sell Through Your Website   AWDB 237 Claire Jefford- How To Get More Clients With Video Content Other Resources Mentioned: Badass Habits by Jen Sincero

Today With Heather Vitti Pruett: My guest today is a great example of taking control and choosing her own path. Heather Vitti Pruett, owner of Vitti Interiors is here to share her successes of using connections to help her business, being recognized for heart-centered projects, and her experience taking a client to small claims court. No matter what is going on in life, we always have the option to choose a different path. Heather is an active member of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID). And we are also getting into all of the value of joining a professional organization. Pick It Apart [1:47] Heather shares her first experience taking a client to small claims court and how she won! [16:43] Heather shares her positive experience with the ASID chapter in San Diego. [25:58] Heather did a design remodel at her daughter’s school which was estimated to be 200K, and how she did it for 60K. [37:42] As a show listener, Heather shares lessons she has learned. [38:35] The thing that Heather continuously tells new students at ASID to do. [43:53] Referral benefits to joining organizations like ASID. LuAnn Nigara and Heather Vitti Pruett's Ah-Ha Moments “When you treat your interior design as a business instead of a hobby, that is when it will be a business.” - Heather Vitti Pruett “With networking, you never know who is going to refer you. I've gotten calls from out of the blue. Tell everyone what you do.” - Heather Vitti Pruett  “Join organizations like ASID, WCAA, and IDS not only for education but for referral opportunities.” - LuAnn Nigara “We all have the option to choose a different path.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Heather Vitti Pruett A passion for Interior Design was derived from a love of designing and hand crafting clothing at an early age. Heather developed a talent for working with texture, color, and textiles that translated into a style and unique eye for beautifying interior spaces. After moving cross-country from the East Coast, Heather advanced her passion by attending the Design Institute of San Diego, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Since earning her degree, Heather has worked on a myriad of projects ranging from high-end residential, commercial business, retail, senior living, and several types of military workspaces. In addition, she has been raising her spunky and exuberant daughter and plays drums in an all-female rock band. Heather is an active member in the American Society of Interior Design (ASID). An ever-ambitious working mom, she volunteers for city/beach cleanups and will assist troop leaders for events in her daughter's Girl Scout Troop. In the summer of 2022, she volunteered her time and skills to redesign her daughter's school library. See project details in the "Projects" tab and see the "Press" tab to read an Alumni Spotlight article on the library, published by her college, Design Institute of San Diego. Heather is also in the interview process of becoming a mentor with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America. Connect with Heather Vitti Pruett Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #32: Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development   AWDB #121: Charrisse Johnston- The National Chair of ASID & Principal / Interior Design Practice Leader at Steinberg   AWDB #742: Power Talk Friday: Renee Gurganus: Why You Should Join the WCAA   AWDB #851: Power Talk Friday: Alexis Varbero: Making Connections that Matter

Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer: Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer’s Profit Insiders Academy Group Coaching Program which kicks off in January 2024. Nancy joins us once again to discuss how designers can approach marketing the way Taylor Swift does. Let’s face it fan or not, she is a marketing genius. This #smartlady continues to upgrade the Profit Insiders Academy with new additions including The Key- the Designer’s Ultimate Pricing Tool and NancyGPT which gives you NEXT LEVEL search capabilities. Listen in to learn how to apply to The Profit Insiders Academy and have a chance to win an additional one-on-one with Lesley. Pick It Apart [6:35] Viewing your marketing strategy from the example of Taylor Swift. [10:57] How Taylor permeates each generation with her marketing. [18:27] How Taylor has a strong and active social media presence. [20:39] The importance and benefits of showcasing your collaborations. [29:46] Nancy explains how The Profit Insider’s Academy works and all of its benefits for designers. LuAnn Nigara and Nancy Ganzekaufer's Ah-Ha Moments “This year’s LuAnn Live was focused on health and wealth. This is hugely important to me. Marketing smartly is an important part of that, so you’re not running yourself ragged.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer “Share authentically and learn to apply stories. People can relate to and follow along with stories.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer Share stories where you have learned a significant lesson from a mistake, that will prevent your client from making the same one.” - LuAnn Nigara “When you showcase your fun, you won’t believe how many people will relate to it.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer More About Nancy Ganzekaufer Nancy Ganzekaufer is a highly sought-after Business Coach, Speaker, Body Language Trainer, and Author, named one of the Top Coaches in New York in 2022! Nancy specializes in coaching interior designers on marketing & sales strategies and systems, teaching them how to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence. Through her proven techniques, Nancy has empowered thousands to know (and charge!) their worth, succeed in sales without feeling sales-y, and position themselves in their market with authenticity and authority. In addition to her own book Respond with Confidence: A Business Owner’s Blueprint for Handling Difficult Situations, Nancy is an author in my book, The Making of A Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action. Nancy has also been a keynote sponsor at LuAnn Live, a frequent guest on this podcast, and one of my past Power Talk Friday experts. Nancy is the founding President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Virtual Chapter and was an Executive IDS Board Member and the first recipient of the IDS Outstanding Leadership Award for her 12 years of active participation in national leadership and her local chapter in Long Island, New York. Connect with Nancy Ganzekaufer Check out the Profit Insiders Academy Hop on my calendar for a Business Strategy Session! Maximize your profitability and never be underpaid again Protect yourself, your business, AND your client Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #15 Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich   AWDB #159 Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer   AWDB #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients   AWDB #389: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula   AWDB #766 Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement   AWDB #783: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders for Interior Designers   AWDB #841: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind   AWDB #869: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders – How Interior Designers Can Price Themselves Right A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today’s show was sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her program Profit Insiders Academy.

Today With Eddie Maestri: In today’s episode we’ll be touching on a topic I love, project autopsies. My guest today, Eddie Maestri, has also found these autopsies to help not only improve his overall business, but also the relationship with his team members. Eddie Maestri started designing homes in Dallas in 2004 and officially founded Maestri Studio in 2008. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), he is a registered architect in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nevada.  Eddie delivers custom architecture and interiors tailored to his client’s style and needs. Each project influenced by the grand, yet approachable architecture of his hometown, the clean lines and patterns of mid-century design, and his exposure to far away places through his love of travel. More About Eddie Maestri Eddie Maestri, AIA, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, started designing homes in Dallas in 2004 and officially founded Maestri Studio in 2008. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), he is a registered architect in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nevada. Eddie holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, with a Health Systems & Design certificate. In addition, he spent a semester in Italy, focusing on architectural and urban studies and expanding his talents and love of freehand drawing, art, and interior design. Eddie delivers custom architecture and interiors tailored to his client’s style and needs. Each project influenced by the grand, yet approachable architecture of his hometown, the clean lines and patterns of mid-century design, and his exposure to far away places through his love of travel. Eddie guides the firm’s team throughout the process of every project while encouraging a collaborative design studio with independent and innovative thinking. Eddie’s work has been featured on several AIA and neighborhood home tours throughout the Dallas area and in numerous local and national publications such as DHome, Luxe Interiors + Design, Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, and Domino. He prides himself on his passion for design, attention to detail, and building strong client relationships. Connect with Eddie Maestri Website Instagram Facebook Blog What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 604 - What Would Lu Do: The All Important, Project Autopsy   AWDB 101 - Joni Vanderslice – Principal of J. Banks Design – Resort is Home & Home is Resort- another firm that reinforces niching as a path to success Other Resources Mentioned: How the Industry Has Changed: Actionable Tips to Adapt, Grow, and Profit - Free Webinar! Eileen Hahn

Today With Leslie Carothers: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. You’ve probably heard about new technology developing—AI, chatGPT, the metaverse—all the things. But are you jumping on the bandwagon? Today Leslie Carothers of Savour Partnership, a digital marketing firm for interior designers, is here to talk about how metaverse applications and AI are changing the future of the world, business in general, and our industry. Pick It Apart [2:30] Leslie unpacks all things metaverse and how they’re being used. [11:20] Leslie discusses how big brands are using metaverse activations. [46:54] Leslie and LuAnn talk about AI and its implications for designers. [0:09] Leslie discusses the ethical implications of AI. [10:05] Leslie shares a product design project she completed with AI assistance. LuAnn Nigara and Leslie Carothers' Ah-Ha Moments “There is nothing that will replace the soul that you bring to a project, there is nothing that will replace the execution ability that you bring to a project. There's nothing that will ever replace the problem-solving ability that you bring to a project. And there's nothing that will ever replace the therapeutic aspect, as many of you know, that you bring to a project for your clients. You are irreplaceable as designers. So you never have to worry about AI replacing, in my opinion, ever, your jobs.” -Leslie More About Leslie Carothers Named by Home Furnishing News Magazine as one of the Top 40 Most Inspiring Women In Home, Ms. Carothers has a long history of innovating within the digital marketing space.  Her innovations have included: implementing the USA’s first ever furniture product development initiative in the virtual world of Second Life, implementing the USA’s first ever multi-brand influencer marketing program on behalf of her past client, Cargill’s BiOH Polyols division, and acting as co-principal in the world’s first virtual designer showhouse to include augmented reality. Other innovations include being the first agency to offer shoppable digital magazine creation on behalf of brands within the home furnishings and interior design industry and being the first to work with a major publisher, Meredith Corporation’s Better Homes and Garden Magazine, to bring together a group of influencers with a group of journalists, during the implementation of BHG’s first Stylemakers program.  Most recently, she is the founding advisory partner and an investor in the world’s first international search engine platform, Ethos Design Collective, that allows consumers to search for vetted luxury designers to hire.  Ms. Carothers was also an early user of Facebook Groups and now runs the popular Facebook Group, #DesignWealth, for interior designers who are interested in all aspects of designing passive income into their websites.  In her spare time, she is a long time volunteer board member of the Bienenstock Furniture Library and also writes a popular lifestyle blog, Design Happy Living, where brands like Thibaut have collaborated with her to reach new consumer/designer audiences. Connect with Leslie Carothers Website Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With LuAnn Nigara:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In this episode, we'll talk about how to turn your aha moments into actionable steps that will help you achieve your goals for your business and your life. You will hear some of the amazing insights from Amber De La Garza, a productivity coach who was a guide at LuAnn Live, and how she taught us to get our CRAP together. LuAnn's Ah-Ha Moments: “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.” -LuAnn “The best version of your well designed business is only achievable through a well designed life. They are intertwined, without question.” -LuAnn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With Matthew Finlin: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. If you’re a long-time listener of the show, you already know that I was a salesperson basically from birth. Selling is a part of my nature. But for most designers, that doesn’t seem to be the case.  Why is that? Why do some of us gravitate toward selling while it sends others into a panic? My guest today, Matthew Finlin, CEO of The Human Potential Academy, believes he knows—and he’s shedding light on why this happens and what designers can do to bring more assertiveness into the process and close with confidence and compassion. Pick It Apart [2:58] Matthew explains why creatives have a natural resistance toward sales. [7:10] Matthew dives into personality traits and their impact on business and relationships. [17:48] LuAnn and Matthew discuss why designers struggle to set boundaries and why they need to learn how. [32:51] Matthew and LuAnn dive into how our personality traits impact our pricing. [36:32] LuAnn and Matthew highlight why confidence matters in pricing and selling.  LuAnn Nigara and Matthew Finlin's Ah-Ha Moments “Compassionate closing is all about recognizing that if you have a product or service that you truly believe is going to benefit this person and change their life positively.” -Matthew “You really need one thing to be good at sales. And it's not knowledge, unfortunately. You actually just need confidence.” -Matthew “I don't care how wealthy you are wants to overpay. That's the truth. But what I know from all the interviews I've done is that 99% of designers are going to deliver their heart and soul into the project—they just need to convey their value.” -LuAnn More About Matthew Finlin Matthew Finlin is the founder and CEO of Human Potential Academy. He has been a business phenom since he started his career a decade ago. From door-to-door sales trainer to high level business in Hong Kong.   A man of many talents, he started off as an entrepreneur and after a massive spiritual awakening, he answered the call. His life mission is to bridge the gaps between the business, scientific, and spiritual communities.   Matthew's extensive experience in both business and personal development allows him to bring out the best in every individual, helping them achieve their full potential and make a difference in the world. He is dedicated to helping as many people as possible reach their fullest potential by empowering self-leadership.   He now trains and coaches his teams and clients in his philosophy: the 5 Pillars of Human Potential. It’s important to note that he started his coaching career working exclusively with women and helping them achieve any goals they desire, whether it’s business, relationships or more. Connect with Matthew Finlin Website Instagram  Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With April Gandy: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by April Gandy, owner and Principal Designer of Allure Designs. With six successful years in the design industry and an appearance on HGTV, April could teach us a lot! But today she wanted the focus to be on what you, and your client, can expect both mentally and financially when working on a renovation project.  This is an episode that will give you simple AHA moments. Any episode where my guest wants to help with the process with our clients, is a win. Pick It Apart [3:28] April starts us off on the things designers should walk clients through when doing a renovation. [14:12] April explains how designers formulate that initial investment range to their clients in the beginning without a spec book. [19:55] What April includes in her design fee. [33:24] Things April has learned to avoid and/or keep doing from experience. [36:15] LuAnn and April talk about April’s “Erika Ward transferable skill,” and how valuable these skills are for designers. [46:23] The level of detail that April and her team goes with client checklists that they follow. [51:27] April tells us about the group coaching she does. LuAnn Nigara and April Gandy's Ah-Ha Moments “Understanding what you are doing before you do it is going to help you keep your time lines and budgets in check, but also your client in check,” - April Gandy “The more information that you give them from the start, the more you ensure them that you know what you are doing and they’ll trust you,” - April Gandy. More About April Gandy  I'm from Chicago’s Avalon Park neighborhood on city’s south side. Growing up in the inner city provided me with a strong foundation in which failure was not an option. I vowed to overcome my circumstances and to create a better life for myself and my family. After graduating from St. Francis de Sales High School, I went on to college at Northern Illinois University and became the first in my family to graduate from a university. During this time, I joined the US Air Force Reserve in 2000 and proudly served our country for 21 years. I pledged the greatest Sorority in the world, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in 2002. I later graduated with a BA in Criminology and went on to complete an MEd in Instructional Design (much different than interior design lol). I started my design career journey in 2006. At the age of 23, I bought my first piece of property; a 700 square foot fixer–upper condominium in the west suburbs of Chicago. As an impecunious single mother, I had to think outside the box to bring my new home to life. I taught myself many things on the road to transforming my fixer–upper into a beautiful home. During this undertaking, I realized I enjoyed the process of home improvement. Throughout the years, my skills evolved and I began assisting family and friends in making their homes beautiful. After a decade of working on personal projects, I decided to make the business official and pursued an interior design career. I created Alluring Designs Chicago in 2017. I partnered with my mother, Valerie Steward, and close family friend, Jennifer Anderson, to breathe life into this business venture. Together we have overseen multiple renovation projects and countless room makeovers. Our team dynamic is seamless and together we bring so much value to every project. Although becoming owner and Principal Designer of my interior design firm, my expansion mission includes founding a community development organization dedicated to building beautiful homes in the inner city. The vision is to make communities beautiful one home at a time. Let's get to work! Connect with April Gandy Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  Houzz Yelp What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward   #278: Erika Ward – Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd.   #874: Zane and Emily Williams: Leading Clients Through the Design   #905: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: Why Successful Design Firms Choose Duke Renders for Their Rendering Projects

Today With Christina Frei: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Christina Frei, owner of Innate Marketing Genius, a boutique marketing practice where she helps solo business owners own their voice, market to their strengths, and get the right clients consistently. Christina takes a holistic approach to marketing, and helps us discover how to market from our strengths by identifying our marketing archetype.  In this conversation, we dig into what it means to be a Nurturer, Adventure Guide, Door Opener, Steady Presence, and Celebrator, and how this can help you show up better in your business. Pick It Apart [2:38] Christina defines marketing archetypes as different ways to help other people that bring you fulfillment, then shares the 5 different archetypes. [11:47] Christina breaks down what it means to be an adventure guide, one of LuAnn’s archetypes.  [16:39] LuAnn and Christina discuss that building self-awareness and finding our true voice takes time. [24:46] Christina explains the celebrator archetype, also LuAnn. [30:11] LuAnn and Christina explore the combination of her two archetypes and how she exhibits them. [37:37] LuAnn asks Christina what we should do after we find out what our marketing archetype is. LuAnn Nigara & Christina Frei's Ah-Ha Moments  “What I noticed is that when people operate from that deep ‘why’—that fulfilling, helping other humans kind of thing, then it's magnetic.” – Christina Frei “The way that you [show the person that you are reaching out to that you care] is to honor who you are first, and then come from that place.” – Christina Frei “When a celebrator steps back and really appreciates other people or their work…it just moves mountains. It just changes something and it up-levels the entire game.” – Christina Frei “So much starts with being self-aware… If you have self-awareness, you can show up in your blog posts, in your marketing, in your consultations, and in your design” – LuAnn Nigara “It's so lovely to just validate that every human, I would say, on the entire planet has a natural capacity to want to help other people…the desire to me is miraculous.” – Christina Frei More About Christina Frei Christina runs a boutique marketing practice called Innate Marketing Genius, where she helps solo business owners own their voice, market to their strengths, and get the right clients consistently. Her holistic marketing approach grew out of a lonely, chaotic time, when she moved to Boston all on her own—and discovered her own way to really connect with people. Personally, she's on a mission to live more sustainably; she is obsessed with thrift shopping and is a new convert to plant-based eating. In between, she chases her dog around with a stuffed animal snake, meditates on a pink couch, cold plunges like Wim Hof all year long, and obsesses over the perfect cup of green tea, all in a seaside town just north of Boston. Connect with Christina Frei Website Facebook  LinkedIn Book Free Assessment What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team   AWDB #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?   AWDB #892 Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes   TIE #180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness   TIE #183: Claire Jefford: Content is Queen: Leverage Video Content That is True To You

Today With LuAnn Nigara:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a solo show and we'll be talking about charging. We'll go over the three common beliefs that hold us back from achieving our full potential: that our clients only want the biggest discount, that we deliver a shoppable product, and that we are competing with everyone else. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With Bernadette Smith: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Bernadette Smith, Founder and CEO of the Equality Institute, a boutique diversity, equity, and inclusion firm whose mission embed equity and inclusion into organizational systems and culture, enhancing outcomes for employees and customers. When we are afraid of offending someone, we tend to say nothing. We get so comfortable in our lanes, that we dont do much to move diversity forward. Bernadette and I discuss how to have the courage to address diversity. She talks about her ARC Method that helps people become open and actionable, and much more! Pick It Apart [5:28] Bernadette explains how her experience with DEI derived from the wedding industry. [13:22] Bernadette shares actionable strategies that anyone, from any size company, can put to use. [20:38] Both Bernadette and LuAnn relating to fear of saying the wrong thing in the past. [24:00] Determining your personal role in all of this. [29:58] What designers can do in their own businesses. LuAnn Nigara & Bernadette Smith's Ah-Ha Moments “My approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion is that we are all in this together and can learn from each other.” - Bernadette Smith “I have a lot of privilege. Some of it I’ve earned like my master’s degree, but a lot I didn’t earn, so I feel like I have a responsibility and a sense of purpose to know how much power I have by accident,” Bernadette Smith “A positive ROI of creating meaningful conversations among your team, is that they will become better equipped to have meaningful conversations with their clients.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Bernadette Smith Bernadette is Founder and CEO of the Equality Institute, a boutique diversity, equity, and inclusion firm whose mission embed equity and inclusion into organizational systems and culture, enhancing outcomes for employees and customers. She’s an award-winning author of four books, including her latest, the bestseller Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization. Bernadette is frequently requested as a keynote speaker to help promote an inclusive work environment and celebrate diversity. She is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and has presented to a variety of audiences, including CEOs, leadership teams, human resource and diversity leaders, sales and marketing professionals and more.  Because of her insight and impact as a change agent, she has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Fast Company. Her media exposure includes appearing on CNN, the Today Show, the BBC, and National Public Radio. Bernadette has been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business. Connect with Bernadette Smith Website  Website  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB: #908: Jessica Bantom: How to Be a Culturally Competent Design Activist & Why You Want to Be One (Part 1)   AWDB: #912: Jessica Bantom Continued: Take Action With the Six Habits of Culturally Competent Designers

Today With Emmy Marek: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Emmy Marek of Emmy Couture Designs, an award-winning full-service interior design firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and serving clients nationwide. In 2016, after working for both an architectural design firm and a luxury design-build firm, where she became fluent in creating custom homes, Emmy decided to go into business for herself, opening Emmy Couture when she was only 26 years old. Since then she has spent her time growing her luxury design firm and growing her family.  Now, with two children under the age of five and projects all over the country, Emmy is a study in balance, efficiency, and organization. But she won’t take all the credit. She says it takes having a good team at home and at work is key to making it all happen. Emmy and I are discussing how she manages everything, how she finds time for herself and the relationships that mean the most to her, and why she is driven to do it all. Pick It Apart [2:01] Emmy talks about being a young entrepreneur—starting Emmy Couture when she was only 26 years old and having two children within the next five years. [6:22] LuAnn asks Emmy what drives her to want to build this luxury design firm during this season of her life with young kids.  [16:29] Emmy speaks about her business growing organically and mainly through referrals, but LuAnn reminds her and everyone listening not to neglect the importance of intentional marketing. [20:35] Emmy tells LuAnn about her design philosophy and how it crosses many aesthetics according to her individual client’s tastes. [27:32] LuAnn and Emmy discuss the importance of staying organized and the systems Emmy uses in her business, including how she uses Mydoma. [33:22] Emmy shares some of the ways she takes care of herself and her relationships. [42:05] LuAnn and Emmy discuss the importance of knowing your worth and how that ties into the way you run your business. LuAnn Nigara and Emmy Marek's Ah-Ha Moments  “Your dreams can always happen if you have a good team. So whether your team is inside your business, or your team is at home, it takes both to be successful.” – Emmy Marek “You must be intentionally marketing, especially the machine and the empire that you're building. And don't overlook it and don't take it for granted.” – LuAnn Nigara “It is a struggle of staying organized and staying on top of things. And so you really have to be in your organized niche—keeping everything on track.” – Emmy Marek “There are ways that we can show appreciation and give value and support the people that work for us. Because, by the way, we need them.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Emmy Marek  Emmy Couture Designs is an award-winning full-service interior design firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and serving clients nationwide. We specialize in custom homes and whole-home renovations that blend fashion-forward style with unique creativity and livable luxuries. With a strong background in architectural interior design and construction management, our team ensures that your complete design experience is rooted in confidence and destined for drop-dead gorgeous results. Emily is the lead creative visionary at Emmy Couture Designs. With over 10 years of experience in the luxury residential and boutique commercial design industry, her in-depth knowledge and expertise lead clients on a beautiful design journey. After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University, Emily spent many years at an architectural design firm and a luxury design-build firm, where she became fluent in creating custom homes. In 2016, Emily decided to channel her experience and impressive portfolio into a firm of her own: Emmy Couture Designs. In addition to her fashion - forward style, she stands out in the industry for her extensive experience designing interior architecture and managing large construction projects. This translates to award-winning interiors where every detail is polished, elevated, and contributes to an incredible daily experience. Connect with Emmy Marek Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #451: Elissa Grayer: Starting From the Ground Up, After 19 Years AWDB #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life AWDB #879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation AWDB #885: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall: Generate Business Referrals Without Asking AWDB #906: Katie Wick: My Path in Interior Design; My Choice to Be an Employee   TIE #178 Eileen Hahn: Unlocking Your Joy: Strategies for Personal and Professional Fulfillment

Today With Monica Sharma-Patnekar: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Monica Sharma-Patnekar, Marketing Strategist and Fractional CMO and owner of Business with Monica. We are deep-diving into how to attract your REAL audience, the ones who actually respond to your brand messaging and marketing. Monika explains how to find out what attracted your clients to you. What it was that made them choose you over your competition, what resonated with them in your messaging, and how to keep doing it to get even more clients. Pick It Apart [10:26] LuAnn and Monica discuss the importance of even as things change in the market, the key is always knowing who you are reaching out to. [12:30] The multiple ways that you can determine who your “real” customers are over your “ideal” customers.  [17:00] How designers can ask their clients to have conversations about their business after their service.  [23:03] What to do with our marketing once we know how we obtain our “real” clients. [25:30] Monica gives us a concrete example of one of her client’s success. [32:43] Monica runs through her four D’s; Desires over Demographics Framework. LuAnn Nigara & Monica Sharma-Patnekar's Ah-Ha Moments “When talking about customer interviews, remember that people love helping people. They appreciate being seen and heard.” - Monica Sharma-Patnekar “The key is finding out how you serve your ‘real’ clients at every touchpoint.” - Monica Sharma-Patnekar “A brand is a feeling and how you make your customers feel at every step of their journey.”  - Monica Sharma-Patnekar More About Monica Sharma-Patnekar  Monica is Brand & Marketing Strategist and Fractional CMO, helping you to elevate your brand. As a customer-centric marketing strategist Monica gives high-touch mentorship for creative business owners who want a clearer, more focused, vision for their brand. To communicate & connect with their REAL audience, without spinning their wheels on messaging, content, ads & tactics that don’t convert. So that they can impact even more people’s lives with their products and services – and feel like they have control over their own. For Conscious business owners who care about the 5 “P”s (Product, Purpose, People, Planet, & Profit). Monica has over 18 years of experience building brands. From her masters in business with a major in Marketing, to working with Fortune500 companies, across Brand Management, Strategy Consulting & Global Marketing, being hired by Google to coach their premium partners and now working with both larger conscious scale-ups and her passion, coaching creative entrepreneurs. Monica is Dutch by birth.⁠ Indian by heritage. Global by choice & education.⁠⁠⁠ An intuitive, creative & analytical thinker. A dancer.⁠ A chai-fanatic. Raised by a single mom in a country that she made her own. A mom of 2 girls. She brings a diverse & inclusive perspective to the work she does. From having worked with big corporates, scale & start-ups to small businesses, across regions & sectors, to her own very multicultural upbringing. Connect with Monica Sharma-Patnekar Website  Business with Monica Instagram LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #36: Susan Brunstrum- Practical Advice for Project Management AWDB: #125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!! AWDB: #317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen AWDB: #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?

Today With Kylie Tyrrell: As creatives, we're often expected to wear multiple hats, and today's conversation with Kylie Tyrrell, an interior designer turned mentor, lifts the veil on the exciting, challenging, and rewarding world of design and coaching.  Kylie is a seasoned interior designer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Her love for the industry has led her to mentor and guide the next generation of interior designers. She is passionate about helping women in the industry gain confidence and make money doing what they love! LuAnn Nigara and Kylie Tyrrell's Ah-Ha Moments “Action builds confidence” - Kylie Tyrrell More About Kylie Tyrrell Kylie Tyrrell is a seasoned Interior designer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Her love for the industry has led her to mentor and guide the next generation of interior designers. She is passionate about helping women in the industry gain confidence and make money doing what they love. She runs a mentor program called Interiors Insider where she supports and nurtures new and existing designers to thrive. The exact program she wished existed when she was starting out. Connect with Kylie Tyrrell Website Instagram  Interiors Insider podcast Mentorship What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned:  #6 Erika Ward: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Today With Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know the power of outsourcing. But if you’ve outsourced before, or if you’re just considering it, you also know that it comes with its own set of headaches—from figuring out what you need to hiring to onboarding.  My guests today Shayna Pellino and Evelyn Roberts, creators of 4D Biz, understand that very well. 4D Biz is essentially a virtual team for interior designers, providing the strategy, the marketing, the admin, and even design support at the level you need for your business. Learn how their set up supports designers and why a virtual team might be right for you! Pick It Apart [1:02] Shayna shares her design story and how the mistakes she made led to 4Dbiz. [17:00] Evelyn and Shayna begin to discuss the 4 pillars of support 4Dbiz offers for designers. [19:46] Shayna and Evelyn break down how they offer business development help to designers [24:08] Evelyn and Shayna unpack how a virtual marketing team for designers works. [37:35] Evelyn and Shayna discuss the ways 4Dbiz offers design assistance. [42:46] Shayna and Evelyn talk about admin support for interior designers. LuAnn Nigara, Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino's Ah-Ha Moments “The business can suck the soul out of you if you are overworked, if you are not getting the money that you deserve and you are just putting in endless hours and you're not feeling it in your bank account.” -Shayna “This new way of doing business is I'm all about it because every single person that works for me has a skill set in an expertise that has been identified as their superpower.” -LuAnn More About Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino About Shayna: Shayna Rose is the CEO and Founder of both Shayna Rose Interiors and 4Dbiz. Shayna never expected to create the modern business model that would change the way interior designers run their business! 4Dbiz was born out of her own experience, failures, successes, and needs as an interior designer/business owner. After working in the interior design industry for three years, Shayna knew she had to set out on her own. Working for someone else, Shayna was astounded by the unnecessary obstacles that she was working with - from overly-extended lead times, to a lack of custom solutions, to poor service all along the supply chain. She truly felt she had no choice but to start her own business and revolutionize the industry standard. In 2017, Shayna Rose Interiors was born, followed by 4Dbiz in 2019. Shayna’s guiding principle is “Everyone wins.” She is most inspired by what other people see as problems. She is a solution-oriented visionary, hell bent on changing people’s lives with her ideas and execution - starting with the design industry. About Evelyn: Evelyn Roberts is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of 4Dbiz. After 4 years working in digital marketing for small businesses and tech startups, Evelyn joined Shayna Rose Interiors in 2019. Since then, she has been focused exclusively on marketing for interior designers. Working with design businesses all over the country, she helps interior designers refine their brand, create concise and powerful messaging, optimize for search engines, and set up automations that save time and achieve results. Evelyn’s philosophy for marketing in the interior design industry is “less is more.” Understanding the hectic interior designer/business owner lifestyle, she helps designers hone in on the marketing initiatives that will make measurable progress toward their most critical business goals, within their budget. Connect with Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino Website Facebook Client testimonial, Hannah Lowe Interiors Client testimonial, Leone Interior Designs What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With Cory Simon: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. There are many designers out there looking to grow and scale their businesses, whether they’re coming in from a different career or launching their own firm. But what if you are working your business as a side hustle—and you actually want to keep it that way?  That’s the situation for my guest today, Cory Simon of 290 Eliot Interiors. She’s working a full-time job, keeping a healthy business on the side, and spending time with her family—all within the same 24 hours a day we all have! You might be wondering how that’s possible—and the answer comes down to efficiency.  This is a must-listen if you are juggling your interior design job as a side hustle, or if you simply want to work less hours and get more done! Pick It Apart [3:02] Cory shares her schedule (and how she manages to run the business working just a couple of hours a day on it!) [8:27] Cory gives an insight into how planning and communication keep her efficient. [24:18] LuAnn and Cory discuss how communication and client expectations matter even more when your business is a side hustle. [33:08] Cory and LuAnn talk about the importance of saying no to the wrong client (and how to do it respectfully). [47:42] Cory shares how viewing the client through an emotional lens helps her understand them and create a better experience for everyone. LuAnn Nigara and Cory Simon's Ah-Ha Moments “There is an emotional element that it is an emotional roller coaster and you're excited and you're frustrated. And every time you turn a corner people want more money. And so I think sometimes we have to really remember the emotional aspect of a renovation because people aren't just saying things, to say things. They're on an emotional journey, as well as kind of the physical journey of their home.” -Cory “If we could just understand that the job that you say yes to that you know doesn't have the right budget is probably going to take you longer to do and you will actually earn less money at the end when you do the autopsy if you are present enough to do the autopsy of the project. And if you had just said no, you would have either put more energy into a current project and made it that much better or had the time available for a new client to come through the door. But saying yes to the wrong things is rarely a good idea.” -LuAnn More About Cory Simon Cory Simon found her love of interior design through merchandising retail stores for over 15 years. She took her years of experience in space planning, using color and texture, and her ability to focus on the details to bring a space to life and started applying it to residential design. Starting with her own homes, varying in style and layout, along with planning and consulting on projects with friends and family, Cory loves finding the potential in every space to create something that you will reflect your personal style. Her experience in design, planning, and project management will help translate your goals into a reality. Connect with Cory Simon Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: 541 What Would Lu Do? LuAnn Answers Listener Questions   #909 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss   #913 Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth

Today With Danielle Hendon: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Danielle Hendon, owner of 4 Corners CFO. Don’t worry, Danielle is one of those CFO’s who explains money in an understandable way to us “non-finance” people. She shares her six-part framework she uses with her clients, to handling their finances. She and her team offer calculations, information, and tools in an understandable way so then you can do what you want to do with your business.  Danielle has the technical knowledge and over a decade of experience in corporate finance and accounting to small businesses on a scale that fits their budget and their needs, and she’s ready to spill the tea. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [3:42] Danielle starts to walk us through her six part framework for handling your finances. [14:50] The importance of charging enough for your services. [16:30] The expense part of Danielle’s framework. [25:50] Step four of her framework; budget. [32:03] LuAnn and Danielle talk about step five in the framework, comparing your budget to your actuals [35:34] The three components of cash that will never show up in your budget. LuAnn Nigara and Danielle Hendon's Ah-Ha Moments “When I start looking at revenue and expense with my client, we are going to talk to the bookkeeper and rearrange some things because when you pull up your statements, you should know what they mean,” Danielle Hendon “Budget is just a plan forward for your business. We take everything we learned in the previous steps and build out a budget for the rest of the year,” Danielle Hendon More About Danielle Hendon Hi! I’m Danielle Hendon – wife, mom, and Virtual CFO to small business owners. I empower business owners to pay themselves what they’re worth and continue to put more profit in their pocket every year. I do this by helping business owners understand what their financial numbers are and WHY the numbers move. Armed with that understanding, you can take intentional steps to grow your profits. I bring over a decade of experience in corporate finance and accounting to small businesses on a scale that fits their budget and their needs. My education and certification (as a CPA) gave me the technical knowledge. Using those skills on the job, taught me that accounting and finance is about so much more than numbers. It’s about the people. I LOVE numbers…but I have a genuine passion for people. When my previous employer closed their doors and severed all the employees, I knew it was time to take my knowledge and passion to the people that needed it most. After helping that big business walk the path of bankruptcy until they were small… and eventually closed… I KNOW how to make big financial concepts fit small business. I started 4 Corners CFO to help business owners take a step back from the burnout, pay themselves what they’re worth, and focus on their joy and reason for serving their clients. This business has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the world because instead of helping big corporations increase share price, I get to help small business owners increase their livelihoods and legacies. And THAT is the best part of running this business Connect with Danielle Hendon Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #349: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA #361: Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Does Your Interior Design Business Need a CFO? #395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business #442: Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Do You Know Your Cash on Hand Number? #464: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner #522: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang, CPA: Taxes and the Coronavirus Relief Package Explained #592: Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Profitable Firms Build Estimates Before They Sign The Contract #719: Peter Lang, Kimberly Merlitti, and Michele Williams: Financial Prep for Year-End- The Must Do’s #843: Power Talk Friday: Carla Titus: Think Like a CEO By Outsourcing Your Numbers #873: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Design a Better Bottom Line With The Designer CPA

Today With Kate Figler: A Well-Designed Business. Today I have with me Kate Figler, of Kate Figler Interiors. After moving her firm from the northeast to Nashville, Kate exponentially rebuilt and expanded her clientele and became a well-established design name. Kate has this motto that I was excited to dive into with her that can hint: increase your success and profitability. Listen, to my chat with Kate on the beneficial meaning of “Begin Where You Mean To Go.” Pick It Apart [1:51] Kate explains what she means by “Begin as you mean to go.” [13:55] How Kate developed her processes and procedures off the bat. [18:00] Kate’s advice in handling client onboarding. [29:55] Explaining to the client that things may happen, but giving them comfort that you are prepared for anything and in control. [37:40] Make sure your clients know that you respect the trades. [40:35] Kate explains her philosophy on chasing opportunities. LuAnn Nigara and Kate Figler's Ah-Ha Moments “A lot of people feel intimidated by the business aspect of this industry. Don’t be. You can learn it. There are millions of people out there you can reach out to. And if it isn’t making sense to you from one person, you can call someone else. Keep going until it makes sense to you.” - Kate Figler “Begin where you mean to go to means that getting it done ahead of time ensures that you’re ready for when the train starts to go,” - LuAnn Nigara More About Kate Figler Kate Figler is a Nashville-based designer who specializes in layered and timeless interiors that speak to her clients’ unique personalities and taste. A lover of color and pattern, Kate strives to create spaces that mix luxurious fabrics, natural textures, and both traditional and contemporary elements.  A graduate of Georgetown and Columbia Universities, Kate originally pursued a career in elementary education as a kindergarten teacher. However, after several back-to-back moves, she discovered her passion for renovating and decorating homes. As a mother of three children, she understands the importance of merging beautiful design with functionality — a practice she believes defines her approach. Kate comes from a long line of family-run businesses, and her years spent working in her mother’s restaurant instilled the responsibility she feels to her clients and their overall experience. She commits fully to her projects, striving to make them fun, efficient and collaborative. While born and raised in New England, Kate’s relocation to Nashville helped distinguish her style and aesthetic. Her rooms blend both the charm of the Northeast and the tradition of the South. You’ll see a mix of elegant antiques, gorgeous textiles, and fresh interpretations of classic designs that all work together to make her rooms one of a kind. Kate’s work has been seen in Nashville Lifestyles magazine where she was named one of Nashville’s “Up and Coming Designers” in 2021. Connect with Kate Figler Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #2: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy   #145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm   #450: Power Talk Friday: Bethany Mabee: Outsource the 80% Business and Do the 20% Interior Design   #520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!   #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems   #660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”   #753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business   #801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation   #845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating   #861: Power Talk Friday: Darla Powell: Instagram for Interior Designers   #895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers

Today With Sara Lynn Brennan: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Sara Lynn Brennan, a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and the Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Sara shares her unique philosophy on how she incorporates window treatments into her design projects, and why she considers them to be essential for creating beautiful and functional spaces. LuAnn Nigara and Sara Lynn Brennan's Ah-Ha Moments “The idea behind full-service design is to take care of all the details and ensure that the space is fully completed and functional, so that everyone can enjoy it without feeling that there’s something else that needs to be done to it.” - LuAnn “Sara sets the expectations early on, from their marketing to their consultations, and all the way through the design process.” - LuAnn More About Sara Lynn Brennan 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. Connect with Sara Lynn Brennan Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #463 Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity   AWDB #514 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Investing in Your Success   AWDB #524 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Showing Up is Not Enough   AWDB #607 Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines

Today With Lorna Gross: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Lorna Gross, owner of Lorna Gross Interior Design. After finishing two business degrees and leading a very successful life in corporate America, Lorna ended up disappointed and unhappy. Even as successful as she was with winning awards and being up for a promotion. It was time for her to pivot. Lorna and I discuss the art of pivoting, how to recognize when you should, and how to confidently execute it. Pick It Apart [2:40] Lorna starts us off with her background and growing up. [8:00] Lorna talks about her journey to discover what she is supposed to be doing for a living. [19:30] The importance of taking the time go sit in silence with yourself. [28:50] Recognizing the signal of when people complement you or tell you you have a knack in something. [50:10] Lorna’s plans including her podcast, a streaming service, book, and more all in addition to her interior design firm. [51:30] Lorna expands on how everyone has different seasons in their lives. [58:40] The importance of asking yourself what YOU want. LuAnn Nigara and Lorna Gross's Ah-Ha Moments “I believe the universe does these things to us to get us to make a different move.” - Lorna Gross “I am believer that everything is for a season. The key is recognizing when that season is over.” - Lorna Gross  “You have to risk failure to get to the next thing you should be doing. Sometimes it will take you several times, sometimes it will take one time. As long as you’re not stuck in the season you shouldn’t be in.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Lorna Gross Currently based in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Lorna Gross’ Louisiana and New York roots inspired her signature blend of warmth and elegance. Her flourishing design firm, Lorna Gross Interior Design, creates homes that perfectly reflect those who dwell within. Equally comfortable hosting a five-course dinner on fine china or a raucous crawfish boil, Lorna is a consummate hostess and expert entertainer. She is adept at public speaking and easily draws in a crowd with her innate kindness and relatability. Connect with Lorna Gross Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #858: Veronica Solomon: Cultivating Self-Awareness as a Superpower   881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business #895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers #909: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss #189: Power Talk Friday – Jan Bowen: Cultivating Your Intuition is Smart for You & For Your Interior Design Business.

Today With Fred Berns: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Fred Berns. Fred has been on the show many times, and I often refer to him when I talk about finding your Fred Berns Only. Knowing your “only” is essential. After working in the interior design industry as a business coach, speaker, and copywriter for 35 years, Fred has spent the past five years traveling the world. He visited 33 countries on four continents, and talked to business owners everywhere he went. Fred has studied the most successful business professionals across many industries around the globe, and he discovered they all share several traits. Today Fred is here to explain The Five Things these people have in common, along with actionable ways we can bring these habits into our own lives and businesses. Pick It Apart [04:07] Fred and LuAnn discuss the first habit: Focus, especially when it comes to your financial goals.  [08:57] Fred explains the second habit: Aim high. [14:48] Fred and LuAnn revisit the Fred Berns Only and how it relates to the third habit: The personal sale (or selling yourself). [18:50] Fred shares the details of his coach-call program, where he gives guidance on how to apply these five things to your career and your business.  [20:05] Fred and LuAnn talk about leaving money on the table and the importance of the fourth habit: Know the next step. [25:59] LuAnn and Fred discuss the fifth habit: Be Persistent LuAnn Nigara and Fred Berns's Ah-Ha Moments “What are the five things you need to do tomorrow? So that when you arrive at your office, or you start work the next day, you have a roadmap, you know what you're doing, you know what the day calls for.” – Fred Berns “Success leaves clues.” – Fred Berns “It's a matter of changing your focus from being afraid of not achieving your goal to figuring out how you can do it.” – Fred Berns “Think big. Aim high.” – LuAnn Nigara   “Your client wants you to take them by the hand and explain to them what we do next.” – Fred Berns   “Successful people reflect on what they did right, and what they need to learn from and do differently the next time.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Fred Berns Fred Berns has traveled the world in the five years since he retired from the interior design industry, and he’s learned a lot about small business success in the process.   “Success Shortcuts” has been a key topic of his conversations with entrepreneurs during his travels to 33 countries on four continents.   His international travels mark the latest chapter in a career that included more than 35 years as a business coach, copy writer and speaker in the interior design industry.   During that span, he trained design professionals on how to dramatically increase sales by promoting themselves more effectively. He spoke at design industry events around the world, and coached and wrote bios, website copy and other promotional materials for design professionals from Dallas to Dubai.   At the same time, he published a blog and newsletter that reached thousands of design professionals around the world, and he created a collection of books, videos and other business building resources for the interior design industry. Connect with Fred Berns Website Website X LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #22: Fred Berns – How to Create a Killer Bio AWDB #48: Power Talk Friday with Fred Berns AWDB #96: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns – Selling Methods of the Masters AWDB #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours AWDB #226: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns – 5 Keys to a Fabulous Fall AWDB # 289: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: 7 Habits of Luxury Interior Designers AWDB #337: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Set and Get Higher Fees AWDB #393: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: 12 Ways Interior Designers Sabotage Their Business AWDB #460: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: How to Strengthen and Rekindle Client Relationships WTFP #196 Sara Lynn Brennan: Why Window Treatments are a Non-Negotiable in Our Interior Design Process Other Resources Mentioned: Freds' Coach Call is a one-hour personalized, customized consultation session in which I help design professionals apply The Five Things to their businesses and careers. The session can also include suggestions on how to upgrade and update their bios and website copy. Investment: $159.Details: Contact Fred Berns at FredTalks @gmail.com, or 303-589-3013.

Today With Marilyn Watson-LaVergne: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined Marilyn Watson-LaVergne. In her first career, Marilyn worked in marketing and public relations in New York City, witnessing the progression of branding for products and creative services, including interior design.  Now a seasoned designer and owner of Marilyn LaVergne Interiors, Marilyn is teaching us that we can’t be all the things to all the people—and what to do instead. It all starts with identifying what you believe and finding your point of differentiation, because clients don’t buy what we do. They buy what we believe.  Listen now to my chat with Marilyn to learn how to take this first step and where it will lead you. Pick It Apart [4:50] Marilyn explains the nuances and expertise that go into interior design. [10:11] Marilyn talks about how she became passionate about design and transitioned out of marketing to become a designer. [14:39] LuAnn and Marilyn discuss the impact a designer can have on their clients’ homes and lives, and what opportunities will bring the best outcomes. [21:01] Marilyn suggests once you find your “only,” narrow your focus and seek customers who need that specific trait. [27:35] Marilyn emphasizes that designers are not a commodity. [39:00] Marilyn and LuAnn discuss the challenges of working in a creative industry, but understanding that what you offer will solve a problem or create an opportunity for your clients will benefit you both. LuAnn Nigara and Marilyn Watson-LaVergne's Ah-Ha Moments “Clients don’t buy what we do, they buy what we believe.” – Marilyn Watson-LaVergne (quoting Simon Sinek)   “You have a specialized service [as a] designer. That means you have a specialized client.” – Marilyn Watson-LaVergne   “If we mean everything to everybody, then we actually mean nothing to anybody.” - Marilyn Watson-LaVergne   “You have something. You may not see it. And it might be because it's so close to what you do that you don’t realize how valuable it is.” – LuAnn Nigara   “You have to know that what you're offering is a solution to a really big problem or you're capturing an opportunity. But either way, you are leaving your client in a better position than they were before the two of you met.” - Marilyn Watson-LaVergne More About Marilyn Watson-LaVergne Marilyn designs residential and boutique commercial interiors for clients seeking to enjoy spaces that showcase their values and amplify their aspirations.  Her work features modern lines punched up with aesthetic elements from African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Indigenous cultures. She begins each project listening to understand clients’ vision, then collaborates to create exceptional living environments.  “Design is about my clients’ future,” Marilyn observes, “So, we aim to transform their highest dreams into living reality. We delivery original spaces filled with inspiration, comfort and pleasure.” Before design, Marilyn was a New York City publicist -- working, at times, in the interior design industry.  Later, she collaborated with architects coordinating façade improvements to downtown buildings.  She earned the Certificate of Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in New York.  Then opened Sepia Home, an interior design showroom and art gallery in Montclair, NJ.  Later she joined Cabinets to Go, a leading cabinetry retailer, where she designed 100’s of kitchens and bathrooms for clients in the greater New York City area. In 2019, She launched Marilyn LaVergne Interiors, a full-service interior design studio, to serve clients ready to step into living spaces that magnify their imagination! 10 Marilyn FACTS: 1.      She’s evangelical about collecting fine art 2.      Believes she smiles way too much 3.      Takes Comfort in candle light 4.      Holds intense disdain for fluorescent lighting 5.      Plays guitar, sings the blues … but is shy about performing 6.      Would kill for a private tour of Prince’s closet 7.      Thinks the word “amazing” is over-used 8.      Once hated Vegas so much she cried 9.      Loves her curls 10.  Adheres to a design principle that involves Diana Ross – ask her! Connect with Marilyn Watson-LaVergne Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours   AWDB #908: Jessica Bantom: How to Be a Culturally Competent Design Activist & Why You Want to Be One (Part 1) AWDB #912: Jessica Bantom Continued: Take Action With the Six Habits of Culturally Competent Designers Other Resources Mentioned: Simon Sinek TED Talk

Today With Masha Koyen: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday.  Your website matters for so many reasons. It’s the gateway for how your clients get to know you, whether they trust you, and ultimately whether they ever contact you or not.  My guest today, Masha Koyen, understands the importance of web copy. She is the founder of Content Vertical, a copywriting agency for the interior design industry. She helps designers and builders level up their brand and create messaging that connects, engages, and attracts their ideal audience.  Masha has seen a lot of web copy—and specifically, a lot of mistakes that designers make with their websites. Today, she’s sharing the top 7 mistakes she sees—and what you can do to correct them. Pick It Apart [3:04] Masha and LuAnn discuss how important it is to create your copy with your audience in mind. [12:31] Masha talks about why having copy above the fold matters. [17:04] LuAnn and Masha discuss how to make your website stand out. [30:40] Masha shares why personalization in your web copy can make all the difference for your brand. [47:58] Masha highlights how to create strong CTAs in your web copy. LuAnn Nigara and Masha Koyen's Ah-Ha Moments “You want to humanize your brand a little bit, you want to inject that personal touch into your copy, so that people you know, because I don't think interior designers have a problem selling face to face.” -Masha More About Masha Koyen Masha Koyen is a Copywriter and Content Strategist for interior designers and builders that want to level up their brand, create messaging that connects, engages, and attracts their ideal audience. She is the founder of Content Vertical, a copywriting agency for the interior design industry. Connect with Masha Koyen Website  Instagram  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #317 Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen   #626 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design   #760 Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals   #811 Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate

Today With Maria Palantino: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Maria Leigh Palantino, came into the interior design industry as her second career. She started a career in fashion design then pivoted, and brought with her many skills from her fashion career that guide her philosophies, design style, and the way she cultivates a memorable experience for her clients.  For Maria, it wasn’t just about being scared to take the plunge to start a new career. The real challenge was giving herself permission to leave behind not just her expertise but something she had worked so hard for and trust herself to build something new. Today, she’s sharing how she overcame that challenge and created a thriving interior design business. Pick It Apart [4:43] Maria shares how she decided it was time to take the leap to become an interior designer.   [9:30] Maria and LuAnn discuss how hard it can be to give yourself permission to change careers.   [24:46] Maria discusses how delegating early in her business created value and allowed her to reach greater heights.   [33:41] Maria shares how she weaves her fashion design experience into her interior design business. LuAnn Nigara and Maria Palantino's Ah-Ha Moments “The path and life which you're presented with or the career path or the profession that you dedicate your life to, isn't always where you will end up, and that's okay. In the end, it truly will work out—whatever your passion is.” -Maria “It does seem like a significant process to actually ultimately give yourself permission to walk away from one race to another.” -LuAnn More About Maria Palantino Homebodi Designs was born as Maria transitioned out of the fashion design industry and navigated through COVID-19 spending lots of time at home. It was during that time that she became a true “homebodi” and noticed the importance of being happy with the design of your home and spending time with the ones you love. Maria's background in fashion design and working within the industry over the past five years provided her with a seamless transition as she decided to enter into the world of interior design. The principles learned from the industry created a firm foundation for her newest venture and her own business. It has given her a new found passion for design and a new identity as a designer. Connect with Maria Palantino Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: 02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy 06: Identifying Your Transferable Skills with Erika Ward 174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours 267: Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years 291: Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design   707 Rachel Moriarty: Authenticity and Visibility in Your Interior Design Business

Today With Terri Taylor: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s sponsored show, I’m excited to welcome back Terri Taylor, creator of the Interior Design Business Academy – an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of business strategies and systems along with powerful positive mindset practices to help interior designers create meaningful success. Today, she is giving us an inside look at her upcoming Design Biz Summit—a 3-day event to help designers shake their mindset breaks and develop the skills to know their worth, charge it, and deliver on it. She’s also sharing her insights on the importance of having the right money mindset—and what you can do to stop undervaluing and undercharging. Pick It Apart [1:03] Terri discusses how our money mindset forms when we are children and impacts the way we function in our business. [3:11] Terri talks about the money mindset of the luxury client. [18:30] Terri and LuAnn talk about the importance of learning both mindset and skills. [29:29] Terri breaks down why you need to be able to create budgets for your client. [47:43] Terri discusses the Design Biz Summit and what you can get if you sign up today. LuAnn Nigara and Terri Taylor's Ah-Ha Moments “I realized quickly that if you didn’t shift your mindset about what you thought was possible, all the checklists and contracts and lists and scripts we develop to make it easier are no good because you don’t believe it can happen.” -Terri   “You can’t attract what you resent.” -Terri   “It's interesting, because successful super uber-successful people do have similar characteristics and traits, in the way they run and manage their entire lives, to your point of making time for creativity, making time, for space for travel, for all of that stuff, they are not necessarily working 90 hours a week, right? They understand when to work, when to create when to you know, dream, when to take care of themselves, when to do all the things.” -LuAnn More About Terri Taylor Terri Taylor is an award-winning interior designer turned business coach who teaches and mentors designers on how to create thriving businesses and own their worth. Terri has more than 30 years experience in the interior design and construction business. She’s been featured in regional and national design publications and is a sought-after guest speaker at national and international events.   She speaks on a number of topics related to the business of interior design, including business practices, sales, marketing, mindset, leadership, success, and personal growth.   As host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Terri brings her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step “recipes” for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success, to a growing audience of interior designers each week.   In 2009, Terri created the Interior Design Business Academy – an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of business strategies and systems along with powerful positive mindset practices to help interior designers create meaningful success.   Over the past 10+ years, Terri has coached hundreds of designers to grow their businesses to 6- and 7-figures with grace and ease. She’s known as a straight-talking ‘technical expert’ when it comes to streamlining your design business.   Her value-packed events and coaching programs are all designed to move you and your design business to whole new levels of getting paid what you deserve.   Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability  - all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation. Connect with Terri Taylor Website Instagram  Blog Other Shows Mentioned: #548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets   #602: Terri Taylor: Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit   #662: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Stepping Into Profitable Kitchen Remodels. Sponsored Show: Interior Design Business Academy   #710: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Get Paid What You Are Worth. Sponsored By Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021   #763: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- The Real Deal and Charging Your Worth   #813: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Design Fees VS Hourly Billing- What Are Flat Fees the Way to Go?   #829: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Fly the Plane While You Build It!   #865: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Real Deal When Working with Contractors on a Remodel

Today With Jessica Bantom: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined Jessica Bantom, interior designer, color consultant, and DEIB practitioner. This is Part Two of our conversation on how to become a culturally competent designer, and we are going even deeper.  In this conversation, Jessica walks us through the six habits of a culturally competent designer—the same habits outlined in her new book, Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World. Listen now to learn more about each of these habits and how you can incorporate them into your routine and be a part of this phenomenal shift in the industry. Pick It Apart [1:58] LuAnn and Jessica discuss the first habit of culturally competent designers: Take accountability, especially during the design process and through inclusive leadership. [10:25] Jessica explains the second habit: Ask questions. She says this step is about creating a space for conversation, which should be established at the beginning of a project. [17:58] LuAnn asks Jessica about the third habit: Seek knowledge. [25:26] Jessica shares that the majority of her book, Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World, is about the critical fourth habit: Talk to customers. [34:44] LuAnn and Jessica expand on the fifth habit: Believe people, and why this habit should not be overlooked. [41:00] Jessica explains the sixth and final habit: Share experience, saying that culturally competent designers need to set the tone, create the space, and model the behavior of sharing experience. LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Bantom's Ah-Ha Moments “All of us need to adopt these habits. So that there is no one outlier in the team or in the organization that is the one speaking up. It becomes a normal part of conversation. And when a point is raised, it can be something that can be can be discussed more broadly.” – Jessica Bantom “The entire culture of the company has to be a place where you allow people to express their points of view.” – LuAnn Nigara “When it comes to identity, and representing cultures and identity, and it's in an authentic way, that does require getting other viewpoints and perspectives..” – Jessica Bantom “There is this expectation that we can't start talking about difference until we bring people of different backgrounds into the organization. That is not true. Because, like we said, there is information available and accessible to of us. And it is also not the responsibility of those people to come into a firm and educate their peers.” – Jessica Bantom   “We have to be willing to engage with customers, because we are the experts on design, but they are the experts on themselves.” – Jessica Bantom   “These are principles, these are ideas, these are things that we should be doing to be better humans. However, if that's not enough to get your mojo going, understand this is your business. Your business is going to dramatically change over the next five-to-ten-to-fifteen years.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Jessica Bantom Jessica Bantom is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) practitioner and workplace strategist whose goals are to help organizations develop customized strategies for transformational change and to enable individuals to take immediate action to become more inclusive. Author of Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World (coming in April 2023), she is a skilled management consultant with over 20 years of experience, a compelling speaker, and a certified facilitator and coach with a passion for helping people and organizations activate the values of DEIB to become more culturally competent and thrive in our increasingly global economy. Jessica is a proud alum of the University of Virginia where she earned her undergraduate degree and Marymount University where she earned her Masters. She is certified as an Associate Diversity Coach through the CoachDiversity Institute’s Executive Certification in Diversity Coaching program in collaboration with the Howard University School of Business and holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. In addition, she is a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP), Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, and Change Management Advanced Practitioner (CMAP) with a specialization in Design Thinking and Innovation from Darden Executive Education at the University of Virginia.   Jessica is also active in the interior design industry as an interior design and color consultant and as an engaged advocate committed to promoting DEIB in the industry and in practice. She describes herself as a multidisciplinary designer of human-centered solutions and uses her specialization in design thinking to develop and apply innovative approaches that transcend industries. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she’s a long-time resident of the Washington DC area, although she will always call Philadelphia home. Connect with Jessica Bantom Website  Instagram  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #573: Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something AWDB #596: Jamel Williams: A Call to Create Opportunity and Change at the University Level   AWDB #703: Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity AWDB #720: Flash Back Friday: Cheryl Janis : Defining and Owning Your Niche  AWDB #908: Jessica Bantom: How to Be a Culturally Competent Design Activist & Why You Want to Be One (Part 1)

Today With Jenna Gaidusek: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Jenna Gaidusek, Director of Community and Education at Mydoma Studio. Jenna is a talented designer, founder of the Interior Design Playbook (formerly eDesign Tribe) Facebook community and creator of eDesign U, an online school dedicated to providing designers with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the eDesign industry. Jenna doesn’t want you to go it alone as a designer, which is why she joined forces with Mydoma Studio and created the Virtual Assistant Certification program. Listen now to this sponsored episode for all the details about this amazing new resource available only through Mydoma. Pick It Apart   [3:07] Jenna explains what a virtual assistant is and how they help businesses. [4:47] LuAnn and Jenna discuss the need for virtual assistants, especially for designers, and why Jenna and Sarah Daniele from Mydoma partnered to create a certification program specifically within the Mydoma Studio platform. [11:00] LuAnn identifies the ideal candidates for this course. [14:41] Jenna explains what candidates need to do to get started in the certification program. [15:50] LuAnn asks Jenna about common tasks VA’s will complete and different ways they can collaborate with designers after this training in both the project management and rendering. [19:29] Jenna and LuAnn discuss the benefits of having a VA certified in Mydoma Studio, including access to Mydoma, training updates, and access to the community for a year. [28:11] Jenna explains how the week-long course is structured and how to apply.   LuAnn Nigara and Jenna Gaidusek's Ah-Ha Moments   “Virtual assistants are basically like your right hand, man. They can help you streamline your process, take the things off your plate that you just don't enjoy doing, but they thrive on…[doing] the things that you don't love to do, and it makes a great partnership.” – Jenna Gaidusek   “There are people that might not be designers that are so perfect for this role as a VA that it just fits and it just clicks and we need you as designers to be our other half.” – Jenna Gaidusek   “‘This is a tremendous benefit, that if I recognize the value that Mydoma Studio can be to my business—to my back end, to my operations and my system, but I mentally don't have the capacity, whether it's actual intellectual capacity or physical capacity timewise…[Now there is] somebody that I can pay to put my projects in to get everything done.” – LuAnn Nigara   “I believe if you have an organized brain, we can teach this to you.” – Jenna Gaidusek   More About Jenna Gaidusek  Jenna is a talented visual communicator and interior designer with a passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces. She made the decision to leave her corporate interior design career in 2015 to launch her own online interior design business, which quickly gained traction and became a successful venture while she was living in New York City. She began sharing her work on social media, and other designers frequently reached out to her with questions. During this time, Jenna noticed a lack of information and resources available for eDesign, which was not yet a popular concept.  To meet this demand, Jenna founded the eDesign Tribe Facebook community, which quickly grew into a thriving platform for designers to connect and learn from one another (now called the Interior Design Playbook). With a continued need for education in the field of virtual design communication and business development, Jenna created eDesign U in 2018, an online school dedicated to providing designers with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the eDesign industry. Jenna also recognized the need for a more user-friendly and affordable 3D rendering program and embeddable shopping list for designers. In response, she developed a cutting-edge platform that provided just that. This platform was quickly embraced by designers and became a game-changer in the industry. In 2022, Jenna's efforts and dedication to eDesign were rewarded when her eDesign Tribe community and all associated entities were acquired by Mydoma Studio. This acquisition provided designers with an unprecedented level of resources and support, allowing them to render their designs and manage their projects with ease. Jenna's innovative and forward-thinking approach to eDesign has had a significant impact on the industry, and her contributions have been widely recognized. She continues to be a thought leader in the field, and her passion for helping designers succeed is an inspiration to all who work with her as the Director of Community and Education with Mydoma and continues to work as a practicing virtual interior designer. Connect with Jenna Gaidusek   Website Virtual Assistant Certification Instagram  Get 20% off Mydoma for 3 months!   A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mydoma Studio Other Shows Mentioned: #91: Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio   #177: Power Talk Friday- Sarah Daniele, CEO of Mydoma Studio is back to tell us what’s new for you at Mydoma Studio!   #375: Power Talk Friday: Bonnie Fahy: How to Hire a Virtual Assistant for Your Interior Design Business   #555: Sarah Daniele: 19H The Blueprint, Create Resiliency in Your Business #618: Jenna Gaidusek: How to Build an Online Business in Interior Design   #879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation

Today With Christina Richardson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today we’re traveling outside the country. My guest Christina Richardson from Christina Richardson Interiors. Christina is a Scandinavian native who grew up on the charming coast of Northern Sweden. After moving to the U.S. with her husband and two daughters, Christina earned her interior design degree from the New York Institute of Art and Design. With 20 years of interior design under her belt from Sweden, Christina has learned a lot in the business of starting over in another country. She is here to share the “musts” of what she learned you should do if considering taking projects in another country. Pick It Apart [5:00] Christina shares her experience coming to the U.S. and becoming an interior designer.   [9:10] How Christina got clients being from a different country and not knowing anyone.   [15:27] What to think about if you are in the U.S. and want to start a project in a different country.   [20:20] Christina explains the Vienna Agreement.   [34:42] Tips on vetting a contractor when you are doing an out of country project.   [44:05] Christina explains how things work when there are cultural differences. LuAnn Nigara and Christina Richardson's Ah-Ha Moments  “People like you give newer designers hope where you go through the stages of fear, but you plow through,” - LuAnn Nigara   “It’s important for everyone to know about the Vienna Agreement More About Christina Richardson Christina Richardson is a Scandinavian native, she grew up on the charming coast of Northern Sweden, in the small town, Skellefteå. After moving to the U.S. with her husband and 2 daughters, Christina earned her interior design degree from the New York Institute of Art and Design. Having previously earned her masters degree in mechanical engineering and a bachelors degree in construction engineering, and with over 20 years of interior design experience in Sweden under her belt, she’s able to capture the best of both worlds and deliver an alluring blend of function and style that is uniquely her own. A completely female-owned, led, and run business, Christina Richardson Interiors boasts a rich portfolio that includes design elements like Scandinavian, contemporary, coastal, bohemian, and transitional. But Christina doesn’t believe in imposing a style onto her clients. Instead, she figures out what their authentic style is, and then works to make it look absolutely amazing. “I want people to feel like they are seen and heard.” she says. The team is spread out all over the world, Yasmine in New York handles Christina’s PR and communications and Ida in Sweden keeps track of Swedish trends, projects and she also does all the copywriting work and is responsible for all the newsletters. Installation crews are hired close to the sites. Christina works tightly with selected contractors that all have a trained eye for details and design, with several zoom and facetime calls per week to make sure the result is perfect. “Zoom really has changed the design industry”, Christina says, “ I only visit my projects once or twice before install and it works amazingly well when you have good and reliable contractors” The common theme that ties every project together is that each design is created through Christina’s beautiful Swedish lens. Her well-balanced style is fresh, warm, functional, and full of light. It’s sophisticated with a playful edge to wake you up, and unexpected pockets of humor to keep you on your toes. For example, in a recent Hilton Head home design project, upon a classy Serena and Lily end table, sits a rebellious set of coasters that state in all-caps, “Don’t f up the table”. It’s little surprises like these that are indicative of a fabulous mind having designed the space. Speaking of surprises, all of her clients get to experience the treat of her signature design move, “the red thread”. In each design project, Christina creates one area that makes a big statement; bolder than the rest of the space. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll discover she has left little clues, or a “red thread” throughout the rest of the interior, showing you what lies ahead in the big statement area. To the untrained eye, her signature Scandinavian style may appear modern, but as Christina explains, there’s a big difference between the two. “Modern style is colder, minimalistic, and not as functional. Scandi style is all about warmth and light, and very, very functional!”. It makes perfect sense that Christina’s Scandinavian style combines an abundance of both warmth and light. She grew up in an environment that lacks daylight for a substantial part of the year, so playing up light is a big design focus for her. And cold environments like Sweden inspire all things cozy and comfortable, hence the need for generous warmth and function. Connect with Christina Richardson Website Instagram  Tiktok What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #638: What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken   #789: Flashback Friday: Michelle Wiebe: Breaking into New Construction as an Interior Designer #866: McCall Dulkys: Building a Successful Design Business From Around the World

Today With Traci Connell: Today’s show is sponsored by Traci Connell’s free masterclass The Reveal which begins on September 11, 2023. Traci joins us once again to share all of the ways you can work with her in The Gloss, including her free masterclass The Reveal where she “reveals” all of the secrets and shortcuts she has learned in the interior design industry. This is a five-day, one-hour-per-day event. In The Reveal, you will learn the strategies Traci teaches designers to hit one million in revenue. This FREE course is for any interior designer who wants to reach the next level. Who wouldn’t that be, right?  Traci and I also discuss all of the valuable ways you can work with her in The Gloss. She uses her own four-pillar framework; More Purpose, More Precision, More Profit, and More Prestige to help designers achieve more wealth financially, mentally, and personally.  This #smartlady continues to offer up her shortcuts and expertise in everything she has learned on her way to building her multimillion-dollar design firm. Listen in to learn how to join The Gloss and get on The Reveal waitlist. Pick It Apart [12:48] Traci explains her two main keys to leveling up and creating wealth in your business. [16:00] How do you prevent clients from sourcing online after you have sourced things for them? [25:46] Traci talks about the new contingency fee that she has implemented. [34:54] How joining The Confidential can build your business. [39:38] Traci shares her programs and how you can work with her. LuAnn Nigara and Traci Connell's Ah-Ha Moments “Wealth doesn’t necessarily mean money. It’s not about being rich, but having a rich life.” - Traci Connell “We always say on the show, if you tell me ahead of time what the agreements are before we sign, I am a grown up and can decide whether I want to proceed. There are no hard feelings because everyone knows the deal from the beginning.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Traci Connell Since founding her eponymous firm, award-winning designer Traci Connell is an expert in delivering tailored interiors that are as luxurious as they are livable. With her keen eye for design, space planning and art, Connell brings understated glamour and elegance to a vast range of high-end residential interiors, commercial projects, vacation homes and custom site-specific requests. Her inspiration is attained from her explorations of the world of design, travel, art, nature and culture. With a renewed appreciation for transforming homes into an ease of escape, Connell breaks through predictability with art curation, cutting edge technologies and custom artisan talents, weaving in special, unexpected elements into every design project. As one of the most trusted design firms in Dallas, she delivers an expertly perfected, streamlined system of service that simplifies and organizes the design process. Her impeccable eye for space planning and design, combined with the team’s in-depth knowledge of project management, proves invaluable for clients ranging from busy young families to empty nesters and those seeking vacation homes. Connell’s philanthropic work within the Dallas design community includes the Dwell with Dignity “Thrift Studio” fundraiser, a design project aimed to raise money to combat homelessness in the city of Dallas and surrounding areas. She is currently serving on the ASID Texas Community Board. Traci Connell Interiors has proudly been named a Kips Bay Decorator Show House Designer of 2021,  D Home Best Designer in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and has been included on the Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List in 2018, 2020 and 2021. The firm’s work has been recognized in national and regional media publications including Luxe Interiors + Design, Wall Street Journal, Traditional Home, Modern Luxury Interiors, D Home and AD Pro among many more. Connect with Traci Connell The Gloss The Confidential Attend the free masterclass - The Reveal! Instagram Other Shows Mentioned: #525: Traci Connell: Take Your Business from Setback to Success #554: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today’s show is sponsored by Traci Connell and her free course, The Reveal.

Today With Jessica Bantom: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined Jessica Bantom, interior designer, DEIB practitioner, and author of Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World. This is the first part of a conversation about how to become a culturally competent designer.  In this episode, part one of a two-part series, Jessica explains cultural competence is the ability to understand, interact with, and appreciate people of different backgrounds or belief systems that are different from your own. But she explains that it essentially comes down to making space for conversations. Pick It Apart [5:54] LuAnn and Jessica talk about the goals of Jessica’s new book, Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World   [11:59] Jessica explains why she uses the term “identity” instead of culture, in order to speak more broadly about differences across multiple dimensions—including race and ethnicity but also age, religion, sexual orientation, and body size.  [18:32] Jessica and LuAnn discuss unconscious bias. [21:46] Jessica and LuAnn examine the way different people are able (or unable) to share their experiences and why that is. [35:45] LuAnn clarifies with Jessica that the message in her book is that, as designers, we need to make space for these conversations. [39:35] Jessica explains that designers should not be making assumptions or interpreting someone else’s identity. LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Bantom's Ah-Ha Moments “Cultural competence is the ability to understand, interact with, and appreciate people of different backgrounds or belief systems that are different from your own. And what that essentially boils down to is just really making space to understand and appreciate that there are different experiences that people have based on different aspects of their identity. And it's all about being open-minded to what those are, and accepting that there are other realities.” – Jessica Bantom “We may be in the same room looking at the same thing, but we are going to experience and we are going to process it differently.” – Jessica Bantom “Instead of telling somebody that's baseless, we have to be willing to ask and understand how it happens that way, and why those feelings are there.” – LuAnn Nigara “ ‘It is the duty of the interior designer to have awareness and sensitivity in going about their design for all of the communities that they designed for.’” – LuAnn Nigara quoting from the book Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World by Jessica Bantom   “As designers it's not on us to interpret somebody's culture or identity. It is on us to open the door for the conversation—to receive the information, to process it, to do what we do as designers with that new information. But it's not on us to come up with our interpretation of somebody's identity.” – Jessica Bantom More About Jessica Bantom Jessica Bantom is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) practitioner and workplace strategist whose goals are to help organizations develop customized strategies for transformational change and to enable individuals to take immediate action to become more inclusive. Author of Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World (coming in April 2023), she is a skilled management consultant with over 20 years of experience, a compelling speaker, and a certified facilitator and coach with a passion for helping people and organizations activate the values of DEIB to become more culturally competent and thrive in our increasingly global economy. Jessica is a proud alum of the University of Virginia where she earned her undergraduate degree and Marymount University where she earned her Masters. She is certified as an Associate Diversity Coach through the CoachDiversity Institute’s Executive Certification in Diversity Coaching program in collaboration with the Howard University School of Business and holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. In addition, she is a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP), Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, and Change Management Advanced Practitioner (CMAP) with a specialization in Design Thinking and Innovation from Darden Executive Education at the University of Virginia. Jessica is also active in the interior design industry as an interior design and color consultant and as an engaged advocate committed to promoting DEIB in the industry and in practice. She describes herself as a multidisciplinary designer of human-centered solutions and uses her specialization in design thinking to develop and apply innovative approaches that transcend industries. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she’s a long-time resident of the Washington DC area, although she will always call Philadelphia home. Connect with Jessica Bantom Website  Instagram  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #816: Elsie St. Leger: Addressing Racial Inequality in the Design Industry AWDB #732: Power Talk Friday: Erica Courdae: Incorporating DEI Practices in Your Business AWDB #862: AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home AWDB #892 Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes

Today With Manuela Keller & Philip McKay: Today’s episode is sponsored by Messe Stuttgart, a German company that specializes in organizing trade shows, particularly for the home decor industry. They have been in the trade show business for more than 80 years, annually organizing around 60 shows and 100 conferences worldwide.  Manuela Keller and Philip McKay are joining us to tell us all about two upcoming events: Sun Shading Expo 2023 and R+T 2024, which will both bring together the sun shading and textiles industries. Here, you will be able to maximize your time and meet the right people to discuss business opportunities for the entire sun shading product range. More About Manuela Keller & Philip McKay About Manuela:   Manuela Keller is an experienced manager of international trade shows and events around the globe, with a proven track record in the event services industry since 2006. She has knowledge in strategic planning, business development, marketing strategy, event management and management.   Starting as an intern in the international department of Messe Stuttgart in 2006, she soon took on more responsibility and became project manager for official German Pavilions - joint company participations - at trade shows in all parts of the world - including SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, SolarPower in Anaheim, IMTS in Chicago, ArabHealth in Dubai - to name just a few.   In 2009, Manuela became the project manager of R+T Asia, the leading international trade show for the sun control and door industry in the ASEAN region. Other trade fairs such as R+T Middle East, R+T Russia, R+T Turkey and R+T South America were added over the years.    Today, she is Manager of Exhibitions and Events and responsible for the international trade shows of the R+T Alliance - R+T Asia (Shanghai, China), R+T Turkey (Istanbul, Turkey), Sun Shading Expo North America (changing locations/USA) and APAExpo by R+T (Barcelona, Spain).   Manuela Keller is also part of the project team for R+T - the World's Leading Trade Fair for Roller Shutters, Doors and Sun Shading Systems. Among other things, she is responsible for the overarching exchange with the international association partners and supporters, the strategic and thematic support of the international conference program and the processing of international exhibitor and visitor inquiries, as well as the management of the international sales force. With more than 17 years of experience in organizing international trade shows, she brings remarkable added value and her global network to the organization of this outstanding, internationally renowned trade show. The international trade fair heart beats in the middle of the dynamic Stuttgart region. Over 60 trade fairs and more than 100 congresses and events are held every year at our venue. We also operate all over the world and maintain a network of foreign representatives in 51 countries.   She has been married for more than 20 years and is a proud mother of a 10 year old son. As a balance to her working life, she likes to go for long walks in the nearby forest or attend live concerts - preferably punk or alternative rock.   About Philip:   Philip McKay has a proven track record as a successful senior executive with leading event companies.  Before becoming President of Messe Stuttgart IncPhilip founded nGage Events LLC. in 2012. nGage became the premier hosted buyer events company in North America where it produced over 15 events a year across many industries.   Phil McKay also served in many executive positions for some of the largest trade show producers in the globe such as:   Executive VP for Questex Media and was responsible for their hosted model events and technology group. He has also served as Senior Vice President of the World Market Center in Las Vegas in charge of growing their event portfolio in the furniture, gift and home accessories industries. Mr. McKay held the position of Group Vice President and General Manager at Gartner's Vision Events, where he managed the teams of 10 different brands which were leaders in the hosted events in each of their verticals. He also served as Senior Vice President of International Business Development & Operations for Key3Media Group, overseeing the company's portfolio of COMDEX and N+I with 20 plus markets in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Prior to Key3Media, McKay was Group Managing Director for Penton Media.   In 2004, Philip McKay was recognized and awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from Tradeshow Week magazine for his outstanding and distinguished contributions to the global events industry.   Philip McKay is a past member of the board of directors of SISO. He was an active member in the Massachusetts Convention Center Advisory Board, also was past chairman of IAEE Senior Executive Advisory Board and The Future Strategy of Trade Fairs. He also was a past member of the Research Committee of CEIR and editorial advisory board member of Trade Show Executive Magazine.   He is a proud father of two men, and three grandchildren. When Phil is not working in his gardens and spoiling his grandchildren, you will find him on the golf course. Connect with Manuela Keller & Philip McKay Sun Shading Expo R+T 2024 A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Messe Stuttgart

Today With Katie Wick: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. What would you think if I said that you could be a successful interior designer working as an employee? For some, you may think, nah. For others, you may be thinking tell me more!  My guest today, Katie Wick, interior designer at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent is here to debunk the unspoken stigma that if you are an interior designer and you don't own your own business, then you won’t be successful. Listen in to learn all of the perks and benefits to working for an interior design company. Pick It Apart [2:30] We kick the conversation off with the benefits of working as an interior design employee.   [8:45] Katie’s specific role and day to day duties at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent.   [17:04]  Katie explains how she configures her social media while doing design for Jkath.   [25:47] Additional ways that Katie and Jesse support Katie as an employee.   [44:05] Katie explains her opinion of the stigma attached to designers who don’t want to necessarily start their own firm. LuAnn Nigara and Katie Wick's Ah-Ha Moments “Working within a firm with established systems and vendors contributes to a designer’s delivery and experience with high level design.” - LuAnn Nigara  “There has to be a willingness from both the employee and employer to have the hard conversations and proper communication.” - LuAnn Nigara “They’ve been so generous to me and have created a great culture at Jkath. I would never do anything to cause any suffering in the business. And although it is their business, it is my reputation as well.” - Katie Wick More About Katie Wick Katie Wick is an interior designer at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent in the Twin Cities. Katie’s design ethos is thoughtful, inviting, and sustainable designs. Each design reinvents homes to optimize how a family functions in their space, an environment that emulates comfort and pride to welcome families and friends to gather, and craftsmanship that will sustain past current design trends. Katie specializes in residential renovations including kitchens, bathrooms, and whole house renovations with custom cabinetry design. A homebody at heart, Katie soaks in time with her son and husband at home, playing, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors. Connect with Katie Wick Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #407: Century Furniture and Carrier & Company Launch New Line at High Point Market April 2019 #627: Julia Miller: The Evolution of an Interior Design Business

Today With Fernando Duque: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by friend and colleague Fernando Duque, the CEO of Duke Renders. I am also joined by designers Nicole Salceda, from Eye for Pretty, and Elle Odori, founder of Decorelle, who are living proof that using 3D rendering from Duke Renders can uplevel your projects. Having had Fernando on two times before, we are well aware of his clear process and tremendous success. But we have never heard first hand from one of his clients. It is always nice to hear recommendations from a colleague, and boy do these two recommend Duke Renders. Nicole and Elle share their positive experiences with Duke Renders despite their initial intimidation to give rendering a shot. Pick It Apart   [3:15] Nicole starts us off with how Duke Renders has personally helped her in her projects.   [7:12] Fernando explains what a designer needs to provide in order for Duke Renders to have detailed renderings.   [17:30] Fernando explains how they can easily use your project management systems, like Mydoma to help formulate your rendering.   [24:54] What to expect with the price of rendering.   [32:55] Nicole shares how she uses rendering for her spec homes.   [43:12] How rendering can not only help your clients visualize a space, but also new ideas from the designer.   [48:15] Fernando’s final thoughts about using Duke Render’s 3D rendering for your projects. LuAnn Nigara and Fernando Duque's Ah-Ha Moments “For our first experience going into rendering I was nervous, but Duke Renders made it easy and really laid it out for us by sending us a template to follow.” - Elle Odori “When you have the rendering, it gets the client so excited for what’s to come and holds them over.” -Nicole Salceda “When do you know if it is OK to invest in your business? It is always OK, but it is never going to feel easy.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Fernando Duque Born in Venezuela, MBA Babson College. Serial Entrepreneur, founded more than 5 companies. I co founded Duke Renders with my brother Enrique in March 2020 in the middle of COVID 19, since then it has been a skyrocket growth with more than 100 team members today and no outside investment. We are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico. We specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging. We serve busy Interior Designers with 100% Accurate Photo-Realistic 3D Renderings of their Creative Designs. We make You and Your Clients feel Proud, Confident and Empowered at Every Single Step of the Design Process. I live in Tulum with my wife Mina, our newborn daughter Penelope and our doggy Lulu. Fun Facts: 1. I love going to the beach at 5am and do it every day! 2. Traveled the world backpacking for 2.5 years 3. Loves cooking Moroccan Food for his Moroccan Wife Connect with Fernando Duque Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Houzz A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Duke Renders.  Other Shows Mentioned: #722: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business #823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan #852: Nicole Salceda: You Don’t Need to Have All the Superpowers

Today With Megan Pisano: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that social media can be a great marketing tool—if you can build up a big following. But if you’re struggling to gain a big number of followers, is it even worth the time?  My guest today, Megan Pisano, would say the answer is absolutely yes. With under 4,000 Instagram followers, Megan has still managed to put social media to strong use for her business through engagement and relationship building. Learn why engagement matters more than metrics! Pick It Apart [2:27] Megan breaks down how she started using social media for her business.   [15:42] LuAnn and Megan discuss the importance of investing in professional photography.   [16:20] Megan shares the nitty-gritty of her Instagram approach, from content to hashtags.   [33:24] Megan discusses how relationship-building and engagement matter so much on Instagram.   [45:04] Megan and LuAnn talk about the value of referrals, networking, and live events. LuAnn Nigara and Megan Pisano's Ah-Ha Moments “So even though the first time they reach out to you, it's technically a cold lead, it actually is functioning like a warm lead, because the relationship has already begun.” -LuAnn   “You have to post pictures of yourself. People want to know what you look like.” -Megan More About Megan Pisano Megan Pisano Design is an interior design company based in Chatham, NJ. Whether you’re in need of a full-house design or a single-room color recommendation (or anything in between), Megan can help you transform your home. Megan works closely with her clients to understand what they’re looking for and creates spaces that are both beautiful as well as functional! She has a love for clean, minimalist designs that are brought to life with art and decor that reflect each client’s personality. Megan’s interest in interior design began at a young age when she found herself rearranging her bedroom furniture every week (a habit that still remains!). She went on to receive an interior design degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and quickly put it to good use after graduation by working as an interior designer for the top Italian Furniture Company, B&B Italia. After 10 years at B&B Italia, Megan decided to go out on her own in 2017 and fulfill her lifelong dream of starting her own company. Megan loves helping her clients create spaces they feel happy in and feels lucky to have a job that she never sees as “work”. She’s also a certified yoga instructor – a passion that helps her bring a calm, relaxed approach to all of her designs and clients. Megan lives in Chatham, NJ with her husband and their 2 young boys. Connect with Megan Pisano Website Instagram  Facebook  Houzz What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #278: Erika Ward – Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd. #861: Power Talk Friday: Darla Powell: Instagram for Interior Designers.

Today With Adam Stevison: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Adam Stevison, Luxury Showroom Manager of the newest Home Depot Design Center in Vauxhall, New Jersey. While the Home Depot has been around for almost 50 years, this new concept is a store-within-a-store, offering an interactive, luxury experience aimed to serve a customer it was unable to before. The Vauxhall location is the third Design Center that the Home Depot has opened, with other locations in San Diego, California, and Rockville, Maryland. In this episode, sponsored by the Home Depot Design Center, Adam tells all about this extraordinary opportunity for designers and their clients. Featuring luxury brands appliances by Monogram, Thermador, Signature Kitchen Suite, and Dacor, the Home Depot Design Center features working vignettes, a team of experts, and end-to-end white glove service handled entirely in-house. Pick It Apart [1:50] Adam explains what the Home Depot Design Centers (HDDC) offer as a full experience center with built-in vignettes all in demo mode featuring. [9:31] Adam and LuAnn discuss how designers can learn about the appliances from the team at the HDDC in order to educate their clients and also bring their clients in to experience the center themselves. [16:28] LuAnn asks Adam to walk through the process of the experience from a designer’s standpoint. [24:02] Adam talks about the white glove service at the HDDC, explaining all of the concierge services that accompany the experience and emphasizing that no part of the process or product is handled by a third party. [32:42] Adam and LuAnn discuss client needs and wants and how the appliances at the HDDC can accommodate a range of budgets and desires. [43:24] Adam encourages designers near the New Jersey location to use the HDDC as a shared workspace with their clients. LuAnn Nigara and Adam Stevison's Ah-Ha Moments “Experience goes a long way.” – Adam Stevison “We can teach a designer that's designing as much as the consumer and the end user.” – Adam Stevison “I know I can't sell what I don't know and I don't understand… So I love that we have this ability to come and really absorb it and grasp it and get the reason for the price tag, what is the value that goes in.” – LuAnn Nigara “Nothing gets handed over at Home Depot Design Center to anything third party at any stage of the game.” – Adam Stevison “Ultimately, this is actually the role in the value of the designer—to be the person that's doing the coordinating among everybody.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Adam Stevison Since starting with The Home Depot in 2001, Adam Stevison has worked in various roles both customer facing and regional support positions. Titles aside, he is an adept salesperson and operations manager, who now oversees the Home Depot Design Center in Vauxhall, NJ. As a part of a new venture in an established company, that’s over 44 years old, his team in HDDC serve a customer that was unable to before.   Introducing the Home Depot Design Center If the kitchen is the heart of the home, we look forward to being able to match the name recognition of The Home Depot with luxury branded appliances at the Home Depot Design Center to make the kitchen of our client’s dreams come true.  Customers benefit from interacting with the appliances in our luxury showroom to help them decide on products that fit their lifestyle. And through partnerships with designers and the trade, we extend a white glove delivery service, products that are high quality, highly sought after, and suited well for those looking for an elevated experience. Open House at the Home Depot Design Center The best way to learn about the latest features on kitchen appliances is to visit our showroom in Home Depot Design Center in Vauxhall, NJ. Designers and trade professionals are welcome to our Open House on September 14, 2023. And meet the best-selling author and podcaster: LuAnn Nigara. Visit the event page for details and RSVP to attend. Connect with Adam Stevison Website RVSP to attend the Open House at the Home Depot Design Center! A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by the Home Depot Design Center.  Other Shows Mentioned: #31 Steven Cooper – The Value of a Trusted Vendor #536 Monogram Appliances: Robert Koller and Alexandra Skobel #608  Power Talk Friday: Christopher Wallace: Leverage Industry Partners to Improve Your Client Experience #794 Renee Biery: Do Clients Know You Can Handle Project Management?

Today With Rama Dandamudi: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know the value of relationships in business—but what about the HOW? How are people going about building solid business relationships that make a difference? My guest today, Rama Dandamudi, is someone who believes in relationships. Rama is here today to talk about predictability—specifically why predictability matters more than pricing. But as you’ll hear in this conversation, the way you create predictability is by focusing on relationships. Pick It Apart [5:39] Rama and LuAnn talk about the importance of execution. [10:56] Rama shares why being predictable matters. [17:06] Rama discusses how relationship-building ensures successful projects. [27:24] Rama and LuAnn talk about how to handle tough situations and conversations in business. [39:58] Rama and LuAnn discuss why a personal touch matters. LuAnn Nigara and Rama Dandamudi's Ah-Ha Moments “Establish a reputation of being reliable and being consistent and being predictable. Not only will vendors want to come and work with you, but eventually clients will bring more work to you.” -Rama   “You've taken basically, the qualities of your typical mom-and-pop shop of why that business is important in a community. And you've taken those exact same principles and put it on the global scale that your business lives on.” -LuAnn More About Rama Dandamudi I am a Chicago-based entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience creating and managing businesses within the residential design industry. Currently, I am the president and founder of 210 Design House, a lifestyle showroom offering a curated collection of internationally acclaimed, high-end interiors products (including Snaidero, MisuraEmme, Plain & Fancy, Glas Italia, Arflex, Wall&decó, and Milldue noorth and Vitage).  For more than 25 years, my team and I have brought functional luxury and unique design to life in both single-family and multi-unit residential projects across Chicago and the country. In addition, I have spent the past two decades developing partnerships with international luxury brands and bringing them to the U.S. market, while remaining active with charitable organizations focused on child welfare and education. Prior to entering the design world, I was a board certified surgeon at Cook County Hospital for nearly 20 years. Connect with Rama Dandamudi Website Instagram  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #222 Power Talk Friday: Lee Cockerell- Customer Service the Disney Way  #753 Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business 

Today With Anna Nelson: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I welcome my friend Anna Nelson. I met Anna in September 2022 at the HPS. Out of the 60 or so people that were there, Anna was the first person I immediately connected with. In the episode you will hear her say that this is her strength, connecting with people on a deeper level, and I can personally vouch for that.  Anna is here to talk about how she helps entrepreneurs find and use their own strengths to get focused and aligned in their businesses. Pick It Apart [8:10] Anna explains the importance of appreciating the value of your ideas in relation to benefitting your business.  [12:15] How your client can have an impact on utilizing and recognizing your strengths. [13:50] Anna shares for people not ready to invest, how they can recognize their strengths on their own. [22:20] Anna shares an example of when it clicks for a client recognizing their strength and utilizing that to better their business.   [29:20] Anna can also benefit experienced designers and window treatment professionals who have been in the business for years. LuAnn Nigara and Anna Nelson's Ah-Ha Moments “As a designer you can design a room, but how you approach designing that room will be different than someone else through your strength. It comes down to understanding what sets you apart in your industry.” - Anna Nelson “If you don’t appreciate the value of your ideas and why they set you apart from someone else then you don’t know how to use them in a way that can benefit your business.” - Anna Nelson More About Anna Nelson Anna Nelson, MBA, ACC is a coach and speaker on a mission to help 10,000 entrepreneurs get focused and aligned in their businesses. She spent 18 years working in the corporate worlds of the financial, retail and marketing industries before embarking on her own entrepreneurial dream of helping people reach their goals by first understanding their strengths. She’s coached hundreds of individuals from solopreneurs starting their businesses to 7-figure entrepreneurs with a team helping them get crystal clear on what each individual brings to their business and their clients. She loves nothing more than talking with a stranger and getting them excited to pursue the unknown and make their dreams a reality. Connect with Anna Nelson Website  Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: # 174- Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours # 811- Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate

Today With Sara Hamza: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Sara Hamza, a Danish-Egyptian designer and the founder of Nina June, a custom furniture and styling brand. Based in Cairo, Egypt, Sara operates her business from a place of compassion, genuinely seeking to know and understand her clients so she can serve them better.  Sara is sharing how being diagnosed with RA as a teenager impacted her life and career, how she currently defines success, and what listening to the podcast for the past few years has taught her. Pick It Apart [6:33] Sara talks about how she operates her design business in Egypt and how the podcast has helped answer many questions she has along the way. [12:17] LuAnn and Sara discuss why connecting to your clients with compassion is important, and how Sara’s medical history has informed this lesson in her business. [19:34] Sara explains how being diagnosed with RA forced her to make difficult choices, prioritize her activities, and delegate from a young age, which all serve her in her business now.  [24:49] Sara tells LuAnn that she learned to define her own success by listening to the podcast. [32:31] Sara describes her furniture lines and what she offers at Nina June. [36:22] LuAnn and Sara discuss how her Danish and Egyptian roots contribute to her character and influence her designs. [49:36] LuAnn and Sara talk about the importance of wellness, in life and in order to sustain a successful business. LuAnn Nigara and Sara Hamza's Ah-Ha Moments “Compassion means that you're actually willing to do something about it, versus empathy—where you just feel with a person.” – Sara Hamza “People really pick up when someone is genuine, and when someone is reliable and trustworthy. And when your client sits in front of you and feels that—you're booked on the spot.” – Sara Hamza “We're not looking for something so far away—we're looking for something that's truly part of us…What is my real “why” here?” – LuAnn Nigara “I think much of the maturity that I've obtained the last three years is because I had to look inward.” – Sara Hamza “If we want to change ten things, we have to start with actually changing one thing.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Sara Hamza Sara Hamza landed her first job, painting seashells for a gift shop, when she was just 12 years old—it was the spark that kindled her desire for a creative career. At the time, she had no idea which area her artistic flair would lead her but throughout her rigid education, she craved an outlet that would release her imagination. Born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1985 to an Egyptian father and Danish mother, she lived a family-oriented daily life that would seem unsophisticated compared to life in other capital cities. After completing German school, she studied architecture at the Fine Arts University in Cairo while applying for a Design and Innovation course in Denmark.  Perhaps she is an overachiever, because not only did Sara complete her design course, but also began her first design-related job whilst studying.  Coordinating between a Danish designer and an Egyptian manufacturer, she got her first opportunity to visit a tradeshow in Stockholm, an experience that filled her with awe and strengthened her ambition even further. Following her graduation, Sara returned to Cairo where she was fortunate enough to get a job with award-winning designer Karim Mekhtigian at Alchemy. She worked there for three years, garnering experience, and pursuing other design enterprises, such as the design and manufacture of her well-known flip-flop brand Shibshibi.  Sara decided it was time to stand alone so she left Alchemy spending some time designing her own home and taking on projects for acquaintances and a growing number of clients. Increasingly, she took the time to sit with clients and understand their backgrounds, struggles and dreams before designing for them. It became a truly satisfying part of her work and she found that knowledge of a client’s story gave her an instinct for what they would find both comfortable and comforting in her designs. Alongside the projects for her new clients, she took on designing a furniture collection for a well-known brand, C-Reality. At Egypt’s largest trade show, her collection was received well by the crowd and fellow designers—an immense thrill for Sara. Since then, Sara has taken part in several design workshops, including the D+I workshop, which was one of the first design workshops in Egypt, where she exhibited her ‘drop table-lamp’ at one of Egypt’s most historic neighborhoods, Moez street. In 2013, she started her second brand, House of Vintage. It evolved from an idea inspired by her love of mid-century Scandinavian furniture which she enjoyed rooting out at markets in Denmark, Sweden and Germany. She began to ship her finds to Egypt, refurbishing and selling them. This business kept her busy while her next idea for what she really wished to do germinated and she got the courage to begin her own brand of furniture design and home styling. Nina June’s first collection was well-received when it launched in November 2019. It combined a perfect blend: Scandinavian look and feel, vintage touches, and the warmth of Egypt. The Nina June style was a celebration of simplicity and cosiness, with just a breath of luxury that pampered its clients, so when Coronavirus hit Egypt straight after the launch in January 2020 it seemed that everyone would be home forever. However, contrary to all expectations, Sara was able to take part in a pro bono program, where designers performed free online home makeovers for people who would not normally think, or indeed be able to afford, to have their homes redesigned. It was this step which promoted her home-styling career. The Nina June brand is all about collaboration and since February 2020, when Sara launched her wood workshop and office with her new partner, the brand has collaborated with wallpaper designers, metal sculptors, pattern artists and mosaic artists, to name but a few. She can offer furniture production services to designers, directly to customers, or a full home-package consultation. The individual creative vision of so many artists and their ability to discuss and benefit from each other’s knowledge and ideas stimulates the brand keeping it fresh and inspired. Today the workshop houses eight carpenters with a team of six in the office and it is still growing. Connect with Sara Hamza Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #596: Jamel Williams: A Call to Create Opportunity and Change at the University Level #720: FlashBack Friday: Cheryl Janis : Defining and Owning Your Niche #811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life #896: Cléophée Poli: A Unique Interior Design Niche Serving English-Speaking Clients in Paris #897: Power Talk Friday: Adrien Cotton: Design Your Midlife Wellness for Confidence

Today With Janine Aurichio: Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On this Power Talk Friday, I am joined by Janine Aurichio, Certified Life Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, Speaker, and Founder of YES2YUM Life Styling. Janine coaches design professionals on The Inside JobTM which creates the mindset and mental fitness needed to run their business with clarity, purpose, and ease.  We are discussing something we all have in common, no matter where we come from; inner voices, or what she calls your inner Sage and Saboteur. It’s a battle. And Janine is here to guide us on how to do the inner work to intercept our negative Saboteur voice. Pick It Apart [6:40]  Does our environment add to the intensity of our negative thoughts, or Saboteur?” [9:09] Why do we focus on the negative thoughts and stories we tell ourselves?  [14:00] How the impact of the inner Saboteur impacts everything. [20:48] Janine talks about the Positive Intelligence Framework and the exercises we can do to shift out of the negative mindset, or Saboteur. [36:25] Janine tells us about the free Saboteur assessment she offers. LuAnn Nigara and Janine Aurichio's Ah-Ha Moments “If you want to reach your highest levels of performance with lasting peace of mind, you have to deal with the inside stuff.” - Janine Aurichio  “The stories in our head are made up, so why do we put so much emphasis on it?” - LuAnn Nigara “The Saboteur is indulging itself in emotion and reacting. The Sage empathizes, thinks, and taps into the positive.” LuAnn Nigara More About Janine Aurichio Janine Aurichio, MBA, WPCC, MIM, is a Certified Life Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, Speaker, and Founder of YES2YUM Life Styling. A former designer and recovering perfectionist, Janine coaches design professionals on The Inside JobTM of creating the mindset and mental fitness to run their business with clarity, purpose and ease. Using her signature Life Styling approach, her clients go from stress and overwhelm to calm, clear and creative. Her 35-year journey from type-A executive to type-Me coach informs her work with stressed entrepreneurs, and helps them achieve peak performance with maximum peace-of-mind and heart. With Beauty as her #1 core value, Janine’s purpose is to be part of the healing of the world by supporting the Beauty-makers. She is an avid hiker and scuba diver, and a native New Yorker living in northern California with her rescue dog and cat. Connect with Janine Aurichio Website Blog LinkedIn Instagram Saboteur Assessment Schedule a free 30-Minute Saboteur Consultation What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #871: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Out of Overwhelm: Why Time Management Begins With Your Mindset #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business.

Today With Janine Aurichio: Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On this Power Talk Friday, I am joined by Janine Aurichio, Certified Life Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, Speaker, and Founder of YES2YUM Life Styling. Janine coaches design professionals on The Inside JobTM which creates the mindset and mental fitness needed to run their business with clarity, purpose, and ease.  We are discussing something we all have in common, no matter where we come from; inner voices, or what she calls your inner Sage and Saboteur. It’s a battle. And Janine is here to guide us on how to do the inner work to intercept our negative Saboteur voice. Pick It Apart [6:40]  Does our environment add to the intensity of our negative thoughts, or Saboteur?” [9:09] Why do we focus on the negative thoughts and stories we tell ourselves?  [14:00] How the impact of the inner Saboteur impacts everything. [20:48] Janine talks about the Positive Intelligence Framework and the exercises we can do to shift out of the negative mindset, or Saboteur. [36:25] Janine tells us about the free Saboteur assessment she offers. LuAnn Nigara and Janine Aurichio's Ah-Ha Moments “If you want to reach your highest levels of performance with lasting peace of mind, you have to deal with the inside stuff.” - Janine Aurichio  “The stories in our head are made up, so why do we put so much emphasis on it?” - LuAnn Nigara “The Saboteur is indulging itself in emotion and reacting. The Sage empathizes, thinks, and taps into the positive.” LuAnn Nigara More About Janine Aurichio Janine Aurichio, MBA, WPCC, MIM, is a Certified Life Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, Speaker, and Founder of YES2YUM Life Styling. A former designer and recovering perfectionist, Janine coaches design professionals on The Inside JobTM of creating the mindset and mental fitness to run their business with clarity, purpose and ease. Using her signature Life Styling approach, her clients go from stress and overwhelm to calm, clear and creative. Her 35-year journey from type-A executive to type-Me coach informs her work with stressed entrepreneurs, and helps them achieve peak performance with maximum peace-of-mind and heart. With Beauty as her #1 core value, Janine’s purpose is to be part of the healing of the world by supporting the Beauty-makers. She is an avid hiker and scuba diver, and a native New Yorker living in northern California with her rescue dog and cat. Connect with Janine Aurichio Website Blog LinkedIn Instagram Saboteur Assessment Schedule a free 30-Minute Saboteur Consultation What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #871: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Out of Overwhelm: Why Time Management Begins With Your Mindset #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business.

Today With Jillian Lare: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined once again by Jillian Lare, a trained engineer, experienced college lecturer, and award-winning interior designer. A few years ago, Jillian partnered with her friend and fellow designer to start Morris Lare Interiors in Des Moines, Iowa, and it has been a growing success. Jillian credits a lot of her success and smooth business operations to the technology she implements. She is sharing what is working well in her business, along with suggestions on where to get started integrating technology into your businesses as well. She’s also got a great prompt if you want ChatGPT to create a great Spotify playlist just for you. Pick It Apart [4:12] Jillian explains how she uses various project management software platforms in her firm. [19:04] Jillian shares how her team does a daily check in each morning on Slack to stay up to date on their priorities without having to meet in person.  [27:20] LuAnn and Jillian discuss tracking time and expenses within the project management systems and by using the app Harvest. [30:07] Jillian talks about how she is using Milanote. [44:03] LuAnn shares her thoughts on naming conventions and how these need to be thought through at the beginning so they are easily searchable. [48:33] Jillian explains why she uses DesignSpec to keep a record of all of their specs in one database. [54:16] LuAnn and Jillian discuss using AI for idea generation, making a great Spotify playlist, and prompting Midjourney. LuAnn Nigara and Jillian Lare's Ah-Ha Moments “I'm about just get something that works. And email is not the answer.” – LuAnn Nigara “f it's not easy to do, it doesn't matter how good it is. It's not going to get done.” – LuAnn Nigara “I just want everything to be accessible wherever I am. The minute it's like not accessible is when I'm kind of like start to lose interest in it, because we're just out and about so much.” – Jillian Lare “Every time you enter the same information in multiple places, that's an opportunity to get it wrong.” – Jillian Lare More About Jillian Lare Jillian Lare is a native of northeastern Pennsylvania. She achieved a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and spent her early career with Intel Corporation. During her time as an engineer, she honed the invaluable skills of critical thinking, project management, leadership, and effective communication, which she applies every day as an interior designer and entrepreneur. Jillian made the switch from engineering to design in 2007 when she apprenticed with a local designer. Upon relocating to Des Moines, she enrolled in the MA of Interior Design program at Iowa State and graduated in 2013. She joined the faculty shortly after and served as an instructor for five years, specializing in residential design and visual and graphic communication. While teaching, she continued to design for clients. After the birth of her son in 2017, she launched Jillian Lare Interior Design, her eponymous firm focused on residential new construction and remodeling. Jillian enjoys working on a variety of residential projects including new construction, kitchen remodels, decorating, and furnishings throughout the Des Moines area and with clients coast to coast. She resides in West Des Moines with her husband Keegan, a registered landscape architect, their son Ashton, and two dogs Booker and Arlo. Connect with Jillian Lare Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #162: Power Talk Friday – Natalie Norcross – The Dynamic Leader of A Design Partnership #506: Power Talk Friday: Natalie Norcross: A Design Partnership #544: Power Talk Friday: Natalie Norcross: 5 Things To Do To Get PR #864: Hilaire Pickett Martin: Lesson From an Interior Design Operations Manager #870: Jillian Lare: Processes to Know Your Numbers #879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation #895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers Other Resources Mentioned: Asana InDesign Basecamp Dropbox Slack Voxer Harvest Studio Designer MyDoma Studio Milanote Pinterest Instagram Canva Google Suite Chief Architect Calendly Type Form Design Spec ChatGPT Midjourney Books: Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg Atomic Habits by James Clear

Today With Adrien Cotton: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Adrien Cotton, menopause expert, transformational concierge wellness coach, and founder of Alexandria Wellness. Adrien’s luxury services and holistic approach bring beauty and confidence to her clients. Like many interior designers, Adrien operates a very personal pursuit that can impact every facet of an individual or family’s life and well-being.  Driven by systems, efficiency, and meaningful connections, Adrien is here to share effective business insights that will move the needle in any industry. We talk about qualifying clients, building a solid team, the importance of systems and consistency, and the value of human connection. Pick It Apart [5:45] Adrien explains her intake process and how she has refined it to make sure her clients are committed. [12:03] LuAnn and Adrien discuss the back end of her business and how her team supports all of her business efforts. [17:29] Adrien explains how she pivoted into concierge wellness and established her brand. LuAnn relates that to how many designers come into the industry as a second career. [21:02] Adrien talks about the importance of knowing your numbers in accounting and data, as well as the importance of systems. [26:51] Adrien explains her system for an editorial calendar throughout the year. [30:34] LuAnn tells Adrien how she uses ChatGPT for rough drafts and idea generation, but explains that the human element is still necessary. [39:29] Adrien and LuAnn discuss the value of human connection and how concierge wellness and luxury interior design are both rooted in that connection because you can’t just Google them or use AI for them and get a personalized answer. [45:37] Adrien mentions her master menopause course and walks through how her concierge small groups work. LuAnn Nigara and Adrien Cotton's Ah-Ha Moments “I'm not a trend and I'm not a fad. I'm not a cleanse, I'm not a diet. I'm a lifestyle.” - Adrien Cotton “If any designer thinks [AI] is replacing the interior design industry, then they're not really fully in touch with what their actual intellectual property is.” – LuAnn Nigara “The human brain thrives on connection with another human being. And so a designer or a wellness expert—we're connecting with someone who's going to trust us to make their life a little bit more beautiful.” – Adrien Cotton “I'm serving them in a way that they can't Google. And I will work just as hard as they do.” – Adrien Cotton “You want to get up every day and live in your ‘why’ and do what you do. Because…when you can do that and make money at it, you can do that and support your family or yourself…then that is the day that you're not working.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Adrien Cotton Adrien Cotton believes that the greatest gift you can give to yourself is the gift of wellness. She is an accomplished speaker, entrepreneur, corporate wellness educator, menopause expert and transformational wellness coach with proven success in designing and implementing innovative workforce wellness programs. Her effectiveness as a facilitative leader, motivational speaker, writer and coach is rooted in a strong set of guiding principles for growth and mirrors her own personal wellness journey. Since founding her wellness enterprise, Adrien has leveraged her fitness and wellness background to move women from a place of “giving up” to one of proactive self-care. Her work goes beyond nutrition and exercise and focuses on an individual’s lifestyle and key high-impact areas including stress resilience, sleep, calendar management, mindfulness, and menopause. She excels in shifting mindsets and helping her clients leverage small habits that yield lasting results. Whereas the market is saturated with wellness professionals, Adrien brings a breadth of corporate experience, a proprietary methodology, and a unique client-centric perspective. After serving in high-leverage professional roles, Adrien pivoted her career focus to helping clients capture their strength in all areas of life.  She is also the creator of the MASTER Menopause NOW! Wellness Program. This course is the culmination of 20 years of research and many years of working with perimenopausal and menopausal women. She has discovered what works, with real women, every day. Connect with Adrien Cotton Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #86: Andrea Schumacher – Strategies for Client Management #803: Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: Productivity is Personal – How to Create Systems that Will Work for You! #848: Amy Youngblood: Why Your Contact Form is Critical in Identifying Your Ideal Interior Design Client #852: Nicole Salceda: You Don’t Need to Have All the Superpowers #854: Lindye Galloway: Connect Your Why to Your Interior Design Business, the Success Will Follow #861: Power Talk Friday: Darla Powell: Instagram for Interior Designers

Today With Cléophée Poli: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business today. I am very excited to welcome to the show a long-time listener, Cleo Poli.  Cleo is from Paris, but traveled abroad, living several different places around the globe. She worked in interior design in London, but moved back home to Paris when she found out she was expecting a baby. It was there that she discovered her niche—her Fred Berns only—serving English-speaking clients in France.  Today, she’s here to share what she has learned embarking on an interior design career in Paris, establishing and developing her niche, and serving an unfulfilled need for English-speaking clients.  Pick It Apart [4:00] Cleo shares her journey and how she ended up back home in Paris serving English-speaking clients.  [9:04] LuAnn and Cleo discuss how Cleo’s niche took shape and the importance of niching. [14:54] Cleo explains how interior design is fundamentally different in Paris.  [31:16] Cleo shares how and why she uses a pricing structure that’s unusual to the area.  [41:21] Cleo reflects on her insights from the show and building her firm.  LuAnn Nigara and Cléophée Poli's Ah-Ha Moments “It's important to know yourself first, right? Know yourself first, figure out your why and then move. And it doesn't matter if it's the same or different than anybody else's—it just matters that it's true to you, that you know that you're doing what you really want the way you want to do it.” -LuAnn More About Cléophée Poli Cléophée was born and raised in Paris and has spent the best part of the last decade living overseas (Malawi, Australia, England and now Paris again) with her Australian partner. This time abroad heightened her understanding of the need to have a home away from home as well as the chance to discover many different cultures and their affiliated designs. Her father is an antiques and collectables merchant and her mother a multidisciplinary artist. Growing up surrounded by art and vintage decor magazines, Cléo developed an eye for design from a very young age. Since she was a child, she scouted Parisian flea markets, museums and collector shows across Europe and the US. Design became a staple in her everyday life. Her appreciation for good design and the arts has allowed her to tailor a very particular service offering, Kids’ Artwork, for her English-speaking expatriate clientèle based in Paris. Connect with Cléophée Poli Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #169 Amber Lewis- Keynote Speaker at Design Blogger’s Conference #174 Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #670 Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know. #759 Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing

Today With Sandra Funk: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that thriving in business takes a specific mindset. But what is the millionaire mindset, really? How can we break out of fear mode and start doing what it takes today to take our business where we want to be? In today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to chat about the Interior Design Standard and the millionaire mindset for designers.  Pick It Apart [7:54] Sandra and LuAnn discuss why waiting for the “right time” hurts designers.  [21:26] Sandra and LuAnn talk about the importance of investing in your business. [40:07] Sandra and LuAnn share the value of setting expectations with your clients.  [45:44] Sandra shares how important it is to have a process for estimates—and to stick to it.  [49:36] Sandra shares details about the upcoming session of the Interior Design Standard.  LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk's Ah-Ha Moments “When we're not process driven, and we don't have it documented, then we are making up the conversation.” -LuAnn “There are so many designers who are doing this designer discount and charging 10% or 20%, or even 30% markup. I tracked it people—that is break-even. 35% markup is break-even.” -Sandra More About Sandra Funk Sandra Funk is a trusted advisor and the celebrated design leader who built the boutique firm, House of Funk and her proven process, the Interior Design Standard. Over 30 national press outlets - Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, to name a few - have recognized Sandra for her award-winning designs and innate entrepreneurial spirit.  Despite her business degree, a background in business process consulting and a design education from Parsons, it took Sandra over a decade - and the help of several experts - to develop and fine-tune her business model for a thriving interior design firm.  Today, Sandra is deeply rooted in empowering and educating design entrepreneurs. With her turnkey approach, she welcomes designers into her inner circle, sharing her proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm. Connect with Sandra Funk Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: #845 Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating #801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation #753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business #660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard” #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems #520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! #145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm #02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

Today With Jessica Duce: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Jessica Duce, principal designer at both JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers is back on to talk about her Vacation Rental Design Summit she held in spring 2023 at High Point. We talk about the importance of noticing gaps in the industry and how she used them to her, and everyone’s benefit, in more ways than one. We also learn about the membership program she and her partners started, and everything else Jessica has been up to since she was last on! Pick It Apart [1:45] Jessica fills us in on why she was so passionate to create the Vacation rental Design Summit. [5:00] Jessica explains that there are, in fact, differences between vacation rental design and regular design. [13:09] Jessica shares what the new summit consisted of for both new and old vacation rental designers. [24:20] Jessica talks about the membership program her and her partners launched at the summit. [36: Jessica tells us about the evolution of Vacation Rental Designers since she was last on the podcast. LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Duce's Ah-Ha Moments “People want to stay somewhere that doesn't look like their home.” - Jessica Duce “Brands want to be apart of a rental, so guests or designers that they bring in can experience these brands there instead of in a showhouse.” - Jessica Duce More About Jessica Duce In business for almost 20 years, interior designer Jessica Duce brings her creativity and expertise to both residential and commercial projects. With Houston as homebase, she works with clients across the country which she says affords a unique perspective on regional design trends and needs. The principal designer at both JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers, she saw the latter as a much-needed niche service bringing value to short-term rental property homeowners who require a unique mix of budget and modern style. Together with business partner and real estate consultant Julia Harmon, they are creating new opportunities for designers and owners in that space. As an accomplished speaker and presenter, Jessica has appeared on numerous panels and podcasts, and she has been featured in community lifestyle publications as well as trade magazines including Business of Home, Furniture Today, Designers Today and KBIS magazine. Most recently, she announced her role as key strategist in the inaugural Vacation Rental Design Summit to be held in conjunction with High Point Market in April 2023. Jessica is the incoming President for IDS Houston as well as National IDS membership. Additionally, Jessica is proud of her ongoing relationship with Modenus and its Design Hounds Influencer program. Connect with Jessica Duce Vacation Rental Designers Website Instagram Vacation Rental Design Summit Instagram Jessica Duce Instagram Facebook Twitter What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #32: Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development #305: Elizabeth Scruggs- The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business® #368: Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development  

Today With Michelle Clayton: Today on A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday. I am sitting down with Michelle Clayton, the Brand Strategist, and Designer behind Let Her Fly, a studio for successful women who are ready to level up and look like the pro they are. Michelle wanted to come on and first of all, give us some great actionable branding tips, but also to debunk the misconception that using Fiverr or Pinterest for your logo is a good idea. Spoiler alert, it’s not. Michelle will explain why and what you should be doing for your brand.  Pick It Apart [3:25] Michelle tells us the first place we should turn to when considering a rebrand. [14:58] Michelle explains the difference between your brand logo made from someone on Fiverr compared to a professionally made logo. [30:45] Michelle and LuAnn discuss brand consistency among all of your platforms. [39:49] Additional actions you should skip when formulating your brand.  [46:20] Michelle explains that re-branding or tweaking your current brand doesn’t mean changing yourself. LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Clayton's Ah-Ha Moments “If you present your brand one way on Instagram, and a completely different, or old, way on your website and they just don’t line up, it’s a hard no for me.” - LuAnn Nigara “People need that consistency in their brand across all platforms, whatever that is for your business.” - Michelle Clayton “You need to make it easy for people when they are checking you out, and give them the path of least resistance.” - Michelle Clayton “Everyone has a brand and the beauty is you can love and keep developing the one you have or if it isn’t working for you anymore, you can always change it.” - Michelle Clayton More About Michelle Clayton Michelle Clayton is the Brand Strategist and Designer behind Let Her Fly, a studio for successful women who are ready to level up and look like the pro they are. She captures their personality and expertise in a clear, cohesive brand that feels just like them and attracts more ideal clients, so they can confidently go after their next big thing. With a design degree and 30 years in the industry, Michelle’s experience ranges from in-house art departments to non-profits to two of Calgary’s largest advertising agencies. Through, Let Her Fly, she now brings that same level of expertise and eye for detail to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Michelle loves helping women create a brand that looks as professional as they are—one that fits like their favorite t-shirt and attracts more ideal clients. She knows first-hand the insecurity that comes from outgrowing your brand, and the positive impact the right one has on your confidence and your bottom line. Through strategic design, insightful articles, guest interviews, and online and in-person workshops, she breaks down the mystery of great design, the difference it makes, and how everyone can build a brand that feels good and delights their audience. In 1995, Michelle traded Southern sweet tea and lightning bugs for true love in the Great White North. She speaks fluent American and Canadian, accurately using “toboggan” in either context. Home is in Calgary with her husband, two teen daughters, a hairy rescue pup, and a bottomless London Fog. Connect with Michelle Clayton Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Podcast Spotify playlist of guest episodes on podcasts What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward #125: Nicole Heymer: How to Brand Your Business, Yes Again. Do Not Miss This One! #145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #492: Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success #609: Lisa Haude: Rebranding to Express Who You Really Are #882: Bria Hammel: Doing Fewer Interior Design Projects and Increasing Your Profitability

Today With Sharon L. Sherman: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Sharon L. Sherman, founder of Thyme and Place Design. Sharon has been practicing award-winning kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years, is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers, New Jersey chapter, and was named 2022 Innovator of the Year by Kitchen Bath Design News magazine. She has worked with every personality out there and is here to discuss personality traits.  We delve into the four personality types she categorizes: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. We talk about their traits, how to recognize them, and how to work with each one best for successful outcomes every time. Pick It Apart [2:09] Sharon explains that everyone has a different idea of what a difficult client is, but by understanding our own personality traits we can better understand and work with all types of clients. [9:30] Sharon introduces the four personality types she has defined: fire, air, earth and water.  [11:28] LuAnn and Sharon discuss the traits of the fire personality and how to handle them. [19:26] Sharon describes the air personality as expressive, friendly, and appreciative, but also need to be appreciated. [25:56] Sharon explains that those with the earth personality are stable and grounded and comfortable like your favorite pair of jeans. [29:56] Sharon and LuAnn talk about the water personality, which tends to be analytical and organized. [38:36] Sharon and LuAnn how to determine personality types and work with each one better. LuAnn Nigara and Sharon L. Sherman's Ah-Ha Moments “There's really no such thing as a difficult client. It just sounds like a match that's not well matched.” – LuAnn Nigara “To resolve a problem—that's when we have to step out and detach and start to observe and see and to, quite frankly, employ those sales skills.” – LuAnn Nigara “Clients make our world go round. Without them, we're no longer in business..” – Sharon L. Sherman “If you understand how to speak to your clients, and how to ask them questions, and listen to what they're saying…you start to see who that person is going to be.” – Sharon L. Sherman “If anybody right now has a recent interaction with any client that went negatively—just now think about the different personalities and try and identify what personality they are. Probably, you handled it from your personality. And if that ends up being true, then that is really a very foundational reason why the problem escalates—because you're handling something from your perspective as opposed to the way they need it handled, not because it was an unsolvable problem.” – LuAnn Nigara “I didn't let fear overcome my love for what I'm doing.” - Sharon L. Sherman More About Sharon L. Sherman Sharon is the founder of Thyme and Place Design, headquartered in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She’s been practicing kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years and is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers – New Jersey chapter.  Her award-winning designs and editorial comments have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Design Milk, Bergen NJ magazine, Kitchen & Bath Design News, Woman’s Day, Country Decorating, Design NJ, New Jersey Home Magazine, 201 Magazine, The Best of Bergen, as well as several books. Her blog “Tips from the Trade” appears in digital form on DesignNJ.com and KBBonline.com. She has also appeared on HGTV’s My Big Amazing Renovation and episodes of House Smarts with Lou Manfredini.  In 2022, she was a featured *Voices From The Industry* speaker at the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s international convention and is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Kitchen Bath & Business magazine and has received the 2022 Innovator of the Year award from Kitchen Bath Design News magazine.  Connect with Sharon L. Sherman Website Instagram LinkedIn Book What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals #762: Laura Martin Bovard: Do You Run Your Interior Design Business From Ego or Soul? #808: Hailey Kolbe: How to Vet Inquiries, Spot Red Flags, and Attract Your Ideal Client #842: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity #848: Amy Youngblood: Why Your Contact Form is Critical in Identifying Your Ideal Interior Design Client Other Resources Mentioned: Chairman of the Board Make a Friend 7-step sales process

Today With Judy Brower Fancher: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today I am joined by Judy Brower Fancher, of Brower, Miller & Cole Art Consulting. Judy is certified in interior design, and while she isn’t currently working as one, she knows that most interior designers are not trained, nor confident, in selecting art for their clients. Judy is here to help my audience understand that buying those color Xeroxes is never the answer, and some tangible tips for those unfamiliar with the art world.  Pick It Apart [2:32] Judy explains what she means about the difference between xerox art and real art. [9:17]  Just explains how the budget for art should be separate from the design budget. [20:58] Tangible benefits for an interior designer when they add art into their projects.  [25:46] Judy lets us know where we can go to source art. [42:12] How the relationship works between the designer and an art consultant. LuAnn Nigara and Judy Brower Fancher's Ah-Ha Moments “Art should be emotional. It should feel as passionate as your first kiss.” - Judy Brower “As trusted professionals who are supplying, educating, and sourcing art for our clients, we should have some education on it and know what we are doing.” - LuAnn Nigara “The art really adds to the luxury feel of the project and is part of showing the good taste of the home.” - Just Brower More About Judy Brower Fancher With two decades of experience traveling the globe to understand the art, architecture, fashion and design of various parts of the world, Judy Brower Fancher brings her own love of international cultures, mixed cultures and all things unique and remarkable to her design and storytelling skills. Her company mission is to create the final layer on spaces that make people whole through reflecting both their current lives and their cultural heritage, while assisting clients and the interior design trade to bring fantastic original art into their lives and their interior designs. Judy’s background includes: Purchasing art in galleries in more than 25 countries around the globe 25-plus years working with architects, developers and interior design firms Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UCLA Minor in Art History Graduate of the Interior Design Institute Attending conferences for: Global original art Global luxury interior design custom materials and installation global furniture and accessories Global real estate and architecture trends Judy believes that with a highly personalized final layer, a home or workplace can embrace more than one background and tell a compelling story to those who visit. In addition, incorporating cultural elements adds beauty that never goes out of style. Connect with Judy Brower Fancher Website Instagram LinkedIn Why acquire art through an art consultant What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #755: Power Talk Friday: Liz Beaman Delman: Fine Art is an Asset, Not an Accessory #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business #239: Katharine Earnhardt – How to Advise Your Clients on Art #413: Leslie Price: Evolution of a Career in Interior Design

Today With Lucy Penfield: Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Long-time listeners of the show will know that I rarely get into the pretty, the actual designs, or even the creative process itself. For the most part, I’m focused on the business—not what happens in the creative mind, but the systems and processes and moving parts on the outside of that.  But every once in a while, I make an exception—and today’s episode is one of those. When you hear my guest, Lucy Penfield, speak, you’ll understand why. She’s going to share her creative insight into the design process—and why she relates it to an anthropological discovery.  Pick It Apart [3:50] Lucy explains why designing is like an anthropological dig.  [13:43] Lucy shares how going back to school helped her redefine her design process [part 2 12:55] Lucy details her six-step process and how creativity plays a role at every level [19:23] LuAnn reflects on the authenticity in Lucy’s process LuAnn Nigara and Lucy Penfield's Ah-Ha Moments “We discover what is at the core, what's at the soul for our clients, and sometimes they have their ideas and their inspiration, but what's deeper than that? So I think so often we look at the top surface, the top layer, maybe the frosting, but what's really underneath it all? And so as an anthropologist, I think we uncover.” -Lucy “I love that you said peeling away the onion, and it's almost like you could look in a room and keep discovering things in that room when you're designing at that more elevated level.” -LuAnn “You can get up in the morning and be ho-hum, or you can show up. I think the fun is we have an opportunity to grow.” -Lucy  More About Lucy Penfield Lucy Penfield is a passionate, blue sky thinker whose approach to interior design is unparalleled. Her enchantment and zeal for design have followed her throughout her career as an interior designer, lifestyle product innovator, and art aficionado. Lucy loves the magic of transforming space and creating joy for her clients. As an award-winning interior designer, Lucy is recognized nationally for her sophisticat- ed design style, passion for color, and client-centric methodologies. Her custom, six-step approach to bespoike interiors is anthropological and digs further to uncover true meaning for her clients. With degrees in art history, interior design, and design thinking, Lucy is a dynamic, progressive thought leader. She encourages her clients and team to push the bounds of their realms. From sketching textile and wallcovering collec- tions to designing custom homes, lakeside cottages, and city condos, Lucy garners inspiration from the diverstiy in her work and conquering new challenges. Lucy has great love for her community and is actively involved with non-profit organiza- tions. Beyond her design ventures, she finds joy in cooking exotic dishes, throwing fabulous dinner parties, traveling with her family and exploring new adventures. Lucy's design style is radiant, art-infused, and dazzling. Connect with Lucy Penfield Website Instagram Houzz Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest #703 Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity

Today With Cathy Heflin: Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that Pinterest is a valuable tool for designers. But how you use it matters. It’s about so much more than just tossing up pretty pictures like on Instagram—in fact, in many ways, it seems like it’s more of a search engine than another social media platform.  We have so many marketing tools that we can add to our toolbox. Today, my guest, Cathy Heflin, is here to teach more about how Pinterest can help businesses grow, and how to put it to work for your business.  Pick It Apart [2:46] Cathy and LuAnn discuss how Pinterest offers more opportunities for businesses than other social media platforms.  [10:16] Cathy shares how Pinterest helps drive traffic to your website.  [25:50] Cathy describes how to get started with Pinterest. [31:29] Cathy explains why using a scheduler can help you invest less time and still make the most of Pinterest.  [40:09] Cathy shares how to find the best SEO keywords on Pinterest.  LuAnn Nigara and Cathy Heflin's Ah-Ha Moments “We have to view Pinterest as a search engine like Google and YouTube, which automatically puts it into way more valuable real estate for our brains, our energy, our money, and our advertising or marketing dollars.” -LuAnn “Done is better than perfect. Get that content up so that you can start to have something to pin to and have places to send your clients.” -Cathy More About Cathy Heflin Cathy Heflin is a Pinterest Marketing Consultant and Strategist. She launched her Pinterest consulting business after personally experiencing how powerful Pinterest was as a driver of traffic to her own blog and online home decor shop. She offers organic and paid ad Pinterest Marketing strategies to help brands grow brand awareness, increase website traffic, increase sales, and grow their email list subscribers. Connect with Cathy Heflin Website Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #574 Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy #750 Power Talk Friday: Erin Harding: Paid Pinterest Campaigns for Interior Designers #587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest #487 Power Talk Friday: Vanessa Shepherd: Pinterest Strategies to Grow Your Interior Design Business #331 Power Talk Friday: Kate Ahl: Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm #292 Power Talk Friday: Summer Tannhauser – How to Leverage Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm #223 Allison Fannin – Pinterest Tips for your Interior Design Firm

Today With Brittany Steptoe-Wright: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Brittany Steptoe-Wright, owner of BSW Design. BSW Design is a certified Vegan Design Firm. Brittany holds design, animals, and the environment near and dear to her heart, so everything they source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. BSW Design also focuses on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or highly recycled content, Brittany’s aim is to bring ethically sound products into her client’s home. Tune in to learn more about this important and ever-growing topic, so join in and make our world a better place one client at a time. Pick It Apart [1:00] Brittany gets right into what inspired her to take Deborah Resenberg’s course. [8:42] How Brittany believes what you put into your home promotes a certain energy and karma. [19:15] How Brittany navigates when pieces that are cruelty-free aren’t sustainable as well.  [27:00] Lessons that Brittany discusses on her podcast, The CEO Podcast. [32:50] How Brittany’s construction firm and design firm work together.  [43:35] What Brittany does if a client comes to them thinking they don’t need a designer.  LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Steptoe-Wright's Ah-Ha Moments “You don’t have to use animal by-products in your home design. You can eat meat, but it doesn't have to be black and white. You can have a cruelty-free home and not be vegan.” - Brittany Steptoe-Wright “This is the essence of creating the core of a highly successful business because you are living and breathing what you believe.” - LuAnn Nigara “When the luxury consumer pushes the designer or builder back and says that they don’t need a designer in the middle, explain why you think they do need one and then let them make the decision.” - LuAnn Nigara  More About Brittany Steptoe-Wright As a designer, I feel my job is first and foremost to make the home a better place for living. I always start the design process from a place of function and lifestyle before moving into aesthetics. Our motto, Consciously Curated Interiors, encompasses both our attention to the family’s lifestyle, as well as our personal commitment to the environmental impact of everything we do. My love for design, animals, and the environment has fostered a unique sense of purpose in my business. We are a certified Vegan Design firm, meaning that everything we source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. We also put a large focus on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or a high recycled content, we attempt to bring ethically sound products into the home for the families we work with. Knowing that the pieces you surround yourself with have a story that is supportive of humanity, animals, and the environment brings a loving and high vibe energy into the home, which makes it all the more magical to live in. Connect with Brittany Steptoe-Wright Website Carpentry Website Instagram Pinterest Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB: #82: Deborah Rosenberg: Tailoring Your Interior Design Firm to Your Core Beliefs #117: Power Talk Friday: Deborah Rosenberg: Cruelty Free Design Certification is Here #137: Michele Williams- Scarlet Thread Consulting- Actionable Tips for Time Management #180: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matter to You   #218: Marketing & Resources for Cruelty Free Design #395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business #580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget and Builders #615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process #649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective #809: Power Talk Friday: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Turning Eco-Friendly Design into a “Green” Bottom Line WTFP: Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska: An Easy Tool to Increase Your Productivity Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska: You Are the Leader in the Room Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska:Entrepreneurship is Hard: Do this to Make it Easier

Today With Renee Bush: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s common for business owners to feel burnt out, lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to go next. Today, Renee Bush of Tandem is sharing her insights on how to reignite the spark when you just don’t know how to move forward.  Pick It Apart [14:21] Renee shares why creative businesses are so different from other industries, and why inspiration matters to us.  [26:33] Renee discusses the value of having a “north star” guiding you in your business.  [30:59] Renee breaks down the three pillars of taking control of how your brand is perceived.  [35:40] Renee and LuAnn discuss how to attract clients that align with your values.  LuAnn Nigara and Renee Bush’s Ah-Ha Moments “I started figuring out that we need to solve all of this first and create a North Star that then we can use to make decisions. That really set me on a path of helping designers figure out their North Star. Who am I? What do I want? Why do I do what I do? How do I do it? What's my superpower? Who am I trying to work with? All these key things that then become that Northstar business framework that then we use to make decisions.” -Renee “When we have the right client, who is excited to follow our process because they see our value, that brings profitability. They go through the process the way we ask because they get it.” -Renee More About Renee Bush Tandem designs premium brands and solves strategic business problems for interior designers. Everything they do is centered on a strategy to help differentiate you in the market and to define and serve your ideal client. Their goal is to help you identify and define who you are as a business and to give you all the tools and resources you need to manage your premium brand effectively. Working in the design industry for the last decade, Renee initially ran and managed a multi-disciplinary graphic design studio and helped build it from the ground up. From there she began working at Studio McGee as the Director of Design Operations where she worked to build out and refine all of the design operations and processes. It was there that Renee found her love for the Interior Design industry and her driving purpose of helping creative entrepreneurs succeed using quality branding, strategic thinking, and streamlined processes.  Renee has worked with dozens of interior design entrepreneurs to strategize, problem-solve, and refine their brands and business operations. Some of her clients include Boxwood Avenue, High Street Homes, Light & Dwell Interiors, Susannah Holmberg Interiors, and more. With her experience in the design world and a Master's in Business Administration, Renee excels at getting straight to the heart of any issue and always has a creative solution up her sleeve.  Connect with Renee Bush  Website Instagram  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #236 Shea McGee of Studio McGee Joins Me Today!!!! #606 Phoebe Oldrey: How a Niche Can Give New Life to Your Business #720 Flash Back Friday: Cheryl Janis: Defining and Owning Your Niche  #849 Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design

Today With Victoria Larson: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by textile and wallpaper designer Victoria Larson. After creating gorgeous hand-screen-printed textile collections and dreamy wallpaper patterns for more than a decade, Victoria made a plan to leave the textiles behind (but in good hands) and focus solely on the wallpaper, which allowed her to reenergize her brand and grow with intention. Good businesses are grown strategically, and believe it or not, sometimes, we have to shrink in order to grow. In this episode, Victoria shares her story. We talk about finding creative solutions, leaving a legacy, and gaining creativity by crunching numbers, and so much more.  Pick It Apart [0:51] Victoria explains how she scaled back the fabric side of her business in order to focus on her wallpapers [11:43] LuAnn and Victoria discuss the importance of relationships, especially with licensing partners. [19:35] Victoria speaks about how she got into the money mindset and how that has helped her have more time to be creative. [33:49] LuAnn asks Victoria to elaborate on some of the lessons learned through her transition. [37:50] LuAnn and Victoria talk about SOPs and why they should always be changing. [39:26] Victoria and LuAnn discuss how to make a solopreneur business sellable. LuAnn Nigara and Victoria Larson's Ah-Ha Moments “One thing I've learned is you have to, for the most part, take emotion out of running a business, and you have to look at it more like a CEO.” – Victoria Larson “I support the business, but the business has to support me.” – Victoria Larson “If you don't mind the systems and the money, you're going to quickly find you can't afford to do what you love anymore.” – Victoria Larson “There's the payoff every day of the week for paying attention to the system and process, because every day of the week you make more money, you have more joy, you have a better outcome, your client experiences better your product delivery is better. So there's all the payoff all the way along, but then there's also, ‘Hey, I have options at the end of this line.’” – LuAnn Nigara More About Victoria Larson Victoria is a creator and weaver of tales through textile and pattern design. She works through the lens of the beauty and soul of the sea; art for art’s sake; fine materials and craftsmen; and the uplifting effect of design on the human spirit. After choosing to stay home with her twin girls, Victoria fell back in love with painting and block printing and eventually launched her first collection of hand-screen-printed fabrics in 2010.  Later she added wallpaper and printed grasscloth. The collection is a fusion of a life-long love of painting, art, and design. Raised on and around the Chesapeake Bay, it’s no surprise many of Victoria’s designs are inspired by the water light. Later, she accompanied her professional Sailor husband to coastal towns all over the world, her sketchbook in hand. Her designs capture the joy of childhood summer days, the soul of the sea, and the simple beauty of natural patterns. Victoria also licenses designs for fabric company, Stout Textiles, and home brand, Cailini Coastal. In addition, she has licensed white-label designs to tabletop and swimwear companies. As VLT’s CEO, she does more than just make pretty things. With a business degree from U of MD, College Park, and a certificate from The MD Institute College of Art, she’s obsessed with how to marry design and business. Most days you will find her in the coastal town of Annapolis with her husband and rescue doodle. The girls have grown and flown. Connect with Victoria Larson Website Instagram  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #173 Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc AWDB #360 David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited AWDB #388: Corey Damen Jenkins: Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman AWDB #404: Sue Firestone: The Malibu Collection with Kravet Inc AWDB #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet AWDB #465: Jan Showers: A Glamorous Career AWDB #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years AWDB #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life

Today With Stacey Brown Randall: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Stacey Brown Randall, a business referral whiz who is here to help us understand referral marketing strategies and to share her methods of generating referrals naturally—without manipulating, incentivizing, or even asking.  Stacey is the host of the Roadmap to Referrals Podcast and the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, as well as my co-author in A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts (volume 1). In this episode we talk about systems and strategies, the client experience, and how to find key referral moments throughout your interactions that will make you the designer your clients refer over-and-over again. Pick It Apart [3:40] Stacey explains her approach to getting fabulous referrals and how it’s different then what most of us were taught. [11:56] Stacey speaks to the referral ecosystem and why having a process and a strategy works. [18:55] Stacey and LuAnn discuss the importance of seeing things from the client’s perspective as they move from new to active to alumni. [28:37] Stacey advises to create an expectation map to guide everyone through the client experience. [35:00] LuAnn talks about the vortex phase of a project that is full of pain points for the client and Stacey’s role in helping to remedy that with her advice.  [43:27] Stacey talks about how following her process led one of her coaching clients to both of their largest referrals to date. LuAnn Nigara and Stacey Brown Randall’s Ah-Ha Moments “I want referrals to, just as much as the next person, but I don't want to feel awkward and uncomfortable, and feel like I'm off brand by trying to generate them.” – Stacey Brown Randall “‘Natural’ doesn’t mean no work.” – LuAnn Nigara “You have to understand what's going through the mind of your client in each of the stages as they move from new to active to alumni.” – Stacey Brown Randall “I believe you deserve referrals. But you aren't owed them.” – Stacey Brown Randall “Just like you can design a room, you can design a business that generates referrals.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Stacey Brown Randall Stacey Brown Randall is the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast and national speaker. Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally… without manipulating, incentivizing or even asking.    She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, and more. She is also the co-author of Luann Nigara’s book, A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts (volume 1). She received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids. Connect with Stacey Brown Randall  Website Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Roadmap to Referrals Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #69: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall – Take Control Of Your Business – Employee Management AWDB #93: Power Talk Friday- Stacey Brown Randall- How To Create an Awesome Client Experience! AWDB #364: Janelle Photopoulos: Leading, Not Simply Running, Your Interior Design Firm AWDB #426: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall: Generating Business Referrals…Without Asking AWDB #867: Power Talk Friday: Casey Gromer: Do You Need a Fractional Integrator?

Today With Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Running a business is hard. Running one through economic downturns and recessions is tougher. My guests today, Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller of Toledo Geller, have been running their firm together for 17 years. They’ve seen ups and downs in the financial climate—and through it all, they’ve pivoted, built up their network, and come out stronger than before. Today, they’re sharing what you can do in your business to come through even the toughest of economic climates. Pick It Apart [3:58] Jessica and Virginia share what they’re most proud of in their business over the years.  [17:03] Jessica and Virginia discuss how they’ve always ensured they had a strong pipeline of clients. [26:40] Jessica, Virginia, and LuAnn talk about the importance of flexibility in business.  [43:28] Jessica and Virginia share their onboarding process for their operations manager.  LuAnn Nigara, Virginia Toledo, and Jessica Geller’s Ah-Ha Moments “If you have a business model that you are looking to scale and you have a staff, you feel responsible to keep employed and fed at the end of the day as well as your own family.” -Virginia  “It's clear in observing you all these years, that there is a bond and there is respect and admiration. You couldn't have survived all these years, you couldn't build a team of eight women behind you without it.” -LuAnn “It shows the importance of flexibility. If we just said that we were one thing, and we followed one path, and that was it, we probably would never have made it this far.” -Jessica More About Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller Toledo Geller is a boutique firm that excels at delivering turn-key, custom residences for singles, couples and families who value exceptional design. Virginia and Jessica’s approach begins with a deep dive into how each client dreams of living. Getting to know their clients intimately, thoroughly understanding their wish lists and worries, allows Toledo Geller to create a unique, luxury living space that truly reflects who they are—and what they love. With their mastery of both the design and construction process, Toledo Geller partners with architects and builders from the blueprint stage to completion, providing project management and development oversight. The team works tirelessly to ensure the integrity of each project from start to finish—intent on not just meeting, but exceeding, clients’ expectations. Toledo Geller was founded over a decade ago and they have been declared House Beautiful’s “Next Wave,” and have been finalists in Innovations in Interior Design, “Ones to Watch” and “Rising Stars” by industry magazines and associations. VIRGINIA TOLEDO: Virginia founded Toledo Geller in 2006 after recognizing a need in the luxury residential market for a firm with specialized knowledge in both the design and construction process. Formally trained in interior design, she also gained invaluable experience working along side her father, a general contractor, on construction sites. A native of Brooklyn, Virginia is a mother who loves historical fiction and entertaining in her 1920’s Craftsman style New Jersey home, which she is constantly updating. JESSICA GELLER: The experience of renovating a children’s hospital playroom sparked Jessica’s decision to switch careers from social work to interior design. Her intuitive design sensibility is both innate and learned from experience in the field, and she gravitates towards the perfectly imperfect—such as introducing a color that seems “off” but magically completes the design. A mother of three, Jessica moved to Essex Fells within a year of renovating her 1850s Hoboken townhouse to embark on transforming a 1920s center hall colonial into the perfect cozy home for spending time with her family. Connect with Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller  Website Instagram YouTube Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #349 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA #395 Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire #663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business

Today With Aubre Fox: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Aubre Fox we answer everything you’ve ever wondered about working with Revel Woods. As the first point of contact and an interior designer herself, Aubre takes us through all of the steps and benefits to getting your flooring through Revel Woods. She also talks about their new showroom packages, which she is very passionate about.  Pick It Apart [1:24] Aubre starts us off talking a little about herself and how she got into Revel Woods.  [6:10] What is the process when a designer wants to work with Revel Woods? [26:34] How the backend works with how you get your commission. [28:28] Aubre breaks down the types of products Revel Woods offers.  [44:37] Aubre tells us about Revel Woods new showroom package. LuAnn Nigara and Aubre Fox's Ah-Ha Moments “As designers when you are working with any person in their technical realm, you have to understand when you’re having a technical conversation, there is no one helping to decide if this is aesthetically a good idea.” - LuAnn Nigara “I love working with designers because it gives me the opportunity to educate them.” - Aubre Fox “That’s how a well designed business runs, it looks at all the different revenue streams that are available to that particular business that makes sense for that business model.” - LuAnn Nigara  More About Aubre Fox Aubre Fox is an Interior Designer and CEO of A Fox Interiors. Aubre has been committed to creating a space where other women can collaborate, inspire and empower one another. Being in the Design world for over 13 years she has used her creativity and “business building spirit” to inspire and encourage other women to chase their dreams. Connect with Aubre Fox Website Instagram  Facebook  Other Shows Mentioned: #329: Power Talk Friday: John Dupra: Revel Woods Launches New To The Trade Program #452: Power Talk Friday: Revel Woods & American OEM: A Hardwood Flooring Company With Heart  #865: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Real Deal When Working With Contractors On A Remodel

Today With Bria Hammel: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am welcoming back Bria Hammel. Bria is the Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou. Bria was on before giving tips on how to scale your interior design business. And let me say, she is still a #smartlady. Bria has perfected her process for her out of state clients, as well as her team, to make the experience as easy and seamless as possible. Today she is sharing how, and the changes that her businesses have experienced since her last visit. Pick It Apart [1:35] Bria shares what she and her business, Bria Hammell Interiors, have been up to since her last visit. [16:50] Bria talks about how she knew to incorporate prices that match a longer time getting projects finished.  [19:00] How EOS has been a lifesaver for Bria’s business and how they use it.  [23:31] Bria shares how she got her integrator. [31:23] Bria explains how she meets for her out-of state clients, having a husband and being a mom of two. [35:08] Bria shares the pitfalls she does encounter and how she handles them.  [48:03] Bria’s post project feedback process. [51:45] Bria’s specification book for the builders. LuAnn Nigara and Bria Hammel’s Ah-Ha Moments “EOS has been such a lifesaver for me because it forces us to sit down weekly and determine what is and isn’t working, and identify problems and come up with solutions.” - Bria Hammel “EOS is the reason we can handle some of this out of state work. It has made us have the structure that we live and breathe by and our clients can see that. So being able to bring them through such a structured process shows them that it doesn't matter if we're in the same city as them or not. We have all that structure. And that all comes from us.” - Bria Hammel “That's what clients want. They want to know that they’re in good hands. And when they come to you as a designer, and you're in good hands, they will trust you with more.” LuAnn Nigara More About Bria Hammel Bria is the Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou. She leads a fresh, talented team of women who are dedicated to designing beautiful, inviting homes for clients. For Bria, every project is about creating a home filled with surprising, thoughtful spaces that lead to unexpected moments. She has an incredible eye for detail and has a passion for designing spaces that tell her clients’ stories. Bria’s work has been featured in national publications such as Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, Forbes, Oprah Daily, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, and as well as many other local magazines. Most recently, Bria was named in Traditional Home's 2022 Rising Stars of Design, a huge honor to her team and firm. Her roster of past accomplishments are nothing short of amazing as well— Brooke & Lou's flagship store in Edina, MN, received House Beautiful's Best Home Stores in America 2022, received 2nd Place in Sub-Zero Wolf's Kitchen Design Contest in the Traditional category in 2019, was a finalist for an International Design Award, was selected as a 2018 Style Spotter for High Point Market Authority, and awarded the “Fresh Faces of Design” award in 2015 and 2018 from HGTV. Bria has been fortunate enough to travel the world, which has given her a unique perspective on how people live, as well as a deep understanding of how different spaces can come together in incredible ways. Connect with Bria Hammel  Website  Brooke and Lou Instagram Brooke and Lou Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #474- Bria Hammel: Keys To Scaling Your Interior Design Firm #578- Lori Morris: When Working with the Luxury Client, the Answer is Yes!   #866- McCall Dulkys: Building a Successful Design Business From Around the World   #867- Power Talk Friday: Casey Gromer: Do You Need a Fractional Integrator?  

Today With Katie McDonald: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I'm joined by Katie McDonald, certified holistic health coach, raw food chef and instructor at b.nourished. Katie’s motto is self-care is not fluff and it isn’t selfish. That is exactly what she helps her clients through so they can both take care of their business and take care of themselves. Katie has worked with several interior designers over the years and has discovered that in service to their clients and their craft, they ignore their own wellbeing, dismissing their needs, and even their own spaces. If this sounds like you, then you will enjoy this episode. Pick It Apart [2:00] What started Katie on her belief that self-care is not fluff and not selfish. [6:01] Katie explains what to look for in yourself to determine if you are on the brink of needing self-care. [19:07] The areas she focuses on with her clients because there isn’t one model that works for everyone. [24:30] The art of concept and considerations. [31:31] Katies shares the aha moments she and her clients have while working together.  [37:15] Katie’s relation to interior designers and how your home supports your self-care. LuAnn Nigara and Katie McDonald’s Ah-Ha Moments “I eventually hit the point where I realized that I can’t do this anymore and had to start embracing that if I wanted to get things done, I had to take care of myself.” - Katie McDonald “When we slow our role, we become conscious participants in our life.” - Katie McDonald “The best way to gain a competitive edge is to take care of yourself consistently.” - Katie McDonald More About Katie McDonald Over a decade ago, the demands of Katie McDonald’s corporate career occupied her every waking moment. She was left feeling depleted and depressed—suffering from spiraling mental and physical health crises that threatened her life. Left with no choice but to transform her body-mind relationship, Katie abandoned her corporate job and finally started applying her knowledge of self-care, alternative health, and plant-based nutrition. Since then, Katie has been on a revitalizing journey of lifelong self-care. Fully recovered from years of self-neglect, Katie now helps fellow doers embrace self-care so they can do more and be more while leading healthier, more intentional, and more nourished lives. Katie leads with tough love to inspire, empower, and challenge audiences. She dispels the destructive myth that self-care is an obstacle to productivity and teaches that self-care is, in fact, a tool to create a more powerful and impactful legacy. Connect with Katie McDonald  Website Katie McDonald’s coaching website to schedule your complimentary 30 minute self-care strategy session Katie McDonald’s planners (get 15% off with code LUANN) What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #778: Deborah Main: A Journey Through Illness to Interior Design #811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate #858: Veronica Solomon: Cultivating Self-Awareness as a Superpower Sass Says  

Today With Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, AKA the Brownstone Boys. Barry and Jordan are designers, DIY-ers, renovators, and restorers who followed their passions and serendipitously fell into a flourishing business together. In 2018, Jordan and Barry bought a brownstone in Brooklyn and started The Brownstone Boys blog the day they closed on the house, and that’s just the beginning of their adventure. Today they are renovating their way across Brooklyn and New York City, one brownstone at a time.  In our interview, The Brownstone Boys share how they grew their business organically, how they are implementing systems and processes, and how to balance work and life when you’re in business with your partner. Pick It Apart [2:33] Jordan talks about the significance of his and Barry’s second date—a bike ride through Brooklyn neighborhoods where they realized they shared a love of brownstones. [10:44] Jordan explains how The Brownstone Boys blog began and how that led to their first clients. [20:13] LuAnn makes a point about how fundamental business questions and processes are imperative to successful businesses. [35:43] Barry discusses how the business has grown organically over the last few years, but now they are intentionally restructuring and building in systems and processes to help it run smoother as they grow and pivot to different platforms.  [41:01 LuAnn asks Jordan and Barry to share lessons they have learned through their business and partnership.  [52:09] Jordan shares big news about his and Barry’s future. LuAnn Nigara and The Brownstone Boys’ Ah-Ha Moments “I think a lot of that has to do with listening…And no matter how many systems we implement, I still want that one-on-one authentic relationship with our client.” – Jordan Slocum “We started our business, and it happened very organically…And right now we're at a point in the business that we're going back and really building in some structure that we should have a long time ago.” – Barry Bordelon “We're business partners, but we're also life partners. And I think something that I'm really excited for with the new processes is separating—or trying to separate—work from our home life.” – Jordan Slocum  “There are difficult times. But I think it's just really cool to be building a business with a partner and to be going through this together and to have this thing that's our own.” - Barry Bordelon More About The Brownstone Boys We’re Jordan & Barry, AKA The Brownstone Boys. We’re designers, DIY-ers, renovators, and restorers. We have a passion for old homes and everything that comes along with them: the details, the quirks, the character, and especially the parts that need lots of love. We have a ton of respect for all of those gorgeous original details and love restoring them but we are not afraid to add some modern touches. We bought our 130 year old historic Brooklyn brownstone in 2018 and we’ve been slowly restoring it ever since. We started our blog and Instagram account the day we closed on the house. When we started our journey we found it hard to find the right information, but some of the best real estate, renovation, and design advice that we did find was on other helpful and creative blogs. So we decided to share our experiences as well. We are so fortunate and thankful that other people found it helpful…and maybe a little entertaining! We enjoyed sharing our journey and answering the thousands of questions we received. Eventually, we started helping people more and more with design advice, contractor & architect recommendations, and generally holding the hands of others who were trying to navigate renovating a historic home in New York and even around the world. Some people that reached out really seemed like they needed more help than just a recommendation or suggestion, so we thought long and hard about it and nervously asked someone one day, “Would you like us to help you do it?” And like that, we had our first client. That quickly led to a second, then a third, and now we are full time Brownstone Boys designing and renovating our way across Brooklyn and NYC. We have found our true passion and pinch ourselves everyday that it’s also now our careers. Connect with The Brownstone Boys Website Instagram  Youtube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #271: Power Talk Friday: Husband & Wife Teams- This Week is LuAnn & Vin Nigara AWDB #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development AWDB #692: Power Talk Friday: Fiona Mostyn: Leveraging Your Blog to Bolster Your Interior Design Business AWDB #786: Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed AWDB #864: Hilaire Pickett Martin: Lesson From an Interior Design Operations Manager AWDB #879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation  

Today With Sarah Daniele: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by software designer Sarah Daniele. Sarah is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio, an all-in-one project management solution for interior designers. Sarah is a professionally educated interior designer, and she is passionate about building tools and technology that help other designers grow their businesses.  Through Mydoma, Sarah has a unique, top-level perspective on industry trends, and she is here to help us interpret those insights and share her predictions for what’s to come. We talk about task management software, virtual team members, advances in 3D rendering and virtual staging, and the benefits of adding convenience to clients and projects with technology. Pick It Apart [1:47] Sarah and LuAnn discuss how the design industry is undergoing a digital transformation. [9:17] Sara emphasizes the importance of keeping communication all in one place and how easy that is with the Mydoma app. [20:13] LuAnn asks Sarah to talk about her feelings and thoughts on VA’s and virtual team members in relation to the interior design industry. [27:37] Sarah gets excited as she discusses the trends she is seeing in 3D rendering. [40:32] Sarah and LuAnn discuss virtual staging and its role in the industry. [52:48] Sarah mentions that many designers are adopting online payment strategies and how this is a necessary service for convenience and luxury. LuAnn Nigara and Sarah Daniele's Ah-Ha Moments “When you get a digital transformation, you have to sift through what's right for your business for what you're trying to achieve.” – Sarah Daniele “Communication is at the heart of the interior design business. If you are not on top of your communication with your vendors, then you are not able to keep on top of your communication with your consumers. And if you are not communicating with your consumers, and you're just like every other Tom, Dick and Harry out there, that's not giving good service.” – LuAnn Nigara  “Rendering does that—3D visualization, shows them the future.” – Sarah Daniele “You can't be fearful you got to go in you got to jump in and you got to try. And you know what? Learning something new is hard sometimes.” – Sarah Daniele “The epitome of the cornerstone of customer service to the luxury market is making it convenient for [the client]. Whether it’s an appointment, a payment, a selection—it’s all about them.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Sarah Daniele Sarah Daniele is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio is the premier platform for interior designers; a workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. The first version of Mydoma Studio was built to fulfill a personal need. It was the encouragement of her peers that Sarah Daniele turned tech CEO and built Mydoma Studio for the interior design industry. Sarah is passionate about building tools and technology to allow interior designers to grow their businesses. Sarah has previously spoken at leading industry events and technology panels. Sarah and Mydoma Studio have also been featured in Designers Today, Home Accents Today, Editor at Large, Kitchen, Bath Design News, and A Well Designed Business podcast. Connect with Sarah Daniele Website Instagram  Get 20% off Mydoma for 3 months! Other Shows Mentioned: #91: Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio #177: Power Talk Friday- Sarah Daniele, CEO of Mydoma Studio is back to tell us what’ s new for you at Mydoma Studio! #555: Sarah Daniele: 19H The Blueprint, Create Resiliency in Your Business #375: Power Talk Friday: Bonnie Fahy: How to Hire a Virtual Assistant for Your Interior Design Business #618: Jenna Gaidusek: How to Build an Online Business in Interior Design #770: Tiffany Cassidy: Niching into Vacation Home Design #864: Hilaire Pickett Martin: Lesson From an Interior Design Operations Manager

Today With Brad Leavitt: Today we’re doing a Throwback Tuesday with Brad Leavitt! Brad is the President and Founder of “A Finer Touch Construction” - a Scottsdale based luxury residential and commercial builder. He’s also one of the speakers at LuAnn Live 2023, which is why we couldn’t miss the chance to bring one of his shows back. In today’s episode, we’ll learn what is his perspective on working alongside interior designers for his project and how this has made his life easier!  More About Brad Leavitt Brad Leavitt is President and Founder of “A Finer Touch Construction” - a Scottsdale based luxury residential and commercial builder. AFT Construction, as known throughout the industry, is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad was awarded as an “Icon” in the AZ building industry by Sources for Design in October, 2019. He was also recognized as a 2022 Phoenix Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes Phoenix’s Top 100 CEO’s & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that includes demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Collectively, the Phoenix 2022 Titans have a combined total of annual revenue of $32B and employ more than 85,000 individuals.  Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Louisiana Pacific, Rinnai. Pella, Subzero-Wolf, Buildertrend, Cambria, and Elkay. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley. 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. 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 Website Instagram  Facebook  Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process #560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book #580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders #615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process #649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

Today With Jisun Sunny Fisher: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I often talk about the power of mindset. Limiting beliefs are tied to almost every issue you can have in your business, and in all of my years of coaching and helping other business owners, I can say that almost every single time, the key came down to mindset. Today, I’m joined by psychologist and happiness coach Jisun Sunny Fisher. She works at the intersection of spirituality and science, helping courageous leaders remember their true north and re-discover what makes them fall in love with life again. Jisun is sharing with us why the brain is the blueprint for success and what you can do to harness it.  Pick It Apart [3:48] Jisun shares why the brain is the blueprint for success (and why “success” might not mean what you think it does) [10:01] Jisun breaks down the brain science behind limiting beliefs and how your mind works [15:00] LuAnn shares her own insight into the power of visualization [30:50] Jisun reveals 3 questions to ask yourself to begin to unlock your blueprint to success [43:03] Jisun discusses how to take your answers to those questions and start to rewire your brain LuAnn Nigara and Jisun Fisher's Ah-Ha Moments “If we take the time to do the reflection, that we might have defined success by what our mothers, our fathers, our friends, our husbands, our wives, our peers have called it—that seems very logical to me that we could all fall prey to doing that. But what I think I heard you in there is that it sounds like then additionally, our brain at a subconscious level, has two things happening. It has our true desire unconscious there, but also has built on those other people's desires for us.” -LuAnn “Underneath the beta frequency is the alpha frequency. This is when you're relaxed, and you want to read a story you have have a cup of tea in front of you, and you're just in the state of relaxation. That's the Alpha frequency. The frequency underneath that is the theta. And the theta frequency is where all the magic happens.” -Jisun More About Jisun Sunny Fisher Jisun Sunny Fisher, PhD, MA, CHt, CAPP, is a licensed psychologist, published author, and happiness coach who helps courageous leaders remember their true north and re-discover what makes them fall in love with life again. Through her powerful and unique guidance, clients learn to master their narratives, break old patterns, and turn their weaknesses into superpowers. They learn to embody absolute clarity, unshakeable confidence, and ultimate conviction. Dr. J received her graduate degrees from Columbia University and the University of Connecticut. She is also certified in Positive Psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Hypnosis. Dr. J’s thought leadership has been featured in Yahoo!Life, Thrive Global, Bustle, Goalcast, and more. Dr. J loves hiking with her pups, dabbling on the piano, reading tarot for growth and healing, and making annual trips to her beloved land of Hawai’i. If you catch her in the kitchen cooking, run the other way! Her book, The Bodhi Blueprint, Ultimate Freedom! Master Your Fears and Live Life on Purpose, was published in June 2022 and has received five star reviews. Find out more about Dr. J at www.bodhifully.com. Connect with Jisun Fisher Website  Instagram  The Bodhi Blueprint: Ultimate Freedom! Master Your Fears and Live Life on Purpose Free Chapter of The Bodhi Blueprint: Ultimate Freedom! Master Your Fears and Live Life on Purpose What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #711 Christine Platt: The Afrominimalist  

Today With Natasa Jones: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I’m joined by my good friend, Natasa Jones. She is the CEO and Principal Designer of Natasa Jones Interiors. European architecture and fashion are rooted in her design style. Today she’s back on the show to tell us how she has been scaling her business the last few years. LuAnn Nigara and Natasa Jones' Ah-Ha Moments “I’m never afraid to ask, what’s the worst thing that can happen?” - Natasa Jones “There is no such thing as competition in this industry” - Natasa Jones “If I wanted that luxury client, I wanted to be able to provide them with a luxury experience” - Natasa Jones More About Natasa Jones Natasa Jones, CEO and Principal Designer of NJI was born and raised in Europe. Natasa’s intuitive sense of style started at a young age. European architecture and fashion are rooted in her design style. She studied studio arts in her home country of Montenegro where she learned principles of art and design. Natasa continued her design journey in Chicago, where she obtained a degree in Interior Design.  Home has a special meaning to Natasa. As she moved from Bosnia to Montenegro to the United States, home became more than the place where you live. Natasa believes that home is a space where you feel safe, where all the visual appeal tells a story and where you love to be! Connect with Natasa Jones Website Instagram  Natasa’s video What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #570: Natasa Jones: How to Maximize the ROI on Any Webinar, Course or Conference #363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire #310: Pulp Design Studios® : How To Attract a Licensing Deal  #89: Marie Flanigan – How Marketing Strategies Helped Her Grow Her Firm #329: Dala Al-Fuwaires: Commercial Designer, Focused Business Owner  Other Resources Mentioned: Casey Gromer - C Suite Boutique Brodie Kerst

Today With Vita Vygovska: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Window Treatment Friday, which means I am joined by Vita Vygovska. Vita is the founder of Vitalia Inc. and a regular here on the podcasts. She is an expert in all things window treatments, and today Vita will share her knowledge of unstable fabrics to help us better understand the qualities of these linens, wools, open weaves, and anything viscose.  Window treatment professionals can’t guarantee the results when working with these fabrics, so neither should you as the designer. But don’t worry, Vita is here to eloquently help us navigate these temperamental textiles and give us the knowledge we need for better success. Pick It Apart [7:22] Vita and LuAnn discuss the battle of getting drapes to skim, or “kiss” the floor. [17:53] Vita offers language to say no, without actually saying “no.” [24:24] LuAnn talks about the importance of listening to the advice of your window treatment professional and passing the information along honestly to your clients.  [28:59] Vita advises interior designers on alternative fabrics to use in place of unstable ones.  [40:10] Vita suggests not only discussing the fabrics, but documenting the conversation and putting a disclaimer on projects with unstable fabrics because you can’t guarantee the outcome. LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska's Ah-Ha Moments “We want to be good partners. We want to be there as your problem solvers, and as someone who brings value. But we also want to tell the truth, and we don't want to set anybody up for failure.” – Vita Vygovska “These unstable fabrics‑being unstable because they're unpredictable‑whereas we don't exactly know as a workroomhow they are going to behave when we fabricate them… And so because these fabrics are so unpredictable, it is really difficult to guarantee any kind of specific result.” – Vita Vygovska “Understand that once your window treatment professional confirms, or just tells you, for the first time that this probably isn't going to perform the way you and your client have the expectation to, then think of it as clear cut as the sofa blocking the walkway.” – LuAnn Nigara “I'm going to tell you the truth over getting an order because I don't want just the order. I want the order and I want the project to be successful.” – LuAnn Nigara “Tough conversations are always better had on the on the forefront‑up front‑before they become tough situations.” – Vita Vygovska More About Vita Vygovska: Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short!), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, and the LuAnn University instructor for Systems Driven Operations. Connect with Vita Vygovska Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: WTFP #134: Deb Barrett: Why Textiles Matter AWDB #448: Window Treatment Friday: A New Series featuring Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara AWDB #456: Window Treatment Friday: Custom-Made vs Ready-Made Window Treatments AWDB #462: Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 1 AWDB #471: Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 2 AWDB #748: Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: Understanding Margin vs. Markup AWDB #761: Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: How to Ballpark the Numbers on the Fly AWDB #775: Window Treatment Friday: Vita Vygovska: How Much Profit Can Designers Make on Window Treatments? AWDB #815: Window Treatment Friday: Vita Vygovska: Mindset of Pricing Window Treatments Other Resources Mentioned: Vita’s Focus on Fabrics CEU

Today With Zane and Emily Williams: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I’m joined by a power couple, Zane and Emily Williams from Z Properties. They have established a reputation for evocative design and quality construction, materials, and furnishings. Zane and Emily have worked with every type of client and strongly know how to best navigate relationships for creative freedom on their end and a happy customer on the other, and today they share with us how they do it!  LuAnn Nigara and Zane and Emily Williams' Ah-Ha Moments “Never back away from what you love and what you feel good about.” - Emily Williams. “If they’re a good client they are coming to you because they trust you and they want your confidence and input.” - Emily Williams More About Zane and Emily Williams: About Zane Williams - Driven by a belief that the home should be a place that stirs something within you, Zane fuses intuitive project management with a daring design approach, allowing him to conceptualize properties that are executed perfectly and bring a sense of awe to each homeowner and business owner, alike. Zane’s incredibly honest and cutting-edge approach to design-build, paired with his expertise in all aspects of the selection and execution of the perfect property, draws clients from across the Central Florida region.  About Emily Williams - Emily, with a sharp eye for all things luxury design and a captivating presence, combines a confident use of playful palettes and patterns to create unique spaces that beg to be enjoyed. Emily’s ability to carefully curate an interior that’s surprising and inspired has established Z’s interior design offerings as some of the most sought-after in the Sunshine State and beyond.  Emily also extends her passion for living beautifully through her other Winter Parkbased businesses: The Grove (apparel, home goods, and gifts), Be On Park (fine jewelry), and Clementine (wedding registry, tableware and home accessories). Connect with Zane and Emily Williams Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com Watch the Docuseries! http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #380: Circle Design Studio: Architect & Interior Design Firm: John & Theresa Dorlini

Today With Peter Lang: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Peter Lang of The Designer CPA, the only CPA firm in the country specializing in the business of Interior Design. Peter is a repeat guest on the show and the co-author of A Well Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts.  Peter has spent the last several years compiling all of his numbers and all of his knowledge into a beautiful industry-standard report. If you’ve ever wondered what profits look like for an interior design business your size, or how much the average owner pays themselves annually, or what standard monthly overhead costs add up to, then this is for you. This guidebook has every benchmark number along with thorough video explanations to help you make better decisions and have more success in your interior design business. Pick It Apart [5:13] Peter explains the differences when choosing between cash basis and an accrual basis on your tax forms. [13:54] Peter and LuAnn discuss how different software targets different methods and offers different features, mentioning Pete’s online assessment that can help designers decide what project management software might work best in their business. [18:11] Peter helps LuAnn understand what interior designers need to look for in a good bookkeeper. [26:00] Pete and LuAnn dig into Peter’s new online course, an interior design guidebook full of industry standards based on Peter’s accounting data. [31:46] Peter breaks down what is in the payroll section of his new report and how business owners can use this data. [42:49] Peter explains how designers and business owners can use these numbers to their advantage. LuAnn Nigara and Peter Lang's Ah-Ha Moments “When your profitability is monitored, then your own paycheck can go up.” – LuAnn Nigara  “The numbers and the data don't lie.” – LuAnn Nigara “I want you to use this information to make better decisions for your business, so that bottom line number—that profitability number, the amount that you want to pay yourself—it's easier to succeed in those goals that you have.” – Peter Lang More About Peter Lang: Peter Lang is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  He is the founder of The Designer CPA, a CPA firm that works exclusively with business owners in the design industry.  He has worked in public accounting since graduating from Providence College in 2002.  After working for several larger-size firms in Boston and Rhode Island, Peter realized his true passion was to start a firm that specifically focused on designers. Connect with Peter Lang Website Instagram Facebook Industry Standard Data 2019 to 2022 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours AWDB #349: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA AWDB #464: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner AWDB #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? AWDB #522: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang, CPA: Taxes and the Coronavirus Relief Package Explained AWDB #719: Peter Lang, Kimberly Merlitti, and Michele Williams: Financial Prep for Year-End- The Must Do’s A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's show was sponsored by The Designer CPA.

Today With Amber Lewis: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, today we’re doing something a little bit different: Throwback Tuesday. With over 900+ episodes in our back catalog, it’s hard to keep up with all the great designers that have shared their knowledge with all of us, that’s why we’re bringing back Amber Lewis’ 2017 episode. Amber and I talked about what it was that catapulted her to a level above her own in the beginning, the importance of figuring out your system and the chain of command in your firm, parenting and running a business and so much more! Let’s dive right into it. More About Amber Lewis: As principal at Amber Interior Design and founder of the blog, All Sorts Of, she has garnered clients and followers from around the world. As pioneer of the white-wall, laid back California aesthetic, Amber’s eclectic design approach and affinity for found objects has made her a household name. Amber imbues a bit of California eclectic in all of her projects, but craves a design challenge and opportunities to show off her ever-evolving style. No matter what the style she is asked to create, each space designed by Amber feels cozy, eclectic, and unique. Today Amber Interior Design, Inc. provides designs for large scale residences. Amber and her team work with architects and contractors to bring the distinct visions seen in her work, on her blog and in her retail Shoppe, to life. Light filled rooms, colorful textiles, natural elements, earthy textures, and brushed metals, are the elements that define and can always distinguish an Amber Interiors designed home. Amber currently lives in Calabasas with her husband and business partner Mike, their daughter Gwyneth, and fur babies Penny, Billie, Stella, Milo, and Georgie (all rescue animals). Connect with Amber Lewis Website Instagram Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #169: Amber Lewis- Keynote Speaker at Design Blogger’s Conference #184: Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm #507: Barclay Butera: 25 Years of Beautiful Design #36: Susan Brunstrum- Practical Advice for Project Management Other Resources Mentioned: Studio Webware

Today With Desi Creswell: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Desi Creswell, a friend of the show, Power Talk Friday expert, and creator of Out of Overwhelm—a six-month, intimate group experience for interior designers that will take you from overwhelmed & stressed to in control and profitable. What really impresses me about Desi isn’t just her ability to teach people time management skills. As you’ll hear in today’s episode, the skills, tools, techniques, and practices are only half of the puzzle. Desi’s real ability lies in the other half—the mindset hurdles that are blocking us from transforming our relationship with time. Pick It Apart [2:13] Desi shares why time management is much more than the perfect color-coded calendar or time-blocking system.  [7:45] LuAnn and Desi discuss the concept of a relationship with time and how to change it.  [13:30] LuAnn and Desi talk about why the lack of time isn’t the real issue—the problem is often so much deeper.  [30:27] Desi shares her 5-step process for time management.  [56:44] Desi highlights how Out of Overwhelm works to help designers with time management struggles. LuAnn Nigara and Desi Creswell's Ah-Ha Moments “We want to take an outward easy step to time management. And it’s a good step—time-blocking is something we want to do in a lot of ways. But it’s just the tip of the iceberg, and if it doesn’t go with all of the other things that you teach and coach on—like the relationship with time—it doesn’t change things.” - LuAnn “I ask people to describe their relationship with time. For a lot of my clients, the relationship is adversarial, it’s forced, disciplined in a nonsupportive way. That used to be my experience before I came across the mindset tools I teach now. When we are in that unhealthy dynamic with time, of course we don’t want to engage with the strategies that are going to support us in effectively managing our time.” - Desi More About Desi Creswell: Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally build profitable, fulfilling businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole.  An award-winning interior designer, Desi worked for world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice. After experiencing burnout from an endless to-do list and the competing interests of work and home, she was disheartened by the feeling that she wasn’t showing up as her best in any area of life. Desi sought to find solutions within the industry for time-management, work-life balance, and creating success that is truly self-defined. In her quest to find a better way, Desi became committed to personal development and growth. This led Desi to blend mindset with strategy to transform her own experience and thus realize that there was a need for this type of support within the design community. Her training as a life coach, paired with her industry-specific expertise, helps her to empower clients to thrive both personally and professionally.  Connect with Desi Creswell Website Instagram Interior Designers Get it Done Daily Planner  Life & Business Vision Journal Podcast: The Interior Design Business CEO Freedom in the Framework Workshop Other Shows Mentioned: #777: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Leading from Your Future Self #698: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Tactics to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm #557: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset #475: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time

Today With Jillian Lare: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by Jillian Lare, of Morris Lare. Jillian achieved a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and spent her early career with Intel Corporation. During her time as an engineer, she honed the invaluable skills of critical thinking, project management, leadership, and effective communication, which she applies every day as an interior designer and entrepreneur. Today, she’ll tell us the different systems she uses to keep track of her numbers. More About Jillian Lare: Jillian Lare is a native of northeastern Pennsylvania. She achieved a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and spent her early career with Intel Corporation. During her time as an engineer, she honed the invaluable skills of critical thinking, project management, leadership, and effective communication, which she applies every day as an interior designer and entrepreneur. Jillian made the switch from engineering to design in 2007 when she apprenticed with a local designer. Upon relocating to Des Moines, she enrolled in the MA of Interior Design program at Iowa State and graduated in 2013. She joined the faculty shortly after and served as an instructor for five years, specializing in residential design and visual and graphic communication. While teaching, she continued to design for clients. After the birth of her son in 2017, she launched Jillian Lare Interior Design, her eponymous firm focused on residential new construction and remodeling. Jillian enjoys working on a variety of residential projects including new construction, kitchen remodels, decorating, and furnishings throughout the Des Moines area and with clients coast to coast. She resides in West Des Moines with her husband Keegan, a registered landscape architect, their son Ashton, and two dogs Booker and Arlo. Connect with Jillian Lare Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective 864: Hilaire Pickett Martin: Lesson From an Interior Design Operations Manager 575: Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year! Other Resources Mentioned: The Predictive Index: Talent Optimization Leader InDesign Canva Asana BaseCamp Studio Designer Mydoma Interior Design Standard by Sandra Funk Tobi Fairley Cheryl Clendenon

Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For today’s sponsored episode, I’m welcoming my friend Nancy Ganzekaufer back to the show. If you’re a long-time listener, you’ve probably heard of Nancy’s coaching program, Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind. In today’s episode, you’re going to hear why Profit Insiders is not your average coaching program, beginning with a testimonial of how it helped someone quintuple—yes, quintuple their revenue. Pick It Apart [2:37] LuAnn shares one of Nancy’s raving testimonials that show how one client quintupled their revenue after Profit Insiders.   [7:57] Nancy and LuAnn discuss the value of group coaching.  [19:44] Nancy breaks down how Profit Insiders provides consistent ROI for designers.  [32:03] Nancy discusses how Profit Insiders helps you price your services right and finesse everything else that goes into profitability as well. LuAnn Nigara and Nancy Ganzekaufer's Ah-Ha Moments “Nothing irritates me more than seeing interior designers work so hard and not make enough money for whatever they want to use it for.” - Nancy “Whatever you want in your business, however, you want your business to look, my only goal is…do it the way you want, I’m going to help you make it profitable.” - Nancy “Not every business coach offers life coaching, but when you have that skill set and you do, it is valuable, because if your life is in disarray it’s hard to get the business locked down. If your life contains limiting beliefs and blocks and mindset blocks, to just think that you're going to stick that brain on a shelf and approach your business open-minded and ready for abundance and creativity is illogical.” - LuAnn More About Nancy Ganzekaufer: Nancy Ganzekaufer is a sought-after Business Coach, Speaker, Body Language Trainer, and Author, named one of the Top 16 Coaches in New York in 2022! Nancy specializes in coaching interior design professionals in marketing strategies, sales, and systems, teaching them to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence.  In addition to her own book Respond with Confidence: A Business Owner’s Blueprint for Handling Difficult Situations, Nancy is an author in LuAnn Nigara’s book, The Making of A Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action. Nancy has also been a 4-time guest on LuAnn’s podcast, A Well-Designed Business® and one of LuAnn’s past Power Talk Friday experts.  Nancy is the founding President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Virtual Chapter, Executive IDS Board Member-at-Large, and was the first recipient of the IDS Outstanding Leadership Award for her 12 years of active participation in national leadership and her local chapter in Long Island, New York.  Nancy specializes in coaching Interior Design industry professionals how to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence. Through her proven techniques, Nancy has empowered thousands to know (and charge!) their worth, succeed in sales without feeling sales-y, and position themselves in their market with authenticity and authority.    When Nancy is not coaching her clients, hosting a webinar, speaking at a conference, or engaging with her audience in one of her many social media platforms, she is spending quality time with her family, listening to music, hiking, playing pickleball with her friends, and traveling as much as she can. Connect with Nancy Ganzekaufer Website Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind program Confident Interior Designer Membership Site The KEY™: The Designer's Ultimate Pricing Tool Interior Design Contract Templates Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn YouTube Other Shows Mentioned: #15: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Niche is Rich #37: Lesley Myrick: Strategies I Used to Build My Business #60: Power Talk Friday: Krista Coupar: Managing Work-Life Balance (The Key Questions to Ask Yourself) #159: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: How to Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer: A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients #389: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Designer Profit Formula #584: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again #766: Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement #783: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers #841: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today’s show was sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.

Today With Jill Cole: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I'm joined by Jill Cole, an icon of the hospitality interior design industry. At Cole Martinez Curtis and Associates, Jill has made a name for herself, designing fabulous hotel and resort interiors worldwide for over 40 years. She joins us to discuss how she has sustained this impactful and extensive career in an ever-changing world. This is a great conversation with one of the best in the business that touches on a little bit of everything, from finding inspiration to embracing tech and staying true to your core values. Pick It Apart [11:13] Jill talks her first hotel design, the Adolphis Hotel in Dallas, and how that motivated transitioning her firm from office and retail design into hospitality design [18:17] Jill and LuAnn discuss designing high-end senior living, how it mimics luxury resorts and was another opportunity for Jill’s firm to consider when other interior design projects were slowing due to the financial collapse of 2009. [23:58] LuAnn and Jill discuss embracing tech as an interior designer. [30:30] LuAnn asks Jill how she understands design trends to inform and expand aesthetics. [37:20] Jill talks about defining your personal and company values and staying true to them in the industry. [44:16] Jill talks about hospitality interior design appealing to a broad market and the importance of knowing who you are serving as what your competitors are doing. LuAnn Nigara and Jill Cole's Ah-Ha Moments “We spend, realistically, a large percentage of our lives working. I want people to feel good about it. I want you to be enthusiastic. I want you to enjoy your co-workers. I want you to enjoy the experience of dealing with each other, and feel good about what you're doing.” – Jill Cole “You have to absorb all things visual, and filter through that and interpret it in your own way, and spit out the latest trends…If all you're doing for inspiration is looking at pictures of your competitors work, you're not doing your job.” – Jill Cole “When you do work and live in your values, then it builds that trust and reliability factor with the people that are orbiting you.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Jill Cole: Jill is Managing Principal and President of Cole Martinez Curtis and Associates. Since the l98l re-opening of the Adolphus Hotel, Jill has devoted herself exclusively to hotel, resort, and recreational design. Her particular focus is on the creation of projects that are responsive to their target markets and respective of their environment and location. For her work, she has received Gold Key, Designers Circle and ARDY awards for the interior design of such projects as the Adolphus, the Wigwam Resort and Country Club, Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas, Marriott’s Summit Watch at Park City, the Lodge at Pebble Beach, the Kea Lani and the Lodge at Sea Island. In l992, she was the only designer in the U.S. to receive the honor of professional membership by invitation from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). She was also the l993 recipient of the prestigious Platinum Circle® Award. Jill is a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC).  Jill’s work has appeared in Designers West, Architectural Digest, Hotels, Interior Design, Lodging Hospitality, Restaurant/Hotel Design International, Restaurant Hospitality, Interiors, and Travel & Leisure. Books in which she is featured include, California Design, International Hotel and Resort Design, and International Hotel Redesign. For PBC International, Jill wrote California Interiors, a popular reference on contemporary California design. She has also appeared on “The Designer’s Challenge” for HG-TV and “The World’s Ten Best Hotel Suites” for the Travel Channel.  Her university education is in art history, languages, and design at U.C.L.A., the Academy of Fine Arts, Rome; and Chouinard Institute. She is a California Certified Interior Designer and founding member of the CCIDC. Jill is an active contributor to the field of interior design education and has taught in the Environmental Design Department at UCLA. She was the only interior designer to sit on the board of U.C.L.A.’s prestigious Department of Architecture and Urban Planning. More recently, when she and her family moved to the Napa Valley, she served two terms on the board of the di Rosa Museum. She is frequently asked to speak to various groups and organizations on the value of interior design, its integration with art and architecture, and its affect on marketing.  Some of the notable hotel and resort projects she has completed include the Lodge at Sea Island, named by ZAGAT as the Best Small Hotel in the US and Best Golf Resort in North America by Golf Digest; the Hayman Island Resort in the Great Barrier Reef; the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale; the Hotel ERWIN in Venice, CA; the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa; the Fisher Island Club Spa and Porto Cervo Restaurant in Miami; Halls Chop House in Charleston and Greenville; the Bardessono Resort and Spa in Yountville, CA; the Chateau de la Cree in Santenay, France; Domaine Serene Winery in Dayton, OR and, the Canyon Ranch Retreat in Woodside, CA. Connect with Jill Cole Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #16: Charles Pavarini – Behind the Scenes of The Architectural Digest Design Show 2016 #276: Judi Kieffer: Steps to Build a Hospitality / Commercial Interior Design Firm #502: Lisa Haude: Paradigm Design Group: Success Strategies to Run a Luxury Hospitality Design Firm #587: Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest #703: Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life #864: Hilaire Pickett Martin: Lesson From an Interior Design Operations Manager Other Resources Mentioned: Book: Paradise Now: The Extraordinary Life of Karl Lagerfeld by William Middleton

Today With Casey Gromer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by Casey Gromer, of C-Suite Boutique. Casey and her team currently serve women entrepreneurs as Fractional Integrators. Under their leadership, clients have scaled their businesses while working less and spending more time doing things they love. Casey tells us all about what a Fractional Integrator is, in addition to a COO, DOO, and OBM, and how these roles may benefit your design business. Pick It Apart [2:00] Casey explains when it is time to hire an executive assistant. [10:46] What is a director of operations? [18:38] Casey shares what we should be on the lookout for when incorporating these roles into our business. [31:50] What should we be looking for when hiring an integrator or fractional integrator? [36:52] Strategies to develop accountability within your team. [47:55] Casey tells us what she thinks is important to look for in an ideal candidate while hiring. LuAnn Nigara and Casey Gromer's Ah-Ha Moments “There’s a lot of confusion around who we need in our business at any given time.” - Casey Gromer “Each of us has our skill set and sometimes it’s hard to recognize that someone else’s skillset is completely opposite, but we know that you have to hire people who aren’t duplicates of you.” - LuAnn Nigara  “More important than revenue levels are the number of people you have. So, the more people you have doing things for your business the more value you will get from an integrator.” - Casey Gromer More About Casey Gromer: Casey Gromer is a 20-year business and marketing expert. As an MBA, she is widely regarded as a go-to source for visionary women entrepreneurs who dream of building businesses to run without them.  Casey is host of Female Founders Breaking Boundaries podcast where she encourages women to ditch traditional, male-dominated business advice in favor of more realistic, workable ways of running their business while still achieving success.  As founder of C-Suite Boutique, Casey and her team currently serve women entrepreneurs as Fractional Integrators. Under their leadership, clients have scaled their businesses while working less and spending more time doing things they love. The industries supported include retail, e-commerce, service businesses, health / wellness, and manufacturing. Connect with Casey Gromer Website Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Visionary Exercise A Fresh Wave of Marketing Book What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live tickets are now on sale! Register for the Prerequisites for Success free Zoom event! luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #492: Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success #564: Vicky Serany, Southern Studio: Thriving Despite Covid 19 #823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan #838: Regan Baker: Building A Team That Supports Your Core Values Sass Says with Christie Rocha

Today With McCall Dulkys: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by McCall Dulkys, Founder and Principal Designer of Interiors By McCall. McCall successfully grew her design firm in Florida while living thousands of miles away. McCall has quite the story to share and I think it may humble some of you hearing challenges she faced while building her business. McCall has consistently doubled her yearly revenue and she is here to share how. Pick It Apart [6:20] McCall shares how the time she spent in Europe sparked her love of design. [14:08] McCall shares what was happening personally during this experience. [17:10] McCall’s experience with postpartum depression. [20:15] McCall explains how during all of the hurdles she was thrown, how she was building her design business. [35:54] McCall and LuAnn talk about the value from Richelle Plett’s How to Sell Upholstery Without a Sit Test course at LuAnn University. LuAnn Nigara and McCall Dulkys' Ah-Ha Moments “Living in a wide variety of countries, I was able to take a little bit of each with me and it has given me an appreciation of all different styles of design.” - McCall Dulkys  “My clients come to me because of my history, experiences, and story.” - McCall Dulkys “There’s so many different ways to run your business and it’s easy to get caught up in running your business in one way, maybe the same way you see everyone else doing it. It’s so important to is for you to sit down and make a business model that works for you.” - McCall Dulkys More About McCall Dulkys: McCall Dulkys, Founder and Principal Designer of Interiors By McCall, is internationally known for her innovative and modern approach to interiors and living spaces. Leading and designing by the mantra “your space is an extension of yourself,” McCall seeks to redefine personal spaces and inspire clients through effortless and distinctive designs that look and feel good. “Home,” however, has always been a relative term for McCall, as she and her family of five lived in various countries across Europe due to her husband’s professional basketball career.  While abroad, after sharing photos on social media of her investment property renovation, McCall began helping family and friends redesign their homes. During her first three years of business, McCall grew her business virtually, helping clients in her hometown of Jupiter, Florida, while living thousands of miles away wherever her husband’s job brought her. As referrals poured in, her business model quickly adapted, and what began as virtual design grew into a full-service, turn-key interior design company. When her husband retired from playing basketball in 2021 and transitioned into coaching, McCall realized her nomadic lifestyle would likely remain intact and that she would need to build a unique business plan to run her design firm in Florida from whatever NBA city her family would call home.    McCall has successfully grown her design firm in Florida and has consistently doubled her yearly revenue through implementing high-level strategies. Her clients include several notable NBA and NFL players, countless busy families, and those wanting livable luxury without fear of taking design risks. Her work has been featured on HGTV, Apartment Therapy, Domino, My Domaine, and more.    When McCall is not designing homes, she works as an underpaid assistant to her three toddlers and enjoys cooking, traveling, and, of course, watching basketball. Connect with McCall Dulkys Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #6: Identifying Your Transferable Skills with Erika Ward #492: Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success #564: Vicky Serany, Southern Studio: Thriving Despite Covid 19 #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect With Clients in Interior Design #678: Power Talk Friday: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts with Processes #800: Richelle Plett: How to Sell Upholstery Without a Sit Test  #838: Regan Baker: Building A Team That Supports Your Core Values Sass Says with Christie Rocha: The Therapy Sessions We Didn’t Know We Needed

Today With Terri Taylor: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today, I’m joined by my friend Terri Taylor for the 8th time. This episode is sponsored by her Interior Design Business Academy and specifically The Real Deal which takes place this May 10th, 11th, and 12th 2023.  You know that Terri is an expert at coaching designers on how to be profitable on remodeling jobs. One of the factors of a successful remodel job is how you communicate and interact with your contractor. Today, she is sharing the five mistakes to avoid when working with a contractor.  This information is just a taste of what Terri has in store for her upcoming Real Deal presentation. Her once-a-year three-day event is, in her own words, the recipe for a highly profitable remodeling job. Pick It Apart [23:38] A common occurrence for when a designer gets a lead on a remodel job. [32:04] Terri explains what an exploratory agreement is and why you should have it. [47:57] The last mistake designers make when working with a contractor- initiate the conversation. [1:04:50] Terri talks about The Real Deal, when it is, and all of the value it will provide designers. LuAnn Nigara and Terri Taylor's Ah-Ha Moments “It’s not to say we don’t need the contractor and his prices, but we don’t need his prices in the first meeting.” - Terri Taylor “If you initiate this conversation about who is going to buy and do what with the contractor, if it’s your job and you’re bringing them in you get to choose.” - Terri Taylor More About Terri Taylor: Terri Taylor is an award-winning interior designer turned business coach who teaches and mentors designers on how to create thriving businesses and own their worth. Terri has more than 30 years of experience in the interior design and construction business. She’s been featured in regional and national design publications and is a sought-after guest speaker at national and international events. She speaks on a number of topics related to the business of interior design, including business practices, sales, marketing, mindset, leadership, success, and personal growth. As host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Terri brings her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step “recipes” for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success, to a growing audience of interior designers each week. In 2009, Terri created the Interior Design Business Academy – an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of business strategies and systems along with powerful positive mindset practices to help interior designers create meaningful success. Over the past 10+ years, Terri has coached hundreds of designers to grow their businesses to 6- and 7-figures with grace and ease. She’s known as a straight-talking ‘technical expert’ when it comes to streamlining your design business. Her value-packed events and coaching programs are all designed to move you and your design business to whole new levels of getting paid what you deserve. Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability - all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation. Connect with Terri Taylor Website Podcast Terri's FREE training webinar “Own that Remodeling Job and Get Paid what You are Worth” taking place live on March 31, April 3 and April 5 at 12pm ET Instagram Facebook Other Shows Mentioned: #548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets #602: Terri Taylor: Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit #662: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Stepping Into Profitable Kitchen Remodels. Sponsored Show: Interior Design Business Academy #710: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Get Paid What You Are Worth. Sponsored By Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021 #763: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- The Real Deal and Charging Your Worth #813: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Design Fees VS Hourly Billing- What Are Flat Fees the Way to Go? #829: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Fly the Plane While You Build It! A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today’s show is sponsored by Terri Taylor and The Interior Design Business Academy. Check out all the details on https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/

Today With Hillaire Pickett Martin: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by Hilaire Pickett Martin. Hilaire runs the day-to-day operations at Design Lines, an interior design firm started by her mother, Judy Pickett, in 1979. Hilaire is here to share how she finds operational gaps and implements technological frameworks to support the workflow at Design Lines, with helpful tips and applications you can utilize in your own business. Listen in and learn how to streamline your systems, save time, and maybe even take next Tuesday off. Pick It Apart [2:33] Hilaire talks about her background and coming to work for her mother’s design firm. [6:48] Hilaire explains how she compartmentalizes the operational tasks and organizes processes by mapping them out and understanding the different steps involved to see where any gaps might be. [11:57] LuAnn and Hilaire discuss the pros and cons of implementing new technology, some platforms Hilaire loves, and how the user experience can influence decisions. [33:13] Hilaire explains how she compartmentalizes business tasks. [43:18] Hilaire and LuAnn discuss designer outreach and Hilaire’s efforts with high school and college interior design programs. LuAnn Nigara and Hillaire Pickett Martin's Ah-Ha Moments “If something isn't working, break it down and figure out…what are the parts about this process that are working? But what are the parts that are not working or are just painful?” – LuAnn Nigara “There’s simplicity in operations.” – Hilaire Pickett Martin “If a new technology is not user intuitive or friendly—it ain't gonna win in my book.” – Hilaire Pickett Martin “No one platform has to work for everything that we do.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Hillaire Pickett Martin: Hilaire Pickett Martin is a graduate of Elon University. Since joining her mother at Design Lines in 2008, she has handled Design Lines’ communications and applies her enthusiasm and passion to promoting the firm. In 2013 Hilaire stepped into additionally overseeing all the accounting and day-to-day operations of Design Lines. Described as hard-working and very organized, Hilaire enjoys the team atmosphere at Design Lines, the pulling together everyone does to make a project a success. She is proud to work alongside and learn from her mother. Connect with Hillaire Pickett Martin Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: WTFP #125: Debra Scarpa: The Power of a Visionary & Integrator Relationship AWDB #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems WTFP #21: Vita’s Tip in Ten: How To Protect Yourself By Following Your Systems Other Resources Mentioned: Asana Canva Airtable Milanote DocuSign Monday.com Later

Today With Howard A. Lim: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. What does it take to build a ten-figure world-class brand? Today, Howard A. Lim of HOW Creative is here to walk us through all of the steps and inner work needed to build a brand on this level. Even if you aren’t striving to be known around the world, Howard’s DNA of a brand that he teaches us will benefit you and take you where you want to be. Howard says that you must clearly define your Brand Architecture at the outset in order to sustain value, growth, and equity. So there’s some inner work to do first. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [7:11] Howard shares what we should be thinking about if we want to be a big brand name in the industry. [13:55] Howard explains the importance of your vision and how it works.  [17:45] Ideas so we can tap into our philosophy when we don’t have one.  [30:54]  You’ve done all of the inner work and defined your brand, now how do we attract big brands and become known globally? [39:08] If we become lucky enough to achieve multiple collaborations, what do we do to maintain those relationships? [47:39] Quality always pays off. LuAnn Nigara and Howard A. Lim's Ah-Ha Moments “When you look at successful brands like Apple or Tesla the reason they are so powerful is because their brand is by design.” - Howard A. Lim “ A brand is what others are saying, now what you are saying.” - Howard A. Lim “We create the reality that surrounds us, so why not think big?” - Howard A. Lim More About Howard A. Lim: Business and Brand Architect™ Howard A. Lim designs businesses from the inside-out and has been a disruptive innovator since 1987, when he founded his full-service firm, HOW CREATIVE. Mr. Lim partners with business leaders to create influential, world-class businesses and brands using his unique, proprietary hybrid model of business development, branding, and customer engagement to attain exponential profits, growth, value, and new opportunities quickly and effectively. Representing companies of all types and sizes, including Apple, Disney, Paramount, DreamWorks, Xerox, Oracle, Mattel, and AT&T, Mr. Lim collaborates with clients globally to develop and execute leading, world-class businesses and brands while adding billions of dollars to his clients' profits. Connect with Howard A. Lim Website  LinkedIn Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #125: Nicole Heymer- How to Brand Your Business. Yes, Again! Do Not Miss This One!!! #317: Nicole Heymer- 6 Keys to Planning a Website That Makes Things Happen #406: Power Talk Friday- Nicole Heymer- You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #701: Kristen Rivoli- New Brand, New Year: How Rebranding Can Work for Interior Designers 

Today With Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason of AphroChic—a media and design brand celebrating African Diaspora cultures through their lifestyle magazine, podcast, and product lines. Jeanine and Bryan are helping us relearn history as we dive into their latest book, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home. This is essential reading, not only for designers, but for everyone, and the conversation we have around it is an important one so that we can be an active part of the change in this country. Pick It Apart [2:48] Janine talks about how the AphroChic blog was inspired by a gap she saw among home décor blogs at the time that left out people of color. [15:20] Bryan explains that design is diverse by nature, and is a human thing to do so it happens in cultures all over the world, yet here in America, Eurocentric design is the only story that has been told for many years, forgetting the work of the rest of the world. [27:27] LuAnn asks Bryan and Janine for some meaningful ways those in the interior design industry can be a part of positive change. [40:37] LuAnn shares that she was called out as a racist, and shares that she later learned that systemic racism conditions you to not notice. This is the work that white people must do, learn the actual history so you see, you know the real truth.  [44:58] Janine and Bryan discuss how their new book is a history book and sociology book hidden within a design book. LuAnn Nigara and Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays' Ah-Ha Moments “Every aspect of what we've done has started with seeing a gap, seeing a space where we haven't seen that representation, or that cultural story represented, and then working to fill it in, in some way.” - Jeanine Hays “Design is diverse by nature because the world is diverse by nature.” - Bryan Mason “Racism is itself a, not a single, monolithic, stagnant thing. It is living. It adapts, it changes from one situation to another.” - Bryan Mason “True change happens when you really do understand the reality of what happened in history.” - LuAnn Nigara “Systemic racism doesn’t just condition the oppressed, it conditions the oppressor.” - Bryan Mason More About Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays: Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason are the authors of REMIX: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul. Their media and design brand AphroChic celebrates African Diaspora cultures through their lifestyle magazine, podcast, and product lines available through Perigold and 1st Dibs. The couple resides in upstate New York in their lovingly named “AphroFarmhouse.” A powerful, visually stunning celebration of Black-owned homes, featuring inspiring interiors and family histories of notable Black Americans—including chef Alexander Smalls and actor Danielle Brooks. In their new book, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home (Clarkson Potter | November 15th, 2022 | $35.00 | Hardcover), Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason explore the Black family home and its role as a haven, heirloom, and cornerstone of Black culture and life. Sixteen gorgeous house tours invite you into the intimate spaces of actors and musicians, the creative studios of artists and curators, the “boss” offices of entrepreneurs and executives, and homes filled with pieces handed down from generations past. The cultural context found throughout AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home sets it apart from other popular coffee-table design texts. With engaging text and beautiful photographs by the late Patrick Cline, this book amplifies many issues currently faced by African Americans, including gentrification, redlining, and more, highlighting the Black Family Home as a missing piece in the narrative of both interior design and American history. Showcasing the amazing diversity of the Black experience through striking art-and-heirloom-filled interiors; stories of family and community; and histories exploring the obstacles Black homeowners have faced for generations, this groundbreaking book honors the journey, recognizes the struggle, and celebrates the joy.  Connect with Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #14: Malene Barnett: Success Secret – Build Relationships #556: Kae Whitaker: #BLM Grace For Lack Of Understanding, Grace for Anger #596: Jamel Williams: A Call to Create Opportunity and Change at the University Level #573: Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something #703: Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity #816: Elsie St. Leger: Addressing Racial Inequality in the Design Industry  #732: Erica Courdae: Incorporating DEI Practices in Your Business Other Resources Mentioned: Wayfair Collaboration Book: Reluctant Reformer by Robert Allen A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries. These are the things that you need to learn but always wonder where do I go to learn this.  Classes begin May 1st 2023 and registration will open April 2023.  You can see our current roster for all of our 5 week courses, as well as our brand new 3 hour intensives at luannuniversity.com This reminds me of Jude Charles and how he uses genuine storytelling to connect to his clients. This is a thing. Good humans practice this. Relating to their potential clients and wanting them to understand how their services can help them. Jude has developed a course for LU, Storytelling for Creatives. He can teach you how to turn your stories, your experiences into the insights and ideas that help you connect with your potential clients, in a way that is genuine for you and meaningful for them. The registration for Spring 2023 semester opens this April. Just some food for thought. Go to luannuniversity.com to learn more.

Today With Darla Powell: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Darla Powell of Wingnut Social. If you’re an avid listener of the show, you know how much of a social media guru Darla is. Now, she has come out with a course called Instagram for Interior Designers which consists of everything you would learn about Instagram if you were to personally pick her brain. Pick It Apart [10:13] Darla tells us about her new course Instagram for Interior Designers. [23:20] The importance of knowing yourself and your value proposition before tackling your social media strategy. [31:00] Why you need to have your ducks in a row, for example having your website in order.  [35:20] LuAnn and Darla talk about module two of Instagram for Interior Designers. [53:25] Wingnut’s specific impact on client Anne Gillyard’s business grOH! Playrooms. [59:25] How we can get the Instagram for Interior Designers course. LuAnn Nigara and Darla Powell's Ah-Ha Moments “It’s a no-brainer to me. You can’t not be investing in marketing. It’s a key component to business” - LuAnn Nigara “You have to lock in your value proposition before doing anything, otherwise you’re just throwing stuff at the wall and hoping it sticks.” - Darla Powell  “Regardless of what your marketing budget is, start small.” - Darla Powell More About Darla Powell: Darla Powell is more than just an award-winning interior designer, podcast host, social media speaker, and former police detective. She’s also an adept unraveler of marketing secrets. Her down-to-earth style delivers smart, actionable information that’s relevant to real business owners—because she is one. Topics range from social media mastery (what really engages followers—it’s probably not what you think) to how to build your brand from the ground up (how did she go from retired cop to one of the top five interior designers in Miami in less than sixteen months—secrets will be revealed). Connect with Darla Powell Wingnut Academy: Instagram for Interior Designers Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn Other Shows Mentioned: #203: Darla Powell: How to Launch an Interior Design Firm #330: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening #601: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game #830: Anne Gillyard: Capitalizing on Your “You” to Grow Your Interior Design Business A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today’s show is sponsored by Darla Powell and Wingut Academy. Check out all the details on https://wingnutsocial.com/instagram-for-interior-designers/

Today With Antonio Deloatch Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What’s the difference between a designer who thrives in business and one who doesn’t? It isn’t talent. It isn’t passion. It isn’t motivation. It’s simply the ability to commit and get things done. My guest today, Antonio Deloatch Jr, is one of those real action-takers—someone who I just have no doubt is going to be big and successful, not just as a designer, but at whatever he puts his mind to. It’s a combination of his outlook, his attitude, and his ability to put one foot in front of the other and make it happen. Today, he’s sharing his story and insights with us. Pick It Apart [3:39] Antonio shares his experience at the Black Interior Designer’s networking event. [7:30] Antonio discusses how grassroots marketing worked for him.  [21:00] LuAnn and Antonio talk about marketing opportunities that can make a difference.  [25:11] Antonio shares his “why” and the pillars of his business. [28:47] LuAnn and Antonio talk about how to make things happen for your business. LuAnn Nigara and Antonio Deloatch's Ah-Ha Moments “All you need is one. One good project could pay for my marketing plan for the year. It’s a low barrier to entry. If that’s $600 on pretty postcards, it’s not that expensive but could have a really big return.” - Antonio Deloatch “There’s always good or bad in the era that you’re doing business. Just get over it, get on with it, and do business in your era.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Antonio Deloatch: I’m a New Yorker with a love for the California sun… Living in New York & Los Angeles with a global state of mind equals the best of both worlds.  I get up every single day to change the way people live through art, light and design. For me, taking a non functional space and transforming it into the most popular room in the home, is a dream come true. I have tackled projects ranging from studio apartments in Hong Kong to million dollar estates in the Hamptons to sprawling ranch homes in Ojai CA. Each project is an exploration of you and how you will live in the space.  My love for décor and design started early. I realized that I wanted to use my talents outside of the sales floor or cubicle. I started my design business in 2014 and my main goal still to this day is to bring quality, as well as affordable designs to any consumer. Connect with Antonio Deloatch Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #524: Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Showing Up is Not Enough #06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Today With Robyn White: We all know that marketing matters. But so often when I’m talking to newer designers, I realize that marketing is misunderstood—especially when it comes to the luxury client.  My guest today, Robyn White, understands that. Today, she’s here to talk about what marketing really is, how marketing for the luxury client is unique, and how to incorporate your personality and story into your messaging. Pick It Apart [2:26] Robyn and LuAnn reflect on what marketing really means. [6:54] Robyn explains the difference in marketing to a luxury client. [15:54] LuAnn and Robyn discuss how important it is for your website to show what makes you unique.  [27:43] Robyn explains how to convey luxury through your website.  [43:14] Robyn and LuAnn reflect on how important your website is. LuAnn Nigara and Robyn White's Ah-Ha Moments “The more marketing you do, the more you’ll start to realize that people don’t care that much about what you’re trying to sell to them, because it’s not about them. When you turn the tables and make your marketing about how you help them and what problems you solve, they become interested.” - Robyn White “If I can read a page on your website and I can substitute any person’s name for this because there’s nothing so specific that is only you, then you haven’t done your job in explaining who you are or what it’s like to work with you.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Robyn White: Robyn White is the owner and founder of RDW Design Studio, a boutique website design studio located on Cape Cod, MA. Robyn offers a refined website design experience for clients who value quality and want a strategic, sophisticated and simple website designed so they can book more premium clients. Robyn specializes in helping interior designers, architects, stagers and organizers elevate their website so it reflects the high-quality work they provide and so their business has the online home it deserves. Through her impactful and strategic website design, she positions her clients as the premium choice by making the right first impression online. She helps her busy clients go from overwhelmed to overjoyed with their websites by taking care of all the techie stuff without the techie talk. Through her supportive, streamlined and stress-free design process, Robyn designs websites that are not just beautiful, but allow her clients to show up online with confidence and attract their ideal clients. Connect with Robyn White Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn Get a Freebie! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #159: Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer #841: Power Talk Friday - Nancy Ganzekaufer - The Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.

Today With Veronica Solomon: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Veronica Solomon of Casa Vilora Interiors. Veronica is an award-winning designer and business mentor who believes that knowing yourself, understanding your convictions, and trusting your purpose can impact your business for the best. She has turned self-awareness into her superpower, and she is here today to encourage you to do the same so that you can run your business with intention. Pick It Apart [6:14] Veronica shares that competition has never been something she has focused on in her business. [13:01] Veronica talks about how she feels like she was predestined to become an interior designer, and because of that is is called to always show up as her true, authentic self. [15:29] LuAnn and Veronica discuss what it means to develop a signature style.  [23:55] Veronica shares why she will never complain about a client. [38:03] LuAnn and Veronica discuss the importance of having your picture on your website because potential clients want to know who you are. [45:42] Veronica and LuAnn talk about why it’s so important to address the business side of your business—to tighten up the present tktk of your business and also as you look to the future. LuAnn Nigara and Veronica Solomon's Ah-Ha Moments “There's no such thing as competition. You are who you are, and your client wants you, and that designer next to you can have your same process your same contract, and you're just not the same people.” -LuAnn Nigara  “Be who you are, who you are meant to be.” – Veronica Solomon “I will never complain about a client—no matter how bad it gets, no matter what they do—I'm not going to complain about them. Not to anyone or to myself.” – Veronica Solomon More About Veronica Solomon: Veronica brings over 13 years of expertise as leader of the Casa Vilora Interiors team. She has won many prestigious awards and has been featured in numerous publications and considered a design influencer and design business mentor. Her design point of view can be summed up as eclectic, classic, bold, timeless wit a touch of whimsy. The spaces she creates are known for their eclectic vibe and masterful use of color, pattern mix and textures. They are multi-layered and collected, blending classic with modern, old with new, high with low and a bold use of color, pattern, texture in ways that excite. Veronica believes that each space should tell the story of the people who live there and should be their ideal version of luxurious living; whatever luxury means to them. Connect with Veronica Solomon Website Instagram Mentorship What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #50: Veronica Solomon – Powerful Marketing for your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook AWDB #830 Anne Gillyard: Capitalizing on Your “You” to Grow Your Interior Design Business AWDB #488: Monica Wilcox: Systems Create Strength & Confidence WTFP #143: Vita Vygovska: Market to Interior Designers by Building Relationships AWDB #819: Power Talk Friday: Ebony Looney: Attract Clients Through Your Interior Design Business Website AWDB #22: Fred Berns: How To Create a Killer Bio AWDB #174: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns — Own Your “Only” Word & Tips To Discover Yours

Today With Shannon Lopez: You’ve heard of the PPP, but did you know that there’s another government program waiting to give you as much, if not more money back? It’s called the ERC. Today, Shannon Lopez breaks down the program, who it’s for, how you can take advantage of it, and the deadlines you need to know. Pick It Apart [8:55] Shannon breaks down what the ERC is and why it matters. [13:53] LuAnn and Shannon discuss the challenges of running a business at the beginning of the pandemic.  [31:16] Shannon explains who qualifies for the ERC.  [44:00] Shannon walks us through how her company can help.  [53:53] Shannon and LuAnn talk about why this program isn’t more well-known. LuAnn Nigara and Shannon Lopez's Ah-Ha Moments “It’s so incredibly important. We’re really lucky that we have someone like you that really understands it and has spent the last two and a half years pivoting her business in order to become an expert at this.” - LuAnn Nigara “This program is as financially impactful, if not more, than the PPP for most business owners. Whatever amount of money you got from the PPP, there’s a good chance that you will get that much, if not more, for this program.” - Shannon Lopez More About Shannon Lopez: Shannon Lopez is co-founder of ‘Be Better ERC Consulting’ and ‘Be Better Salon Accelerator’, a salon entrepreneur consulting firm. She’s a small business owner and an accomplished CFO with more than 25 years of experience. As a business owner, consultant and educator, Shannon along with her business partner, Naomi Prusinski, are always looking for ways to create better results for their businesses and clients. When they first learned about the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), they conducted extensive research and have now helped hundreds of companies receive tens of millions of dollars in refunds so far! Connect with Shannon Lopez Website What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With Enrique Crespo: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Enrique Crespo of Crespo Design Group. Enrique is here to share how developing a Type A personality approach can ensure success, especially in an industry as creative as interior design. Type A personalities are organized, ambitious, and like to have an agenda. But don’t worry—you don’t have to be one to become one. Over the years, Enrique has refined this mindset and honed the skills to guide and grow his firm, and he shares those stories with us today. Pick It Apart [1:57] Enrique explains how Type A personality traits can help maintain a well-run business through organization, which allows you to offer a higher level of luxury service. [8:50] LuAnn and Enrique discuss how he invested in his business by hiring someone who specializes in interior design processes, and how he tailored that structure to the specific needs of his firm, along with other ways he invests in his business. [10:30] Enrique talks about how he has hired several senior designers that all have different personality types and he tries to match them with clients and projects accordingly. [19:01] Enrique and LuAnn discuss working with luxury clients and Enrique explains why listening and understanding, yet maintaining authority as the designer is important, and how he learned those lessons the hard way. [28:25] Enrique reveals how he exposes his team to luxury and gives them opportunities to experience luxury so they can better understand the level of service they are expected to maintain. LuAnn Nigara and Enrique Crespo's Ah-Ha Moments “Creativity happens in the gray areas. However, finances happen in black and white. And you need to know how to manage your finances to run a successful business.” - Enrique Crespo “When you're dealing with people's money in their homes, it gets really personal.” - Enrique Crespo “When you swim in that luxury lane, to your point, that's what the client expects. And if you don't deliver, there's another firm that can do it for them.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Enrique Crespo: At a young age, Enrique was inspired by his favorite uncle, Enrique Gutierrez, a prolific architect who was the first to bring Cuban-inspired architecture to Miami. His home was filled with antiques, African artifacts, modern pieces and an incredible collection of contemporary Latin American art. It was a collected home, now a hallmark of Enrique’s personal taste. Originally from South Tampa, Enrique graduated from the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design with an emphasis in art history and architectural history. Studying architectural history deepened Enrique’s knowledge of design and broadened his approach to his craft. Art and architecture through the ages, and its influence on design and space, is ingrained in his work. In 1999, Enrique launched Crespo Design Group in his hometown of Tampa, which soon became the sought-after design firm for discerning clients in Florida’s most desirable neighborhoods. The Group made its mark on everything from high-profile beach properties, to island escapes to mountain retreats. In 2021, he expanded his practice to Los Angeles to better serve his clients on the West Coast. Enrique built his firm to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for his clients. He is a collaborator who prides himself on listening to clients, understanding their needs, and delivering the lifestyle they have always imagined. Every detail is intentional and chosen to reflect the style, spirit and nature of the client. Whether the goal is eclectic modern estate or sophisticated mountain retreat, Enrique is passionate about exceptional design. An avid equestrian, Enrique can often be found at the barn at the Tampa Yacht Club and Country Club riding horses or at Stovall House when he’s not designing or traveling. Enrique currently sits on the board of the Tampa Museum and is Chair of the Collections Committee; the board of the Henry B. Plant Museum; the Board of Tampa Bay Businesses for Community and the Arts; and is Chair of the Tampa Museum of Art's CITY Fashion Event. Enrique spends his time between Tampa and Los Angeles. He shares his home in Tampa with his husband Russell and their two French Bulldogs, Coco and Josephine. Connect with Enrique Crespo Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #853: Power Talk Friday: Brittany Murphy: Hiring An SEO Specialist For Your Interior Design Firm #844: John McClain: Turn Failure Into Success #849 Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design #753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business #578: Lori Morris: When Working With the Luxury Client, the Answer is Yes! #678: Power Talk Friday: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts with Processes

Today With Hunter Lowder: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. We’ve all heard that we should free ourselves up for CEO-level tasks. But knowing we should and actually following through with it are very different things. It can be hard for entrepreneurs who feel like they have to carry everything in their business. Sometimes, the operations get jumbled along the way. My guest today, Hunter Lowder, runs a business that steps in and serves as fractional COO to get designers back on track. She’s sharing how we can let go, how to find the right person for the job, and how the process of bringing someone in actually works. Pick It Apart [1:48] LuAnn and Hunter discuss what bringing in an outside COO looks like and how it can work.  [5:15] Hunter shares why business owners often experience overwhelm.  [10:33] Hunter and LuAnn discuss the importance of mission, vision, and values when bringing someone into the COO role.  [18:23] Hunter shares two tips for people who might need assistance in their operations.  [33:15] Hunter discusses the different ways she supports business owners. LuAnn Nigara and Hunter Lowder's Ah-Ha Moments “I think everybody talks about creativity and visionaries…but then there’s the side like me who are operations and systems. We are kind of like the fun police, telling people, it’s great that you love what you do—here’s how we make it sustainable.” - Hunter Lowder “The original entrepreneur gets it going…but now the business is growing and decisions need to be made on the daily. The whole organization is accustomed to the CEO being the decision-maker. But there’s this level where the CEO is seeing the next level for the business but is stuck in the weeds of the day-to-day decision making.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Hunter Lowder: Hunter Lowder is co-owner of Tortoise & The Bear, a business strategy, operations, and mindset coaching company that supports visionaries in bringing their wild and crazy dreams to life. Coupling her past business experience as CEO of a multi-million dollar company with mindful coaching approaches, Hunter helps service-based business owners create and prioritize a strategic plan to grow their impact and move their business forward in a sustainable way.  After suffering severe burnout as a CEO, Hunter is passionate about building a business in alignment with her values. When she’s not helping clients fine tune their operations, she’s likely dancing and singing karaoke with her husband, feeding her son’s football team, or hanging out at the beach with her fur babies. Connect with Hunter Lowder Website Instagram  Facebook  TikTok FREE Customer Journey Audit What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #607: Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines #385: Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: The Productivity Specialist #363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire

Today With Lindye Galloway: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Lindye Galloway, of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. Lindye is here to share the inspiring story of how she followed her heart, creating a business model for her e-commerce shop and Designed by Lindye collection that does good for others by giving a portion of the profits to provide microloans to entrepreneurs in underserved parts of the world. Lindye encourages us to find meaning through our own business ventures by exploring our whys and living our truths. Pick It Apart [1:39] Lindye tells the story of how she and her husband Winn started the e-commerce shop alongside her design studio in 2020 as a way to make a meaningful impact and help others. [17:47] Lindye and LuAnn examine the logistics of running an e-commerce site. [22:08] Lindye talks about the importance of offering unique, custom products in her shop to set it apart from other e-commerce sites.  [28:00] LuAnn explains the importance of having your mission, vision and values established and how that can impact the success of your business. [32:35] LuAnn and Lindye discuss knowing your truth and recognizing that your truth can shift during different seasons of life. [36:21] Lindye reveals why she doesn’t believe the common phrase “if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.” LuAnn Nigara and Lindye Galloway's Ah-Ha Moments “I wanted to somehow find a way to help people, I want it to be able to create a business that, yes, could serve me and my family and create a lifestyle, but also that could have more meaning.” -Lindye Galloway “[Prepare] yourself to know that there's going to be so many logistics involved and allowing that to be okay on the journey.” – Lindye Galloway “In everything that we do here in our studio, and in our shop that it's a part of our  core values is generosity. And that comes with each other. And that comes also with giving away.” – Lindye Galloway “As you go up the ladder and the people that actually build the business that they want to build, whether it's big or small, it's because they've decided what it is first that is important to them.” – LuAnn Nigara “There will always be days that feel like work. And if you know what your truth is, you're gonna get through those days.” – Lindye Galloway More About Lindye Galloway: Lindye Galloway is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. As an interior design tastemaker, she delivers an effortless take on a California style that perfectly juxtaposes a tailored sophistication in a laid-back setting.  Entrepreneurial in spirit, what started as a solo passion project, has quickly grown into a successful interior design studio and team serving an exclusive list of clientele across the US each year.  Lindye joined forces with her husband, Winn, to launch The Lindye Galloway Shop. This online destination for home furnishing and decor was launched to help design-lovers easily achieve their own take on The Lindye Galloway Studio’s signature California style and sophistication in their own homes. Connect with Lindye Galloway Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why #545: Laurel Smith: Permission to Succeed #717: Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life  

Today With Brittany Murphy: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Brittany Murphy of One Thing Marketing joining me. Just when you think you are starting to understand SEO, Google switches up the algorithm.  SEO is a very important element to our businesses. A lot of us wonder; how do we incorporate SEO? Who do we hire that we can trust to help us? These are very important and common questions and Brittany is here to answer them, and then some. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [2:19] Brittany starts us off by explaining SEO and what it means. [8:34] What to look for in finding a reputable SEO company.  [12:16] What should you be seeing from a marketing company to know they are getting you results.  [31:11] Brittany gets into some DIY tips for those who want to try improving SEO themselves. LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Murphy's Ah-Ha Moments “Google has gotten a lot smarter to prioritize resourceful articles from websites they trust. SEO is how you build that trust.” - Brittany Murphy “Whether you’re dealing with an SEO specialist, or a CPA, or a bookkeeper, whoever it is, if you aren’t feeling like they are meeting you where you are and aren’t sincere, listen to your inside voice and move on.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Brittany Murphy: For almost a decade, Brittany has created over 300 digital marketing strategies for clients all across the US. As a partner for online marketing agency, One Thing Marketing, Brittany focuses on helping home service business owners get their phones to ring with new leads.  Since 2018, her team has niched into specializing for trade and home service business which has allowed them to perfect their proven process and strategies for optimizing clients’ websites and Google presence.  Through her strategies, background in blue collar, and experienced team, Brittany has helped local businesses increase their revenue by at least of 30% every year, year over year. Connect with Brittany Murphy Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTube Twitter 9 Marketing Strategies Proven To Increase Leads 30-minute Strategy Session! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #371: Power Talk Friday: Jason Berkowitz: Optimize the SEO of Your Interior Design Website #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design  #746: Power Talk Friday: Daniela Furtado: How to Get SEO Traffic to Your Portfolio

Today With Nicole Salceda: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I’m joined by Nicole Salceda! Her career in interiors began as a passion for making the polished, functional design more accessible. She is going to share with us how she built the amazing team that is behind her brand, the “not so pretty” things she had to overcome during the first years in business, and how she manages her Instagram account of over 295,000 followers. LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Salceda's Ah-Ha Moments “The error isn’t in investing in your business, the error was in understanding how, where, and when the tracking of it.” - LuAnn Nigara “It was time for me to find the right people, get them in the right seats so I could really scale this business” - Nicole Salceda “Once an entrepreneur fully owns their finances, the whole business changes” - LuAnn Nigara More About Nicole Salceda: Nicole Salceda's career in interiors began as a passion for making the polished, functional design more accessible. She left her job as an elementary school teacher to see those spaces come to life firsthand. What started as a handful of clients quickly became a rapidly growing portfolio full of homes in her signature warm minimalist style. Now, having been through a dream home remodel of her own, she has even more perspective when it comes to the client experience.  Nicole and team—each member hand-picked for their talent—work closely to create inspiring spaces. They assemble elements that are old, new, handmade, and thrifted for homes that are understated, but far from boring. Each refined detail is a testament to Nicole's distinct penchant for bringing a room together—to her eye for pretty. Connect with Nicole Salceda Website Eye For Pretty At Home Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet #507: Barclay Butera: 25 Years of Beautiful Design #203: Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm

Today With Alexis Varbero: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Alexis Varbero, we discuss how she expanded the family-owned business Schwartz Design Showroom. How? Well many ways, but one way that is no stranger of a topic to the show, is by building relationships. Alexis strengthened the relationships her mom started to form with interior designers when she owned the business. A big way she was successfully able to do this was how she built and maintained positive relationships with her manufacturers. Listen in to see how fostering relationships in your business can go full circle. Pick It Apart [2:44] Alexis shares the history of Schwartz Design Showroom starting with her mom and grandfather. [12:11] Alexis explains how she is that support for the design teams she works with.  [15:30] The importance of building a supportive team. [37:50] How a designer from outside of New Jersey can work with Schwartz Design Showroom. LuAnn Nigara and Alexis Varbero's Ah-Ha Moments “I want people to see Schwartz Design Showroom as a place that takes care of all of their needs. We want to leave them the time to focus on their business and clients.” - Alexis Varbero “Our best relationships are the relationships we have with the manufacturer, to the reps. to the client, so we can continuously support the designer.” - Alexis Varbero “We are that part of your team that are thinking about the “what ifs” to give you peace of mind.” - Alexis Varbero More About Alexis Varbero: In 2004, Schwartz Design Showroom CEO Alexis Varbero left her high-profile career with Bobbi Brown to take the helm of her family-run business. Opened by her grandfather, Morris Schwartz in 1947, SDS celebrates its 75th year in business this November 2022. The New Jersey– and Connecticut-based business is known as one of the most comprehensive trade-only interiors showrooms in the Tri-State area. Varbero has increased the company’s footprint by expanding its Stamford showroom for a total of 7,000 square feet and opening a new 12,000 square foot location in NJ, Fulton Street Design Center, which will house Schwartz Design Showroom along with other companies slated to provide additional resources for designers. In addition, Varbero opened a third showroom location in September called The Barn at Schwartz Design Showroom. The Barn is located in Peapack Gladstone, NJ and will serve as a satellite location catering to designers in Somerset, Morris and Hunterdon Counties.  Today, Alexis stays ahead of the curve by being ever-present in the market and attending an array of trade shows and fashion events spanning High Point Market to New York Fashion Week. Above all, transparency is paramount: Every brand carried is linked on the showroom’s website, so that design professionals can feel comfortable with each product and its pricing structure. Alexis is constantly adding to the roster of cutting-edge manufacturers providing interior designers access to the industries finest brands, while simultaneously acting as the designer’s back end office. “First and foremost, we are your partner and your team,” says Varbero. “Customer service is our highest priority.” Connect with Alexis Varbero Website Instagram Example of supporting up and coming manufacturers - Society of Wonderland Textile and Wallcovering Designer Other Shows Mentioned: #823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan #838: Regan Baker: Building a Team That Supports Your Core Values

Today With Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Shaun Crha of Wrensted Interiors and Rebecca Plumb of Studio Plumb on the show. They met on Instagram and are now design besties—together hosting the Hot Young Designers Club podcast, where they explore the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design world. Shaun and Rebecca are here today to inspire community, not competition, between fellow designers, and we’re talking about relationships, boundaries, rates, and red flags. We hope that you join us. Pick It Apart [4:28] Rebecca and Shaun talk about how they met and became friends [11:50] Rebecca explains how the peer-to-peer mentorship between her and Shaun works and why it is helpful to have this relationship [22:32] LuAnn digs into how Shaun and Rebecca run the back end of their businesses [27:29] Rebecca explains how she uses automation to create boundaries with her clients [38:50] Rebecca and Shaun discuss rates and how they have both experiments with hourly rates and flat fees. [51:24] Shaun talks about dispelling the myth that designers can’t create a sustainable living for themselves LuAnn Nigara and Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb's Ah-Ha Moments “We attract the type of clients that are attracted to our personality type and the type of business that we run. I think that's why there's so much room for all of us, because there's so many different kinds of people.” - Rebecca Plumb “I’ve learned a lot about my personality in this business.” - Rebecca Plumb “One of the biggest things that's come from developing relationships with Rebecca and other designers and creatives is this dispelling of the myth that designers can't create sustainable livings for themselves…It is possible to create a decent quality of life for ourselves that still has room to grow.” - Shaun Crha “When you run it like a business you can do your creative all day long.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb: Rebecca Plumb (Studio Plumb) and Shaun Crha (Wrensted Interiors) came to interior design after other career paths. They met through Instagram while completing the popular One Room Challenge and turned their online banter into a real-life friendship while attending the semi-annual Las Vegas Market. They bring a sense of humor and irreverence to running their design businesses that spills over into the podcast. Their advice always come from a place of helpfulness delivered by your big sister and gay best friend. Connect with Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb Website Instagram  Apple Podcasts What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions #739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life #826: Tanya Smith-Shiflett: Finding Success & Switching Careers with Confidence #822: Layton Campbell: The Drama of Interior Design: A Former Broadway Performer Sets the Stage for Building a Design Business #814: Michelle Lynne: What Constitutes Billable Hours in an Interior Design Business?

Today With Staci Davidson: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today I am joined by Staci Davidson, owner of Everything but Design, where she does just that. Staci is capable of taking on every aspect of an interior design business, from accounting and bookkeeping to consulting and customer service, freeing up her clients so that they can get back to what they do best: Design. Staci is here to talk about her experience and the value that outsourcing your back-end operations can bring to your business, boosting not only your confidence, but your profits. Pick It Apart [3:39] Staci recounts her experience as an operations manager and bookkeeper for a residential design firm, handling “everything but design” in the business and growing it to a multimillion-dollar firm. [10:47] Staci and LuAnn discuss the services Everything but Design offers beyond just bookkeeping, and Staci explains how outsourcing administrative tasks to someone that understands the design industry allows her clients to focus more on their designs, builds confidence, and ultimately generate more revenue  [22:22] LuAnn and Staci talk about the importance of systems and processes, and how the way a project is managed can be more important than the beauty of the design to clients  [29:20] Staci explains how she uses best practices as a bookkeeper to help business owners analyze their margins, adjust prices, and gain profits [42:01] Staci and LuAnn talk about the importance of systems and standards, especially when communicating with clients by setting expectations beforehand LuAnn Nigara and Staci Davidson's Ah-Ha Moments “You need someone that has your back, and they aren't just pushing data, they're ensuring that it's accurate and advising you on next steps, best practices, ways to save money, or improvements into your process.” - Staci Davidson “When a designer is in their lane, and focusing on the design, all of the other things fall into place.” – LuAnn Nigara “When you have really satisfied clients who feel like they were taken care of, the referrals are going to come in.” – Staci Davidson “Really feeling confident in yourself, your design, and your processes will elevate your business so much.” – Staci Davidson More About Staci Davidson: Staci discovered her love for the business of Interior Design in 2016 when she was hired as the Operations Manager of a residential design firm. She quickly realized so much more went into running a successful design business. Her true passion is freeing up the designer, taking over all aspects of the business and allowing the owners to focus on creating amazing spaces their clients will cherish for years to come.  She has done blog posts for Design Manager and has been asked to speak at High Point on best practices for running a successful business. Offering a wide variety of services, Staci and her team can do Everything but Design! Connect with Staci Davidson Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB Episode 349: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA AWDB Episode 464: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner AWDB Episode 843: Power Talk Friday: Carla Titus: Think Like a CEO By Outsourcing Your Numbers AWDB Episode 845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating WTFP Episode 125: Debra Scarpa: The Power of a Visionary & Integrator Relationship Other Resources Mentioned: The Interior Design Standard with Sandra Funk

Today With Amy Youngblood Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s no secret that I love systems and processes. They are the absolute backbone to increasing your profitability. My guest today, Amy Youngblood, principal of Amy Youngblood Interiors, has a very specific process that has helped her not just increase her profitability and bring in more clients, but also to bring in the right clients. She’s taking us through her intake process and discussing why and how it works to ensure that she works with her ideal clients. Pick It Apart [0:57] Amy shares her story of why she realized she needed to make a change in her business.  [7:07] Amy and LuAnn begin a deep-dive into Amy’s contact form. [20:58] Amy highlights why it’s important to ensure that partners in a home are on the same page. [43:58] Amy and LuAnn discuss the value of thinking outside of the box, even when you have systems and processes in place. LuAnn Nigara and Amy Youngblood' Ah-Ha Moments “What you’re saying is the first critical key in finding the happiness and joy in your business if it’s lacking is, are you working with the type of people and the type of projects that you enjoy.” - LuAnn Nigara “What I love about this is that we’re having an inside conversation about our reaction to consumer’s responses. But even if you have ten inquiries a month, if you have two or three every month that are searching for designers but plan to shop on their own, it’s a disconnect of the garden variety consumer disconnecting with design. They think of it as a commodity industry of you just picking things out for them.” - LuAnn Nigara “People want to hear back from you. Even if it’s not a good inquiry, I still respond back and say why, and I say it as respectfully as possible.” - Amy Youngblood More About Amy Youngblood: Amy began her career in interior design over 20 years ago. She has worked for several design firms, both residential and commercial. With a strong background as an accomplished artist, Amy fused her creative abilities along with her business and design experience to launch Amy Youngblood Interiors in 2009. Both Amy’s artwork and design commissions have been featured over the years in the local and national media. Amy’s appreciation of all styles has made her known for her clean-lined, yet comfortable, sophisticated look. Born in Michigan, Amy received her Bachelor of Arts degree at DePauw University with a Major in Communications, and later received a degree in Interior Design at Mount Saint Joseph University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with an emphasis on Art History. Amy has since taught interior design courses at the Mount Saint Joseph University in addition to having served as President of the school’s ASID Chapter. Amy also serves on various charity boards and is a consultant and investor in the local fashion and design industry in Cincinnati. As past President of Cincinnati Business Network, Amy enjoys networking with and mentoring other entrepreneurial business owners. She is also an active member of the OTR Chamber of Commerce, a member of the ArtsWave's Women's Leadership Roundtable, a founding member of the Contemporary Arts Center's prestigious Women's group, and a regular expert guest on local television. In addition, Amy has been named one of "Ohio's Top Interior Designers" by The LuxPad, an international publication specializing in high-end interior design. Her work is also regularly featured on HGTV.com. Amy has also been a featured speaker at NeoCon, an honor of being chosen among hundreds of interior designers.  When Amy is not growing her eponymous firm, she enjoys traveling with her husband Tom and two teenagers as well as exploring the food and culture of Cincinnati. An avid fitness buff, she can be found at her trainer's studio or at a Pilates class. She is also a fashion lover and integrates it into her designs. Check out Amy's fashion, style, and local events blog, Cincinnista. Amy continues to accept prestigious art commissions as her schedule allows. Please view her work at amyyoungbloodsportsart.com. Amy Youngblood Interiors is certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the U.S. Connect with Amy Youngblood Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #372: Laura Michaels: How to Talk Budget with your Interior Design Clients #820: Alex Alonso: Always Say Yes to a Client, Except When You Should Say No

Today With Julia Marcum: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s show is a Flashback Friday, an episode from the archives that was so good, and so relevant, we wanted to share it with you again! I hope you enjoy Julia Marcum’s episode that originally aired as episode 480! Julia started blogging more than ten years ago, and her readership has grown to include millions of people. In 2016, Chris left his day job to join Julia as a blogger on a full-time basis. With their blog, this remarkable couple shares their original, authentic, and sincere perspective on the daily coups and challenges of their DIY home renovations. People follow them to learn how to improve their space and to get inspiration, tips on trends, and motivation to get things done.  In today’s episode, Julia explains that they know exactly why they’re doing what they do, and they know who they do it for. LuAnn Nigara and Julia Marcum's Ah-Ha Moments “There is zero downsides to growing your Instagram presence” - Julia Marcum “Maximize whatever you already have on hand” - Julia Marcum “Consistency is what really drives audiences, they want to know when and what they can expect from you” - Julia Marcum More About Julia Marcum: We’re a couple of progress-embracing home renovators, bloggers, brand ambassadors, and educators. We love: modern cottage design, s’mores around the fire pit, and our three cute kids (but not in that order). We started this blog in 2009, the year after we got married. But it wasn’t always a business! Like most bloggers back then, we were all about showing off our home projects and cute pictures of our kids. Our budget for home improvements was $20/month, and we were DIYing our hearts out (with borrowed tools). In 2015, we took Instagram by the horns and started photographing our home and our projects with a *real* camera. We started talking to our audience every day. We got really consistent with our content, and we took big, go-with-your-gut risks.  A year later, Chris quit his day job, and we were pinching ourselves: We get to work on our house as a *job*. And we get to work right alongside each other.  Looking back, I probably should have known that the girl who would beg the local bakery to let her design their store window (and get paid in cookies) would find a way to make a living out of making spaces beautiful — a truly sweet life. Connect with Julia Marcum Website Instagram  Good Influence Courses What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Resources Mentioned: Jessica Helgerson Instagram Josh Young Instagram

Today With Kellie Burke: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Join me this week as I sit down with Kellie Burke, owner of Kellie Burke Interiors. One of Kellie's philosophies when designing a home is that "it should feel like a well-traveled home and not have a matching, store-bought look." Tune in to hear about her journey, the importance of failure, and the ups and downs of having a business. LuAnn Nigara and Kellie Burke's Ah-Ha Moments “The failure comes the lessons.” - LuAnn Nigara “I think we mistakenly see all the beautiful things and believe that that is the business of it, and it’s not.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Kellie Burke: Kellie studied design at Skidmore College in New York and overseas in Florence, Italy. While abroad, she soaked in the design principles associated with many different countries, including Portugal, Russia, Italy, France, Brussels, England, Estonia, and Scandinavia. After working as a studio artist and a faux painter, Kellie established her West Hartford, Connecticut-based interior design firm, Kellie Burke Interiors, in 1995. The firm expanded to include a design studio filled with trendy, high-style home products and accessories. One of Kellie's philosophies when designing a home is that "it should feel like a well-traveled home and not have a matching, store-bought look." Instead, she gravitates toward an 'Old World' style with modern, functional accents. Kellie is also very aware of the needs of clients with families and coordinates her efforts to make sure her designs meet all of their practical needs. Kellie was featured in OK Magazine in 2005 for designing Brooke Burke's Mediterranean Mansion. Hartford Magazine has named Kellie Burke' Best Interior Designer' in 2006 - 2015 Readers Poll. Kellie has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design, Hartford Magazine, New England Home, and was a national finalist in the 2015 Zillow Digs Design Awards. Connect with Kellie Burke Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #844: John McClain: Turn Failure into Success

Today’s Show is Sponsored by the “Interior Design Standard.” Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share all the details of her upcoming course, the “Interior Design Standard”. I’m so excited to share Sandra Funk’s business program, the “Interior Design Standard”, with you because I know it will be the best investment for your business. Enroll here: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann Today With Sandra Funk: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Have you ever found yourself apologizing for delays due to elements that are completely out of your control (backorders, supply chain issues, labor shortage, etc.)? My guest today, Sandra Funk, believes it’s time to stop apologizing.  Sandra shares her insights into why designers do this, why they need to stop, and how to take back control of your communication with your clients. Pick It Apart [1:30] Sandra picks apart why designers need to stop apologizing for things that are out of their control. [7:28] LuAnn and Sandra discuss why setting expectations upfront is important. [17:30] Sandra shares why and how she implements a restart fee when projects are delayed past a certain point.  [26:30] Sandra highlights the value of templates in the Interior Design Standard. [35:11] Sandra breaks down the upcoming opportunity to join the Interior Design Standard. LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk's Ah-Ha Moments “You need to communicate the facts, accept our new reality, and get strategic on how you are going to stretch what you thought was going to be a six-month project into a year-long project.” - Sandra Funk “Just because it’s not the client’s fault, doesn’t mean it’s your fault or your responsibility to bear the burden of all the chips that fall because of whatever you’re dealing with.” - LuAnn Nigara “You can’t change labor shortages, you can’t change supply chain issues, but you can change the way you describe it, the way you share the information, and the way you handle it internally, and that so much affects the way your client will handle it.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Sandra Funk: Sandra Funk is the CEO and Principal Designer of House of Funk, a greater New York area design firm working wherever great clients need us. This is interior design with a soul and a sense of place; reflecting your desires, personality, and style. House of Funk creates thoughtful homes with an emphasis on clean lines and soulful touches, all rooted in tradition. Sandra is an Accredited Professional for the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Sandra’s award-winning design work has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor, House Beautiful, The Huffington Post, Apartment Therapy, Aspire Design & Home, and Luxe Interiors + Design. With almost two decades in the interior design industry, Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020 – a template for designers to utilize her streamlined processes and business structure to bring joy and profit to their own design business. Connect with Sandra Funk Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: #801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation #753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business #660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard” #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems #520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! #145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm #02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

Today With John McClain: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined for the second time by John McClain. John is an accomplished interior designer, business coach, and author of The Designer Within. In this episode, he shares a bit about his back story with us—from crisis to conquest. John is here to help you understand that you can learn and grow from your mistakes, and success can be born out of failure. John shares his dark night of the soul story with us, but it didn’t end there. He turned that rough patch into a catalyst to organize his business for the better. Since then he has implemented a “How We Work” document, detailed client contracts, flat fees, and non-negotiables because his business is worth it. He is worth it. And you are worth it. Pick It Apart [6:38] John shares his dark night of the soul story involving client credit cards, attorneys, a factory fire, and armed guards. [20:35] John discusses the importance of knowing your company policies and non-negotiables, for example, he does not take credit card payments.  [31:40] John and LuAnn discuss the importance of formal agreements and transparency with clients. [35:41] LuAnn and John pick apart his pricing structure and flat fees, including his creative fee and project fulfillment fees.[57:29] John talks about the online courses for designers he offers, as well as his new book The Designer Within and the online course for homeowners that goes along with it. LuAnn Nigara and John McClain's Ah-Ha Moments “Until you've been through a serious business crisis, it's hard to know how it really cuts you in your gut.” – LuAnn Nigara  “I don't care if you're a solopreneur or if you have 25 people working for you. Your company policy is your company policy. And that is what you have to stand by.” – John McClain “A lot of people don't take the time to sit down and come up with the rules [of their business]. ” – John McClain “You do have to take time—really getting clear with who you are, what you do, how you do it, why you do it, and your non-negotiables.” – LuAnn Nigara “I want to be an advocate for other designers and out in the world, to really stand up for themselves. And to have a company philosophy, have a company vision have a company backbone that they can stand behind.” - John McClain More About John McClain: John McClain is an accomplished interior designer, business coach, speaker, on-air contributor, and writer who has turned his lifetime passion for interior design into an opportunity to do the same for others through his book, The Designer Within (available now at thedesignerwithin.co). John McClain Design has offices in Central Florida and Los Angeles, CA. His projects have received numerous awards and have appeared in many publications including Traditional Home and Elle Décor. John's design advice can also be seen regularly in print, television appearances, and online in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Us Weekly, and many more. Connect with John McClain Website  Instagram Book and Designer Courses What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #472: John McClain: Running His Firm from Two Coasts Makes Systems and Tools Critical #145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm #801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation #842: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity

Today With Carla Titus: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business Podcast. Today we are joined by financial expert Carla Titus, founder and CEO of Wealth & Worth Within, a financial planning company offering fractional CFO services to transform business profitability.  Carla helps us understand what a fractional CFO is and how this service can provide the financial support and insight many businesses need to achieve financial clarity and plan for a profitable future. She specializes in helping 6- and 7-figure businesses gain control of their numbers with a 5-step framework she calls 2C3P that tackles financial health from all sides. Listen in to find out more. Pick It Apart [3:08] Carla walks through the roles of bookkeeper, CPA and CFO and the conversations you as a business owner should be having with each. [8:58] Carla and LuAnn discusses the goal of hiring a CFO and improving the financial picture of the company . [15:19] Carla talks about changing your mindset and thinking like the CEO of your business by looking at five key components in a framework she calls 2C3P: Cashflow, Capacity, Planning, Pay Compensation, and Profit. [24:42] LuAnn and Carla discuss the seasonality of business, and the importance of being in tune with this as a business owner. [31:32] Carla lists her non-negotiables she helps business owners set as goals for a successful business: cash in the bank, profitability, and paying yourself. LuAnn Nigara and Carla Titus' Ah-Ha Moments “The beauty of bringing an expert into your business is that you do not need to know everything. That is the whole point of outsourcing your finances. You're bringing that knowledge, and also that person that's going to guide the process from beginning to end, [to] make you feel empowered and comfortable around your finances and your numbers.” – Carla Titus  “Don’t overthink what you don’t know.” – LuAnn Nigara  “There's times where you need to step into that CEO role and work on your business, not in your business.” – Carla Titus “Managing the influx and outflows of cash really can help a business be more financially stable, but also feel completely in control of what's happening.” – Carla Titus  “If you want to sell your business one day, if you want to run a successful long term company, there has to be a salary for someone that is in charge.” – Carla Titus More About Carla Titus: Finance expert with over 15 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and established online businesses fractional CFO consulting experience. Our company provides a vast array of on-demand CFO services that leverage our industry expertise. A well-rounded CFO team with Finance, Sales & Marketing, HR, Supply Chain, Online Business, Operations, Execution, Planning, and Tech background. She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners. Wealth & Worth Within’s mission is to empower business owners to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind, so that they can get back to what they enjoy. She is dedicated to imparting financial knowledge in order to properly manage finances and achieve profitable results. She has applied that expertise to businesses, helping them grow by creating simple yet effective systems to improve cash flow management and bottom-line results. Connect with Carla Titus Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #489: Power Talk Friday: Brad Clinard: Intentional Planning for Abundant Living #719: Peter Lang, Kimberly Merlitti, and Michele Williams: Financial Prep for Year-End- The Must Do’s #395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business #464: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner #361: Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Does Your Interior Design Business Need a CFO?

Today With Joshua Smith: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Joshua Smith, of Joshua Smith Inc. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day. Join us for a great conversation about the power of meditation, the importance of being connected to your passion, and his amazing working philosophy! LuAnn Nigara and Joshua Smith's Ah-Ha Moments “It's the responsibility of the industry to educate the consumer” - LuAnn Nigara “We’re wanting to do what we can to make sure that we’re leaving the world as best we can for our kids” - Joshua Smith “You know what? I realize now that as an interior designer, you’re responsible for everything but you have control over nothing” - Joshua Smith “It's not just how you want to space to look, it’s how you want your space to feel” - Joshua Smith More About Joshua Smith: Joshua graduated from the New York School of Interior Design and started his career in 2012. After Joshua graduated, he joined Steven Gambrel, an influential interior design firm that specialized in high-end residential and commercial commissions worldwide. In 2013, Joshua Smith, Inc. was created and earned national recognition as featured in New York Times, Huffington Post, and Rizzoli’s 2019 book, “On Style”.  With projects on both coasts, Joshua Smith Inc, offers full-service residential interior design – and life-changing spaces. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day. Connect with Joshua Smith Website  Instagram  Facebook  Blog The “3 fives” routine What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today, I’m joined by my friend Nancy Ganzekaufer. Nancy is here to talk about her new program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind which is packed full of value. But also, Nancy is here to share how certain events in her life forced her to slow down and how she shares her lessons with others on the importance of a work-life balance. Pick It Apart [3:58] Nancy tells us what interior designers can expect from her Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind program. [13:00] LuAnn breaks down the process of joining Profit Insiders.   [21:02] Nancy shares her past continued health scare and how she turned it into a positive.  [43:24] The lesson of building a supportive and competent team.  LuAnn Nigara and Nancy Ganzekaufer's Ah-Ha Moments “Slow and steady is going to win the race. The small tweaks you make in your business can have huge outcomes.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer  “You don’t want your business to be your entire life, you want your business to support your life” - Nancy Ganzekaufer “Your inner being knows when it’s time to slow down and the universe will comply.” - LuAnn Nigara “We do all put pressure on ourselves and we need to ask the question, “who can help?” - LuAnn Nigara More About Nancy Ganzekaufer: Nancy Ganzekaufer is a sought-after Business Coach, Speaker, Body Language Trainer, and Author, named one of the Top 16 Coaches in New York in 2022! Nancy specializes in coaching interior design professionals in marketing strategies, sales, and systems, teaching them to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence.  In addition to her own book Respond with Confidence: A Business Owner’s Blueprint for Handling Difficult Situations, Nancy is an author in LuAnn Nigara’s book, The Making of A Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action. Nancy has also been a 4-time guest on LuAnn’s podcast, A Well-Designed Business® and one of LuAnn’s past Power Talk Friday experts.  Nancy is the founding President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Virtual Chapter, Executive IDS Board Member-at-Large, and was the first recipient of the IDS Outstanding Leadership Award for her 12 years of active participation in national leadership and her local chapter in Long Island, New York.  Nancy specializes in coaching Interior Design industry professionals how to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence. Through her proven techniques, Nancy has empowered thousands to know (and charge!) their worth, succeed in sales without feeling sales-y, and position themselves in their market with authenticity and authority.    When Nancy is not coaching her clients, hosting a webinar, speaking at a conference, or engaging with her audience in one of her many social media platforms, she is spending quality time with her family, listening to music, hiking, playing pickleball with her friends, and traveling as much as she can. Connect with Nancy Ganzekaufer Website Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind program Confident Interior Designer Membership Site The KEY™: The Designer's Ultimate Pricing Tool Interior Design Contract Templates Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn YouTube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #15: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Niche is Rich #37: Lesley Myrick: Strategies I Used to Build My Business #60: Power Talk Friday: Krista Coupar: Managing Work-Life Balance (The Key Questions to Ask Yourself) #159: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: How to Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer: A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients #389: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Designer Profit Formula #584: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again #766: Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement #783: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today’s show was sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.

Today With Jean Stoffer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we are joined by the one and only Jean Stoffer. Jean is an award-winning independent designer, star of The Established Home on the Magnolia Network, and author of the newly released book Establishing Home. In our conversation, Jean offers a glimpse into her journey, showing us the joys of intertwining work and family, the benefits of an unhurried attitude, and the blessings each season of life has to offer. Pick It Apart [6:01] Jean discusses “being in the trenches” as she built her business from the ground up, learning cabinetry design, kitchen design, and troubleshooting at her own pace. [10:10] LuAnn and Jean agree that cultural messages often pressure young designers to rush toward success, but both believe that isn’t always the right path. Jean discusses embracing the season you are in. [16:50] Jean walks through the current family dynamic and everyone’s role in the Stoffer Home business. [27:30] LuAnn and Jean talk about the importance of processes as you grow your business. [48:00] Jean discusses working with the Magnolia Network and putting her work on television. LuAnn Nigara and Jean Stoffer's Ah-Ha Moments “Our value system and reputation are just so bedrock for me and our family.” - Jean Stoffer. “I really believe there are seasons for things, and it’s great to embrace those and accept them.” - Jean Stoffer. “I think as a society, we are putting pressure on moms to think that you can have it all. And you actually can, but not all in the same season is my belief.” - LuAnn Nigara. “It's very important that the quality and all of the things connected with [your brand] remain as close as to your original vision and way of doing it.” - LuAnn Nigara. More About Jean Stoffer: Jean Stoffer is an award-winning Grand Rapids-based independent interior designer specializing in kitchen and bath designs. Each of her designs is custom suited for her clients' lives and how they hope to use their home. Jean is also the founder of Stoffer Home, a retail store featuring beautiful and functional items for the home, and Stoffer Home Cabinetry, the source for Jean's own line of quality, British-inspired flush inset cabinets. In December 2021, the Magnolia Network began airing The Established Home, a TV series featuring Jean and her design work. Connect with Jean Stoffer Website Stoffer Home Instagram  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #625: Coco & Jack: Flexibility and Balance Between Interior Design and Family #563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography

Today With Candice Olson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Candice Olson's episode that originally aired as episode 74! On today’s show, Candice talks about her journey and how she became successful! More About Candice Olson: With over 25 years experience as an Interior Designer, Candice Olson has imparted her distinctively timeless yet on-trend aesthetic on countless residential and commercial projects. With the goal of showcasing the beauty, business and behind-the-scenes world of Interior Design and renovation, Candice launched her first hit TV show – Divine Design – on HGTV. After 8 seasons of number one ratings, Candice followed up with her second show – Candice Tells All – that delved deeper into Candice’s unique design inspiration and process. It also became a number one hit leading the NY Times to herald her as “the one to watch”! With her shows broadcast in over 75 countries around the world, millions have come to know and love Candice’s signature style and trademark sense of humour. She is considered to be a pre-eminent design authority and has authored a series of six best-selling interior design books. As Candice’s popularity grew so did the demand for her signature “Candice Olson Look”. This led to the creation of a broad collection of successful home fashion collections that reflect Candice’s distinctive, design style – an approach that is at once classic yet contemporary, sophisticated while accessible. The products embody Candice’s attitude of everyday elegance and are immensely popular amongst Interior designers and consumers alike. Connect with Candice Olson Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #74: Candice Olson – How To Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years

Today With Regan Baker: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Regan Baker, of Regan Baker Design. Have you ever had that client where you thought, “we could be friends!” How about that client where you noticed and were impressed with their work ethic? Why not employ them? That’s what Regan did and with three employees that were once clients of hers, she admits she wouldn’t be where she is today without them.  Join us for a great conversation about strong leadership and building a team from places you don’t usually expect. Pick It Apart [4:39] Regan’s first experience turning a client into an employee.  [15:18] Regan’s experience of when her long term goals have changed as time goes on. [24:34] The milestones were that developed the ROI in Regan’s business. [29:01] How Regan got another client of hers, Lindsay, on board as an employee. [34:19] How Regan realistically pays people like Allie and Lindsay. LuAnn Nigara and Regan Baker's Ah-Ha Moments “I’m a firm believe that you risk things for people who you think are going to help transform your business.” - Regan Baker “If you don’t have those people to help guide you, then you can’t focus on the things you want to do.” - Regan Baker “The people you invest in, even if you don’t have a role for them, you know that they can jump in and make it work.” - Regan Baker “An effective director of operations doesn’t have to come from a design background. Business is business.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Regan Baker: Regan Baker leads Regan Baker Design with 20 years of experience in Interior Architecture and Design. She firmly believes that design should be comfortable, modern, and personal, and strives to bring these aspects to every project she works on. After spending the first 7 years of her career at high-end hospitality and commercial firms, she began to understand her unique style and skillset were applicable on a more intimate scale in residential design. As a fashion-forward and design-savvy mom, she knows that personal style and lifestyle function are equally important features in a home, and believes in creating spaces that are an extension of who you are as an individual or family. When not designing, you can find Regan outdoors either running or watching her sporty kids, and hanging with family and friends. After becoming a mother of twins over twelve years ago, her life has taken on a new priority: to inspire her children to do what they love and go after a passion in life. Regan laughs often, becomes friends with all her clients, and has a goal in life to be a nice person. Connect with Regan Baker Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #150: Power Talk Friday: Krista Coupar is Back! 5 Steps to Make 2017 Successful! #363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Design Team #622: Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director #823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan

Today With Nicole Gibbons: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Nicole Gibbons’ episode that originally aired as episode 411! On today’s show, Nicole talks about how she created her career by design, how TV really doesn’t pay as much as you would expect, the way that Nicole helps people with their color choice, and so much more! More About Nicole Gibbons: Nicole Gibbons is an interior designer, tastemaker, blogger and on-air personality best known for her fashion-forward point of view on style for the home. As a highly sought after expert, Nicole has been featured in top media outlets such as HGTV, TLC, The Rachael Ray Show, InStyle, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, Lonny, People Magazine, Domino, Elle Decor and more. She can also be seen helping deserving families re-imagine their living spaces as a designer on the Emmy Award-winning TV show Home Made Simple airing Saturday mornings on OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network. Nicole has also collaborated on special projects with top home and lifestyle brands including American Express, Lowe’s Home Improvement, GODIVA, Target & Pier 1 Imports. Originally from Michigan, Nicole earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and lives in Harlem, a historic neighborhood in upper Manhattan. With a lifelong passion for design coupled with a fun, unpretentious approach to decorating and a strong media presence, this designer-to-watch is quickly earning a reputation as the voice of decorating for a new generation of passionate home enthusiasts. Connect with Nicole Gibbons Website Instagram Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #411: Nicole Gibbons: Interior Designer, TV Personality, Founder and CEO of Clare #406: Ashley Grigg, Lisa Mende and Jeanne Chung #407: Century Furniture with Carrier & Co #408: Visual Comfort with Lauren Rottet Other Resources Mentioned: Clare Article.com

Today With Susie Novak: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am speaking with Susie Novak, owner of Susie Novak Interiors on a variety of topics. One being what it’s like being a part of a mastermind group. Spoiler alert: it’s fantastic to be a part of a mastermind. And hey, why not start your own? Susie has a good size design team too, so we also talk team tips, sustainability and networking.  Pick It Apart [1:50] Susie shares with us how she formed her mastermind group. [11:20] How accountability plays a role in her mastermind. [25:10] LuAnn and Susie discuss the importance of having diversity within a group. [35:03] Susie shares tips on how to manage a big team. [39:20] Tips on how to drum up more business.  [46:27] What sustainability means for Susie in her business. LuAnn Nigara and Susie Novak's Ah-Ha Moments “I think you find balance in unique ways.” - Susie Novak “If you can put a room together, but also explain the global perspective of using higher quality pieces that are built to last and can be reupholstered, that's a win win for clients, our Earth and our profitability.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Susie Novak: Susie’s aesthetic is a combination of California Modern with a British flair. Known for her love of clean neutrals, bold pops of color and modern sculptural forms, Susie’s work has been nationally and internationally recognized in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Modern Luxury Silicon Valley, WSJ and more. Skilled at creating beautiful residential designs under a variety of budgets, styles, timeframes, and requirements, Susie guides her clients through every phase of the design process. Originally trained as an artist, Susie transitioned into the Interior Design world in 2016 after receiving her certification from the Interior Design and Architecture program at UC Berkeley. She calls Oakland, California home where she lives in a 1920’s Tudor remodel with her husband and two daughters. California is an abundant source of inspiration for a life in design and Susie is continually pulling ideas from her travels including many in her home state. Connect with Susie Novak Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #296: Ruthie Staalsen: Find Your Mojo & Your Designer Bestie at an Industry Conference #553: What Would Lu Do?: When Clients Don’t Understand the Value Of Full Service Design #722: What Would Lu Do?: Feeling Undervalued and Taken Advantage Of #784: Kelly Fridline: An Alternative Path- From Architecture to Coaching in Interior Design Sass Says #63 - LuAnn Nigara: Tuning Into Your Inner Goddess Voice to Guide You in Motherhood, Marriage and Ambition

Today With Michelle Nussbaumer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Michelle Nussbaumer’s episode that originally aired as episode 124! On today’s show, Michelle talks about her career, her opinions on the business, and her globetrotting lifestyle. Enjoy! More About Michelle Nussbaumer: Michelle is an interior designer, textile and furniture designer, an author and owns a beautiful shop: Ceylon et Cie located in the Dallas design district. Michelle’s journey includes a husband and four children and it starts in west Texas. She goes from New York, Rome, Los Angeles and all the way back to Texas. Her book for Rizzoli, Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home was released and it includes thirty years of interior design as well as her travels. Connect with Michelle Nussbaumer Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #124: Michelle Nussbaumer- Owner & Lead Designer of Ceylon et Cie

Today With Paul Mencel: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today on the show we have Paul Mencel, a former rock star and the craftsman/entrepreneur behind the gorgeous handmade furnishings at Philadelphia Table Company. What started as a side job between his music tours has grown into a seven-figure business, and Paul is here to tell us how important it is to hire wisely, pay attention to the business end of operations, and price your goods and services appropriately in order to remain profitable. Paul believes in asking for help when you need it, learning from your mistakes, and the power of mindset. He says that everything he knows about business he learned by being a rockstar, so this is a really fun conversation. Pick It Apart [4:28] Paul talks about being a working musician and starting his woodworking business to support himself in between tours and gigs, explaining how the business has grown to a team of six with Paul admitting he is now the least talented member of the team. [9:10] Paul talks about learning and growing the business through trial and error, and how skills he learned during his career as a rock star transferred into his current business [15:00] LuAnn explains about learning from mistakes instead of processing them as failures, prompting Paul to tell the story of his $100K “business school lesson” [19:30] Paul and LuAnn discuss sustainable pricing, being willing to accept “no”, and knowing your value and worth [29:35] Paul explains the abundance theory, relating his mindset shifts around the uniqueness and luxury of his products, his responsibility to his employees, and how these are both important parts of his pricing structure [38:20] LuAnn shares her own perspective on the importance of operating within sustainable profit margins LuAnn Nigara and Paul Mencel's Ah-Ha Moments “We're trying to build something that's bigger than ourselves. And in order to do that, we need to hire people that are bigger than ourselves. So I give my team a ton of credit.” – Paul Mencel “You kind of have to stay humble and admit what you don't know. And really just kind of ask for help when you need it.” – Paul Mencel “That's how I was brought up too. Anytime I like made a mistake, or something, my dad would be like, well, that's a $500 lesson on how to not pop your tire…this is a $5,000 lesson in, you know, not to use this type of wood again.” - Paul Mencel “The through line, the result [of getting more “no’s” than you are used to] is that the yes’s are your ideal client and they have a better appreciation, and they probably are much more enjoyable to work with.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Paul Mencel: Paul is a creator and a doer with a passion for teaching. He hopes to inspire and teach others how they too, are and can, be creators and doers.  Since a young age, he had always worked for myself in some capacity. Driven by the desire to control when and how he makes money, Paul was dedicated to building side hustles while working for various bosses. The first time he realized he could control the way he makes money was at the age of 14 as resident lawn mower in his neighborhood. He began to understand that the more effort and work he put in, the more money he could earn. Managing his own hours and income allowed Paul the time to pursue his passion for music and play in a rock band, “Bel Heir”. While the band’s main focus was original music and touring, it also doubled as a cover band on Friday and Saturday nights. The band is what really got me excited about business creation in the long term. He was excited by the idea of growing a business in the creative industry, by figuring out how to book the next gig, get on that playlist, and tour with bands they had admired from afar. The drive for himself and his bandmates eventually led to a record deal with RCA records and a Publishing deal with Pulse Recordings. Although Paul did not realize it at the time, the rock band he pursued as a creative outlet was actually a thriving business, and their product was music and live performance. While signed to RCA, the excitement of building the band as a business-led Paul to a career in music artist management, and he started one of my current businesses: LookUp Ent. With LookUp Ent. Paul earned several platinum plaques and landed a top10 radio hit, with the song “Roses” by The Chainsmokers (written and performed by his client and sister ROZES.) In between touring and recording with his band he started another small side hustle: custom built furniture. At the time, Paul was building items just for mine and his wife’s apartment, as they could not afford the expensive items they wished to fill their first home. The furniture company, Philadelphia Table Company, grew quickly through word of mouth. Paul started building furniture for his friends, then his friends of friends and eventually to complete strangers. He started in his dad’s garage and within four years the company expanded to a 3,000 square foot warehouse with four full-time employees that they are quickly outgrowing. The company now grosses over a 3/4 of a million dollars a year and has become Paul’s main source of income. Connect with Paul Mencel Website  Instagram  Dream and Build What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #814: Michelle Lynn: What Constitutes Billable Hours in an Interior Design Business #672: Flash Back Friday: Tiffannie White, The Nappy Bohemian: Your “Only” and Lessons From a New Interior Designer #337: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Set and Get Higher Fees #696: Lisa Princic: Uncovering the Value Proposition in Your Interior Design Business

Today With Mikel Welch: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Mikel Welch’s episode that originally aired as episode 297! On today's show, Mikel shares his really remarkable and encouraging success story. Listen in to hear about a turning point with Steve Harvey and other ways that doors keep on opening for Mikel. More About Mikel Welch: As a young boy growing up in Southfield, Michigan, Mikel Welch busied himself with the construction of sofas and dining tables using toy Legos for imaginary houses. It was evident to his family that an innate sense of creativity and a passion for design were embedded in Mikel from birth. Today Welch runs a New York based interior design business, Mikel Welch Designs, and works as a host and design expert on Quibi's Murder House Flip. On camera, Mikel shows viewers tips and tricks for renovating homes, designing sophisticated spaces and creating luxury looks at affordable prices. Mikel is a former on-air personality of TLC’s Trading Spaces, and his designs have been featured on HGTV, The Real Housewives Of Atlanta and Good Morning America. In January 2020, House Beautiful named Mikel as one of the 2020 NEXT WAVE designers. His work has also been featured in Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, People, The New York Times and several other shelter magazines. Mikel has also had the honor of designing lavish VIP green rooms for prominent personalities, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Steve Harvey, Harry Connick Jr., Joan Rivers and Halle Berry. Connect with Mikel Welch Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #297: Mikel Welch: Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man

Today With Christie Fleming: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by Christie Fleming, principal of Lennon Nora Interior Design.  If you would have told me that there were any similarities between Occupational Therapy and interior design, I would have thought you were telling a joke. But for Christie, her experience as an OT led to her perfect niche, the one that let her leave her old career and strike out as the go-to designer for Aging in Place design. Pick It Apart [1:56] Christie shares how she went from occupational therapist to interior design.  [6:52] LuAnn and Christie discuss the value in working for another firm at the beginning of your career.  [14:03] Christie talks about how she stumbled onto her goldmine niche. [17:45] Christie discusses Aging in Place Design and what it entails.  [35:58] Christie shares how she markets such a specific niche. LuAnn Nigara and Christie Fleming's Ah-Ha Moments “I’m a huge proponent of working for another firm. Some of the most successful designers I have interviewed stayed with other firms for 5 or 6 years. There’s a difference there when you work for another firm, even for just one year. You’re seeing more than you would have on your own.” -LuAnn “I didn’t know how much OT and interior design truly overlap until I really got into the business aspect of it. I just knew that my area was so saturated and I wanted to figure out how to make myself stand out from other designers.” -Christie “I get this question all the time. People will say, ‘I don’t know how to figure otu what my Fred Berns only or my transferable skill or my pot of gold.’ One of the big things is just to get quiet with yourself and to just really keep insisting on going through a mental inventory of all the things that make you you.” -LuAnn More About Christie Fleming: Christie Fleming is the Owner and Principal Designer of Lennon Nora Interior Design based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lennon Nora Interior Design is a full-service residential interior design firm with a focus on primary residences and vacation homes serving Philadelphia, PA, the Jersey Shore and all surrounding areas. Christie is a valued Allied Member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Designer Society of America and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist through the National Association of Home Builders. She has a unique healthcare background where she practiced as an Occupational Therapist for many years and has now created a successful interior design business where her clinical expertise has created a new avenue for potential design projects. Connect with Christie Fleming Website  Instagram  Facebook  How to get your CAPS designation What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Today With Nate Berkus: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Nate Berkus’ episode that originally aired as episode 433!  In today’s show, Nate describes how his love of organic, rich, earth-tones is incorporated in the color palette he designed for this collection. Nate’s travels have been the inspiration for this collection. Each of his exclusive fabrics possesses a global point of view and the fabric collection, as a whole, represents his distinctly individual perspective, which blends history, architecture, and artwork from all around the world. Listen in to find out about Nate’s approach to his business, his perspective on color and design, and how he came to work with Oprah. More About Nate Berkus: Since designer Nate Berkus established his award-winning interior design firm at the age of 24, his approachable and elevated philosophy has transformed countless homes around the world through his design work, home collections, books, television shows, and media appearances. Ever since Berkus’ first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2002, he has become one of the world’s most recognizable interior designers. His work has been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, VOGUE, InStyle, O Magazine and People. He is included on the ELLE DÉCOR “A-List” of the world’s top designers and was named to the AD100 list in 2018.  Connect with Nate Berkus Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet

Today With Anne Gillyard: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Anne Gillyard, co-owner of grOH! Playrooms, a luxury educational design firm. Anne had humongous growth in her business after doing some self-reflection and making an investment in her business. After listening to A Well Designed Business, she learned about Rachael Bozsik and Darla Powell and decided to work with them. She shares what she has learned and how much her business has grown in just one year of making moves. Pick It Apart [18:04] The time Anne had her business before meeting Rachael.  [28:50] Anne’s journey working with Darla and Wingnut Social.  [40:10] Anne explains her role of reflection and how it plays a role in her success.  [43:55] Anne talks about what factors of an autopsy of a project that she reviews in order to achieve her goals. LuAnn Nigara and Anne Gillyard's Ah-Ha Moments “What Rachael helped me do was identify the messaging that resonates with my clients.” - Anne Gillyard “When I identify the next thing that’s going to help me help my team and my brand grow, I seek an expert.” - Anne Gillyard “Plan where you want to go. In order to know where you want to go, you have to figure out where you have been and what has and has not worked.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Anne Gillyard: Before becoming an innovative playroom designer, Anne earned a master’s degree in early childhood development and curriculum. She spent a decade teaching and training other educational professionals across the country, focusing on STEM learning, problem-based learning, Montessori-style classroom environments, social emotional skills, and 21st century learning. She also developed a national curriculum for play-based learning that continues to be taught in 45 states. During this time, she identified a disconnect between how children play at home and the critical thinking skills needed for success in school and as members of society. She saw the answer was in transforming the home play environment. Fueled by her passion for play and learning, Anne co-founded grOH! Playrooms in 2018. Connect with Anne Gillyard Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #203: Darla Powell: How to Launch an Interior Design Firm #301: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening #630: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game #651: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design #759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing

Today with Terri Taylor:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy. Terri Taylor is back to keep inspiring every single one of us! Today we talk about how did the Interior Design Business Academy start, and tells us about the IDBA Coaching & Education programs! More About Terri Taylor: 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. Connect with Terri Taylor Website  Instagram  Blog Interior Design Business Podcast with Terri Taylor Other Shows Mentioned: #813: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Design Fees VS Hourly Billing — Why Are Flat Fees the Way to Go? #763: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Real Deal and Charging Your Worth #710: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Get Paid What You are Worth. Sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021 #662: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Stepping Into Profitable Kitchen Remodels. Sponsored Show: Interior Design Business Academy #602: Terri Taylor: Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit #548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's show is sponsored by Terri Taylor and The Interior Design Business Academy. Check out all the details on https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/

Today With Claire Ownby: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Claire Ownby of Ownby Design, makes running a large, successful firm look easy. But it only appears that way because she has worked so hard to create flawless systems and processes that keep everything running smoothly. She’s sharing how she does it, and how she stays true to herself in her business in the process. Pick It Apart [1:07] Claire shares how she has worked to perfect her systems. [7:05] Claire gives insight into how she manages to produce high-quality work for so many projects within time and budget constraints.  [15:11] Claire and LuAnn discuss having tough conversations with team members.  [25:08] Claire breaks down the success of her firm.  [33:02] Claire discusses what’s next on the horizon. LuAnn Nigara and Claire Ownby's Ah-Ha Moments “Making sure that your team’s culture embodies appreciation of everybody else’s work is important, and that’s not something that just happens. It has to be talked about in every team meeting. It has to be demonstrated, not just by myself, but by my senior team members as well.” -Claire “That’s the thing—when we have hard conversations, regardless of how hard it is, if we’ve done it with respect and care and all the things, even if in the moment there isn’t agreement, when it actually is the right thing to do, eventually there’s acknowledgement that comes back.” -LuAnn More About Claire Ownby: Ownby Design is an industry leading luxury interior design firm located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our mission is to always deliver a flawless product that is a true reflection of the client’s vision. We strive to transform everyday living spaces into one-of-a-kind indulgences, with a unique fusion of minimalism and lavishness. Our commitment to detail and budget-saving efficiency makes us one of the most sought after firms in the Valley. Our team has been recognized with numerous industry and community awards for residential designs. We continually deliver beautiful and functional spaces that go beyond our client’s needs and expectations. Connect with Claire Ownby Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #55 Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching #766 Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement #658: Genevieve Trousdale: Genevieve Trousdale: Running Your Interior Design Business On Your Own Terms #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 #615 Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process #649 Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

Today With Bart Anestin: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Bart Anestin, owner and Creative Strategist of Creative Partner, a Toronto based studio and host of The More Life Podcast.  Marketing can be challenging with all of the other “hats” we have to wear as interior designers. Bart is here to help us with stress free strategies for design agencies, big and small, that will allow you to focus on your clients projects and not struggle with balancing working for your business while working ON your business. Pick It Apart [5:01] Bart shares the similarities that different designers/brands share across the board that he helps them with. [14:00] Bart explains how clarity in your goals and vision helps your marketing. [21:40] Bart explains how a digital roadmap can help when we get flustered on what and how many platforms we should be doing. [29:40] How being clear on what you offer leads to confidence.  [39:33] Bart talks about his podcast The More Life. LuAnn Nigara and Bart Anestin's Ah-Ha Moments “Most businesses, big or small, don’t have a solid marketing strategy.” - Bart Anestin “One of the values of our company is that we don’t talk about clients, we talk about people because we are helping someone. If we refer to them just as an “invoice” then it isn’t a genuine interaction. Look at it from how your business can help their business.” - Bart Anestin “When you're confident in your messaging and your process, that's when you can implement a lot of different things because your marketing assets are there supporting everything else.” - Bart Anestin “The branding and marketing world has been democratized because of social media.” - Bart Anestin More About Bart Anestin: Bart Anestin is the owner and Creative Strategist of Creative Partner, a Toronto based studio and host of The More Life Podcast. He’s passionate about helping brands tell their story in today’s connected world. Form, function, and awesome clients are the perfect recipe for design, brand alignment, and strategic digital marketing. Bart’s creative approach finds solutions that are mindful, intentional and beautifully crafted. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him at home chasing after his two kids and rewatching episodes of Seinfeld for the umpteenth time. #serenitynow Connect with Bart Anestin Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #174: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours. #746: Power Talk Friday: Daniela Furtado: How to Get SEO Traffic to Your Portfolio Window Treatments for Profit: #87 Joe Gebara: Living Life to its Fullest and Run a Successful Window Treatment Business

Today With Tanya Smith-Shiflett: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchen & Bath Designs. Tanya has grown her design firm exponentially over five years, expanding to multiple showrooms, engaging in luxury collaborations, and working with high-end designers. Find out how she built her business and what’s next on the horizon for her. Pick It Apart [1:45] Tanya shares the story of how she transitioned from medical sales to kitchen and bath design [7:12] Tanya discusses her expansion and her showrooms [18:10] Tanya breaks down how she forged high-end collaborations with well-known luxury designers [34:00] Tanya and LuAnn discuss Tanya’s collaboration process [39:53] Tanya shares her “best practices” for working with other designers LuAnn Nigara and Tanya Smith-Shiflett's Ah-Ha Moments “The biggest thing about your pace is that you have to do you, just like in everything else. There’s a big movement in self-care, and I’m all for it. But at 60 years old, you’re not going to tell me I don’t know me.” -LuAnn “That’s the thing with people that go for what they want. There’s a whole aspect of having courage and confidence and faith in yourself. But it has to be because you know you can actually deliver.” -LuAnn More About Tanya Smith-Shiflett: Tanya has always believed that the kitchen is, in fact, the heart of the home. She has always been passionate about balancing function and beauty in the rooms we use most. While working full-time in medical sales, she began helping her husband’s building company part-time with kitchen layouts. Her innate ability to create beautiful and functional kitchens promoted her to become a NKBA certified kitchen designer and founder of Unique Kitchens & Baths. Since 2005, Tanya has been in the kitchen design community, expanding her skills and honing her expertise. Today, she works closely with her in-house team of designers at UKB to create timeless spaces. Connect with Tanya Smith-Shiflett Website  Instagram  Classes hosted by Tanya! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #455 Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business #270 Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle #236 Shea McGee of Studio McGee Joins Me Today!!!! #758 Sallie Lord: Collaboration over Competition in the Interior Design Community

Today’s Show is Sponsored by the “The Design Paradigm”: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For today’s sponsored show, I’m joined by Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors. Cheryl has been coaching other designers to success since 2017. Now, she’s launching a program called The Design Paradigm to give business owners everywhere a strong, solid framework for a thriving business. Today, she’s sharing how to lay the foundation for your business to grow, succeed, and thrive. Pick It Apart [2:38] Cheryl discusses the places she sees most designers struggling today.  [13:20] Cheryl and LuAnn discuss why having an established process matters so much.  [16:58] Cheryl talks about the importance of weaving marketing into every phase of your business.  [20:22] Cheryl shares how defining your product opens the doors for your business.  [36:22] Cheryl breaks down the details of the Design Paradigm and how it can help your business. LuAnn Nigara and Cheryl Clendenon's Ah-Ha Moments “I think that sometimes in the excitement of these new programs or new approaches, we forget that we need to sell the creative vision and not the independent parts and pieces that make up the creative vision.” -Cheryl “There’s a crisis in confidence in how to charge and how to determine fees—that’s a direct result of not understanding your product and the benefits you bring to the project.” -LuAnn More About Cheryl Clendenon: Cheryl is casual and funny about many things but serious about business and marketing. 22 years of full-time, non-stop running a successful business -with a team for 21 of those 22 years. Prior to that, she was the sales and marketing manager for 2 Gannett-owned radio stations where she learned at the feet of some of the best sales trainers in the country.  She was promoted to be the youngest manager in the company at the time and the youngest to be awarded salesperson of the year.  She will tell you sales, marketing, and running a small business are as much of a passion for her as design.  A well-known writer in the industry for several years and honored to be the 2021 Person of the Year from KBB Magazine. Her firm employs 9 people, has a retail boutique showroom, e-commerce, Candle Studio, and has been coaching since 2017.  Her approach is from a creative stance always- and is unapologetic about often saying what others think.  Her ideas and insights in running a business and then-- promoting it-- work for those who commit to leading, want to put the work in, are not afraid to go against conventions, and are passionate about growth in some way or another.  Liz brings a different dynamic to the party by being the VP of Everything at the firm and an accomplished designer in her own right. She and Cheryl are the yin and yang of the company.  Connect with Cheryl Clendenon The Design Paradigm Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: #482: Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big

Today With Kaitlyn Wolfe: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we have on Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder, general contractor, and principal designer at Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based design-build firm that Kaitlyn has grown from the ground up. Kaitlyn gives us a peek behind the curtain, speaking to what the past few years have been like for her business—one that started as a solo side hustle and has quickly grown to an award-winning firm with more than 15 employees. She shares how she strategized on the fly, but also how she has thoughtfully grown her team with intention and implemented organizational systems along the way. Pick It Apart [4:30] Kaitlyn shares how she fell in love with construction by working with interior designers, architects, and general contractors, all of which gave her well-rounded knowledge of the industry. [12:51] Kaitlyn admits that things could have backfired but remained confident in herself. [25:20] Kaitlyn shares how diversity within the team adds to each project. [31:30] Kaitlyn explains what she has learned from growing her team. [38:05] Kaitlyn discusses what open communication with her team looks like. LuAnn Nigara and Kaitlyn Wolfe's Ah-Ha Moments “…having more of the construction knowledge is super important. I think it helps you collaborate with builders more. I think it just helps you be a better designer.” – Kaitlyn Wolfe “The reason we're changing so fast, or changing things all the time is because we're growing.” – Kaitlyn Wolfe  “I feel like I work for my team…Where can they grow? How can I provide opportunities for them? What are their goals and how can I help them get there within this company?” – Kaitlyn Wolfe More About Kaitlyn Wolfe: From an early age, I knew interior design was something that I absolutely loved and resonated with. In addition, my father was an electrical engineer so I was always helping with any home improvement project I could get my hands on. I was born in a small town outside of Dallas, Texas where I lived until I was 8 years old. My family picked up and moved us to London, England, where I lived until I was 11. Looking back, I think having exposure to European architecture at such a young age and traveling all over Europe, really shaped me. When we left London, we moved to a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I ended up staying in Pennsylvania until I decided to move to Arizona to pursue my Masters in Business Administration. I gained experience working for an interior designer and an architect, as well as a general contractor. I felt that my skills were really well-rounded and it was time to create something of my own. In 2016, I started Iconic Design+Build (although I started as KaityMac Interiors and re-branded in 2018). I worked on my own for the first few years and gained an assistant in 2019. I now have a team of 16 of us and I've really focused on cultivating the best team, the best work culture, and attracting the clients that we really feel aligned with. I pursued interior design and construction because I often noticed there was a lack of communication between the design and the build-on projects I had worked on. Getting my contractor's license allows us to execute the construction for our clients looking for a remodel or TI buildout and it allows us to communicate better with builders and architects that we partner with for custom home designs. We are a full-service luxury interior design firm as well as a general contractor, with projects ranging from residential to commercial. We design everything from residential remodels and new construction custom homes to boutique retail and hospitality spaces. We specialize in mixing styles such as Scandinavian, vintage, brutalist, industrial, minimalist, and mid-century modern spaces, all with an organic desert feeling. I want to inspire others to follow their passion and to design with intention. I pursued interior design when all odds were against me, but I knew that this was my purpose in life. When it comes to intention, I want people to see there was a reason for every single design detail and element we include in a space. We always focused on functionality for our client's, at the same time pushing them out of their comfort zones creatively. In my free time, I absolutely love vintage shopping, traveling, and visiting National Parks! Connect with Kaitlyn Wolfe Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection With Kravet #663: Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business #363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling From 2 Million to 5 Million Other Resources Mentioned: Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman

Today With Fernando Duque: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s episode is sponsored by Duke Renders. They are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico, and specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging.  Fernando Duque is here today to talk about how they have built Duke Renders in 2 years to over 100 employees and more than 500 interior design accounts. Make sure to grab your pen and paper! LuAnn Nigara and Fernando Duque's Ah-Ha Moments "We were very clear that we needed to get in place a good management team in order to get where we wanted to go." - Fernando Duque. "I think it was Tony Robbins who said that books are 10 or more years of an author's life compressed for 9.10 bucks." - Fernando Duque. "I've mentioned Tony Robbins before, I'm a big Tony fan, and I love when he says that the secret of living is giving, I really like that phrase." - Fernando Duque. "We are on a mission, we have a very clear mission of making this industry a better industry." - Fernando Duque. More About Fernando Duque: Born in Venezuela, MBA Babson College. Serial Entrepreneur, founded more than 5 companies. I cofounded Duke Renders with my brother Enrique in March 2020 in the middle of COVID 19, since then it has been a skyrocket growth with more than 100 team members today and no outside investment.  We are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico. We specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging.  We serve busy Interior Designers with 100% Accurate Photo-Realistic 3D Renderings of their Creative Designs.  We make You and Your Clients feel Proud, Confident and Empowered at Every Single Step of the Design Process.  I live in Tulum with my wife Mina, our newborn daughter Penelope and our doggy Lulu.  Fun Facts:  I love going to the beach at 5am and do it every day!  Traveled the world backpacking for 2.5 years  Loves cooking Moroccan Food for his Moroccan Wife Connect with Fernando Duque Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: #722: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business Other Resources Mentioned: Duke Renders A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Thank you to Duke Renders for sponsoring this show!

Today With Layton Campbell: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Layton Campbell of JLayton Interiors on the show. Layton wasn’t always an owner of a successful design firm. He originally started out on Broadway in NYC and performed on cruise ships as a dancer and singer. He always had a passion for stage sets and the interiors of places which grew his desire to do interior design, an interest he already had. Ultimately, he moved back to his native Charlotte, NC and launched his own firm. While scary as it was, there were a lot of lessons Layton learned along the way, and shares with us today. Pick It Apart [7:30] Layton and LuAnn discuss how having prior experience in a career, like working for another design firm, will give you transferable skills. [10:25] Layton goes into best practices of when he worked for another firm.   [22:40] How Layton approached going out onto his own. [27:00] Layton talks about his How to Guide For Starting a Design Business From the Ground Up. [34:07] How Layton approached marketing for his design firm. LuAnn Nigara and Layton Campbell's Ah-Ha Moments “Branching out on my own was terrifying because I was comfortable and you're putting yourself in uncharted territories, but you have to believe in yourself, your background, and the things you have learned and know that they will serve you.” - Layton Campbell “When you think of marketing, think about the layering of it in various forms. That’s where it’s beneficial.” - Layton Campbell More About Layton Campbell: Layton Campbell is a true native Charlottean and proud of it. Many are surprised to learn that he earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and then moved to live in New York City for a little over a decade. While there, he studied his other passion: Interior Design at the prestigious Parsons School of Design. His design studies beckoned Layton to travel extensively around the world in search of diverse craft and traditions. His professional design aesthetic has been demonstrably shaped by surrounding himself with the rich culture and styles of Russia, Asia, Australia, Europe and The Middle East. After moving back to Charlotte and working as an Associate Designer, Layton launched JLayton Interiors in 2004. During this time, he also acted as lead buyer, designer and store manager for a popular Charlotte-based luxury gift, decor and furnishing retail boutique called Bella Casa from 2005 to 2011. Layton's biggest sense of accomplishment is that he can work within a broad variety of design styles. Thus, his work does not have a routine standard appearance. Each project is an individually inspired expression of originality. His creative philosophy centers on juxtaposing a collection of varying styles for a genuine personalized result for each client. The only thing routine about his approach is that he wants to listen to his client’s needs and desires so that he can match and surpass their expectations. Connect with Layton Campbell Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #12: How to Get Your Interior Design Projects Published With Ren Miller #108: Power Talk Friday- Amy Flurry: How to Pitch and Get Press For Your Interior Design Firm  #134: Paula Grace: How Do I Build Trust With My Clients? #167: Kelsey Grose – Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017 #203: ​​Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm #291: Cheryl Luckett: From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design  #323: Amy Flurry: How to Pitch Press and Build Relationships #330: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection With Kravet #455: Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business  #601: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game #677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why #739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life #796: Allison Handler: From Fashion Designer to Interior Designer: Earning $1 Million Gross in Her First Year Other Resources Mentioned: Steal the Show: A Podcast By Heroic Public Speaking

Today on A-Well Designed Business: Today LuAnn recaps her experience at High Point Market this fall and her top takeaways from the Power Talk Friday Tour 2022. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Resources Mentioned: Mydoma Studio Jaipur Living

Today With Alex Alonso: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined with Alex Alonso of mr. alex TATE Design. Alex was recently on Bravo TV's hit design competition series, "Best Room Wins" where his "transitional" room design earned him a coveted spread in elledecor.com. What also is impressive is Alex’s knowledge that he is here to share. On multiple occasions he just knocked it out of the park for me in terms of when to turn down a client. Alex shares his ABCD approach that took him and his team months to formulate and now serves them, to be able to have their ideal clients and provide the best client experience. Pick It Apart [14:06] Do all of the ABCD’s of Alex’s ideal client have to check the “yes” box? [26:39] How Alex responds when a client comes back after they were declined.   [29:58] The instances that Alex moves forward with a client if they don’t know or don’t share their budget. LuAnn Nigara and Alex Alonso's Ah-Ha Moments “The more honest you can be with yourself about what you can deliver, the better the client experience will be because you’ll have the confidence to speak with the client and say yes, this is or isn’t possible.” - Alex Alonso  “It’s really important as a firm to stand behind your word as a collective team.” - Alex Alonso “There is a justification and rationalization when it comes to budget that a consumer can sink their teeth into.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Alex Alonso: The studio team collective is lead by design principal Alex Alonso. A maximalist at heart, after years in media and entertainment on both coasts and travels abroad he launched a studio that embraces a global perspective and celebrates the power of storytelling through spaces. Reflecting a distinct design approach that is all about the mix, the result is a bold sensibility he calls “modern victorian.”  Cuban-born Alex grew up under insanely humid Miami days. After attending Northwestern University and working in advertising in Chicago, Alex moved to Los Angeles where we worked in entertainment for many years. All along he perfected his craft in his true passion, design. His travels have taken him across five continents and function as a constant source of inspiration for his designs.  A voracious collector, Alex is drawn to anything with a story.  Alex was recently on bravo tv's hit design competition series, "best room wins" where his "transitional" room design earned him a coveted spread in elledecor.com. His room was judged by design maven and host, Genevieve Gorder, elle decor editor-in-chief, Whitney Robinson and design icon, Jonathan Adler. Connect with Alex Alonso Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets #482: Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big #384: Sarah Magness: Practical Strategies for Talking Budgets

Today With Ebony Looney: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and today we are having a conversation about your website. Constructing, revamping, or anything you have to do with your business website can be pretty intimidating. Ebony Looney, web designer,  creative director, and owner of Make Me Over Eb is here to tell us how to optimize our website in search, common website mistakes, what to hire out for, what we must include, and more that will give you more confidence and clarity in building your website. Pick It Apart [6:00] Ebony gives advice on how to share your portfolio or show your work on your website. [17:00] Mistakes people tend to make in constructing their website. [20:30] How important is blogging for your business? [34:15] How to attract tradesmen through your website. LuAnn Nigara and Ebony Looney's Ah-Ha Moments “The more I understand about your process before I have conversation with you, the better I can decide and believe if this will work for me.” - LuAnn Nigara “Every business needs to blog.” - Ebony Looney “People are looking you up and want to know if you know what you are doing and what makes you stand out.” - Ebony Looney More About Ebony Looney: Ebony is a Web Designer and Creative Director with 22+ years of experience making the web beautiful for B2B service providers. She has worked with agency owners, private sector and educational institutions such as Carbra Construction & Design, Benedict College & South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs. With a background in web design, development, fashion design and online marketing she believes that beautiful design is good business. She is happy to cover any website marketing related topic you think your audience would be most interested in. Connect with Ebony Looney Website  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning a Website That Make Things Happen #574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy #64: Stephanie Hamilton: Reputation Marketing for Window Treatment Professionals Other Resources Mentioned: LuAnn's Birthday Bash!

Today With Tanna Edler: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Tanna Edler, owner of TANNA BY DESIGN we learn the seven strategies she implemented to cut her work time in half, but doubling her income. This wasn’t always the case for Tanna. She worked eight years in business before she came to a realization that things had to change. She was overworking herself and doing the backend duties the “long way.” After attending Mydoma Studio’s 19 Hours, she was inspired to live by her new motto to “live easy.” Pick It Apart [2:17] Tanna shares the catalyst to her come to Jesus moment after 8 years as an interior designer.  [11:35] Tanna talks about the first strategy she used to improve her business.  [13.41] Tanna shares how she personally utilizes Mydoma’s Studio Management Tool. [22:05] Tanna explains Mydoma’s Signature Discovery Call [29:32] The fifth strategy of Marketing Team Outsourcing [40:48] Tanna’s Education strategy and how Lu University was a huge contributor. [47:50] How Tanna’s seven strategies have resulted in more time and more  money. LuAnn Nigara and Tanna Edler's Ah-Ha Moments “Going into this, I thought that the design aspect was going to be the challenge. I thought I was going in with all of the business knowledge, but it was the complete opposite.” - Tanna Edler   “When you’re investing in a website redesign, you do need to know what your message is. What would be the point of the pretty if you're not talking to your ideal client from who you are.” - LuAnn Nigara “You’re the epitome of understanding that no matter how good you are doing something there’s one little aha moment that unlocks a new level of awareness and strategy.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Tanna Edler: Hello, I'm Tanna Edler, founder of TANNA BY DESIGN. I own a Full Service Interior Design firm, based near Yakima, Washington with projects nationwide. Specializing in residential and commercial, new construction and remodeling projects. My philosophy is ‘live easy’. My superpower is creating a space that just feels right, matching the lifestyle goals of my clients. I do this by listening and problem solving. My gift is using the results of this discovery to transform their home or office, enabling my clients to live their best life. Born in Montana, my namesake, and growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I have always had an affinity for nature. From a young age I was intrigued by simplicity and natural shapes. You will notice my designs are emphasized by ample windows, an open floor plan and the idea of bringing the outdoors in. After graduating from Washington State University and spending over a decade in corporate human resources as a trainer and coach, working with companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, my creativity pulled me to pursue interior design full time in 2011. I brought along a skill set of client management and procedure solutions which assist me in operating my business and offering a seamless onboarding process for my new clients. Today, I am the only interior designer in Yakima, Washington as well as Washington State to have been awarded IDS Designer of the Year, eight years and the first in the Pacific Northwest to have received the coveted IDS Impact Award for my charitable interior design contributions in my community. Collaborating with the interior design industry elevates my craft and has enabled me to gain vendor relations, allowing for endless interior products at my fingertips. I also care about the future of our industry and have enjoyed serving on the Board as a Director for the Interior Design Society. Recently, I have added Business Coaching to my offerings, mentoring other Interior Designers as they strive for the same success. While my passion is design, I also love to create through writing. For the last ten years I have enjoyed contributing as an interior design writer for NorthSound Life Magazine and their affiliates. White glove service, everything in its place, no worries, no hassle is what I stand for and runs through my virtual design team members and trusted list of architects, contractors, and trades partners I work with. Connect with Tanna Edler Website Blog  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Resources Mentioned: Mydoma Studio  

Today With Kate Saunders: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Kate Saunders, is a designer with more than 18 years of experience. Over time, she realized that she has strength, talent, and even passion for the backend of the business. She has taken her experience and her strength to form The Designer’s Collab—a company that handles the backend for design firms of all sizes. Today, she’s sharing what she has learned about efficiency, file management, and streamlining your interior design business. Pick It Apart [1:38] Kate shares the journey that led her to form The Designer’s Collab [8:49] Kate and LuAnn discuss systems that streamline businesses [14:43] LuAnn shares a frustrating roadblock in her business that needs a system improvement [26:49] LuAnn and Kate talk about the importance of creating a book of standards [35:51] Kate highlights her new brand, The Designer’s Collab LuAnn Nigara and Kate Saunders' Ah-Ha Moments “It’s really important to set up procedures and standards in the beginning. It takes a lot of time, but it’s so important, especially if you’re trying to grow your business. It helps to keep your entire team in line and understanding what your vision is for your business.” -Kate “It’s the difference between knowing in your head what you do and having it on paper or digitally. It enables all the things—it allows you to scale, to train, to go on vacation, but it also helps you in crisis too. We’re not getting out of this world without crisis touching us in some way, shape, or form.” -LuAnn More About Kate Saunders: Kate started in the interior design industry in 2004 and received her BA in Fine Arts from the Design Institute of San Diego. After a few years as a designer, she went on to receive her master’s in architecture degree from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design.  Kate has spent the past 18+ years in every facet of the interior design industry; from Construction Management and Architecture, running her own design firm, helping to lead the interior design program for RH, designing side-by-side with acclaimed San Diego and Orange County interior designers, to managing wholesale Trade Programs across the US and Canada. She’s done it all. Now with her to-the-trade outsourcing service, she has created an opportunity for designers throughout the country to utilize services typically restricted to larger firms.  Whether it be outsourcing your drafting, project management, presentation, and content files, or assisting with installations - The Designer's Collab can assist in any virtual or in-person service capacity giving the sole designer, or design firm a true 3rd party support system to build their business and enhance their client's experience with every tool available. Connect with Kate Saunders Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design #520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today With Elsie St. Leger: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today on the show, I’m joined by Elsie St. Leger, president of IIDA New York, and founding member of the New York chapter’s Equity Council.  The Equity Council was formed to address racial inequality within the design industry and educate those who are interested in doing the work and having the real conversations about equality. Elsie shares what you can do as an individual and business owner to take accountability and make a change. Pick It Apart [19:50] Elsie shares how the Equity Council was formed and what their mission is. [22:40] Elsie and LuAnn discuss the four pillars of the Equity Council. [31:30] Elsie discusses the importance of workshops and education about diversity issues.  [51:38] Elsie and LuAnn talk about why diversity is so important in the design industry specifically. [58:30] Elsie shares what designer can do to promote equity in the industry. LuAnn Nigara and Elsie St. Leger's Ah-Ha Moments “Diversity has become, unfortunately, a sort of broad-stroke term that almost doesn’t mean anything. We wanted to set these pillars—so people could have a foundation from which to start those conversations.” -Elsie “The Equality Council is not about casting judgment. It’s not about pointing fingers. It’s not about revenge or telling you what to do. It’s about assessing where we are, setting the bar, and moving forward.” -Elsie More About Elsie St. Leger: Elsie St. Léger entered the industry while earning her BFA at the New York School of Interior Design, beginning in the residential sector before moving to healthcare. Now an assistant project manager at NYU Langone Health, St. Léger believes in giving back to the industry and began volunteering with IIDA NY. Now, president of IIDA NY, she has played a vital role in the chapter’s push toward accountability and equity as a founding member of the chapter’s Equity Council. As a trusted leader in New York’s interior design industry, St. Léger understands the value of building community during turbulent times. Her motto is momentum and progress, and her role as president has involved building on IIDA NY’s foundation while continuing on a positive trajectory. Despite the inability to conduct in-person programming, working remotely and reprioritizing has allowed St. Léger to foster the sense of remote community within the organization that has become important in the pandemic era. Her previous leadership roles for IIDA NY include that of Residential Forum Co-Chair and Healthcare Forum Co-Chair, and she was part of the leadership of LMNOP (Leadership Mentoring & Networking Opportunities for A&D Professionals), which is now integrated into IIDA NY. Connect with Elsie St. Leger Website  Instagram  Facebook  Equity Council: JEDI Resources What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #703: Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Head over to mydomastudio.com/summer to get Mydoma’s most popular plan for 50% off until the end of the year—just $39.50 per month to get access to a full suite of project management tools, plus the simple and user-friendly rendering tool. Make an investment in yourself and your business and take advantage of this limited-time offer! Visit mydomastudio.com/summer to get started.

Today With Vita Vygovska: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 5 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer. More About Vita Vygovska: Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short!), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, and the LuAnn University instructor for Systems Driven Operations. Connect with Vita Vygovska Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #748: Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: Understanding Margin vs. Markup #761: Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: How to Ballpark the Numbers on the Fly #775: Window Treatment Friday: Vita Vygovska: How Much Profit Can Designers Make on Window Treatments? #793: Window Treatment Friday: How To Breakdown Pricing for Your Customers

Today With Michelle Lynne: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I am joined by Michelle Lynn, president of ML Interiors Group, a successful design firm based in Dallas, and founder of Designed for the Creative Mind where she teaches interior designers and decorators the proven practices, effective processes, and profitable systems to run their businesses with purpose and efficiency. I get a lot of requests to talk about what constitutes billable hours. I think you’ll enjoy the answer to all of the tasks you should be charging your clients, but also we shift into the importance of standing by what we charge, knowing we’re worth what we charge, and yet again, educating our clients. Pick It Apart [6:40] The conversation starts about what constitutes billable hours. [20:20] If Michelle HAD to pick three tasks that may not be considered billable. [21:30] The controversial subject of charging less hourly when using your junior designer.  [38:00] LuAnn emphasizes the internal work that needs to be done to be confident in what you charge. [44:00] How having a solid process result in respect from your clients. LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Lynne's Ah-Ha Moments “You need to be raising your standards and continue to push until you start hearing some “nos'' because that is when you’ve hit your sweet spot in weeding out the clients who will drag you down.” - Michelle Lynne “Professionals hire professionals.” - Michelle Lynne “We make a home feel like a hug. How do you put a price on that?” - Michelle Lynne “You can listen to hours upon hours of podcasts about knowing your value, but if you don’t do the internal work and come from your CEO role and stand your ground on the service you provide and what it’s worth, you will always struggle with what you are charging.” - LuAnn Nigara “When you start to conduct your business in an organized fashion, your clients become people who appreciate that, don’t question you, and have trust in you.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Michelle Lynne: Michelle Lynne is the president of ML Interiors Group, a successful design firm based in Dallas, and the founder of Designed for the Creative Mind, where she teaches interior designers and decorators the proven practices, effective processes, and profitable systems to run their businesses with purpose and efficiency. A few years into running her interior design firm, Michelle found herself disillusioned from overworking and underbilling. She took control of her firm, putting systems and parameters in place that soon led to a thriving, seven-figure interior design business. Connect with Michelle Lynne Website  Instagram  Facebook  Blog  Designed for the Creative Mind What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #429: Alinda Morris: A Successful Design Business Depends on a Firm Foundation #463: Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity #797: Power Talk Friday: Andrea Liebross: What You Are Worth, in Dollars and Sense Other Resources Mentioned: RSVP for LuAnn Nigara's birthday bash at High Point Market!

Today with Terri Taylor:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy. Terri knows how to create successful design businesses—and this time she is here to teach us all about design fees VS hourly billing! More About Terri Taylor: 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. Connect with Terri Taylor Website  Instagram  Blog Other Shows Mentioned: #763: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Real Deal and Charging Your Worth #710: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Get Paid What You are Worth. Sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021 #662: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Stepping Into Profitable Kitchen Remodels. Sponsored Show: Interior Design Business Academy #602: Terri Taylor: Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit #548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's show is sponsored by Terri Taylor and The Interior Design Business Academy. Check out all the details on https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/

Today With Susan & Paul Kadilak: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business. We’ve all heard about how valuable video can be for our business. But the idea of starting with video holds a lot of us back. How do we overcome our own insecurities? How do we get started? What do we even put in our videos?  Today, Susan & Paul Kadilak of Kadilak homes help answer that question. They’re taking us through their journey of video for their business and how you can start with video—even if video makes you nervous! Pick It Apart [2:46] Paul and Susan share how they got started with video and how they overcame the discomfort and nerves in the process.  [19:18] Paul and Susan discuss why they chose to bring someone in-house to handle their video needs [22:57] Paul and Susan talk about how to get started with video—without needing to create scripts or ideas.  [28:45] Paul, Susan, and LuAnn discuss how video help build relationships with clients. [36:55] Paul and Susan talk about building video into your contracts. [50:00] Paul and Susan discuss their upcoming TV show and app. LuAnn Nigara and Susan & Paul Kadilak's Ah-Ha Moments “It gets your authenticity out there. When you’re just yourself, there’s people that are going to like you and there are people that are not going to like you and that’s okay. It attracts our ideal avatar in a way, because people come to us that want to work with us.” -Paul “We all know we’re going to get better. If you’re trying to find the courage or motivation, just know that today is the worst you’re ever going to be at it.” -LuAnn “You have to recognize that you care more and you’re paying more attention than anybody else. You’re your own biggest critic.” -Susan More About Susan & Paul Kadilak: @KadilakHomes is a design build firm run by Susan & Paul Kadilak in the Greater Boston area. Together they have made it their mission to help their clients turn an ordinary house into a haven that they love coming home to! The Kadilak’s have grown by connecting directly with their audience through their social media channels and are excited to announce that they just launched a brand-new app, “Renovation Rekindle”, featuring their new show with 10 half hour episodes. In each episode you can follow along with the Kadilak’s and their clients on a complete home renovation journey from beginning to end. Connect with Susan & Paul Kadilak Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. products are in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in-stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet’s exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at http://www.kravet.com.

Today With Heather Hansen: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Heather Hansen, of Heather Hansen Presents we’re talking about how to advocate for yourself in your business. For some, this can be challenging because it begins with believing in yourself. And after 20 years as a trial attorney, Heather has combined her experience, her psychology degree, and her time as a TV anchor to create specific tools to teach anyone to advocate. Pick It Apart [4:13] Heather explains to us how she helps people advocate for themselves, their ideas, and business. [8:00] Heather’s 3 C’s of advocacy. [19:36] What Heather does with her clients to instill better belief in themselves through the evidence journal. [40:00] How compassion plays a role in your advocacy. LuAnn Nigara and Heather Hansen's Ah-Ha Moments “No one can better advocate for yourself than you can because no one has your experience, passion, and talent.” - Heather Hansen “If you’re lacking in belief, then it’s really hard to help other people believe.” - Heather Hansen “See things from your client’s perspective, then use words to resonate with them.” - Heather Hansen More About Heather Hansen: Heather Hansen helps leaders, sales teams and high-powered individuals master persuasion and build credibility with diverse stakeholders. She gives leaders the tools to make the case for their ideas, their products, and their leadership. With these tools, they change others' perspectives and help them to believe.  Heather has worked with companies like Google, LVMH, SavATree, the American Medical Association, and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and has lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Law School, Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania. She’s also appeared on The Today Show, CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Fox Business, and CBS.  Heather is the author of the bestselling book The Elegant Warrior-How to Win Life's Trials Without Losing Yourself, which Publishers Weekly calls "a template to achieving personal and career goals", and the host of The Elegant Warrior podcast, an Apple Top 100 Career podcast. Her most recent book is Advocate To Win-10 Tools to Ask for What You Want and Get It. Connect with Heather Hansen Website  Instagram  LinkedIn Advocate to Win: 10 Tools to Ask for What You Want and Get It The Elegant Warrior What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #797: Power Talk Friday: Andrea Liebross: What You Are Worth, in Dollars and Sense. Window Treatments for Profit: #70: Elizabeth Gerdes: Sometimes a Pivot is the Best Thing for Your Window Treatment Business Happiness A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: We only have so many hours in the day. So, how do you maximize your time and invest in your business without maxing out your expenses? Well, our friends at Mydoma have you covered. They’re having the biggest sale of the season, so if you want to spend less time managing and more time designing, plus get access to a powerful rendering tool, mood boards, easy product curation, and more, then I think you know what to do. Head over to mydomastudio.com/summer to get Mydoma’s most popular plan for 50% off until the end of the year. That’s only $39.50 per month to get access to a full suite of project management tools, plus the simple and user-friendly rendering tool. Make an investment in yourself and your business and take advantage of this limited-time offer! That’s mydomastudio.com/summer.

Today on A Well-Designed Business Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, LuAnn lists all the different services and products she offers through the LuAnn Nigara Inc platform for you to enjoy! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Have you been noticing brands in all industries going more “green?” Are you wondering how you can contribute as a designer?  Today I am chatting with Michelle Rohrer-Lauer a.k.a “The Green Queen”, owner of Michelle Interiors. Michelle will answer all of your questions on how you can learn about sustainability (clue: her 50 Shades of Green events) and how to sprinkle in eco-friendly design to your clients. Make sure to tune in because sustainability is a growing concept and you don’t want to miss out. Pick It Apart [1:45] Michelle explains how sustainability is a growing consumer mandate. [6:27] Michelle gives advice on how to sprinkle in information to clients. [23:20] Michelle talks to us about her 50 Shades of Green approach and events.  [31:51] Michelle explains how a designer can learn more about sustainability. LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Rohrer-Lauer's Ah-Ha Moments “You don’t have to be 100% green. You can be 10% green and you’ll still make a difference in your home.” - Michelle Rohrer-Lauer “I already know that you’re going to make the room pretty, but when you’ve added extra value to it and taught me something that’s something I am going to include in my conversations.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Award-winning interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, a.k.a. “The Green Queen,” launched Michelle’s Interiors more than 25 years ago as a part-time, home-based business. Since then, the studio has grown into a bustling, well-respected, firm operating full-time in suburban Chicago. Michelle’s mission has always been to help her clients live the luxurious lifestyle they imagined, in the broadest sense. Yes, that means top-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. But above all, Michelle wants her clients to enjoy the same mindset at home that they experience on vacation: relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. To that philosophy, Michelle adds a passion for sensible, eco-friendly design choices. She calls her approach “50 Shades of Green” because she believes that her clients don’t have to be 100 percent sustainable at home. They can choose any shade of green that fits their lifestyle, because even small changes can produce healthier indoor living and a healthier planet.  As a certified GREENleader and member of the national Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC),  Michelle wants to help improve indoor air quality, protect natural resources, reduce the world’s carbon footprint and rebel against our throw-away society. She calls it a life insurance policy for the future. To further this goal, Michelle has developed a series of events called “50 Shades of Green,” partnering with local builders, landscapers, architects and specialty trades to educate the public about her approach to eco-friendly design. Among her accolades:  Won “Designer of the Year” award in the 2020 #GetYourGreenOn contest co-sponsored by the Interior Design Society and Sustainable Furnishings Council. Here is her Award-Winning Project   Winner, ASID-IL Design Excellence Awards 2018 to 2021   Member, Sustainable Furnishings Council   Featured in Sheridan Road Magazine, focusing on sustainable design choices for an award-winning home   Featured in Green Building & Design Magazine here: Sustainable Interior Design Tips.  Named as the go-to sustainable designer for Lake Home Lifestyles magazine and blog, including  Living the Green Life Connect with Michelle Rohrer-Lauer Website  Instagram  Facebook  Portfolio Fifty Shades of Green What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #569: Power Talk Friday: Mike Peterson: Leveraging Design’s Influence on Health and Wellness to Increase Your Value Proposition #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design. #670: Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know #718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos #724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals  #773: Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation #800: Richelle Plett: How to Sell Upholstery Without a Sit Test A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. products are in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in-stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet’s exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at http://www.kravet.com.

Today With Hailey Kolbe: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I am joined by Hailey Kolbe, the founder and principal designer of her referral-based design firm, Hailey Kolbe Design, which specializes in full-service design for new builds and remodels. Do you know the value of a thorough client work-up? Today, Hailey and I discuss the importance of a thorough evaluation of your client inquiry forms, how to spot red flags, and set expectations with your clients so you set yourself, and your client, up for success. Tune in today to hear how these critical steps can ultimately help you attract your ideal client and be more profitable. More About Hailey Kolbe: Hailey Kolbe Design is a referral-based design firm ran by founder and lead designer Hailey Kolbe. HK Design specializes in full-service design for new builds and remodels. At the heart of the business is Hailey’s devotion to serving others and creating a unique design experience tailored to each client project. Through developing long lasting relationships with her clients, Hailey and her team create spaces reflective of each homeowner’s personality and lifestyle.  HK Design cultivates a client experience through a comprehensive materials presentation, the provision of on-site support throughout the construction process and concludes with the furnishing installation. It is Hailey’s priority to curate beautiful, yet functional spaces and a bespoke experience for each of her clients to enjoy while bringing the custom design to fruition.   A native Texan and Texas A&M graduate, Hailey began working as a Registered Nurse before her creative abilities, driven spirit, and deep faith transformed her profession in 2015 into a flourishing interior design career. She spent many years designing homes at a full-service design firm and furniture showroom where she gained experience in design, project management, retail and merchandising. Hailey’s design experience highlights full service residential remodels, new construction, and furnishings. Her work can be seen in Texas living Publications and Luxe Interior Design Magazine. Over the years, Hailey has honed her skills by growing resources and relationships to provide the best products and qualified contractors for each individual project. Hailey also offers mentorship to fellow designers called "Mentorship by Hailey." She has experienced many wonderful mentors throughout her career as a designer and recognizes mentorship is indispensable for the success of Hailey Kolbe Design. She knows firsthand the importance of having one person to trust with the details of your business, to help guide you through decisions and provide encouragement to take the next step in order for your business to grow. This mentorship is designed to support you and your business in a unique way as she is currently in the midst of running her own business, navigating hard decisions, seeking to grow and serve her clients in a way that provides the very best experience. Connect with Hailey Kolbe Website  Instagram Hailey's Project Inquiry Form Hailey's Design Process To apply for Business Mentorship with Hailey Kolbe What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Sponsor: Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Claire Jefford:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. In today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Claire Jefford—a seasoned designer, a business coach, and one of my trusted Power Talk Friday experts.  Claire knows that the foundation of a successful business is trust and experience—and she’s formed the Interior Design Boss Academy to teach you how to build those two vital pieces for your business. Pick It Apart [13:38] Claire discusses why trust matters so much in business and how to build it from the very first touchpoint with a client.  [23:25] Claire and LuAnn talk about the importance of the client experience. [30:51] Claire breaks down the modules of her course and how they help designers build a strong foundation for their business.  [45:25] Claire shares what you get when you join the Interior Design Boss Academy. LuAnn Nigara and Claire Jefford's Ah-Ha Moments: “The quicker you can build trust, the faster clients will hand over the reins to you and not micromanage. You’ll just see a big shift.” -Claire Jefford “I have coached designers who have said that in their welcome emails they start talking about discounts. Who are you attracting there right now? You are attracting people who are counting their dollars. We don’t hire people in our business because they’re the cheapest. We hire because they’re the best.” -Claire Jefford “This industry is a luxury. We as designers or business owners can’t forget that whether you’re selling somebody something a $250 service or a $50,000 design fee, they’re coming to you for the experience.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Claire Jefford: Claire Jefford began her award-winning Interior Decorating firm in 2011 & quickly grew her business, boasting the highest reviewed design professional in the Toronto area with over 100 reviews. In 2017, Claire started a second business as a Business Coach.  With a background in Human Resources, Claire is passionate about having organized processes, marketing & she also loves creating videos. Audiences love Claire for her authentic personality, her helpful, straight-up advice & cheeky sense of humour.  Voted Top Influencer 3 years running by Modenus, Claire does speaking engagements, panel discussions & live video broadcasts from various events across North America. She also runs a highly active Facebook group, Interior Design Business Strategies, with over 5500 design professionals from around the world. Connect with Claire Jefford Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: #237 Claire Jefford: How To Get More Clients With Video Content #325 Claire Jefford: Create Valuable Content to Sell Through Your Website #485 Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Rock the Consult A big thank you to today's sponsor: Today's show is sponsored by Claire Jefford and The Interior Design Boss Academy. Check out all the details of her upcoming course, the “Interior Designer Boss Academy”. Enroll here: https://www.interiordesignbossacademy.com/

Today With Rebecca Hay: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Rebecca Hay, CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs. Through her podcast Resilient by Design and her course Power of Process, Rebecca is tapping into her experience with running her own business. She is sharing how she has learned to have a clear, organized, and thorough process of services resulting in success in every design project. Of course, it wasn’t always ‘success’ with Rebecca’s business. She had some eye-opening experiences, including what she calls a “lemon job” which, along with A Well-Designed Business and her peers, really opened her eyes to put proper focus on building a process of services.  Listen in as Rebecca and I discuss processes and how through trial and error and the knowledge that process is constantly evolving she has managed to confidently run her business. Pick It Apart [6:30] Rebecca goes into how she learned that processes are important.  [10:03] Rebecca explains how she felt that systems and processes seemed too advanced for her to try at first. [31:47] Rebecca shares how she councils designers through her podcast and through her Power of Process Course how to address processes. [41:00] LuAnn and Rebecca discuss charging for your consultations. LuAnn Nigara and Rebecca Hay's Ah-Ha Moments “No matter what the situation is, you have to rewind it back to where you think the mistake took place because that’s where the lesson is.” - LuAnn Nigara “If you never ask your clients those questions, you could go on for years having the same process that hasn't worked the best for your clients.” - LuAnn Nigara  “If the new processes aren’t updated in writing, then when the next project rolls around it's not there to follow. Process is constantly evolving.” - Rebecca Hay More About Rebecca Hay: Rebecca Hay is CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs, podcast host, international speaker, and business coach. She helps driven interior designers who are frustrated, time-strapped and spinning their wheels to eliminate the chaos of running a design business so that they can achieve focus and clarity. She helps them implement systems and strategies to inspire their confidence and streamline their business, taking them from chaos to coordinated. Her methods and experience prove that anyone can uplevel their business without working around the clock & missing out on precious family time.  She’s built her own seven-figure interior design business through trial and error and has eliminated the chaos giving her the freedom now to focus only on the parts that she enjoys most.  Her goal is to disrupt the traditional elitism and secrecy that has been a cornerstone of the Interior Design industry for far too long. Rebecca believes in collaboration over competition and given the right tools & truly authentic marketing, any designer can be successful. Connect with Rebecca Hay Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #489: Power Talk Friday: Brad Clinard: Intentional Planning for Abundant Living #777: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Leading from Your Future Self #698: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Tactics to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm #557: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset #475: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time #02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy  #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems #36: Susan Brunstrum: Practical Advice for Project Management #607: Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Brad Clinard, the Director of Financial Design at High Point Financial Design. Brad and his team are not your average financial planners. Their mission is abundance for everyone, especially their clients and they believe it is their responsibility as Financial Designers to help people improve their lives, make better choices concerning their money, and positively impact their financial wellness. This is their one, extraordinary, and obsessive focus.

Today With Jeannie Andresen: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I often hear from designers who struggle to turn down undesirable businesses. That makes sense—it can be hard to say no to the wrong fit. It takes work on your own mindset to learn how to do that. Today, business coach Jeannie Andresen joins me to guide you through a straightforward process to determine your own worth, charge accordingly, and turn away the business that doesn’t align with it. Pick It Apart [7:52] Jeannie breaks down the art of the 10-minute phone call for crisis communication. [19:47] Jeannie explains why removing emotion makes business decisions easier.  [38:22] LuAnn and Jeannie discuss why undercharging hurts both you and the client.  [45:18] Jeannie shares how to overcome feeling bad about saying no. LuAnn Nigara and Jeannie Andresen's Ah-Ha Moments “If you’re going to convince yourself of a story, why don’t we just try a different story? Let’s say that if you say $6,000 then they thought it was going to be $10,000 and they are thrilled. Because that is just as likely as the story that they were expecting $3,000 and $6,000 is too much. We made them both up.” -LuAnn “You have to remember that in the tough conversations, the other person just wants to hear sometimes that you know a mistake was made. You don’t have to take it as a personal hit.” -LuAnn “The worse feeling is when you give a quote and they say yes to it quickly and you just crumble because you think you should have charged more. How does that allow you to show up moving forward with that client?” -Jeannie More About Jeannie Andresen: Jeannie is a former corporate director turned life and business coach who specializes in helping interior designers become confident in both business and leadership. Jeannie’s background includes a decade of experience in corporate America, running a recruiting business inside a Fortune 100 finance firm. Her role included directly managing a team of six, indirectly managing a team of thirty, and onboarding, training, and coaching sales professionals to develop habits of success to reach their business goals. Jeannie now focuses her business on teaching interior designers the processes of running an organized, successful, and efficient business, so they can finally become confident in their business abilities and make the money they deserve. Connect with Jeannie Andresen Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #710 Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Get Paid What You are Worth. Sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021 A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. products are in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in-stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet’s exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at http://www.kravet.com.

Today With Sherry Schmidt: Today I am joined by Sherry Schmidt, owner of Form and Function. With 20 years of experience in the industry, Sherry offers individualized one-stop residential and commercial design services.   Today we are covering all things commercial design. Sherry puts all of her sales staff through a step by step training to teach them the art of conversation with clients. Whether you do commercial design, residential design and thinking about adding commercial, residential only, or you just think sales in general are scary, this episode will provide you with a ton of takeaways. You will also learn about Sherry’s course, the Consumer Centered Sales Method for Design Professionals, that will take sales training even farther giving you the confidence to close each and every sale. Pick It Apart [6:15] Sherry breaks down what she will be covering in our conversation about commercial design.  [15:00] Sherry explains what territorial restrictions refer to in commercial design. [17:30] Being prepared with a list of questions about the project scope, budget and quality [29:20] Tips on using what you know about your competition during the initial interview. [49:59] What Sherry suggests designers watch out for in terms of budgeting. LuAnn Nigara and Sherry Schmidt's Ah-Ha Moments “Every situation is different. There are no problems, just solutions.” - Sherry Schmidt “How do I value engineering and still get the look for less?” - Sherry Schmidt “A huge takeaway is do not underestimate the interview, if we can’t wow them during this step then we’re just wasting our time.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Sherry Schmidt: Sherry Schmidt’s studies in art and psychology spawned her interest in interior design. With 20 years of experience in the industry, she offers individualized one-stop residential and commercial design services. Her client-inspired designs incorporate distinctive elements sourced from global artisans and suppliers to create exclusively tailored spaces. Sherry is dedicated to building trusted relationships and to providing superior service to clients throughout the Midwest and beyond. Connect with Sherry Schmidt Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #683: Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience is #1 in Design A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

More About Amber De La Garza: Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist! Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, host of the Productivity Straight Talk podcast, and creator of Leverage Lab®. She helps business owners improve their time management and elevate their productivity to maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most! Connect with Amber De La Garza Website  Instagram  Facebook  Listen to Amber’s podcast! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today With Gillian Segal: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am sitting down with Gillian Segal, owner of Gillian Segal Design and HUGE supporter of relationships. But that’s not Gillian’s only passion. Gillian's skill of sourcing has also contributed to her company’s success. Tune in to learn how strong relationships in all aspects of her business and how growing her ‘black book’ of vendors has made Gillian’s firm successful in six years. Pick It Apart [3:00] Gillian starts us right off on what developing community means to her. [7:38] How Gillian develops her supportive and collaborative team. [26:36] Gillian brings the same principles in strengthening relationships with her clients. [33:23] What comes to mind for Gillian in terms of the community with vendors and peers. LuAnn Nigara and Gillian Segal's Ah-Ha Moments “Design is a team sport because it definitely takes a village.” - Gillian Segal  “Some things are out of our control, but what is in our control is how we conduct ourselves with our partners.” - Gillian Segal “The things that got you to your first $500,000 won’t be the things that will get you to your first million to your second million, and so on.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Gillian Segal: Gillian believes that design can have a profoundly positive impact on quality of life and has always had a passion for interior design and its influence on the way we feel day-to-day. At a young age, Gillian watched her parents build their first family home, and from that experience, she always knew that she wanted to change people’s lives through design.  After completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Gillian pursued her love for design by attending B.C.I.T’s Interior Design program and graduated magna cum laude. From there, she earned her CID and began working with some of Vancouver’s top design studios, which catapulted the start of her eponymous design firm. Now servicing major cities, including Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, and beyond, Gillian works with clients around the globe to create highly personalized spaces that speak authentically to their lifestyles.  With an emphasis on playful, modern, and eclectic glamour, Gillian’s work is ever-evolving and frequently inspired by her travels and love for shifting styles throughout the decades. Gillian prioritizes the blending of old and new design aesthetics in order to continuously produce one-of-a-kind timeless spaces for her clients.  Passionate about collaborative initiatives, Gillian continues to expand her endeavors in the product development market. She is the co-founder of Saint Lunette, which focuses on servicing developers, and most recently has curated a product design and wallpaper collection with Drop It Modern.  Gillian has also shared her expertise as an interior design contributor and writer for marthastewart.com and Gray Malin. In between site checks and design appointments, she loves spending time with her family and raising her young children. When she’s not working, Gillian is passionate about giving back and often participates in volunteer work around her community. Gillian is excited to expand her reach and bring her tailored design approach to more of her favorite cities around the world.  Connect with Gillian Segal Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #64- Laura Umansky- Plan Your Career with Intention and Purpose #363- Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn- Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #492- Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today’s Show Sponsored by the “Interior Design Standard.” Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share all the details of her upcoming course, the “Interior Design Standard”. I’m so excited to share Sandra Funk’s business program, the “Interior Design Standard”, with you because I know it will be the best investment for your business. Enroll here:  https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann Today with Sandra Funk:  Sandra's back on the show today, and we are talking all about growth and change. Mistakes and obstacles can lead to growth and transformation. Find out why Sandra never asks a client for their budget, and what she does instead. This is one you don't want to miss! This will also be your exclusive invitation to sign up for the Interior Design Standard, so you can achieve the same transformation as Sandra's design firm, without having to make all the mistakes yourself. More About Sandra Funk: Sandra Funk is the CEO and Principal Designer of House of Funk, a greater New York area design firm working wherever great clients need us. This is interior design with a soul and a sense of place; reflecting your desires, personality, and style. House of Funk creates thoughtful homes with an emphasis on clean lines and soulful touches, all rooted in tradition. Sandra is an Accredited Professional for the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Sandra’s award-winning design work has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor, House Beautiful, The Huffington Post, Apartment Therapy, Aspire Design & Home, and Luxe Interiors + Design. With almost two decades in the interior design industry, Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020 – a template for designers to utilize her streamlined processes and business structure to bring joy and profit to their own design business. Connect with Sandra Funk Website Instagram Facebook  Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: #753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business #660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard” #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems #520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! #145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm #02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

Today With Richelle Plett: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, with Richelle Plett, seasoned interior designer, and expert in upholstered furniture. We talk about her proprietary course, Upholstery Uncovered, which is accompanied by her, literally beautiful, book by the same name. We also talk about her exciting new 3-hour intensive course available through LuAnn University starting fall 2022, called "Close more upholstered furniture sales: No sit test required!". This episode and her courses are for you if you have ever struggled to sell upholstered pieces to your clients without a “sit test”. When you know the ergonomics of upholstered pieces and the construction of them, you can confidently specify comfortable, beautiful upholstered furniture without the stress and anxiety of “will they like it”? Be the expert and learn how to confidently sell upholstered furniture even when your client cannot try it themselves. Pick It Apart [4:00] LuAnn and Richelle explain the importance of how you can build trust by having the knowledge of what you are selling.  [7:02] As a full service interior designer, Richelle shares how she came to know so much about upholstery. [20:45] Richelle runs through some of the topics covered in her book, Upholstery Uncovered. [31:30] Information on Richelle’s upcoming course for LuAnn University. LuAnn Nigara and Richelle Plett's Ah-Ha Moments “From a sales standpoint, anytime I can understand exactly what I am talking about it’s so much easier to sell.” - LuAnn Nigara  “As a designer, you need to be able to read the frame, look at it and notice that this particular fabric, whether I’m reupholstering it or selecting a custom fabric and recognize how that is going to look.” - Richelle Plett “Once you have a good understanding about what your client’s needs are for the upholstered piece in that space, it basically designs itself.” Richelle Plett More About Richelle Plett: Craving a way to confidently source custom upholstery and meet your client’s needs without resorting to crowdsourcing social media for the answer? Then you should know Richelle Plett. In addition to being a “seasoned” interior designer, Richelle has developed a course called UPHOLSTERY UNCVOVERED that teaches design professionals how to identify and analyze upholstery construction materials and methods so they can make informed decisions on their client’s behalf. Having previously owned an upholstery studio that specialized in the restoration of vintage seating, Richelle has had the unique opportunity to observe how various materials and construction methods wear in real life.  In UPHOLSTERY UNCOVERED, she presents the information in an unbiased manner diving deep into frames, foundations, springs, cushions, fabrics, and custom fabric application, and empowers students to confidently specify custom upholstery WITHOUT clients insisting on sitting on it first!  When not geeking out over the pros and cons of 8-way hand-tied coils springs, Richelle can be found on her own sofa with her dog streaming a documentary and devouring black jellybeans. Connect with Richelle Plett Website  Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today With Jamie Van Cuyk: It seems like everywhere I turn, businesses in our industry are hiring. And yet, just as many of them are struggling to find the right way to hire and onboard for long-term success. Today, Jamie Van Cuyk of Growing Your Business joins me to discuss the ins and outs of hiring the best fit employee for your team. Pick It Apart [2:14] Jamie discusses why hiring has changed so drastically in the last year and what it means for businesses looking to hire.  [20:05] Jamie shares her insights on the interview process, beginning with the job description. [34:55] Jamie and LuAnn discuss the importance of the onboarding process. [52:30] Jamie breaks down the importance of flexibility in work schedules for the modern workforce. LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Van Cuyk's Ah-Ha Moments “Just like in our design projects, the more clarity we can have upfront and the more we can create that in the job description and the job posting and the interview, the better match we’re going to ultimately end up with.” -LuAnn “The main thing about onboarding is teaching your expectations so you are happy with their performance. If you don’t teach them your expectations, they’re going to make up their own expectations.” -Jamie More About Jamie Van Cuyk: Jamie Van Cuyk, the owner and lead strategist of Growing Your Team, is an expert in hiring and onboarding teams within small businesses.  Drawing from over 15 years of leadership experience, Jamie teaches her clients how to hire their early team members, including employees and long-term contractors. By learning the dynamics of each company and their specific needs, she helps them and their perfect, long-lasting team members and avoids the hiring and ring cycle.  On a personal side, Jamie lives in St Petersburg, FL, with her husband and two daughters, is a hobby winemaker, loves to travel, and enjoys exercise that takes her feet off the ground, including rock climbing and aerial dance. Connect with Jamie Van Cuyk Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn Listen to Jamie's podcast Free gift for listeners!  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire Other Resources Mentioned: Link to Hiring & Team Management Collection on website : https://luannnigara.com/category/hiring-team-management/ A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Before we dive into today’s episode, let’s take a moment to thank our show sponsor, Revelwoods, your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today With Brook Perdigon: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Brook Perdigon, artist, designer, and owner of  Brook Perdigon Textiles (BPT). Brook emailed me describing her transition from creative artist, to creative business owner.  She explains there is an artist identity and a business owner identity. And how do we navigate that? Well Brook and I discuss all of her aha moments along her seven years in a creative business, along with the different approaches she took to those stubborn recurring challenges. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [3:20] Brook starts off with how she learned the hard way the difference between the two business identities; artist and business owner.  [22:53] Brook gives multiple ways you can reach a customer when one way doesn’t work. [40:10] Brook talks about Design Social Popups and how they’ve been beneficial in her business.  LuAnn Nigara and Brook Perdigon's Ah-Ha Moments “The creative mind always finds a way.” - Brook Perdigon “Having a goal with a timeline makes it real.” - LuAnn Nigara “My responsibility is to not only design a product, but also a functioning business that's profitable and can pay my employees.” - Brook Perdigon “As my business grows each year, my challenges evolve.” - Brook Perdigon More About Brook Perdigon: Artist and designer Brook Perdigon founded her company in 2015. Informed by history, culture, creativity and craft, Brook Perdigon Textiles (BPT) has quickly grown from a small business to a global brand with showrooms across the United States as well as in the U.K., Canada, and Australia. In addition to textile collections, BPT offers wallpaper, custom fine art, and thoughtful industry collaborations. BPT has been featured in The World of Interiors, LUXE Magazine, House & Garden, C Magazine, Country Living, The New York Times, Modern Luxury and other leading design publications. Collections thread art, history and culture through the lens of modern making. Antique textiles inform Brook’s drawings and sketches, resulting in a process and practice that embraces imperfection and celebrates the human hand. Many fabrics are hand-screened on Belgian linen, and each product embodies an individual, idiosyncratic voice. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Brook began her career as an independent artist creating custom textile collections for interior designers in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris. She went on to work as a senior designer for Tai Ping Carpets, designing textiles for high-profile clients and prestigious projects worldwide. She founded BPT, in part, to cultivate and support artists, women and fellow small business owners in her community. Many of her fabrics are printed in Los Angeles, and she regularly collaborates with local artists—a partnership with TARP, for example, led to the creation of a painted pool and dance performance inspired by her Ituri design. Brook currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Michael, their children, Mallory and Tanner. Connect with Brook Perdigon Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #769: Power Talk Friday: Leah Neaderthal: Sales Techniques For Introverts. A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Join us for the Prerequisites for Success free zoom event on September 15th at 12:30 EDT. Come spend some time with me and some of the most brilliant brains in the design industry, the incredible instructors of LuAnn University! If you know me and have been to any of my events before, you know that this is going to be tons of fun and tons of information that you can take to your business. This event is absolutely free and each instructor is going to share their best advice, the thing you should know in order to be successful in their respective areas of expertise in LU. Go to luannnigara.com/success to register.

Today With Andrea Liebross: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, Andrea Liebross, certified business and life coach, podcaster and owner of Andrea Liebross Coaching, LLC. is here to talk about self worth. She provides some great tips, strategies, and facts that will help us ditch our doubt in our skills and what we charge, and come out with one hundred percent assurance in how we conduct our business. Even I took a page out of Andrea’s book from the great tips she was offering. This is definitely worth the listen if you ever feel stuck or if your business feels stagnant due to not recognizing your own worth.  Pick It Apart [4:30] Andrea shares how she approaches the subject of worthiness with her clients. [15:30] Andrea starts to explain what to do next when you aren’t believing in yourself and your self worth.  [31:49] Andrea shares how to find emotional and financially mature clients. [51:50] Andrea tells us about her podcast Time to Level Up and how you can reach her. LuAnn Nigara and Andrea Liebross' Ah-Ha Moments “The more dissonance you have with your worth, the more drama you have about your worth or pricing.” - Andrea Liebross “You need to think that you are undercharging them and over delivering.” - Andrea Liebross “You have a talent and a gift that we need, but if you don’t create a sustainable business that provides you with the lifestyle you deserve then how can you stay in business so people can enjoy your gifts?” - LuAnn Nigara More About Andrea Liebross: After graduating from Dartmouth College and marrying the guy that lived down the hall, Andrea Liebross and her husband packed up the 1980s red Cadillac, left the northeast, and eventually made their way to the midwest city known for the Indianapolis 500. Over the last few decades, Andrea has started 3 successful businesses, all while raising two kids, now ages 20 and 17, and several giant puppies. As a certified business and life coach, Andrea's known for helping high-achieving women make the shift from overwhelm to freedom in both their personal and professional life. Her goal is to guide these bold, ambitious women to create their own custom secret sauce for success by combining just two ingredients - the right mindset and solid systems. Andrea believes every problem is solvable and every dream is possible IF you make it all simple, doable and FUN (even the systems). Connect with Andrea Liebross Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #577- Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot Seat.  Time to Level Up Episode 30- What Are You Worth? How to Put a Price on it. A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today With Allison Handler: Welcome to A Well-Design Business. Today I am joined by Allison Handler, owner of Allison Handler Design. Through listening to AWDB, taking courses at LuAnn University, facing hard challenges and creating important relationships, Allison earned $1 million in gross sales, in her first year of business. Allison reached out to me and I was impressed with her work ethic and story. She wanted to share with you everything she learned in that first year, including what she learned about systems and processes, forming relationships, and the hard lessons along the way. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [13:18] Allison starts to share her story. [27:19] Allison provides tips on how she navigates the conversation regarding budget. [37:05] Allison shares struggles and aha moments along the way. [39:20] What Allison would suggest for someone who doesn't feel like they have a good trade support team. LuAnn Nigara and Allison Handler's Ah-Ha Moments “I can’t be successful, if I don’t know the budget and it’s not realistic.” - Allison Handler “There’s so much power to the relationships that we build, but the motor to that power is having the courage to put yourself out there.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Allison Handler: It all begins and ends with relationships. Allison Handler Design prides itself on building and maintaining incredible relationships with both clients and vendors, working hard every day to make sure that a client’s wants and needs are satisfied by keeping a close-knit but wide-reaching team of vendor partners on hand to seamlessly execute the vision. As lead designer and visionary, Allison oversees all projects, ensuring the AHD aesthetic is incorporated while keeping the client’s personal preferences foremost. We strongly believe in making the most out of every clients’ budget, and source from the best mid-to-high end suppliers including well-known brands and exclusive smaller artisans, to ensure long lasting and high quality products that will last and feel unique to each space.  On a personal note, Allison was born and raised right here in Bergen County, NJ. After moving to Florida at age 15 with her family, she returned to the northeast after college to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Twenty years later, after getting married and having a family of her own, she knew it was time for a change. Allison Handler Design was born, almost by accident, after several friends and family members asked for help with their own home projects. Building off her fashion roots, Allison discovered she had a major passion and natural talent for interiors and decided to pursue it as a new career path. Allison Handler Design is now a thriving business thanks to the support of current and past clients, and we look forward to continuing to grow and carve out our place in this little corner of the world. Connect with Allison Handler Website  Instagram  Facebook  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #779- Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: What Should the CEO of an Interior Design Firm Be Doing? #786- Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries. We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5-week courses is up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3-hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today With Katie McFarlan: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. What does it take to be successful? We talk about it week in and week out on the show. There are so many details, so many facets to business success. But there are a handful of business practices that every successful designer puts into place—the things that set them apart from those who struggle. Today, Katie McFarlan of Dakota Design Co joins me to share the six business practices she believes are key to a well-designed business. Pick It Apart [11:54] Katie breaks down why setting a project minimum is important and the different ways to do it.  [22:57] LuAnn and Katie discuss the value of clear service offerings and processes. [32:57] Katie shares why investing in yourself is vital. [47:42] LuAnn and Katie talk about professional photography and why it matters even if you don’t have projects yet.  [51:28] Katie highlights how setting boundaries helps with business success. LuAnn Nigara and Katie McFarlan's Ah-Ha Moments “The more clarity you can put around things the less opportunity there is for designers to complain about “scope creep.” If you didn’t define what it is that you do, how is the client supposed to know that it’s out of the parameters?” -LuAnn   “When you do the same thing over and over again, it’s good at getting you to be more efficient and working out the kinks. Your clients will enjoy working with you more when they know what to expect.” -Katie More About Katie McFarlan: As a former wedding and event planner with 16 years of experience in operations and project management, Katie enjoys using both her creative and analytical sides to find solutions that work for her clients. With her intimate knowledge of how both industries work, she knows what it takes to get behind-the-scenes operations running smoothly so businesses can grow in a sustainable and professional way. Today her business, Dakota Design Company, helps interior designers and wedding planners who are buried in business operations get back to doing the creative work they love. Through consulting and done-for-you implementation, she and her all-female team streamline their clients’ services and pricing, create strategic client experiences, and refine and implement processes their teams and customers will appreciate. Connect with Katie McFarlan Website Instagram   Blog Client Experience Download for listeners What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #678 Power Talk Friday: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts with Processes A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Mydoma Studio, your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Today With Renee Biery: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am chatting with Renee Biery, owner of  deVignier Design, Inc. and Only Girl On the Jobsite podcast. Renee works in restoration as well as new construction and she wanted to share with my listeners how renovation management is a stable income for interior designers throughout the year, as procurement and decorating ebbs and flows per job. A lot of takeaways here. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [3:50] Renee describes the scope of renovation management in her business. [14:26] Renee shares how she changed the initial conversations with her clients, so that they would consider her for renovation management as well. [22:53] Renee shares another way we can position ourselves to clients as their one stop shop. [32:40] Renee gives us tips as designers on how we can confidently show up at a typically male dominated job site. LuAnn Nigara and Renee Biery's Ah-Ha Moments “Many designers are doing renovation management, but don’t necessarily lead with it in their marketing.” - Renee Biery   “There’s a lot of different people with different skill sets that are needed to complete the project, but they don’t have overlapping skills. A designer can add to that and elevate any project.” - Renee Biery   “View yourself as an equal on the team. You are not above and you are not below.” - Renee Biery    “In order to be taken seriously, you have to show up seriously.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Renee Biery: Renée deVignier Biery, ASID, is an interior designer based in Wilmington, Delaware. She is a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, one of the country’s oldest conservatory interior design programs, earning a degree with distinction in 1994 as an Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design. Biery is formally trained in practical interior architecture with advanced technical and rendering proficiency. Her credentials include NCIDQ board licensing as a professional member of the ASID, the design industry’s highest certification.    For Biery, design is a lifelong calling. It is a throughline of home life, from the traditional American houses of the Delaware Valley, to her training and professional experience in the design world of New York, and back again to her roots in Wilmington. Across this map of influences, design has given Renée the way to celebrate a sense of place that is both local and original.    Renée deVignier Biery was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, home to the Winterthur Museum among many important and historic residences and gardens. Good design was always in her surroundings, “a common language of big rambling homes filled with proper antiques,” she explains. She drew her inspiration early from a number of grandly formal old houses belonging to members of her own family in Virginia and especially from her two grandmothers—one, a southern, Virginia lady with an eye for cutting-edge New York and European fashion, and the other, a social worker who had a talent for understanding people deeply. Those qualities combine in Biery’s approach to design. She puts people and their practical needs first. She aims to create work that will be lasting and meaningful. She views tradition with an edge but also with a natural, truly southern civility.   During and following her schooling, Biery worked in the design field in New York. She began in 1993 as an associate in the legendary Lexington Avenue boutique of designer Charlotte Moss. She spent several years as a senior designer in the firm of Barbara Hauben Ross, a well-known New York designer who specializes in refined, luxury Art Deco interiors. During this tenure Biery honed her skill not only in historical and architectural renovation, but also, specifically, in the edited simplicity of early modern color, shape, and structure. The experience has given her a quietly pared-down viewpoint to balance more embellished, traditional environments.   Biery returned permanently to Wilmington in 2000 and established her own firm, deVignier Design, Inc. She works in restoration as well as new construction, and remains committed to the personal attention of a studio practice where she is fully involved from inception to installation with every assignment. “These are people who are sharing their lives with me, who will often spend a number of years with me on a project,” she says. “If I do my job right, the relationship is as lasting as the work, and the resulting house will look like the homeowners, not me.” Connect with Renee Biery Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest LinkedIn Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #16- Charles Pavarini: Behind the Scenes of the Architectural Digest Design Show 2016 #305- Elizabeth Scruggs: The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business. #380- Circle Design Studio: Architect & Interior Design Firm: John & Theresa Dorlini A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Mydoma studio, the project management tool for you to organize your communication with your team, your clients and your trades. Invoices, proposals, presentations, project milestones all in one place. See it for yourself- go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness 

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 4 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer. Today, we are talking about how to breakdown your pricing for a client. How much detail do you include? How do you explain labor, fabric, hardware, and installation costs? We talk about it all! Tune in to learn how to have this tough conversation like a pro. More About Vita Vygovska Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives. Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at vita@vitaliainc.com Connect with Vita Vygovska: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet’s exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at http://www.kravet.com.

Today With Jessica Davis: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, Jessica  Davis of JL Design in Nashville, Tennessee is joining me to share her tried and true strategies to hold clients accountable at the beginning, middle, and end of your project. We’ve all been on a tense phone call with a client about something not going their way. You think about all the ways this could have been avoided. Today Jessica shares her strategies to hold your clients, and yes sometimes even holding yourself accountable. More About Jessica Davis: Jessica Davis founded JL Design in 2005. She is a graduate of Watkins College of Art in Nashville Tennessee, and brings 18 years of Interior Design experience to the JL Design team. “I knew I wanted to be involved in Design at a very young age, when I realized there were always new challenges to overcome. I have always been surrounded by the arts and I have always felt that my inner creativity would ultimately guide me in my career. I wanted to be a part of something that would allow me to work closely with people and enrich their lives through design. For me, Interior Design is defined by functional, unique, creativity tailored to each individual.” With a degree in Interior Design, Jessica began consulting on Design projects in Middle Tennessee, and was soon being commissioned for jobs in New York, New Jersey, and Miami. JL Design’s reputation for innovative Interior Design solutions has made it a leader in its class. “I feel so fortunate to be able to bring my devotion and energy to my clients every day, and forge relationships that I find so crucial when working in someone's home or personal space. There will always be a need for functional, progressive Interior Design, and I am committed to the art form and the evolving industry as it meets the needs of today.” Carrie Flynn is the owner of Virtual Simplicity, LLC., which specializes in helping our clients get their online programs created, designed, and ready to launch with simplicity and ease, so they can launch + maximize profits fast. We offer custom funnel design + tech setup in Kajabi, and full launch management strategy/support. Carrie loves yoga, her daily coffee, British TV shows and movies, and college football (Go Gators!). She's been married to her husband for 17 years, and together they have two daughters, ages 13 and 5. Carrie lives in the Mount Dora, FL area with her family. Connect with Jessica Davis Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Sponsor: Mydoma studio, the project management tool for you to organize your communication with your team, your clients and your trades. Invoices, proposals, presentations, project milestones all in one place. See it for yourself- go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness 

Today With Carrie Flynn: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today Carrie Flynn, owner of Virtual Simplicity, LLC. is joining us to talk about all things, launching.  Listen, I’ve launched a lot of successful programs; Money, Mindset & Sales, the Power Talk Friday Tour…but I would be lying if I said I did it all by myself and knew exactly what I was doing in terms of the TECH side. Thank God for my team! We, as creatives, have the brains, expertise, and superpower, but launching can be overwhelming.  Carrie is a certified Master Marketer and Launch Manager and is here to prepare us for what to expect (including the roller coaster of emotions), do, and not to do when it comes to launching a new product or service. Enjoy! More About Carrie Flynn: Carrie Flynn is the owner of Virtual Simplicity, LLC., which specializes in helping our clients get their online programs created, designed, and ready to launch with simplicity and ease, so they can launch + maximize profits fast. We offer custom funnel design + tech setup in Kajabi, and full launch management strategy/support. Carrie loves yoga, her daily coffee, British TV shows and movies, and college football (Go Gators!). She's been married to her husband for 17 years, and together they have two daughters, ages 13 and 5. Carrie lives in the Mount Dora, FL area with her family. Pick it apart: [1:50] Carrie explains what it means to be a certified master marketer and certified launch manager.  [10:30] Carrie gives some ideas you can take on your own to vet your launching idea to see if it will even work. [23:55] Carrie gets more in depth on how to prepare for the emotional side of a launch.  [37:40] Do you need to invest in ads and if so, what is a healthy budget? LuAnn and Carrie Flynn's Ah-Ha Moments “The clientele for your one on one business, won’t necessarily be the same clientele for your new launch.” - Carrie Flynn    “You could have come up with an awesome idea that your people don’t need. They want to buy a transformation” - Carrie Flynn   “The vehicle is your choice to decide how you want to put your idea out there.” - Carrie Flynn   “Like I always say, if you are going to do it, do it like a business.” - LuAnn Nigara Connect with Carrie Flynn Website  Instagram  Facebook   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: EPISODE 32 Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development EPISODE 540 Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development EPISODE 474 Bria Hammel: Keys to Scaling Your Interior Design Firm EPISODE 731 Chloe Mackintosh: Chloe Mackintosh: How She Went From Blogger to Interior Designer EPISODE 476 Amanda Hamilton: Running a Mid-Size Firm & Creating Additional Revenue Streams EPISODE 687 Demetrius Robinson: Show Up & Do The Work EPISODE 701 Kristen Rivoli: New Brand, New Year: How Rebranding Can Work for Interior Designer The Product Development Podcast Collection

Today With Rick Campos: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Whether we’ve had it for 6 months or 5 years, we still have questions when running our design business. The experience may not be the same, but the questions we ask ourselves are. It’s the circumstances that change.  Today with Rick Campos, who does freelance consulting exclusively for the interior design community, we tackle these questions that linger in our minds and all of the resources that are all around us that can answer them. More About Rick Campos: Rick Campos is a self proclaimed “recovering interior designer” with fifteen years of experience in the design industry. Formerly Director of Business Development for a notable Orange County design firm, his daily interactions with architects, builders, vendors and clients contributes to a broad perspective of the design industry.   In 2018 Rick traded in his tape measure for a microphone and launched Design Biz Survival Guide - a podcast about life and business for interior design professionals - with the intention of informing and inspiring the design community.   In 2019 Rick integrated freelance consulting into the platform with an emphasis on “the business of design” exclusively for the interior design community. He has since helped numerous design entrepreneurs grow their business to new levels.   The platform has since evolved to include annual business development retreats, learning opportunities, networking events, and an online community.   “My mission is to be the source of information and inspiration to interior design entrepreneurs that I needed when I launched my own design business back in 2007. To promote and further develop a design community that supports and empowers fellow design professionals on their journey in life and business.”   Pick it apart: [4:00] Rick introduces what we will be talking about today, that a creative business is still a business. [6:57] Rick addresses challenges that may arise from three to ten years down the road of owning your design business. [16:24] Rick tells us the types of questions designers ask each other when they connect. [33:40] Our conversation continues with great questions to ask your colleagues, including their background.  [38:27] Rick gives us details about his 3rd annual Design Biz Retreat.  [42:05] Rick talks about his expertise; selling luxury.   LuAnn and Rick Campos' Ah-Ha Moments “No matter how long we’re in our design business the questions we have are the same, it’s the circumstances that are different.” - Rick Campos   “It’s the conversations with other people in the business that answer your questions, not Google or Youtube.” - Rick Campos   “What I have said one billion times is that people buy people and process, not products.” - LuAnn Nigara   “If anyone is going to help guide you, it’s going to be a fellow designer because they’re already doing it.” - Rick Campos   “Getting together with other people who do what you do is one of the most enjoyable ways to push the envelope on your business.” - LuAnn Nigara   Connect with Rick Campos Website Instagram Facebook Podcast   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #06- Identifying Your Transferable Skills With Erika Ward #50- Veronica Solomon: Powerful Marketing for Your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook  #180- PowerTalk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why It Matters to You #482- Cheryl Clennendon- Small Business, Think Big #485- Power Talk Friday: Claire Jeffers- Rock the Consult A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Mydoma studio, the project management tool for you to organize your communication with your team, your clients and your trades. Invoices, proposals, presentations, project milestones all in one place. See it for yourself- go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness 

Today With Michelle Wiebe: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday epsiode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Michelle Wiebe's episode that originally aired as episode 148! On the show today, we have Michelle Wiebe! Michelle is the principal of Studio M in Tampa, Florida. The specialty of Michelle’s firm is luxury residential new construction. I know we have talked to quite a few designers in this field I haven’t really picked their brain as much as I did with Michelle today.  Her firm in addition to luxury residential, new construction they also do family condominiums, corporate headquarters, medical offices and small-scale hospitality spaces. Michelle is a busy lady! In addition to all of this, she serves on the board of interior design at Florida State University her Almer mater. She also serves on the high point market authority board and she goes all over the country speaking on design social media. She is the editor of Impression, the Studio M design blog. Pick it Apart: How many years has Studio M been in business? How does one show their specialty in luxury residential new construction on social media? What should a new designer know before taking on a big project in luxury residential new construction? What is a CEU? How can a designer educate themselves on different codes that need to be known before going into a project? What should the contract consist of? Can you really learn what you need to know from classes? How should make your client feel? Are there times when certain “projects” in a project should be hired outside of the firm? Who does Michelle have on her team at her firm? What does Michelle look for when going through the hiring process? What is High Point Market Authority? What sort of app can you use at the High Point Market Authority? How long can you serve on the board for High Point Market Authority? What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a solo show. I am sharing my thoughts on the biggest piece of business advice I have to offer from my long career as a business owner. There are so many things you need to learn to run a well-designed business. If you’re a longtime listener than you can probably name many of them by now. But today, I am sharing my absolute greatest takeaway that you need to know. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #575 Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year! #467 Taylor Spellman: Hard Truths on Why You Need to Manage the 80% Business #398 Courtney McLeod: Defined Process = Success in Your Interior Design Business #781 Flash Back Friday: Lori Morris: When Working with the Luxury Client, the Answer is Yes! #683 Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience Is #1 in Design #412 Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: How to Deliver a High-End Client Experience #663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business #516 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand #626 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design #718 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos #724 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals #125 Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!! #317 Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen #466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million #622 Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire #669 Kelly Collier: Managing Expectations Through Clear Messaging Window Treatments for Profit Podcast Episode #25 Rick Baker: Preserving Your Values as You Grow Your Window Treatment Business Other Resources Mentioned: Finances Podcast Episodes Collection Hiring Podcast Episodes Collection Window Treatments for Profit Podcast Exciting Windows! LuAnn and Friends Facebook Group Nancy Ganzekaufer’s Facebook Group Veronica Soloman’s Facebook Group Claire Jefford's Facebook Group Cheryl Clendenon’s Facebook Group The Wingnut Social Media Lab Facbeook Group IDS Conference coming up this August 2022 Design Biz Survival Guide Retreat October 2022 The Power Talk Friday Tour this October at High Point Market

Today With Adam Urbanski: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday epsiode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Adam Urbanski's episode that originally aired as episode 280! Today's guest  is Adam Urbanski, aka The Millionaire Marketing Mentor and he’s a real headliner in Online Marketing and Podcast circles! There are so many ways that Adam could really help and influence all LuAnn’s Designer friends to get that extra ‘something’ to tweak their businesses, so today, she’s decided to go with Adam’s Dream Business Design Process. Listen in to find out how this process helps Designers to identify what they want to sell the most and also how to sell to the most clients. Adam, who has been in business for seventeen years now, is really the ‘go-to guy’ for Coaches, Consultants and other Service Professionals who want to attract more clients, convert more high-value sales, build an authority brand, or grow a Lifestyle Business that has more impact and generates more income. Adam’s clients have often doubled, tripled and even ten times-ed their businesses, some of them in as little as ninety days! All of this and Adam started out with only $194 and limited English and he still managed to turn his first business into a seven-figure business in less than ten years! LuAnn knows that she’s in the presence of a true expert with Adam, so she’s very grateful that he’s on the show today! Listen in now, as Adam shares some really hot tips with you, to help you to become a way better business strategist! Pick it apart: Becoming a master of, and being known for a very specific approach. What his six question worksheet allows you to zero in on. How he discovered his ideal clients. That 90% of his clients are women and this happened by design! That marketing is really all about listening. Adam talks you through his six questions and how to best approach working with them. Finding your specific magic, as a Designer. Thinking about your dream income, per client. Identifying your dream project. Identifying the characteristics of your dream client. What you’d need to do in order to execute your project in the best possible way. (i.e. identifying your Superpower) Really understanding the expectations that you have to meet with your project. Expressing what you’re really good at to your client. Establishing systems for really clear processes in your business. Knowing that everything is changing all the time, so you need to maintain a constant process of evaluation with your clients. Asking yourself how much money you’d like to make from each project, per year. Examining which three to six marketing activities you really need to focus on- to avoid becoming overwhelmed. That you should really become a one track pony, in order to not lose sight of your core competencies. Connect with Adam Urbanski: Website  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today With Meredith Huck: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined with fellow Jersey girl Meredith Huck, Founder of House of Huck. Meredith and I were chatting on Instagram, and it ended up with one of those instances in which I saw value in her being a guest on the show.  Meredith has successfully achieved a net amount of six figures within her first ten months of business. She is here to give my audience three helpful tips for those who are twiddling their thumbs about starting their design business. Don’t worry, we get it. But I know that you will find value and information that will give you the confidence you are desiring to go for it! More About Meredith Huck: Founded in 2020, House of Huck creates timeless spaces focusing on functionality and beauty while keeping your lifestyle top of mind. We make the process streamlined and straightforward, taking decision fatigue off your plate and holding your hand every step of the way. Meredith and her husband live in Coastal Connecticut with their two young children. She is also a licensed real estate agent in the state of Connecticut and enjoys supporting her clients to turn average houses into spectacular homes. Pick it apart: [5:18] Meredith elaborates on her first lesson that you don’t need a creative background to succeed in a creative business. [20:17] Meredith starts to explain how you can make more money in your first year than you had in corporate if you are organized and disciplined. [35:17] Meredith shares her lessons of process and systems in her first year. [45:00] Meredith explains how you can be creative in the beginning if you don’t have the money to invest in the business.   LuAnn and Meredith Huck's Ah-Ha Moments: “Whatever you want to be, you don’t necessarily need to have had experience in that trade.” - Meredith Huck   “As a designer, you should be striving for as many trade resources as possible.” - LuAnn Nigara   “The wisdom and experience of your first year in business is like the memory of childbirth pain, it fades over time. It becomes hard to remember how hard the first couple of years can be.- LuAnn Nigara Connect with Meredith Huck: Website  Instagram  LinkedIn   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #6- Identifying Your Transferable Skills With Erika Ward. #182- Christie Leu- Christie Leu Interiors: Creating Your Own Mini Designer Summit. #234- Kimberly Kay Interiors- A New Designer & Her 1st Five Months in Business.  #278- Erika Ward- Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd. #297- Mikel Welch- Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man. #455- Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business #463- Sara Lynn Brennan- Package Your Design Services For Profit and Clarity. #607- Sara Lynn Brennan- Project Management With Specific Deliverables and Deadlines. #677- Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why #678- Power Talk Friday: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts With Processes.

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today we are going to talk about unleveling to new, different, bigger, and better projects. These are the projects that you want to do but currently are not doing because you don't have the experience yet. Let's talk about it! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour Fall 2022 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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  

Today with Kelly Fridline: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For many of you, running a successful and profitable interior design firm is the ultimate goal. But sometimes, the goal might look different. Perhaps you’ve thought about coaching, course creation, or another avenue besides a traditional firm. There are many career paths in the industry, and all of them require adjusting, evaluation, learning, and making mistakes. Today, Kelly Fridline joins me to discuss what it looks like to take a unique career path and what she has learned as she has carved out her businesses. Pick it apart: [2:34] Kelly discusses her background in architecture and the path she took to interior design.  [17:15] Kelly shares why she has chosen to not become licensed as an architect.  [34:08] Kelly highlights why she started Virtual Design Mentor as a networking and growth opportunity for designers.  [47:10] Kelly shares why her business involves other coaches and the strengths everyone brings to the table.  [53:20] Kelly talks about Liase for Interior Design and how designers can use it to find virtual assistance for their businesses. LuAnn and Kelly Fridline’s Ah-Ha moments: “Humility is key, but so is being really proud of what your gifts are.” -Kelly Fridline “No matter how many podcasts you listen to or how great your business coach is, there is still that learning experience where you’re going to make some really stupid decisions, and you’re going to learn from them.” -Kelly Fridline “It’s such a personal thing. I have to believe with the body of experience and education you have, if it really mattered to you, you’d sit and pass the darn test. But it doesn’t. And until it really matters to you, so what?” -LuAnn Nigara More about Kelly Fridline:   Kelly Fridline is an entrepreneur at heart, but a designer through and through. Since establishing Kelly Fridline Design, LLC in 2017, she’s learned the importance of flexibility in not only design, but business planning and goals. In the almost five years she’s been in business her focus has changed from primarily interior design, to Virtual Design Assistance and Renderings, totraining fellow creatives in the art of professionally presenting and documenting their projects, and finally assisting and mentoring fellow virtual assistants in business and attracting clients. With a Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design and almost a decade of professional design, construction, and virtual collaboration experience, Kelly brings a unique insight to the interior design industry. Using these experiences, this past year Kelly founded The Virtual Design Mentor and Liaise for Interior Design. In addition to her own business, Kelly resides in the Metro-Detroit area with her husband, son, and two dogs. Connect with Kelly Fridline Website  Instagram  Facebook   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #389 Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients #159 Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer #779 Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: What Should the CEO of an Interior Design Firm Be Doing? #440 Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program #419 Tobi Fairley- Say No to Busy and Yes to Health, Wealth and Joy A big thank you to today's sponsor Kravet’s commitment to innovation and ability to bring in new technology works to make life easier for you as a designer.  Their website makes finding quality home furnishings easy for you. And, the advanced color search allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself! Be sure to use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order.

Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and this show is sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers. She is back to talk about the importance of analyzing your profitability. More specifically, Nancy is here to discuss the importance of knowing your numbers for the jobs that are already completed. The whole point of our business right? Tune in to learn if how your pricing your projects is benefitting or hidduring your business, and how Nancy can help. More About Nancy Ganzekaufer: Nancy Ganzekaufer is a focused, motivated, and dedicated Interior Designer Business Coach. Through her work, Nancy empowers creative entrepreneurs to build the life and business they have always wanted and deserve.  As a mom of three young adults and a successful business owner, Nancy understands the unique challenges entrepreneurs face when pursuing their dreams of growing a profitable business. She leads by example through her hard work, encouragement, and most of all, her no-BS leadership style.  In addition to Business Coaching, Nancy is a National Board member of the Interior Design Society (IDS) and the Current and Founding President of the IDS Virtual Chapter. Pick it apart: [8:12] Nancy starts to tell us what she teaches the designers that she works with about pricing for profitability. [13:19] Nancy walks us through how she helps an interior designer look at their projects for profitability.  [23:40] Nancy talks more about her Profitability Analyzer. [35:05] Nancy tells us about her Profit Insiders For Interior Designers year-long program. LuAnn and Nancy Ganzekaufer Ah-Ha Moments: “Using the Profitability Analyzer will help you see where you may still have a weak spot or service model that you are currently selling over and over again thinking that it’s great, but isn’t actually viable for you to make the money you need to make.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer “The only way we actually know that we are consistently pricing for profitability is if we are consistently reviewing the projects.” - LuAnn Nigara “Once you start running your business by numbers, you’re going to run the business like a CEO, not just by emotion.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer “As you grow your company you have to consistently keep learning.” - LuAnn Nigara Connect with Nancy Ganzekaufer: Website Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Interior Design Business Forum Facebook Group Business Building Boutique Confident Interior Designer Membership Site  YouTube Instagram Facebook LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #15: Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich #37: Lesley Myrick- Strategies I Used to Build My Business #159: Power Talk Friday- Nancy Ganzekaufer- How to Get Confident and Clear On What You Offer #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer: A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients #389: Power Talk Friday- Nancy Ganzekaufer- The Interior Design Profit Formula #584: Lesley Myrick- Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again #766: Lesley Myrick- Offering Interior Design Without Procurement A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today;s show was sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.

Today with Pamela Durkin: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today with Pamela Durkin, author of Elevate and owner of Pamela Durkin Designs, we are discussing how to time block our tasks. Pamela is coughing up some great strategies on how we can set specific blocks of time for specific tasks that will help us, get this, “Get more done in one day then you used to get done in an entire week.” Pick it apart: [2:00] Pamela talks to us about time blocking to increase productivity.  [8:30] Pamela takes us to the next level of getting a weeks’ worth of things done in a day.  [11:15] Pamela explains a strategy for completing the potential tasks we get from when we check all of our emails. [26:00] Pamela and LuAnn discuss the importance of communicating to your clients your time expectancy.  LuAnn and Pamela Durkin’s Ah-Ha moments: “We need concentrated time to accomplish anything. We need to be aware of the fact that bouncing around to different tasks can hurt our productivity. ” - Pamela Durkin   “If we can think about where we are spending our time and how that relates to money in our business, then you ask yourself if you should even be doing those things.” - Pamela Durkin   “Time blocking is more than being efficient, it’s understanding that we have finite hours in the day and if we’re not making enough money by putting these blocks of time in, then maybe we are not charging enough.” - Pamela Durkin   “We are imperfectly perfect and always a work in progress. We should always give ourselves a pat on the back for our progress. As long as we are trying and moving forward, it’s all good.” - Pamela Durkin More about Pamela Durkin: Pamela Durkin, ASID, LEED AP ID+C Design is powerful and Pamela wants designers to step into that power. After 30 years in the high-end design business, she is now helping other designers create a business they love through her In Demand Designer Program. She teaches them how to be magnetic and attract the best clients. This method makes owning a design business easier and more fulfilling. Her book, Elevate! can be found on Amazon.  Pamela Durkin has been a professional interior designer for over 30 years. She is a past-president of ASID Florida South Chapter and served on the Board of Architecture and Design in NJ. She lives in Naples, FL and in her spare time, loves spending time on the beach and learning new moves in her home dance studio.  Connect with Pamela Durkin Website  Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn  Book What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #577- Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot Seat. #607- Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines.

Today with Lori Morris Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Lori Morris, one of the most passionate and driven people LuAnn has ever come across, joins the show today to share what it takes to grow your business to the level of attracting luxury clients and delivering the level of service and design that they expect.  Even as Lori’s business has grown so large, she maintains creative control and has a hand in every project they tackle. If you want to attract those luxury clients, if you want to work on these magnificent homes, if you want to offer that truly above and beyond level of service, then stay tuned to LuAnn and Lori’s conversation for takeaways that you can apply to your business to help reach your goals.  Not one to merely dip her toe in the water, Lori Morris is an ‘all or nothing’ designer whose artistry is rooted in tradition, unconventional ideas and fearless execution of perfection. Reinventing the standard of design since 1987, her work can be found in some of the most high-end properties across Canada and North America, including Miami, Dallas, St. Louis and San Francisco, with each project delivering a unique, timeless look with an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort and style. Leading an extensive team of professionals in-house and abroad, Lori Morris is a full-service firm offering a complete design and build turnkey solution for any project. Lori’s ‘no rules’ design philosophy has evolved into her own signature LMD style, which she coins “Sexy French.” In every space, you’ll find a seamless melding of sensory, form and function, with materials sourced from artisans across the world that provide intricate molding, artful flooring, and walls that use some of the most exotic and rare marbles. Leading by way of example for strength and confidence, Lori continues to be revered as one of the most coveted designers in the interior design world, empowering others by embracing her role as a role model for all women entrepreneurs. Lori is an “all or nothing” designer who works on high-end properties across Canada and North America. She delivers an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort, and style with every project. Lori is a true artist who prides herself on creating a unique feeling for every one of her clients. Tune in to learn about her ‘no rules’ design philosophy, which has evolved into her own signature style, and her advice on attracting luxury clients and scaling your business toward high-end projects.  Show Highlights: Lori explains the unique purpose of her “LMC” (Lori Morris Concierge) service. Lori details why the Design Build Books that she delivers to architects can be 1,000 page documents. “Sexy French” is a collaboration and a marriage between the modern design that Lori loves and the French design that she loves. Every house is treated like an original painting. The moment that Lori decided to get the kind of clients to perform the kind of magic that she wanted to perform. Learn from your mistakes: It’s not a mistake if you have the experience once. It’s only a mistake if you do the same thing twice. Lessons working with the luxury client: Lori shares her insights. The importance of a mutually respectful relationship. Don’t confuse “red flags” with something that you just don’t want to do. It is key to manage your client’s expectations. There’s always a solution to a problem! Connect with Lori! Lori’s Website Lori’s Instagram Lori’s Twitter Lori’s Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today with Rydhima Brar: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, Rydhima Brar of R/terior Studio shares her story and her journey to design with us. From her childhood in Kuwait, to her corporate career in LA, to launching her own firm at the beginning of the pandemic, to amazing growth and press attention—Rydhima shares how her story, and how storytelling in general, laid the foundation for her design career. Pick it apart: [5:00] Rydhima shares her journey and discusses her connection to construction and design during childhood in Kuwait.  [16:08] Rydhima discusses how a difficult personal experience launched the rebirth of her career and pushed her into her passion—design.  [32:05] Rydhima and LuAnn discuss the Kaleidoscope Project and Rydhima’s experience with it.  [46:26] Rydhima reflects on her path and what she has learned. LuAnn and Rydhima Brar’s Ah-Ha moments: “My world just turned upside down. It was a scary thing—my journey was terrifying. But during that time when I was home, a rebirth happened. I gave birth to my daughter and I gave birth to my business. That’s when I decide to really pursue my passion and remove myself from a place of fear and anxiety and into a sense of calm. Design became a place of refuge for me.” -Rydhima Brar   “That is the key. When you are determined, then you make things happen. It’s not a passive thing—starting a business. It’s not just an idea you put on paper that unfolds in front of you. It’s waking up everyday, recommitting to taking action, to being determined, to being undeterred, to believing in yourself and knowing that you’re worth it, that you’re worth doing this career.” -LuAnn Nigara More about Rydhima Brar: Rydhima Brar grew up in Kuwait, where her childhood was filled with breathtaking design & architecture, helping out with her father’s construction business. In 1990, the effects of the Gulf War drew Rydhima and her family to leave their home in the cover of night for another country. Returning to Kuwait after the war, I experienced the rebuilding of our home, and the rebirth of a nation. As her father then rebuilt his business, she helped him organize his building materials and sample libraries, always complaining but secretly loving every minute of it. As a young adult, she then took to New York City to begin a career in Business and Finance, yet her love for design never left her. After several years, it was a move to L.A. that sparked the next evolution for her career, now shifting toward design, a transition that was gradual yet inevitable. Starting with her own condo, she rediscovered her love for an approachable + functional + luxe aesthetic, using bold color and unique pieces throughout. Friends were impressed with the result and Rydhima then began to help design their spaces. A few projects later, she found herself fully immersed in the world of professional design, where she felt she belonged. She then balanced going back to school while working on projects, and the pages of the new chapter were lled with new experiences and challenges, which eventually led to the most recent chapter, the birth of her own business, R/terior Studio. FUN FACT Rydhima has a blog dedicated to discovering what your favorite cocktail says about your interior design style! Rydhima believes that craft cocktails, much like interiors, need to be carefully crafted with attention to every detail to become a masterpiece—Each ingredient, or design element, has a purpose, and when paired well with other ingredients, the result is sophisticated, balanced, and bold. Check-out the blog HERE. Connect with Rydhima Brar Kaleidoscope Project   Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest LinkedIn Blog What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #739 Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life #771 Power Talk Friday: Michelle Feeney, Founder of Floral Street. To Succeed, Identify a Gap in the Marketplace #743 Chanae Richards: An Unconventional Path to an Interior Design Business #573 Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something #397 Power Talk Friday: Where Are They Now?: Cheryl Luckett: Dwell By Cheryl #291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design #267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years #562 Rasheeda Gray: #BLM 2020 The Year of Vision #23 Rio Hamilton – Media Expert and Author of the Wildly Popular Industry Blog, Mon Oncle #614 Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas: Creating Another Revenue Stream for Your Interior Design Business #47 Gail Davis: Make Your Life Count #669 Kelly Collier: Managing Expectations Through Clear Messaging #677 Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why #455 Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business #601 Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game #330 Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening #203 Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm

TODAY WITH MADELEINE MACRAE: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I’m sitting down with long-time friend of the show and Power Talk Friday expert Madeleine MacRae.  I often hear from listeners and designers who understand that the old adage, “You have to work on your business, not in your business,” is true if they want to grow and scale. But they don’t always understand what that actually looks like. Madeleine breaks down the CEO-level activities that let you scale at each stage of business. Pick it apart: [3:48] Madeleine breaks down the four stage of business and what each one entails.  [9:58] Madeleine and LuAnn discuss the value in knowing what level of business you desire to end up at.  [17:31] Madeleine breaks down the CEO-level activities that solopreneurs should be doing. [27:35] Madeleine shares what the CEO must do as an owner/operator.  [46:54] Madeleine discusses the high-level activities that business owners should be doing at the owner/manager level. [55:55] Madeleine talks about the ultimate goal for those who want to scale—the true CEO level. LuAnn and Madeleine MacRae's Ah-Ha Moments “It's really important to remember that growth eats capital. So sometimes we get this idea of “I just want to become I want to go to owner operator, and then I want to go to owner manager, then I want to go to CEO” overlooks the fact that you're having to take that profit that your business is generating and reinvest into different things. learning, all of the things that you have to decide if you want to take it on.” -Madeleine MacRae   “If you don't have secured lead flow and you don't know how to turn that faucet on higher, you will never be able to move out of solopreneurship.” -Madeleine MacRae “To look back and think about the growth and the pain and the struggle and the rewards of each of the levels as I've worked my way through the different various stages and still stay in—it's a crazy feeling to be in the various stages at the same time with different companies.” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with Madeleine MacRae Website  Facebook Twitter Madeleine MacRae's Home Pro Toolbox What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #315 Madeleine MacRae: Invest 5 Days to Improve Your Sales Skills #283 Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: Set Clear Goals in 5 Steps #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #222 Power Talk Friday: Lee Cockerell- Customer Service the Disney Way #658 Genevieve Trousdale: Genevieve Trousdale: Running Your Interior Design Business On Your Own Terms #663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business #760 Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire Books Mentioned: The Job You Were Born For by Eileen Hahn Now Discover Your Strengths, by Donald O. Clifton and Marcus Buckingham A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kirsch is your source for custom drapery hardware and window coverings. With a history of innovation and extensive industry knowledge, Kirsch can set you up with what you need for your next project. Visit kirsch.com to learn more.  

Today with Deborah Main: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little bit different than the usual business acumen. We’re diving into Deborah Main’s story of how she became The Pillow Goddess. Deborah is the epitome of an inspirational story—of resiliency, of overcoming hardship, and chronic illness, and of art and creativity serving as an outlet in times of suffering.  Deborah’s story serves as motivation, inspiration, and absolute proof that art and design can heal and bring joy in even the toughest of times. Pick it apart: [0:36] Deborah shares her inspirational story of battling chronic illness. [14:24] Deborah discusses how she found pillow design, serving as a creative outlet that helped her focus on something positive.  [24:00] Deborah shares the limitations her illness still has on her life and what it has taught her.  [35:46] Deborah tasks about how she works with interior designers. [43:42] LuAnn and Deborah discuss the new collection with Robin Baron. LuAnn and Deborah Main’s Ah-Ha moments: “You mention it as part of your journey, ‘Oh I answered an open call for designers and made some pillows and applied to Austin Fashion Week’ as if they are things you just do in the course of your day. I’ve got to believe that it took a lot of courage and guts to actually do it.” -LuAnn Nigara   “I was very sick at the time, and my husband thought I was crazy but he supported me. He easily could have said, ‘Oh you’re obviously feeling better—why don’t you just do the dishes and make me some food?’ But he just saw what was happening. He saw me opening up and lighting up and he was so happy to see that that he never questioned me—he just wanted me to keep doing pillows.” -Deborah Main More about Deborah Main: Deborah Main is The Pillow Goddess, a dynamic, innovative design leader who has helped individuals and businesses create beautiful, distinctive high-end spaces for 18 years.   Based in Austin, Texas, Deborah’s experience and deep appreciation for design, textiles, the home furnishings industry, and a wide variety of interiors and home products gives her a fully-rounded understanding of what it takes to provide an exceptional luxurious look and feel to both personal environments and commercial spaces. She provides interior designers with high-quality products for their clients, while also helping retailers and brands differentiate their products/services from their competitors.   Deborah’s private clients are some of the leading high-end specialty boutiques, national e-commerce sites, interior design businesses, and home brands in the United States. She has helped them provide value to their customers and environments – building brand awareness in the process – which has allowed them to position themselves as the exclusive and unsurpassed option for luxury clientele. Connect with Deborah Main Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest The UnZipped Collection What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #449- Design Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation. #454- Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal: Lawyers That Speak Designer.  #638- What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken. #640- Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell: Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire. #654- Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business. #721- What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2021-Questions to Ask. #723- What Would Lu Do?: Let’s Do a Revenue Generator Review. #725- What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing. #727- What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and More! Thank you to today's sponsor! Mydoma Studio: Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness. Other Shows Mentioned: #540 Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development #32 Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development #41 Cheryl Janis #423 Tiffannie White #715 Kathleen Jennison Sassy Says #45 Tiffannie White Sass Says #31 Cheryl Janis

Today with Desi Creswell: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. If you’re anything like me, you have a neverending to-do list. There’s always something else to get done, another box to check, another urgent task to complete. But when we get bogged down in those tasks, it becomes impossible to work on the business.  So how do we motivate ourselves to take a step back and work on the higher level needs? Interior Design Coach Desi Creswell shares her framework for getting big tasks done, even if it feels like you’ll never be able to. Learn more about Desi’s masterclass “The Focus Fix” starting June 7th, 2022 Pick it apart: [2:52] Desi talks about what a balanced business looks like and how we stop ourselves from building one.  [14:40] Desi sheds light on common mistakes she sees when people try to focus on important tasks.  [29:09] Desi walks through her simple framework for tackling major tasks. [45:08] LuAnn and Desi talk about how to keep yourself committed to tasks even when you don’t want to do them.  [52:05] Desi shares the importance of evaluating yourself with curiosity to see why something isn’t getting done. LuAnn and Desi Creswell's Ah-Ha Moments “Ask yourself ‘Why do I think that my clients are worthy of my time and attention but my business is not?’” -Desi Creswell “There will never be a time where you magically have a week where you don’t receive any emails or phone calls or have any deadlines.” -Desi Creswell “What you want us to recognize is, we don’t just do it on Tuesday because we put it in our calendar to do it. We do it because on Wednesday we will be so glad we took the first steps.” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with Desi Creswell Learn more about Desi’s masterclass “The Focus Fix” starting June 7th, 2022 Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #698 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Tactics to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm #557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset #475 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time #753 Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Revel Woods: Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Sonal Kotecha: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we have on Sonal Kotecha, founder of Rumah Interiors, a Dubai-based boutique interior design firm. Sonal and I were going back and forth on Instagram and she was telling me all of the lessons that she had learned from the show. As we were chatting, a light bulb went off and I knew I had to have her on as a guest. I am so appreciative of her sharing her lessons that I know you will benefit from hearing her story. Enjoy! Pick it apart: [6:38] Sonal tells us about the first big lesson she learned from A Well-Designed Business. [17:30] Sonal explains her second lesson from the podcast regarding your talent as a designer is not enough for success.  [27:49] Sonal and LuAnn discuss the third lesson Sonal learned.  [42:25] Sonal elaborates on her fourth lesson. [50:22] Lesson 5- we all need a “Vin” man.  [54:40] Last lesson of work-life balance is key. LuAnn and Sonal Kotecha’s Ah-Ha moments: “The discovery call is a sales presentation and the way we choose to discuss something, like trade discounts, will impact not only that conversation, but all of the following conversations.” - LuAnn Nigara   “We know what we are good at and we lean into that, and we hire people for the areas that we aren’t “good.” - LuAnn Nigara   “We need to strategically prepare for situations when we are not being driven by a state of emergency.” - Sonal Kotecha  More about Sonal Kotecha: Sonal Kotecha is the founder of Rumah Interiors, a Dubai-based boutique interior design firm, dedicated to providing a stellar design service for her clients in the Middle East and beyond.    She calls herself a child of the world – after growing up as a second generation Indian in the United Kingdom, to parents born and raised in Kenya – she moved and set up her own home base in Dubai at the young age of 24, where she continues to live with her husband from yet another corner of the world, South Africa – and she credits this diverse background as being the reason she is able to connect on a deeper level to people & clients from all over the world.    She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture & Design from Nottingham Trent University in 2007. Shortly after graduating, fate led her on a one-way ticket to Dubai, where she built up experience working both as an in-house designer for a private developer, then for a multi-disciplinary interior design studio, before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship and starting Rumah Interiors in 2017.    Sonal likes to keep her ear to the ground when it comes to movements in her local property industry and has witnessed first-hand the astronomical leap in residential projects in Dubai over the last 12 months. Sparked by a post-pandemic heightened appreciation for a well-designed home environment, and several new UAE’s government backed initiatives, such as more accessible residency visa options, an influx of new residents moved into the country that she has proudly called home for the last 12years. As a result, the floodgates to new projects opened up, and she had to quickly adapt from being a one-woman show, to a small team of powerful [female] design professionals, who could take on multiple projects in parallel from concept through to completion.  She realized that some of her old processes & contracts were no longer viable, and then along came A Well Designed Business Podcast – and in the conversations, she found answers to the questions that had been keeping her awake at night… Connect with Sonal Kotecha Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #449- Design Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation. #454- Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal: Lawyers That Speak Designer.  #638- What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken. #640- Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell: Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire. #654- Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business. #721- What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2021-Questions to Ask. #723- What Would Lu Do?: Let’s Do a Revenue Generator Review. #725- What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing. #727- What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and More! Thank you to today's sponsor! Did you happen to go to the new Kravet Showroom in HP last month? They unveiled the Kravet Home. Kravet has furniture, rugs, lighting accessories and fabric for every room in your house, including your outdoor rooms. The new showroom in the Steel Building is beautifully set up as a home. From the foyer as you enter, all the way through the living room, great room, dining room, bedroom, home office suite and the outdoor patio space. It is a treat to see the fabrics, wallpapers, sofas, desks everything all displayed just as you would specify them in your projects. And the rooms have been designed by some of your favorite designers. Thom Filicia, Carrier & Co and Mabley Handler to name a few. So if you are planning to go to HP in the fall, be sure to put Kravet on your list of must see stops. And in the meantime, go to kravet.com and get your trade acct set up today. No opening minimum orders, no yearly minimums and true trade pricing, so you can make money. Check it out and tell them I sent you.

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 3 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer.  Today, we are covering profit, and what designers can expect when selling window treatments. More About Vita Vygovska Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives. Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at vita@vitaliainc.com Connect with Vita Vygovska: Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com.  

Today with Rick Campos: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Interior Designer and fellow podcaster Rick Campos of Design Biz Survival Guide. I had the absolute honor of turning the tables on Rick and putting him in the hot seat for his 4 year anniversary episode. I am delighted to share this with you today and thank you again Rick for the tremendous honor of making me apart of this milestone. More about Rick Campos: Rick Campos is a self proclaimed “recovering interior designer” with fifteen years of experience in the design industry. Formerly Director of Business Development for a notable Orange County design firm, his daily interactions with architects, builders, vendors and clients contributes to a broad perspective of the design industry. In 2018 Rick traded in his tape measure for a microphone and launched Design Biz Survival Guide - a podcast about life and business for interior design professionals - with the intention of informing and inspiring the design community. In 2019 Rick integrated freelance consulting into the platform with an emphasis on “the business of design” exclusively for the interior design community. He has since helped numerous design entrepreneurs grow their business to new levels. The platform has since evolved to include annual business development retreats, learning opportunities, networking events, and an online community. “My mission is to be the source of information and inspiration to interior design entrepreneurs that I needed when I launched my own design business back in 2007. To promote and further develop a design community that supports and empowers fellow design professionals on their journey in life and business.” Connect with Lesley Myrick Website Instagram  Facebook  Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today with Corinne Bentzen and Melanie Kaplan:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Corinne Bentzen and Melanie Kaplan from The Company Store. We’re talking about the importance of staying on color trends, seasonal rotations of products, how the brand stays dedicated to premium quality, and their commitment to sustainability. Pick it apart: [18:34] Melanie shares her background in design and textiles, including experience in cotton mills that laid the foundation of her expertise.  [23:27] Melanie discusses how her team plays into the success of the brand.  [26:30] Melanie talks about the company’s design process and valuable partnerships.  [31:30] Corinne and Melanie share how seasonal rotation and constant innovation keep the brand’s designs fresh and relevant.  [44:23] Corinne and Melanie talk about how they maintain their commitment to artisanal quality. Ah-Ha Moments: “We have global design partners all over the world. It’s been my experience that partnership is so much a part of the success of the brand. We have great suppliers that understand our mission. We have design people that are so talented and understand the direction and vision of The Company Store. It’s an ongoing process. We think about the lifestyle, we think about the quality it needs to represent. We never shortcut anything in this brand.” -Melanie Kaplan   “We are the color authority. We have never, ever been afraid of color. In fact, we love it, and that’s a distinction of The Company Store.” -Melanie Kaplan   “That is the type of support that an interior designer needs, when you’re going to recommend bedding—people are going to sleep on this. Comfort is key and critical, and it can be judged way more harshly than walking on an area rug, for example. When I think about everything that goes into your products, I know I would not want to learn all of the things, so it’s nice that designers can just go to the website and order swatches.” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with The Company Store Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  Twitter More About Corinne Bentzen: Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Corinne Bentzen began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she built brand identity for premium brands before taking the leap across the pond to join Tiffany & Co. in New York. There she put her strategic thinking, strong decision making, and leadership skills to work, ultimately leading her to The Company Store where she breathed new life into the 110-year-old home goods retailer acquired by The Home Depot in 2018. Not one to shy from a challenge, Corinne most recently took over the leadership of Home Depot’s HD Home, in addition to her leadership role at The Company Store. An avid skier and cyclist, Corinne lives in Connecticut where she enjoys an active family life with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog Rosie. More about Melanie Kaplan: Following a graduate program in Textile Design and Science at Fashion Institute of Technology, Melanie  Kaplan launched a career in design and development of home furnishings products that spans a range  from decorative fabrics to finished consumer products, from bed ensembles to lifestyle furniture, from  children’s garments to kitchen textiles.  From Design Director for a decorative fabrics company, Melanie transitioned to Vice President of Product Design and Development at a bedding producer, where she first worked directly with major  retailers to develop their programs.  As Senior VP of Design for home furnishings at Dan River, a storied American textile company, Melanie’s  ability to translate art and concept to commercially successful design led Dan River to a spot as an  innovative leading supplier to the retail home furnishings market.   In 2007, Melanie moved to the retail world as the Chief Creative Officer for Hanover Direct Inc., where  she headed all design, product development, sourcing and image development for the company’s key  brands, including The Company Store.   Since The Home Depot’s acquisition of The Company Store in 2017, Melanie continues in a leadership  role. As Product Development Senior Merchant, her energy, expertise and leadership continue to inspire  colleagues on all sides of the global supply chain to the American home furnishings consumer.  A native New Yorker, Melanie commits free time and resources to organizations committed to  improving the lives of individuals, children and families affected by various hardships. What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com www.luannnigara.com/cob insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Thank you to The Company Store for sponsoring this show!

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Have you ever had a project where you felt undervalued and taken advantage of? A situation where someone else was taking credit for your work? What about mixing work and family?  These factors create a spiderweb of entanglements and equal a ticking time bomb of emotions and feelings. Today's episode comes from a listener who, while highly skilled, talented, and experienced, has found herself in a situation where she has mixed family and business in a high dollar project in which she is not getting the compensation or recognition for her contributions. Listen in as I break down the situation, the challenges, and what Lu would do. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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  

Today with Michelle Feeney: Welcome to A Well Designed Business.  On this Power Talk Friday I am talking to Michelle Feeney, founder of Floral Street. Floral Street is a modern British fragrance that is both sustainable and eco-friendly. You’re probably wondering why I had Michelle on. Well despite her not being in interior design ,Michelle has provided me with a couple of aha moments that I want to bring to my listeners. She is an intelligent and accomplished business person and I can’t wait for you to hear about her experience to the top, how her fragrances make her customers feel, and how taking a break to stay at home gave her the information she needed to jump back in!    Pick it apart: [1:00] Michelle and LuAnn talk about the correlation between how a floral scent should make you feel on your body, but also when you walk into a room.  [13:18] Michelle talks about starting Floral Street at 53-years old.  [27:18] Michelle tells us how Floral Street breaks the mold in the sustainability of the fragrances ingredients and packaging.  [32:37] Tiffany talks about how to make your brand a cult brand through partnerships. LuAnn and Michelle Feeney's Ah-Ha Moments “Interior designers focus on how clients want to feel in a space. They should extend that into, not only how the products in the room contribute to the “feel,” but also how the room is scented.” -LuAnn Nigara   “Many people fear how to get investments from the “big boys”with the money, but what they lack are the ideas and passion that you have.” - Michelle Feeney   “It’s important to take yourself out of that everyday and look in, to see how your idea could fit into the modern world.” - Michelle Feeney    “If you are an individual and you are trying to build your brand, who you associate with becomes really important. There’s strength in numbers because they can help you tell your story.” - Michelle Feeney Connect with Floral Street Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #32- Robin Baron- The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks With Us About PR and Brand Development  #540- Robin Baron- Strategic Thinking on Brand Development

Today with Tiffany Cassidy: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Tiffany Cassidy, co-founder and principal designer of Lagnappe Custom Interiors. Tiffany and I discuss the fear some have about niching down your business and how Tiffany powered through her own fear. Every guest that has been on the show that has chosen a niche has said that it was the best decision they made for their business. Tiffany couldn't agree more and she has done such a wonderful job at combining her past experiences with what she’s learned from coach Tobi Fairley to niche into her luxury vacation rental design business. Please join us to learn about Tiffany’s niching journey and the versatile services that Lagnappe Custom Interiors has to offer.    Pick it apart: [6:13] Tiffany starts to tell us about when she decided to niche her design firm down and how she went about it. [16:30] Tiffany explains her initial resistance in niching down.  [20:15] Additional services that Lagnappe Interiors offers, also for those who want to DIY.  [32:45] Tiffany tells us more about her Designer for a Day Program and Master Plan program. LuAnn and Tiffany Cassidy’s Ah-Ha moments: “Part of my resistance to niche down was wanting to keep my options open. It felt scary to  limit, but learned it wasn’t limiting at all because people would come to me for help.” - Tiffany Cassidy   “I encourage other designers to niche down because it frees up your mind in so many ways and helps you grow your business in a specific manner.” - Tiffany Cassidy    As designers when we are doing full service projects working with project managers and contractors, when we make our project book we should ask ourselves what are all of the potential questions they could ask us.” - Tiffany Cassidy  More about Tiffany Cassidy: A native of California with both a degree in chemistry and a highly creative side, Tiffany has been designing beautiful homes and commercial spaces in the U.S. Virgin Islands for her long list of clients since 2002. She marries her artistic and scientific sides together by transforming the intangible into breathtaking, cohesive and highly functional designs delivered in systematic and organized bliss. Tiffany considers it a privilege to be invited into other people’s homes to help them transform their personal spaces and her goal is to not only make your home prettier but in doing so, make your life better. Connect with Lesley Myrick Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  ebook on Vacation rental Blog What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #15- Nancy Ganzekaufer: Niche is Rich #174- Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #368- Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design  #440- Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program #753 Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business #372 Laura Michaels: How to Talk Budget with your Interior Design Clients   #584 Lesley Myrick: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again   #37 Lesley Myrick – Strategies I Used to Build My Business

Today with Leah Neaderthal: Welcome to A Well Designed Business.  As you probably know, I am as extroverted as they come—a trait which I believe plays into my sales success. But extroversion isn’t necessary to be a good salesperson. In fact, my guest today, Leah Neaderthal, would say that introverts possess several qualities that make them natural sales superstars—if they know how to tap into them and use them. She’s sharing how to do just that, teaching introverts how to sell with strength and confidence.   Pick it apart: [2:00] Leah shares why being an introvert is actually a sales superpower.  [5:39] LuAnn and Leah discuss the importance of tapping into what your client is saying, even if they aren’t actually saying it.  [7:39] Leah talks about diving deep into the value you are bringing to your clients.  [18:02] Leah and LuAnn discuss the strength of saying no.  [25:46] Leah points out ways that we unknowingly get clients to say no.  [35:07] Leah shares two mindset shifts for selling to mid-size companies or corporate clients.  LuAnn and Leah Neaderthal's Ah-Ha Moments “To all the introverts out there—I see you, I validate you, I am you. I do want to let you know that the things that make you an introvert and make you the way you are actually are your superpower when it comes to selling.” -Leah Neaderthal   “The most successful salespeople are people who listen, who ask a question, stop talking, and observe. People aren’t always saying expressly in words exactly what they intend to say. By asking questions, listening, and observing, we start to uncover the nuggets that show what the pain point of our client actually is. We have to know these things to come up with the solution for them to make selling to them easy.” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with Leah Neaderthal Website  LinkedIn Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #598 Judith Taylor – How an Introvert Networks in an Extroverted Industry A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kravet is always focused on making things easier for you. With Kravet’s website, finding the exact products you need is easier than ever. You can create tailored searches that yield the exact results you need, which in turn helps you create the best experience for your clients. Visit kravet.com today to get started.

Today with Kate Lester: Welcome to A Well Designed Business.  On today’s sponsored show with Kate Lester Interiors, we’re taking a look at the Harman collection—a line of beautiful vintage reproduction rugs, inspired by Kate’s travels and passions. In collaboration with Jaipur Living, Kate launched the Harman collection to bring the beauty of one-of-a-kind elaborate vintage rugs to modern designs for all levels of clients.   Pick it apart: [1:29] Kate shares the story of how she and Jaipur Living came together to launch the Harman collection. [7:33] Kate gives insight into what reproductive vintage pieces are and why they are desirable.  [13:03] Kate discusses her vision for the collection and how it came to fruition. [18:50] Kate tells LuAnn about the Turkish roots of the collection’s name and its symbolism for the project.  [24:03] Kate discusses the inspiration and design process used for the rugs.  [32:38] Kate shares how her background in marketing helps her stand stronger in her business.   More About Kate Lester: Kate Lester is the creative director and CEO of Kate Lester Interiors & Kate Lester HOME. With a diversely talented design team in her studio, and two retail stores in Southern California, – Kate is thrilled to be spreading her unique design vision with the masses. Her style ethos is all about creating spaces that weave classic lines, vintage finds, modern moments, and an infusion of at least “one weird thing”. Kate attended USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business, and went on to study Design and Architecture at Otis College in Los Angeles. Her industry experience includes working for some of Hollywood’s most famous designers before launching her own firm in 2010. Thriving at the intersection of livable luxury, humor, and realism- Kate believes that the homes she designs should always be carefully crafted, thoughtfully curated, and a direct reflection of the people who inhabit them. When not designing, Kate can be found in Southern California dragging her family to flea markets, running on the beach, or hesitantly participating in a plethora of extreme sports with her extremely persuasive (and brave) husband and daughter.  Connect with Jaipur Living Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #526 Jaipur Living, CEO Asha Chaudhary #757 Jaipur Living, Nitesh Chaudhary

Today with Monica Froese: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Over the last few years, more and more designers have started finding ways to build passive income streams into their businesses, through e-design options, curated shoppable lists, and more. Today, we’re talking more about this idea—how you can create digital products to help solve problems for your clients, attract new ones, and add an income stream to your business.   Pick it apart: [1:28] Monica shares her journey, from corporate marketer to mom blogger to digital product aficionado.  [19:15] Monica gives insight into how interior designers can use digital products to solve problems for their clients.  [36:31] LuAnn and Monica discuss how to create a pillar of content to help your clients along the buyer journey, without investing all of your time into content creation.  [42:48] LuAnn shares her biggest takeaway from the conversation. LuAnn and Monica Froese's Ah-Ha Moments “I am great at teaching people how to read their numbers to get better conversions. I’ve been told by my students that I make intimidating numbers seem easy. I think it comes from my lack of emotions to numbers—they are just numbers. They tell you a story and you just have to be able to read the story that they tell.” -Monica Froese   “Here comes the courage—to say, ‘this is all great, but I don’t want to do this anymore. It isn’t filling my soul, it isn’t feeding my mission on the planet.’” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with Monica Froese Website  Instagram   Facebook  Pinterest YouTube Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #701 Kristen Rivoli: New Brand, New Year: How Rebranding Can Work for Interior Designers   #736 Power Talk Friday: Buildlane: Innovating Custom Furniture Creation A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Lesley Myrick: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. E-design has certainly grown in popularity in recent years. My guest today, Lesley Myrick has gone that route as well. But she missed the connection aspect of creating designs specifically for clients. So she forged her own service, the Design Master Plan, that offers a high-level customer experience, with everything but the procurement. Today, Lesley talks about finding the pieces of business she values the most and letting everything else go. Pick it apart: [3:56] Lesley gives an overview of the Design Master Plan and why she chose to create the service.  [14:24] Lesley discusses how a conversation with a coach helped her hone in on what she valued most in her business. [20:26] LuAnn and Lesley talk about how to put an end to scope creep with Lesley’s model.  [26:07] Lesley shares the value of 3D renderings.  [37:18] Lesley reiterates why connection is so important in her business. LuAnn and Lesley Myrick’s Ah-Ha moments: “You are seasoned enough to explain the scope and the deliverables at the beginning with clarity—that’s key. Number 2, you have priced the job profitably so when you want to be generous you can. And number 3, you are delivering a fully executed plan in detail at the beginning.” -LuAnn   “That’s why connection matters so much. I need to be able to have these honest conversations. And they’re not conversations meant to scare people off or freak them out, but we need to have enough of a connection and trust where I can say these things and it’s not met with hesitation or frustration.” -Lesley   “So it’s just eliminating the middle and end phase…but the deliverable and the service and the quality of the first phase is not compromised in any way.” -LuAnn More about Lesley Myrick: Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, organized, and enthusiastic interior designer in the Atlanta, Georgia area (and she works with clients all over the US and Canada, too). Lesley is originally from Canada and has lived and worked in Toronto, Ontario; Los Angeles, California; Waco, Texas; and now Macon, Georgia. She earned an honors diploma in interior design from Sheridan College in 2005 and launched Lesley Myrick Art + Design in 2015. She works with high-achieving women who are ambitious, adaptable, and committed to personal and professional growth. Lesley helps these driven women bust out of boring homes and helps new interior designers launch kickass businesses they love. Connect with Lesley Myrick Website  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: With Revel Woods, you’re getting premium hardwood and resilient flooring curated for your design and lifestyle needs. They are dedicated to helping you help your clients find the right flooring for their needs. You can use the industry expertise at Revel Woods to help your clients feel that wow factor. Visit www.revelwoods.com today to find out more! Other Shows Mentioned: #722 Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business   #753 Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business   #372 Laura Michaels: How to Talk Budget with your Interior Design Clients   #584 Lesley Myrick: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again   #37 Lesley Myrick – Strategies I Used to Build My Business

Today with Connie Vanderzand: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today I am talking with Connie Vanderzanden, who has developed the Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System. This interview is not only with a professional financial coach whose superpower is money, but it’s with someone who has financially hit rock bottom herself in her previous bookkeeping business, only to rise back up and take control of her finances and her money story. Now she’s here to share how she did it and to offer additional tips, support, and hope towards our finances.  If you want to change your emotions about money, feel empowered by it, and take full control of your financial situation in your business, this episode is where it’s at. Enjoy!   Pick it apart: [3:57] Connie tells us about the business she used to be in and what made her open her eyes. [7:40] Connie explains how she got into her financial situation and debt that caused her to change. [13:00] We learn the tangible obstacles that may keep us from being open to a money mindset shift.  [20:40] Connie tells us what steps to take if we are feeling like we want to give up on our business due to debt.  [27:00] Connie gives us an overview of her Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System. [40:40] Connie and LuAnn give tips on when you want to hire a team   LuAnn and Connie's Ah-Ha Moments “A lot of the times when I am working with people with debt, it’s acknowledging their shame and guilt around it and addressing it and forming a new relationship with it.” - Connie Vanderzanden   “Debt can be used well in a business as long as we’re intentional about how we’re going to use it and how we’re going to pay it back.” - Connie Vanderzanden   “There’s empowerment in a choice once you can see the black and white and see where you are spending it, to make better choices.” - Connie Vanderzanden   “Your safe environment should begin with your financial person.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Connie Vanderzand: Connie Vanderzanden is on a mission to help entrepreneurs live the lifestyles they desire by learning the simple steps, structure, and discipline to create and save money. With 35 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience, a variety of industry knowledge, and her own real-life business growth journey since 2001, Connie developed the Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System, focusing on cash flow planning that creates profitable and sustainable businesses. Connie is a true Oregonian, born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where she spends time with her husband of 35 years and their “fur kid”. Connect with Connie Vanderzand Website  Instagram  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #464- Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #575- Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year  A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Sarah Daniele, the CEO of Mydoma Studio, is an interior designer.  When she was still a practicing designer she wanted a better way to manage her projects. She wanted clear communication with her clients and her trades. She wanted all of her invoices in one place. She wanted time tracking and she wanted to be as efficient and organized as possible— so she created Mydoma Studio. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesigned business to start your trial now. Get your time and your sanity back.  

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today's question comes to us from a designer in a tough situation between a builder and a homeowner. Tune in to hear the designer's story and how I would handle the situation if I was in their shoes.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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  

Today With Terri Taylor: 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, Terri's The Real Deal workshop.  More about The Real Deal: Get PAID What You Are Worth The industry’s premier event for serious interior designers who want to bring consistent high-profit remodeling jobs into their business Once a year Terri offers this very special training once a year that deep dives into how to run extremely profitable remodeling jobs This 3-day workshop is designed for IDBA clients but Terri is opening a few seats to the design community at large. 3 full days of training this May 4,5 & 6 Go to InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com to learn more Connect with Terri: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Website   More about Terri Taylor: 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. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: Episode 548 Episode 602 Episode 662 Episode 710

Today with Laura Martin Bovard: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we’re talking with Laura Martin Bovard, founder of LMD Interiors and Divine Hustler. After realizing how easily triggered she would get from certain employee types or certain things that happen in business, Laura decided to train herself to work from soul, rather than ego, which is commonly how we approach things.  I think that this episode is very relatable and after listening, you will be inspired to learn how to work more from soul too! You will hear how Laura’s life has become more light, her business more successful, and how she was able to surround herself with like-minded, positive people. Laura really is a light herself and listening to her will give you hope for any challenges you may have. Pick it apart: [:55 part 1] Laura picks apart what she means by running your business from your soul, rather than your ego. [12:55 part 1] The turning point for Laura that wasn’t necessarily just one moment.  [4:15 part 2] Laura shares what she did to get into alignment with her soul. [10:13 part 2] Things Laura has done to create a happy environment in her design firm.  [15:35 part 2] Laura tells us about her side hustle, Divine Hustler. LuAnn and Laura Martin Bovard’s Ah-Ha moments: “When we love ourselves deeply, we give great service and great creativity to our clients.” - Laura Martin Bovard   “When you find that project or client that you identify with and that feels good in every way, you start to attract more of that to you.” - LuAnn Nigara    “We find who and what aligns with us and we know that when we feel lighter.” - Laura Martin Bovard More about Laura Martin Bovard: My name is Laura Martin Bovard and I am the principal of LMB Interiors. Through my two-decades strong interior design practice, I’ve been privileged to hold space for my clients at times of transformation. Over the years I’ve witnessed the magic that happens when people realize that having a beautiful home is more than creating something visually pleasing; it’s about building a home for your people: family, friends, community; while also creating a vision for and manifesting a personalized space that nourishes your soul’s growth. I am wild about transformation. I create beauty wherever I go. I cannot not do this. My greatest joy is when I create an environment that is even better than what the client had imagined for themselves. I design in every style: Modern, Contemporary, Traditional, Spanish, Mediterranean, Craftsman, and more. I bring a warm, classic, and timeless approach to the aesthetic style that matches your heart, your community, and your space. I love to be of service, giving to others through my work and via philanthropy. When I am not designing homes and restaurants, I enjoy engaging in energy-rich life experiences, including cooking and entertaining and practicing the art of self-care with focused intention. I started LMB Interiors in 2002 when I was pregnant with my first child. The one-woman firm that began in my dining room has grown to include a team of top interior designers, all of whom are talented, dynamic, soulful, and share my values of authenticity, warmth, and a livable approach to interior design. As a group, we complement one another’s contributions to the whole with a deep appreciation for our individuality while inspiring each other to thrive in a culture of collaboration and graciousness. We conceive beautiful environments where love, family, and community flourish. At LMB Interiors, we prioritize sustainable design. For us, that means working with local artisans and contractors, as well as using eco-friendly, earth-conscious materials and practices. As the company has expanded, so has my office space. Today, we are based in the elegant, urban-chic, and historic White Building in downtown Oakland. Connect with Laura Martin Bovard LMB Interiors Website  LMB Interiors Instagram  LMB Interiors Facebook  LMB Interiors Pinterest  Divine Hustler Website Divine Hustler Instagram Divine Hustler Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: The way you handle your systems and processes makes all the difference in your business success. Time tracking, communication, product approvals—you don’t have time to get bogged down in dealing with looking back and checking over these aspects of your business. When you automate with Mydoma, you increase your productivity and get to focus on the parts of your business you need to be focusing on—like sales. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 2 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer.  Vita and I understand the challenges with pricing, that it isn’t cutthroat and that there are so many variables that go into a window treatment. Tune in to learn the general pricing guidelines for a designer, and also how you can uplevel your conversations with your client by knowing how to ballpark the price within minutes of the consultation. Pick It Apart:  [5:59] Vita and LuAnn reflect on why you as a designer need to understand the numbers behind the formulas. [11:30] Vita breaks down what markup is and how to calculate yours.  [17:36] Vita shares insight on the multiplier—an often misunderstood part of the equation. [27:50] Vita walks us through margins and the formula behind them.  [38:40] LuAnn highlights how you and the window treatment professional can both come away with profit.     Ah-Ha Moments with LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska: “When someone in your world understands that what you sell a product affects the financial health and viability of your business, that's what creates a sustainable business.” - LuAnn Nigara   “The highest chance of you getting an order is if you can ball park the customer’s investment together on that first visit.” - Vita Vygovska    “You are accustomed as the designer and have the ability to know the numbers for what is “good, better, and best” and accurately come up with investment ranges on the discovery call before running in circles.” -LuAnn Nigara     When you show a pictorial presentation to a client of different budgets, it’s no longer just about the money. It’s about what they like, what the room will look like and how they will feel in that room.” - Vita Vygovska More About Vita Vygovska Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives. Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at vita@vitaliainc.com Connect with Vita Vygovska: Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com. Other Shows Mentioned: #548- Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees and Budgets #741- Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: Understanding Margin vs. Markup #607- Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines

Today with Jessica Harling: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about my favorite thing—sales. And I can think of nobody better to help me talk through sales than my colleague, Jessica Harling. She is walking us through the proven 7-Step Sales Process from Exciting Windows—the same process that she covers in her course at LuAnn University. You’re going to get a high-level look at every step along the way, its purpose, and how it folds into a successful sale. Pick it apart: [10:50] LuAnn and Jessica dive into the inquiry call and how it plays into the overall sale.  [19:16] Jessica highlights how the preparation for the appointment lays the foundation for success. [21:01] Jessica and Lu discuss the meet and greet and home tour, and why taking control is crucial. [34:16] Jessica shares the importance of the recap and review to make sure you and the client are on the same page.  [44:59] LuAnn and Jessica discuss the eyeball estimate and how to leverage the trial close to move the sale forward. LuAnn and Jessica Harling’s Ah-Ha moments: “Doing all these seven steps ahead of time, before you start to show samples, get into the design details, or even get into detailed quoting, all of these seven steps upfront are what set up the next section for success.” -Jessica Harling   “That is the Achilles’ heel of an undisciplined salesperson—to get sucked into the rabbit holes and the windy roads of whatever someone wants to talk to instead of leading the conversation.” -LuAnn Nigara More about Jessica Harling: Jessica Harling is a 4th Generation Window Treatment Specialist, founder of Behind the Design, and leading expert in employee and process development for design organizations. Her specialty in recruiting, training and change management drives innovative and high-producing results while keeping your team inspired. Behind the Design offers recruiting, onsite and online training, and operations development consulting for design organization to streamline costs, increase productivity, and develop rockstar employees to take the company to the next level. Connect with Jessica Harling Website  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Behind the Design Blog What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #548 Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: The way you handle your systems and processes makes all the difference in your business success. Time tracking, communication, product approvals—you don’t have time to get bogged down in dealing with looking back and checking over these aspects of your business. When you automate with Mydoma, you increase your productivity and get to focus on the parts of your business you need to be focusing on—like sales. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Today with Rachael Bozsik: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today we have Rachael Bozsik, International Keynote Speaker and top elite branding coach. This is the second time we have had Rachael on and I cannot wait to share with you what she has been up to since last on the show.  In addition to working with myself, Rachael has worked with many leaders in the industry including Sandra Funk, Michele Williams, and many up-and-comers. I encourage you to listen to find out how you can work with Rachael, and also how she has used her marketing strategy of the 4 P’s (positioning, press, paid speaking, and partnerships) to gain luxury clients and be seen as the “go-to” in your industry.    Pick it apart: [15:45] Rachael shares with us her process when she starts a new Luxe Day client.  [23:47] Rachael explains using partnerships as a “pipeline filler” rather than a public partnership. [32:00] Rachael tells us about the application and process to work with her.  [43:55] Another successful example of a past client, Emily, that listeners can relate to.   [1:04:00]: Information on how to work with Rachael, how she works with her clients, and pricing.  More about Rachael Bozsik Rachael Bozsik is an international keynote speaker and Thought Leadership Coach for female entrepreneurs within the creative field. It is Rachael’s mission to empower entrepreneurial women to position themselves as world-class thought leaders and public figures in their niche via the press, paid speaking, and partnerships. Think – a feature in Arch Digest, mic at High Point Market, and Partnership with Loloi. Rachael’s clients include award-winning interior designers, HGTV personalities, and internationally recognized creatives. Rachael has been applauded for her work in numerous international publications as a top-tier expert in elite brand positioning in 40 national outlets including Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider etc.. Through her work as a professional speaker, she has empowered close to 100,000+ women on stages including Harvard Business School, Design Influencers Conference, (ASID) American Society of Interior Designers NYC, IIDA, Cornell, Bermuda’s SBA, SPANX HQ just to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to partner with incredible brands including Oprah’s Leadership Academy, Loreal, Sephora, Kendra Scott etc. Connect with Rachael Bozsik Website Instagram LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #2- The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy #20- Arianne Bellizaire: Could Your Hobby or Hidden Talent Be Your Marketing Platform? #137- Michele Williams: Scarlet Thread Consulting- Actionable Tips for Time Management #145- Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded Her 10-Year-Old Firm #180- PTF: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why It Matters to You #190- Kathy Kuo: How Kathy Kuo Home, The Online Boutique, Can Assist Your Interior Design Firm #395- PTF: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist For Your Interior Design Business #520- PTF: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard Is Here! #568- Arianne Bellizaire: “A Reluctant and Accidental Leader in #BLM.” #651- Power Talk Friday: Rachael Boszik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design #683- Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience is #1 in Design #709- Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors: The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Revel Woods wants you to add more profits to your projects by teaching you how to recommend and sell hardwood flooring. Revel Woods will be there for our PTF Tour this April 1st, 2022 so if you are planning to join us in HP, you will meet John Dupra, the CEO of Revelwoods. Until then, head over to revelwoods.com/pro-account.

Today with Sallie Lord: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I have said for some time that our business is only as strong as the relationships we build. Our relationships with vendors, partners, clients, and employees all play a hand in our success. But the relationships we have with fellow business owners, fellow designers or fellow window treatment professionals, can be extremely valuable as well. My guest today, Sallie Lord, knows that other professionals don’t have to be your competition. In fact, they can be collaborative partners and help empower your business. Pick it apart: [2:48] Sallie shares the story of how she and a group of local designers created a collaborative pod that helps each other’s businesses grow.  [7:37] LuAnn and Sallie discuss how crucial community relationships can be to your business. [19:36] Sallie and LuAnn talk about how to create collaborative relationships with fellow designers.  [23:47] Sallie shares the way she builds the sense of collaboration within her own firm as well.  [33:58] Sallie discusses the client experience GreyHunt Interiors is committed to providing. LuAnn and Sallie Lord’s Ah-Ha moments: “It is so healthy for us, for our businesses, and for our relationships. I love the opportunity for us to help one another. We all bring something to the table.” -Sallie Lord   “These are your friends that you lean on, but there is also a practical level. When you have a group that you know and trust, you can actually say, “How do you manage an hourly project? How do you incentivize your project manager to work in a timely manner…” You get to ask the important questions, not just have wine and massages. You get to grow your business acumen through these other people.” -LuAnn Nigara   “Is it really successful to climb to the top by yourself? Is that really the way the journey is supposed to go? That’s not the way it’s meant to be. We’re supposed to be in a community.” -Sallie Lord More about Sallie Lord: Sallie Lord is the award-winning designer and founder behind GreyHunt Interiors. A graduate of Marymount University, Sallie has worked in the interiors business for over two decades. She has amassed a loyal following of almost 75K people on her social media channels with a passion for design and an eye for up-and-coming trends.   This native Virginian spends her time between her home in Northern Virginia — where her business is flourishing and her new home in Indianapolis, which she shares with her husband, and two boys.   You can catch Sallie daily on her Instagram page, where she shares her latest designs, interior tips, and everything and anything that inspires her, including uplifting women in business! Connect with Sallie Lord: Website  Instagram  Facebook  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #484 Laurence Carr: Design Your Business Plan #291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design #267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. Their website allows you to quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. Their advanced color search even lets you create the exact custom color you’re looking for, making it easier than ever to find the results you need. Visit kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order.

Today with Nitesh Chaudhary: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today, we bring you a sponsored show with Jaipur Living. Jaipur is not your average hand-woven rug company. They have a long-standing commitment to empowering their artisans, ensuring ethical and fair practices, and sustainability. Their latest initiative—the Manchaha was built on a history of those commitments. The story behind these rugs will move you. To learn more, go to Jaipurliving.com/luann   Pick it apart: [2:55] Nitesh shares the origins of the Manchaha collection and the way it has turned weavers into artists.  [10:45] Nitesh explains the power the program has brought into the lives of the artisans.  [22:05] Nitesh dives into how artisans are chosen and the process for making the Manchaha rugs.  [31:40] Nitesh and LuAnn discuss the ripple effect Jaipur is having on the lives of women in India.  [37:14] Nitesh explains why investing in a Manchaha rug is worth it. More About Nitesh Chaudhary: Nitesh Chaudhary is the youngest child of Chaudhary Family of Brands founder N.K. Chaudhary. As director of innovation, supply chain & innovation, Nitesh brings over seven years of cross-functional experience in strategically building start-ups and growing companies to Jaipur Living, where he works alongside sisters Asha (CEO) and Archana (COO). Nitesh has a strong passion for identifying and resolving business challenges using technology and human capital to reach business goals. Connect with Jaipur Living Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #526 Jaipur Living, CEO Asha Chaudhary    

Today with Claudia Ricciardone: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Claudia Ricciardone, founder of Claudia Josephine Design.  Claudia and I discuss those stubborn pain points that we face in starting a business. Coming from a psychology background, Claudia teaches us that pain is what actually causes us to grow in that it forces us to find a solution. Listen in as Claudia shares her own solutions as she navigated turning her hobby into a business.  I don’t know about you, but when a psychologist offers business advice, I am going to listen.  Pick it apart: [6:10] Claudia begins her discussion about some of the pain points she experienced while starting her interior design business. [16:44] Claudia tells us how she transitioned from hobby to business. [23:40] Claudia needed a team and she tells us who she knew she needed to hire first.  [33:15] Advice on making an investment for your business. [51:00] LuAnn and Claudia discuss having those, sometimes hard, discussions about money with potential clients. LuAnn and Claudia Ricciardone’s Ah-Ha moments: “When there is a pain point, ask yourself what quality you need to develop to move past that pain point.”- Claudia Ricciardone   “In addition to the content I provide for my promotional offerings, you just never know who you are going to meet that could be a colleague that you can learn from, and they learn from you, and improve your business.” - LuAnn Nigara.    “Hire the best photographer you can afford. Hiring a great photographer is what got me published in my first magazine, LUX Lifestyle Magazine.” - Claudia Ricciardone.   “Wherever you are in the business, you can see your goals clearly, but you can still have fear. The difference is taking the plunge or not. If you are running a business there is no getting around making an investment.” - LuAnn Nigara   “When the student is ready the teacher will come. The right guides will come.” - Claudia Ricciardone More about Claudia Ricciardone: Claudia Ricciardone is a luxury residential interior designer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Claudia provides full-service interior design services with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly furnishings and décor through the company she founded, Claudia Josephine Design.  Claudia is a certified GREEN Accredited Professional (AP), member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), and Maria Killam Certified True Colour Expert. She served as the interior design columnist at LUX Lifestyle Magazine, where her work was published and distributed internationally. Claudia’s designs were also recently featured in Southpark Magazine. Connect with Claudia Ricciardone: Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #50- Veronica Solomon: Powerful Marketing For Your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook #58- Maria Killam: Color- When You Can Own It As An Expertise, You Can Charge Higher Fees #752- PTF- Kelsey Kurtis: Connection-Based Branding For Success  

Today with Liz Beaman Delman: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. I love today’s conversation because we are diving a little into the art world. How many of us designers have intimidation or lack of knowledge into having that conversation with our clients to incorporate fine art into their project? I see you in the back with your hand raised. Well we're in luck because today we are chatting with Liz Beaman Delman, founder of Above the Sofa, an art advisory firm. Liz aims to bring confidence to designers to have those “artsy” conversations with their clients and to incorporate fine art into their projects. You know that we love anything that will help a designer be more profitable. Enjoy!    Pick it apart: [1:36] Liz explains her reasoning behind wanting to empower designers to bring more fine art into their projects.  [8:48] Liz tells us the process in which she works with the designer, whether they have some experience working with the art world or have zero experience. [33:05] More business benefits for designers who open their clients’ eyes to fine art.   [37:30] Liz’s experience working with showhouses and that process. More About Liz Beaman Delman: Liz Beaman Delman is a twenty-year veteran of the art world and is a foremost expert in American Art. Liz honed her expertise during two decades as a Specialist at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, where she was a Senior Vice President and ran the American Art department.  Art is in Liz’s DNA. Her paternal grandfather was an abstract artist and the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Art at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Her maternal grandparents began collecting then avant-garde Contemporary Art in the 1970s and continued to do so until their passing. Inspired by the creativity of her grandfather’s work and the beautiful way in which her grandparents chose to live with their collection, Liz began to pursue a career in the arts beginning in high school. Twenty-five years later Liz still cites their influence as the guiding principle behind her work.   In addition to founding Above the Sofa, Liz runs an art advisory firm, Beaman Delman Fine Arts, focused on secondary market sales and all aspects of art advisory and collection management. Liz splits her time between New York and Los Angeles and has held volunteer leadership roles in both cities.  She has been on the board of the Archives of American Art, a member of the Director’s Council at the Guggenheim, a member of the Director’s Circle at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, and three affinity groups at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art including the Collector’s Committee.  Liz is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Connect with Liz Beaman Delman Above the Sofa Website  Above the Sofa Instagram  BD Fine Arts Website  BD Fine Arts Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #413- Leslie Price: Evolution of a Career in Interior Design A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Revel Woods wants you to add more profits to your projects by teaching you how to recommend and sell hardwood flooring. Revel Woods will be there for our PTF Tour this April 1st, 2022 so if you are planning to join us in HP, you will meet John Dupra, the CEO of Revelwoods. Until then, head over to revelwoods.com/pro-account.  

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! Managing our businesses over the last 2 years of the pandemic has been hard. It has been especially hard on those of you who own and manage bigger businesses. This revenue growth is absolutely something to be grateful for, but it has also been extremely challenging.  So today I am talking to you about The Power Talk Friday Tour next month at High Point Market. If your business finished last year with gross revenues between 2 million and 5 million or between 5 million and 10 million, this PTF Tour is for you. I know you need to be in a room with other leaders, other CEO’s who are going through what you are going through. Listen to today's show for all the details and I hope to see you there. Save your seat here! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today's Show Sponsored by the "Interior Design Standard."  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today's sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share insight on growing not just a luxury design firm - but a thriving luxury design firm. She'll share everything from the why, to the how, and everything in between. I am thrilled that Sandra will also be sharing the latest news about her business program, the "Interior Design Standard".  I know it will be the best investment for your business. Enroll here: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann Registration opens March 23rd! Designers who have implemented the Standard in their businesses: “A rising tide will raise all ships - and man, is Sandra bringing in the tide!  The Interior Design Standard is incredible.  I feel so lucky to have stumbled into Sandra’s circle of light. To say it is ‘exactly what I needed’ is the understatement of the year!” - Jenn O'Brien, Jenn O'Brien Interiors    "The Standard is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Sandra "speaks my language" - she's relatable, quick and to the point, yet thorough enough for me to understand. I’ve been in other programs. This is the best one.”  - Taylor Johnson, Taylor Johnson Interiors  Share this with someone who deserves joy and efficiency in their business just as much as you do. It’s time for our entire industry to rise together. What We Talked About: Furniture Lighting & Decor Article Other Episodes Mentioned: EPISODE 660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard” EPISODE 585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems EPISODE 520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! EPISODE 145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm EPISODE 02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy  

Today with Kelsey Kurtis: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and we’re talking-branding! This is for everyone. Kelsey Kurtis, author of The Connection Method and professional lifestyle branding photographer, shares her principles to create an impactful brand through the power of connection.   Pick it apart: [16:17] Kelsey shares with us the steps from her book that she encourages people to take when defining their brand. [23:00] Kelsey and LuAnn discuss the importance of having three non-negotiables when having those hard discussions. [26:20] Kelsey tells us about everyone’s favorite chapter in The Connection Method.  [39:00] We learn the three steps of Kelsey’s branding and marketing cycle.  [49:27] Kelsey shares the three value elements for a balanced social media and marketing plan. More About Kelsey Kurtis: Kelsey is a branding educator, lifestyle branding photographer, author, energetic speaker, and unapologetic cheerleader for leaders in business. She is the author of The Connection Method® and creator of Connection-Based Branding. Kelsey has over ten years of experience as a professional photographer and working with business owners and leaders. She is passionate about educating and equipping leaders with the tools they need to genuinely connect with both themselves and their audience in order to stand confidently in who they are and what they offer. Connect with Kelsey Kurtis Website  Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn  Link to buy The Connection Method (paperback) Link to buy The Connection Method (hardback) What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned #125- Nicole Heymer: How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!   #248- Marina Umali: How Feng Shui and Interior Design Meet   #651- Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design #26 Kae Whitaker Branding Your Business, Finally I Understand It!  

Today with Sandra Vlock Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I have the pleasure of talking with Sandra Vlock, founder of Studio Vlock. Sandra worked as an architect in her own firm for 30 years before shifting into, what she likes to refer to as, functional fine art. If that’s not impressive, wait until you see her illuminating, evocative sculptures. Let this episode serve as an inspiration for you to make that big move to change your life and success, like Sandra did. Pick it apart: [1:30] Sandra begins by explaining her concept of “functional art.” [6:05] Sandra tells us some of the ways that she leveraged being an architect into working as an artist. [12:00] Sandra and LuAnn discuss transferable skills and how important asking questions is.  [25:00] Sandra explains how luxury can be defined as a creative experience and how she executes that.  [45:50] Sandra ends with some great advice that she learned from owning her architecture firm and beginning a new business.   LuAnn and Sandra Vlock’s Ah-Ha moments: “It’s not just finding opportunities for more pieces, it’s understanding what your skill set may be that could increase the scope of the work.” - Sandra Vlock   “On our show, we have discussed the standpoint of the Erika Ward transferable skills many times and in many different ways. Your past impacts what you're doing, just how you're expressing how your 30+ year career as an architect is impacting the way you create functional art.” - LuAnn Nigara   “Clients are craving a unique experience that can be shared.” - Sandra Vlock   “I guess people like what I do artistically, but I think it’s because I am willing to be such an avid listener to every detail and it shows up in the work that I produce.” - Sandra Vlock More about Sandra Vlock: As an architect of contemporary architectural design, who is now working as an artist, Sandra Vlock's focus is to engage people in a shared experience; capturing an authentic sense of place, context and narrative. Vlock views the integration of fine art and architectural elements as a natural evolution of that vision; one that enables Vlock to design evocative steel sculptures that inspire memorable experiences and create unique environments for social gathering, quiet reflection, and visual delight. Find out more about her work by visiting STUDIO VLOCK. Connect with Sandra Vlock: Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 sponsor:  I want to thank Kravet Inc for sponsoring the podcast. If you have not visited Kravet.com yet to check out their complete line of fabric, wallpaper, trim, rugs, furniture, lighting and accessories, Please do it today. While you are there, set up your trade account. No minimum purchases, one uyard one sofa one rug. Go to kravet.com today.   Other Shows Mentioned: #6- Identifying Your Transferable Skills With Erika Ward. #2- The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy. #145- Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Rebranded her 10 Year Old Firm. #278- Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd. #520- Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! #660- Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes.  

Today with Erin Harding: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Social media marketing is a valuable tool for interior designers. Pinterest in particular is an excellent platform to leverage the beautiful visuals of your business in order to grow your audience and expand your reach. We’ve heard about the organic side of Pinterest from Simple Pin Media before. Today, Erin Harding of Simple Pin joins us to dive into the paid advertising side.   Pick it apart: 1:50 Erin shares why Pinterest is so valuable to interior designers 11:54 Erin talks about the nitty-gritty of how to prepare for a paid ad campaign 28:18 Erin dives into how to make your ad successful with strong photos 34:25 Erin shares why now is the best time to dive into paid Pinterest campaigns 39:10 Erin covers what Simple Pin offers and how you can work with them 1:50 Erin shares why Pinterest is so valuable to interior designers 11:54 Erin talks about the nitty-gritty of how to prepare for a paid ad campaign 28:18 Erin dives into how to make your ad successful with strong photos 34:25 Erin shares why now is the best time to dive into paid Pinterest campaigns 39:10 Erin covers what Simple Pin offers and how you can work with them More About Erin Harding: Erin Harding is the Director of Promoted Pins Management at Simple Pin Media. In her five years with Simple Pin, she has worked with a variety of businesses and brands, helping them to grow their business on Pinterest, both organically and paid. Erin believes in the power of Pinterest and hopes that through her teachings, others will as well. Connect with Erin Harding Website Pinterest Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Sponsor: Revel Woods: Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started. Other Shows Mentioned #331 Power Talk Friday: Kate Ahl: Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm #618 Jenna Gaidusek: How to Build an Online Business in Interior Design

Today with Peggy Morgans Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Window treatment pro, Peggy Morgans shares the experts she hired and the work she did to prepare her business for a sale. Previously doing 90% of the work herself, Peggy set a goal of taking herself out of the business and broke the action items into a checklist of just three simple to-dos to achieve her goal. Pick it apart: [13:07] Peg shares how she felt about the process documentation when work is so custom [22:54] Peggy details how she hired out some of her marketing  [26:31] Peggy and LuAnn talk about lunch and learns [33:33] Peggy and LuAnn discuss the hiring learning curve [44:36] Peggy tells how she upgraded her systems to allow for process improvement [52:32] LuAnn and Peggy talk about the advantages of coaching and Chairman of the Board LuAnn and Peggy Morgans’ Ah-Ha moments: “You have a business, not a you.” - LuAnn Nigara   We want to make this business so that the person who buys it doesn’t have to know anything about window treatments. - LuAnn Nigara   There’s nothing wrong with the personality. But that personality doesn’t align with what you want. - LuAnn Nigara   Part of what my role is is empowering you to listen to your own inner voice. - LuAnn Nigara More about Peggy Morgans: Peggy Morgans is the owner of Parkway Window Works, an award winning custom drapery workroom serving interior designers in the greater Rochester and Upstate New York area. Parkway Window Works started as a home based, solo operation 20 years ago and was built from Peggy’s background as a former chemical engineer and MBA. Streamlined systems and a problem solving approach are the cornerstones of the company. Today, Peggy is leading a team of 8 located in 2700 square feet of commercial space to house our designer consultation space and state of the art workroom. Parkway offers design professionals a one-stop-shop with unparalleled technical expertise and a hassle-free process that takes care of it all from measure to installation and everything in between. Connect with Peggy Morgans: Website  Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s WTF—Window Treatment Friday—is part 1 of a new three-part series on pricing window treatments. We’re breaking down margin vs. markup, how to do each, and why you need to know.  You’re going to get the math and the formulas you need, but we’re also diving into what the numbers mean, so you can price window treatments with confidence and knowledge. Pick It Apart:  [5:59] Vita and LuAnn reflect on why you as a designer need to understand the numbers behind the formulas. [11:30] Vita breaks down what markup is and how to calculate yours.  [17:36] Vita shares insight on the multiplier—an often misunderstood part of the equation. [27:50] Vita walks us through margins and the formula behind them.  [38:40] LuAnn highlights how you and the window treatment professional can both come away with profit.   Ah-Ha Moments with LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska: “The bottom line of this is that we care about these numbers because they are the drivers. They show us how financially free we are, how financially independent we are, how financially sustainable we are in terms of our business. And ultimately, our business then translates to our personal lives. That’s why we should care. It improves the quality of our lives—at least on a financial level.” -Vita Vygovska   “There are people who are math whizzes and numbers geeks who will totally say ‘Oh, now I’m understanding all of the background on this and how to come up with numbers that will earn me a profitable markup so that I can run a profitable business.’ But then there’s a lot of people like me who will say ‘If you tell me the multiplier to run a healthy business is 2.5, that’s what I’m going to go for.’” -LuAnn Nigara More About Vita Vygovska Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. Connect with Vita Vygovska: Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com.   Other Shows Mentioned: #589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million   #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team   #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire   #448 Window Treatment Friday: A New Series featuring Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara   #456 Window Treatment Friday: Custom-Made vs Ready-Made Window Treatments   #462 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 1   #471 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 2   #481 Window Treatment Friday: Overview of Hard and Soft Window Treatments   #493 Window Treatment Friday: Vitalia Vygovska: A Mindset for Success   #512 Window Treatment Friday: Drapery Hardware   #518 Communication Between the Designer and the Window Treatment Professional   #539 Window Treatment Friday: Look to Your Window Treatment Partner to Sell Remotely   #551 Window Treatment Friday: Exploring Awnings as an Additional Revenue Stream   #586 Window Treatment Friday: Tips for Selling Window Treatments   #610 Window Treatment Friday: Listener Questions   #645 Window Treatment Friday: Scaling to Your First Million Dollar Year   #653 Window Treatment Friday: Rising from the Ashes

Today on A Well-Designed Business: A Well-Designed Business® is 6 years old today!  Can you believe it? I can't tell you what it means to me to have you on this journey with me. So really, while I am celebrating this milestone for the podcast, I'm also celebrating YOU.  I've been reflecting on all that's happened between February 15th, 2016 and today, and I'm blown away by the education I've received from all the incredible guests and sponsors I have had the privilege to work with throughout the years.  Today I will be sharing some of the big lessons I've learned from my three featured sponsors: @kravetinc , @mydoma , and @windowworks Give the episode a listen, and tell me: What are the biggest #ahamoments you've experienced? Thank you for coming along for the ride and choosing to spend your time with me each week.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today with Daniela Furtado: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Daniela Furtado, the Toronto-based managing director of Findable Digital Marketing specializes in SEO for the design industry. She covers what to look for when hiring an SEO specialist and how to DIY it without wasting your time. Daniela’s case study recommendation comes with a Goodie Doc checklist found by signing up at https://luannnigara.com/goodies/.   Pick it apart:   [11:26] Daniela shares how to optimize your portfolio [17:31] Daniela explains the structure of her case studies [21:11] Daniela gives an example of a designer she helped with SEO [24:35] LuAnn recaps Sara Barney’s SEO success [27:27] Daniela explains what to look for in a reputable SEO provider  [33:01] Daniela suggests a process to solicit reviews from clients [37:46] Daniela shares how she works with clients [43:02] Daniela explains how Google Ads works [46:29] Daniela explains Google Search Console More About Daniela Furtado: Daniela Furtado is the managing director of Findable Digital Marketing, a boutique SEO agency that specializes in architects and interior designers. She’s based in Toronto, Canada. Connect with Daniela Furtado Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Sponsor: Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! "Let's meet for drinks", says an innocent email from a potential client. Or is it less than innocent? Today's episode was a great question, a very important question, from an anonymous listener, who found themselves in an uncomfortable situation with a client. How do you respond when a potential client extends an invitation for a meeting outside business hours? Join me for today's What Would Lu Do episode as I pick this situation apart, and we discuss the importance of listening to your intuition. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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  

Today with Meredith Kallaher: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Once a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Meredith Kallaher took her love of numbers and fondness for small businesses and became a certified paid ad specialist. Learn the strategy Meredith uses for her clients to grow their social following and advertise on social despite increasingly restricted targeting options.   Pick it apart: [8:35] Meredith recaps the iOS 14 update of April 2021   [13:25] Meredith explains a sample ad campaign creation   [16:58] Meredith advises how to set up your social profile section   [18:38] Meredith explains how to set up a social ad campaign   [38:57] LuAnn shares a tactic for time blocking   More About Meredith Kallaher: Meredith Kallaher helps entrepreneurs develop and implement marketing strategies that optimize for profit and meet their customers where they are with social media advertising (i.e. Facebook and Instagram ads) and conversion copy writing.   Her 6 years of experience as a CPA with PricewaterhouseCoopers combined with her ownership of The Scout Guide Miami franchise where she developed an extensive advertising and social media marketing expertise has uniquely prepared Meredith to help businesses execute and implement successful social media advertising campaigns. Connect with Meredith Kallaher Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Sponsor: Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Today with Chanae Richards  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. The journey to building a well-designed business isn’t always linear. Sometimes designers come from the most unlikely of careers. That’s something we have heard many times on the show. But today Chanae Richards shares the story of how she founded her firm Oloro Interiors. Not only did she come into the space as a second career, but she even built her interior design business in an unusual and unexpected way. She has made some very unique decisions along the way that have led to her success. Pick it apart: [22:24] Chanae shares her unconventional story, which started in finance and then included Peer Space rentals before design.  [29:37] Chanae and LuAnn dive into how she secured 500 rental bookings in two years, laying the foundation for her design referral base.  [36:50] Chanae discusses how seeing another successful Black designer fueled her decision to leave her career and start her business. [44:55] Chanae reflects on her decision to shift her business to 100% referral-based.  [1:04:30] Chanae highlights her Entrepreneurial Retail Center—a way that she gives back to the community and helps those who live in public housing start their own entrepreneurial journeys. LuAnn and Chanae Richard’s Ah-Ha moments: “There’s the confidence, and there’s the know-how behind that confidence. It’s not just the showy ‘I know it all,’ but it’s why you know it and how you know it and having them believe that you understand the guts to it.” -Chanae Richards   “What’s interesting about this is that when you think about if somebody hypothetically said, ‘I want to be an interior designer…I have my education and my internships and I have my chops and I’m ready to go, but I don’t have clients yet. Should I start focusing on a rental space while I try to build my design business?’ You could line up ten business coaches and more than 50% of them would say, ‘No, don’t divert your attention.’ But you did it because you didn’t ask anyone’s permission, and that’s sometimes the best thing in the world. And it worked for you.” -LuAnn Nigara “I’m able to do all that I do, simply because I have hired and cultivated great teams, both at the firm and the Center. I have a number of people who are simply brilliant and I mean that. I hire great people and empower them to do great teams both inside and outside the firm.” -Chanae Richards More about Chane Richards: Chanae Richards is the CEO & Principal Designer of ọlọrọ interiors, an interior design firm with offices in Philadelphia and New York. Her curated spaces and design expertise have been featured in ELLE Décor, Business of Home, Philadelphia Magazine, and Apartment Therapy as well as on national syndicates including MSNBC, National Geographic, Vice, CNN, and The Travel Channel. An inaugural Philadelphia Mural Arts Fellow, Chanae also serves as the Managing Director of Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Entrepreneurial Resource Center, a groundbreaking initiative providing residents with free business resources and support for community innovation. Chanae received her BA from Temple University and MA and MPA from Rutgers University. She is also an alumna of Bank of America Women’s Institute at Cornell University and a member of the Black Interior Designer’s Network. Connect with Chanae Richards: Website  Instagram  LinkedIn Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness. Other Shows Mentioned: #06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward   #711 Christine Platt: The Afrominimalist

Today with Renee Gurganus: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking to Renee Gurganus, Executive Director of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA). I’m so happy to finally have Renee on our show. The WCAA is an association that I have been a board member of for two and a half years and I am so proud of everything they have done for the window coverings industry to provide education, networking opportunities, collaboration and so much more! Please check out this episode to learn the value that the WCAA could bring to your life, even if you aren’t in the window industry.   Pick it apart: [12:00] Renee tells us about WCAA’s WISP program and how it highlights the members and links them to other members. [13:00] Renee talks about partnering with LIG to offer members insurance options.  [22:00] Renee tells us about all of the different chapters WCAA has throughout the U.S. and also virtually.  [32:40] Renee informs us about the Jill Robson Scholarship offered through the WCAA. LuAnn and Renee Gurganus’ Ah-Ha moments: “One of the really important things that our association does is that it really listens to our members. We get requests and survey feedback and we look at it as a team and talk about how we can implement those requests.” - Renee Gurganus   “I want to emphasize that WCAA is an association and has really great benefits, but the greatest benefit is that we care so much about each other. We are a community that really helps each other.” - Renee Gurganus   “There is a different feeling at a WCAA meeting. It feels like you’re coming to be with your friends as opposed to a networking situation.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Renee Gurganus: Seasoned, dedicated, and multifaceted professional with 20 years of leadership experience in nonand for-profit organizations. I am currently the Executive Director of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA). Known for my talent in Strategic Planning and re-branding of nonprofit organizations. Armed with proven record of success in spearheading initiatives to drive resolutions of problems and improve productivity. Equipped with excellent decision-making capabilities, along with keen attention to detail and organizational skills to monitor and document pertinent information to create reports accurately. Recognized for strong verbal and written communication as well as interpersonal abilities in establishing rapport with clients and key stakeholders. Renee lives in Wilmington, NC with her husband Mark and their two German Shepards – Sig & Heidi. She enjoys reading and enjoying time on their boats almost year around. Connect with WCAA: Website  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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  

Today with Leia Ward Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. New York-based luxury stager, Leia Ward, took her dad’s suggestion to start a staging business and ran with it. She learned the business, wore every hat, and pushed out of her comfort zone to build an amazing business. Learn how she handles her finances, where she got her business knowledge, and what she tells herself every day. Pick it apart: [13:46] Leia tells about her first real staging gig a luxury property [19:16] Leia shares how she got images for her website [23:16] LuAnn recaps Leia’s smart business choices [26:17] Leia tells how she creates a strategic plan  [30:06] Leia tells how she visualizes future memoring [41:00] Leia tells how she learned the money side of the business [49:39] Leia shares about the Profit First method she used LuAnn and Leia Ward’s Ah-Ha moments: There’s value in being strategic. Take time to think “how do I want to be received?” - and then you work backward from there.” - Leia Ward   “The number one thing is, don’t worry about what anyone else is doing.” - Leia Ward   “It’s the true desire connected to the gratitude and the action that makes it happen.” - LuAnn Nigara   “If you’re going to dream, dream big.” - Leia Ward More about Leia Ward: LTW Design is an award-winning staging design firm specializing in exclusive luxury properties. Named one of the ‘Top 10 Luxury Stagers’ in the country, the firm’s expertise is limitless. With an expansive inventory of furniture, accessories and artwork, their strategic interior marketing approach helps to sell homes swiftly and at top market Value. Founder & Principal Leia T. Ward is a one-of-a kind uniquely qualified leader in the real estate staging industry. Professionally trained and using the most innovative marketing techniques, Leia & her team have staged the most exclusive homes in the Northeast ranging from $1M- $20M, including the residence of Bruce Willis + Emma Hemming. Known for her attention to detail and forever inspired by her world travels, Leia has remarkable talent for blending textures, natural light and clean lines in every project. The LTW brand has a signature style of casual sophistication, creating calm and beautifully balanced spaces. Clients today benefit from her exceptional communication, project management and problem solving skills mastered during her 10 years working in the television and magazine industries in New York City. She has developed a unique ability to understand her client’s needs — which has been a key part of LTW Design’s success. Her trademark aesthetic of clean lines, bold neutrals and layered textures has been featured in magazines and websites including House Beautiful, Town & Country, CTC&G, New England Living, PureWow, Serendipity, Access Hollywood and more. Connect with Leia Ward: Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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, a software that helps you get paid faster, save time on admin work and manage your projects more efficiently. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to learn more. Other Shows Mentioned: #467 #76 #123 #396 #545

On Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Flashback episode, we’re revisiting with Laurence Carr, a Manhattan-based designer who had two careers before settling on design. Learn why she formed an advisory council to coach her new business and why sticking to her core business strategy has led to her rapid success. Pick it apart: [6:52] Laurence speaks about how her advisory board works.   [18:32] Laurence speaks about the sustainability mission for her business   [21:37] Laurence tells about how her eBook magazine supports her email list   [22:57] Laurence explains how her previous job influenced her own business   [29:07] Laurence explains how she works with freelance designers    [35:18] Laurence explains how she hires freelance designers   [42:12] Laurence shares about her online affiliate brand marketing   [55:22] Laurence talks about her quarterly strategy meetings LuAnn and Laurence Carr's Ah-Ha moments: “We talk about designing rooms, environments, space - but we have to know how to design a strategy as well.” - Laurence Carr “Design the career you want to have.” - LuAnn Nigara Connect with Laurence Carr Website Facebook Instagram Youtube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet has been a pillar vendor since the beginning of Window Works. They are also an original show sponsor. I just want to say thank you to Kravet for believing in this design community and for helping the show become a reality. Explore the entire library of guaranteed in-stock fabrics at kravet.com. And get 10% off using coupon code AWDB10.

Today with Marianna Zimmerman Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Marianna Zimmerman, owner of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS, LLC.  "Your current situation doesn't have to be your final destination." This quote from Marianna gives you a little clue of what we’re discussing today. For years Marianna was working in administration at a hospital. She questioned if she was able to do what she REALLY wanted to do, own her own design business. With the support of her husband and her decision to believe in herself, she has successfully owned her firm for 12 years. If you have any doubt or fear or questions about your abilities, know that this episode will give you the kick in the pants you need. Pick it apart:   [7:00] After 20-30 years, Marianna tells us how she got into design. [19:15] Marianna tells us about the makeup of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC. [21:25] Marianna explains her fee structure and advice on how to charge clients.   [45:00] Advice on taking the leap to starting your business. LuAnn and Marianna Zimmerman’s Ah-Ha moments: “I didn’t want to feel like I was playing catchup, but I had to realize that it’s not about playing catch up or competing. It's more about sharing my gift and what I can offer to the world.” - Marianna Zimmerman    “Not every project is photo worthy. The reason you do what you do is to make the client happy. In the end, a happy client is the goal, not the professional shot.” - Marianna Zimmerman   “You have to be the one to do it. Whether you have the emotional, physical or financial support of someone or you're on your own with no support, ultimately you have to be the one to do it. You have to decide to be excellent and make the decision to execute.” - LuAnn Nigara More about Marianna Zimmerman: Marianna Zimmerman, Brooklyn NY Native lived many years in Boston Ma until eventually settling down 9 yrs ago in good ole Dallas Texas. After Graduating from QC Design school 2001, She became a Certified Interior Designer and then a ASP Home Stager in 2009. With over 20 years of experience and helping friends and family design their homes part time while always working 2 jobs as a single mom, She moved to Texas and her husband encouraged her to use her gift & venture into her own business.   She launched The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC in 2011.   Marianna believes "great design is about creating a beautiful space that you feel comfortable coming home to." She is devoted to designing with luxury and style that is affordable. She has always believed in the motto "your current situation doesn't have to be your final destination"... The Best is yet to come!   While specializing in Modern aesthetics, she has traveled all over helping clients with a variety of different styles and genres. She is a self proclaimed decor fanatic and always finds that "one unique piece" that she incorporates & leaves her stamp in the project.   She believes being an East Coast girl, living in a Texas world is what separates her from other local Interior Designers- Her modern, edgy, "think outside the box" flare combined with her passionate work ethic & outgoing friendly personality makes it natural for her to work with each client's specific style and needs. Connect with Marianna Zimmerman: Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Hit the reset button and shake up your mindset and processes to reach those big goals on your vision board. Register now for the Mydoma Studio’s 19H, a one-day seminar to set you on the path to the success you’re dreaming of. There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains – no matter how well you’ve weathered the storm, no doubt you’ve felt the effects somehow. Fresh, actionable advice. Bold ideas. Helpful tools and templates. In short, everything you need in one action packed day to have the best 2022 possible. To get your ticket head on over to mydomastudio.com/19hluann/ – and just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event.   Other Shows Mentioned: # 167 Kelsey Grose- Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017 # 203 Darla Powell- How to Launch an Interior Design Firm # 455 Megan Molten- Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business # 631 Ariella Horowitz- Success for Design-Build Firms is in the Details # 677 Megan Molten- To Succeed, Focus on Your Why

Today with Beth Bender: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Beth Bender, principal and co-founder of The Dove Agency where Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. With 20 years of design experience, Beth decided she wanted to start something that would help those in the design industry with the back end of their businesses. Supporting both the financial and marketing aspects of the design business, Beth and I discuss The Dove Agency, how it works, benefits of working with the agency, and the fact that if you don’t run your operations smoothly, no matter how talented you are as a designer, it could mean the end of your business.   Pick it apart: [13:58] Beth offers her advice on marketing your business and how it should be an ongoing process. [21:05] Beth and LuAnn discuss the importance of having a financial foundation in place for your business goals.  [42:30] In addition to The Dove Agency’s services Beth explains the additional ways they help design firms.  [53:00] Beth talks about Designer Discovery to connect designers and smaller brands, and how it works. LuAnn and Beth Bender’s Ah-Ha moments: “One of your premises is that interior designers should invest in the back end, operations end of the business. You’re talking my language because the whole premise of my podcast is that yes, you need talent to be successful, but your talent isn't going to be the reason that you are successful. You can get some attraction and some clients, but to create a long lived sustainable profitable business you have to learn how to efficiently run the back end.” - LuAnn Nigara   “We feel that for a design form to be able to have sustained growth you have to have a two-pronged approach. You have to be able to identify both your marketing needs and your financial needs and they have to be in step.” - Beth Bender   “At the end of the day, it really should come down to counting every penny because there are tight margins. Regardless of whether you are charging by the hour, or a set fee you still have to know, How much time did I spend on that project? What was the monetary value of that time?” - Beth Bender More About Beth Bender: Principal and Co-Founder Beth Bender specializes in new client and strategic partner acquisitions for The Dove Agency. Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. Additionally, Beth oversees human and organizational development services and she also manages strategic growth strategies at The Dove Agency.  Beth earned her degree in human and organization development from Vanderbilt University, and she brings more than 20 years of design experience to her work, enabling her to advise and assist clients with uniquely informed perspectives as she helps them maximize their time, resources, and profitability.  Combining their impeccable expertise, proficient knowledge, and well-versed viewpoints, Beth and her co-founder, Kenda, together developed services that streamline administrative processes, giving interior design professionals the time to do what they do best—design. These processes are the foundation and hallmark of The Dove Agency today.  Beth works closely with the marketing team to strategically position each designer with the tools necessary for calculated growth, increased influence, and measurable success. Connect with Beth Bender: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet Inc. has been here since the very beginning, helping me help you is a pretty incredible thing. If you have not opened your trade account with Krravet, yet, please go to kravet.com. No minimums per order or per year. Go to kravet.com today and use the code awdb10 to get 10% off any one order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim.    Other Shows Mentioned #575 WTF Episodes: #653, #645 , #610 , #586 , #551 , #539 Sara Lynn Brennan: #607 , #524 , #514 , #463    

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is a follow-up to last week’s show where I suggested a framework for setting meaningful goals for your business. If you missed it, go ahead and listen to Episode 735 for all the background details of the DTBE goal-setting framework. In today's episode, I am going to share a story and a lesson based on the first step of the DTBE goal-setting framework— The D for Design. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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   Other Shows Mentioned: WWLD #735   What We Talked About: Self-Care with S.A.S.S. 5-Day Challenge! The Job You Were Born For by Eileen Hahn Today's Sponsor: Mydoma: Hit the reset button and shake up your mindset and processes to reach those big goals on your vision board. Register now for the Mydoma Studio's 19H, a one-day seminar to set you on the path to the success you're dreaming of. There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains - no matter how well you've weathered the storm, no doubt you've felt the effects somehow. Fresh, actionable advice. Bold ideas. Helpful tools and templates. In short, everything you need in one action packed day to have the best 2022 possible. To get your ticket head on over to mydomastudio.com/19hluann/ - and just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event.  

Today with Frank Eybsen:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we speak with Frank Eybsen, founder of Buildlane. Buildlane’s mantra is to make custom easy for designers. We all know how daunting the custom process can be. Whether you are near or far, seasoned or new, Buildlane provides an experienced team and talented builders to carry out your specific custom furniture needs. Tune in to learn how to join the Buildlane platform and all of its wonderful benefits. Hint: Your Buildlane experience will leave you with an unexpected custom education.   Pick it apart: easy for interior designers.    [14:45] Frank explains all of the different opportunities to specify custom furniture through Buildlane.    [29:28] Frank tells us the criteria for someone to be a part of Buildlane and also how a designer is given the opportunity to meet and get to know their builder.   [35:45] Frank explains the benefits of their templates program and how to use it.    [43:48] We learn the difference between 8 way hand tied versus springs.   [47:33] LuAnn and Frank discuss how Buildlane has come at the right time, in terms of being eco friendly they can make it happen, especially with the help of Carla Pile.   [54:53] Frank tells us how designers can get signed up for a trade account with Buildlane. LuAnn and Frank Eybsen's Ah-Ha moments: “Working with Buildlane you will have an extension of your own design team that is entirely in charge of managing your production.” - Frank Eybsen   “From designers who are really green to experienced designers from big firms, everybody comes in with some knowledge gaps. The amazing thing that's happened with Buildland is that we’re educating people throughout the process. They learn that the mistakes that could have happened, didn't happen.” - Frank Eybsen   “I love the transparency of being able to see the piece of furniture all through the process.” - LuAnn Nigara   “With the sit test for those who can’t test the quality of the furniture before they order, we like to say to designers to have your client sit in something and tell us what it is that they loved, and we’ll be able to reproduce that. We know what everybody is building with and what materials they are using.” - Frank Eybsen   “Truly I think the biggest thing with pricing has to do with the workforce behind the work. You can tell when you look at the details in the craftsmanship.” - Frank Eybsen Connect with Frank Eybsen Website  Instagram More About Frank Eybsen: Frank Eybsen is an entrepreneur in the home industry from Los Angeles, California. While originally a fixture in the LA Tech Startup, his love for building things and manufacturing led him to the heart of furniture production in California - South Los Angeles. It was here that he received a hands-on education in upholstery and case good construction. This experience led to the founding of Buildlane - a platform where the country’s best craftspeople come together with the country’s most creative designers to create custom furniture. What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com www.luannnigara.com/cob insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Thank you to Buildlane for sponsoring this show!

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is the first show of the new year, so let's work together and make sure 2022 is a productive and profitable year! In this episode, I will be talking about goal setting and strategies that can help us all tackle the year ahead.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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   Other Shows Mentioned: Sara Brennan: #463, #514, #524, #607.  Shea McGee: #236, #270 Amber Lewis: #169, #184 Jacklyn Marie: #515 Demetrious Robinson: #687 Cheryl Luckett: #292, #397, #573 The Vogue Room Foundation and The Vogue Room Interior Foundation started by Ebony Staten of The Vogue Room Inside Voice Outside Voice

Today with Ippolita Rostagno Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Ippolita Rostagno, founder of her eponymous 20 year-old jewelry brand, and co-founder of the luxury e-tailer, Artemest.com. While taking a leave of absence from her jewelry company, Ippolita learned to trust her professional intuition through all of her challenges, from people saying “no,” to certain technological challenges.   Ippolita and I discussed the, “Come to Jesus” moments she faced with her jewelry business and while building Artemest.com. We discuss the importance of recognizing “failure,” to fail quickly, and to listen to your intuition. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to temporarily leave IPPOLITA Jewelry. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to buy back her jewelry company, grow it, while also growing Artemest from 60 artisans to 2000. This is a good one, folks! Pick it apart:   [9:15] Ippolita explains how she gained the trust of the artisans in Italy who had resistance to sell online in addition to questioning how the beauty and detail of their craft could be portrayed. [17:50] Ippolita talks about how instinct and knowledge let her know that there are potential customers for these artisans and where there is demand.  [21:57] Surprising lessons that Ippolita has learned along the way.  [31:00] Ippolita and LuAnn discuss how not giving up, reflecting, and being persistent will lead to success, with examples. [42:00] Ippolita explains how Artemest works. LuAnn and Ippolita Rostagno’s Ah-Ha moments: “If you just start to research your industry, you can make choices along the way that really inform your path.” - Ippolita Rostagno   “Execution is everything!” - Ippolita Rostagno   “We say all the time, if you’re not making any mistakes then you’re just playing it too safe and you really aren’t stretching yourself in any way, shape or form. But it’s easy to forget that all of us make mistakes, no matter how amazing, we look at Artemest and think how everything must have been so easy.” - LuAnn Nigara   “Living a life that is full of love and satisfaction is very important and I think it looks different for everyone. You can't be motivated by money, you have to be motivated by your passion. It's all going to take a lot of work. Being an entrepreneur means that you have a certain kind of courage to not align yourself to any one process; that you're willing to find a solution. Put your money where your mouth is, devoting your time, energy, and resources to making your dream come true.” - Ippolita Rostagno   “It’s a good reminder that when we look at two of your businesses, how lucky they are, but there was a lot of intentional strategizing to make them happen. We can take those lessons to our own businesses; interior design firms, architecture firms, photography firms….” - LuAnn Nigara More about Ippolita Rostagno: Born and raised in the hills of Florence, Ippolita has always been inspired by the richness and simplicity of Italian culture. As a young girl, she discovered her love for jewelry in the shops and stalls of Ponte Vecchio. An artist first and a designer second, Ippolita studied sculpture and ceramics for five years at the Istituto D’Arte in Florence. After working in bronze and stone on large-scale works, Ippolita was inspired to apply her aesthetic to the world of adornment when she launched her eponymous jewelry collection in 1999 in New York with Bergdorf Goodman. A reverence for women and the female body has informed her style and her design vocabulary from the start. Her highly personal approach to fine jewelry is expressed in the sculptural nature of the organic shapes of her precious metals. A proprietary blend of 18K Gold and other precious metals creates a distinctive “green” hue, flattering to all skin types while her 925 Silver is a color with a brilliance all its own. The stone cuts Ippolita uses are characterized by their artfully random, larger-than-normal facets that conspire to create plays of light and shadow against the skin. Ippolita’s jewelry is an encounter with beauty. That beauty is an experience shared – between seller and buyer, wearer and creator, lover and loved one, devotee and neophyte. It is generous, participatory, outward-facing, welcoming, and open to all. “Beauty in our everyday lives brings joy to the human experience and fosters a culture of care.”    “Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”   “I want to sculpt feminine ease using shape and form in organic unity. Celebrating raw materials while also revealing evidence of the maker’s hand. All the while investing in wearable certainty.”   “Wear the mark of the maker. Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.” Connect with Ippolita Rostagno: Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.   Other Shows Mentioned: # 40 Meryl Santopietro- How to Re-invent, Revitalize Your Firm, Even After 20 Years.    # 540 Robin Baron- Strategic Thinking on Product Development

Today with Erica Courdae:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Erica Courdae, diversity and inclusion coach, is packed with simple, actionable advice ensuring our conversations and workplaces reflect a sense of kindness and inclusion. She also shares what to do when we get it all wrong as we continue to learn and grow alongside our fellow humans. Pick it apart: [10:10] Erica explains simultaneous realities [13:38] Erica explains what true conversation is [15:31] LuAnn covers a critical sales mistake [24:44] Erica shares how she works with businesses [39:10] Erica advises about how to communicate DEI efforts with a new, diverse hire [44:28] Erica explains what she means by “operating on demographics without psychographics doesn’t work” LuAnn and Erica Courdae’s Ah-Ha moments: “You’re not expected to know it all or have access to everything. You just have to be willing to stay in action.” - Erica Courdae   “We are all processing through our own lens. There has to be a space of understanding.” - Erica Courdae   “It’s not okay to assume that somebody wants to be a part of something that you didn’t give them the opportunity to opt-out of.” - Erica Courdae   “There are learning opportunities in being less than perfect. If you get it all right, you’re not continuing to grow.” - Erica Courdae Connect with Erica Courdae Website Facebook Podcast Instagram Pause on the Play Podcast Community Salon Instagram LinkedIn Salon Website Erica’s FREE Imperfect Ally's Evaluation Checklist More About Erica Courdae: Erica Courdae has dedicated her life to expanding how others interact with the world through powerful conversations. As an entrepreneur and certified coach, her work is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), imperfect allyship, and imposter syndrome. This work has taken her into communities and onto national stages as a speaker and educator at noteworthy industry events like AltSummit, ShePodcasts Live, and Being Boss. Erica is also the owner of an inclusive beauty salon, Silver Immersion, and the host of Pause on the Play, a podcast that features open dialogue on topics like company culture, visibility, and mindset. She lives in Maryland with her two children. What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com www.luannnigara.com/cob insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Kravet: Window Works has been having quality conversations with Kravet since the beginning. Their people know how to listen and how to deliver a premium experience and premium fabrics for both their buyer and for the end customer. For 10% off, go to kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10  

Today with Chloe Mackintosh Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m chatting with Chloe Mackintosh, the principal designer and creator of Boxwood Avenue.  Chloe and I discuss her journey from owning an Etsy shop in college, to developing a thriving blog, e-commerce / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. Moving to a town of 99 people, Chloe explains how she built a team of 12 people to help her conduct her business and formulate a proper “system and process.” Pick it apart:   [8:06] Chloe talks about how she shut down The Shop for one year and, while she is very grateful for the business that she received at the time, it’s ok to follow your intuition and put the ball down so you can put things in order and work on your other goals.    [28:07] Chloe discusses the importance of setting clear business and financial goals and how to strategize and budget in order to achieve those goals.  [39:47] Chloe and LuAnn discuss systems and processes and how digital platforms like Asana, along with their team, have been key in organizing their businesses and systems and processes. Examples and Chloe’s daily business routine included.  [48:36] Chloe shares her who, when and what in terms of her content creation process for Boxwood Avenue. [57:30] Chloe admits how assistance with systems and processes has made her more confident in conducting her business and how, “Not passing on discounts” is important as a designer. LuAnn and Chloe Mackintosh’s Ah-Ha moments: “ That’s so sweet that you’ve noticed my belief of: If not you, then who? I would agree with you. It has helped me power through many things over the years as well. If you’re not going to do it, somebody else is? What trait, skill, asset...do they have that you don’t have? Figure it out. You can get what you need to have, to do it.” -LuAnn  Nigara   “ To build a business out at the size that you built it out, it’s again recognizing that different things are not your superpower. Surround yourself with people who understand those things respect you as you respect them back and also share your goals.” -LuAnn Nigara   “Going above and beyond is important because one referral can lead to 5 referrals, that can lead to a really incredible project. Our biggest project came from Facebook, so don’t be afraid to showcase work that you are proud of, but also remember that focusing on the client’s experience and doing the best that you can do will grow your business.” -Chloe Mackintosh   “The confidence that having great systems and processes and Renee’s help with our deliverables allows me to present myself better to clients and vendors. The confidence has been a big turn-around.” -Chloe Mackintosh More about Chloe Mackintosh: Chloe Mackintosh is the founder and creative director of Boxwood Avenue. She is a designer, shop owner, and blogger. She began her journey at 17 years old with an Etsy shop and has since built her business into a thriving blog, e-com / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. With a growing social footprint of over 10 million impressions per month and 250,000 followers across social platforms, Chloe now leads a team of 12, all from a town with a population of 99.  Chloe has been featured by many publications including Domino and Country Living, she is a Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker and former contributor to Martha Stewart. In addition, she leads retreats for small business owners each in Sonoma, CA at the Boxwood Avenue Creative Business Retreat and is a speaker at The Haven List Workshop for Interior Designers. With clients spanning from coast to coast, she has worked hard to develop a solid foundation of systems and processes. Today she will share how she went from not knowing what a “system or process” was to leaning on them to scale her business. Connect with Chloe Mackintosh: Boxwood Avenue Website Shop Boxwood Avenue Boxwood Avenue Design Instagram Facebook  YouTube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.

Today with Corinne Bentzen:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today is a sponsored show with The Company Store, a premier source of luxury down bedding and home products. Corinne Bentzen, CEO of The Company Store, shares the company history, their commitment to quality, focus on responsible manufacturing, and understanding that the customer comes first. Pick it apart: [9:54] Corinne share the mission of The Company Store [13:22] Corinne tells about her suppliers and responsibly created products [17:48] Corinne tells about how the pandemic has affected the company [22:22] Corinne advises designers on helping clients understand the quality of The Company Store products [25:00] Corinne shares how The Company Store works with the trade [30:43] Corinne speaks about how designers can set up a trade account LuAnn and Corinne Bentzen’s Ah-Ha moments: “We have a responsibility to make great choices for our customers.” - Corinne Bentzen   “Your home has never mattered more than now.” - Corinne Bentzen “There’s no better gift than leaving the client with a great night’s sleep.” - Corinne Bentzen Connect with Corinne Bentzen Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  Twitter More About Corinne Bentzen: Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Corinne Bentzen began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she built brand identity for premium brands before taking the leap across the pond to join Tiffany & Co. in New York. There she put her strategic thinking, strong decision making, and leadership skills to work, ultimately leading her to The Company Store where she breathed new life into the 110-year-old home goods retailer acquired by The Home Depot in 2018. Not one to shy from a challenge, Corinne most recently took over the leadership of Home Depot’s HD Home, in addition to her leadership role at The Company Store. An avid skier and cyclist, Corinne lives in Connecticut where she enjoys an active family life with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog Rosie. What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com www.luannnigara.com/cob insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Thank you to The Company Store for sponsoring this show!  

Today with Erica Reiner Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Erica Reiner of Eco Method Interiors niched down and rebranded after a few years in business. Learn what prompted her big change, what she does when the scarcity mindset strikes, and how her business has changed since she stopped trying to be everything to everyone. Pick it apart: [4:04] Erica shares what prompted her rebrand [10:15] Erica shares her struggle with her scarcity mindset [24:50] Erica advises about sourcing green products [34:28] Erica tells about variable standards for green products [42:50] Erica shares her thoughts about the link between environmental and social justice [49:42] Erica and LuAnn speak about niching and overcoming the scarcity mindset LuAnn and Erica Reiner’s Ah-Ha moments: “Set up expectations early and often.” - Erica Reiner “You have to figure out what is important to you and what is going to motivate you when it gets tricky and tough”. - Erica Reiner “If you do something from your heart and explain your reasons why, no one can compete with that.”  - LuAnn Nigara More about Erica Reiner: Erica Reiner is the owner / principal designer of Eco Method Interiors, where her company helps people transform their space, health, and the planet. As an inspired interior designer specializing in cleaner and greener spaces, Erica truly can’t decide if she likes working best in residential, commercial or short-term rental sectors with all the fun that comes with each. Erica and her team are hired by clients for full service interior design, online E-design, and event styling. Since 2015, Erica has helped clients create more joy, expression, health and wellbeing through transformational design that goes deeper than aesthetics using the “Eco Method” way. Erica loves sharing her knowledge and has been featured in Better homes and Gardens, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, Reader's digest and more. Looking forward, Erica is working towards leading the home decor and design industry into a greener, cleaner place. In her spare time, she's hanging with her husband Reed and rescue mutt, Hank. Connect with Erica Reiner: Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: I’ve been doing business with Kravet through Window Works for decades so I wanted to share their statement on their furniture sustainability: At Kravet Inc. we are committed to providing quality product with limited environmental impact, pairing beauty and heirloom quality materials with sustainability to support both the planet and our future generations. The Kravet Inc. legacy is impenetrably bound to environmental awareness.    On their website, at kravet.com/furniture-sustainability, they list all their sustainability efforts. Here’s a quick sampling:    Nearly all waste products are sustainably recycled at Kravet Furniture factories. Greater than 80% of the metal upholstery springs in Kravet Furniture come from recycled metal products. The foam padding in Kravet Furniture contains the highest possible content of soy in an effort to reduce petroleum-based substances.    Other Shows Mentioned: Susan Inglis: episode 670 Mike Peterson: episode 569 Deborah Rosenberg, Dimare Design: episodes 82, 117, 212, 218 Lane McNab: episodes 205, 699 Asha Jaipur Living: episode 526

Today with Danielle Hayden:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting takes us through what she’s learned from years of helping female entrepreneurs understand their money, heal from damaging money mindsets and make smart business decisions. Learn what financial considerations to pay special attention to at each stage of your growing business. Pick it apart: [9:38] Danielle explains her mission of helping business owners understand their numbers [14:31] Danielle shares what CFO tasks are [18:37] Danielle explains how deeply her team understands her clients [23:44] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 100k in revenue [33:11] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 250k in revenue [35:53] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 500k in revenue [39:11] Danielle talks about options for a managing the business while staying close to design [42:15] Danielle talk about planning at the 2 million gross revenue level [45:11] Danielle shares her monthly give back event where individual staff members bring ideas and causes  [48:41] Danielle shares about her system for unbiased/inclusive hiring [56:45] Danielle talks about her Five Day Bootcamp   LuAnn and Danielle Hayden’s Ah-Ha moments: “You cannot get to a million dollars working in your business five days a week.” - Danielle Hayden More About Danielle Hayden: Danielle Hayden is a reformed corporate CFO (chief financial officer) who is on a mission to help rule-breaking female entrepreneurs understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to create sustainable profits. After spending 10+ years in the boardroom as a corporate finance officer, Danielle is now in her sweet spot as the co-owner of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. where she helps business owners with bookkeeping, financial analysis, and education and as the author of the Profit Planner book series. When Danielle isn’t crunching numbers on her clients’ behalf or crafting the next iteration of the Profit Planner, you can find her hanging with her two kids as she inspires them to lead their fullest lives or doing any, and almost every fitness-related activity ranging from Spartan races to pilates. Connect with Danielle Hayden Website  Instagram  Facebook What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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 Sponsor: Mydoma Studio: Mydoma’s workflow software helps you keep your projects organized from beginning to end, and also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.   Other Shows Mentioned: Episode 622    

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! We are continuing the year-end review mini-series! During this series, I will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year-end. To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on.  In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today I am going to encourage you to review your technology, subscriptions and memberships, and insurances.  You know what the Vin Man says, sometimes it’s not what you make, it’s what you don’t spend. So, let’s see if we can save you from some unnecessary spending in 2022, shall we? What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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   Other Shows Mentioned: Episode 719 Episode 721 Episode 723 Episode 725

Today with Tanya Dalton:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Tanya Dalton, best-selling author, speaker, productivity expert, and growth strategist for female leaders is here to share a helpful goal framework that leaves space for life’s ups and downs, celebrates progress, and prevents you from getting discouraged and quitting. Pick it apart: [4:16] Tanya shares the mindfulness exercise she uses during her commute [9:27] Tanya summarizes her new book [11:58] Tanya walks through her IMPACT goal framework [25:05] Tanya shares her email-checking system [31:05] Tanya details her customer service system that includes auto-FAQs and using templated responses/multiple inboxes [38:30] LuAnn explains Sara Brennan’s calendar hack for new client consultations [43:58] Tanya covers quick tips on implementing habit stacking   LuAnn and Tanya Dalton’ Ah-Ha moments: “It’s a choice to have an extraordinary life.” - Tanya Dalton   “The goal isn’t the goal. Goals are the vehicle to get you the life you want.” - Tanya Dalton   More About Tanya Dalton: Tanya Dalton is a best-selling author, speaker, nationally recognized productivity expert, and serves as a growth strategist for female leaders. In addition to her first book, The Joy of Missing Out, being named one of the Top 10 Business Books of the year by Fortune Magazine, Tanya’s podcast, The Intentional Advantage has received millions of downloads from listeners around the world. She is also a featured expert on several networks including NBC and Fox and is a VIP contributor for Entrepreneur.com. Tanya has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications including Forbes, Inc, Fast Company,and Real Simple. She has been awarded the elite Enterprising Women Award and has been named the Female Entrepreneur to Watch for the state of North Carolina. Tanya is also the founder + CEO of inkWELL Press Productivity Co. a multi-million dollar company providing tools that work as a catalyst in helping women do less while achieving maximum success. Connect with Tanya Dalton Website  Instagram   Facebook  LinkedIn Twitter Buy Tanya’s Book What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Kravet is a fifth generation family business that distributes top quality fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. To view their selection, visit Kravet.com and make sure to use coupon code AWDB10.

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! We are continuing the year-end review mini-series! Over the next few weeks, I will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year-end. To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on.  In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today we are talking about our marketing plan for 2022. I am going to kick this off with a line from one of my partners at Exciting Windows!, Steve Wishnow. "Always be marketing." No matter what kind of firm you have, no matter how large or how small or how busy or slow you are—always be marketing. Let's get to it! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today with Jude Charles:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday and Jude Charles is back on the show! Today, Jude shares the final part of his video storytelling framework - Dramatic Leverage. Jude shares some of his 70 ideas for distributing your brand videos so you can help people understand who you are, how you can help them, and why they want to choose you for their next project. Pick it apart: [5:36] Jude shares the story of lipstick brand found Keyshia Ka’oir   [14:15] Jude recaps why story is so important to building your brand   [26:40] Jude share the re-engagement tactic he uses to get more projects   [29:52] Jude relays the story of a business coach he worked with on her testimonials   [33:18] Jude offers his advice for interior designers who want to create videos  LuAnn and Jude Charles’ Ah-Ha moments: “What you want more than anything is to resonate with your audience.” - Jude Charles   “We have gold in our hands but we’re searching for silver.” - Jude Charles   “Think bigger and go deeper”. - Jude Charles   “It is not optional to be in business and not tell your story.” - Jude Charles   More About Jude Charles: Jude Charles is a story-driven filmmaker, brand strategist & speaker. For over 13 years, he has been producing documentaries & videos for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He lives and breathes YOUR brand. He digs deep to find the compelling stories that no one else knows & then leverages those stories to scale your business.   Connect with Jude Charles Website  LinkedIn Jude's Book What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Kravet is a fifth generation family business that distributes top quality fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. To view their selection, visit Kravet.com and make sure to use coupon code AWDB10. Other Shows Mentioned:  #516 #626 #718

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! We are continuing the year-end review mini series! Over the next few weeks I will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year-end. To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on.  In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today we are going to do a revenue generator review.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today with Duke Renders:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today’s sponsored show with Fernando Duque of Duke Renders is valuable on multiple levels.  Not only will you get a unique insight into what the world of high-quality 3D rendering offers you and how Duke Renders can help you take advantage of it, but you’ll also hear from an expert business owner who knows what it takes to grow a business to full fruition within just a year. Pick it apart: [8:12] Fernando shares the story of how helping his wife led to the creation of Duke Renders.  [13:45] LuAnn and Fernando discuss the importance of core values and how sticking to them makes business decisions easier.  [31:39] Fernando highlights the process of designers working with Duke Renders, from start to finish.  [48:27] Fernando points out what makes Duke Renders different and why you should work with them.  [51:48] Fernando shares the company’s referral system and previews the Black Friday offer you need to take advantage of. LuAnn and Fernando Duque’s Ah-Ha moments: “It’s all about core values and how to build a company from the very beginning with a nice set of rules that you live by. For us, it’s very simple. Some of our core values are that we are a client-centric company and we have to pay attention to detail because we’re serving such a specific industry. We like to have our fair share of fun too. Being a client-centric company means that we put the client first in everything that we do. I know it sounds like everyone does that focusing on creating the best experience for our clients is what we focus on. That comes with brand loyalty, and that’s why our clients keep coming back.” -Fernando Duque   “I love what you said—if you’re going to do something through the filter of your values, it saves you so much time. That’s something I say over and over and over again. It’s why a designer has to set their mission, their vision, and their core values.” -LuAnn Nigara   “That line, ‘We didn’t know much about rendering but we knew how to build a business’ is the premise of the podcast...It’s like we say all the time—you don’t need to hire someone with a skillset; you need to hire someone with ethics, who shares your core values...You’re going to teach them the rest, but you can’t teach them character. This is the same thing to me with the business. You didn’t need to know about rendering. You needed to know about business.” -LuAnn  Nigara   “The trick to building a healthy company is that the minute you find out there’s someone better than you, hire them and spread the culture of your company. For us, we started hiring better 3D artists from very early on. That’s why we have grown so fast and been able to serve more people.” -Fernando Duque Connect with Duke Renders Website Referral Program Quote Your Project Email: info@dukerenders.com Instagram Facebook More About Duke Renders: Fernando is a serial entrepreneur, born in Venezuela, with a bachelor in Economics and an MBA from Babson College. He has a passion for starting companies and making them grow, Duke Renders being the 5th in his career. He lives in Tulum, Mexico with his beautiful wife Mina (who you can listen to in episode 639) and their new baby Company B Penelope. io Duke Renders is a 3D Rendering Studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico. They serve busy interior designers with 100% accurate photo-realistic 3D renderings. Their goal is to make you and your clients feel proud, confident and empowered at every step of the design process. They have clients such as Intercontinental Hotel Group, Kate Rumson, Eneia White, Mikel Welch, Lindsey Brooke and over 300+ more. They created the renderings for the Obsidian Experience by BADG (Black Artist Designers Guild) and their work has been featured in Forbes, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful and now the Luann Nigara's Podcast. What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com www.luannnigara.com/cob insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Thank you to Duke Renders for sponsoring this show! Other Shows Mentioned:  #47 Gail Davis: Make Your Life Count #639 Mina Duque: Starting an Interior Design Firm in a Foreign Melting Pot   #297 Mikel Welch: Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man   #703 Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today starts a series that over the next few weeks will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year end. To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on.  In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today we are going to start with a session on the questions you need to ask yourself and your team when starting the autopsy process. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

On Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Flashback episode, we revisit episode 41 with Cheryl Janis. After an accident left her searching for help in the world of natural medicine, Cheryl realized that there was a powerful niche waiting for her—designing for boutique visionaries in the holistic health world. Niching opened up a world of possibility for her, and brought more joy to her business than she had experienced in her 19 years of design.  Pick it apart: [5:45] Cheryl shares her story of how a frightening accident and a difficult recovery led to her niche. [13:08] Cheryl highlights the positives her niche brought to her business.  [20:20] LuAnn and Cheryl pick apart the scary parts of niching and how Cheryl overcame them.  [27:23] Cheryl explains evidence-based design and how it helped her improve as a designer.  [56:08] Cheryl shares how “snail mail” gives her a unique opportunity to connect with clients. LuAnn and Cheryl's Ah-Ha moments: “All this creativity that felt bottled up when I was a generalist suddenly started to explode, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with that.” -Cheryl Janis “When something is gnawing at you, and you’re not happy in what you do, you want to find that thing that does make you happy. Sometimes that’s difficult. Sometimes it takes years to do.” -Cheryl Janis “I think it’s terrific, and it could be executed by anyone to any niche. It could be bathrooms, kitchens, nursery, commercial, lawyers offices. The point is, find the thing that when you’re doing and creating that space, you’re not looking at the clock. It’s what projects you are drawn to.” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with Cheryl Janis Website Instagram   LinkedIn Pinterest Cheryl's Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revelwoods is a family run business, led by John Dupra. They are a hyper-personalized concierge service providing wood flooring at wholesale prices to you, the interior designer. Go to revelwoods.com to find out how you can add profit to your projects by making the wood floor purchase part of your proposal. Revelwoods wants to help you be the wood flooring expert. Their design trade program is designed to help you succeed, to help you be the best resource for your client as well as helping you navigate this territory with your contractor. They know the business, the typical distribution channel and they know how you can make more money and be the expert in the room. Go to revelwoods.com and see how it works.   Other Shows Mentioned: #41 Cheryl Janis: Create Clarity for Your Interior Design Firm and Watch Your Profits Grow   #15 Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich

Today with Peter Lang, Kim Merlitti, and Michele Williams Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Our financial Power Talk Friday experts, Michele Williams, Peter Lang, and Kim Merlitti are talking about year-end cleanup and planning for the new year. They cover what your balance sheet should look like, what tax strategies you can consider, what to look for in a financial professional, and why mindset matters. Pick it apart: [21:26] Kim shares about what’s included in the balance sheet cleanup [28:16] Peter elaborated on the balance sheet cleanup [31:41] Michele shares more about what issues she sees in clients’ balance sheets [35:37] Peter talks about how to account for pending installations [42:48] Michele explains how the Profit First account separation can help understand your revenue better [55:08] Kim advises on cash planning with your tax accountant [1:01:53] Kim shares how she helps clients project earnings [1:03:56] Michele talks about how she helps clients build a three to five-year plan [1:06:34] Michele shares how she helps clients who have empty pipelines [1:14:11] Peter advises on the PPP and Covid grants and tax deferment options LuAnn, Peter, Kim, and Michele's  Ah-Ha moments: “The balance sheet should be a perfect representation of your financial state at that moment.” - Michele Williams “It’s the day-to-day that moves us forward in any plan - it’s not just the big moment. It’s every single day being committed to the goal.” - Michele Williams “When you put it down on paper, it happens.”  - LuAnn Nigara More about Peter, Kim, and Michele: Peter Lang Peter Lang is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  He is the founder of The Designer CPA, a CPA firm that works exclusively with business owners in the design industry.  He has worked in public accounting since graduating from Providence College in 2002.  After working for several larger size firms in Boston and Rhode Island, Peter realized his true passion was to start a firm that specifically focused on designers.   Kim Merlitti Kimberly Merlitti owns KMM Consulting based out of Washington, D.C. Kimberly has 20 years of experience working in accounting for companies such as Swinerton Builders, WRNS Studio and Martin Group. She has her Masters in Accounting from Golden Gate University. Located in Washington D.C. her clientele includes a diverse group of service based companies, with a main focus on small interior design, construction and architectural firms. The goal of her firm is to make the businesses she works for as profitable as they can be by educating them on accounting, cash flow management, tax deductions, project reporting, and business management. Michele Williams Michele is the founder of Scarlet Thread and Consulting in Atlanta, Georgia. Today we will learn about Michele’s background which includes the financial software industry as well as a business in soft window treatment fabricator. She also has a BS in business administration, a diploma in Christian life coaching and she is one of the few certified profit first coaches in the United States. Michele was also the communication director and editor in chief of the Drapery and Designs Professional Magazine from 2009 to 2012. She is a member of The Design Collective in Atlanta, the Designers Work Club Council and the Window Covering Association of America.  Connect with Peter, Kim, and Michelle: Peter Lang Website Instagram Facebook Kim Merlitti Website Instagram Michele Williams Website  Instagram Facebook Podcastd What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.   Other Shows Mentioned: #164 #368 #284

Today with Jude Charles:  We’re welcoming Jude Charles back to the show! Jude Charles, the video brand strategist, is back and this time, he’s walking us through how to take that special, differentiating moment and express it through a three-part documentary-style video series he calls “dramatic demonstration”. Pick it apart: [8:09] Jude recaps the why behind his storytelling framework   [14:20] Jude gives an example of how he did a storytelling video for an interior design client   [18:09] Jude reviews the three-part documentary video series for LuAnn’s podcast   [22:10] Jude shares the five demonstrations necessary for a good video documentary series LuAnn and Jude Charles’ Ah-Ha moments: “Hearing something said 1000x is not as powerful as seeing it once.” - Jude Charles   “The whole point is answering the question: why should I do business with you vs. every other option that is available?” - Jude Charles   “You are the sum of everything you’ve done.” - LuAnn Nigara   “It’s not just about creating a cool video. It’s about telling your story and getting people connected to you on a deeper level.” - Jude Charles   More About Jude Charles: Jude Charles is a story-driven filmmaker, brand strategist & speaker. For over 13 years, he has been producing documentaries & videos for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He lives and breathes YOUR brand. He digs deep to find the compelling stories that no one else knows & then leverages those stories to scale your business.   Connect with Jude Charles Website  LinkedIn Jude's Book What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Kravet is a fifth generation family business that distributes top quality fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. To view their selection, visit Kravet.com and make sure to use coupon code AWDB10. Other Shows Mentioned:  #516 #626

Today with Susan Wintersteen Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Susan Wintersteen, one of my first-year podcast guests, is back on A Well-Designed Business, to share tips on business growth and the importance of a mastermind community to get to the next step. As a business owner rock star, Susan has mastered the art of hiring people who create a positive workplace and support the functions of the business as a whole. Listen in to learn how you can use elements of Susan’s hiring processes to level up your own business - using the predictive index, strong interviews, and detailed skill sets to get good, competent people in the right roles. Susan has applied these same hiring standards to her Savvy Giving by Design nonprofit, which is looking to raise $50,000 this year to support room makeovers for children in medical crises. Pick it apart: [8:46] Susan explains how some employees can divert energy from growing the business, and how important it is to find efficient people who are happy to work in that job.    [13:00] Are you hiring exceptional people, or are you settling?   [18:00] Susan shares her tips on how to take suggestions and make your own decisions for how you are going to grow your business. Gather information, weigh the trustfulness of the source, and DO it!   [19:30] Join a Mastermind or get a coach to get insight from people who are succeeding in their industries at the highest level.   [20:40] Savvy Giving, an all volunteer-based foundation, explained.   [23:47] With the goal of getting into as many rooms as possible, Susan set up a “pop up designer program” to get local interior designers to volunteer and aligned with Make A Wish to maximize the outreach effort.   [27:00] Susan explains - What is Savvy Giving by Design?   [35:55] Savvy Giving by Design brings in the light and the joy to families in crisis.    [39:28] The design and function of the space is essential, and we receive support through our “Fund a Need” page to gather inventory for the room.     [43:34] Beyond the aesthetics - what do the children need to heal?   [46:50] LuAnn’s podcast is about making sure interior designers have the skills, the opportunity, to better themselves, to be a better business, and be profitable.   [47:40] Adding a nonprofit “layer” to your business, and partnering with Make A Wish for the greatest impact.   [52:13] A roadmap for success - How Susan trains volunteer interior designers for Savvy Giving wellness design standards, logistics, and processes.   [57:55] Duplicating Savvy Giving at scale.   [58:48] The same hiring principles used to find the right employees apply to running a nonprofit.    [1:00:18] Designers have so much talent to give and can make an impact on a young person.   [1:02:01] Savvy Giving raises the majority of its funds on Giving Tuesday. Looking to raise $50,000 on November 30th this year. LuAnn and Susan Wintersteen’s Ah-Ha moments: “I didn’t come this far to let it slip through my fingers.” - Susan Wintersteen “I don’t need my team to know all the answers, I just need to know that they know where to look for them.” - Susan Wintersteen “Marketing is not your problem. You need to get your team squared away so you can work in harmony.” - LuAnn Nigara “You don’t always have to know the answer, but you have to be willing to go find the answers. And you have to be willing to search for it and ask for it. You have to use your voice and ask for it.” - LuAnn Nigara “You have to be willing to invest in yourself.” - LuAnn Nigara “A well-designed space can contribute to up to 30% of our healing.” - Susan Wintersteen “Make an impact that will make them happy and healthy.” - LuAnn Nigara “Focus on the basic needs first, then put the pretty in.” Susan Wintersteen “When you grow and scale your business, there are going to be pivots, and it’s important to roll with reality.” - LuAnn “Build something beyond you. Something that will have a life of its own and continue to grow and flourish and have longevity.” - Susan Wintersteen “Go big or go home.” - Susan Wintersteen More about Susan Wintersteen: Susan believes in the transformative power of good design, and also, good chocolate—each day her vice is a good piece of Sees. Appreciating these special moments, whether savoring chocolate or spending time near the water with her husband of 30-plus years, her five daughters and dogs (the dogs are male—had to even the score a bit!), makes Susan a more empathic designer who is in tune with the needs of her clients and community.  In all areas of life, Susan likes to have fun and isn’t afraid to push boundaries, and that translates into her exuberant designs. She has carefully curated a team of designers for their expertise and commitment to creativity. Savvy’s work embodies the laid-back California vibe while incorporating unique, personal touches. Susan prides herself on being a straight shooter with a sharp wit, and she is fluent in the language of sarcasm. Her clients know what to expect, as she engages them closely throughout the entire creative and construction process.  about sAVVY  In 2002 Susan founded Savvy Interiors, a full-service interior design firm in San Diego specializing in luxury full service kitchens and baths, where she serves as Principal and CEO. Savvy is the only design firm in North County San Diego that holds a General Contractors license for remodeling, making the entire process a much easier, more seamless experience for her clients. From the spaces where you hide from your kids (bathroom), binge Netflix (living room), or lose your socks (laundry room), Savvy has solutions that improve the look and function of its clients’ homes.    giving back  Not only is Susan in tune with her clients’ needs, but she also uses her expertise to help her community. In 2014, Susan learned about a local teen who had been diagnosed with cancer. Moved by the story, she volunteered to make over the teen’s room into a unique, comfortable space that promotes healing. The joy this transformation brought to the teen moved Susan to found the nonprofit Savvy Giving by Design, which has expanded to a national network of interior designers helping children and their families through a medical crisis by utilizing the power of design and creating rooms to heal. Connect with Susan Wintersteen: Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest In honor of children in medical crisis, and as a way to give thanks for our own health, our families, and our successful businesses, please think about contributing to Savvy Giving by Design this Giving Tuesday. If you are listening in real time, that date is Tuesday Nov 30. If you are listening in the future any day can be “giving Tuesday”. If you are moved by Susan and her work, reach out, donate and possibly consider running a pop-up Savvy Giving room for a deserving child in your community.  To fill out an inquiry form go to SavvyGivingbyDesign.org or message Susan Wintersteen on Instagram. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.   Other Shows Mentioned: #164 #368 #284

Today with Fay + Belle: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s show is sponsored by Fay + Belle, a full-service luxury rug collection that offers authentic vintage and fully customizable rugs for design firms in the United States and Canada.  The company was founded by sister-in-law duo, Kate O’Hara and Kaley O’Hara. Kate is the principal of Martha O’Hara Interiors, and has appeared on the show before. But when she noticed that acquiring custom rugs was a difficult process, she decided to find a way to streamline it for herself. Today, Kate and Kaley share their story and explain how Fay + Belle can help you. Pick it apart: [4:00] Kate and Kaley share the background on how Fay + Belle came to be.  [11:00] Kate and Kaley discuss what sets Fay + Belle apart and what makes them compelling.  [12:30] LuAnn asks about the pain points designers face when ordering custom or vintage rugs. [27:11] Kaley discusses her sales background and how that plays into the success of the brand.  [31:20] Kate and Kaley share the details on the ordering process and how it is streamlined to help you. LuAnn and Fay + Belle’s Ah-Ha moments: “You hear people say ‘by designers, for designers,’ which I love. But Fay + Belle is by designers and battle-tested by them. It served us for many years before we opened it up to other designers. It wasn’t serving a problem we saw that we thought theoretically might help designers. We built this selfishly for ourselves and then thought, ‘it works, let’s open this up to other designers.’”   “I hate the word trend, but it seems on-trend with sustainability and being ecologically forward. You’re repurposing things and get it back into the marketplace so it’s not sitting in a landfill.” -LuAnn   “You have the advantage of doing so many projects and overseeing a company that puts out so much production in a year. So what you experience in a quarter, a smaller firm might experience in a year. The volume that you do puts you in a place to understand and see what’s happening in the trends and rugs.” -LuAnn More About Fay + Belle: Fay + Belle is a full-service luxury rug collection that offers authentic vintage and fully customizable rugs for design firms in the United States and Canada. Run by sister-in-law duo Kate + Kaley O’Hara, the company has found success in the industry since its founding in 2016. Kate, Co-Founder + Owner, positioned the rug brand for a luxury market and expanded its products into a successful e-commerce business. Kaley, Head of Sales + Designer Liaison, expanded the company’s interior design influence by growing a successful social media presence and developing meaningful relationships with designers across the US.   Today, Fay + Belle works with some of the most well-known interior designers in the country and has been featured in publications such as Austin Monthly and MidWest Homes. Connect with Fay + Belle: Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: If you have found yourself hung up with stock and delivery, having to waste hours searching through various platforms for antique and vintage rugs, or a clunky ordering process that tanks your productivity, then Fay + Belle is your answer.  So go to their website, fayandbellerugs.com, and set up your trade account. And remember, if you use the code welldesigned10, you’ll get an extra 10% off.  Thanks again to Kate and Kaley for sponsoring this episode and sharing their story and insights with us. 

Today with Kathleen Jennison Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Some of us come into this business because we’re naturally-born creatives that never imagined doing anything else. Others spend time in the corporate world but embrace an inner passion. But my guest today is unique—for Kathleen Jennison, a brain injury changed the way her mind functioned and opened the door for a new path as an interior designer. Today, she’s sharing her journey and the lessons she learned along the way.  Pick it apart: [6:34] Kathleen shares her journey through trauma and how she grew her design talents from it.  [15:32] Kathleen discusses her decision to start her own business and how systems and organization helped her.  [22:39] Kathleen describes the way her business grew and the big decisions and leaps of faith she had to take as it did.  [40:38] LuAnn and Kathleen discuss evaluating projects and profitability.  [52:39] Kathleen discusses how marketing is always important, even when your business is thriving. LuAnn and Kathleen Jennison’s Ah-Ha moments: “You have to be willing to take a risk. Some people are risk-averse and some people aren’t. There’s nothing wrong with having a home office and working by yourself, because you can still be successful, but it just depends on what you want to do and how you want to feel.” -Kathleen Jennison   “I look at the profitability on the project before I even present it to my client. I do a spreadsheet and see if there are adjustments I need to make ahead of time. Maybe there’s a coffee table we specified that they can find on the internet for cheaper...so let’s pick a different coffee table that is available to the trade only so we can increase our profit on it before we present it to the client.” -Kathleen Jennison   “I love that you brought out the very real point of always be marketing, but as you are building the business and you’re fine-tuning who your ideal client is, you want to always be evaluating that marketing. So we’re not going to start whatever we’re doing, but as your pipeline gets consistently full we can say, ‘Maybe we have 15 active projects in the pipeline but are they all our ideal clients?’ When you do have those projects in your pipeline you can be a little bit riskier in your marketing and start speaking just to the ideal client.” -LuAnn Nigara More about Kathleen Jennison: About KTJ Design Co. Kathleen Jennison | Owner & Lead Designer Hello! I’m Kathleen Jennison, and I offer interior design services for forward-thinking homeowners, regardless of whether they know what their style is. I specialize in helping people just like you create an environment with resources and materials appropriate for their needs and budget. As a full service interior designer, I use the Meticulous Method, providing plans with complete interior design specifications for both new and existing properties. My goal is to thrill and delight each client with every project. In addition to my suite of interior design services, I also own a general contracting company. Because of this, I’m happy to provide general contracting services for your project as needed. I also welcome partnerships with any professional who is serving your project, including architects, other general contractors, and landscape designers. This multifaceted approach helps me provide creative and technical solutions while also enhancing the quality of life for my clients.   Before becoming an interior designer, I enjoyed a long career as a Certified Public Accountant and was an auditor of many large corporations. This highly analytical and technical career coupled with my (second) Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design ensures that I am well-equipped to handle any challenges that might arise during a project. A traumatic brain injury propelled this talented interior designer to unexpected heights. . . .  When you are introduced to a person’s life story, you often can’t help but believe certain things happen by design. In some instances, this can be applied both literally and figuratively. For me, an unexpected and traumatic circumstance gave me one of two options: live my life by design or live it by default. I chose the former and have never looked back. Up until 15 years agoI used to be a hard-charging, successful CPA. However, my career hit a detour when a car accident in which I was involved in 2006 suddenly changed the trajectory of my ambitions. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident, my analytical mindset pivoted in a new direction. While my analytical processing did not necessarily diminish, it took somewhat of a back seat to this new, creative and innovative mindset that surprised me. However, I have not taken this for granted and, as a result, discovered a new purpose for my life that has opened more doors than I could ever imagine.     Before the accident, I was completely engrained in being an accountant. After the accident, I struggled for a couple of years. I had been on medical leave for about six months and went back to my CPA job too early.   After the car wreck, I was in the hospital for 17 days and subsequently went back and forth for additional surgeries and treatments. In all, I suffered from short-term memory issues, lost the vision in my right eye, and sustained multiple fractures, including my skull, eye orbit, hand, thigh and all of her toes. I found it extremely challenging for a while to cope with my disabilities. I endured extensive rehabilitation and even had to attend driving school to learn how to drive with just one eye, an issue to which she has had to bravely adapt. Before my accident, being in the accounting profession translated to a very competitive and fast-paced environment for me. I traveled the country meeting with CEOs of big companies, specializing in auditing work. It was a high-pressure position but I thrived in it. However, the brain damage I sustained from the accident made it challenging to navigate within my profession as easily as I once did. I did manage to work for a year at my job, and my employer was super great about it.   Recurring headaches and issues with cognitive rehabilitation measures, along loss of vision in my eye, forced meto re-evaluate my professional goals. At the urging of my ophthalmologist, who advised me that putting pen to paper helps retrain the brain and aids in depth perception, I enrolled in an art class. This just so happened to pave the way to an unchartered, yet equally exciting, territory for me.   “I had this desire to draw and paint, which I thought was rather strange for me. As such, I enrolled in the Art Institute of California - Sacramento and took a Basic Drafting and Color Theory Class. This provided the first steppingstone on my new journey. Moving slowly but deliberately, I eventually quit my CPA job and began to acquire enough course credits over a period of a few years to ultimately earn a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, which was a great complement to her previous Bachelor’s degree in Business.   By 2011, I was eager to find a new job, sending out myriad resumes to potential employers. My efforts, though, appeared to be somewhat futile. As a result, I looked within myself to discover my next plan of action.   I realized I knew all about business and figured I could just start my own.   Fortunately, I began a personal project during my rehabilitation that created an initial customer base for me. While I was in school, I started a blog about my injury and subsequent recovery. Several of my former CPA clients and colleagues followed me in that space. When I announced my new business through that platform, many of them hired her to do interior design work.   Initially,I opened a furniture boutique eight years ago called The Shoppe at KTJ Design Co, located in an old candy factory in midtown Stockton in the Fremont Corridor. From there my business began to grow, and today I have found myself in demand and continually inspired to flex my creative muscles.   Through interior design I have happily discovered my analytical abilities transition seamlessly and are highly applicable to the work I now do.   With interior design, we draft plans and rely on geometry and dimensioning, along with laying out and organizing projects. My experience as an accountant plays into that. I can visualize spaces easily. However, I still stumble on my words sometimes.   Along with the assistance and talent of my lead designer, Sandra Van Slack, I continue to expand her portfolio and is affiliated with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). I have also served as past President of the ASID Central California/Nevada chapter, of which she is a current member. She is also a member of the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Kitchen and Bath (NKB) Sacramento chapters.   When not tending to my business, I enjoys practicing yoga and experiencing adventures in travel. I also enjoys spending time with my husband, Bob, our two sons and our two granddaughters. A native Californian, Kathleen has moved about the state during her life but has found strong roots in the Central Valley.   In addition to operating her business, which also includes a general contracting company, I delight readers regularly with my “Ask the Expert “column for HERLIFE Magazine. My expertise, insight and creative genius inspire, entertain and educate readers about all things interior design.   I intend to keep on doing what I am doing for as long as I can. I love what I do and believe we have a pretty good system in place. I am happy with where I am today. I have good people around me. I like to think the Universe was correcting itself for me. I probably would’ve burnt out otherwise. I truly believe things happen for a reason. Connect with Kathleen Jennison: Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma’s workflow software helps you keep your projects organized from beginning to end, and also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.   Other Shows Mentioned: #06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Today with Braden Drake: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Braden Drake of Unf*uck Your Biz podcast is a California tax attorney specializing in helping creatives made sense of business finances and tax law. He’s sharing all about business entities, business insurance, and CPA service structures. He’s sharing his lighthearted and easy-to-follow education style that empowers creatives to understanding the foundational principles of money and business tax law. Pick it apart: [12:15] Braden shares the non-negotiable insurance a business should have [18:02] LuAnn asks Braden about how to handle business registration and nexus for businesses that work and do business in multiples states [23:34] Braden breaks down LLCs, Corporations, and S Corps [27:44] Braden reviews a simple math example of when it makes sense to be an S Corp [36:42] Braden explains the different business models of CPAs [42:31] Braden shares about his upcoming educational program LuAnn and Braden Drake’s Ah-Ha moments: “You get what you pay for - are you paying for consulting services?” - Braden Drake More About Braden Drake: Braden is a California licensed attorney and tax professional. His tagline is your gay best friend here to help you get your legal and tax shit legit. Braden works primarily with service based, creative small business owners through his courses where he educates on contracts, business entities, cash flow, systems and taxes. Connect with Braden Drake: Website  Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Podcast Book What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.  

Today with Geoff Siebold Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re diving into the world of luxury carpets. While most of us don’t understand the intricate inner workings of carpets, my guest today, Geoff Siebold of Stanton Carpet, thinks that we should, and I agree with him. In this episode, Geoff explains to me what we need to understand about the practicality of different carpet types so that we can steer our clients in the right direction and offer them more value through our own knowledge and expertise. Pick it apart: [4:15] Geoff discusses how the environment and lifestyle of your clients affect carpet choice, and what “practical luxury” means.  [10:49] Geoff highlights how synthetic carpets have improved over time, offering more choices for your clients.  [22:00] Geoff gives us a deep-dive into the construction of carpets and what it means for your clients.  [33:10] Geoff and LuAnn discuss how different traffic areas impact carpet choices, and talk about a special tool to help your clients.  [44:57] Geoff reminds us of the factors that affect a carpet’s performance. LuAnn and Geoff Siebold's Ah-Ha moments: “It’s important to understand your environment….One of the catchphrases for Stanton is ‘practical luxury.’ It’s having a product that looks fantastic but is suited either with fiber or construction to withstand everyday maintenance. There certainly is a time and a place for the luxury setting, whether it’s a master suite, or you’re an empty nester and there isn’t a lot of traffic or pets. But as a general rule, you want to make sure that if it’s a space with a lot of traffic, it’s a durable construction.” -Geoff Siebold   “What you’re saying is that companies like yours, Stanton, the big products, if your mission is to educate the sales staff and support staff at the designer trade room, then we only have to say to them, ‘I want more information beyond the look the style, the feel, I want to really understand what it is that I should know about carpeting so that I am an informed person when I go to do my projects.’” -LuAnn Nigara   “I think many of the designers that are bold enough, and brave enough, and assertive enough to bring knowledge to the table, those are the ones that add value. It’s not ‘whatever the end-user wants, the end-user gets,’ it’s got to be one of those things where not only do we know what’s best for the interior in terms of color, style, and pattern, but now we need to talk about the actual practical living that you’re going to have to accommodate to get this type of product. That upfront management of expectations is so important.” -Geoff Siebold More about Geoff Siebold: Geoff Siebold has been passionately engaged in the luxury carpet and area rug market for over 22 years. He began his career as a manufacturer's sales agent representing high-end carpet and rug brands throughout the Midwestern United States. He was responsible for cultivating business from designers, architectural firms and wholesale-direct showrooms. Within a year, he was hired by one of the manufacturers to become their Midwest Regional V.P. of sales. He was the youngest manager in the company's history. From there he moved on to be a National Director of Dealer Sales for a prominent luxury area rug manufacturer. In early 2007, Geoff returned to his agency roots and once again represented the best domestic and international manufacturers and distributors in the luxury carpet market.    Then, in 2014, Stanton Carpet hired him to be their National Sales manager for Antrim Carpet and ultimately the National V.P. of premiere brands including Antrim, Rosecore and Crescent Carpets. Geoff has extensive experience helping designers curate products and leverage technologies in order to grow business and add value to their clients. He has also developed specific training programs aimed at helping designers better understand fiber, construction and application of luxury carpets. Connect with Stanton Carpet: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Twitter What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet: Kravet is committed to helping you serve your clients. Their new website redesign makes finding quality home furnishings even easier for you. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders, and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet's new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself! Be sure to use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order!  Other Shows Mentioned: #608 Power Talk Friday: Christopher Wallace: Leverage Industry Partners to Improve Your Client Experience # 705 Jessica Mann-Amato  

Today with Molly Schoneveld: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Some of you aspire to be a designer that helps people in your community live better, feel better, and appreciate their spaces more. Others want to design for the high-end client, creating luxury spaces. But others want something a little bit different—to become celebrity designers featured on television and in major publications. Today, publicist Molly Schoneveld is going to share with us how you structure your career to strategically build up your persona and work toward that celebrity status.  Pick it apart: [1:21] Molly shares what your number one job is when you desire to be a celebrity designer.  [15:21] Molly and LuAnn discuss the importance of having a signature style and investing in quality photography for your portfolio. [27:03] Molly explains why niching is even more important if you want to become a celebrity designer.  [30:30] Molly lays out the steps to getting featured in the media as a designer.  [42:54] Molly shares what it takes to reach out for collaborations and cross-promotions to help grow your online presence. LuAnn and Molly Schoneveld’s Ah-Ha moments: “What do you want to be known for? ONe of the commonalities between people who want to be on television and those who just want successful firms is that if you want to be known, you have to hone your own style.” -Molly   “Having a point of view or a signature style...we all know designer colleagues that will design a beautiful Mediterranean home, or a Scandinavian design, or whatever it is, but what you’re saying is that if you’re going to be a celebrity designer, you have to dive into a niche.” -LuAnn   “Certainly you can get publicity without a niche, if your projects are of a certain caliber. Getting your project placed is one thing. Trying to really build your personal brand and your studio brand is something else. So having a point of view is really the thing you need, if you want to take it to the next level.” -Molly More About Molly Schoneveld: Molly Schoneveld founded The Storied Group in 2008 (under the name SW PR SHOP) to offer a unique point of view at the intersection of entertainment, design, and luxury lifestyle. She has over 15 years of experience in PR and marketing, beginning her PR career at PMK/HBH (now Rogers & Cowan PMK), where she worked with A-list talent, as well as on Oscar campaigns for directors, producers and films. In 2007, she left PMK to launch her sister-in-law's maternity line called Schone Maternity.
The line was enormously successful, being touted by O, The Oprah Magazine as "the really good guy of the month" for their dedication to fair labor factories and support of artisans across the globe. It was working with Rebecca that ignited Molly's entrepreneurial spirit, and while she loved the gratification of watching this new line prosper, she missed the diversity of working with more than one client. It wasn't long before she formed a partnership with a former PMK/HBH colleague Jennifer Weaver to begin SW PR Shop. The two grew the business together for nine years until Jennifer moved out of state. Molly took over the company and rebranded under the name The Storied Group. Career highlights Include putting the Interior design firm Hammer and Spear on the map as a design destination In the downtown L.A. Arts District, and helping to transform Golden Door, which had become a tired brand that was once a pioneer In the wellness industry, back Into what Conde Nast Traveler called In 2019, "The Most Iconic Spa." Molly has worked with such design talent as Drew Scott of Lone Fox Home, Kishani Perera, Hammer and Spear, Lisa Gilmore Design, Marie Flanigan Interiors, The Habitat Collective, Tracie Butler, and many others. Her first job was working for producer Brian Grazer at Imagine Entertainment, the year he won the Oscar for A BEAUTIFUL MIND. Molly has built a solid reputation providing great attention and care to every client and has proven success in getting results. She has secured cover and feature stories in domestic and international publications, including Architectural Digest, WSJ, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Veranda, InStyle, House Beautiful, Departures, New York Times, Robb Report, Sunset, as well as numerous television segments with a national audience. Connect with Molly Schoneveld: Website  Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet is always focused on making things easier for you. With Kravet’s new website, finding the products you need is easier than ever. Designers can now search for more tailored results so you can get the exact search results you need, which in turn helps you create the best experience for your clients. Visit kravet.com today and try the new advanced search options for yourself. Other Shows Mentioned:  #267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years   #648 Marie Flanigan: Leveraging Relationships and Making Decisions in Interior Design

Today with Christine Platt Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Christine Platt, the author of The Afrominimalists Guide to Living with Less offers a fresh take on minimalism, why it’s not just a one-day throw-out marathon, and what it takes to get to the core of how we got overwhelmed with clutter in the first place. Pick it apart: [7:58] Christine shares where to start your journey of discovery   [14:35] Christine describes her one day, one year challenge   [18:16] Christine shares what minimalism means for her   [23:40] Christine shares about buy-nothing groups as a way to release your items   [45:35] Christine summarizes her theory of minimalism LuAnn and Christine Platt’s Ah-Ha moments: “For me, minimalism is really just about being a more mindful, intentional consumer - just having the things you need and love in your life.” - Christine Platt   “It’s good for your own mental health - clutter takes up physical space and mental space.” - Christine Platt   “Our natural way of being is always to just have enough.” - Christine Platt   “We have to learn to be content with enough.” - Christine Platt More about Chrsitine Platt: Christine Platt is a modern-day renaissance woman also known as The Afrominimalist. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies, M.A. in African-American Studies, and J.D. in General Law. An award-winning author of over two dozen literary works, Christine’s most recent book, THE AFROMINIMALIST’S GUIDE TO LIVING WITH LESS is a radical re-envisioning of minimalism that focuses on authenticity over aesthetics. A resource for anyone seeking to discover the truth behind their overconsumption as well as how to let go of what no longer serves them, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less encourages us to be intentional, mindful consumers so our lives are filled with only those things we need, use, and love. Visit her online at TheAfrominimalist or on Instagram @afrominimalist. Connect with Christine Platt: Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: To learn about how it can uplevel your professionalism and organization, go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness and scroll down to the designer testimonial videos. Also on that site, my listeners can click to receive 20% off Mydoma for 3 months.

Today With Terri Taylor: 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 2021 Summit, which is happening Wednesday, November 3rd through to Friday, November 5, 2021.   Overhaul Your Interior Design Business in 3 Days to Finally Get Paid What You are Worth Event dates:Nov 3-5 2021 This event will run from 10:00 am EST to 6:00 pm and it is entirely virtual. This is an intimate group to maximize the attention given to each and every attendee. Day 1: Wednesday, November 3rd, 11AM - 7PM ET  Day 2: Thursday, November 4th, 11AM - 7PM ET Day 3: Friday November 5th, 11AM - 7PM ET  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. 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 2021 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. Connect with Terri: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Website What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: Episode 548 Episode 602 Episode 662  

Today with Jenny and Ben Slingerland Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors share the growing pains of their luxury design firm, how they run their team, and how they fill the gaps in expertise. Jenny also details what her Design for Build course involves and how it helps her students expand their business and get the respect of builders. Pick it apart: [25:22] Ben explains what their new hire, a client experience coordinator, manages [27:24] Jenny explains how she provides initial design guidance on a project to her design staff and has designers handle client communication [38:49] Jenny shares the coaches she and Ben have hired to enhance and grow their business [44:01] Jenny explains how her class can help designers gain an additional revenue stream and how to talk to clients about the furniture stage [47:41] Jenny explains how her LuAnn University course will help designers [1:07:58] Jenny shares real advice for designers just getting their feet wet LuAnn and Jenny and Ben Slingerland’s Ah-Ha moments: “There is nothing greater to me if my students get one job or a positive response from a builder.” - Jenny Slingerland   “It’s knowing what the builder’s expectation is and delivering it in an organized, buttoned-up manner.” - Jenny Slingerland   “If you can make their life easier, they will hire you again and again.” - Jenny Slingerland More about Jenny and Ben Slingerland: Jenny is the Owner and Principal Designer of Black Ink Interiors, a luxury residential interior design firm based in Arizona. She and her team serve clients throughout the United States and the Bahamas. Jenny is known for her unique sense of style and her ability to visualize the possibilities of any space. She is an award-winning designer who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Business of Home and Luxe Magazine.  Ben is the Chief Operating Officer of Black Ink Interiors. He left the corporate world in 2018 to join the team and oversee the back end operations, allowing Jenny and the design team to focus on the client-facing activities. Ben has an MBA and over 20 years of business experience across multiple industries and disciplines including land acquisition & development for a national homebuilder and senior procurement and human resources roles at Mars Incorporated. Connect with Black Ink Interiors: Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: To learn about how it can uplevel your professionalism and organization, go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness and scroll down to the designer testimonial videos. Also on that site, my listeners can click to receive 20% off Mydoma for 3 months.

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Ever wonder how Vita Vygovska of Vitalia Inc. Window Treatments & Awnings has been able to scale her business and maintain a family life at the same time? Her passion for spreadsheets has helped her design and build a digitized Project Management system that streamlined her business process and serves as her center of truth. Listen now as she outlines the 10 must-have elements that every Project Management System needs. Pick It Apart:  [18:35] Vita explains show a PMS gives you the options and checklists to make sure nothing is forgotten or falls through the cracks.    [36:33] Vita shows how to use the reports from your digital project management system to evaluate your business   [39:11] Vita shares about how she has worked very hard to consistently refine the systems and processes of her business and the benefits that brings to her personal life.   [40:50] Vita shares how she got a business coach.   [43:07] Vita reviews the need for a process of project management to get your order through each project stage    [48:17] Luann talks about key project stages: waiting for approval/deposit and balance due   Ah-Ha Moments with LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska: “10 points to a great Project Management System, but one of my favorites is that it has to be suggestive and intuitive, a va-va-voom, sexy system!” - Vita Vygovska   “A good Project Management System can provide validation to the feelings of busy because you can see the numbers in front of you, and gives you a whole new level of awareness.” - Vita Vygovska   “Mindset is huge. Other people giving you limitations is horse crap.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Vita Vygovska Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. Connect with Vita Vygovska: Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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

Today with Rachel Moriarty Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about visibility and authenticity. So many of us are bought into the idea that niching is the right way to go. But when we go to sit down and think about what we do that’s special, we can’t figure it out. For my guest today, Rachel Moriarty, the answer came from tapping into her own existing strengths and experiences. Now, she’s sharing those insights with us! Pick it apart: [8:45] Rachel shares her biggest challenge with visibility and how she managed to overcome it.  [14:40] Rachel and LuAnn discuss how your background and strengths can play into your success as a designer—even if they aren’t related on the surface.  [36:30] Rachel talks about her own challenge with wrestling with herself and how she finally pushed through.  [44:00] LuAnn and Rachel reflect on Rachel’s ability to stand in her own light and bring her authentic self to the table. LuAnn and Rachel Moriarty’s Ah-Ha moments: “There’s no competition because everybody knows exactly who they are and stand in that space so strongly.” -Rachel Moriarty   “To me, it’s non-negotiable to have people in my life that know more than I know. It’s as simple as that. Because otherwise, how am I going to know more?” -LuAnn Nigara   “I love these tight relationships that I have with my clients because it allows me to go in deep, which I think is my gift as an introvert.” -Rachel Moriarty More about Rachel Moriarty: Rachel Moriarty is an Award-Winning Designer, #1 Best Selling Author, Style Expert as well as a Color + Pattern-ista! Perhaps most importantly, Rachel is the ultimate colorful character! Those who know her and follow her on social media look forward to seeing her vibrant wardrobe, eclectic jewelry, and her ease with being what she calls ‘extra.’ Rachel’s multi-cultural roots - she is Mexican, Native American and Filipina - are an integral part of her love of diversity in design. Rachel is not afraid of color, texture, and design influences from across the globe. Raised by a Mexican-American feminist mother with a creative side, Rachel’s grandparents hail from Manila, Mexico City, the Arizona border town of Douglas, and California’a agricultural San Joaquin Valley. Rachel embodies and embraces them all as part of what makes her uniquely American and creatively equipped to design any space. Rachel embodies her personal belief that color adds interest and excitement to the world, and, like a chef seasoning a meal, she sprinkles it liberally to add passion and flavor.   Rachel’s iconic designs and unique personal philosophy have been featured in many publications, including Vision Magazine and San Diego Home and Garden Lifestyle, and Rachel has been featured on HGTV and The Design Network. Rachel has partnered with Unique Design Solutions to create her own tile color collection, and maintains an active clientele of both residential and commercial design clients. A former fashion stylist, Rachel’s passion for fabric, texture and color infuses all her creative work. Rachel is a master of weaving color into the spaces she designs to create energy, warmth and authenticity. There is a reason that clients line up to work with Rachel! Her warmth, enthusiasm and confidence manifest a seamless design experience and make the project fun start to finish.      A true design pro with years of experience, Rachel makes it a point to work with trusted tradesmen, quality craftsmen, skilled artisans, reliable installers as well as local artists to take each design project from concept to completion. Connect with Rachel Moriarty: Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started. Meet Revel Wood’s John Dupra at High Point at our Meet and Greet on Thursday oct 14, 2021 or at the PTF Tour on Friday Oct 15th 2021 check the show notes for links to both of these and check the show notes for the link to revelwoods.com/pro-account to learn more about how you can educate yourself on flooring, confidently specify the right product for your project, and profit from your expertise.   Other Shows Mentioned: #55 Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching   #214 Rachel Moriarty: How FaceBook Live Can Be A Game Changer For Your Interior Design Business   #174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours

Today with Bethany Wrede Peterson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Bethany Wrede Peterson, an interior designer, host of Arrived podcast, and business coach who specializes in helping designers find their unique voice.  Bethany and I are talking today about a topic that isn’t new to the podcast—unlocking your unique voice, your niche, the thing that you do that nobody else does that makes you the obvious, only choice. But Bethany manages to frame it in a way that opened my eyes, despite the fact that I have been having these conversations for the last five years.  Pick it apart: [3:55] Bethany shares the common trait she has seen in interior designers that holds them back from niching.  [9:10] Bethany discusses tips for finding your voice even when it’s not easy to filter down and discover it.  [21:43] Bethany talks about how to overcome the mindset blocks surrounding your voice. [42:11] LuAnn and Bethany discuss how to conduct a post-mortem following a project and turn every failure into a success. LuAnn and Bethany Wrede Peterson’s Ah-Ha moments: “If you think about it from the perspective of what’s not worked versus what has worked...where have you felt burnt out in a client project? That’s a huge indicator that that is not the direction that you want to be taking your niche into.” -Bethany Wrede Peterson   “I think why it’s been troublesome for some of our colleagues to identify their only or their passion, is because they do that first level—review their past clients and see which ones they’re happy with. But happy is not as specific as ‘Which ones could you identify with so well that you could anticipate their needs, that you could identify with so well that you instinctively understood what they would like or want or the way you would service them that would be successful?’ The way you described it was so clear to me.” -LuAnn Nigara “It’s not enough to simply say, ‘sustainable design,’ because we know there are a thousand other designers that can work to that. It’s about how we demonstrate that we are the right person for that client, not only for the broader niche, but with actually relating to that person’s whole life and story.” -LuAnn Nigara   “If you second guess yourself, your talents, your divine right to be doing this, then you’re depriving the rest of us of that talent that you’ve got. If you don’t show up and do it, then somebody doesn’t get it. And you have to think about that because there’s somebody out there that needs what only you can offer.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Bethany Wrede Peterson: Bethany Wrede Peterson is an interior designer turned podcast & brand messaging coach. She helps interior designers and creative entrepreneurs find their Voice to become more profitable, achieve greater meaning, and have more FUN in their work.   Bethany started her self-development podcast, ARRIVED., in 2019 initially to help her then-niche – single men – find their voice at home and in their relationships. After the pandemic hit, Bethany started receiving requests from peers to help them launch their pod, and realized that her own story needed to feature in her coaching. She works with clients one-to-one and is also the creator of 'Find Your Voice', an online course to help creatives rediscover their Why, find their Voice, and launch their pod in 8 short weeks.   Bethany has been featured in The Guardian; Wallpaper*; The Course Method; OnlineCourseTalks.com; I AM CEO; Subkit; and Minnesota AM950 radio. Her podcasts, 'ARRIVED.', and 'ARRIVED...Daily.' have been streamed in 25 countries. Connect with Bethany Wrede Peterson: Website Instagram  Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 is your complete designer toolkit, the place for you to manage all of your projects, from time tracking to communication to product approvals, so that you can free your time up to focus on your business and serve your clients. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.     Other Shows Mentioned:    # 174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours   #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients   #440 Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program

Today with Jessica Mann-Amato Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Jessica Mann-Amato of Mancini Duffy, a New York architectural firm specializing in commercial and hospitality projects shares the innovative design software her firm uses to help clients visualize their project, iterate in real-time, and confidently add their stamp of approval. Pick it apart: [6:18] Jessica walks through her paperless process  [18:45] Jessica shares how they introduce 360 process to a legacy client [22:49] Jessica explains how Covid forced them to develop the firm’s 360 system further [24:49] Jessica explains her company’s R&D department [40:18] Jessica talks about the state of her commercial firm in this semi post-pandemic climate and how her clients are adapting their spaces [52:10] LuAnn talks about how designers can help local businesses set up a Zoom room [53:53] Jessica talk about how to purchase the ToolBelt software LuAnn and Jessica Mann-Amato’s Ah-Ha moments: “This environment allows everyone to visualize what we’re describing.” - Jessica Mann-Amato   “It allows us to be more intentional about when we’re utilizing in-person time versus video time.” - Jessica Mann-Amato More about Jessica Mann-Amato: Jessica Mann-Amato, IIDA, is a natural design leader. With over 20 years of client-focused design experience, she oversees workplace strategy, space planning, and interior design for Mancini’s New York office as a principal and shareholder. She works diligently to bring her colleagues and clients together to achieve a shared vision, infused with a creative edge, that meets—and exceeds—expectations.   Jessica utilizes Mancini’s cutting-edge technology to further the design process and bring each client’s vision to life. She uses the company’s state-of-the-art Design Lab to lead clients through proprietary 360 Design Sessions which immerse them in their future spaces and allow for a truly collaborative and interactive design process, which Jessica has always promoted with her clients.   Jessica cut her teeth by devising beautiful and functional interiors for consumer goods companies, digital media movers and shakers, and boutique financial firms. Her career highlights include design projects for a wide array of clients that met unique business goals, integrated new workplace strategies, and delivered design that has had significant impact on clients’ company culture. She has created spaces for clients such as Indeed, Rent the Runway, McGraw-Hill, Rauxa, Pernod Ricard USA, ALM Media, and Citigroup, among many other innovative companies.   Jessica believes that true design inspiration is achieved with real collaboration within her group and with each client. She readily shares what she knows with the designers of Mancini, making mentoring and professional development a key component in her work.   A graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design, before joining Mancini Jessica worked with Spector Group, HLW International LLP, NELSON, Furnstahl & Simon Architects, and Conant Architects. She served as the 2009-2010 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) NY Chapter President. Connect with Jessica Mann-Amato: LinkedIn  Mancini Duffy LinkedIn Twitter  Instagram  Mancini Duffy Facebook  Website What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started. Meet Revel Wood’s John Dupre at High Point at our Meet and Greet on Thursday oct 14, 2021 or at the PTF Tour on Friday Oct 15th 2021 check the show notes for links to both of these and check the show notes for the link to revelwoods.com/pro-account to learn more about how you can educate yourself on flooring, confidently specify the right product for your project, and profit from your expertise.

Today with George Oliphant: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! George Oliphant from NBC’s George to the Rescue shares how the show (now in the 12th season) came about, how he chooses designers to help him, and why relationships matter. New Jersey designer, Campbell Minister, was chosen as the featured designer (who then chose Window Works to supply the window treatments!). Pick it apart: [14:43] George shares how he got the George to the Rescue opportunity   [38:42] LuAnn asks George how a designer can put themselves up to be a designer on the show   [45:33] LuAnn explains the connection between relationships and opportunities LuAnn and George Oliphant’s Ah-Ha moments: “It all comes down to relationships. Who have you taken the time to know? Who have you taken the time to help along the way?” - LuAnn   “I wanted to be part of the helping.” - George Oliphant   “People really like to help other people - and if they can, they will.” - George Oliphant More About George Oliphant: George Oliphant is the popular Emmy Award-winning host of NBC's George to the Rescue, a weekly national home improvement show. For 12 seasons, George and his team of contractors and interior designers have rescued deserving homeowners and community centers.   George Oliphant started out his career as a touring children's theatre actor. He quickly transitioned to become the host of Nickelodeon's Nick GaS. From then on, he worked as a VJ for various MTV shows. After working as a VJ, he landed jobs for NBC as a host, one of them being, Open House to the Rescue, which then turned to George to the Rescue. The show began in New York and is now a part of all NBC stations across the map. GTTR recently won a second consecutive National Daytime Emmy for “Outstanding Lifestyle Series”. You can stream past episodes at Youtube.com/George2Rescue and on Peacock. Connect with George Oliphant: Website George to the Rescue Instagram George Oliphant Instagram   Facebook  YouTube   Connect with Campbell Minister: Website Pinterest Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Leyden Lewis Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We talk a lot about the business side of design—from niching to raising your rates to processes and systems. But today, we’re talking about the root of design—creativity. Bringing creativity and innovation to your design not only establishes you as a designer, it also levels up the value you bring to your clients. My guest today, Leyden Lewis, is certainly an innovator and a visionary. He’s sharing his insights into designing from the heart, creating irreplicable work, and drawing inspiration from the world.   Pick it apart: [3:47] LuAnn and Leyden reminisce on their friendship and working relationship.  [18:00] Leyden highlights what he has learned in hindsight from his career.  [34:15] LuAnn and Leyden discuss how creativity and innovation play such a vital role in design.  [42:45] Leyden shares how finding the Black Artists + Designers Guild reignited his career.  [55:08] Leyden gives his input on the shift in opportunities for designers of Color.   LuAnn and Leyden Lewis’s Ah-Ha moments: “Be aware that your own maturation, your own age, your own marketing and financial literacy has to tie in. If anything, I learned everything that I know about my business from a series of amazing exposure and failures. Everyone’s story is the same in that regard. We all make errors or misjudgments.” -Leyden Lewis   “In five and a half years doing this business, almost every successful designer who has been on the show agrees, it almost always comes down to relationships. It’s the relationships you make, it’s the way you care for them. The internet is going to be there, but what I want to say to the younger designers is don’t negate the relationships.” -LuAnn Nigara   “I’m an outlier. I try to push myself. I bring the fierceness and the robustness and the pushing of the design envelope to my own work. Of course, I have done simple designs for clients who do not want to be pushed, but wherever there’s an opportunity, I push the envelope. Because design for me is an absolutely organic concept. I think it should be evolving, I think it should reflect the times that we’re in, the conditions, the people, the cultural shifts. To me, design is not static.” -Leyden Lewis More about Leyden Lewis: Leyden Lewis Design Studio is a Brooklyn-based firm that over the last thirty years has created poetic and culturally sensitive spaces and furniture in the United States and around the world.  Founder and Creative Director Leyden Lewis is a trained architect  with a background which encompasses the culturally rich Caribbean heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, urban sophistication, and classical European Modernism. Leyden Lewis Design Studio has been included in the Elle Decor’s A-List top 125 designers in the world in 2019 and 2020,  as well as features in Architectural Digest by Carly Olson,  New York Magazine - The Cut by Wendy Goodman, a TV feature on Open House TV on NBC, House Beautiful by Hadley Keller.  As a fine artist, his work has been exhibited widely and has received much acclaim, in 2004, Leyden Lewis was invited by the curator Thelma Golden to participate in the Harlemworld: Metropolis and Metaphor show at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Critic Herbert Muschamp referred to Lewis's work as "the poetic heart" of the exhibition. When it is desirable, Leyden Lewis Design Studio assists and consults with building art collections for clients. Connect with Leyden Lewis: Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 is your complete designer toolkit, the place for you to manage all of your projects, from time tracking to communication to product approvals, so that you can free your time up to focus on your business and serve your clients. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.   Other Shows Mentioned:  #587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Vita Vygovska of Vitalia Inc. is back for Window Treatment Friday and this time we’re talking digitizing your systems. Why go digital? Go paperless to take back your time and alleviate that frustrating back and forth with your vendors and installers. Dread the client making a change to the estimate? With Vita’s digital system, you’ll fret no more! Pick It Apart:  [10:37] Vita shares what she’s hearing is the biggest struggle of window treatment pros   [12:25] Vita describes a digital time-saving solution for repetitive processes   [17:26] Vita shares the second step to automating your backend systems   [20:19] Vita shares the third iteration the original estimate receives - becoming a PO for the vendor   [21:20] Vita shares how the original estimate is turned into notes for the installer   [28:29] Vita advises listeners how to think about a big change   [37:09] Vita tells why posting your documents to the cloud will simplify your life   Ah-Ha Moments with LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska: “If you are using pen and paper and a calculator to figure out the yardage, that has to stop!” - Vita Vygovska More About Vita Vygovska Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. Connect with Vita Vygovska: Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch http://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

Today with Kristen Rivoli Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Many designers are interested in expanding their business, whether that involves bringing a product to the market, tapping into a new niche, or building up passive income. My guest today, Kristen Rivoli, brings interesting insight into this idea. She recently rebranded and added a passive income stream to her business, built on selling curated designs to those who love the idea of design but don’t have the budget for it. She’s sharing her insights with us in today’s episode! Pick it apart: [2:14] LuAnn and Kristen discuss the changes to the design world post-pandemic and how the industry has shifted over time.  [14:41] Kristen discusses the importance of data, organization, and processes.  [21:00] Kristen shares her new passive revenue stream and how she started it.  [30:23] Kristen highlights how she branded her passive income stream without taking away from her luxury design brand.  [1:01:07] Kristen emphasizes how she leaned on experts to help her launch the expansion of her business. LuAnn and Kristen Rivoli’s Ah-Ha moments: “The best advice I can give to my clients right now is, we’re going to move forward with the design, but we’re all just going to have to be a little more patient. Things are a little more upside down today. It’s just our reality of today.” -Kristen Rivoli   “Give all sides of the design world a try. Try it on and see if it works.” -Kristen Rivoli   “It is a challenge. Many designers have talked about the challenge of offering a different ladder of services that is different than their bread and butter or passion.” -LuAnn Nigara   “There are lots of potential clients who are not your client today, but they will be in five or eight or ten years. If you can offer a service to them that respects where they are now...that’s what you’re doing. You’re saying I know that you want something beautiful and you want someone to help you but you’re not quite ready for my full service, so let’s deliver something to you, let’s get you in the Kristen family, and in ten years when you’re ready, you’re going to think of me first.” -LuAnn Nigara More about Kristen Rivoli: Kristen Rivoli Interior Design, founded in 2009, is built upon my extensive experience designing luxury residential and large-scale commercial projects. With an expertise in new builds and gut renovations, I design premium homes customized to your tastes and needs. My designs have been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, New England Home, Boston Common, Domino, Boston Globe Magazine, and HGTV. A native of western New York and graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, I live with my husband, two sons, and dog just outside of Boston. Connect with Kristen Rivoli: Website Rooms by Rivoli Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 best place for you to manage all the details of your design projects. From time tracking to invoicing and receiving payments, even communication between you, your trades and your client. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbuisness to get started today.   Other Shows Mentioned:  #319 Power Talk Friday: Kristan McLaughlin – Your Local Design Center As A Resource for Your Interior Design Projects   #10 Denise McGaha – Deadline Driven Design

Today with Mickie Kennedy: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For Power Talk Friday, small business PR pro Mickie Kennedy joins us to share a unique angle we can use to help get the attention of publications. Learn how to reverse engineer an effective press release that starts with ditching everything we know about design, allows us to gather feedback from consumers, and positions us as a thought leader in the industry. Pick it apart: [2:38] Mickie talks about why focusing on PR strategy matters [8:03] LuAnn summarizes how HARO and proactive PR differs [16:50] LuAnn and Mickie talk about a PR strategy schedule  [22:52] Mickie shares how to do “newsjacking” properly [27:50] Mickie suggests his take on the suggested number of survey respondents [32:08] Mickie offers his opinion about why PR helps your business LuAnn and Mickie Kennedy’s Ah-Ha moments: “Having those “as featured on” sections on your website convey expertise and is an implied endorsement.” - Mickie Kennedy More About Mickie Kennedy: Mickie Kennedy is the Founder and President of eReleases, the small business leader for press release distribution, now celebrating 22 years in business. He is an expert at helping small businesses increase their visibility and credibility and he’s here today to share some valuable insights. Connect with Mickie Kennedy: Website  LinkedIn   Facebook  Twitter What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Lane McNab: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I’m joined by Lane McNab. Lane runs a successful interior design business, Lane McNab Interiors, but, like so many of you, she found herself wanting to diversify. That desire eventually led to the birth of Guild by LMI, Lane’s furniture line.  Starting a furniture line, or adding any facet of the business, takes a lot of work. Today, Lane is sharing a spotlight on the challenges she faced and how she overcame them along the way. Pick it apart: [1:41] Lane shares what drove her to start her line and how her core values guided her in her endeavor.  [20:08] Lane discusses how she navigated production for her line, and how that has changed as the line has started to thrive.  [27:45] Lane details how to balance a commitment to sustainability and high-quality.  [32:02] Lane shares insights into the process of working in showrooms and the lessons she had to learn as she navigated that world.  [48:27] LuAnn and Lane discuss the nitty-gritty details of what financial impact went into the creation of the line. LuAnn and Lane McNab’s Ah-Ha moments: “You have to determine along the way where you’re going to make a compromise, because you can’t make everyone happy all the time. So you have to determine what is the foundation of what you’re trying to do, and then that can inform those decisions as you’re trying to make them. There are hundreds of decisions that go into developing something like a furniture line.” -Lane McNab   “You know what I love about that, is it’s so typical of any entrepreneur’s journey, but of course to a designer’s journey. I can imagine that if you analyzed the projects you’ve done and the way you priced them twelve years ago, you’d probably say the same thing: ‘in the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was going to get another client or if the phone was ever going to ring again, so I was pricing projects at a lower rate. But I eventually understood that my value was worth more.’” -LuAnn Nigara   “Once I know what I’m going to do, and that my risk tolerance is ok with it, I’m just going to do it. I’m not going to hit a wall of ‘oh it’s too hard or too expensive.’ You just get to the next fork in the road and figure out how to make it work.” -Lane McNab More about Lane McNab: A Southern transplant, Lane grew up in Tallahassee, FL and completed undergraduate studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. Soon after she moved to the West Coast where she attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Graduating with advanced degrees in vocal performance, she pursued her music career spending several years as a highly-acclaimed operatic soprano in leading roles throughout the Bay Area. After years of extensive travel and studies abroad, Lane left opera singing to manage the demands of a growing family. When she returned to  the working world, she focused on her other artistic passion: designing interiors. Before founding Lane McNab Interiors in 2012, she apprenticed with a local design and construction firm as a designer and project manager which gave her an invaluable hands-on experience and a deep knowledge of the design and construction process.   A continuously curious learner with a passion for beauty, uniqueness, detail, and quality Lane has created a firm with a team of like-minded professionals giving her a devoted clientele and close relationships with vendors and tradespeople throughout the Bay Area. Her designs have been featured in numerous publications and tastemaker sites. When not passionately pursuing design, Lane spends her free time with her three children and husband in their 115 year old house in Berkeley, CA. Connect with Barry Lantz: Website Instagram   Facebook  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet: Kravet’s commitment to innovation and their ability to bring in new technology works to make life easier for you as a designer.  Their new website redesign makes finding quality home furnishings even easier for you. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet's new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself! Be sure to use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order!     Mydoma: Mydoma is the designer toolkit. Not only does it offer a workflow software to keep your projects organized from beginning to end, but it also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.   Other Shows Mentioned:  #205 Lane McNab: How Interior Designers and Contractors Work Together   #540 Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development   #73 Kim Kuhteubl: Understand the Value of Your Creativity and How to Find Your True Tribe   #670 Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know.

Today with Desi Creswell: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business.  Desi Creswell, interior design coach and mindset guru shares the common signs of overwhelm and what can be done to combat the overwork that quietly sneaks into our lives when we take our eyes off our work/life vision and start telling ourselves all sorts of stories about why we must stack our day so high it starts to spill over. Pick it apart: [9:51] Desi covers the first few signs of overwhelm: buffering, daydreaming about quitting, and not being excited about your wins.   [16:26] Desi walks through the final signs of overwhelm: not feeling creative and not having fun anymore.   [27:05] Desi addresses how we can prevent overwhelm.   [43:01] Desi offers approaches to saying no to a project.   [51:19] Desi shares how working on our mindset allows us to process through negative emotions. LuAnn and Desi Creswell's Ah-Ha moments: “We’re overworking because we’re trying to get somewhere, but that ends up slowing us down - and might result in us quitting the dream instead of getting us there faster.” - Desi Cresswell   “Confidence is being able to have your own back through any emotion and knowing you can handle it.” - Desi Cresswell More About Desi Creswell: Desi is a Certified Life & Business Coach for interior designers who are exhausted from the hamster wheel and want to get out of the hustle. As a former interior designer who found another way, Desi understands how it feels to be trapped in the constant spin of busy work.  Through her intimate group program and private coaching, she coaches designers through mindset tools and practical strategies so that they can make the time to build meaningful progress toward their business and life goals.  Connect with Desi Creswell: Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started. Other Shows Mentioned:  #475 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time   #557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset

Today with Barry Lantz: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In his twenties, Barry Lantz worked retail before starting his own full-service interior design business. Then, instead of retiring, he switched gears to begin a successful encore career in art. Learn what advice this seasoned pro has for young designers and the words his mother told him that he’ll never forget. Pick it apart: [7:09] Barry talks about his first job before starting his own business.   [11:15] Barry shares his story about pitching to Kravet.   [17:41] Barry talks about his unique approach to client presentations.   [26:35] Barry shares advice for designers.   [30:36] Barry talks about the need for designers to have confidence. LuAnn and Barry Lantz’s Ah-Ha moments: “For me, selling is the rush. I just love to sell!” - Barry Lantz   “Two of the biggest words for success are selling and presentation.” - Barry Lantz “I never think anything. I’ve never said that to a client.” - Barry Lantz More about Barry Lantz: Known nationally for his sense of style and interior design talent, Barry Lantz embarked on a professional artistic career in 2010. After painting several pieces for an event and selling them unexpectedly, he began to paint on canvas as a layer to his design business. His art has become an important component of his successful design profession. Barry of A Lantz Design has designed interior and exterior spaces for more than thirty years. His signature interiors have been published in local and national publications. Barry’s work is admired, respected and enjoyed in over thirteen states in the United States. His style and talent have also been featured on HGTV. Barry continues to provide interior and exterior design services to his clients everywhere.  The long lasting relationship he has with clients is what motivated him to begin his expression on canvas. With the use of color, scale, form and balance the interior spaces he creates become works of art. By applying his forward design approach to canvas, Barry’s art comes alive with movement, mood, color, scale and proportion. Inspiration comes from shapes, light, texture, color and earthly ingredients.  His new found love for painting has become a passion. “Having placed several hundred pieces since 2010 is overwhelming and very flattering,” he shares. Barry paints in his design studio in Carmel, Indiana.  His studio features work in all sizes and colors and you can see a painting in progress.  Commissions are welcome for the most discriminating buyers and collectors. Connect with Barry Lantz: Website Instagram Barry Lantz Interiors Kravet: Barry Lantz Canvas to Cloth What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet: To see what’s new at Kravet, go to Kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off. If you are going to High Point this fall, Oct 2021, please be sure to stop into to Kravet. Their showroom is one of the most beautiful ones there. You can see the Canvas to Cloth Collection, meet the Kravet team and let them know how much you appreciate their support in helping me bring this podcast to you.  If you will be in High Point, I hope you are planning to come the LuAnn and Friends Meet and Greet party sponsored by Revel Woods Pandora's Manor. This is a free event but you do need to RSVP. Please go RSVP here!

Today with Lisa Princic: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. We talk a lot about niching on the show. But today we’re talking about a different aspect of getting clear on what you do—your value proposition. Don’t let the marketing jargon fool you: your value proposition is something you already have, whether you’ve defined it or not. Today, business strategist Lisa Princic is sharing her insights on what a value proposition is, why it matters, and how to gain clarity around yours.  Pick it apart: [0:53] Lisa highlights what a value proposition is and how it helps you think about your business like a business.  [5:15] Lisa shares her story of entrepreneurship and how she realized that she needed to define her value proposition. [11:12] LuAnn and Lisa discuss the emotional transformation designers offer their clients and how they can distinguish that from others.  [23:48] LuAnn and Lisa talk about why it’s worth taking the time to get clear on your messaging. [31:05] Lisa discusses why targeting your message at the clients most ready to buy makes more sense than trying to attract everyone. LuAnn and Lisa Princic’s Ah-Ha moments: “This is what I find interesting about service-based businesses. We start a little bit casually. We say “I want to do this thing” and we don’t really think about it like a business. But could you imagine a business that is planning to have huge growth or is asking for a lot of venture capitalist funding before they get started—they have to prove themselves before they go to market. They’re figuring out their value proposition before they’re setting up shop. They have to know that it’s getting traction, they have to do their market research, and they have to get clear on why it’s going to be successful. We don’t do that.” -Lisa Princic   “Whether or not you call it out on your website “I am the interior design that does sustainable design” for example, if you have enough blog posts and information out there, the people that are searching that will find you, and if they love your portfolio and all the other things fall into place, then they already know you can do that because of the writing, but whether your website has you niched all the way down is irrelevant at that point.” -LuAnn Nigara   “Trust is created through words more than it is through photos. It’s letting them know what you do. You can be ultra nurturing, you can be leading edge...these are all really subtle things that we can write down...You’re going to better suit different clients based on your personality.” -Lisa Princic More About Lisa Princic: Lisa Princic is a trained business strategist and the host of the Scaling Deep Podcast. Lisa's clients turn to her for help with business growth when they are worn out from chasing the next mass marketing trick, but know they need to go beyond word of mouth. She is a results-oriented, deep thinker who has an innate instinct for “seeing” the value of a business and turning that into a pipeline of ideal clients. A staunch believer in business simplicity and intention, Lisa helps her clients accomplish their goals by focusing on what to do AND what to ignore. Connect with Lisa Princic: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started. Other Shows Mentioned:  #651 Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design   #174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours   #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients   #214 Rachel Moriarty: How FaceBook Live Can Be A Game Changer For Your Interior Design Business

Today with Kate Rasmussen: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about how to take on new projects—specifically projects that you don’t have experience or expertise in. It can seem almost impossible to break into new avenues in your business. But with the right strategy in place, you can find and land new projects, even without the specific expertise in that area. I’m joined by Kate Rasmussen of Wade Weissmann Architecture, who has quite a bit of experience doing just that! Pick it apart: [1:16] Kate talks about putting together pricing and proposals when jumping into brand new types of projects. [9:50] LuAnn and Kate discuss how to successfully manage new projects without having the systems and processes in place.  [18:07] LuAnn and Kate talk about the importance of designing with your client’s budget in mind.  [32:25] Kate shares how to find growth opportunities for your firm.  [45:55] Kate gives her insight on how to develop relationships with architects. LuAnn and Amy Lynn Allard’s Ah-Ha moments: “When you’re breaking into a new market, you’re probably not going to hit the same profitability margin, but you also don’t want it to hit the bottom line too hard, especially when it’s a much larger project.” -Kate Rasmussen   “We analyze at the end of a project what went well, what didn’t go well, from design to schedule to communication, and then at the heart of it, profitability.” -Kate Rasmussen   “It does attest to the power of relationships, that it’s not a transaction, it’s a conversation, it’s a friendship, it’s a relationship. You’re not necessarily calling them to ask them to show you or teach you or help you propose this. You’re calling on a colleague that you know has done a project of similar style or scale and you’re picking their brain about that project— what were the pitfalls, the challenges, what did you not know before you started.” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with Kate Rasmussen: Website  Instagram   Facebook   Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point  luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma is the designer toolkit. Not only does it offer a workflow software to keep your projects organized from beginning to end, but it also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.   Kirsch: Kirsch is your source for custom drapery hardware and window coverings. With a history of innovation and extensive industry knowledge, Kirsch can set you up with what you need for your next project. Visit kirsch.com to learn more.

On Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Flashback Friday is back and we dug up another favorite from the podcast archives.  Christine Lin of San Francisco’s Form and Field walks through how she went from working for a designer part-time to starting her own thriving business. A podcast listener, Christine implemented much of what she heard, but she also experienced some bumps along the way. Listen in to learn what tripped her up and what she’s doing so it doesn’t happen again. Pick it apart: [6:33] Christine talks about how she got her business systems set up [15:50] Christine tells how she works with friends who are also clients  [23:03] Christine talk about mistakes she made with hiring  [29:20] Christine shares her experience with hiring and managing a bookkeeper [39:41] Christine tells how she got fired from one of her projects [46:34] LuAnn asks Christine what went wrong when charging a flat fee [58:10] Christine shares the mantra that has helped makes her business better LuAnn and Christine's Ah-Ha moments: “I had an employee handbook before I even hired anyone.” -Christine Lin   “I knew I could go farther and faster on my own.” -Christine Lin   “It wasn’t about what’s leftover, that’s what I’m going to pay myself. It was, this is my goal, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to hit it.” -Christine Lin “What can you do differently to produce a better result.” -Christine Lin   Connect with Christine Lin Website  Instagram Pinterest   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods. Please go to revelwoods.com to learn how you can add wood flooring to your product offerings. I know you make money on design fees-- but to generate real revenue you have to be selling product too, and why not wood flooring? Revel Woods has their design trade program so well thought out that it makes it easy for you to get into this, experience or not.

Today with Amy Lynn Allard: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Looking for advice on systems to turbo-charge your business? Amy Lynn Allard of Boston’s Amy Lynn Interiors learned to thrive using well-crafted, meticulous systems. She is big on time blocking, but that’s not all. Amy walks through two of her most powerful systems, the team agenda and an invaluable spreadsheet she uses to create a multiple-project timeline. Pick it apart: [17:53] Amy explains her approach to adding specs to elevations. [25:47] Amy walks through how she creates her agenda. [42:14] Amy explains her Monday morning overview meeting. [45:22] Amy shares how she creates a schedule for new client work. [46:42] LuAnn recaps Amy’s new client schedule creation process. [53:52] Amy shares about her business coach. LuAnn and Amy Lynn Allard’s Ah-Ha moments: “Hire and fire off your core values.” - Amy Lynn Allard Connect with Amy Lynn Allard: Website Instagram  Pinterest  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma is the designer toolkit. Not only does it offer a workflow software to keep your projects organized from beginning to end, but it also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.    Revel Woods is a designer-focused supplier of premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Through their Pro Account Program, designers become flooring experts and are empowered to advise clients on the flooring that works best for their lifestyle. Learn more by going to RevelWoods.com.   IDS: The Interior Design Society (IDS) is one of the country's largest design organizations dedicated to serving the residential interior design industry. We're a group of like-minded professionals interested in broadening their network, professional development, and continued education. IDS offers its members a place to belong within a supportive and welcoming design community through local chapters nationwide, and our Virtual Chapter!

Today with Fiona Mostyn: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Many designers know that a blog can be a valuable marketing tool. But are you using your blog to its fullest potential? Or are you making the mistake that many designers make of not beginning with your goal in mind?  Today, I’m joined by Fiona Mostyn of My Deco Marketing, a blog service for interior designers. Fiona is sharing her insight into how you can leverage your blog to grow your business and help it thrive. Pick it apart: [2:30] Fiona shares why beginning your blog with your goal in mind is vital to its success. [10:18] LuAnn and Fiona discuss how to prioritize your purpose within your blog posts.  [22:34] Fiona talks about repurposing your blog content to help grow your social media presence.  [28:40] Fiona gives the latest advice on blogging best practices. [38:09] LuAnn and Fiona discuss the importance of SEO and how big of a process it is. LuAnn and Fiona Mostyn’s Ah-Ha moments: “If you want to elevate your business to get the clients that you want, you need to think about who that person is and then start speaking to them in their language, which is what your blog allows you to do. So I really think that niching is the key to a successful business.” -Fiona Mostyn   “Niche down so much that you’re not only the best option for your people, you’re the only option.” -Fiona Mostyn   “I’ve said often on the show, back in the day when we started our company and there was no internet that when you wanted to advertise, you called someone and you paid them and you gave them money and they developed an ad for you and put it in a magazine. And now, we’re expected to be designers and window treatment professionals and podcasters and also marketing people.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Fiona Mostyn: Fiona runs My Deco Marketing, a specialist marketing service that helps interior designers and home decor brands with smarter marketing to become more visible online. Fiona has written hundreds of blogs for designers and home decor brands. Fiona also provides CPD marketing webinars and content for the UK's leading associations for interior designers including The British Institute of Interior Designers, The Home Staging Association UK & Ireland and The Decorcafe Network for Creative Businesses. In January 2021 Fiona published 365+ Blog post ideas for interior designers. Connect with Fiona Mostyn: Instagram Website  Membership Ebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet is always working to make finding quality home furnishings even easier for you. With their latest website redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet's new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself! Be sure to use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order!     Other Shows Mentioned:      # 364 Janelle Photopoulos: Leading, Not Simply Running, Your Interior Design Firm   #635 Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business   #214 Rachel Moriarty: How FaceBook Live Can Be A Game Changer For Your Interior Design Business

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today’s listener question comes to us from a designer whose vendor left them high and dry. Join me today and I break down this listener's dilemma from start to finish.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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  

Today with Emily King: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What money story are you’re playing in your head? Does it open you up to opportunities and building a successful business or does it hold you back from making your dreams a reality? Emily King, of The Rich Woman, walks through how to discover our money personality and detox ourselves from negative money talk so we can start living a life of abundance and opportunity. Pick it apart: [16:10] Emily explains what money mindset is.   [25:20] Emily shares how her money mindset was shaped by her childhood.   [34:11] Emily explains the money personality archetypes.   [47:14] Emily shares some things you can do on your own to recognize and overcome your money blocks.   [51:07] LuAnn tells how she prepared her daughters to be able to support themselves no matter what. LuAnn and Emily King’s Ah-Ha moments: “We get to rewrite our money story to a more empowering one.” - Emily King More About Emily King: Emily King is a wealth & abundance coach for entrepreneurial women and the founder of The Rich Woman signature coaching program. Since 2015 she’s worked with 100’s of women to help them create a loving relationship with money so they can massively increase their income and impact. Armed with an MBA and certifications as an NLP practitioner, timeline therapist and pilates instructor (yes--all those things!), Emily brings the perfect mix of manifesting-woo and business chops to the table to help women across the world live their best ‘Rich Woman’ lives - a life of financial freedom, fulfillment and fun.   Connect with Emily King: Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods is a designer-focused supplier of premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Through their Pro Account Program, designers become flooring experts and are empowered to advise clients on the flooring that works best for their lifestyle. Learn more by going to RevelWoods.com.

Today with Melinda Marquardt: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by Melinda Marquardt of the Vale London, a line of exquisite textiles and wallpapers for the luxury interiors market. Melinda struck out on her own after years in the corporate world, determined to lean on her creativity and passion to fuel her business. She buckled down, learned the business side, and figured out how to thrive. Today, she’s sharing what she believes entrepreneurs need to remember to succeed! Pick it apart: [2:17] Melinda shares her story and discusses why believing in yourself is a staple in running your own business. [16:28] Melinda talks about the difficulties in learning the business side of things and figuring out how to make a profit from what you love.  [25:09] LuAnn and Melinda discuss the importance of finding your values and sticking to them.  [31:44] LuAnn and Melinda talk about imposter syndrome and risk when starting a business.  [42:46] Melinda shares what it means to never stop being inspired. LuAnn and Melinda Marquardt’s Ah-Ha moments: “If you keep trying new things and keep trying as hard as you can and working as hard as you can, things will come together. That’s how I feel about trying the business side of things and figuring out the art side of things. You just learn a lot, and everything will come together.” -Melinda   “Somebody else might be thinking about designing for it to be marketable, but what you’re saying is when you have the experience of having traveled the world within the business of textiles, you understand inherently that there’s a market somewhere. It might not be the zip code you’re living in, but in order to design true to yourself and to design something that’s truly beautiful, you have to design what you love.” -LuAnn   “I want to stay true and focused to the vision of my company and my artwork.” -Melinda   “The risk isn’t just the money on the line, the risk is that you can show up and do the hard things, and if you don’t have the stomach for that you’re not going to run a successful business.” -LuAnn Connect with Melinda Marquardt: Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma is the designer toolkit. Not only does it offer a workflow software to keep your projects organized from beginning to end, but it also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.    Kirsch: Kirsch is your source for custom drapery hardware and window coverings. With a history of innovation and extensive industry knowledge, Kirsch can set you up with what you need for your next project. Visit kirsch.com to learn more.   Other Shows Mentioned:  #628 Power Talk Friday: Ginna Christensen: The Importance of Values in Your Interior Design Business   #47 Gail Davis: Make Your Life Count

Today with Patricia Lohan: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Feng Shui expert, Patricia Lohan shares how you can clear your home and office of subconscious obstructions so you can provide space for opportunities and prosperity to flow. Learn how to intentionally filter your environment, analyze your art and position your desk for success. Pick it apart: [28:32] Patricia shares her perception of Feng Shui in comparison to an iceberg    [32:02] Patricia explains the importance of the art you choose for your spaces   [41:12] LuAnn and Patricia talk about what to do with objects in your space that you don’t love   [46:20] Patricia explains how she assesses the energy of a house LuAnn and  Patricia Lohan's Ah-Ha moments: “Feng Shui is acupuncture for your home.” - Patricia Lohan   “I love the idea of making your home become a vision board of where you are going.” - Patricia Lohan More About Patricia Lohan: Patricia Lohan is the creator of Feng Shui Mastery and Author of The Happy Home: A Guide To Creating A Happy, Healthy, Wealthy Life. Patricia Lohan helps women make their home magnetic to money, luck, and blessings. She shows you what they don't teach in school, what lies between the lines, your top secret tool for success. She is a feng shui expert, a healer, and a passionate female entrepreneur who has shaped her dream life living in Bali with her husband. Patricia has a gift at making feng shui simple and easy to understand and implement. She has helped thousands of people across the globe embrace feng shui and create lasting changes in their homes, lives, and businesses. Patricia has seen firsthand the power of the mind, surroundings, and inner healing, clearing and aligning everything so it works holistically.   Connect with Patricia Lohan: Website Instagram   Facebook  Pinterest   Twitter Youtube  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Big thanks to both Revel Woods and Mydoma Studio for sponsoring the show and for sponsoring our upcoming High Point Market activities. Revel Woods will be sponsoring our Thursday night get together on October 14, 2021 in High Point. This will be free and open to all. Just a little bonus fun night, especially if you are coming in on Thursday to be here for Power Talk Friday the next day.  Join me, many of my LuAnn University instructors. and my co-authors from both Power Talk Friday Expert books! RSVP here The Power Talk Friday High Point Tour is sponsored by Mydoma Studio and Revel Woods.  Both Sarah Daniele and John Dupra will be with us for the celebration dinner after an intense day working, brainstorming, learning and creating between the workshop sessions, the round table coaching sessions and all the things in between. Please go see how each of these companies can help you be more efficient, more profitable and be a better business owner. mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness and revelwoods.com

Today with Demetrius Robinson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Demetrius Robinson, full-service luxury interior designer and lifestyle brand pro behind At Home With Savvy, shares his secret sauce for Instagram success. Demetrius chats about why he recently rebranded, how he approaches his online community, and how he hacks the occasional lack of motivation. Pick it apart: [9:58] Demetrius gives an overview of how he selects brands he represents   [22:30] Demetrius explains how he meshes his DIY community and his luxury clients   [30:10] LuAnn and Demetrius discuss the importance of tone and language choice on social and with clients   [36:12] Demetrius talks about why and how he rebranded   [49:17] Demetrius shares his process for creating content   LuAnn and Demetrius Robinson’s Ah-Ha moments: “It’s about not just being present, it’s about being sure of what you’re there to do.” - Demetrius Robinson   “Our reputation is all we have.” - Demetrius Robinson   “I lean on discipline rather than motivation.” - Demetrius Robinson More About Demetrius Robinson: Demetrius is an Indianapolis based Interior Designer, Content Creator and founder of At Home With Savvy, a home lifestyle brand that's dedicated to inspiring others to live a more elevated home lifestyle. He founded his interior design business in 2016 and recently began creating design and lifestyle content online at the start of the global pandemic in March of 2020. In just one short year he's grown his Instagram account from 6k-94k followers by implementing a strong and unique social media strategy. With the growth of his online platform, he's had the opportunity to partner with brands such as Spotify, NEST Fragrances, Home Depot to name a few. Connect with Demetrius Robinson: Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

On Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On this week’s Flashback Friday, we’re taking a look back at episode 314 with Kristen Thomas of Studio Thomas.  Like many designers, Kristen started her business taking on any work that came her way. But four years in, she wanted to gain clarity on the experience she wanted to create, the clients she wanted to work with, and the philosophy she wanted to connect with as she approached projects. She made the decision to niche down and gain clarity. The results spoke for themselves. Pick it apart: [6:16] Kristen shares how she transitioned out of taking every job that came her way by focusing on her work and her reputation.  [16:07] Kristen and LuAnn discuss the importance of creating the right culture through your staff and hiring process. [25:19] Kristen discusses the revamp in her business and the results that it brought. [38:22] Kristen shares her process for rebranding and how it influenced every decision she made in her business. LuAnn and Kristen’s Ah-Ha moments: “It was a pure faith thing. We just said we have to believe in ourselves and work hard. For me, there was no option of failure. It just wasn’t even an option, because for me, I was going to work so hard and treat everybody so good, and get my reputation where I felt like it was strong enough where I could ride forward on that reputation and get better and better jobs.” -Kristen Thomas   “When you look at Studio Thomas, when you look at your Instagram, when you look at your website, and you are a designer that maybe is in business one or two years, or maybe a designer that’s in business seven, eight, or 15 years, and you’re not doing that type of work, it’s very easy to be down on yourself and think ‘Oh my goodness, what am I doing wrong? How do I get there? Why don’t I know how to do that?’ But to hear how hard it was for you—that doesn’t come through on Instagram.” -LuAnn Nigara   “I never planned on being a leader. I never planned on being a boss. Never. I was going to be an interior designer and I thought that’s what I was going to do. And the more people we got on our team, the more I thought, ‘I got to learn to be a leader.’” -Kristen Thomas   “It’s like a tug-of-war. If you have a client who doesn’t think the same kind of things that you’re thinking, you literally feel like you’re going back and forth like a tug-of-war. It’s not flowing well. It’s not fun for them. It’s not fun for you, and you don’t want to do that. You want your highest contribution, and you want to be the very best at what you do.” -Kristen Thomas More About Kristen Thomas Kristen is the principal designer and owner of Studio Thomas. Her career started in real estate, where the world of home building eventually led her to study interior design. With nearly 20 years in the industry, her education pairs with experience to create a refined expertise in designing and building homes. Since founding her firm in 2013, Kristen has worked on a wide variety of projects, each unique in size, scope, and style. Her aesthetic is clean and modern, focusing on the power of architecture, simplicity, and texture. Her design method is one that elevates your own style, while adding value to your home and depth to its story.  Connect with Kristen Thomas Website  Instagram  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kirsch: Kirsch is the leader in drapery hardware. Their Briza Motorization, allowing your clients to control their draperies in an instant from anywhere. It’s simple to install, quiet, and easily integrates with third party systems. It’s even available on most of their most popular rods. Visit kirsch.com today to learn more!    Other Shows Mentioned:  #174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours   #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients   #291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design   #606 Phoebe Oldrey: How a Niche Can Give New Life to Your Business  

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today’s listener question comes to us from a designer struggling with where to find the funds to invest in their business. I say it all the time, we all have our superpowers. Today, I lean into this idea in the sense that running a business takes a village. You are not going to be the best at everything. To run our business, it takes a dream team. Start to assemble yours. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned  #375 Lisa Gilmore #484 Laurence Carr #349, #564 Peter Lang

  Today with Ethan Beute: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Ethan Beute, Chief Evangelist at BombBomb shares how a simple video tool can be used to differentiate yourself and showcase the best sales asset you have - yourself! Learn the framework for creating a video response to web inquiries and walk with Ethan as he shares how you can use video in the place of email and text. Pick it apart: [18:49] Ethan reviews when one would send video vs. email/text.   [26:05] LuAnn summarized where interior designers can use BombBomb in their business   [31:25] Ethan addresses common objections to using video for web-lead follow up   [48:20] LuAnn recaps how BombBomb is different from highly produced marketing videos LuAnn and Ethan Beute’s Ah-Ha moments: “We can build this psychological proximity to people. It’s the same reason that for decades people felt close to the television news anchor.” - Ethan Beute   “People will feel closer to you when you are in front of them.” - Ethan Beute   “All any of us wants is to feel seen, heard, appreciated, and understood.” - Ethan Beute More About Ethan Beute: Chief Evangelist at BombBomb, coauthor of Rehumanize Your Business, and host of The Customer Experience Podcast, Ethan has spent the past decade helping business professionals be more personal and human through simple video messages. He’s sent more than 12,000 videos himself. He also spent a dozen years leading marketing teams inside local television stations in Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Colorado Springs. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan and UCCS in communication, psychology, and marketing. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and son. Connect with Ethan Beute and BombBomb: Website  Instagram Facebook   LinkedIn Book Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: the industry leader in the to-the-trade home furnishings industry. Kravet just recently unveiled their newest collection, Barry Lantz canvas to cloth. Check it out today and use coupon code AWDB10 to save 10% off any one purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper or Trim.   Mydoma Studio is the workflow software that organizes your design projects from beginning to end saving you time, money, and keeping everything in one place. And just for listeners of A Well-Designed Business, you can get 20% off Mydoma for 3 months! Visit mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to learn more.   Other shows mentioned: #616 Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole: Onboarding New Interior Design Clients

Today with Jessica Matteson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Jessica Matteson started her business with lots of experience but little time and money to invest in getting Jessica Matteson Landscape Architecture off the ground. Jessica shares her journey from starting with just $35 in advertising postcards to running a successful luxury landscape architecture business. Pick it apart: 14:28 Jessica shares her onboarding process in detail 18:12 Jessica gives a tip on how to handle a client introducing new wants in the middle of a project 22:78 Jessica shares how she broadens the scope of projects to include additional products 26:20 Jessica shares how she used to do her discovery process and the benefits of conducting it with her new method 34:28 Jessica tells the story about how she invented her one-day service concept 41:20 Jessica shares her simple marketing strategy she’s used since day one 52:30 Jessica tells about her early years and the mantra that got her through LuAnn and Jessica Matteson’s Ah-Ha moments: “I’ve stopped converting people. I just look for people who are open to the message.” - Jessica Matteson   “Just do one thing. Don’t ever let yourself do nothing. Because the difference between something and nothing is everything.” - Jessica Matteson   “Just get ready for when the opportunity is fully available.” - Jessica Matteson   “You can’t work out hard enough in one day to achieve the body you want.” -LuAnn (paraphrasing Jessica’s statement) More About Jessica Matteson: Jessica Matteson is a landscape architect that believes in the great joys of life. She works with residential and select commercial clients to design landscapes and distinctive outdoor experiences. Using her signature discovery process, she identifies the special magic of each property and combines it with each clients' unique identity to create something one-of-a-kind and exceptional. By harnessing the nuances of light, sound, air movement, and perspective, as well as the subconscious psychology of plantings and materials, she tells an original story of a place and its inhabitants.   Jessica's work is influenced by travel to more than 20 countries to study all genre of landscapes and wild places. She has a Masters of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of science in horticulture, both from Cornell University. Before opening MLA, she worked for highly respected firms in both the south and northeast as well as an organic design-build company in New York State. Connect with Jessica Matteson: Website Instagram  LinkedIn  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods first serves designers through product education - so designers can bring the flooring expertise and product directly to the client. Find out more about how you can benefit from including Revel Woods on your next project by going to RevelWoods.com.  

On Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we’re taking you back in time for another Flashback Friday, where we revisit some of our can’t-miss episodes from our archives.  Today’s flashback episode is Episode 441: Laura & Cliff Muller: Four Point Design Build Firm.  Laura and Cliff have extensive experience in the design build industry. They know what it takes to create exquisite design build projects, the intricate details, legalities, and liabilities you have to face when you work in design build, and how best to launch your design build career.  Let’s revisit the episode and find out what it really takes to make it in design build. Pick it apart: [6:50] Laura and Cliff share the personal side of their business and how they celebrate all of their partners at the end of a successful project.  [16:36] Laura and Cliff dive into their four step process and how that leads to strong projects.  [19:19] LuAnn asks Laura and Cliff what advice they would give to new designers interested in the design build world.  [25:19] Cliff and Laura talk about the importance of experience and how to gain it as a newer designer.  [53:30] LuAnn, Laura, and Cliff discuss what to do when you encounter pushback from clients on larger projects. LuAnn and Mark Lavender’s Ah-Ha moments: “It does take a village. I could never stand up and take credit for a project at the end of the line and say, ‘Hey, look at these pretty pictures. I’m the designer,’ because not any aspect of that project was done alone.” -Laura   “The idea is you’re starting a project from concept—the design, the plans, if it’s a renovation, the changes in the roof lines, the changes in how things are going to go together, the plumbing, the electrical—all of these things are important to coming up with the concept...Experience is very valuable and if you decide to do something in the design build setting, I believe you need to have some experience on the construction side to help facilitate your goal.” -Cliff   “The risk is so much higher here. We’re not moving furniture around and picking paint colors. That is scary enough and a risk of its own when you’re brand new. But this is not the same animal whatsoever.” -LuAnn   “The better step 1 gets frontloaded and the more details we have to inform step 2, 3, and 4, the better off we’re going to be, and then we don’t have to be overseeing the project on a day to day.” -Laura More About Laura & Cliff Muller Four Point Design Build is owned and led by interior designer and general contractor, Laura and Cliff Muller, and with over sixty years of combined experience, FOUR POINT’s boutique hands-on style of design and project management from concept to turnkey, specializes in highly customized client-centered projects with an experienced and immaculate focus on whole home remodels, kitchens, baths, and office spaces. Cliff and Laura’s work has been seen Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Metropolis, Hospitality Design, and CA Home & Design to name a few. Connect with Laura & Cliff Muller Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit www.revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Paul Dashevsky: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Joining me today is Paul Dashevsky. Paul along with Jon Grishpul, are the co-founders of GreatBuildz. Between the two, they have decades of experience in the real estate and construction industries. They’ve seen enough renovation nightmares that they decided it was enough, and they knew there had to be a better way. Today, Great Buildz is revolutionizing the industry and making life so much easier for designers, homeowners, and contractors all over Southern California where they are based. Paul is here to give us his best practices that you can use as you vet and interview contractors for your projects.  Get those notebooks out, smart ladies and gents! This is a pen and paper show! More About GreatBuildz: GreatBuildz is a completely free service that simplifies the home renovation and remodeling search by matching and connecting homeowners with reliable, thoroughly screened general contractors throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County. Founded by a team of real estate and construction professionals with multiple decades of experience, GreatBuildz matches and connects each client with up to three contractors that are individually selected for their specific project within 24 hours and stays by the client’s side from the initial call through the finished remodel. Through its meticulous 10-step vetting process, all GreatBuildz contractors go through an in-person interview, a background check, reference calls, online ratings, an insurance check, and a signed commitment to uphold a 20-point Code of Conduct. Connect with GreatBuildz: Website Instagram  Facebook  GreatBuildz Guide: Tips & Advice for a successful renovation What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Big thank you to Mydoma Studio. If you are looking for the one place to manage your projects, your communication with clients and vendors, your invoicing, all the things, Mydoma Studio makes it easy for you all in one place. Go to Mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.      Other Shows Mentioned:    Brad Leavitt #649 , #615 , #580 , #560 , #542   Jean Brownhil #422    

Today on A Well-Designed Business Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Business for 90% of us is absolutely bonkers right now, isn’t it? Why is it when we are busy, we so easily throw aside the time to work on our business? Today, I want to talk about the importance of working on your business always, not just when it’s convenient. On today's show, I am letting the LuAnn University instructors tell you about their amazing courses, and why now, more than ever, it is critical that we focus on our businesses.  LuAnn University Summer 2021: 5 Departments offering 8 courses for targetted instruction for profit and growth: Process Leads to Profit Department How to Build Systems Into Your Services, taught by Sara Lynn Brennan Design-Build 201, taught by Kathleen Anderson Profit is in the Numbers Department Project Profitability 101, taught by Kimberly Merlitti Online Bookkeeping 101, taught by Kathleen Anderson Online Bookkeeping 201, taught by Peter Lang Window Treatments for Profit The Proven 7-Step Sales Process, taught by Jessica Harling Marketing for Profit Visibility for Creatives, taught by Rachel Moriarty Video for Creatives, taught by Arianne Bellizaire Expand Your Mind, Grow Your Profit Courses coming soon! Check back for the Fall Session. Get to Know the Instructors: Rachel Moriarty Sara Lynn Brennan Kimberly Merlitti  Arianne Bellizaire Kathleen Anderson Peter Lang  Jessica Harling What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Charity Events 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other shows mentioned: Rachel Moriarty, Visibility for Creatives: Episodes 55, 214 Sara Brennan, How to Build Systems into Your Services: Episodes 463, 514, 524, 607 Kimberly Merlitti, Project Profitability 101: Episodes 361, 442, 592 Arianne Bellizaire, Video for Creatives: Episodes 20, 568 Kathleen Anderson, Online Bookkeeping 101 &  Design-Build 201: Episode 644 Peter Lang, Online Bookkeeping 201: Episode 349, 464, 522 Jessica Harling, The Proven 7-Step Sales Process: Episode 634

Today with John Robert Wiltgen:   Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today is John Wiltgen. John has, for the most part, retired, from his 40+ year career as the principal of John Robert Wiltgen Design Inc., based in the Chicago area. John and I touch on many topics today, (I mean, after such a long and successful career, there s a lot of ground to cover!) We start by talking about how to manage client expectations when you are faced with delays, missed deadlines, disappointed clients, all the way to attracting luxury clients, servicing luxury clients as well as raising your prices when you have returning clients. John had a lot of wisdom to pass on to us and it is no wonder, so tune in for a jam-packed episode!   More About John Robert Wilgen: The integration of art, architecture and design is fundamental at John Robert Wiltgen Design, Inc. This inclusive approach applies to a residence being designed from the ground up, the ingenious restyling and updating of an existing home and the selection and installation of finishes and furnishings. In addition, JRWD creates the construction documents and wields impressive construction management skills, often acting as a general contractor. The result is always a distinct, luxurious residence expressing the owner's personal style. "Everyone says our work is dramatic," reveals John Robert Wiltgen. "No matter the scope of any given project, our ultimate goal is to create something extraordinary that's exclusive to our client." Obsessing over making their client’s worlds beautiful has taken them across North America and halfway around the world – from Chicago’s Gold Coast to Africa’s Ivory Coast. His firm’s name is synonymous with its reputation for excellence and superior quality in design, styling, and craftsmanship. Some of their client’s include talk show host, writer, producer, and actor Steve Harvey, producer, director and actor John Cusack, Chicago Bulls general manager and NBA Hall of Famer Jerry Krause, and former Governor and First Lady of Lagos State (Nigeria) Mr. and Mrs. Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu. Their clients also relied on the JRW team to assist them develop sophisticated art collections. They have placed an artist’s proof of Picasso’s “The Cranach”, a bigger than life size Botero sculpture, a complete suite of Warhol serigraphs, and two Monet paintings in their client’s homes – just to name a few choice pieces. John’s own private collection includes a Henry Moore drawing that, after his purchase, was featured in a 5-museum tour curated by the Henry Moore Foundation (Much Hadham, England). He is also a collector of ancient Egyptian faience, Attica and Roman ceramics. Discerning real estate developers across the country and in Canada often hired John Robert Wiltgen Design to evaluate and revise architectural layouts of new, not yet built, multi-unit housing projects to improve the utilization of interior space. His award-winning sales centers and model homes consistently generated increased revenues and have been featured in local real estate periodicals, as well as national shelter and design magazines, bringing valuable third-party endorsement to his commissions.   The completed projects of JRWD have been featured in over 200 newspaper and magazine articles including Newsweek – an unlikely place to find copy about a residential home designer. His commissions also appear in numerous hardcover books. He has been seen on HGTV’s Homes Across America, I Want That! Baths, I Want That Kitchens, NBC’s Open House, as well as Fox TV and WTTW. A comprehensive library of JRWD press and many of their completed projects, awards, etc. can be viewed at www/jrwdesign.com. Connect with John Robert Wiltgen: Website Instagram  Facebook  YouTube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: LuAnn University: the summer quarter of LuAnn University classes kicks off in early July. Registration opens on June 11th. If you need help establishing processes, Sara Brennen is your girl. Her class, How to Build Systems into Your Services, begins July 7th. If you’ve got your systems locked down but could use help with video – Arianne Bellizaire is here to help. Arianne’s class, Video for Creatives, starts July 6th. And there’s so much more – go to LuAnnUniversity.com to learn more and to register. Take a class, take some time for yourself, do what you need to do to get your business in shape for Fall. Decide to be excellent! Other shows mentioned: #642 Thom Sweeney #668 Marlo Thomas #74 Candace Olson #34 Mary Fisher #465 Jan Showers #40 Meryl Santopietro $485, #325, #237 Claire Jefford #297 Mikel Welch #549, #388 Corey Damen Jenkins

  Today with Katie McFarlan: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. The client experience is something we all think about. How do we elevate the experience for our clients so that they feel like we truly care about them without making ourselves crazy by bending over backwards for each client? The answer just might lie in your processes. Today, I’m joined by Katie McFarlan of Dakota Design Company. Katie works with designers to build a strong client experience through streamlined processes, smooth operations, and clear expectations. She’s sharing with us how defined processes lead to a luxury client experience that helps you and your clients. Pick it apart: [2:19] Katie shares why she’s so passionate about the client experience and why it’s so important for designers.  [9:13] Katie explains how she helps clients uncover their processes—even if they haven’t formally defined them.  [16:24] LuAnn and Katie dive into what the client experience actually entails.  [25:49] Katie discusses how the backend of the business shapes the client experience.  [46:30] Katie talks about the common hangups she sees with her client’s processes.  LuAnn and Katie McFarlan’s Ah-Ha moments: “Every time there’s a new delay or a new charge, if you have already set the expectation of ‘Hey, this is what’s going to happen, I’m going to be there with you every step of the way,’ it allows the client to just enjoy it rather than be terrified the entire time. I think having the client experience nailed down is so key for businesses that have a long deliverable or lead time for delivering their final service.” -Katie McFarlan   “The ROI is not just that it benefits your clients, but also that it shows just how much your company is doing for them, and that speaks to the value and how you’re charging what you charge.” -Katie McFarlan   “You’re not necessarily imposing a process or a system on any one business. You’re taking the existing processes and systems (whether they are formalized or not), whatever individual process a firm might have, and you’re analyzing it and saying, ‘How do we announce, describe, explain, or give collateral information on that phase so that the customer feels informed and cared for.” -LuAnn Nigara   “I think the biggest takeaway that I have is that the client experience is everything you do, not just a thank you note. So often we throw the word “client experience” around when we’re talking about the subtleties and the niceness and the pretty that we bring to the relationships, but a really terrific client experience is one where the process feels organized and systemized, and the client understands their role in it and can know what’s coming next and see what it is that you’re doing on their behalf the whole time.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Katie McFarlan: As a former wedding and event planner with 16 years of experience in operations and project management, I love using both my creative and analytical sides to come up with solutions that work for my clients. With my intimate knowledge of project management and the entrepreneurial mindset, I know what it takes to get behind the scenes operations running smoothly so businesses can grow in a professional way. Today I help luxury interior designers and wedding planners who are buried in business operations get back to doing the creative work they love. I create and improve their processes and set up systems so they can streamline their workload, move their business forward, and free up their time to focus on the things that matter most. Connect with Katie McFarlan: Website Instagram   Blog Client Experience Download for listeners What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: the industry leader in the to-the-trade home furnishings industry. Kravet just recently unveiled their newest collection, Barry Lantz canvas to cloth. Check it out today and use coupon code AWDB10 to save 10% off any one purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper or Trim.   Mydoma Studio is the workflow software that organizes your design projects from beginning to end saving you time, money, and keeping everything in one place. And just for listeners of A Well-Designed Business, you can get 20% off Mydoma for 3 months! Visit mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to learn more.   Other shows mentioned: #616 Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole: Onboarding New Interior Design Clients

Today with Megan Molten: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Megan Molten is back on the show today! Megan is the principal Megan Molten and interior design firm located and Charleston NC. Megan and I discuss how she achieved huge successes so quickly. For outsiders looking into her business, Megan made it look easy! But, in today's episode, we take a peek behind the curtain at the dedication, sacrifice, hard decisions, and sleepless nights that paved the way for her success.  More About Megan Molten: Megan's love for all things interiors has been around for as long as she can remember and soon became a reality after she purchased her first home in Charleston, South Carolina and started the design process herself. She began sharing with the world her modern coastal spaces on social media and the world responded! It was this incredible response to Megan's designs that encouraged her to start helping friends, then friends of friends and eventually clients transform their spaces too. This exciting new "hobby" she devoted every hour to while not working her very full time job in healthcare sales quickly turned into a business. She quit her 12 year career in corporate America to chase a dream-a dream that was her true passion in life-helping others achieve beautiful spaces they love.  Her passion for light and airy design, go getter attitude and attention to detail has quickly created a strong following, distinct brand and now online shop for Megan Molten and she can't wait to continue to watch her big dream grow! Megan and her husband Hugh reside in Mount Pleasant in their newly renovated home with their baby girls Marion and Mae. They enjoy the low country lifestyle, all the culture and cuisine Charleston has to offer as well as being on the water as much as they can. Megan feels very fortunate to be able to do what she loves in the city that she loves and serves as her greatest inspiration.  Connect with Megan Molten: Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma Studio is the workflow software that organizes your design projects from beginning to end saving you time, money, and keeping everything in one place. And just for listeners of A Well-Designed Business, you can get 20% off Mydoma for 3 months! Visit mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to learn more.   LuAnn University:  the summer quarter of LuAnn University classes kicks off in early July. Registration opens on June 11th. If you need help establishing processes, Sara Brennen is your girl. Her class, How to Build Systems into Your Services, begins July 7th. If you’ve got your systems locked down but could use help with video – Arianne Bellizaire is here to help. Arianne’s class, Video for Creatives, starts July 6th. And there’s so much more – go to LuAnnUniversity.com to learn more and to register. Take a class, take some time for yourself, do what you need to do to get your business in shape for Fall. Decide to be excellent!

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to Window Treatment Friday!  As business owners, the pandemic was scary, to say the least! Every single day was unpredictable and a new scenario we have never faced before. Now, over a year later, we are starting to see the world open up and see a light at the end of the tunnel. Today, LuAnn and Vita discuss how to navigate the future and the post covid world. More About Vita Vygovska Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch http://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

Today with Mark Lavender: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In his 25 years working in institutional medical design, Mark Lavender learned a few things about sticking to processes, creating estimates, and getting over the fear of asking for payment. In business for himself for the past six years, Mark is an open book - he shares the details of his markup, when to think twice about signing a client, and how he keeps his clients coming back. Pick it apart: [14:11] Mark shares advice on always utilizing a contract  [19:29] Mark tells about warning signs with clients redlining his contract [20:31] LuAnn offers advice to designers who encounter clients who don’t agree with their contract or value them as professionals  [24:43] Mark shares how he explains his policy of final payment before the product is delivered  [32:00] LuAnn gives advice on pricing yourself properly  [41:00] Mark and LuAnn walk through how Mark operates his pricing structure including his hourly fee LuAnn and Mark Lavender’s Ah-Ha moments: “It’s all about the contract - everything goes back to the contract.” -Mark Lavender    “You just have to stand your ground. It’s hard as hell the first time you do it!”. -Mark Lavender    I never sell from the standpoint that I have to be like everyone else. Because I’m going to give more. I’m going to be better.” -LuAnn    “Do be afraid to collect the money you’re due.” -Mark Lavender More About Mark Lavender: M. Lavender Interiors is led by Mark Lavender, an architecture graduate of the University of Kentucky - College of Design. Mark worked for several years at two of Chicago’s most prestigious architectural firms – VOA Associates and HOK prior to starting his own design firm. While at these firms, he developed a reputation for managing large teams of professionals and contractors to create great design that realized the client’s vision. Connect with Mark Lavender: Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma Studio is the workflow software that organizes your design projects from beginning to end saving you time, money, and keeping everything in one place. And just for listeners of A Well-Designed Business, you can get 20% off Mydoma for 3 months! Visit mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to learn more.   LuAnn University:  the summer quarter of LuAnn University classes kicks off in early July. Registration opens on June 11th. If you need help establishing processes, Sara Brennen is your girl. Her class, How to Build Systems into Your Services, begins July 7th. If you’ve got your systems locked down but could use help with video - Arianne Bellizaire is here to help. Arianne’s class, Video for Creatives, starts July 6th. And there’s so much more - go to LuAnnUniversity.com to learn more and to register. Take a class, take some time for yourself, do what you need to do to get your business in shape for Fall. Decide to be excellent!  

Today on A Well-Designed Business® Welcome to a Well-Designed Business®. Today, I am telling you all about LuAnn University. We are getting ready to launch our Summer Session of courses on July 6th, 2021, and I can't wait for you to learn more about our extraordinary instructors and our growing list of value-packed courses!  LuAnn University Summer 2021: 5 Departments offering 8 courses for targetted instruction for profit and growth: Process Leads to Profit Department How to Build Systems Into Your Services, taught by Sara Lynn Brennan Design-Build 201, taught by Kathleen Anderson Profit is in the Numbers Department Project Profitability 101, taught by Kimberly Merlitti Online Bookkeeping 101, taught by Kathleen Anderson Online Bookkeeping 201, taught by Peter Lang Window Treatments for Profit The Proven 7-Step Sales Process, taught by Jessica Harling Marketing for Profit Visibility for Creatives, taught by Rachel Moriarty Video for Creatives, taught by Arianne Bellizaire Expand Your Mind, Grow Your Profit Courses coming soon! Check back for the Fall Session. Get to Know the Instructors:  Rachel Moriarty Sara Lynn Brennan Kimberly Merlitti  Arianne Bellizaire Kathleen Anderson Peter Lang  Jessica Harling   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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  

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode where I answer listener questions, and….you guessed it, tell you what I would do! Today’s listener question comes to us from a designer struggling with marketing for client acquisition. So where do you start? I will tell you during today's episode! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am introducing a new kind of episode to the show! Welcome to Flash Back Friday, where I revisit old episodes of the podcast. After so many successful years of interviews, there was a need, for both new listeners and long-time listeners alike, to revisit the archives. For new listeners, it is an opportunity to be introduced to older shows they missed, and for long-time listeners, it's a chance to refresh the ah-ha moments of the past!    So here we go! Today, we are revisiting "Episode 423: Tiffannie White, ​The Nappy Bohemian: Your “Only” and Lessons From a New Interior Design Business". From the archives... On today’s show! We’re talking to Tiffannie White today, the creator of The Nappy Bohemian, located in Oakland, California. Tiffannie is a blogger, an interior stylist, and an e-designer and she also has a full-time position as a design consultant at  Fireclay Tile. After spending many years as a career sales professional, The Nappy Bohemian was born in 2017 because Tiffannie wanted to merge her architecture education, her love for tile and ceramics, and her desire to showcase the real black experience in the world of interior design. Tune in today, to hear about Tiffannie’s business, what she’s doing, and the lessons she’s learned from running her business. Tiffannie’s job with Fireclay Tile has allowed her an inside look on the world of artisan makers, and it has also connected her with terrific designers in her East Coast territory. In today’s episode, she describes how much she loves her job, she talks openly about the lessons and challenges she experienced in her first year in business, and she shares her goals for the year to come. Listen in now, to find out more. Show highlights: Tiffannie talks about her traumatic experience of taking her daughter to the hospital and how her daughter really loved the decor there. This showed Tiffannie just how important interior design really is in people’s lives. Creating a holistic space is really important for Tiffannie. About Tiffannie’s personal and unique ‘only’. Tiffannie is proud of the lessons she’s learned. Tiffannie talks about her first eighteen months in business. Being focused and clear in her vision. All about Tiffannie’s e-design packages. Tiffannie’s e-design is driven mainly through her Instagram and word-of-mouth. Settling on a name. Going with the flow and trusting. Some of the challenges she’s faced. You have to value what you do to have a thriving business. Being careful not to compromise in too many areas when starting out in a business. Work for free only if it’s worth your while. Some tips about blogging. Tiffannie’s business goals for the next year. Connect with Tiffannie: Instagram: The Nappy Bohemian The Nappy Bohemian The Nappy Bohemian Previous shows mentioned: Albie Buabeng #348 Chaney Widmer #260, #327 Cheryl Janice #41 Sue Firestone #404

Today with Kate Bendewald: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Sometimes, we start our own business because we always knew that’s what we were meant for. We want to be our own bosses, have flexibility in our work, and take charge of our lives. Other times, we’re pushed into it due to changes in our circumstances. For my guest today, Kate Bendewald, the second category is true. After she had her first daughter, she left a prestigious job in a commercial design firm and struck out on her own. Her design experience didn’t prepare her for the business side of things—that, she had to learn on her own. Today, she’s sharing with us the lessons she learned and how she has stayed the course through it all.  Pick it apart: [7:16] Kate shares her journey from commercial designer to running her own firm.  [18:11] Kate discusses how she navigated the transition into business owner without any knowledge of business fundamentals. [22:00] Kate dives into how she figured things out along the way, including improving at sales and messaging.  [37:19] Kate explains her “FOCUS” strategy for not losing sight of what’s important and maintaining movement toward success.  [45:38] Kate and LuAnn discuss the Designer’s Oasis and how designers can take advantage of its upcoming relaunch. LuAnn and Kate Bendewald’s Ah-Ha moments: “Sometimes we are just counting the hours until we can leave a job—maybe it’s because we are going to make a move in location or a family change like having a baby—and other times it’s that, what you just said, that you enjoyed it and it was kind of a surprise that it wasn’t manageable with a baby.” -LuAnn Nigara   “That conversation was the starting point and after that, it was pen to paper, creating a spreadsheet, talking about the low-end possibility, the high-end possibility, and stretching and saving in other areas in order to make it work for our family.” -Kate Bendewald   “Once I started to realize that my call to action needed to be much simpler, my success rate went from 20% to 90%, so knowing your call to action and how to wrap up that discovery call has been an important part.” -Kate Bendewald   “We tend to get hung up on the term ‘sales.’ But the truth is that if you have any intention to run your business, you have to get good at sales, so you need to embrace it and you need to become comfortable with it.” -Kate Bendewald More About Kate Bendewald: Kate’s work is a celebration of approachable luxury informed by her lifelong love of antiques. Her unfussy livable interiors are classic in nature but remain fresh by the unapologetic mix of contemporary art and furnishings with collected items. The result is effortless mix of color, pattern, materials, styles, and eras. Over the last 10 years, she has built a career in interior design working on projects ranging from luxury residences in the Texas Hill Country, to public spaces for children like the Rose Andom Center and Denver Children’s Museum. She’s had projects from Alaska to South Carolina. Additionally, she has designed for many clients with special physical, mental, and emotional needs. Last year, 100% of her new clients were word-of-mouth referrals and over half of her clients were repeat clients, that not only love how she translates their ideas into reality, but also elevates the process into a true experience. Kate grew up in a creative family and developed her technical skills while earning a degree in Interior Design from Texas State University. Today she’s married and a mother to two young daughters that constantly teach her better ways to live beautifully with children. Connect with Kate Bendewald: Website  Instagram  Facebook  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit, the place for you to manage all of your projects, from time tracking to communication to product approvals, so that you can free your time up to focus on your business and serve your clients. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.   Other Shows Mentioned: #37 Lesley Myrick – Strategies I Used to Build My Business #584 Lesley Myrick: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again #656 April Jensen: How to Establish Client Expectations for Successful Projects   #654 Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business

Today with Susan Inglis: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. When you hear the phrase “sustainable furnishings,” what comes to mind? Is it something you already know about, something you are bringing forth to your clients on a regular basis? Is it something you vaguely know about but aren’t sure of all the ins and outs? Or is it something that isn’t quite on your radar yet? No matter which category you fall into, today’s conversation is relevant for you. Susan Inglis, Executive Director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, is sharing with us why sustainable furnishings matter, the power that designers hold when it comes to the future, and how you can embrace these ideals in your business. Pick it apart: [8:10] Susan and LuAnn discuss the power that interior designers hold when it comes to sustainability issues.  [11:12] Susan breaks down what the Sustainable Furnishings Council is and what it offers for designers.  [21:39] Susan gives us insight into the research behind sustainable furnishings and consumer interest. [32:59] Susan dives into her inspiring backstory of how she came to be executive director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.  [48:15] Susan explains how to become a Green Leader or align your firm with the Council. LuAnn and Susan Inglis’ Ah-Ha moments: “Our supply chains are extremely complex, but our relationships are very, very important...so if one link in the chain says ‘I’m making a commitment to lower my carbon dioxide emissions...I’m going to change the lightbulbs in my warehouse…” they have the opportunity to share that news up and down their supply chain, inviting their vendors and everybody else to also take whatever is an easy first step, because all of us can do a little bit of something.” -Susan Inglis   “If each one of us is consciously trying to do what we can, it does have an overall effect on the end product being delivered in a less damaging way to the environment.” -LuAnn Nigara   “The interior designer is in a position of great power in being able to tell clients what the attributes of one piece of furniture over another might be, and this is important because 97% of the consumers we surveyed say they would be very interested in buying environmentally safe home furnishings (if, of course, they liked the style and the cost was within their budget).” -Susan Inglis   “The first step is often the most significant one you take, so I really encourage people to start with whatever is easiest for them, because you’re going to see that it makes a difference, you’re going to get excited, you’re going to be inspired, you’re going to want to make more changes and improvements within your operation, and, especially within the case of designers, you’re going to want to learn more and more because you’re going to see the significance of the information you’re garnering and sharing with your clients.” -Susan Inglis   More About Susan Inglis: Susan Inglis is Executive Director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, and resident expert with the organization she helped found in 2006. She has led SFC to work with industry leaders to establish criteria to gauge the sustainability of furniture products and practices; develop programs for educating all sectors of the industry; and attract hundreds of companies to membership. Inglis is also founder and owner of From The Mountain, a company that imports hand spun cashmere yarn from Afghanistan, providing safe income for over 100 women there. Inglis serves on the Board of the American Sustainable Business Council and was awarded a 2017 Visionary Leadership award by the NC Business Council. She lives in North Carolina.   About SFC: MISSION: SUSTAINABILITY.  The Sustainable Furnishings Council is a coalition of manufacturers, retailers and designers dedicated to raising awareness and expanding the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices across the home furnishings industry. Our mission is to help companies reduce their environmental footprints as they grow, and to help consumers find healthy furnishings.  To accomplish these lofty goals, we provide the best education, promotion, and networking opportunities available.  We raise consumer interest in environmentally safe furnishings and promote the development of many more sustainable options. SFC urges the use of Life Cycle Assessment as the best method for analyzing the environmental and health impact of products and a verifiable chain of custody as the only acceptable method for tracking wood flow. SFC members support the triple bottom line of PEOPLE - PLANET - PROFITS and lead the industry in best practices throughout their supply chains. Members are committed to continually work toward a healthy future, inside and out.   OUR GOALS: Raise awareness of sustainability issues. Assist companies in adopting eco-friendly practices. Serve as an information clearinghouse. Provide a symbol of assurance for consumers. Connect with Susan Inglis: Susan’s 2021 consumer report for free for a limited time Website Instagram  Facebook   LinkedIn Twitter YouTube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet has been with me since the beginning of the show and I love them for it! They helped me to build this amazing community. Please check out Kravet if you’re looking for fabrics, wall coverings, trims and even quick ship furnishings. Go to Kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10 – You’ll love their excellent service and your clients will appreciate the Kravet quality for years to come.

Today with Kelly Collier: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by a guest who knows all about balance in her business—Kelly Collier of Plot Twist Design in Philadelphia. Like many designers, Kelly started her business on the side, while working a full-time corporate career. Two years later, her business has grown and thrived to a full-service design business. But she’s also maintaining her full-time job. To top it all off, she is also a realtor and a podcaster.  Balancing it all isn’t easy. It takes deliberation, commitment, planning, and dedication. Today, Kelly’s sharing her tips for balancing it all and building the business, along with maintaining her career responsibilities.  Pick it apart: [6:40] Kelly shares how she manages to identify her multiple facets in her social media presence. [11:40] Kelly dives into time blocking and how she lays out her day so that nothing falls through the cracks. [18:32] LuAnn and Kelly talk about the importance of transparency and setting out expectations with clients. [30:13] Kelly shares some insight into her personal life and how that factors into her responsibilities.  [38:50] Kelly discusses racism in both the corporate world and the design industry and how she has dealt with it. LuAnn and Kelly Collier’s Ah-Ha moments: “I have to keep in mind what a healthy balance is for me...by me leading more with interior design, then I always have more interior design clients than real estate clients.” -Kelly Collier   “The nugget in this is the clarity in your priorities. You’re not just throwing the spaghetti against the wall with Instagram. You’re actually deciding that given the time and the ROI on design, real estate, and corporate, that the mix is that corporate obviously gets done first, then design, then real estate, but there’s a clear understanding of why they’re in that order and therefore, the strategy reflects that.” -LuAnn Nigara   “I hear people say that we all have the same 24 hours in a day, which is very true, but how you use those hours matters, especially when you’re doing a lot of things.” -Kelly Collier More About Kelly Collier: Kelly Collier is the Owner and Principal of Plot Twist Design in Philadelphia PA. She is also a licensed Realtor, offering interior design and real estate services under the brokerage of Keller Williams. Plot Twist Design was officially established in February 2019, and Kelly has been a Realtor for 12yrs. She also has a full time corporate career as a Senior Account Manager.    Kelly is also a Blogger, Podcaster (Plot Twist Design Business Podcast) and recently started using her platform as an Influencer collaborating with other businesses. To date, Kelly has been featured in numerous publications by Architectural Digest AD PRO, Business of Home, Curated Quarters Mag, and others. She also served as an Influencer at market sharing trends and finds on the High Point Market Instagram page for fall 2020.    In recent design news, Kelly completed her second One Room Challenge home project; a powder room renovation and a 2nd powder room refresh partially sponsored by The Tile Shop.    Kelly’s brand is being built to offer multiple services. Her platform on social media is used to share her journey in the business and real-life via lifestyle posts, blog shares, and inspirational posts.  Connect with Kelly Collier: Plot Twist Design Instagram Plot Twist Home Instagram  Facebook Website Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet: Kravet just recently unveiled their newest collection, Barry Lantz canvas to cloth. Check it out today and use coupon code AWDB10 to save 10% off any one purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper or Trim.

Today with Marlo Thomas: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Marlo Thomas of the hit show, That Girl, shares the story of how her father’s diligence shaped her path to success and how her mother’s graciousness inspired her own product line with Williams Sonoma. She also shares her moment of self-doubt on her way to wild success in show business and how to lead with conviction so you can make a difference. Pick it apart: [11:15] Marlo shares her advice to young people   [14:50] Marlo talks about how her father was her example of what it took to be successful    [21:00] Marlo shares how she came to call the shots for the storyline of That Girl   [27:00] LuAnn and Marlo chat about getting started with her women’s charity   [32:00] Marlo shares about Free to Be You   [40:03] Marlo tells about when she first met her husband   [44:00] Marlo shares what inspired her William Sonoma collection LuAnn and Marlo Thomas’s Ah-Ha moments: “Everybody gets a first chance but not everybody gets a second chance - so be ready for that first chance.” - Marlo Thomas   “If you believe something really strongly, it’s probably true.” - Marlo Thomas More About Marlo Thomas: Marlo Thomas is an award-winning actress, author and activist whose body of work continues to impact American entertainment and culture. She has been honored with four Emmy Awards, the Peabody, a Golden Globe and a Grammy, and has been inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. In November 2014, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest honor a civilian can receive—by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony.   Marlo burst onto the scene as television’s That Girl, which broke new ground for independent women everywhere, and which she also conceived and produced. Her pioneering spirit continued with her creation of Free to Be...You and Me, which became a platinum album, best-selling book, Emmy Award-winning television special and a stage show. Proceeds from this project went toward the formation of the Ms. Foundation for Women, which was co-founded.    Marlo has produced eight bestselling books (three of them New York Times #1 bestsellers), including: Free to Be You and Me; Free to Be a Family; The Right Words at the Right Time (Volumes 1 and 2); Thanks and Giving: All Year Long (which became a Grammy-winning CD); her memoir, Growing Up Laughing; It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over; and in 2020, What Makes a Marriage Last, which she co-authored with her husband, talk show pioneer Phil Donahue.   For her activism, Marlo has been honored with the Helen Caldicott Award for Nuclear Disarmament; the ACLU's Thomas Paine Award; the American Women in Radio and Television Satellite Award; the William Kunstler Racial Justice Award; The National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award; and The Jefferson Award for Public Service, which she received along with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.   Marlo is the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which was founded by her father, Danny Thomas, in 1962. After his death, she became the face and voice of St. Jude; and in 2004, she created the hospital’s annual Thanks and Giving campaign, a national holiday fundraising and awareness program that has raised more than one billion dollars to date. In 2014, in recognition of her commitment to the hospital, St. Jude christened its newest building The Marlo Thomas Center for Global Education and Collaboration.  Marlo began 2021 with a bang. In February, she launched her own line of unique tabletop settings in partnership with home furnishings giant Williams Sonoma. Tapping into Marlo’s renown as the consummate hostess, Williams Sonoma invited her to recreate dozens of the unique pieces she has discovered over decades of world travel, from the porcelain markets in Kyoto, Japan, to the iconic Portobello Road in London. And in March, Marlo and Phil will debut their original podcast series about marriage, “Double Date,” featuring intimate conversations with long-married celebrity couples—from Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, to Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, to Elton John and David Furnish. The series is based on the couple’s bestselling book, What Makes a Marriage Last, and is produced by Pushkin Industries. Connect with Marlo Thomas: Williams Sonoma Collection Instagram  Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet has been with me since the beginning of the show and I love them for it! They helped me to build this amazing community.  Please check out Kravet if you’re looking for fabrics, wall coverings, trims and even quick ship furnishings. Go to Kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10 - You’ll love their excellent service and your clients will appreciate the Kravet quality for years to come.

Today with Mark Weaver: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Mark Weaver, an industry veteran launched his full-service LA-based design firm, Mark Weaver & Associates over thirty years ago. He’s a design expert, travel lover, and also a lecturer in the business of design at UCLA. Learn what his design students are so eager to learn and how he’s used travel to elevate his palette and create connections with his clients. Pick it apart: [21:24] Mark shares his advice to young designers entering the job market   [31:30] Mark shares who his own mentors in design, business, and personal life   [35:14] LuAnn and Mark discuss how travel informs design   [42:35] LuAnn and Mark talk about travel experience as a means of making your client comfortable with you   [47:57] Mark explains his philosophy on continual learning    [50:33] Mark shares the importance of gaining experience as a designer LuAnn and Mark Weaver’s Ah-Ha moments: “Ignorance is not an asset, intelligence is.” - Mark Weaver   “Surround yourself with successful, positive people.” - Mark Weaver’s friend and mentor, Donald   “You want to be around people who elevate you.” - Mark Weaver   “Travel is magic and an instrumental part of my career.” - Mark Weaver More About Mark Weaver: Over thirty years ago, Mark Weaver launched his eponymous, full-service design firm, Mark Weaver & Associates, headquartered in Los Angeles.   MWA’s extensive portfolio covers a diverse and distinctive body of work including residential installations, private aircraft, yachts and private island retreats. The firm’s work has spanned projects from Los Angeles to New York, restorations of historic estates in Nantucket and Santa Barbara, a townhouse in London, renovations and interiors for a 16th century palazzo in Piacenza, Italy. In addition, MWA has completed prestigious private corporate installations, including offices, for Fortune 500 companies.   In response to the recent stay at home orders, Mark developed a weekly Instagram live series, Designers at Home. It is a casual and informative discussion between Mark and fellow colleagues in the architecture and design industry. The half hour Instagram Live addresses all things design and architecture related, along with personal anecdotes and inspiration. Recent guests have included set director and three-time Emmy Award nominee, Peter Gurski, one of America’s leading sculptors Sabin Howard, renowned architect and artist Leo Marmol, art advisor extraordinaire Barbara Guggenheim, and Eleanor Schrader, Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension’s Architectural and Interior Design Program.   Mark regularly lectures at UCLA’s interior design program discussing topics such as business procedures, conducting oneself as a professional, the responsibilities as a designer, and resourcing materials. He is a founding member of both the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art and The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art as well as a member of the Decorative Arts Council for LACMA and a patron of the Los Angeles Opera. Mark has been recognized by a breadth of national and international publications, earning him a loyal following of clients around the world.   Connect with Mark Weaver: Website  Instagram   YouTube  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: You're busy, I get it. But are you the good kind of busy? The kind of busy that has you working on amazing projects with clients who trust you? Or, are you the kind of busy that stresses you out, and has you buried in admin work? It's time to take back your time, and get the platform that will become the core of your thriving design business - it's time to get on Mydoma Studio. And there's never been a better time, because right now they're having their Merry Month of May Sale, where you can get a whole 20% off any new annual plan subscription. So become the good kind of busy with Mydoma, and head on over to mydomastudio.com/merrymay to take advantage of one of their best deals of the year!

  Today on A Well-Designed Business®: Today is a What Would Lu Do Show where I bring you listener questions, and....you guessed it, tell you what I would do! Today's listener question comes to us from a designer who is in a difficult spot with a client. It just goes to show, no matter how long you have been in business, there are always those projects that teach us a thing or two about ourselves, our business, and where we can do better the next time.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

Today with Cathy Maready: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Cathy Maready shares a special piece of relationship-building wisdom she’s gained from running her North Carolina interior design business called Elephant Ears, since 1990. She also has a clever way to take the ick-factor out of your budget conversation with clients. She’s stacked several key skills to produce a successful business and thrilled clients. Pick it apart: [19:22] LuAnn recaps the importance of integrating a client’s passion and story into their design [35:52] Cathy shares how she has the budget conversation with clients [42:07] LuAnn and Cathy review the angle they use when talking about budget [48:03] Cathy share about how she handles potential clients who don’t have sufficient budget LuAnn and Cathy Maready’s Ah-Ha moments: “You got personality, budget and expectations. There has to be a beautiful balance before you’ve got a beautiful project.” - Cathy Maready   “Not all projects are photo worthy.” - Cathy Maready More About Cathy Maready:  Cathy has been practicing interior design since 1990 and is an Allied ASID member. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University in Honolulu and graduated magna cum laude. After traveling the globe in her younger days, Cathy began an import business where she designed her own furniture and accessory line. ​ Upon settling back into her home state of North Carolina, she opted for a more personal level of design where she could apply her creations to specific environments. Through Elephant Ears, her successful interior design business, a diverse client base has allowed Cathy to work on multi-level and multi-million dollar commercial and residential projects in both domestic and international arenas. ​Cathy also holds a commercial pilot license and loves animals. So, Pegasus would be her perfect ride. Connect with Cathy Maready: Website  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods can help designers easily add hardwood flooring to their full-service offerings, regardless of your experience in specifying wood flooring.  With their expert knowledge and service, Revel Woods walks you through the entire process and stays with you from the initial sampling through installation.  With true wholesale pricing, you are now competitive with the flooring retailers on the highway.  Learn more today--- go to revelwoods.com and open your pro account.   

Today with Michael Schneider Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Michael Schneider founded BDNY and now he’s in the business of connecting interior designers and suppliers in a whole new way with Next Virtual Meetings. Using the speed dating concept, Michael offers designers an easy way to source new products and build vendor relationships right from your living room. Pick it apart: [8:03] Michael review what happens at the Next Virtual Meetings 30-minute session   [15:34] Michael shares the process an interior designer uses to sign up for his service   [19:40] LuAnn asks Michael why he pays designers to attend meetings   [24:13] Michael share about his “land cruise” speed dating type event for designers and suppliers   [31:57] Michael reviews how suppliers can participate in his event   [35:00] LuAnn reviews Michael’s opportunities for designers LuAnn and Michael Schneider’s Ah-Ha moments: “You have to be nimble. You have to be willing to pivot and figure out where the opportunities are—because they’re there.” - Michael Schneider More About Michael Schneider: Michael Schneider, Founder and CEO of NEXT Events is a hospitality industry connector and business leader. Michael founded the Boutique Design brand in 2005, which now encompasses a magazine, face-to-face events, and the highest regarded hospitality interior design trade show in the world (BDNY). Recently, Boutique Design was acquired for a second time by a publicly-traded company for $45M. As a serial entrepreneur, Michael has spent the last 15 years leveraging relationships and developing innovative ways for his clients to market their business. Now, Michael is looking forward to reinventing and transforming the hospitality interior design industry all over again. Michael enjoys fitness, flying planes, and hanging out in his upstate home with his wife, three sons, and rescue dog. Connect with Michael Schneider: https://nexteventsusa.com/ https://nextvirtualmeetings.com/ https://hospitalitycares.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldschneider5 https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-virtual-meetings?trk=public_profile_topcard_current_company What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: The Seattle Design Center Spring Design Week is kicking off from May 3rd-7th. Join me and Kravet for “Design Discussions with Barry Lantz.” on May 4th at [10:00] AM PST. I will be hosting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Barry Lantz of Lantz Collective’s debut collection, “Canvas to Cloth.” Join Barry and me as he shares how his newest collection came to life. Visit the link in our show notes, or at the link in our Instagram bio to register!  

Today with Andrea Hysmith: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Goal-setting isn’t always easy. Sometimes, we write a list of goals and never take any steps to get there. Other times, we become so obsessed with the goals that we develop tunnel vision and fail to see when we need to adapt. All too often, unexpected situations derail our goals entirely.  My guest today, Andrea Hysmith, has found the balance between flexibility and structure that allows her to pivot when the unexpected happens, maintaining a commitment to strong client experiences and to her business values. Today, she’s sharing her insights on how to do that, no matter what comes your way. Pick it apart: [5:50] Andrea shares her part-organic, part-structured process to goal-setting. [11:10] Andrea breaks down the steps she takes to bring in a steady stream of referrals and network-based clients. [16:12] Andrea discusses her unique process to building relationships with her clients. [36:25] Andrea shares the journey she took to open her brick-and-mortar studio, the first black-owned business in her neighborhood. [45:00] LuAnn and Andrea dive into the experience and challenges of being a Black business owner. LuAnn and Andrea Hysmith’s Ah-Ha moments: “For me, at least, when I have this structure in place, even if I have to adjust it, it gives me a guide.” -Andrea Hysmith   “Always tell people what you do and ask for what you want.” -Andrea Hysmith   “It’s walking that line and really figuring out the people whose values align with yours and making sure that they’re a culture fit from one human to another.” -LuAnn Nigara   “We keep the goal, but we throw away some of the things we thought were attached to the goal and open our mind to what other way we can get to the goal.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Andrea Hysmith: Andrea Hysmith, CAPS; Associate ASID Andrea Harvey; Founder of ASH Interiors and Design is an Interiors Specialist, Kitchen and Bath Designer, Manufacturer Representative, Speaker and Presenter that has been sharing her knowledge of luxury design and products in the design industry for over twenty years. Her industry experience includes kitchen, bath, and interior design…focusing on residential and light commercial spaces. Her background as a manufacturer’s representative of luxury kitchen and bath products has increased her knowledge of products, skills in training and business development. Her relationships with the A&D Community have made her a well-recognized resource in the Washington Metro Market. Andrea recently opened her design studio and office space in Historic Ellicott City becoming the first woman of color to open a brick-and-mortar design space in this area. In this studio space, she works with design clients as well as B2B partners educating them on the luxury products the firm represents. Andrea is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), The Hospitality Industry Network (NEWH) & Black Interior Design Network (BID). As well as an advisory board member of the Historic Ellicott City Board. Andrea loves connecting to her clients and peers…she is said to be relatable, knowledgeable, informative, and always fun. She believes that design is truly a lifestyle! Connect with Andrea Hysmith: Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet: The Seattle Design Center Spring Design Week is kicking off from May 3rd-7th. Join me and Kravet for "Design Discussions with Barry Lantz." on May 4th at 10:00 AM PST. I will be hosting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Barry Lantz of Lantz Collective’s debut collection, "Canvas to Cloth." Join Barry and me as he shares how his newest collection came to life. Visit the link in our show notes, or at the link in our Instagram bio to register! Other Shows Mentioned: #282 Blanche Garcia – You Teach Clients How to Treat You #598 Judith Taylor – How an Introvert Networks in an Extroverted Industry    

Today with Terri Taylor: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Terri Taylor of Interior Design Business Academy is back on the show to share her design business expertise and help you step into your space, confidently manage your projects, and pick up all the opportunities for profit. She’s also reviewing her truly golden Letter of Agreement that will change the way you approach your remodeling projects. To learn more about Terri's new class and get your ticket, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/ Pick it apart: [22:37] Terri shares the problem with a quickly-created letter of agreement.   [24:41] Terri explains how designers can determine an accurate design fee.   [26:37] LuAnn and Terri explore what to do when a contractor’s budget is too low.   [31:00] Terri reviews a scenario where the designer is in charge from the beginning of the project.   [41:36] LuAnn recaps Terri’s method of owning a job from the beginning.   [42:42] Terri explains what her three-day class, The Real Deal, covers. LuAnn and Terri Taylor's Ah-Ha moments: “Designers are the heart and soul of the projects.” - Terri Taylor   “You need to think of your fee as insurance to the client that the money is going to be spent is spent well and adds value at the end.” - Terri Taylor   “You don’t have to finish the project to get paid - you have to finish the design to get paid.” - Terri Taylor More About Terri Taylor: 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. Connect with Terri Taylor: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Website To learn more and get your ticket, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/ A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Terri Taylor's upcoming class: The Real Deal - Designer Remodeling Jobs for Profit You’ll be in class for a highly interactive three full days  May 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2021 It will be a mix of all the things:  worksheets  templates scripts  copies of letters of agreement Q&A time community, sharing, mindset work, and breakout groups And some dance! Early bird pricing is $797 until Tuesday, April 27th It goes to $1297 after that To learn more and get your ticket, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/   So what do you say? Want to stop giving away your time and learn how to set up a job so you’re paid properly?   Is Q2 the time to allow yourself to step into your space and bloom as a designer?   I think it is. Decide to be excellent. Other Shows Mentioned: episode 548 episode 602

  Today with Lucy Harris: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. This week, I’m joined by New York City designer Lucy Harris. Lucy shares her top five “musts” for new interior design firms. This nine-year high-end design firm veteran has learned a thing or two about the non-negotiables when starting out on your own. Learn what Lucy did to get to where she is today! Pick it apart: [13:25] Lucy explains the need for community, the first of five musts when starting an interior design firm [17:57] Lucy shares her take on the importance of photography and photo styling [27:41] Lucy talks about how she approached outsourcing [36:14] Lucy and LuAnn share why creating an online presence is vital [48:35] Lucy shares the three reasons to consider taking a project LuAnn and Lucy Harris’ Ah-Ha moments: "People want to believe that you’re an amazing interior designer. And all it takes is one or two good enough projects to give people that confidence." - Lucy Harris "Starting a business is about making baby steps." - Lucy Harris More About Lucy Harris: Growing up in a modernist house in Concord, Massachusetts, Lucy Harris was surrounded by, and given an appreciation for thoughtful design. From her great-great grandparent’s eclectic art- and antiques-filled Federal townhouse in Beacon Hill (now the Nichols House Museum) to her great-grandparents’ Arts and Crafts summer home in Ipswich, Massachusetts to the Mid-Century house where she currently lives in Westchester’s Usonia, Lucy has always surrounded herself with thoughtful, beautiful, timeless design. Building on that heritage, Lucy continues to be influenced by many different movements in art and design, from the Bauhaus to Minimalism. Eclecticism is at the root of her designs, and her work is reminiscent of the “impossible bouquets” of Dutch Master painters, in which flowers that would not normally grow together exist side-by-side in the name of art. An avid traveler who has lived in Rome and Milan, Lucy visits Europe often for inspiration, and sources furniture, rugs, lighting and materials from all over the world. She also works with skilled craftspeople from Los Angeles to Brooklyn to realize her custom designs. Connect with Lucy Harris: Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: I am honored to be on the Window coverings Association of America (WCAA) national board and I cannot tell you enough about my colleagues in this organization. We have chapters all over the US. Both Vita and I are members and I encourage you to do the same. For designers, it’s where you can meet the trusted trades to help you offer the best window treatments to your clients, and for us window treatment pros, it’s where you can stay on top of resources and education to make sure you are delivering your A-game. Go to wcaa.org   The IDS annual conference is coming up, May 6th, 2021, and I will be keynoting for this. So, please join us, all kinds of sessions and the chance to meet new colleagues and be introduced to a fantastic organization. Go to interiordesignsociety.org/conference       Other Shows Mentioned: Stephen Karlisch #369 Charlotte Safavi - #623 Mike Van Tassell- #563 Raquel Langworthy- #343 David Livingston- #51 Sarah Winchester - #444 Jessica Delaney- #630    

  Today's Show Sponsored by the "Interior Design Standard."  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today's sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share all the details of her upcoming course, the "Interior Design Standard". I’m so excited to share Sandra Funk’s business program, the "Interior Design Standard", with you because I know it will be the best investment for your business. Enroll here: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann Here’s what you need to know: The Interior Design Standard is composed of modules that outline Sandra’s entire business. Within each module are resources that you can start using right away.  She walks you through how to implement all of these templates via videos along the way. Program highlights include: Design fee calculator - confidently calculate flat design fees in moments Design agreement, that both clients and designers love The exact process that each interior design project follows, from the first potential client contact to pitching the photos to press   Important dates for your calendar: April 21st - Registration opens!  April 28th - Enrollment closes at midnight May 3rd - Program begins   Designers who have implemented the Standard in their businesses: “A rising tide will raise all ships - and man, is Sandra bringing in the tide!  The Interior Design Standard is incredible.  I feel so lucky to have stumbled into Sandra’s circle of light. To say it is ‘exactly what I needed’ is the understatement of the year!” - Jenn O'Brien, Jenn O'Brien Interiors    "The Standard is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Sandra "speaks my language" - she's relatable, quick and to the point, yet thorough enough for me to understand. I’ve been in other programs. This is the best one.”  - Taylor Johnson, Taylor Johnson Interiors    It’s your turn, enroll here: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann   Share this with someone who deserves joy and efficiency in their business just as much as you do. It’s time for our entire industry to rise together.

    Today with Michelle Butt Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. By now, we all know that sales isn’t about convincing someone to buy what they don’t need or want. You care about your clients and their happiness. You want to make a sale that gives you the profits you want and provides your clients with something that will bring them happiness. Today, I’m talking with Michelle Butt, Master Coach and creator of Facial Intelligence, to talk about how using visual cues and facial features can help you relate to your clients in a stronger way, making the sales process even more of a win/win. Pick it apart: [1:37] Michelle defines what facial intelligence is and why a conscious understanding of faces is helpful for business owners. [13:50] Michelle gives us insight into the 5 Facial Archetypes and how to use them to relate to sales targets. [20:00] LuAnn and Michelle discuss the importance of understanding yourself before you can truly understand others.  [32:09] Michelle provides a key takeaway that can help you start applying Facial Intelligence right away.  [51:37] Michelle shares more ways you can use facial understanding to strengthen relationships with potential clients. LuAnn and Michelle Butt’s Ah-Ha moments: “We all do unconsciously read faces, and most of the time we read faces for expressions because there are universal expressions that we can mirror and match and understand. And we do unconsciously to some degree read features to understand what they mean, but most of us don’t consciously do that.” -Michelle Butt   “We tend to think, ‘Oh well if I like this, then all I have to do is tell people all the reasons why I like it, and then they’ll like it too and they’ll want to buy it,’ but really people want to be treated the way they want to be treated.” -Michelle Butt   “Sales is a win/win. Sales isn’t about convincing you to have something you don’t want or need. Sales is my responsibility to figure out what’s the best and most wonderful thing that will complete whatever it is you’re trying to do. So every tool that we can utilize in order to illuminate what it is that you want, need, and drives you, and will help you become more successful in connecting with that sales target or potential client—I love it.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Michelle Butt: Michelle Butt holds an Honours BA in Linguistics from The University of Toronto, is a Master Coach and a Facial Intelligence Expert. After more than 10 years of studying human communication and creating the Facial Intelligence™ body of work, Michelle has come to know a thing or two about how and what drives people to believe in someone else enough to buy from them. She’s built an understanding of how coaches, consultants and mentors need to show up to that crucial sales call in order to get that “yes” and truly begin the process of changing someone else’s life (and their own in the process). By creating and implementing the F.A.S.T Method (Facial Acuity Sales Tactics), she has helped herself and many other coaches and consultants to use the face of others as the blueprint and catalyst for gaining a client and increasing their business’s success and revenue. Michelle has been featured at TedXToronto, Reinvention Radio and OMTimes Magazine. All her research and results have shown that the face is the starting place of any transformational journey and leveraging the information you see in a face is the key to changing the results you are getting in your sales process. Connect with Michelle Butt: Website  Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn   YouTube FAST Guide download link: www.michellebutt.com/fastguide What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kirsch recently unveiled their new Briza Motorization, allowing your clients to control their draperies in an instant from anywhere. It’s simple to install, quiet, and easily integrate with third-party systems. It’s even available on most of their most popular rods. Visit kirsch.com today to learn more!    Kravet: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That's why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Visit kravet.com today to explore it for yourself.    Other Shows Mentioned:  #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team

Today with Genevieve Trousdale: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. This week, I’m joined by Genevieve Trousdale. After coming from working in two large firms, Genevieve launched her own firm. She grew her business to serve luxury clients and tackle high-income projects. But unlike most other designers on her level, Genevieve chooses to keep some things simple, running her business on her own and taking on just a few projects per year. Today, we’re talking about how she manages it, why she chooses it, and the importance of staying true to your values in your business. Pick it apart: [7:18] Genevieve talks about the experience of working under great influences and what she learned along the way. [11:58] Genevieve shares why she chooses not to expand her firm and bring on other designers.  [20:44] Genevieve reveals what she looks for in others when she does need to outsource work. [25:03] LuAnn and Genevieve talk about the expectations in the design world and how to stick true to who you are. [33:51] Genevieve explains how she created a resource for other designers to get questions answered and form a community. LuAnn and Genevieve Trousdale’s Ah-Ha moments:  “This is amazing to me...it’s unusual that you’ve reached that level of design client but you’ve maintained the solo firm and you’re making money.” -LuAnn Nigara   “The pretty part, I can take care of. I like to take care of that. So I’m looking for someone with street smarts.” -Genevieve Trousdale   “There are pressures of ‘Why aren’t you scaling your company and searching for the next best thing.’ I am—but I’m doing it my own way.” -Genevieve Trousdale More About Genevieve Trousdale: Steeped in Southern tradition and influenced by sophisticated French style, Genevieve’s finely-honed design sense was originally fostered by two generations of discerning familial role models with exquisite taste. On assignment designing homes, chalets, and estates throughout Europe, the Middle East, and America, Genevieve developed inspired and inventive ideas for each client’s passions and desire for the very best.   Highly regarded for sophisticated design, meticulous attention to detail, creative sourcing of one-of-a-kind pieces, and the ability to manage thousands of special details at once – Genevieve has earned the respect and admiration of the most thoughtful and discriminating clients, worldwide.   Ms. Trousdale, a Louisiana-born designer, boasts a stunning repertoire of world-class projects from American ski chalets, a Parisian flat to a luxurious Middle Eastern palace. Working alongside top AD 100 industry icons, Genevieve is one of the nation’s most accomplished designers. Connect with Genevieve Trousdale: Circaphiles Website  Website Circaphiles Instagram  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kirsch: your leaders in drapery hardware. Kirsch recently unveiled their new Briza Motorization, allowing your clients to control their draperies in an instant from anywhere. It’s simple to install, quiet, and easily integrates with third party systems. It’s even available on most of their most popular rods. Visit kirsch.com today to learn more!  Mydoma: The free industry-leading event for designers is back! This April 13th and 14th, get ready for the return of 19 Hours, a virtual design conference by Mydoma and A Well Designed Business. We all know by now that the world has changed, and while 2020 was very much about insulating yourself, and your business from what comes next, this year, it's time to learn the lessons that the industry has learned the hard way this past year, and set yourself up for success. It's time to make 2021 your year, with a number of panels, presentations, and talks from some amazing industry partners and experts. So what are you waiting for? It's a free event, so you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain! Register for 19 Hours at mydomastudio.com/19hours. I'll see you there!   Other Shows Mentioned: #433 Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet #91 Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio

Today with Dolores Hirschmann Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. When someone asks you what you do, how clear are you? Are you able to communicate what you do, the value you bring to the table, who you help, and what sets you apart? Or do you struggle to define what message you’re trying to put out with your business? The truth is that so many of us have trouble getting clear on our message, our differentiators, and our business. But until you gain that clarity, you’re going to hit roadblock after roadblock. Today, I chat with Dolores Hirschmann, a strategist and coach who helps her clients get that clarity in their message so they can start impacting the world. Pick it apart: [2:16] Dolores and LuAnn share why it’s so important to get clear about our message and how we communicate it.  [6:08] Dolores unpacks the way our belief systems impact our clarity. [22:28] Dolores breaks down her “9 Layers of Clarity” and how she uses the framework to help her clients. [41:28] LuAnn and Dolores dive into the process of tapping into your unique differentiator.   LuAnn and Dolores Hirschmann's Ah-Ha moments: “If people can’t ‘get’ what we do, if people cannot understand how we’re going to help them, it’s almost impossible for them to hire us.” -Dolores Hirschmann   “It is a rare time when you talk to someone and you say to them, ‘what do you do?’ and you get a straight-line answer. So often we talk in a circle.” -LuAnn Nigara   “What gets in the way of clarity is not more knowledge or sexy words—it’s our emotional state of being and our belief system.” -Dolores Hirschmann   “That’s the purpose of the proprietary system. Each of the designers listening to this podcast is unique in the way they approach the project. Each of them is unique in the way they interact with the client, in the way they go about the whole process. So there’s value in understanding your uniqueness because that’s your secret recipe.” -Dolores Hirschmann More About Dolores Hirschmann: Dolores is an internationally recognized STRATEGIST & COACH and has been a remote employee and virtual business owner for over 20 years. She helps clients clarify their “idea worth sharing”, design their communication strategies, and implement business growth systems. Her clients become speakers and authors and take their message to larger audiences like TEDx and beyond. She works through group coaching, workshops, one-on-one coaching, as well as public speaking. Dolores is a writer, TEDx Organizer, and CTI certified and ICF accredited coach with a business degree from the Universidad de San Andres, Argentina. Originally from Buenos Aires, Dolores speaks fluent Spanish, English, and French and lives in Dartmouth, MA with her husband and four children. Connect with Dolores Hirschmann: Website  Instagram  Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn  Free gift: The TED Way to Raise Visibility & Get More Clients eBook https://www.we.mastersinclarity.com/standout-podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma Studio: Mark your Calendars! You’re invited to the 2nd annual 19 Hours Interior Design Conference. Join us for 2 days, with 10 presentations on April 13-14th19 Register now, and you'll also be signed up to receive the recordings once the event finishes, as well as a digital workbook we'll send a few days ahead of the event! RSVP now - We’ll see you at the conference!  Kravet: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That's why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet's new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself! Other Shows Mentioned:  #466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #317 Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen #125 Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!! #174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours  

  Today with April Jensen Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. April Jensen of St. Louis-based ADJ Interiors was in business for 25 years before she created an onboarding doc for her high-end interior design business. April and LuAnn walk step-by-step through her onboarding doc as April lets us in on how it has helped her handle client expectations and sticky situations. Pick it apart: [16:13] April shares her response to a client who is unsure of their budget   [22:44] Why mutual respect with clients is necessary for a successful project    [27:40] April advises how to respond to a client who is worried about a single product   [36:33] April and LuAnn share their mutual frustration with clients who text   [42:55] LuAnn and April chat about how to handle clients who don’t pay LuAnn and April Jensen’s Ah-Ha moments: “I’m a designer, and it’s okay to be a business person too.” - April Jensen   “You asked for a burger and a coke. If you want fries, it’s more money.” - LuAnn Nigara   “You have to put the whole picture together before you judge.” - April Jensen   More About April Jensen: Prior to founding ADJ Interiors in 1994, April Jensen worked for interior design firms in Chicago and St. Louis. She works equally as hard to create seamless and enjoyable design experiences for her clients as she does to foster a fun, collaborative, and creative work culture. April received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design and a certificate of Art History from Michigan State University. She is a Professional Member of ASID and is NCIDQ Certified, having completed specialized courses, necessary experience, and a rigorous examination. Under April’s leadership, ADJ Interiors has been featured in several publications and has received a plethora of design awards. For more, please visit www.adjinteriors.com April Jensen of ADJ Interiors was originally scheduled for an interview on September 15th of last year but had to reschedule to the 24th of February due to Covid. Connect with April Jensen: Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma’s 2nd annual 19 Hours Interior Design Conference is almost here! Join us for 2 days, with 10 presentations on April 13-14th19 Register now, and you’ll also be signed up to receive the recordings once the event finishes, as well as a digital workbook we’ll send a few days ahead of the event! RSVP now – We’ll see you at the conference!

Today with Theresa Gresham Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Single mom to a toddler and suddenly laid off when Covid started, Theresa Gresham moved into a 200ft studio to save on rent. Theresa shares her journey of building a Virtual Design Assistant business from scratch and learning the importance of self-care and hiring help. Pick it apart: [14:30] Theresa shares her story about starting her business after getting laid off due to Covid. [19:32] Theresa tells LuAnn how a parenting coach helped her flip her mindset about self-care. [23:20] Theresa shares how things changed when she limited her office hours [27:41] Theresa shares about motherhood during Covid and the importance of asking for help [35:43] Theresa tells Luann about how she started her e-design business [41:30] Theresa gives an overview of the services she offers interior designers LuAnn and Theresa Gresham’s Ah-Ha moments:   “Everything wonderful in life is scary at first.” — Theresa Gresham   “You just keep going - and that little face smiling back at you is all the why you need.” — Theresa Gresham More About Theresa Gresham: Meet Theresa Gresham, a toddler mommy, a business owner, a virtual design assistant, and an educator, in that order. A truly well-rounded design professional, Theresa has worn many hats in the interior design industry. Her favorite aspect of the design world, however, is creating stunning presentation content, such as 3D renderings, and teaching her skills to other interior designers. Born and raised in sunny South Florida, her passion for interior design began at a young age when her mother gave her free rein to design her room. She loved using her creativity to up-cycle furniture and paint murals on her walls. Creativity runs deep through Theresa’s soul and she is living the dream by letting her creative juices flow in her career. Prior to opening her own virtual design business in 2020, Theresa attended California State University, Northridge, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design in 2009. She then went on to work for various firms that specialized in everything from luxury yachts and aircraft to high-end homes and restaurants. Theresa’s formal interior design training and varied experience in the field allows her to work seamlessly on a virtual level with interior designers across the country. Theresa’s passion is helping interior designers de-stress and enhance their business with stunning presentation content. She not only creates design visuals, such as CAD drawings, 3D renderings, and concept boards, for her interior design clients across the US, but she also offers 1:1 virtual training to interior designers who want to bring their own presentation skills to the next level. In Addition, Theresa teaches Digital Design to interior design students at Istituto Marangoni in the Miami Design District. When Theresa is not behind the computer immersed in a 3D rendering or in the classroom, you will likely find her dancing in the living room with her beautiful daughter, Leilani, or sipping on an iced latte while soaking up some warm South Florida sun. Connect with Theresa Gresham: Website  Instagram   Facebook  7 Perks of Hiring a VDA with Formal Interior Design Training: https://theresagdesign.com/gift/ Virtual Design Mentor: https://www.virtualdesignmentor.com/online-learning What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: IDS: The IDS annual conference is coming up, May 6th, 2021 and I will be keynoting for this. So, please join us, all kinds of sessions and the chance to meet new colleagues and be introduced to a fantastic organization. Go to interiordesignsociety.org/conference Mydoma’s 2nd annual 19 Hours Interior Design Conference is almost here! Join us for 2 days, with 10 presentations on April 13-14th19 Register now, and you’ll also be signed up to receive the recordings once the event finishes, as well as a digital workbook we’ll send a few days ahead of the event! RSVP now – We’ll see you at the conference!

Today with Jenny Madden Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. As business owners, we face many difficult situations, including how to balance personal life with business ownership. Maternity leave is one of those situations that can change the course of your business. But my guest today, Jenny Madden, has navigated the difficult territory of maternity leave five separate times, both in her own leave and in the leaves of her employees. She believes that planning can make the situation more smooth on all sides. Today, we’re discussing the tricky waters of maternity leave, and how you can make decisions now that will impact it in the future. Pick it apart: [1:40] Jenny and LuAnn discuss the emotional aspect of maternity leave from both an individual side and a business owner perspective. [10:26] Jenny shares insights into the financial implications of maternity leave and your responsibilities as a business owner. [22:57] LuAnn and Jenny talk about distributing the workload during maternity leave.  [34:41] Jenny discusses the differences in her two maternity leaves and how her business growth changed them. [42:24] Jenny and LuAnn talk about hiring freelancers during maternity leave. LuAnn and Jenny Madden’s Ah-Ha moments: “I like what you’re saying about thinking now about what you want to do. If you don’t have any employees now, or you don’t have any that are pregnant, think about how you want to handle it.” -LuAnn Nigara “As a business owner, I had no idea that offering an unpaid maternity leave meant I was still paying. I’m still paying a significant chunk of their healthcare and I’m still paying taxes on the checks they’re getting from the state. I’m happy to do it, but I do think it’s helpful to understand what you’re in for.” -Jenny Madden “If you want to try to maintain your same productivity at the firm through their leave, then obviously you have to hire someone.” -Jenny Madden “You have to put one foot in front of the other with the information you have at hand. You cannot predict everything...make a plan for yourself and your business and try not to get too worried about the ‘what-ifs.’” -Jenny Madden More About Jenny Madden: Jenny Madden Design has been in business designing beautiful spaces since 2011. Prior to founding Jenny Madden Design, Jenny acquired formal training from top-tier programs in both Architecture (BA, Columbia University) and Interior Design (MS, Drexel University). She then gained invaluable professional experience across multiple facets of the industry, including construction management, architecture, furniture sales and interior design. The years she spent working for a general contractor, managing large-scale construction projects, are particularly unique within the interior design industry. This breadth of experience places Jenny Madden Design in the distinctive position to not only design beautiful interiors but to successfully manage projects through to completion. Jenny is able to speak the language of the broader industry and build successful partnerships with architects, builders, and vendors. She understands that a smooth, professional project experience is as important to her busy clients as an excellent aesthetic design. Jenny built out her team to ensure she has the right mix of talent to enhance and support your project. Stefania and Maggie support the design and drafting phases, while Greg keeps operations and budgets tightly controlled. Our goal as a firm is to maintain boutique customization while providing the systems and support typically reserved for firms with a larger headcount. At the end of the day, we believe our portfolio speaks for itself. We love that our work has been recognized in local and national publications, both in print and online. But we take the most pride in our ever-growing list of happy clients. Jenny Madden Design offers luxury interior design services in the greater New York City area, based out of our Hoboken, NJ office. Whether you are embarking on a new construction project, a gut renovation or looking to furnish your existing space, our interior design team will guide you through the design process and into your dream home. Connect with Stacy Garcia: Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That's why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Visit www.kravet.com today to explore it for yourself.  Mydoma's 2nd annual 19 Hours Interior Design Conference is almost here! Join us for 2 days, with 10 presentations on April 13-14th19 Register now, and you'll also be signed up to receive the recordings once the event finishes, as well as a digital workbook we'll send a few days ahead of the event! RSVP now - We’ll see you at the conference!   Other Shows Mentioned:  #332 Jenny Madden Design: Husband & Wife Series #346 Do Not Let Us Design: Taylor Dieterich & Yashlie Negron #149 Brittanie Elms – Founder of My Design Assistant – She Could Be Your Next Employee

    Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s WTF— Window Treatment Friday, Vita and I are talking about rising from the ashes of the fire that destroyed her workroom. It's every business owners nightmare. Fortunately for Vita's diligent dedication to the processes and systems within her business, Vita was able to literally rise from the ashes over night, and continue to keep her business running.  More About Vita Vygovska Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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  

Today with Stacy Garcia Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. We spend a lot of time talking about starting your business, growing your business, and implementing the basics that lead you to success. Today, we’re talking about what happens when that success is threatened. Recessions, disasters, and unforeseeable circumstances can threaten your business. But the way you respond to those situations shows your grit, determination, and ultimately determines your success as a business owner.  That’s what Stacy Garcia is talking to us about today. When the pandemic hit, the hospitality industry was hit hard. But Stacy figured out how to pivot, make changes, and grow a new portion of her business to meet the people’s needs and keep her business strong. Pick it apart: [9:16] Stacy and LuAnn discuss the difference in starting your business and the challenges that come later on. [17:03] Stacy gives her insight into how the hospitality industry was impacted by COVID. [28:03] Stacy shares how she transitioned into the consumer side and grew a massive Facebook presence in just six months. [41:22] Stacy and LuAnn discuss the need for adjusting the way you operate your business during tough times.  [45:15] Stacy dives into the way that going back to the basics of networking and sales saved her business. LuAnn and Stacy Garcia’s Ah-Ha moments: “Being brutally aware of the reality of your situation is goal #1.” -Stacy   “When people are in pain, there’s not a better opportunity to solve people’s problems, and when you solve people’s problems, you bring value to the table, and when you bring value to the table, the money will follow.” -Stacy   “The reason that the first recession we went through at Window Works, back in 91-92, was so difficult was because we did not face it soon enough.” -LuAnn   “When you’re the owner, you have to take a long-term investor’s approach, and so there may be years where the business just doesn’t produce for you personally. But the goal becomes keep it alive, because that’s how you can grow it back when the economy turns around.” -Stacy More About Stacy Garcia: An established leader in the world of design, Stacy Garcia is a successful creative entrepreneur and founder of multiple business enterprises: LebaTex, Inc., a distinctive textile supplier and Stacy Garcia, Inc., a licensing firm and design house. With brands like Stacy Garcia Commercial, Stacy Garcia | New York, Stacy Garcia Home, and Stay by Stacy Garcia, this internationally renowned designer and forecasting expert has partnered with some of the world’s leading manufacturers to create products that span from floor to ceiling for resorts and homes all over the world. She was voted one of the 10 leading voices in the hospitality industry and honored by ASID for Design Excellence. Her work has been featured in Interior Design, Boutique Design, New York Spaces, LUXE, Rue Daily and Architectural Digest. Stacy has an established reputation as a preeminent forecaster of color and design trends, and is a Chairholder of Color Marketing Group, the premiere international color forecasting association. Stacy is also a dynamic public speaker with experience hosting panels, workshops and keynotes. Connect with Stacy Garcia: https://shopstacygarcia.com/ https://stacygarciainc.com/ https://shopstacygarcia.com/blogs/blog https://www.instagram.com/stacygarciainc/ https://www.instagram.com/stacygarciatrade/ https://www.facebook.com/stacygarciainc https://www.facebook.com/stacygarciatrade https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacygarcia/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/stacy-garcia-inc https://twitter.com/StacyGarciaInc https://www.pinterest.com/stacygarciainc What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kirsch is the solution for all your custom drapery hardware and window covering needs. Kirsch just unveiled their new Briza Motorization that allows your clients to control their drapery from anywhere. It’s easy to install, easy to integrate to existing smart home systems, and available on their most popular tracks. Visit www.kirsch.com today to learn more.    Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is the designer toolkit. Their seamless workflow software organizes your design project from beginning to end, saving you time, money, and keeping everything in one place. You can get 20% off your first three months today by signing up at www.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.   Other Shows Mentioned:  #21 Stacy Garcia- A Thoughtful Conversation with a Design Visionary

Today with Rachael Bozsik: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Rachael is an international keynote speaker and thought leadership coach helping female entrepreneurs in the lifestyle space build personal brands. She joins LuAnn to share a practical plan for positioning your brand, honing your activities, and attracting your ideal client. Pick it apart: [17:05] Rachael tell about how she started her first business from her dorm room   [26:55] Rachael shares exactly how her client process works   [28:26] Rachael explains why press is so important to building trust   [37:42] LuAnn and Rachael chat about the strategy Rachael would use for a sample client   [50:48] Rachael shares about how she typically works with seasoned designers   [52:14] Rachael talks about what it takes for a client to execute her strategy   [55:47] Rachael shares how she stays connected and pitches herself LuAnn and Rachael Bozsik’s Ah-Ha moments: “To be paid for your work, you need to have the credibility.” - Rachael Bozsik   “If we can surround you with stamps of approval, it becomes easier for your ideal client to say yes.” - Rachael Bozsik   “If you want your ideal opportunities, you have to pitch yourself for them.” - Rachael Bozsik More About Rachael Bozsik: Rachael Bozsik is an international keynote speaker and Thought Leadership Coach for female entrepreneurs within the creative field. It is Rachael's mission to empower entrepreneurial women to position themselves as world-class thought leaders and public figures in their niche via the press, paid speaking, and partnerships. Think - a feature in Arch Digest, mic at High Point Market, and Partnership with Loloi. Rachael's clients include award-winning interior designers, HGTV personalities, and internationally recognized creatives.   Rachael has been applauded for her work in numerous international publications as a top-tier expert in elite brand positioning in 40 national outlets including Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider etc.. Through her work as a professional speaker, she has empowered close to 100,000+ women on stages including Harvard Business School, Design Influencers Conference, (ASID) American Society of Interior Designers NYC, IIDA, Cornell, Bermuda's SBA, SPANX HQ just to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to partner with incredible brands including Oprah's Leadership Academy, Loreal, Sephora, Kendra Scott etc. Connect with Rachael Bozsik: Website  Instagram  LinkedIn   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 one of those companies you just know you can trust. They built their business around making you look good to your client. From client and vendor communications to mood board and package creation to getting your invoices paid, Mydoma studio is the best place for you to easily manage your projects efficiently and professionally. Go to Mydoma studio.com/awelldesignedbusiness today.

Today with Sara Barney Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Design is a second career for Sara Malek Barney. Sara was an executive in the entertainment and sports industries before she became the Founder and Principal Designer of Bandd Interiors in Austin, Texas. With plenty of business savvy under her belt, when she launched her design firm, Sara knew to concentrate on two tactics to create and grow her digital footprint. She’s also sharing her advice on how to expand your own business knowledge and deal with those unhappy clients. Pick it apart: [12:05] Sara details how she got started with her SEO vendor [24:47] Sara provides commentary on what’s lacking in the coursework for interior design degree programs [31:33] Sara describes the scope of her design projects  [37:11] LuAnn and Sara discuss the nuance of saying yes to smaller projects [49:17] Sara explains why she isn’t big on detailed renderings [53:40] Sara reviews the makeup of her team [1:06:24] Sara give advice on reacting to unhappy clients LuAnn and Sara Barney’s Ah-Ha moments: “I’m very big on hiring out. I’m not an expert in everything.” - Sara Malek Barney “We don’t just quit our job and hope it works. We have a plan.” - LuAnn Nigara “It’s never just black and white. There’s always a decision process through it.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Sara Barney: Sara is the mastermind behind the design. Prior to launching BANDD DESIGN, she spent the first phase of her professional career working in the fast-paced entertainment and sports industries, as an executive at companies such as SXSW, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her past experience helps her deliver timeless, unique designs for her clients. She believes the design process should be highly collaborative and feel authentic to each individual. An Austin-native (a rare breed!), Sara spent nearly a decade in sunny Los Angeles, California, where she met her writer husband, Dana, while they were both chasing the Hollywood dream. Now back on home turf, Sara and Dana enjoy endless amounts of breakfast tacos and college football (hook ’em!) with their two daughters. Sara, a University of Texas alum, has degrees in Corporate Communication and Interior Design. She was named one of Fortune Magazine‘s Most Powerful Women {Next Gen}, one of Austin Monthly‘s Women to Watch, and is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Female Founder Collective. When not designing, you can find Sara wearing sequins, learning a hip hop dance routine, watching Seinfeld (yes, still), trying to be a cool mom, or daydreaming about Napa. Connect with Sara Barney: Website  Instagram  Facebook   Pinterest  Twitter What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That’s why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet’s new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com and explore the new site for yourself today!

Today with Brad Leavitt: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I welcome Brad Leavitt back for his fifth time on the show! Brad is here once again to share share his expert insight to help you better understand and navigate the design-build process. In today’s show Brad tells us what the process is like through the eyes of the builder. When you understand the builder's perspective, you will see how important it is for you as the designer to bring you’re A Game. So, let’s see what this looks like from the builder side, shall we? 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. Connect with Brad Leavitt: Podcast is “The AFT Construction Podcast"  Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest  LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Other Shows Mentioned: #615 #580 #560 #542

Today with Marie Flanigan: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today, I’m thrilled to have Marie Flanigan back on the show. Marie has more than a decade of experience as a thriving designer, one whose list of accolades goes on for days. In today’s episode, Marie is answering questions from listeners about how to make big decisions in your business— how to attract the clients and projects you truly desire, how to strategically market, how to handle client expectations, and more! Pick it apart: [2:25] Marie talks about how to leverage relationships and grow to the point of attracting the clients you really want. [11:10] Marie shares the data you need to be collecting that will help you fill your roster with dream clients. [19:07] LuAnn and Marie discuss the importance of making decisions based on your mission and vision for the business. [31:53] Marie dives into the touchpoints she uses to ensure an excellent client experience.  [45:45] Marie and LuAnn talk about making decisions with clients’ money and how communication is key. [1:10:30] Marie shares her thoughts on diversity in the industry. LuAnn and Marie Flanigan’s Ah-Ha moments:  “I think it’s so important to just live out doing the best you can— be the best at whatever you’re doing in the moment. That’s what builds the relationships, that’s what provides the contacts, that’s what gives you the 10,000 hours to become the expert and really grow into the area you want to be in.” -Marie Flanigan “You do want to turn away the business that sucks the energy out of you or that takes too much of your time away, because when the right projects come along you need to be open for that.” -Marie Flanigan “Gut instinct is very important, but you should also go on data.” -Marie Flanigan “It isn’t just about putting an ad in a newspaper— it’s all the little things that you do across your business.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Marie Flanigan: Originally trained as an architect, Marie Flanigan seamlessly unites structure with style, unlocking a unique level of depth through her mutual consideration of an interior and its framework. For more than a decade, Marie has crafted well-articulated spaces that expertly reflect the stories of those who dwell and work within. Her trademark signature of innovative simplicity is evident through the sophisticated use of color, texture, and light. Marie’s projects span the country, from luxury residences to high-end commercial showrooms, each one exhibiting her firm’s commitment to exceptional design and extraordinary service. Marie’s work and expertise have been featured by premier publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, House Beautiful, Southern Living, Domino, Traditional Home, Elegant Homes, Southern Home, and Luxe Magazine. She regularly shares her design and lifestyle advice with TV audiences, including her role on HGTV’s internationally broadcast series, Property Brothers: Brother vs. Brother. In addition to Marie’s design work, she has now launched collections with some of the industry’s top manufacturers including Visual Comfort and Aria Stone. Her debut book, The Beauty of Home, is now available for purchase. Connect with Marie Flanigan: Website  Instagram  Facebook   Pinterest  Twitter What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That's why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet's new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com and explore the new site for yourself today!  Revel Woods: With Revel Woods, you’re getting premium hardwood and resilient flooring curated for your design and lifestyle needs. They are dedicated to helping you help your clients find the right flooring for their needs. You can use the industry expertise at Revel Woods to help your clients feel that wow factor. Visit www.revelwoods.com today to find out more! Other Shows Mentioned: #89 Marie Flanigan – How Marketing Strategies Helped Her Grow Her Firm   #50 Veronica Solomon – Powerful Marketing for your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook   #06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

  Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today's show is a different kind of episode. This week, I had several meaningful conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, that made me take a few steps back, put the regularly scheduled programming on hold, and have a good old fashion sit down.    In life, and business, it is important to utilize our strengths and identify our weaknesses. Everyone has their unique superpower. It is what makes us the powerhouses that we are in our particular area of expertise. But we cannot be experts in everything. We cannot be all things to all people. Today, I am here to remind you how you can take those feelings of overwhelm, and turn them into an action plan. Give yourself some grace on this journey. One step at a time, one goal at a time, keep showing up for yourself. That is how we decide to be excellent! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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

  Today with Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Aymee and Molly of Light and Dwell, an Oregon based full service and virtual design firm were friends before they were business partners. They’re sharing what they’ve learned about themselves, about each other, and about how to mesh opposites together to grow a business from nothing to something amazing in just five short years. Pick it apart: [24:55] LuAnn recaps the tactics Aymee and Molly used to get their first clients [30:09] Aymee and Molly share how they figured out how to work together when each have very different personalities [37:17] LuAnn recaps business partnership tips and explains how the Window Works partnership works [41:55] Aymee describes how they worked through her maternity leave [49:19] LuAnn goes deep into how partnerships can work when there’s a disagreement LuAnn, Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd's Ah-Ha moments: “She’s good at anything you can see.” - Aymee about Molly   “Whoever’s area of strength it is has the final say.” - LuAnn Nigara   “You both bring to the table what the other person needs.” LuAnn Nigara More About Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd: Molly is married to Brad, and together they are raising three children [Karis, Krew + Karoline]. She enjoys being outdoors, drinking coffee, gluten-free cooking, and all sorts of design. She loves being creative and always has her hands in someone's flower arrangements, home decor or closet. Molly started Light and Dwell with Aymee 5 years ago, and now leads all the creative content and design for the business.   Molly Kidd  • molly@lightanddwell.com   Aymee and her husband Jim have three young adult children. She has a passion for hospitality and creating a welcoming space for others. She enjoys a good cup of black coffee, baking, and traveling with her family.  She runs the behind the scenes operations of Light and Dwell and loves anything under the subject area of systems and people!   Aymee Kuhlman  •  aymee.lightanddwell@gmail.com    Connect with Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd Website  Instagram  Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Are you having trouble with keeping track of your orders, your project management, your books, your proposals - all those backend things we love to hate? I want you to do some research and see if Mydoma would help you. It’s workflow software that manages your projects from beginning to end. As a listener, you can try it for 20% off for three months. To see if Mydoma is right for you, go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

  Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to a Well-Designed Business®. On today’s WTF— Window Treatment Friday, Vita and I are talking about scaling to your first million-dollar year. As most of you probably know, scaling is not an easy task. It takes hard work and lots of blood, sweat, and tears. But when you can learn from someone who has already done it, it cuts the time and effort down and makes scaling attainable far before you thought it was possible. Today, Vita shares with us her five core pillars for scaling your business and how her course in LuAnn University, Scale Your Window Treatment Business to Your 1st Million Dollar Year, can help you get there faster. Pick It Apart [14:25] Vita gives us a rundown on the 4 levels of businesses, and who her course is right for. [27:20] LuAnn and Vita discuss the importance of streamlined systems and processes. [38:05] Vita shares technology’s role in scaling your business. [42:37] LuAnn and Vita talk about why hiring the right people is crucial to scale. [48:10] Vita discusses how finances and mindset can either hold you back or let you soar. LuAnn and Vita’s Aha-Moments  “Hiring people carries with it so much responsibility and that responsibility carries with it a great deal of fear.” -Vita Vygovska   “There is no better foundation for anything in your business than an actual written out system and process.” -Vita Vygovska   “That’s what I know to be true of you—not only do you have the experience, but I know that you documented it. That’s what enables the teaching to be significant and of value.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Vita Vygovska Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Kravet: Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in-stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com   Other Shows Mentioned: #589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million   #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team   #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire   #448 Window Treatment Friday: A New Series featuring Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara   #456 Window Treatment Friday: Custom-Made vs Ready-Made Window Treatments   #462 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 1   #471 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 2   #481 Window Treatment Friday: Overview of Hard and Soft Window Treatments   #493 Window Treatment Friday: Vitalia Vygovska: A Mindset for Success   #512 Window Treatment Friday: Drapery Hardware   #518 Communication Between the Designer and the Window Treatment Professional   #539 Window Treatment Friday: Look to Your Window Treatment Partner to Sell Remotely   #551 Window Treatment Friday: Exploring Awnings as an Additional Revenue Stream   #586 Window Treatment Friday: Tips for Selling Window Treatments   #610 Window Treatment Friday: Listener Questions

Today with Kathleen Anderson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Kat Anderson of Material Design, an interior design business specializing in design-build projects, shares her experience as a recently-graduated interior design student struggling to find her way in the design world. You’ll hear Kat tell how she succeeded by growing her skillset in more than just design. Kat also walks through the classes she teaches at LuAnn University. Pick it apart: [12:45] Kat shares why having a good understanding of your bookkeeping also helps with job costing [17:40] Kat explains why her class benefits both beginner and mature business owners [31:43] LuAnn explains the difference between the LuAnn University class Design Build 101 and 201 [35:08] Kat shares how she developed the curriculum for Design Build 201 [45:30] Kat shares about how awful her two years in business were [50:05] LuAnn shares about how she coached Sara Lynn Brennan to develop processes [53:26] Kat speaks to the designer who wants to establish a process, but has a variety of different projects LuAnn and Kathleen Anderson’s Ah-Ha moments: “Your finances are the heartbeat of your business.” - Kathleen Anderson “It’s the difference between having a life that you love and feeling like when is Starbucks hiring.” - Kathleen Anderson “An expert in their field is the one who’s made all the mistakes.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Kathleen Anderson Kathleen Anderson is a designer and entrepreneur delivering full-service interiors, design-build projects, window treatments, and more. With a BA in Interior Design and a Masters Degree in Architecture, she knows first-hand that business knowledge is what completes the trifecta needed to build and run a successful design firm. Connect with Kathleen Anderson Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods: This is one of those vendors you’ll be so happy you took the time to set up an account with. They understand interior designers which makes it so refreshing to work with them to spec amazing wood flooring for your projects. They have a huge selection and are dedicated to helping you become an expert on wood floors. Go to revelwoods.com to learn more about how you can partner with Revel Woods to give your clients beautiful flooring and add profit to your projects.  

  Today with Nathan Brookshire and Paul Davidge: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Nathan Brookshire and Paul Davidge of Design: Agency & Management share how they help creatives develop a financially sound path to achieve their goals and run their business in such a way that they have the freedom to focus on their zone of genius. Pick it apart: [12:51] LuAnn and guests discuss the criteria to work with Design: Agency and Management [32:45] Nathan reveals the challenge all his design clients share [37:27] Nathan shares how he helped a designer negotiate their fee with her client [39:51] LuAnn recaps DAM’s monthly management/representation service  [44:15] Nathan shares how a designer would introduce DAM and explain their role to their client LuAnn, Nathan and Paul's Ah-Ha moments: “The design industry has not been as successful as some other industries in articulating their value to their client.” - Paul Davidge   “You really need to hone your negotiation skills.” - LuAnn Nigara   “You’ve got to be able to stand up and play the chess game with them.” - LuAnn Nigara   More About Nathan Brookshire and Paul Davidge Nathan Brookshire began his career in the finance industry, working as a financier to the Arts & Entertainment industries in Los Angeles upon graduation from Stanford University. As a banker, Nathan structured financing solutions for complex transactions, including fine art acquisitions, TV and film production, and real estate development projects. His banking experience led Nathan’s introduction to the art and design community in Los Angeles, and gave him a strong foundation in understanding the unique business, operating, and financial capital needs of creative companies. Nathan continued to sharpen his business acumen at such blue chip companies as Barclays Capital, Warner Bros., and Netflix, working in mergers and acquisitions and leading corporate strategic decisions. Having forged deep connections within the art and design space, Nathan left the corporate world to bring institutional-grade financial and strategic advisory services to smaller, creative companies in need of analytical rigor and general business management. In 2018 Nathan co-founded D:AM to formally represent and manage design talent. Nathan holds a BA from Stanford University and a MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Paul Davidge is the co-founder of D:AM as well as the owner of Not So General, a gallery for contemporary design in Los Angeles. Paul has an extensive business and operational background, first having worked as a finance attorney for Sidley Austin law firm working on $1bn+ transactions and then as a business development and strategy executive in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Whilst in entertainment, Paul helped Relativity Media grow in size from less than 15 employees to over 300 in under 5 years. He also worked as Chief Operating Officer for Exclusive Media responsible for the international division of the company. Paul has also advised other production companies as well as high net worth individuals on business development, strategy and growth. In an environment when creatives are taking responsibility for the own destinies, Paul co-founded D:AM in order to apply his experience to help them manage and grow their own companies and enable them to focus on doing what they love most - creating. Connect with Nathan Brookshire and Paul Davidge Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Have you signed up for your trade account with Kravet yet? No minimums on anything. One sofa, one rug, 1 yard of fabric, whatever you need, when you need it. Go to kravet.com and get started. Don't forget to use your one time code at checkout for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order. AWDB10 at checkout 

Today with Thom Sweeney: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Thom Sweeney’s unconventional path to interior design started after a 30-year career in advertising. Thom shares what brought him to design and how he lost his design business before rising again to build something even greater. He also has great advice on salesmanship and how to build meaningful relationships with clients. Pick it apart: [22:45] Thom and LuAnn discuss the importance of design that matches the client’s expectations [34:18] Thom and LuAnn both shares their respective experiences navigating a failing business [43:20] LuAnn suggest how to debrief after a failure [46:49] Thom shares how critical sales skills are to a design business [51:34] LuAnn shares her advice on sales   LuAnn and Thom Sweeney’s Ah-Ha moments: “Nothing comes out of the huge failure if we don’t stand up again.” - LuAnn Nigara “Are there any real, true failures?” - LuAnn Nigara “Sales is creating a win-win.” - LuAnn NIgara “Diversity in your client list is critical.” - Thom Sweeney “You can never take that day you closed your doors and say, ‘I’m done’.” Thom Sweeney Connect with Thom Sweeney: Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 place to manage, run and grow your interior design business.  Features include  - Project Management, a Branded Portal, so when your clients log in, it looks and feels like they are logging into your business, invoicing, Purchase Orders, and Credit Card Payments, Product Management and QB integration and so much more. Start your trial today and see for yourself how much easier it could be to run your design firm. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness  

Today with LuAnn: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today, we are celebrating the show's 5th Birthday! It is hard to believe that there have been five years of outstanding guests, infinite ah-ha moments, and countless businesses changed. Thank you for coming along for the ride. As a way to show my gratitude, this episode is all about reflecting on the bigger picture, and ways we can give back, center ourselves, and enrich our minds. Thank you all for choosing to spend your time with me every week.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 Resources and Links: Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club—it’s not just a showhouse.   The Black Artists and Designer’s Guild       His House for Her    Housing Works   Savvy Giving by Design   The Trevor Project    NAMI- NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH   5 Books to consider: The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino The E-Myth by Michael Gerber Profit First by Mike Michalowicz What I know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey As Man Thinketh by James Allen The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon            

Today with Ashley Connell:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today we’re going to talk about one of those key things you have to do in your business if you want to grow—outsourcing. We all know we need to do it, but finding the right fit is a major challenge. Ashley Connell of Prowess runs a business that matches you with your perfect fit business manager or employee. She’s sharing with us how she makes those perfect fits and the impact it can have on your business.  Pick it apart: [3:40] Ashley gives an overview of what Prowess is and how it connects business owners with employees [9:15] Ashley and LuAnn talk about the importance of finding someone that fits your personality type, work method, and communication style [17:27] Ashley breaks down her process and how her algorithm produces results that fit your business [25:54] LuAnn and Ashley discuss how scaling your business leads to different needs and how Prowess accounts for that [34:42] Ashley shares her mission of advocating for women and how that plays into her business model   LuAnn and Ashley Connell’s Ah-Ha moments: “When a designer wants to stay in his/her land of creativity, there’s a need for that other person that’s paying attention to everything that happens under the operations umbrella as opposed to being the executor of the operations umbrella.” -LuAnn Nigara “We’re not just matching based on the skills you need, but also your behavior styles, your communication style, and your personality.” -Ashley Connell “I believe that it is very hard to effectively manage a 2-3 million dollar firm without a strong business manager.” -LuAnn Nigara “By staying in your lane you’re more efficient. It has been proven that if you outsource, you increase your productivity by between 10-100 percent.” -Ashley Connell More About Ashley Connell: Ashley Connell, CEO and Founder of Prowess, is one part fearless entrepreneur, one part fearless women’s advocate. For the first 15 years of her career, she was an award-winning tech marketer in both Austin and London.  Ashley’s unstoppable drive to have both a career and time for family motivated her to start Prowess.  Her commitment to changing the lives of overloaded employers, women seeking rewarding work, and those affected by the gender pay gap, has landed her thought leadership pieces in Forbes, Built in Austin and at SXSW. In her pretty much non-existent spare time she enjoys yoga, walks with her bulldog, cheering on her beloved Longhorns, and spaghetti and meatballs. Connect with Ashley Connell: Website  Instagram   Facebook   LinkedIn   What's new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Kirsch has just unveiled their new Briza Motorization feature to give your clients control of their draperies from anywhere. They’re easy to install and compatible with third-party home systems, and they are available on all of Kirsch’s most popular drapery tracks. Visit Kirsch.com today to learn more. Other Shows Mentioned:  #525 Traci Connell: Take Your Business from Setback to Success   #554 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit   #450 Power Talk Friday: Bethany Mabee: Outsource the 80% Business and Do the 20% Interior Design   #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team   #589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million

Today with Mina Duque: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Can you imagine starting your firm in a foreign city—one where you have no connections, no network, and where you haven’t even visited? That’s exactly what Mina Duque ended up doing. Today, she’s sharing her story of how she started her business in Tulum, the unique challenges presented by working in a major melting pot, and how she grew her business even without a community and network.    Pick it apart: [18:00] Mina shares the challenges and triumphs of working with different cultures and communication styles. [36:24] LuAnn and Mina discuss the value of mentorship and how to set parameters within the relationship. [44:38] Mina discusses how 3D renderings not only changed the landscape of her business but gave way to her husband starting his own rendering design company.  [52:54] LuAnn and Mina talk about the book Rocket Fuel and the importance of intentionally scoping out business goals.  LuAnn and Mina Duque’s Ah-Ha moments: “We do that all the time in business...we say to our vendors, ‘Just give it to me straight, I need to know.’ But you’re saying as a culture, that’s not likely to happen. It’s so deeply engrained...and to them, there’s a level of respect in not saying a boldfaced no.” -LuAnn Nigara   “I always tell my vendors, I so prefer that if you think that something is going to take two weeks, tell me it’s going to take four weeks, because if you deliver sooner, I’m happy, but if you deliver later, I’m not happy.” -Mina Duque   “We get really good at visualizing, but that’s not everyone’s forte. So something that sounds really good or looks good on paper, when you see it in real life, you’re like, ‘I’m not really crazy about that.’” -Mina Duque   “It builds so much more trust and confidence in my client when I can show them everything in advance before they start spending money.” -Mina Duque   More About Mina Duque: Mina, the principal designer at Interiors Tulum, founded the firm in early 2019. Her style is influenced by her unique background growing up between Casablanca, Morocco and Los Angeles, California. Mina grew up between Casablanca, Morocco and Los Angeles, California. Her degree from USC, along with her world travels and experience as a property manager for Airbnb’s, influence her design and decision-making process every step of the way. Her Moroccan background adds a unique accent to her designs blended with the relaxed, Caribbean bohemian vibe that she works with so often. She is an ambitious, driven woman, enjoys research, suffers little risk adversity, and celebrates exploring new cultures and ideas. Now with her business expanding she has a few employees and is striving to create a company culture that reflects her values of honesty, reliability, authenticity, and passion. Working with people from different backgrounds and celebrating their cultures energizes Mina as she loves to learn about their history and discover ways that she can help them enhance their lifestyle by designing relaxing and luxurious living spaces. Currently based in Tulum, Mexico, Mina lives with her husband, Fernando, and their high-energy rescue pup, Lulu. Connect with Mina Duque: Website  Instagram   Facebook    What's new with LuAnn Nigara 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Revel Woods: Revel Woods is dedicated to providing premium hardwood and resilient flooring curated for your design and needs. They offer a wide range of perks for perks we offer interior designers, contractors, & industry professionals. Visit revelwoods.com today to get started.   Kravet: Kravet is the industry leader in to the trade home furnishings. You can easily shop Kravet, Lee Jofa, and Brunschwig & Fils all in one place. Introducing new and easy to use search features so you can find the latest products and collections right at your fingertips. Use promo code AWDB10 for a 10% discount on Kravet fabric, trim, and wallcoverings.    Other Shows Mentioned:  #291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design #267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years

Today with LuAnn: 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, LuAnn gives her expert advise on what to do when a client won't pay. Is there something more you can do to protect yourself?  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kirsch is reliable, dependable and innovative so think of them when you need to specify drapery hardware. From the motorized Briza collection, to the recently updated Buckingham collection to the tried and true architectural collections, go to Kirsch.com to find a dealer near you.  Other Shows Mentioned: Jamie Lieberman: #547 and #454

Today with Carley Page Summers:  Carley Page Summers shares her journey to interior design that began only after she first built a robust photography business catering to the design trade. 184k Instagram followers strong, Carley chronicles how just nine years ago, she pulled herself out of a dark place, found hope, and is now on a mission to inspire hope in others. Pick it apart: [2:49] Carley shares her journey from photographer to designer [7:34] Carley shares her philosophy about the attraction to natural settings [11:50] Carley shares how she started her virtual design business [18:53] Carley shares her Instagram strategy  [42:56] Charley shares her mission statement LuAnn and Carley Page Summers' Ah-Ha moments: “Lift as you climb.” - Carley Page Summers “The world would say I’m a failure...but it goes to show that you can set your mind to something and hope and grow.” - Carley Page Summers “It is useless to look back on your path and feel shame. Instead, see the accomplishment and joy you have created.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Carley Page Summers: Photography has been a passion of mine since a young age and is not just my career path but is also part of my soul. During an especially difficult time in my life, while living & volunteering in Haiti, I was inspired by the culture and all the people around me and was able to use photography as a way to help narrate their stories. After returning home, I studied art and graduated with a fine arts degree with a focus in photography and painting. Interiors and design became an interest turned passion and naturally there was a union of the two things that inspired me, photography and interiors. With interior photography, I am able to help clients and brands narrate their stories. Clients have the benefit of being able to choose full-service options with my packages because they include creative, styling and photography all in one. Additionally with interiors, I love helping create a truly sacred space for clients and their loved ones to enjoy. I love a mixture of curated textiles, clean whites, and of course plants to make a space feel peaceful yet full of life. With my interior styling services, I hope to not only style a space but also to document it for others to see so they can also be inspired.   Connect with Carley Page Summers Website  Instagram   What's new with LuAnn Nigara 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: At Mydoma Studio they are always iterating to continually serve you better, and more intuitively. Mydoma Studio is the best place to manage your interior design projects easily and efficiently. Everything from mood board creation, invoicing, QuickBooks integration, and vendor and client communication within the specific project the communication. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbuisness for the special offers they have for you as a listener of this podcast.    

Today with Vita Vygovska For Window Treatment Friday, LuAnn and Vita conduct a live coaching session around a big issue that so many businesses encounter when they scale—clients wanting you on their project, not your staff. Listen to see how LuAnn advises Vita and prepares her to eliminate her problem with confidence and some carefully chosen words.  LuAnn and Vita's Aha-Moments “Having the combination of a virtual hug and a little bit of a whip is very unique.” - Vita Vygovska “If you only get comfort, then you don’t learn how to avoid that the next time.” - LuAnn Nigara “If I don’t press you and urge you to find the place where only you could have changed the outcome, you’re destined to repeat it.” - LuAnn Nigara “We can go back and own the moment.” - LuAnn Nigara   Picking It Apart [11:34] LuAnn shares why we could all benefit from coaching [16:13] Vita shares the struggle she is having in her business [19:17] LuAnn gives an example of how she solves the same problem at Window Works [26:02] Vita asks LuAnn to help her solve a nuance of her original struggle [30:08] Vita asks LuAnn to help her solve a second nuance of her original struggle [38:37] LuAnn shares a funny story about what happened when she didn’t take her own advice More About Vita Vygovska Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch http://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 Kirsch is a reliable go to resource for all of your drapery hardware needs. Have you heard about all of the features Kirsch has built into their motorized Briza rod? Let me tell you a few: Motor mounts to the back of the track which allows a seamless look if you have motorized and cord or baton traverse rods in the same room. The Drapery fabrication specs do not need to change between cord or baton controlled draperies and motorized draperies-- this is nice- cuts down on errors--- ask me how I know--lol No additional returns or any special instructions-- also very nice feature Limits are set automatically after installationRemote control is radio frequency and easily pairs with the motorTug feature; when drapery is pulled the motor will traverse the draperyNew Neo Smart Controller allows for easy integration with third party home systems. So go to Kirsch.com today, find the dealer in your area and learn how Kirsch can help you on your next window treatment project.    

Today with Beth Diana Smith Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, we welcome Beth Diana Smith back to the show! Beth was last on the show over a year ago, and since then she’s made some major changes to her processes and her business. She’s going to take us through those changes, the way she revamped her processes, and what she’s looking to do in the future. We’re also diving into diversity and inclusivity in the industry, and what all of us can do to contribute and be better allies. Pick it apart [5:12] Beth walks us through the actual steps she took to improve the processes in her business.  [12:10] Beth shares the way she checks in weekly to review her client work and projects to find areas of improvement.  [14:11] Beth discusses two big projects she has completed since her last appearance and what they’ve meant for her business.  [24:11] Beth and LuAnn discuss inclusivity and diversity in the industry and the importance of not staying silent.  [37:57] LuAnn and Beth talk about the need to highlight Black artists and be intentional about diversity. LuAnn and Beth Diana Smith's “Ah-Ha” Moments “I’m always saying to all the designers I work with and coach, and my own team, ‘Ok, so this stinks, this went wrong, but where can you personally wind this back where you could have changed the outcome.’ And there’s always a place, even if 15 other people along the way also made a mistake or dropped the ball.” -LuAnn Nigara “I always want to make sure that my client feels excited because that’s how I want them to feel throughout the process.” -Beth Diana Smith “That moment where I was able to transform something so drastically and people were able to see it throughout the entire house—it was great content.” -Beth Diana Smith “I want people to realize that your silence is just as bad as the person that is the racist, because you are enabling their behavior.” -Beth Diana Smith More About Beth Diana Smith After more than a decade in accounting and finance at companies like Viacom and Johnson & Johnson, Beth Diana Smith left the corporate world to launch her own interior design firm. Her eye for aesthetics paired with her project management experience culminates in a truly unique approach to design. Her signature style is modern and eclectic with luxurious finishes and custom furnishings. Each vignette is a functioning art installation in its own right. Above all, her work is client-centric as she helps each homeowner hone in on their own style and create a space that inspires them and enhances their lifestyle. Beth’s goal for each project is to elevate the lives of her clients by first elevating their daily environment.  Beth holds a MBA and a degree from the New York School of Interior Design. She is a member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild, the House Beautiful Advisory Council, and the New York School of Interior Design Task Force on Diversity. And Beth’s work has been on NBC and HGTV, and featured in various outlets including House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Real Simple, Lonny Magazine, and the Business of Home. Connect with Beth Diana Smith Website Instagram   Facebook   Pinterest Twitter YouTube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch http://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, from time tracking to communication to product approvals. Mydoma can help you free your time up to focus on your business and serve your clients. You can get 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.   Other Shows Mentioned:  #439 Beth Diana Smith: Client Expectations, Contracts, and Hard Conversations #184 Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm #06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward #573 Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something    

Today with Jessica Harling: Stop the turnover in your business! Listen in as Jessica Harling, founder of Behind the Design, and a leading expert in employee and process development for design organizations guides us through a simple (not easy) and actionable process of hiring, training, and retaining top staff. Pick it apart: [16:52] Jessica reviews week 1: Process [25:31] LuAnn reviews how she would use Shadowing at Window Works [29:35] Jessics reviews week 2: Product/Services [33:05] Jessica reviews week 3: Paperwork and Pricing  [37:58] Jessica reviews week 4: People [47:35] LuAnn and Jessica review how to set goals for non-sales role such as Office Administrator LuAnn and Jessica Harling’s Ah-Ha moments: “It would be easier to train somebody in the papertrail process if they actually had been physically through the full process.” - LuAnn More About Jessica Harling: Jessica Harling is a 4th Generation Window Treatment Specialist, founder of Behind the Design, and leading expert in employee and process development for design organizations. Her specialty in recruiting, training and change management drives innovative and high-producing results while keeping your team inspired. Behind the Design offers recruiting, onsite and online training, and operations development consulting for design organization to streamline costs, increase productivity, and develop rockstar employees to take the company to the next level. Connect with Jessica Harling: Website  LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Behind the Design Blog What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com luannnigara.com/launch http://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: Kirsch is a valuable partner to you, the interior designer, as well as to us, window treatment professionals. More than 100 years of innovation in design and technology, creating beautiful as well as functional drapery hardware for any window application you can imagine. Curved rods, ripplefold rods, decorative rods, had draw rods, cord draw rods, motorized rods...when I say everything you need, I do mean everything. Go to Kirsch.com to find a dealer near you.    Other Shows Mentioned: Janelle Photopoulos on episode 364 Joni Vanderslice on episode 101    

Today with Joyce Downing Pickens:  LA interior designer, Joyce Downing Pickens of JDP Interiors used to intern for Nathan Turner and now she’s running her own design business. Joyce shares how she got amazing press as a #babydesigner, what helped her not fear an empty pipeline, and what she’s rethinking as she graduates to her sixth year in business.   Pick it apart: [21:31] Joyce shares about the press needing content [22:03] Joyce shares advice from Nathan Turner about submitting projects to press [36:50] Joyce shares about how her rates have changed since she started her business [45:57] Joyce shares about her mindset surrounding her pipeline and plans for a shift in the next year [49:20] Joyce shares her ideas about the scalability of interior design and her interest in product design   LuAnn and Joyce Downing Pickens’s Ah-Ha moments: “The best learning experience is working for yourself. You have to juggle so many hats and you learn quicker than learning underneath someone.” - Joyce Downing Pickens     More About Joyce Downing Pickens: Joyce is a Los Angeles based interior designer and owner of JDP Interiors. After traveling throughout her childhood, Joyce's love of design was born. She strives to create beautiful, comfortable and textural spaces, while providing her clients with superior customer service and project management. She continually collects and curates to achieve the perfect blend between vintage and modern and consistently enjoys watching her visions come to life - there's nothing better than a good "before and after"!   Connect with Joyce Downing Pickens: 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: Kravet has sponsored our show from the very beginning and is a designer's go-to source for excellent fabrics, trims, and accessories. Get 10% off at Kravet.com when you use coupon code AWDB10. And our friends at Kravet Inc. are committed to ensuring a safe, sanitary, and secure experience for you, in all their showrooms and locations. Kravet promises to serve you from a distance by adhering to CDC guidelines and by taking extra precautions. Their warehouses are open and operational, so that means Kravet is ready to ship your orders quickly and efficiently! Visit www.kravet.com for more information and to book an in-person or virtual appointment with your sales rep.

Today with John Dupra:  John Dupra, Co-Founder and Director of Marketing for Revel Woods returns to the show to walk us through how designers can offer a valuable service to their clients and increase their project profit by becoming a flooring expert. Revel Woods is known for catering to the design trade by offering substantial training, concierge level service and customizable flooring options that allow interior designers to confidently include flooring in their new-build and renovation projects.    Pick it apart: [41:26] John and LuAnn discuss how to work around the builder so you can spec the flooring [55:28] John reviews how the flooring selector on his website works [1:06:07] John explains how Revel Woods has disrupted the flooring industry’s retail model [1:08:13] LuAnn recaps the value Revel Woods bring to the designer [1:13:09] John explains the initial education and guidance needed to specify flooring [1:21:34] LuAnn recaps the main benefits Revel Woods offers to designers   LuAnn and John Dupra’s Ah-Ha moments: “Revel Woods is a hyper-personalized concierge service.” - John Dupra “For projects that designers have flooring in, the designer should be the conduit for that industry.” - John Dupra “This is an area where there’s money left on the table.” - John Dupra   More About John Dupra: John Dupra (pronounced DU-pray)’s father Craig started in the wood flooring business before John was born as an installer and refinisher, which he did for 24 years before eventually opening his own wholesale wood flooring distribution company in Rochester, NY.  John grew up helping his father when not in school before taking a job for Saint-Gobain, a large materials manufacturing company that made sundries for the flooring industry. He traveled the country as a sales engineer working with flooring contractors for eight years before deciding to join the family business in wholesale distribution. It was there John saw the need to evolve the industry, by evolving its sales channels. If the correct platform was built, designers would be just as integral a part of the flooring industry as flooring stores. Making flooring a lucrative avenue for the designer, while providing a better experience to their clients. Revel Woods is that platform. Now designers are empowered to add flooring to their projects in a way that’s never been seen before. John has been featured in a number of publications, and has been a guest on a wide range of podcasts including being recognized in Hardwood Floors Magazine’s first ever 40 under 40: https://hardwoodfloorsmag.com/2017/10/02/hardwood-floors-magazine-introduces-first-ever-40-40/ His favorite podcast to be on is A Well Designed Business and he doesn’t care who knows it.   Connect with John Dupra: Website  Instagram  Facebook   Pinterest     Other Shows Mentioned:  Corey Damen Jenkins #549 #388 #127  Deborah DiMare #117 #82 Kristen Scott Thomas #314 Ashleigh Esprit #136

Today with Ariella Horowitz Ariella Horowitz of AH Design Group in New Jersey walks through what it took to go from 10 to 90 design/build projects a year. This #smartlady knows the value not only of hard work, but being bold enough to go for opportunities, and smart enough to iterate when something isn’t working. Ariella shares about how she got her start and what she did to differentiate herself and build success in the design/build world. Pick It Apart [13:44] Ariella shares about how builders tried to keep her from working with other builders [16:08] Ariella shares about her confidence and learning curve working with builders early in her career [23:30] Ariella shares how she built her team and created spec books [26:04] Ariella shares how and why she charges clients hourly [40:14] Ariella shares advice for designers interested in working with builders  [43:49] LuAnn has an “aha” moment about how Ariella’s personality and work ethic attracts clients with similar personalities LuAnn and Ariella Horowitz's “Ah-Ha” Moments “It’s not easy. To get here, you have to put in the hard work.” - Ariella Horowitz “You have to be willing to put in the time and work really hard.” - Ariella Horowitz More about Ariella Horowitz As founder and principal designer of AH Design Group, Ariella Horowitz oversees all the design that makes its way into our clients' beautiful homes. Over the years, Ariella has designed countless chic, sophisticated and innovative interiors and exteriors. Her meticulous and thoughtful approach ensures that she makes a statement in every space. Her eye for detail and dedication to perfection is evident in each room she touches, leaving her mark wherever she goes. Ariella takes her motto, "Design with Distinction" into play when designing each and every space.  Every home Ariella designs is unique and custom to itself. ​AH Design Group, located in Northern NJ, is a full-service interior and exterior design firm specializing in new constructions, full renovations and custom homes. Unlike many other design firms, we take a hands-on approach and check-in at our projects on a regular basis to ensure everything is being done correctly and to perfection. Because we don't subscribe to one specific design aesthetic, we are able to envision and conceptualize projects ranging across the full spectrum from modern to transitional to traditional. With extensive knowledge of the construction process, we get involved in the very early stages from the architectural planning to the framing process. We collaborate closely with architects, builders, developers, and industry professionals to deliver a vision that is on time and within budget, while simultaneously meeting our clients' lifestyle needs and design aesthetic. Connect with Ariella Horowitz Website  Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 here to help if you want to learn the process for designing kitchens. Kitchens have always been the heart of the home, and in 2021, they will be the heart of the thriving design business - and if you want to break into, or up your game in one of the fastest-growing residential interior design specialties, then 19 Hours: Kitchen Project Ready is for you! This one-day seminar, on January 20th, 2020 will give you the process, templates, and confidence to add kitchens to your menu of design services, and have you primed to take advantage of one of the biggest (and most lucrative) trends of 2021.  Just head on over to mydomastudio.com/19hluann to register! And just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event. Other Shows Mentioned Christina Bruce #486 Natasa Jones #570 Judith Neary and Corey Classen #449 Brad Leavitt #542, #560, #580, and #615

Today with Jessica Delaney Jessica Delaney is an interior and architectural photographer shooting beauty in the Boston area. She’s also co-founder of a digital interior design showcase, Bijou Magazine. Her magazine is a hub of design beauty and story and an opportunity to see and be seen. Jessica shares how she got started in her business by reaching out to bloggers, designers, and press professionals she met during networking events and everywhere else possible. Pick It Apart [19:06] Jessica talks about networking as a photographer [25:36] Jessica remind us of the value of local press [32:45] LuAnn and Jessica discuss the purpose of Jessica’s digital platform [43:44] Jessica reminds us about photography usage rights and compensation LuAnn and Jessica Delaney's "Ah-Ha" Moments “Never be embarrassed of where you have to start - just start somewhere.” - Jessica Delaney “You never know where your next business partner will come from.” - Jessica Delaney “Things snowball - you never really know where it’s going to lead.” - Jessica Delaney More about Jessica Delaney I’m an interiors and architectural photographer, and one-third of BijOU Magazine.  I’m the lady behind the lens most days since I don’t love having my own photo was taken (ironic, I know!). Lover of music (give me Mumford, JayZ, show tunes, Elvis, and all in between), cooking, podcasts + yoga.   I’ve specialized in interiors + design photography since my first paying client booked me Jan 20, 2013, and has been a dear friend and loyal client since. I’ve photographed the spaces of award-winning designers and believe each space has a personality and story to tell of a life well-lived.  My work has been published in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, New England Home, Domino, Cottages and Bungalows, HGTV Magazine, Design New England, Decor Maine, South Shore Home, Life + Style, The Boston Globe,  and Canada’s The Globe and Mail. In September of 2018, we launched BijOU Magazine, and since then have been delivering “Small Stories of Big Design”.  We strive to be the digital publication for inspired interiors and lifestyle stories, delivered with wit, substance + style. When not behind the camera, in front of the computer (or stove) I can be found galavanting in Milton, MA with my three daughters, one husband, and one new pandemic puppy. Connect with Jessica Delaney Website  Instagram  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Revel Woods is a great company and a great source for hardwood and resilient flooring. And they also simplify the selection process with their online tool that is basically your digital advisor in flooring selection. Take a listen to episodes 329 and 452 to see why I’m so excited about his company. Set up your trade account by going to revelwoods.com/pro-account. Other Shows Mentioned Charlotte Safavi episode 138 Sarah Winchester episode 444 David Livingston episode 51 Stephen Karlisch episode 369 Racquel Langworthy episode 343 Mike Van Tassel episode 563  

Today with Sarah Von Dreele Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today, LuAnn is diving into the world of textiles with designer Sarah Von Dreele. Sarah began painting as a creative outlet which soon transformed into a successful business producing wallcoverings, fabrics, and textiles. She relied on her branding background, her relationships, and her own talents as she launched her line. She’s sharing the lessons she learned along the way and how her business is shifting for the future.  Pick it apart [16:05] Sarah shares how staying “in the moment” opened the door for her to build toward something big. [19:09] LuAnn and Sarah discuss the importance of outsourcing and how difficult it can be to make the decision to let go. [20:11] Sarah explains how her background in corporate and consumer branding gave her a valuable skillset in her business. [23:00] LuAnn and Sarah dive into the importance of building relationships, both in your personal and professional life. [35:38] Sarah shares some insights on how she manages to maintain her creativity even while she operates in business mode.  LuAnn and Sarah’s “Ah-Ha” Moments “When your life blows up, everything is out of control, and you actually have to live with that and adjust to that. That life experience, in addition, to the professional experiences I had really helped me navigate starting a new business in a completely different way.” -Sarah “That is one of the toughest decisions we face as business owners—that hurdle of when to hire. We all know intellectually that when you hire your business will grow and the revenue will grow, because you’ve taken yourself away from activities that are not your highest money-generating activities. But internally, you go ‘That’s a lot of dollar bills though!’” -LuAnn “When you package it and you talk about your brand story, and you figure out where your niche is, and your marketplace is—that’s how you breakthrough in the sea of all the other wallpaper companies. And for you to have had that skillset yourself, I’m sure was a nice leg up.” -LuAnn “When I am painting, the work is so iterative, and one leads to the next, but then it starts to shift. When I can recognize that it shifts in a negative way and things start to look muddy and with no direction, it’s over. You got the best of it.” -Sarah   More About Sarah Von Dreele Sarah Von Dreele has spent much of her professional life as a branding consultant, employing her strong visual communication methods to facilitate large and small-scale branding campaigns for over the last twenty years. What began as a simple creative exercise at the end of the day quickly evolved into a collection of surface designs, painted exclusively in gouache. Her latest works explore repetition of abstracted floral and geometric forms, which are ethereal and calm,  and lend themselves to a variety of applications for the curated home. Sarah Von Dreele's line of bespoke wallcoverings and textiles are available to the trade through Hewn Showroom in San Francisco, Lepere in New York City, and Twill and Texture in Miami. Sarah received a BFA in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design in 1997. Between developing new products, painting what she sees, and keeping up with her fourth-grader, she patiently pursues her interest in learning the French language. Connect with Sarah Von Dreele Website  Instagram   LinkedIn Pinterest  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kirsch is always at the forefront of innovation when it comes to window treatments. They have been an industry leader in drapery hardware for more than one hundred years, and they also have a custom window coverings program. Kirsch is dedicated to providing great resources to educate the design community about their product. Go to kirsch.com to find out more. Mydoma Studio: Kitchens have always been the heart of the home, and in 2021, they will be the heart of the thriving design business - and if you want to break into, or up your game in one of the fastest-growing residential interior design specialties, then 19 Hours: Kitchen Project Ready is for you! This one-day seminar put on by Mydoma Studio will give you the process, templates, and confidence to add kitchens to your menu of design services, and have you primed to take advantage of one of the biggest (and most lucrative) trends of 2021. Just head on over to mydomastudio.com/19hluann to register! And just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event. Get kitchen project confidence at 19 Hours: Kitchen Project Ready! Other Shows Mentioned:  #77 Katie Deedy- Founder of Grow House Grow- Inspiration, Guts, and Hard Work in Creating a Business #125 Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!! #466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #39 Andrew Joseph- Advice From the Principal of an Elite NYC Public Relations Firm

Today with Ginna Christensen Welcome to a Well-Designed Business®! On today’s episode, I talk with business coach Ginna Christensen. Ginna specializes in helping designers and creatives identify their differentiating points in the marketplace. But that work starts with discovering their values. Today, Ginna shares with me why discovering and staying true to your values is integral to your business, and what you can do to identify those values and incorporate them into what you do.    Pick it apart [16:00] Ginna shares the process she uses to help clients uncover their values [21:39] Ginna discusses why holding onto values that aren’t our own holds us back, and why “should” is a word to avoid [31:58] LuAnn and Ginna discuss how identifying your values becomes your roadmap for what you want to experience in your business [40:09] Ginna and LuAnn talk about why turning people off of your business isn’t always a bad thing [42:58] Ginna shares how your values help your business stand out (even if you hate the idea of self-promotion) [47:58] Ginna discusses how fears hold us back from making decisions [56:48] LuAnn shares a personal story highlighting the importance of opening up and sharing our struggles   LuAnn and Ginna Christensen's “Ah-Ha” Moments “You don’t have to be like someone else in order to be successful. You can be who you are. And not only can you be who you are, but it’s vital to your success.” -Ginna   “The reason we go into what their values are is because your values help you make the right decisions.” -Ginna   “When it’s a hard decision in your business, it’s ‘Well, does this align with what I said my mission and my values were?’ And if it doesn’t, then no matter how shiny, how pretty, how attractive, how lucrative it might be, if it doesn’t fit, it’s just a no.” -LuAnn   “The best salesperson in the world is uncovering the win for the other person. That’s the sale. It’s figuring out what the other person really needs and wants and providing it for them.” -LuAnn   “When our values are being honored, things are going well for us. When things are not going well, that’s an indicator that our values are not being honored.” -Ginna More About Ginna Christensen Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ginna Christensen, the daughter of two entrepreneurs, grew up knowing that innovation and the arts would play a central role in her professional and personal life.  Ginna started her career in the fashion industry, working in merchandising and marketing for Giorgio Armani, Ellen Tracy, and Emanuel Ungaro. Her attention moved to art and interiors in early 2000 when she joined the team at T.I. Industries, a company that manufactured wood moulding for the picture frame and furniture industries. Starting as the company's North East Regional Business Development Manager, Ginna quickly grew into a more creative role designing product, as well as the company’s trade show displays.  Ginna’s career shifted once again when she moved to Los Angeles in 2004 and got her start in the rug business with Aga John. As the VP of Sales and Product Development, she helped reinvigorate the high-end rug company, forging deals with companies like Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma Home.  In September of 2013, Christensen joined the Los Angeles-based team at Woven as Creative Director. In her three-plus years with the company, she implemented programming, produced events, and created business development strategies which resulted in increased sales revenues, regional and national press coverage, and the launch of Woven at Design Within Reach.  Recognized for her cool and creative solutions to the challenges that modern businesses face, as well as for her willingness to give back to the design community, Christensen was asked to join the West Hollywood Design District Board in 2016 and was quickly appointed chair. In her  two plus years as chairwoman, she helped rebuild the board, lead the board through a complete rebrand, and restructured programming to insure that all members benefitted.  As a result of her work with the Design District and the experience she gained in working with a variety of brands and businesses, Christensen launched her own business in 2017. GC Collaborative launched as a boutique consulting firm and has transitioned into business coaching specializing in helping creatives identify their differentiating points in the marketplace, build a foundation for their brand, and create a roadmap to transform them into STANDOUTS in their field.  While Ginna now calls NYC home, the creative works with clients all over the country. Connect with Ginna Christensen Website  Instagram   LinkedIn   Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com http://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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Kravet is here for you during these challenging times. They’ve been around for 102 years and want you to know you can trust them to securely process your orders and keep your deposits safe. Take advantage of Kravet Inc’s extensive digital tools and set up a virtual appointment with your local sales representative by logging in to kravet.com.   Article is the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture, and their trade program offers discounts and specialized support. Their team of industry professionals is dedicated to helping you get your projects done, from sourcing and design to invoicing and delivery. Go to article.com to get started today.    Other Shows Mentioned:  #552 Shirry Dolgin: I Have a CPA so I’m Good, Right? #598 Judith Taylor – How an Introvert Networks in an Extroverted Industry #594 Reena Philpot: Ideas for Flexing Your Sales Muscles #516 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand #613 PTF: Angela Kristen Taylor: The Productivity in Your Business Starts With Your Emotions

Today with Julia Miller:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Switching careers into design and building your business from the ground up takes a great deal of planning and consideration. As your business grows and evolves, you face even more questions. On today’s episode, I chat with Julia Miller of j. millers interiors, as she shares how she tackled those questions and made the decisions that let her business evolve and thrive. Pick it apart: [12:30] Julia discusses her exit plan that laid the groundwork for her to leave her previous career and launch her design firm. [20:44] LuAnn and Julia discuss the tricky question of determining your rates when you don’t have any experience. [27:08] Julia shares insights onto how she manages to stay booked out almost six months in advance and communicate that timeframe to her clients.  [43:51] Julia dives into how she uses Pinterest boards to keep her clients busy while they wait for their projects to start. [50:39] LuAnn and Julia dig into Julia’s method for using finances to determine her project workload.  LuAnn and Julia Miller’s Ah-Ha moments: “I never let myself believe that I could ever make a career change until I had the personal experience and the validation from people that I didn’t know on Instagram.” -Julia “So often, any business that we do, or any career, whether it’s interior design or whatever it is, we can fall into the trap of not placing enough value on what we’re going to charge because we’re new at it.” -LuAnn “It was definitely a process of trying to figure out how many projects I needed at what rate and how many hours to make my ends meet financially. Part of that is knowing your worth and being able to charge for that, but also knowing how many hours it realistically takes you to do a project.” -Julia “I think there’s a lot of scarcity mindset in this business, and I think for people who don’t have a business mindset, there’s a lot of fear.” -Julia “When you say to me ‘I’ve never had somebody say I won’t pay you ahead of time,’ the only reason is because they haven’t been left with any questions. There’s absolutely no uncertainty in their minds what happens if they give you this money now. You’ve answered all the questions, and that comes from having that enunciated process, and having the confidence to express that process.” -LuAnn More About Julia Miller: j. miller interiors is a Minneapolis based residential interior design studio committed to creating carefully curated spaces with the highest level of craftsmanship. j. miller interiors focuses on developing homes that are reflections of the clients who live in them through expertly selected fixtures, finishes and furnishings. Through our collaborative, transparent process, we work with clients to create a home they love. j miller interiors serves clients locally in the Twin Cities and across the country through our signature distance design service.  Connect with Julia Miller: Website Instagram  Pinterest  What's new with LuAnn Nigara 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Mydoma Studio is the complete interior designer toolkit. Their workflow software keeps your design projects organized from beginning to end. They also offer a thriving design community so you’re never on your own. You can get started with Mydoma at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness. At Monogram, it’s all about the details that come together to create appliances that look, feel, and perform as if they were designed for you. Their trade professionals program helps educate you on the details and nuances that you need to understand so you can bring the best to your clients and share those details effectively. Become a trade partner today at monogram.com/luann.  Other Shows Mentioned:  #55 Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching #601 Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game #267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years #291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design #522 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang, CPA: Taxes and the Coronavirus Relief Package Explained #464 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner #349 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA #547 Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman of Hashtag Legal: 5 Steps to Sharpen Your Negotiation Skills #454 Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal – Lawyers That Speak Designer #149 Brittanie Elms – Founder of My Design Assistant – She Could Be Your Next Employee #566 Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: Talk to Clients Like a Leader Not a Boss #412 Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: How to Deliver a High-End Client Experience  

Today with Jude Charles:  We’re welcoming Jude Charles back to the show! Jude is a video storyteller and he’s showing us how he works his magic for brands by using LuAnn as his guinea pig! Don’t miss this journey through LuAnn’s heart and mind as we discover what makes LuAnn LuAnn and how the simple moments of her life inform her why. Pick it apart: [14:31] LuAnn gives advice on being patient and working hard while you’re finding your way   [29:21] LuAnn talks about when she realized her first career was more than selling blinds   [32:43] Jude and LuAnn talk about clients wanting to know who you really are    [43:14] LuAnn tells the story about when she exhibited integrity in her Window Works business   [51:55] Jude sums up the value of storytelling   [55:23] Jude talks about what makes someone want to do business with a particular designer LuAnn and Jude Charles’ Ah-Ha moments: “Sometimes, you’re creating the life experiences so you’re ready to do and be the thing...just give it a minute.” —LuAnn   More About Jude Charles: Jude Charles is a story-driven filmmaker, brand strategist & speaker. For over 13 years, he has been producing documentaries & videos for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He lives and breathes YOUR brand. He digs deep to find the compelling stories that no one else knows & then leverages those stories to scale your business.   Connect with Jude Charles Website  LinkedIn   What's new with LuAnn Nigara 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2   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: Kravet is a fifth generation family business that distributes top quality fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. To view their selection, visit Kravet.com and make sure to use coupon code AWDB10. Other Shows Mentioned:  #516

Today with Steve and Alyssa Terpstra of Coco & Jack:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today on the show, Luann is joined by Steve and Alyssa Terpstra of Coco & Jack. Steve and Alyssa run their firm together without any other employees, with Steve running the business and sales side, and Alyssa creating the designs. They also have a large family with four young children. Today, they’re sharing their strategies for running a growing business together while staying flexible and balanced with their family.    Pick it apart: [14:48] Steve dives into Coco & Jack’s pricing process [19:08] LuAnn and Steve dissect how to determine the budget, even if the client is unsure or less-than-forthcoming [28:07] Luann and Alyssa discuss how referring out projects is sometimes vital for growing to the next stage of business [29:23] Alyssa shares how the flow of the workweek and balancing parenthood looks for them [38:36] Luann and Alyssa discuss the double-edged sword of Pinterest-based design and how to maintain creativity when design examples are just a few clicks away LuAnn, Steve and Alyssa’s Ah-Ha moments: “It’s not just having a person who’s capable and qualified to come in and do the project management, but the trust and confidence that it’s your husband, that he’s as invested and has your back and the best interest of the company, you, and the clients in mind.” -LuAnn   “That process of trying to figure out where our budget numbers are going to be, comes from talking with the potential client about their lifestyle, the way they’re living now, what area they’re living in...it chances on every project we quote.” -Steve   “It’s a tough time. I talk to designers about making that transition from all of the projects, when we’re in that phase of ‘We have to take all the business we can because we have to get this company up and rolling,’ and then making that transition to weeding those out.” -LuAnn   “It’s interesting because we’re together all the time, but we still don’t know where we are until we get to that Monday morning meeting. Then we’re back on track again.” -Steve   “When I think back to when I first started my business, Pinterest was a lot smaller. Instagram was a lot smaller. There wasn’t as much out there. You were forced to look in more creative ways for inspiration. Now, it’s just so easy to find all these beautiful ideas, with endless amounts of it. It enables copying a lot more than going you and being authentic with design.” -Alyssa   More About Coco & Jack: Coco & Jack is a full-service interior design studio run by husband and wife team Steve and Alyssa Terpstra. After years of talking about working together, they were finally able to take the leap and make the dream a possibility. Steve has a passion for business and manages everything behind the scenes, while Alyssa is all about the design, and can’t get enough of space planning and fabric samples. Whether you are building your dream home, or just need help decorating a room, we love making houses feel more like home!   Connect with Coco & Jack: Website  Instagram   Facebook  Pinterest 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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: Monogram: At Monogram, no detail gets overlooked. In fact, it’s the details that create luxury appliances that look, feel, and perform as if they were designed perfectly for your client. That’s why Monogram works to make sure that you have the right, detailed information to share with your clients. They even offer easy-to-use 3D design tools to make your job easier. Get started with their trade program at www.monogram.com/luann.   Kravet: You can easily shop Kravet, Lee Jofa, and Brunschwig & Fils all in one place. Introducing new and easy to use search features so you can find the latest products and collections right at your fingertips. Want more of the story behind the collection? Explore the new editorial blog, Inspired, for a behind the scenes look at everything Kravet has to offer. Use promo code AWDB10 for a 10% discount on Kravet fabric, trim, and wallcovering.  Other Shows Mentioned:  #587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest #270 Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle #480 Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success #474 Bria Hammel: Keys to Scaling Your Interior Design Firm  

Today on A Well-Designed Business®:  Have you been wondering if LuAnn Live 2021 is worth it? Well, on today’s episode I am going to address your concerns and tell you exactly why it’s worth it!   What's new with LuAnn Nigara 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   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

Today with Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera:  Photography experts Charlotte Safavi and Robert Radifera join us to talk about how they create publication-ready photography that tells the story of your space. Listen in as the dynamic duo guide us through the process of preparing the space and doing whatever has to be done to get the perfect shot. More About Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera: Stylish Productions (photo-stylist Charlotte Safavi and photographer Robert Radifera) is a holistic, boutique business dedicated to creating editorial-quality interior and architectural photography. We also offer design clients related services, such as logo, website, branding, social media, and marketing support. Between us (me and Robert), our work has been published in many magazines, including House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Southern Home, Southern Living, Coastal Living, Cottages & Bungalows, HGTV Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, and more. Connect with Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera: Website  Instagram  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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 gives you one spot for orders, invoicing, online payments, design package creation, product sourcing, time tracking, and even a client portal. You can stay on top of your design businesses and go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Today with Dwayne Bergmann:  Dwayne Bergmann switched from a corporate career to launch a design firm because he loves to design. With a growing team and 40 active projects, how does he ensure he’s still doing the design work he loves? Dwayne guides us through the detailed structure, activities and deliverables he uses to allow him to manage a 13-person team while still staying close to the creative. Pick it apart: [21:57] Dwayne compares developing and executing business processes to the process of creating and editing a design project [33:01] Dwayne explains how he directs his designers and oversees the design process [49:07] Dwayne talks about how he controls the firm’s priorities [1:02:30] Dwayne walks through the activities and deliverables of his structured design project management system LuAnn and Dwayne Bergmann’s Ah-Ha moments: “I’m managing reports, not transactions.” - Dwayne Bergman “Having a detailed organizational process is what allows us to be creative.” - Dwayne Bergman “The structure allows the creativing to flow uninterrupted.” - Dwayne Bergman “Don’t spoon feed your team. They have to be capable of making decisions and becoming effective leaders.” - Dwayne Bergman More About Dwayne Bergmann: Dwayne Bergmann Interiors is a renowned design firm driven by an inherent mission to create ideal backdrops for the lives his clients want to live. Founder and principal Dwayne Bergmann and his team value discovery, creativity and human interaction, and use these three as the jumping-off point for their evolved and highly tailored designs. They connect. They listen. They then use this information to design with abandon, taking risks and tearing down the walls of what’s possible to create spaces that are as authentic and dynamic as the individuals for whom they are designing.   Founded in 2013 and based in South Florida, with offices in Fort Myers and Naples, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors specializes in high-end residential, commercial and hospitality projects, from architecture and interiors to full-service design-build, throughout the United States, Canada, South America and the Bahamas. His projects have enlivened the pages of countless publications, including Luxe Interiors + Design, East Coast Home + Design, Gulfshore Life, and Naples Illustrated, among others. Inspired by art, nature and the visual curiosities of both the everyday and the extraordinary, Bergmann is known for his inventive kitchen and bath concepts, as well as his custom furniture designs. His ultimate goals is to have his clients walk into their Dwayne Bergmann Interiors—designed home and feel as if they can’t believe they get to live there. Connect with Dwayne Bergmann Website  Instagram   Facebook  LinkedIn     What's new with LuAnn Nigara 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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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 gives you one spot for orders, invoicing, online payments, design package creation, product sourcing, time tracking, and even a client portal. You can stay on top of your design businesses and go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.  

Today with Sal Campitello of East End Interiors :  Today on the show I sit down with Sal Campitello of East End Interiors, a trade furniture showroom for designers. With 30 years in business, everyone at East End is dedicated not only to providing quality furnishings that designers can offer their clients, but an immersive partnership full of education, assistance, trust, and value. Tune in to hear an insider look at the design trade furniture industry and how you can get more out of it.  More About Sal Campitello: For over a decade, Salvatore Campitiello of East End Interiors has been a local industry leader in the interior design field.  After serving as President of the Long Island Chapter of the Interior Design Society, Sal realized the importance of investing his time in talking about effective business strategies with both existing and future interior designers.  Sal’s excellent reputation as an entrepreneur, problem solver, and business advisor has led the talented East End Interiors team to create an incomparable Designer Showroom experience, exclusively to the trade.   Family is what makes East End Interiors special.  Founded by Rosalba Campitiello over 30 years ago, she was later joined by her husband Nick and two of their children, Enza and Sal.  Together, with a dedicated staff, designers have the support of an experienced team behind them.  This unique model is centered on the success of the interior designer. Visit eastendinteriors.com to learn more Connect with East End Interiors Website Instagram  Facebook  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 Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2    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:   Other Shows Mentioned:  #557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset #554 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit #504 Eric Ross: Operating His Design Firm Like a Retail Store #482 Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big

Today with Melissa Leclair:  In five years, self-taught interior designer Melissa Leclair and husband Sacha have created Leclair Decor, an Ottawa-based full-service design firm with a 10,000sf showroom and an expansive e-commerce store. Melissa shares how they built their business and their team of 45 in a heavily digital environment and how important going with your gut and having a commitment to communication and constant improvement really is in the design industry. Pick it apart: [11:40] Melissa reviews her design team makeup [19:27] Melissa shares how her business started as a side hustle [32:09] Melissa and LuAnn review the business roles of Melissa and husband, Sacha [38:00] Melissa reveals her design project onboarding process [49:49] Melissa talks about how her team does virtual presentations LuAnn and  Melissa Leclair’s Ah-Ha moments: "Every time you think you have lots of space, it quickly gets eaten up—always plan for more." - Melissa Leclair "You can never be too heavy on communication." - Melissa Leclair  "If you want to have market share, you’ve got to get out there and get it." - Melissa Leclair    “The Pretty” More About Melissa Leclair: Leclair Decor is an Ottawa-based full service residential design firm founded and co-owned by husband and wife team Sacha and Melissa Leclair. The business (just a side hustle at first) began in 2011, after we bought and revamped our first home and started receiving inquiries from friends and family about decorating services for their spaces.  Since then, the company has evolved into a full-fledged residential design firm, with a principal focus on high end remodels and new builds. Though we are based in Ottawa, Canada our talented design team now serves clients across North America, using industry-leading software and embracing all modern means of digital communication to work seamlessly with homeowners throughout Canada and the US.  LD Shoppe is the retail store of Leclair Decor, a husband and wife owned residential design firm based out of Ottawa, Canada. Our decorating & design business has been rapidly growing over the past few years and to better serve our clients we decided to open a store to showcase our favourite products from our favourite manufacturers. In September 2017 we opened our first brick and mortar showroom to compliment our online offerings. In December 2018 we opened a new 4200 sq ft location at the Ottawa Trainyards. 2019 saw us expand our showroom to just under 10000 sq ft.  Why shop with us? Think of us as your local mom and pop shop, of the internet. We're a small family owned business and we strive to provide personalized customer service. We're passionate about well designed, stylish and practical long lasting furniture, rugs, art, lighting, and decor. We use the products we showcase on this site ourselves and recommend them to clients. We're confident you'll love them too!  Connect with Melissa LeClair Website  Instagram   Facebook   Pinterest  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: Revel Woods runs their wood flooring business with a commitment to continual improvement and problem solving. They’ve created a system that serves to provide designers with a 24/7 digital flooring expert. If you need advice on what woods are right for your client’s climate, lifestyle, and budget, just go do revelwoods.com/revel-wood-selector, enter your specs and they’ll provide you with filtered options that will work perfectly for your project. You’ll also want to set up your design account at revelwoods.com/pro-account to receive benefits reserved for the trade.

Today with Dr. Colleen Mullen:  Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! On today’s episode, Dr. Colleen Mullen is here to discuss ways to relate to our employees in times of chaos. Dr. Colleen is a therapist, podcaster, author, and media, guest expert. She is the founder of the Coaching Through Chaos private practice and podcast and the author of the empowering book for women, “The 60-Day Plan for Embracing Your Inner Leader.” She’s known for her unique application of chaos theory to understanding the process of change. Tune in to hear what she has to say about inspiring and leading when your employees might be struggling.  More About Dr. Colleen Mullen: Dr. Colleen Mullen, Psy.D, LMFT is a therapist, podcaster, author, media guest expert, as well as a popular guest blogger.   She is known for her unique application of chaos theory to understanding the process of change.   Dr. Colleen is the founder of the Coaching Through Chaos private practice and podcast in San Diego.   She’s the author of the empowering book for women, “The 60-Day Plan for Embracing Your Inner Leader”.   She has been quoted or interviewed for over 200 articles or stories for magazines, podcast, radio and print outlets including Fortune, PsychCentral, Martha Stewart Weddings, NBC, Glamour, The New York Post, The Washington Post and many more.    Connect with Dr. Colleen Mullen Website  Instagram  Facebook   Twitter  LinkedIn Podcast Patreon  Book Listeners can download my book: The 60-Day Plan for Embracing Your Inner leader for free at  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AuqjTBFPkHqMhZgbQgztXrKwExEE3A 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 your designer toolkit that keeps you organized, even through the chaos. Their workflow software helps you organize design projects from beginning to end. And with a thriving design community, you’ll never feel like you’re facing business organization on your own. You can start your free trial today to see the difference for yourself. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness. Other Shows Mentioned:  #588 What Would Lu Do: Leading your Business Through an Unprecedented Growth Spurt

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 Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Window Treatment Friday! In today’s episode, LuAnn and her friend and co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska, are doing something a little different. Today, LuAnn and Vita are answering listener questions. That's right, they are teaming up to bring you DOUBLE the expertise and answer window treatment questions they have been receiving from listeners! More about Vita Vygovska Vita is the award-winning window treatment specialist. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. Connect with Vita Vygovska Website  Instagram  Facebook   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: Kirsch has been in business for more than 100 years! There are so many tried and true products of theirs that I still trust and choose over and over again after all these years. Go to Kirsch.com, find your local distributor, and get your catalogs and samples so you can specify Kirsch for your next project. Article makes it easy for you to help your clients get their office, bedroom, dining room, or outdoor space looking beautiful. Sign up for your trade acct today at welldesigned.article.com      

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  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s guest is Mary Pat Wallace, the founder of Chicago Luxury Beds, and today’s focus is the luxury client! Mary Pat shares important perspectives about the surprising  opportunities you have today in the midst of the pandemic, and not just how we can deal with it and accommodate it, but how we can truly serve our clients in a bigger and better way. She also shares her insights on how she’s managed to maintain an excellent client experience and continue to be a strong leader for her team, even in a retail setting, throughout the challenges of Covid-19. Listen in for an inspiring conversation! Mary is a 30-year veteran of the design industry. Committed to sourcing the highest-quality, bespoke mattresses and sleep products from across the globe, Mary Pat and her team of experts have spent the last 15 years helping clients transform their lives through sleep. Once she spent her first night in a Hästens bed, Mary Pat knew that mattresses should be viewed as a necessity in one’s life. Extensive experience in the design industry allowed Mary Pat to develop a perspective on value per use — we sleep a third of our lives, the mattress is the most important piece of furniture in the home. Restorative sleep is the foundation for optimum health. Having witnessed firsthand that the right mattress is critical to a deeply restful night of sleep she brought that experience and her unique expertise to the luxury market in Chicago, opening the first Hästens retail store in North America in 2005. Mary Pat eventually rebranded the business to Chicago Luxury Beds in order to expand her curated offerings. With the success and longevity of Chicago Luxury Beds, she opened a showroom in Dallas (Dallas Luxury Beds) furthering her team’s reach in helping clients get their best night of sleep. It is Mary Pat’s life passion to help clients create environments that are deeply restful and support transformational sleep. Show Highlights: As Mary Pat declares, “The time is NOW.” Due to the coronavirus, people are spending more time at home, and that is not likely to change. The luxury clients are working more from home, and they’re all considering how they can reconfigure their spaces to work more productively. Money from luxury clients is being reallocated and being refocused back at home. Mary Pat’s tips on how to revive your client list, even if it’s 15-20 years old. Mary Pat offers strategies for conducting your business virtually, while maintaining or increasing productivity. Being successful with the luxury client involves real expertise. Mary Pat expounds on this philosophy and what the luxury client wants from us. Listening to and understanding your client’s priorities within a budget is critical. Once a client and designer understand each other, the relationship is priceless. The collaborative buddy-system builds confidence with the client and reduces anxiety. Mary Pat explains how to do business with Chicago Luxury Beds. Connect with Mary Pat! Website Instagram Facebook 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! 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! My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we are joined by Jamel Williams for another conversation in our Black Lives Matter series. As a young black designer and teacher, Jamel has a unique perspective on what can be done at the university-level to empower students of color. Please join us in this discussion on how mentorship in the university years could be a game-changer for all of our young designers, and especially our black designers, and Jamel’s suggestions on how schools can be that agent of change. Jamel Williams is a young and passionate Interior Designer, Educator, and Entrepreneur who specializes in Residential Interior Design in all of New York and surrounding areas. Shortly after graduating from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, Class of 2017 with a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Jamel founded To Be Designed, a full-service Interior Design Studio. Already having an undergraduate degree in Anthropology, his interests in people, cultures, and ways of life fuel his passion to approach design with a multidisciplinary perspective. His delicate persona, fortified drive, and a keen eye for detail provide the perfect foundation for every project he takes on, creating beautiful, and functional spaces in collaboration with his clients. Also passionate about design education, Jamel took on his first two higher education teaching positions during the Spring 2020 semester at both Pratt Institute and Parsons Open Campus at the New School. He has had the pleasure of teaching both technical and theoretical courses; namely, AutoCAD 1, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Interior Design Portfolio, Residential Interior Design, and Now Construction and Assemblies. Jamel's active Interior Design practice and educational experience allow him to provide his students with the information needed in order to understand the principles of design so they too can create aesthetically beautiful, functional, and responsive spaces for their future clients. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and racial injustice spread across America, there has been an increased need for awareness, representation, and social change. Jamel has begun to think about ways he can use his platform to evoke change within the industry he serves. Being in direct contact with aspiring Interior Design Students and being a Black Designer in the Industry, Jamel thinks that one actionable solution may be to create relationships between students of color and designers of color, through mentorship, to create a sense of community and support for the young designers who may feel underrepresented once they cross over into the world of Interior Design. Show Highlights: Jamel addresses the disparities he observed during design school. As Jamel points out, spaces are designed socially and politically to not reflect racism on the surface. It’s the systemic aspect of racism that prevents schools from addressing the issues. Systemic racism is strongly psychological and ingrained. We are all in a system of racism that none of us built but we are left to deal with the pyschological aspects of it. As a teacher at the prestigious Pratt Institute, Jamel’s philosophy is that all students should have a voice and that education should be conversational and collaborative. Ideally, Jamel would one day like to teach a course with a culture-centered curriculum. There seems to be a general disconnect in design education, beyond culture and race, because students do not have the opportunity to choose the track that is most meaninguful to them once they graduate. Offering more classes of diverse subject matters and giving the students opportunities to choose more of the classes they take is one solution to enabling design graduates a more personalized, meaningful career track. Jamel shares his thoughts on black culture in America. Jamel sees a wide-open opportunity for schools to promote community and empower young black designers by facilitating mentorship. True mentorship is a two-way street: The mentor also gains perspective, fresh ideas, and the joy that comes with paying it forward. Connect with Jamel! Website Instagram Facebook Great Resources From Jamel to Check Out! Architectural Digest: 25 Black Interior Designers Speak Frankly About Their Careers, Successes, and Challenges Interior Design: 7 African American Designers on How They're Pushing The Design Industry Forward The Designer's Workshop BAIDA Black Artists + Designers Guild 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! 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! Kravet Use promo code AWDB10 for a 10% discount on Kravet fabric, trim, and wallcovering! When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen. Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! We’re super excited to have Karin Bohn join us on the show today. Karin Bohn is the founder and creative director of the award-winning House of Bohn design studio. She established the interior design firm in 2009 and has made her mark in many industries including luxury residential, multi-family, restaurants, and retail. Karin stars on Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge in which she travels with a team of experts to provide design, marketing, and culinary consultation to establishments in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. With her continuously growing YouTube channel, Karin offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process, collaborative partnerships, and life as an entrepreneur. Listen in to hear how in 11 years, Karin went from struggling to start a design business all the way to having a Netflix show and managing a luxury interior design firm with a team of 10! Show Highlights: The first few years of Karin’s YouTube videos showcased her challenging entrepreneurial journey. As Karin explains, her Netflix series did not come about because of her YouTube channel. You don’t have to be perfect to start something new, just start! Learn as you go. Karin shares her pivotal moment regarding her realization that she needed to develop her business skills before she could take advantage of her creative side. Karin discusses the current structure of her design, operations, and content teams. Why ‘alignment’ is Karin’s favorite word right now. Building a brand must include consistency. People need to be able to recognize a brand’s repeated aesthetic cues. Karin divulges her client budgeting tactics. LuAnn and Karin discuss the frustration of hiring new employees. The struggle over writing job descriptions and adding new team members can be solved by using Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit. Remember your vision! You do have a vision, right? Connect with Karin! Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest 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! 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. Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch Other shows mentioned to link to  and to tag in SM #237,#325, #485 Claire Jefford #363, #589 Eileen Hahn  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today, Reena Philpot joins us to share her love of sales - and you’ll never guess what she’s selling! Reena (pronounced “Re-Nay”) and her husband own Precision Duplicating Solutions, and for 18 years, Reena’s helped build a successful business selling...copiers. That’s right folks - she sells pricey copy machines - and she loves it! It doesn’t matter what you’re selling, because sales is sales, and Reena’s techniques can absolutely be applied to the design business. Listen in to learn what sales tactics Reena has used to build her business, and how you can apply them to your own business to bring in those dollar bills! Daily Reena manages the sales side of the business and part of the admin duties. She started her career as a telemarketer/appointment setter 26 years ago. She quickly transitioned to outside sales and vowed it was so awesome she would learn how to become successful. When her boys had grown into young men and needed her less, Reena started joining some masterminds and groups of ladies with amazing businesses.  Through that process, she learned she had something to offer them to help them grow their businesses.  While Reena has had the advantages of learning sales and a process and then starting a business, not everyone has had the same opportunity. Reena began using her background in high-ticket competitive sales and experience as a business owner to help other entrepreneurs and teams increase their customer base and sales revenue.  Reena Philpot Sales Coaching began last year, and now she offers strategy sessions, workshops, and VIP days to those who want results. Show Highlights: You must first know your value, then you must be able to convey that value to your client. Reena discusses her techniques on proposals and contracts. When assessing their needs, t’s important to repeat back to the client what you are hearing them say. Repeating their words back to them both clears up any misunderstanding and makes the client feel heard. Ask the client if your assessment is corrent. When they say yes, then you can give them a simple solution to their problem. Save the little details for the contract. By this time, you have already worked out the details. You will bring the details as backup just in case your client is interested in that leveal of knowledge. Using these tactics, it’s simply a conversation between two people about a problem they have and the solution you can give them. There is nothing needy or manipulative about it. While the client is absorbing the proposal, give them a moment then ask, “What do you think? Is that what you were thinking? If the client doesn’t seem happy with the proposal, ask, “How do you feel about that?” then stay silent and wait for them to speak. Find out what’s important to your client. If you give them the opportunity, they’ll tell you exactly how to sell to them. Reena shares how she has hand-picked 90% of her customers. Reena describes her brilliantly unique sales pipeline. Connect with Reena! Reena’s Website FREE! How to Develop Questions to Improve Closing Reena Philpot Sales Coaching - Facebook Reena Philpot Sales Coaching - Instagram Reena Philpot Sales Coaching - LinkedIn Links : Carol’s Virtual Summit 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  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is Debbie Mathews of Debbie Mathews Antiques and Designs, LLC, and Debbie will be walking us through easily implementable, effective systems to take care of all those tiny details so that we have the time to focus on the big things in our business. Debbie revamped her growing business to ensure she and her team are less stressed while consistently providing their clients with an A+ experience. Be sure to listen and see if some of her ideas will help you be more productive and less stressed, too! Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Debbie Mathews Antiques and Designs, LLC is a full-service interior design firm that specializes in high-end residential projects. From new construction to simple refreshes, their goal is to realize each room’s greatest potential. With a keen focus to detail, their team works collaboratively with clients to navigate through the many decisions involved with high-quality, custom design work. Clients repeatedly tell them that their diverse experience, infectious energy, and unparalleled service make the process efficient and enjoyable. Debbie’s passion for beautiful things, paired with her love of antiques and timeless architecture, gives each of their interiors a sense of history and purpose. She is uniquely recognized for her hallmark design aesthetic of anchoring a room with timeless antiques and layering in more contemporary furniture and accessories. Her 30+ years of experience buying and selling fine antiques has proven to be a design distinction often unmatched. Because of this dedication to timeless and classic elements of design, her projects always reflect charm, warmth, and curated beauty. Debbie Mathews Antiques and Designs, LLC welcomes the opportunity to showcase their mantra to you: Timeless. Collected. Beautiful. Show Highlights: “As my business grows, it does not mean that my plate gets larger.” Growing pains forced Debbie to take a look at what was on her plate, and what could be delegated. The biggest gift Debbie ever gave herself was when she outsourced her bookkeeping and accounting services. Debbie discusses the project management software that she has implemented to streamline her work. After 30 years of being in business, Debbie starts tracking her metrics. Being proactive rather than reactive has been Debbie’s focus over the last year. Debbie learned from reading LuAnn’s books, The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action and A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts, plus the classic The E-Myth. “The Daily Checklist” is something Debbie and her team members use each day and it gives them all confidence that the office administration can get done if Debbie needs to be away from work. What is covered in their weekly and monthly meetings. Debbie is a new member of EO - The Entrepreneur Organization, and she shares how impactful it has been for her. How to set a really good rhythm to the week, set expectations with the team, and let everyone consistently plan by time-blocking. Client meetings involve a designer that takes minutes for a comprehensive summary of the entire visit, which are later turned over to the client for confirmation that everyone is on the same page. You only have one chance to make a good first impression on a client, and these steps that Debbie has implemented has given her confidence that she will. Connect with Debbie! Debbie’s Website Debbie’s Instagram Debbie’s Facebook Debbie’s Pinterest Debbie’s Email Links : 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 Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Investment: $2195 Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Investment: $2195 Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 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! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn welcomes Kimberly Merlitti, the Virtual CFO, back to the show. Kimberly also happens to be one of the co-authors for our third book, A Well-Designed Business, Power Talk Experts Volume 2, which is coming out in November. On today’s show, Kimberly is sharing with us the importance of preparing an estimate for your job before you sign a contract. If there’s one thing Kimberly knows, it’s numbers! And she is going to walk you through not only WHY preparing an estimate at the very beginning is important, but also how to do this the right way, how to stay on track, and how to rely on data, so that you’re not playing a guessing game and risking losing money in your business. Because at the end of the day, you are not just a designer, you’re an entrepreneur, right? Kimberly Merlitti owns KMM Consulting based out of Washington, D.C. She has 20 years of experience working in accounting for companies such as Swinerton Builders, WRNS Studio, and Martin Group. She has her Masters in Accounting from Golden Gate University. Located in Washington D.C. Kimberly’s clientele includes a diverse group of service-based companies, with the main focus on small interior design, construction, and architectural firms. The goal of her firm is to make the businesses she works for as profitable as they can be by educating them on accounting, cash flow management, tax deductions, project reporting, and business management. Show Highlights: Kimberly sums up WHY you need to learn how to estimate. Kimberly has a streamlined process when it comes to teaching others how to estimate. Tracking your time and taking really good notes is imperative, not only for interior designers but for architects and contractors, as well. What to do if the job is outside of the original scope. Respect a client’s time and money, and they will be thankful for it. Although Kimberly can be hired to teach how to estimate, she explains the way that you can also teach yourself using these four categories: Design fee Purchasing fee Installation fee Indoor & Outdoor furniture fee Tracking your time is one of the biggest factors in your profitability. Have cross-checks in place. Confidence is in the knowledge and execution of the process and makes fielding clients’ questions more systematic. If you’re new in the business, here’s Kimberly’s advice! The data drives your whole company. You’re not just a designer, you’re an entrepreneur. FREE From Kimberly: 7 Tips for Estimating BEFORE the Contract (Without Just Guessing!) - get yours HERE! Connect with Kimberly! Kimberly’s Website Kimberly’s Facebook Kimberly’s LinkedIn Kimberly’s Email Links : FREE From Kimberly: 7 Tips for Estimating BEFORE the Contract (Without Just Guessing!) Available in Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Investment: $2195 Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Investment: $2195 Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 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? 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 shows mentioned to link: #361 Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Does Your Interior Design Business Need a CFO? #442 Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Do You Know Your Cash on Hand Number? #384 Sarah Magness: Practical Strategies for Talking Budgets  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn welcomes Nicole White, CEO and Principal Designer of Nicole White Designs Interiors, back to the show. When they last visited, Nicole shared details about her client questionnaire, how she gets press, and the confidence she now has as a designer. On today’s Black Lives Matter episode, you’ll hear about Nicole’s business and personal life, viewed specifically through the filter of being black. As a trained journalist and Jamaican immigrant, Nicole has a unique perspective on what we can do to effect lasting change. We hope you join us! Nicole White is the CEO and Principal Designer of Nicole White Designs Interiors, a full-service boutique interior design firm, based in Sunrise, Florida. Nicole, known for her renovation prowess, has been featured in various local, national, and international publications including - HGTV, House Beautiful, Better Homes, and Gardens magazines; Ocean Drive, Huffington Post, and Domino online magazines and The Miami Herald and Jamaica Observer. Voted among the top 25 Interior Design Firms by the South Florida Luxury Guide, Nicole has also twice been noted as an emerging designer to watch by the Black Interior Designers Network and was a recipient of the Z-Gallerie Design Award Fall/Winter 2013. Nicole is also a brand ambassador/influencer for The Home Depot, Zephyr, Purple Drywall, and City Furniture. Before launching her successful design firm, Nicole was an award-winning journalist whose stories appeared in The Miami Herald, Village Voice, and Vibe magazine. Her combined love of design and writing spawned the creation of her blog,  Live Laugh Decorate, where she showcases the behind the scenes details of design projects, shares tips on affordable design ideas, and dishes about design trends. Her blog was nominated for Best Renovation Blog by Domino Magazine in 2018. A Jamaican native, Nicole is deeply inspired by the colors and textures of the Caribbean and constantly fuses those elements in her designs. Nicole prides herself on designing a home guided by her client’s passions, be it contemporary, traditional, vintage or modern. Nicole is an avid foodie and wine lover who is always busy plotting a travel escape. Her greatest design however is her 8-year-old son, Xavier – artist and dinosaur aficionado.   Show Highlights: Nicole is thankful that black interior designers are getting more attention since the BLM movement has gained momentum. Not because they’re black, but because they are talented. Addressing the topic of police officers (and how to behave around them) with your children is an added layer of life for black moms. Educating others about BLM should not be a burden to people of color. Be proactive in researching and reading about their issues so that you can have a more appropriate dialogue. Be a lifelong ally and speak up when you see injustice. Nicole shares intimate thoughts about the concerns that black interior designers face. How Nicole and her son, Xavier, builds relationships with community police officers. Nicole relates an upsetting experience at a high-end business event. Nicole offers encouragement and advice on what we can all do to make a difference. Connect with Nicole! Nicole’s Instagram Nicole’sFacebook Nicole’sTwitter Nicole’sPinterest Nicole’sWebsite Nicole’s Email Nicole’s Recommended Resources: Black Artists + Designers Guild Black Interior Designers Network  NAACP  Resources: Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Investment: $2195 Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Investment: $2195 Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! 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: Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service! Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative: Kravet 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: Nicole's 1st appearance on the show: #366 #BLM Shows: #579 Albie Buabeng #573 Cheryl Luckett #568 Arianne Bellizaire #562 Rasheeda Gray #556 Kae Whitaker #549 Corey Damen Jenkins    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! What do you do when you realize that the business you have nurtured over the years is no longer bringing you joy? Tawna Allred joins LuAnn in this conversation that is not so much about how Tawna built her design business, but how, after 10 years in business, she took a pause, looked inside, and shifted gears to bring back the spark and create the life that she really wanted. Listen in to this inspiring conversation for lessons on learning to trust your gut instinct and following through with simple changes. Tawna Allred opened her interior design business (a single person LLC) in 2009, and she is still a one-woman business today. Tawna labels herself as a multi-passionate creative. Her interior design focus is design-build (new construction and remodeling), and she offers full-service design from plan conceptualization to installing furniture and styling. Tawna's husband is a contractor and although they have separate businesses, he's a huge mentor and supporter of her work. She started her business right after finishing school because there weren't any designers in her town and she had three young children. Tawna has been learning in the school of hard knocks ever since! Show Highlights: Tawna relates the overwhelming feelings she experienced before making a decision to go in a different direction. Tawna was burned out on the “people part” of the business but discovered that she had great interest in design challenges. “What do I want to do now?” Art was pivotal in reigniting Tawna's spark and her next move. LuAnn addresses our inner voice and why it's so important to pay attention to it. How Tawna reverse-engineered a second business by streamlining the processes that worked and getting rid of things that didn't. Learning to say 'no' to potential clients was not an easy task. Tawna's lightbulb moment: What if she took design-build jobs if the client also hired her contractor husband? Zeroing in on eliminating the parts of her design business that she did not absolutely love allowed Tawna to create a whole new life for herself that she loves. “Chase the meaning, not the money”: The lesson Tawna learned from Chase Jarvis's book, Creative Calling. Links: Tawna's Websites: -Tawna Allred & Tawna Allred Art Tawna's Instagram Tawna's Pinterest Links : Interior Design Standard is Back! Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry! Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th Investment: $3,989 Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Investment: $2195 Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Investment: $2195 Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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. FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! My doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM #348 Albie Buabeng #160 Kelli Ellis #344 Lori Paranjape #440 Tobi Fairley #413 Leslie Carothers #315, #283 Madeleine MacRae  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it's Power Talk Friday! Today, Luann and her guest, Eileen Hahn, dig into how to scale your design business from 2 million to 5 million. Going from 2 to 5 million is not easy, and it does not happen by accident. Intentional is the name of the game when scaling at this level. Who better to take us through that than Eileen? She’s the HR whisperer from LuAnn's first Power Talk Friday Experts book. Eileen was with us all at LuAnn Live and she also has a chapter in LuAnn's upcoming second Power Talk Friday Experts book, as well. Oh, and did you know that LuAnn and Eileen are COUSINS? Tune in to their conversation for expert advice on hiring, retaining, and scaling, and be amazed as Eileen takes this overwhelming task of scaling and breaks it down into a simple (not easy, simple) to-do list! Eileen Hahn is a leadership consultant who works with firms like Anheuser-Busch, Ericson Worldwide, General Motors, Legoland, San Diego Padres, and interior design firms, as well as smaller entrepreneurial firms. She teaches leaders in these organizations how to hire and lead exceptional employees who bring fire and energy to their work, achieve high levels of performance, and generate financial results. Eileen’s work has improved productivity, profitability, and employee work passion. It has also brought the employees joy, peace, purpose, and prosperity. Show Highlights: Create a compelling vision statement that defines your firm. Make it something your team can get excited about and feel proud to be a part of. Then take that vision and get real with it - set a monetary goal. Now, back up that financial goal with a sales strategy. It’s human nature to just hope you’ll hit your goal. But just hoping isn’t going to get you where you want to go. To hit your dollar amount goal, you must dedicate considerable time to developing your sales strategy. Dissect your business. Think about: What has worked before? Can this take us to the next level, or is this activity maxed out? What am I going to do differently to scale? Eileen breaks down the overwhelming task of scaling and breaks it down into these simple steps: What do I like doing? What am I good at doing? What market segment do I enjoy working in? Each year you should spend a minimum of 2-3 days of strategic analysis and planning for your business. Quarterly planning is even better! The world is changing and so is business, so we must keep on eye on what is working and plan for new strategies. Understand where you are as the business owner, what you need, and where you see yourself so that you can set yourself up for success with the right people. Eileen shares hiring considerations and tips. If you're thinking about growth, recognize this time as the last opportunity you'll have to assess whether each person on your team fits and is utilizing their strengths and skills. Eileen has put in the work for you on preparing Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkits for hiring Exceptional Designers, Design Assistants, Expediter/Purchasers, Bookkeepers, and Office Administrators. The investment is $297 for each role, or purchase the bundle for a discounted price! Connect with Eileen! Eileen'sWebsite Eileen's Instagram Eileen's LinkedIn Eileen's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkits Eileen's Email Links : Interior Design Standard is Back! Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry! Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th Investment: $3,989 Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Investment: $2195 Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Investment: $2195 Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: Mydoma Studio - All your clients, numbers, and info in one place! Stay organized, source products, and get paid. View a demo of the interior design software today! Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM #363 Eileen Hahn #364 Janelle Photopoulos #127, #388, #549 Corey Damen Jenkins #130, #215 Kate O’Hara #64, #492 Laura Umansky

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 episode is sponsored by Mydoma Studio. Today’s dilemma comes from Virginia, a self-described #babydesigner. Virginia had a good working relationship with a contractor on commercial projects, and he brought her into one of his residential deals. Everything went great. She returned the favor by inviting him into one of her residential projects. The contractor ended up sending the client a proposal behind Virginia’s back, before she even had the design work presentation ready. This confused the client and made her look bad. Virginia is looking for the best way to handle this situation. Today’s episode will capture your attention because Lu explains how having too much business isn’t always good. Really? Tune in to hear LuAnn explain. Show Highlights: LuAnn provides the details regarding a scary scenario Window Works faced during the World Pandemic Lu shares the “miracle” that happened when business turned around in May Marketing the business was where LuAnn’s team doubled down its focused energy Successful marketing efforts paid off for the month of June! Business was booming and the factories couldn’t meet demand. The Window Works team was stressed and stretched to the max often pulling double duty Deadlines were stretched and it was an emotional roller coaster! But, oh, the lessons Lu sees in hindsight: * The marketing blitz worked! * Hiring a replacement admin was the right decision for the business * Team communication was imperative * Employees had to be flexible with job roles and pitch in where/when needed Lu says not to be afraid to raise your prices during this environment Turn down jobs if they don’t seem like a good fit for you Be honest at all times within the business and to clients, vendors, etc. Document everything said and follow-through to meet client expectations Be willing to walk away and return money if necessary Be assured that the situation will eventually turn around! 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! Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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 MyDoma Studio for sponsoring this episode!  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Are you really, truly, creating your own designs and ideas? Today’s guest wants you to learn to start with the story you want to tell and to express that in your design. LuAnn gets the pleasure of talking with so many great designers on the show, but she rarely gets the opportunity to chat with a commercial designer. That dynamic flips once again today, because she is joined by Darrell Long of Wilson Associates. Darrell believes it is important to develop your critical thinking in order to be an exceptional designer. He is here to share with us that the magic of creativity is in the story and it is the art behind the design. This is something that he is very passionate about and he considers it his mission to share with other designers, especially younger ones. Please join us in this very special episode! Darrell Long possesses more than 25 years of brand-strengthening design experience that evokes a distinct sense of location, while engaging the world's most discriminating travelers. As Regional Managing Director Long oversees the design direction of the Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Dallas studios. Throughout his professional career, Darrell has set new standards for luxury, comfort, and innovation in hospitality interior design across the world. He has been recognized throughout the hospitality design industry for his emphasis on modernist principles rooted in contemporary and technological design practices. Of the contemporary, Darrell is a fan of Gehry and Piano. Darrell’s ultimate source of inspiration has always been music. In his early years, Darrell embarked on a career path to become a musician, which further ignited his love for the fine arts, particularly museum exhibition design, ultimately leading him to discover an innate passion for architecture and interior design. When Darrell isn’t leading his team designing world-class projects, he can be found enjoying music, playing the guitar and piano, indulging in great food, wine, film, and spending time at home. Show Highlights: You’re either a follower or a leader, so pick one side! The problem with spending all day “following” people on social media. Critical thinking should be the linchpin of what we do as creative people. Young designers tend to not look beyond what is immediately in their face. Coming up with something purely honest is how your own story comes about. There is a roadmap on connecting a conceptual idea to the final idea of a design. Darrell touches on the distinction between a story and a concept. Stretch your noggin and get the most you can out of an idea. Great art is always about a story. Darrell’s goal is to help the younger designers find their voice. When you’re looking at other peoples’ work and using their ideas to make them your own, that is just collecting someone else’s thoughts, and not creating your own. Darrell provides a powerful Hemingway analogy as a perfect example of thinking critically. Darrell shares some strategies and tips on how to be a better critical thinker and how to develop your designer conceptual edge. Connect with Darrell! Darrell’s Info: Wilson Associates Darrell’s Email Wilson Associates LinkedIn Wilson Associates Instagram Wilson Associates Facebook Links : Interior Design Standard is Back! Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry! Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th Investment: $3,989 Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Investment: $2195 Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Investment: $2195 Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: 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: #435 Global Hospitality Interior Design, Juan Carlos Rodriguez Artigas of Wilson Associates  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Window Treatment Friday! In today’s episode, LuAnn and her friend and co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska, discuss how to get yourself in the right mindset for selling window treatments. Window treatments add some dollar bills to that bottom line of a project and are a nice money profit center for an interior designer. Listen in today to hear what LuAnn and Vita have to share with you. Vita is the award-winning window treatment specialist. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done.   Show Highlights: Vita shares her thoughts on selling window treatments. Confidence, product knowledge, standing in your space, and understanding that you’re providing value at your price will increase your sales. The value mindset is a three-pronged approach: value of the product and its benefits for the consumer value that you provide as an individual value that the consumer ultimately sees Vita discusses differential advantage. Create a list of all the special things about yourself. This is your “only” and what ultimately drives your value. Attach an illustrative story for each of your “onlys” that becomes your go-to story for a particular point. The idea of the word, “expensive”: it’s all relative! Make window treatments a line item in the scope of the project you’re working on. Vita has an intake form specific to new window treatment clients, and you can get the intake form and other free goodies right HERE!  Vita shares her selling strategies and tips. Do’s or don’t’s: pricing phone calls and consultation fees. If you’re selling every single job, you’re giving yourself away. Check out WTF Live with Vita and Kimberly! Vita and Kimberly go live on Facebook and Instagram every Friday at 12:00 pm eastern to give you even more insight into window treatments, including pictures of projects and different ideas so you aren’t just hearing about it, but you’re seeing it, too. You can join them on the Window Works New Jersey Facebook page or Instagram at Vitalia Inc.    Connect with Vita! Vita’s Website Vita’s Instagram Vita’s Facebook Vita’s Email   Links / Resources: Interior Design Standard is Back! Sandra Funk is a game-changer for our industry! Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th Investment: $3,989 Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! interiordesignstandard.com/luann Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?  www.luannnigara.com/cob LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895  Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895  Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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!  www.Kirsch.com 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: #174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #463 Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity #6 Identifying Your Transferable Skills with Erika Ward # 83 Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs – An Interior Design Firm Built on Family and Teamwork # 180 Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matters to You #448 Window Treatment Friday: A New Series featuring Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara #456 Window Treatment Friday: Custom-Made vs Ready-Made Window Treatments #462 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 1 #471 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 2 #481 Window Treatment Friday: Overview of Hard and Soft Window Treatments #493 Window Treatment Friday: Vitalia Vygovska: A Mindset for Success #512 Window Treatment Friday: Drapery Hardware #518 Communication Between the Designer and the Window Treatment Professional #539 Window Treatment Friday: Look to Your Window Treatment Partner to Sell Remotely #551 Window Treatment Friday: Exploring Awnings as an Additional Revenue Stream

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today takes efficiency to a whole new level, and she is also one of the co-authors in LuAnn’s upcoming book A Well Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts, coming out in November 2020. Please welcome Sandra Funk back to the show. After 20 years in the business, Sandra has gained a ton of information, a ton of expertise, and a ton of knowledge, and now, she is offering that expertise, that well-oiled machine to designers everywhere. The Interior Design Standard is a program that Sandra has put together, actual templates for designers to utilize her systems and processes. LuAnn is thrilled to announce that today’s show is sponsored by Interior Design Standard. You’re going to love what you hear! Sandra Funk is the CEO and Principal Designer of House of Funk, a greater New York area design firm working wherever great clients need us. This is interior design with a soul and a sense of place; reflecting your desires, personality, and style. House of Funk creates thoughtful homes with an emphasis on clean lines and soulful touches, all rooted in tradition. Sandra is an Accredited Professional for the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Sandra’s award-winning design work has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor, House Beautiful, The Huffington Post, Apartment Therapy, Aspire Design & Home, and Luxe Interiors + Design. With almost two decades in the interior design industry, Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020 – a template for designers to utilize her streamlined processes and business structure to bring joy and profit to their own design business.  Show Highlights: Sandra provides an overview of the success of the first Interior Design Standard program that launched this past spring. The most important feature of the Standard is the insanely accurate flat-fee calculator. The contract supports it and the processes take you through each step. The email templates in the program have been picked at, refined, and perfected by clients over the last 15 years. The Standard’s platform is built on the free version of Asana so that it removes a barrier to entry. Sandra discusses her House of Funk norm and what the request-for-quote templates contain. There is joy in efficiency: You get to sleep through the night because you’re not going to forget any of the important details because it’s all in the Standard. LuAnn takes a look back on the very first time she met Sandra. The Standard program took eighteen months to build prior to launch. Zoom calls as a community and Q&A are a regular thing. The calls are social, collaborative, and encouraging. The program processes get refined so users will get those updates. You have to do the work to reap the benefits of the Standard. The holy grail, according to those who have gone through the Standard, is signing your next client. Start with the potential client module, work them all the way through that, sign them, and then work them all the way through the full service process module from start to finish. Once you’ve gone through both the potential client and the full service process with one fresh new client, everything has been customized to you! Connect with Sandra! Sandra’s Website Sandra’s Instagram Sandra’s Facebook Sandra’s Pinterest Sandra’s Email Interior Design Standard is Back! Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry! Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th Investment: $3,989 Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service! Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative: Kravet Other shows mentioned to link: #520, 145, 02 Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! No matter where your business is, it’s going to take trial and error, iterating, learning, changing, and growing to take it to the next level. And if anybody knows how to build a business from the ground up in new locations multiple times, relying on solid networking and content marketing strategies to help her forge new connections and succeed in new places, it’s today’s guest. LuAnn welcomes Lesley Myrick back to the show. Listen in to learn what Lesley has to say about building a successful business, even when you’re starting in a brand new place.  Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, organized, and enthusiastic interior designer in the Atlanta, Georgia area (and she works with clients all over the US and Canada, too). Lesley is originally from Canada and has lived and worked in Toronto, Ontario; Los Angeles, California; Waco, Texas; and now Macon, Georgia. She earned an honors diploma in interior design from Sheridan College in 2005 and launched Lesley Myrick Art + Design in 2015. She works with high-achieving women who are ambitious, adaptable, and committed to personal and professional growth. Lesley helps these driven women bust out of boring homes and helps new interior designers launch kickass businesses they love. Show Highlights: Lesley describes the moment she knew she needed to step out on her own. Intuition plays a part in making good decisions about your business. Niching down is how to find the best clients. Lesley also coaches designers that are coming into the design field as a second career. Appearing as a guest speaker has turned out to be a better networking ROI for Lesley. Lesley shares many ways to build your business. Elevate your design to differentiate yourself from other designers. Lesley blocks time for blogging, marketing, and other tasks. LuAnn and Lesley discuss the ins and outs of HARO (Help a Reporter Out). Lesley dishes on her Bust Out of Boring How the coronavirus event actually helped to streamline some of Lesley’s decisions. A “Freebies” webpage is value-added! Lesley shares some tips to maximize its impact. Reading The Introvert's Edge: How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone by Matthew Pollard with Derek Lewis was a game-changer for Lesley in understanding how to turn potential clients into actual clients. How your stories can help close a sale. Connect with Lesley! Lesley’s Website Lesley’s Freebies Lesley’s Instagram  Lesley’s Podcast Bust Out of Boring Lesley’s Email #BizTipMonday emails + Resources for Interior Designers Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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! My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service! Check Out Their ICreate Program to Easily Design Your Own Furniture in Just a Few Simple Steps! Kravet Other shows mentioned to link: #37 Lesley Myrick - Strategies I Used to Build My Business #203 Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm #330 Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening #15 Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich #159 Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients #389 Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula #82 Deborah Rosenberg – Tailoring Your Interior Design Firm to Your Core Beliefs #117 Power Talk Friday: Deborah Rosenberg- Cruelty Free Design Certification is Here! #73 Kim Kuhteubl  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn’s guest today is Mitch Hahn, the CEO of Nordens, a large, established accounting firm in Central London. Mitch is not new to the struggles and successes that accompany accounting for home designers. Simply put, Mitch doesn’t just look at home design from an accountant’s perspective; he sees accounting from a home designer’s perspective, too, so he truly speaks creatives’ language. Listen in for what Mitch has to say about what to look for in an accountant and how accountants can better serve designer clients.  The CEO of an established accounting firm - like, over-3000-clients-established - at only 31, Mitch Hahn is versed in starting a company from scratch at a young age. And he’s not too bad at helping a variety of other businesses do the same, either.  Plus, with a variety of home design businesses included within that scope, Mitch is not new to the struggles and successes that accompany accounting for home designers. It’s that “struggle” bit that he knows all too well!  Show Highlights: Mitch’s firm, Nordens, differentiates itself from other accounting firms by focusing on relationships. Most creatives tend to not want to work with numbers. Designers should have a good working knowledge of their finances. Knowledge is power, and knowledge enables you to make better decisions. Mitch’s tips on how to find the right accountant. Benefits of working with an accountant on a close basis. Consistency and accountability are key to avoiding mistakes once you have your system down. Mitch is a “closer” and he makes things happen. Nordens is based in the UK but has many business consulting clients in the US. Mitch details his “Interactive Acceleration Program” that can help you achieve your goals. Location does not matter! Email Mitch directly at mitch@nordens.co.uk for more information. Connect with Mitch! Nordens Website [The firm Mitch is CEO of] @MitchelHahn [personal twitter handle] @NordensAccounts [Accounting firm handle] Mitch’s LinkedIn Nordens YouTube To sign up for the Interactive Acceleration Program, just email Mitch directly at mitch@nordens.co.uk Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. 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 to and to tag in SM #464 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner #349 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s dilemma comes from Virginia, a self-described #babydesigner. Virginia had a good working relationship with a contractor on commercial projects, and he brought her into one of his residential deals. Everything went great. She returned the favor by inviting him into one of her residential projects. The contractor ended up sending the client a proposal behind Virginia’s back, before she even had the design work presentation ready. This confused the client and made her look bad. Virginia is looking for the best way to handle this situation. 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 provides the details around Virginia’s situation. Kudos to Virginia for: not throwing the contractor under the bus with the client. recognizing that she is the one that hired him for the project. taking a hard look at where she might have gone wrong. Why and how we should pay attention to our intuition. Part of the process for Virginia’s anger is to get it out and let it go. The contractor probably has no idea how “in the wrong” he is. Virginia should wait to speak with the contractor until the words she says are reflected in her tone of voice. Consider: In the interim between writing LuAnn the note and the airing of this show, does it still feel necessary to talk to the contractor about this? Does it feel like it will be productive to have this conversation with him now? If things feel fine now, let it go for the duration of the project. If things don’t feel fine, LuAnn has some thoughts on that direction, too! Suggestions for proposing and leading a constructive, post-project “autopsy” meeting with the contractor. Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020! With Desi Creswell Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895 Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th Register Now! LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen. Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?  

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest is the Paloma Contreras - the Elle A-list, Forbes recognized, shop-owning, fabulously talented design influencer. You know, the Paloma Contreras that has163,000 Instagram followers? This lady is one amazing powerhouse! Keep listening, though, because it wasn’t always that way. She is a lady who cried on Sundays because she dreaded her work week so much, then went on to find her niche, love her job, and become that Elle Decor A-Lister. Don’t miss LuAnn’s and Paloma’s inspiring conversation about trusting your gut, taking action even when you’re afraid or unsure, and going for the big dream in your head and making it reality. Based in Houston, Texas, Paloma has honed her eye for style over more than a decade in the design industry. She has developed a reputation for designing beautiful interiors in a broad range of styles which are executed in a manner that is polished, refined, and effortless.  Paloma has repeatedly been named on the prestigious ELLE Decor “A-List” of the top interior designers in the world. She’s been recognized as a “Next Wave” interior designer by House Beautiful and has been named to LUXE Magazine’s “Gold List”.  Paloma was named #4 on the Forbes list of the Top Social Media Influencers in the Home category and according to ELLE Decor, is one of the Top 10 interior design Instagram accounts to follow. She recently debuted a licensed collection with Williams Sonoma Home and has done special projects with many major brands including One Kings Lane, Bravo Television, American Express, KitchenAid, Kohler, Auberge du Soleil, and Peninsula Hotels.  Paloma has a book named Dream Design Live and a curated retail shop, Paloma & Co. And last but not least - she’s a lady after my own heart - she just launched The Style Files Podcast. When she gets a free second, Paloma enjoys traveling with her husband, Fabian, and spending time with their sweet dog, Tate. Show Highlights: Paloma credits her success to her passion, tenacity, and the ability to recognize opportunities. Consistency is necessary when you’re trying to build an audience, a brand, or a name for yourself. How Paloma went from being a bored high school Spanish teacher to starting a design blog as a creative writing outlet. Paloma shares the opportunities that enabled her to hone a different set of skills and her new design career that followed. Just because you’re seeing “xyz” in your social media feed because everyone is doing “xyz” doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for you. Things that you need to have in place before hiring a publicist. What it takes to be recognized by the press. Success can take years of hard work, sacrifice, and even some failures. "Make it a pleasure to work with you!” - Paloma Contreras Paloma addresses being an Elle Decor A-Lister. Connect with Paloma! Paloma’s Website Paloma’s Instagram Paloma’s Blog Paloma’s Podcast:The Style Files Podcast Paloma’s Email  Order Your Copy of Paloma’s Book, Dream Design Live! Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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! My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business Other shows mentioned to link to  and to tag in SM Visual Comfort #408 Amber Lewis #169, #184 Robin Baron #32 #540  Shea McGee #236 #270  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn welcomes Brad Leavitt of A.F.T. Construction back on the show today. Brad is here to talk with us about the “B” word - budgets! And the other “B” word - builders! Taking charge of the money for our projects is vital. In fact, it’s absolutely necessary if you want to build amazing client relationships and get the respect you deserve from your builders - and really anyone you interact with in your business. Brad is going to get into that with us today. Plus, LuAnn has been saving a question from one of her designers for him, so listen in to hear that question and see how Brad responds. 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 Show Highlights: What designers can do to make sure their design matches the client’s budget. How conversations between the designer and builder should go. Builders should set designers up for success by letting the designer know the budget early on. Brad answers a question that LuAnn shares from her friend, Jillian, concerning Jillian asking a builder to give the client a quote based on the deliverables that the client wanted. This request caused a major problem between the builder and the designer. One of the common mistakes we make is jumping to conclusions about what we think our clients want to hear. Network with builders in your area and network with designers outside your area to find out how they’re working with budgets. The most successful designers have a good idea of pricing, even outside their scope of design. Do your resourcing homework on your own time. Invest a certain amount of time each week or each month where you’re on your own clock. Many builders today are open to a working relationship with designers and architects. Connect with Brad! Brad’s Website  Brad’s Instagram Brad’s Facebook Brad’s Pinterest Brad’sLinkedIn All of Brad’s social media handles are “AFT_Construction”. Brad’s podcast is “The AFT Construction Podcast”. Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Other shows mentioned to include in show notes: Brad’s other show: #542 & #560    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, and welcome to another conversation in our Black Lives Matter series! Albie Buabeng, a specialist in e-design, joins LuAnn to share the internal struggle she had when she first began her design firm, and her desire to be part of the change in our world so that her daughter’s generation reaps the benefits. This is one #smartlady who walks the talk. Albie also shares some valuable resources, so don’t miss this! As both interior designer and content creator, Albie's passion for decoding spaces is the culmination of nearly a decade of retail visual merchandising and freelance marketing, sprinkled with a lifetime of experiences. Using her background of space design and storytelling, Albie took her real-life lessons and launched an online interior design service. Her love of design has since evolved into a destination for inspiration centered around her blog, video content, social media, podcast, and self-published book, in addition to her current role as the marketing coordinator for a Seattle-based interior design firm. Show Highlights: The impact of Albie’s initiative with #sharethemicnowhomeedition Albie’s deeper exploration into the accessibility of beautifully designed homes How our reactions are being internalized by our audiences that are watching us Albie relates her experience with her first black client “Brown girls aren’t ballerinas” - Albie shares a conversation with her daughter A gut-punch moment: Going into a profession that is so personal only to find out that the black community felt completely disconnected and neglected from it The importance of normalizing these hard conversations No matter how small your part may seem, it still matters. Connect with Albie! Albie’s Instagram Albie’s YouTube Albie’s Website Albie’s Email  Albie’s Book, which just celebrated its first anniversary! The Design Influence podcast resumes this fall! #sharethemicnowhomeedition A Special Note from Albie: First and foremost, I urge everyone to look up their local (city) NAACP chapter, BLM, and bond fund. National contributions are amazing, but there's so much we can do within our own zip codes, especially to help people already doing the work.  Secondly, as creatives, find your local creative institutions to support and/or work with. We do not always know how to step into the arena of activism because we believe it has to be some grand gesture like a large donation and/or protesting, but that just isn't the case. For example, here in Washington, we have the Northwest African American Museum. In southern New Jersey, there's the African American Heritage Museum.  Keeping the culture and history alive for current and upcoming generations is as important as dismantling broken systems.  Lastly, on my blog I compiled two separate lists of books on diversity & racism -- one for adults and one for kids.  Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: 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 to and to tag in SM Albie’s original appearance # 348 Cheryl Luckett #291, #397, 573 Beth Diana Smith #439  Veronica Solomon #50   

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Lori Morris, one of the most passionate and driven people LuAnn has ever come across, joins the show today to share what it takes to grow your business to the level of attracting luxury clients and delivering the level of service and design that they expect.  Even as Lori’s business has grown so large, she maintains creative control and has a hand in every project they tackle. If you want to attract those luxury clients, if you want to work on these magnificent homes, if you want to offer that truly above and beyond level of service, then stay tuned to LuAnn and Lori’s conversation for takeaways that you can apply to your business to help reach your goals.  Not one to merely dip her toe in the water, Lori Morris is an ‘all or nothing’ designer whose artistry is rooted in tradition, unconventional ideas and fearless execution of perfection. Reinventing the standard of design since 1987, her work can be found in some of the most high-end properties across Canada and North America, including Miami, Dallas, St. Louis and San Francisco, with each project delivering a unique, timeless look with an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort and style. Leading an extensive team of professionals in-house and abroad, Lori Morris is a full-service firm offering a complete design and build turnkey solution for any project. Lori’s ‘no rules’ design philosophy has evolved into her own signature LMD style, which she coins “Sexy French.” In every space, you’ll find a seamless melding of sensory, form and function, with materials sourced from artisans across the world that provide intricate molding, artful flooring, and walls that use some of the most exotic and rare marbles. Leading by way of example for strength and confidence, Lori continues to be revered as one of the most coveted designers in the interior design world, empowering others by embracing her role as a role model for all women entrepreneurs. Lori is an “all or nothing” designer who works on high-end properties across Canada and North America. She delivers an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort, and style with every project. Lori is a true artist who prides herself on creating a unique feeling for every one of her clients. Tune in to learn about her ‘no rules’ design philosophy, which has evolved into her own signature style, and her advice on attracting luxury clients and scaling your business toward high-end projects.  Show Highlights: Lori explains the unique purpose of her “LMC” (Lori Morris Concierge) service. Lori details why the Design Build Books that she delivers to architects can be 1,000 page documents. “Sexy French” is a collaboration and a marriage between the modern design that Lori loves and the French design that she loves. Every house is treated like an original painting. The moment that Lori decided to get the kind of clients to perform the kind of magic that she wanted to perform. Learn from your mistakes: It’s not a mistake if you have the experience once. It’s only a mistake if you do the same thing twice. Lessons working with the luxury client: Lori shares her insights. The importance of a mutually respectful relationship. Don’t confuse “red flags” with something that you just don’t want to do. It is key to manage your client’s expectations. There’s always a solution to a problem! Connect with Lori! Lori’s Website Lori’s Instagram Lori’s Twitter Lori’s Facebook Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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? FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn has a very special episode for you today. Amber De La Garza is back with her on the show. Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist. She is also one of the co-authors of LuAnn’s third book coming out this fall, which is A Well Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2.  This episode is a little bit different than most, because today LuAnn and Amber are going to be talking about the work that they have accomplished, the internal stories and beliefs that Amber has helped LuAnn overcome, and the ways that they adapted strategies and worked through obstacles together, allowing LuAnn to reclaim some of her own time. They’re going to pull back the curtain on their process and the lessons that were learned along the way.  Amber is a coach, trainer, speaker, and writer, and she hosts her own podcast, Productivity Straight Talk. She helps business owners improve their time management and elevate their productivity, which in turn lets them maximize profits, reduce stress, and free up time for what matters most.  Show Highlights: Amber has been helping LuAnn reclaim balance in both her personal and work life. Amber guided LuAnn through the strategies that weren’t working for her. Working one on one enables you to revise and tweak a strategy until it works for you. LuAnn describes her startling realization that she had normalized a seven-day work week. The stories that we tell ourselves: How we can take back some of that time and create a new and sustainable LuAnn shares how she almost stopped doing her intro’s and outro’s for the show but received plenty of confirmation to continue. This show is her baby and LuAnn is emotionally invested in it. Amber explains the concept and importance of “highest value activities”. As your business grows, you have to outsource and delegate. And you have to be ok with accepting help! Amber challenged LuAnn in ways that made LuAnn question beliefs that she was so convinced were unchangeable.  When you re-evaluate doing things that are just normalized, then you will be able to look at everything in your business with a fresh perspective. Connect with Amber! Amber’s Website Amber’s Podcast Amber’s Facebook Amber’s Instagram Time Management Made Simple - Amber’s 4 module program that will teach you her proven, step-by-step time management system for small business owners, to move you from stressed out and overwhelmed to fully in control and fulfilled! Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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! My Doma 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? Link Previous Shows: Amber De La Garza #385  Madeleine MacRae #283, #315  Design Writer Deb #573   

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from Carol Ann Hirvat. Carol worked with a client a few years ago on a $45,000 job that ultimately never went anywhere. Then out of the blue, the client reaches out with an apology and requested for a second chance. Guess what happens after Carol invests another 15 hours into the deal? Yep! So Carol would like to know her next best steps. 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 provides the details around Carol’s situation. Giving the benefit of the doubt to the client, consider that there might be other possible reasons for the client’s action other than an ulterior motive. Just because Carol gives the client the benefit of the doubt does not mean that the client is off the hook. The client owes an explanation, so LuAnn advises Carol to unapologetically check in with the client on a weekly, bi weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis until she gets some answers.  Carol can still be super kind and respectful while pursuing her answer. LuAnn offers some thoughtful strategies regarding reaching out and following up. Carol should keep in mind that she can’t force a communication. Focus on the positive things about the client and the relationship. Remember: Gentle persistence! Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service! Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim! Use Code at Checkout: awdb10 Kravet Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now. For quality furniture that can be delivered, fast, easy, and direct to your client: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is someone who made quite an impression on the audience during a LuAnn Live event by sharing her “eat, pray, love” story. Lisa Gilmore told the audience how she was in such a hard space, mismanaging money, and doing all the things incredibly wrong. Who didn’t feel a connection with this lady for her honesty and bravery? Listen in to find out how Lisa turned her business (and life!) around by owning her errors and being consistent, and just see if there’s not something in here that you can use for your own. Lisa Gilmore, one of the Southeast’s leading luxury residential designers, is known for the customized one-of-a-kind interiors she creates for large scale homes and condos in Tampa Bay and throughout North America. She has over a decade of experience providing luxury environments for CEO’s, attorneys, business owners, entrepreneurs, tech company executives, and other prominent clients. Her work and her unique “liveable glamour” style have been featured in online and print publications worldwide. Lisa’s full range of design services includes everything from project management and consulting on architectural and floor plans, to specifying finishes and creating detailed hand renderings of her work. Lisa establishes close personal relationships with her clients. Those clients use phrases like “remarkably talented”, “fantastic to work with”, and “organized, good natured and easy to communicate with” to characterize Lisa and her team, and “functional and beautiful” and “out of the box thinking” to describe her work. She is often praised for pulling people out of their comfort zone with interior design and giving her clients what they never knew could exist. Lisa Gilmore Design is backed by a team of some of the region’s leading contractors, craftsmen, and artisans as well as an international network of vendors and suppliers.  Her clients benefit from the luxury design expertise, problem solving insights, product knowledge, and other skills she gained during her highly successful earlier career working for leading interior design firms in central Florida and Chicago. Her design work is influenced by her travels throughout North America, Europe, and Africa. Lisa holds a degree in interior design and is a member of the International Interior Design Association. She keeps current on design trends by attending conferences, trade shows, and other industry events.  Show Highlights: LuAnn shares the email that she received from Lisa. Lisa relates something that LuAnn mentioned previously that gave her an epiphany as to the root of her problem. Fear held Lisa back, but she found processes and systems that turned things around. This helped her gain confidence! “Finance Friday” How LuAnn’s book helped Lisa get her business back on track. Lisa shares how being turned in to the state by another designer turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Lisa explains the business decisions and billing changes that she put into place. You have to be more versatile to survive through the hard times. How getting your finances figured out can actually bring joy! Here’s what Lisa is looking forward to. Connect with Lisa! Lisa’s Email Lisa’s Website Lisa’s Instagram Lisa’s Facebook Lisa’s Pinterest Lisa’s Twitter  Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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: 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 to  and to tag in SM Peter Lang #349, 464 Michele Williams #115, #390  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn shares a conversation with Deb Mitchell on today’s show. You may know Deb on Instagram as DesignWriterDeb. She’s a writer specializing in serving interior designers. Did you know that your own writing style can differentiate yourself from other designers in the way it reflects your personality and your style? And that the most impactful way of writing speaks to the client? Listen in for tips on how you can make this happen, or how you can work with Deb if you’re needing a little extra help in communicating effectively with your ideal client. Deb Mitchell’s career as a professional writer began when she responded to an ad in a local Charlotte, NC magazine seeking volunteers for a readers’ panel. On a tour of the magazine’s offices with the other selected panelists, the idea for an article came to her and when she mentioned it to the editors, they hired her on the spot as a writer. Nearly ten years and hundreds of articles later, Deb decided to blend her design feature writing experience with her pre-writing career experience in high-end retail sales to help interior designers move their businesses forward with strategic copywriting and content marketing services. Today, Deb’s client list is ever growing with designers at nearly every stage of business. Most recently, she’s joined forces with two experts, a branding designer and a website developer, to offer designers an all-in-one option for fully custom designed and copywritten WordPress websites. Deb has by-lined articles in publications such as Casual Living, Design Texas, Lake Norman Magazine, and Today’s Charlotte Woman, and on The Renegade Writer blog. Her ghostwriting has appeared in dozens of top shelter publications and design blogs. Show Highlights: Start the writing process with getting to know your clients. What do they care about? When writing, differentiate yourself by considering how you are different from your colleague in aesthetic, processes, delivery of services, and personality. Make your writing reflective of you. Don’t write a bio that’s so vanilla we can substitute another designer’s name for yours. Don’t be intimidated about writing. Get your ideas out of your head and get someone to take a look at your copy and help with editing. Create a “messaging” folder - it’s a living document used to hold your core words, thoughts, and phrases. Add to it as you come up with copy that helps define you and will resonate with your clients. Start by finishing these statements: I believe my clients deserve… I believe my clients should experience… When speaking about me, someone said... To create consistent messaging, refer to this file when writing your social media, creating a new web page, or preparing to speak on a panel. Read your reviews to get ideas and reflect the language your clients use. LuAnn and Deb cover the services that Deb offers. Connect with Deb! Deb’s Email Deb’s Website - Schedule a Free Consultation Today! Deb’s Instagram Deb’s Facebook Deb’s Pinterest Websites Mentioned: Blakely Interiordesign Victoria At Home Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    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: 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 #174 Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #125 Nicole Heymer: How to Brand Your Business #544 Natalie Norcross: Natalie Norcross: 5 Things To Do To Get PR #364 Janelle Photopoulos: Leading, Not Simply Running, Your Interior Design Firm  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s friend and previous guest, Cheryl Luckett, joins the show today for the next episode in the Black Lives Matter Series. Cheryl shares her experience in growing up in the deep south, her recollection of her first experience with racism, and the thoughts that went through her mind in that horrifying moment. You’ll also hear her explain how lack of inclusion and lack of resources in our own industry are racism hurdles. LuAnn and Cheryl cover many ways that you can do your part in creating inclusion and progress in our industry. Every action by each one of us matters! With a 15-year career in Corporate America as a Registered Dietitian and Human Resources professional, Cheryl launched Dwell by Cheryl Interiors in 2012 seeking a creative outlet and an opportunity to explore her passion for design. The venture began with her blog chronicling her own home improvement projects and quickly morphed into a “side-hustle” decorating homes. After five years and a carefully executed strategic plan designed to help make the transition easier, she made the decision to leave corporate life behind. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Cheryl, and her team provide clients with a professional and seamless design experience creating homes that are classic, colorful, cultured, and cozy that allow their clients to live their fullest lives.  In 2018, she launched her first licensed collection of upholstered furniture with NC-based Sylvester Alexander called Belle by Cheryl Luckett. Her work has been published both locally and nationally appearing in Traditional Home, Country Living, and Southern Home.   Show Highlights: Conversations regarding racism not only need to happen, they need to be sustained. Cheryl shares her first recollection of racism. Cheryl defines the concept of “shifting”. A career move away from corporate and human resources led to an epiphany regarding inclusion and diversity years later. The racism hurdles in the design industry as seen through Cheryl’s eyes. Diversity training should be a part of your business strategy. Visibility should not be mistaken for change. Cheryl and LuAnn offer suggestions for making change, starting with: Speak up! LuAnn addresses “white privilege”. Racism is a deep, collective wound. Connect with Cheryl! (@dwellbycheryl on all platforms!) Cheryl’s Email Cheryl’s Facebook Cheryl’s Instagram Cheryl’s Twitter Cheryl’s Pinterest See Cheryl’s “Belle by Cheryl Luckett” Collection at: Sylvester Alexander Read about Mitchell Parson, the owner of Sylvester Alexander: Sylvester Alexander Cheryl Recommends: Black Interior Designers Network Black Lives Matter Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) So you want to talk about race White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America 13th (Netflix) Links : Article: Dear White People, Here Are 10 Actions You Can Take to Promote Racial Justice in the Workplace Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? Luann Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    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: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business Other shows mentioned:  #291, #397 Cheryl’s previous shows #562 Rasheeda Gray Kae Whitaker: #556  Corey Damen Jenkins #388  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Cynthia Collins joins LuAnn in today’s episode for a discussion on mentorship. Cynthia is going to walk us through how she finds the best young talent available and how she helps them grow and learn, often producing long-lasting employees that fit in at her firm for many years to come. Cynthia is a true servant at heart, with a mission to help and guide others whenever and wherever possible, leaving a positive impact on the world. Listen in for ideas to make your company culture rewarding and uplifting, and how you can recruit young people that will grow with you into the future! In 1992, Cynthia Collins began Collins Interiors, a Dallas-based firm specializing in full-scale residential interior design. Throughout the years, Cynthia has been privileged to work with some of the most talented architects in the field and has been a part of projects across the United States, including Texas, North Carolina, Utah, Colorado, Florida, Georgia & California. Each detail is meticulously planned with the client in mind and chosen for its functionality, meaning, and beauty.   She lives in Dallas with her husband, Bruce Collins, and has three grown boys. She is a believer. Her neighbors are her family. She is a teacher and a mentor, an avid reader, a fantastic fisher woman, a brilliant story teller, a music enthusiast (in a BIG way!), a movie fanatic, a speedy biker, a creative chef and generous beyond measure. She has a true servant's heart in EVERYTHING she does and wants the very best experience for her team, clients, family, and friends. Show Highlights: Cynthia explains the structure of her firm and the various positions therein. The newer employees are taught by the senior designers how to budget, how to problem-solve, and all of the other intricacies of being a lead designer. Cynthia discusses what she looks for in interns and employees. Culture is key: People should be able to enjoy walking into the office everyday without worrying about the drama prevalent in many of today’s places of work. Interior Designers are visual people, and first impressions and ongoing image are an important part of a designer’s reputation. Interns and job seekers should “do their homework” on a company before applying for a position. Cynthia relates some lessons that she learned from another interior design firm before she went into business for herself. LuAnn and Cynthia discuss how Cynthia runs her projects’ systems and processes. Diversification and planning for the future are critical in every business. Connect with Cynthia! Collins Interiors @collins__interiors (two underscores) Blue Print Store @blue_print_store Links : Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    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. When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen: Choose Monogram! Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?  Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM Chad James #68  Eileen Hahn #363   

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Amanda Berlin joins LuAnn on today’s episode to chat about a holistic visibility strategy. If you’ve been considering defining or refining your vision and fresh ways to reach your goals, you’ll want to listen in for Amanda’s tips! Amanda is one of the co-authors in the next volume of The Power Talk Friday Experts. Amanda Berlin is a Communications Consultant for Entrepreneurs. After more than a decade in the New York City public relations world, Amanda Berlin now uses her pitch powers for good. She helps entrepreneurs step into their presence, create a story that inspires others, and spread their message in the media. Amanda has created a library of template guides and trainings and works one on one with clients to guide them to strategic story-telling and media relations based on her 12 years of experience guiding strategy for major brands in the corporate world. Amanda and her clients have been featured in all types of media — from Business Insider to Entrepreneur on Fire and from WNYW Fox 5 to Bustle.com. She's the host of The Empowered Publicity Podcast and loves arming soul-powered business owners with the ideas and skill-set they need to go from hidden industry gem to recognizable trusted expert. Amanda has spoken on the topics of visibility, publicity, and entrepreneurship at BizChix Live, Style Collective Raleigh and New York City, Body Local, Hoboken Entrepreneur Group, and more. Show Highlights: Amanda details her philosophy on the 3 Pillars of Visibility: Collaborations and alliances Speaking and events Media Differing amounts of each one of these tactics are necessary to achieve different goals. It’s important to remember that the relationships that you build through collaborations are going to serve the business over time. Who is teaching the thing that you wished people knew before they got to you? Zoom is a great way to make a presentation that may feel less risky than an in-person event right now. Having your projects featured in major publications is great for exposure, validation, and street cred when someone visits your website, but your clients are going to hear about you through someone else the majority of the time. PR is not science; it’s mostly art! Use your expert knowledge when talking across different social media platforms, tailoring the events so that they are relevant to each audience.  Re-use them as needed. These pillars of visibility are things that you have to focus on in your business. You have to constantly be widening your sphere, widening the network that you’re associated with, introducing yourself to new audiences, and being a person of service in providing something of value. Connect with Amanda! Amanda’s Email  Listen and Subscribe to the Empowered Publicity Podcast Join Amanda for On-Air Coaching. Click here to apply. Amanda Berlin Find Amanda on Facebook Follow Amanda on Twitter Amanda is launching PITCH School, the course: Learn how to be seen, heard, fully expressed, recognized, appreciated, and contracted (i.e. PAID!!) for your unique genius.  PITCH School will teach you how to secure coverage for yourself and your business and convert those listeners and readers into fans, followers, and clients.   PLUS: Right now, buy the course, fill out her assessment and get a personalized video from Amanda on your EXACT ENTRY POINT for this work so you use the course in a way that WILL WORK for your business.  You have been working hard to grow your voice and work in the world, now let Amanda help you explode into your industry and become the sought-after expert you know you can be. More Info: PITCH School Links : Closing the Sale Begins at Hello July 29 & 30, 2020 Go to IWCE Vision to register. Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Sales for Creatives will be back in 2020! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Interior Design Standard is Back! Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry! Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    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 Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM Nicole Heymer #125, 317, 466 Darla Powell 203, 330 Carolyn Flannery 453 Amanda Berlin 420  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn welcomes her friend, Natasa Jones to the show to share her super-smart, super-efficient strategy for note taking. Natasa’s method will work whether you are attending a webinar, a panel discussion, a course, or a conference. If you need to brush up on your note-taking skills, you don’t want to miss out on this valuable information! You’ll also hear about some of the epiphanies that Natasa experienced at LuAnn Live last year, and there are some that are sure to be meaningful to you, as well. Natasa Jones is the owner and principal interior designer of Natasa Jones Interiors, located in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Natasa studied interior design in Chicago and her goal was always to run her own firm. Being born and raised in Montenegro, Natasa loves incorporating European contemporary elements into her interior design projects to create her signature livable modern look. Show Highlights: LuAnn shares Natasa’s take-away moments from LuAnn Live last year. When you’re at any type of learning event, ensure that you take notes in such a way that following through with any action is easy. Natasa details the 5 tabs you need for efficient note-taking: To do now To do later To buy or download Mindset Follow up Natasa relates her idea for a gift that realtors can give to their high-end clients: a free design consultation with Natasa. There are some benefits to charging a flat-fee rate per room. Natasa sings the praises of Mydoma Studio and discusses how it has helped her to streamline her processes. How to present your true self to your client. Own what you are capable of delivering. Connect with Natasa! Natasa’s Email Natasa’s Website Instagram Instagram Natasa’s Facebook Links : Closing the Sale Begins at Hello July 29 & 30, 2020 Go to IWCE Vision to register. Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Sales for Creatives will be back in 2020! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Interior Design Standard is Back! Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry! Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    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! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business 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 for shownotes. Sara Brennan 463, 514, 524 Kelsey Grose 167 Taylor Spellman 106, 467 Candy Scott 409, 279 Rachel Cannon 306, 409 Melissa Lindsey 517 Sandra Funk 02, 145, 520 Stacy Tuschl 87 Corey Damen Jenkins 127, 388, 549 Peter Lang 349, 464 Wendy Wolshchuk 316, 527 Kae Whitaker 26, 66, 114, 259, 274, 556 Claire Jefford 237, 325, 485 Sarah Daniele 91, 177, 555 Kesha Franklin 370  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn is joined today by Mike Peterson, an experienced marketing and brand consultant who wants to emphasize an opportunity that our community of interior designers seems to be completely missing out on, and that’s the power they hold to improve the health of their clients through health and wellness design. Yes, you heard that right! Mike is here to explain why this is no longer anecdotal. Mike Peterson is founder of the innovative marketing and brand firm, Visionary Design Marketing.  Visionary Design Marketing's goal is to help companies create tailored, strategic, and effective communications that are founded in a clear understanding of their brand. Brand development is rooted in a customers understanding of a designer's brand and includes new website, social media communications tools, and the new targeted digital tools such as geofencing, microproximity targeting, and display contextual search. Visionary Design Marketing is currently leading a developing education in our industry... that interior designers provide much more than aesthetics..they improve the health of their clients! Mike Peterson’s experience is rooted in years as a leading advertising executive and Publisher at Hearst Magazines, including House Beautiful and Country Living, working with leading national advertisers. Mike’s experience in the home furnishings industry includes President/CEO of LaBarge Furnishings and as Vice President of Corporate Marketing for such companies as Henredon, Lexington, Drexel Heritage, and more. Prior to Visionary Design Marketing, Mike  spent 8 years as Publisher of Luxe Magazine. In this role, Mike guided LUXE Magazine into a market leader and served the design industry by helping interior designers, design centers, and luxury design firms better grow marketing strategies for their businesses. Show Highlights: Designers do not get credit for improving both the physical and mental health of their clients. Mike wants to teach designers how to take credit for this “Design Harmony” that is not just a concept, but is now proven by studies the world over. Designers should start including the health benefits of design into their marketing. This will also allow them to increase their hourly rate and overall revenue. Mike explains the physiological changes that take place when we’re pleased with our surroundings. Mike provides designers with the information they need to build a better business using brand differentiation. Terminology that you need to know: environmental psychology, sensory design, chromotherapy, neuroaesthetics, shinrun-yoku, and biophilic design. Mike offers a CEU class on Design Harmony. There is also a section on how to begin marketing yourself as a health and wellness-based design firm. Once designers have a conviction of their real value proposition, they can then start marketing themselves with confidence using all of the correct terminology. Connect with Mike! Mike’s Email  Mike’s Website Mike’s Instagram Free PDF: Finding Your Brand Personality Design Harmony – A Look at Design’s Influence on Health and Wellness Interior Designers Embracing Wellness – Focused Design Opportunties Sign up for CEU Class via Zoom August 13, 2020, only $40.00 per person! Design Harmony: Design’s Influence on Health & Wellness Book Mentioned: Beauty, Neuroscience, and Architecture: Timeless Patterns and Their Impact on Our Well-Being by Donald H. Ruggles Nature by Design: The Practice of Biophilic Design by Stephen Kellert Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Closing the Sale Begins at Hello July 29 & 30, 2020 Go to IWCE Vision to register. Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen: Choose Monogram! Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program? Other shows mentioned for shownotes: Cheryl Janis #41 #82,  #212, #218, #224 Laurance Carr #484   

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest is LuAnn’s friend, Arianne Bellizaire. In this #blacklivesmatter episode, Arianne shares her experiences with us as a black woman and designer. Don’t be surprised when you have some self-discovery moments as Arianne takes LuAnn on a dive into the policies and systems that have been built in this country that allow us to see things differently. In addition, Arianne catches us up on what she’s been working on since she was last a guest on the show, and you don’t want to miss the details of her new video course! Please join this conversation, for you are sure to learn something new.   Award-winning, Baton Rouge-based interior designer and content creator Arianne Bellizaire is a certified True Colour Expert who inspires her design clients and readers with her warmth, positivity, and creative problem-solving talents. Among Arianne's many awards and achievements in her design career, she has been named a High Point Market Authority Style Spotter (2015), Perlick Ambassador of Cool (2017), Villeroy & Boch Color Challenge Winner (2017), Modenus Blog Tour invitee (2016 & 2019), and Modenus DesignHound (Spain and London 2016, Surfaces 2018). Her blog Inspired To Style is a two-time nominee for the Amara Interior Blog Awards (2016, 2017) and is currently listed as one of the Modenus Top 100 Influential Blogs. Her work and expertise have been featured in Rue Daily, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Business of Home, and USA Today. Show Highlights: Arianne shares how she decided to have more conversations about race with her white friends through reading How To Be An Antiracist and talking about it in the Facebook group that she created for it, Courageous Conversations: Unpacking Racism. This Facebook group grew rapidly and within two weeks of its inception, a curriculum and format was created. “Part of the challenge is everybody’s perspective causes them to see the world differently.” - Arianne The book allows the group to see history and policies as they are layered over race. Do you remember the debate about the dress that people were adamant was either black and blue or white and gold? Does Arianne have an analogy for you! Arianne provides examples of how we all subliminally have a hierarchy in our minds regarding race, and what is “good” versus what is “bad”. We must look at every policy and ask ourselves if that policy is “anti-racist”. “Anti-racist” is anything that provides equity for all races. It does not make one race superior to another. When you hear someone point out inequities or discrepancies, please do not feel offended. Rather, listen to the fact that that person loves this country enough to try to make it better. Arianne discusses her video course, Video Like A Pro. It’s about how to do video: how to make video a story, how to write a script, how to plan for your shoots, what equipment you need, and much more! Connect with Arianne! Arianne’s Email  Arianne’s Instagram Arianne’s Facebook Arianne’s Pinterest Arianne’s Twitter Arianne’s video course: Video Like A Pro Facebook Group: Courageous Conversations: Unpacking Racism The 1619 Project Podcast Books Mentioned: How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi Stamped by Ibram X Kendi Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Closing the Sale Begins at Hello July 29 & 30, 2020 Go to IWCE Vision.com to register. Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: 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  #20 Arianne’s original appearance Other #BLM Shows: #549 Corey Damen Jenkins #556 Kae Whitaker  #562 Rasheeda Gray  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is her friend, Karen Wolf, and they’re going to be covering how Karen jumped into immediate action at the outset of the Covid-19 crisis. Karen’s background in marketing taught her to “double down or drown”, and she wasn’t about to drown. Listen in to hear how Karen’s decisive leadership combined with a willingness to think outside the box put her in the category of an exceptional business owner. See if you don’t have some great “A’ha” moments during this conversation! Karen is the Principal and Owner of nationally-recognized Karen B. Wolf Interiors. She is known for her signature style—"modern elegance,” which speaks to livable luxury, balanced color usage, clean lines, and layered spaces. Prioritizing her clients’ input and preferred aesthetics, Karen leads her team of talented women to create upscale residential spaces that speak authentically to her clients’ one-of-a-kind lifestyles and interests. Karen’s enthusiasm and passion for all facets of interior design have been a driving factor in her firm’s 10+ years of success and ability to work transparently, collaboratively, and effectively with her community of loyal clients. A triple-threat, Karen’s education in Fine Arts, Marketing and Trends Analysis offered her the knowledge and vision to build a successful design business from the ground up. With experience in product development, Karen always has her eye on what’s new and next, organically incorporating the newest and upcoming trends in ways that are warm and timeless. Karen’s work has been featured in a number of notable regional and national publications, both print and digital, as well as on national television on NBC’s George to the Rescue. A reliable source in the design industry, Karen has participated on business and design-focused podcasts and has an engaged, consistent presence at industry trade shows and conferences around the country. Karen believes that every project deserves a little sparkle, a little color, something natural, and lots of love. Show Highlights: Karen explains her “double-down or drown” philosophy. Designers should be marketing themselves 25% of the time, especially during a recession or pandemic. Learn to identify and overcome the roadblocks and perception issues that get in the way of marketing. Karen describes how she decided on content creation and marketing outreach for lead generation. The biggest move Karen made was creating Design Pop Live, an IG series on Design Trends. The content generated by these talks can be broken up into mini content for Pinterest, Facebook and blog. The content can also inspire additional topics for conversations. “You have to step past the fear, and step out. It works! After I did it once, it was just like riding a bike, all over again.” - Karen Consider hiring a marketing coordinator. Karen details her key strategies. Work it! Sometime you just have to hustle to succeed, especially right now. Connect with Karen! Karen’s Instagram  Karen’s Facebook  Karen’s Pinterest   Karen’s Website Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Price: $2195 Register HERE! Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Closing the Sale Begins at Hello July 29 & 30, 2020 Go to IWCE Vision to register. Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! 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! Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service. Their popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture! Kravet FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Other shows mentioned to link to  and to tag in SM Elissa Grayer #451    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Ashley Uhl joins LuAnn on today’s show to talk about how to talk to your clients like a leader, not like a boss. Ashley Uhl is the only client experience consultant exclusively focused on working with interior designers and decorators.   Ashley’s knowledge and expertise in client experience comes from her degree in Psychology, years of working with high net worth individuals at wealth management firm Morgan Stanley, formal training and work in human relations, sales, and presentations at top professional development company, Dale Carnegie, and from years of gleaning knowledge from five star establishments she visited during her international travel. Her knowledge of interior design, and the processes around it, came from her short stint as a designer, which then became a pivot to teaching designers about the client experience.  Ashley now shows designers how to confidently lead clients through the design process by teaching them a repeatable, systematic approach to delivering an exceptional client experience.  One that results in higher fees, increased efficiency, and clients absolutely adoring you.  Ashley’s blog on the exceptional client experience is read by design professionals all over the world and has been a featured guest on podcasts such as Wingnut Social, Kimberly Seldon’s Business of Design, Kate the Socialite’s The Kate Show, and Michelle Williams’ Profit is a Choice. You can learn more about Ashley and how she works with designers at Ashley Uhl Consulting. Show Highlights: You don’t want your clients to run over you, so you want to communicate with them in a very specific, client-friendly way. Especially in initial conversations with people, keep the focus on what you’re willing to do, not on what you’re NOT willing to do. Talk in the positive. Ashley shares how to redirect clients in constructive ways. There’s a gentle way to flip deadlines around holidays and parties. “You aren’t a butler; you choose to be a servant-leader. You’re setting the tone every step of the way. You’re a leader who’s actively thinking through problems that your client is going to come up against. “ - Ashley It’s Ok to tell your client you need some time to think on a request, but let them know when you will get back with them. Take this time to experience your fear, then come up with a solution to take to your client. This puts you back in the leadership position. Explaining situations with respect to your clients is the doctor’s equivalent of having a great “bedside manner”. Ashley has pre-recorded video courses that can be taken at any time that teaches you how you can consistently provide an exceptional client experience from beginning to end. She also provides ideas on client pampering! Connect with Ashley! Ashley’s Facebook Ashley’s Instagram Ashley’s Pinterest  Ashley’s Email Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Attend the Virtual IWCE - July 29-30, 2020 Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Price: $2195 Register HERE! Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Instagram Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service. Their popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture! Kravet Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM Wendy Woloshchuk #316, #527  Claire Jefford #237, #325, #486  Sandra Funk #2, 145, 520   

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from Griffin Dorner, who is pregnant and due in October. Furthermore, she is the only one in her business so she’s looking for tips on how to prepare for maternity leave. 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 provides the details around Griffin’s situation. LuAnn speaks from her heart regarding making our babies our first priority. Griffin should consider what she will and will not do during maternity leave. Based on that conversation with herself and a trusted family member, friend, or peer, here are what Griffin’s next steps should be: Review her projects and tie out as many as she can right now to completion. Review and lock down her finances, including invoices and operating expenses. Consider what happens with deficiency phone calls. Consider what happens with new work inquiries. Consider what to do about email and phone and who will be checking it. If you have a social media presence, think about hiring it out! If you have a newsletter, maybe take the time to write your blog posts now. LuAnn details how Griffin may be able to put her work hat on once a week while a loved one cares for her baby as she monitors work situations. Links : Closing the Sale Begins at Hello July 29 & 30, 2020 Go to IWCE Vision.com to register. LuAnn's new course taught by Traci Connell:  Buy Wholesale For Profit Starts July 22nd! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB  LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! 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 Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: 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.  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is Vicky Serany from Southern Studio, and you’re going to hear how Vicky’s mission, vision, and goals for her company changed over the years. Sometimes you just have to make your business fit the life you have. You’ll be inspired to learn that you can revise, recalibrate, and reinvent your business at any time ever, over your entire life - and you’re going to receive lots of insights on leadership, too, so listen in! Vicky Serany uses fresh combinations of texture, pattern, and color to create luxury interiors that meet the needs of each client. By paying attention to every detail of a project, she is able to meticulously transform the design vision into reality. Her inspiration comes from the beauty in everyday life and travel to fascinating places. Vicky’s extensive work in residential design and new home construction has earned her awards both locally and nationally. Vicky is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and lives in Cary with her husband, Dan. This empty nest mom jumps at the opportunity to spend time with her two grown children. When she’s not creating inspired interiors, Vicky enjoys spending time at the beach, sharing a bottle of wine with close friends, and exploring new adventures on her bucket list! Southern Studio Interior Design was founded in 2001 and has earned a reputation as an award-winning interior design firm specializing in luxury interior spaces with casual sophistication. We believe that a well-designed home is timeless and reflects the unique personalities of its owners. The mission of Southern Studio is to provide a high level of creativity, integrity, and personalized attention to every project. Show Highlights: Vicky shares the dilemma she faced during the 2008 recession and the solution she found that actually went against everybody’s advice. Vicky and her team took advantage during coronavirus to work on “Covid-19” projects from home, learning new skills. “The one thing I’ve learned is that if we really focus on best business practices, we can survive and we plan for the down times.” Vicky LuAnn addresses the need to have a support group within the industry - mentors, business coaches, and experts in the area. Vicky provides an overview of the tools, processes, and systems that help her and her team to manage projects. Every team member is empowered to use their “Make It Right” policy. Learn from mistakes. Think about where you want to be and where you want to go so that you’re better equipped to lead your teams into the future. No matter where you are as a designer, you get there with a plan, taking action, and your support group. When things are tough, it doesn’t always mean that something is wrong. Don’t be paralyzed by fear! Connect with Vicky! Vicky’s Email Vicky’s Website Vicky’s Instagram Vicky’s Blog Links : 19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio July 15th, 2020 Price: $129 EARLY BIRD PRICING OF $99 THROUGH JULY 14TH!! Closing the Sale Begins at Hello July 29 & 30, 2020 Go to IWCE Vision to register. Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Price: $2195 Register HERE! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! 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! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Other shows mentioned Eileen Hahn #363 LuAnn Solo show: Let's Be Profitable #491 Laura Umansky #492  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Photographer Mike Van Tassell joins LuAnn in conversation today, and if you know anything about last year’s LuAnn Live, then you already know Mike. If you don’t, you will by the end of this show! As you listen, there will be no mistaking Mike’s commitment and passion to his profession and how he works with designers and architects. You’re in for a treat! Born and raised in New York City, Mike always found himself surrounded by cutting edge art and stunning architecture. His passion for art was one that developed early in life and always stuck with him. While studying Graphic Arts & Architecture at the City University of New York, he discovered photography through his coursework and began diving into the medium as a hobby. That hobby soon flourished into a professional career as he discovered a way to combine his excitement for photography and architecture. Mike spent the first 15 years of his professional career as a Photographer, Art Director and Creative Director for marketing organizations across New Jersey and New York City. Today, as an independent photographer, he is able to combine 15 years of client-facing services, along with his vision as an artist to bring a best in class customer experience to his clients. Mike is equally devoted to delivering high-end photography, as well as an unmatched customer experience to each of his clients. Specializing in partnerships with architects, interior designers, and what sets him apart is his ability to truly partner and collaborate with his clients as fellow artists with a vision for their work. Mike takes time in his process to hear each of their unique needs and apply a trained eye to his photography, ultimately delivering stand-out images that capture his client’s artistic vision and help their business to thrive. His partnerships span across multiple verticals including residential, commercial, academic, civic & cultural, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. His photography is used across advertising and marketing campaigns, professional portfolios, and design competitions globally.  Show Highlights: In LuAnn’s observation and experience, there is a vast difference between average photography and excellent photography. Mike’s goal is to help designers take their photos to the next level, as well as elevate their online presence. Mike shares how interior designers can successfully work in partnership with photographers. Avoid trend photography, and photograph your spaces the way you want them to appear in your portfolio. Once you’ve established your style and your brand, photography can complement that by getting your photos where they need to be. Mike explains how a good photographer will be able to adapt to a designer’s style by using supplemental lighting, natural sunlight, subtracting light, or by replicating sunlight with strobe lights, for example. Capture photos that take prospective clients back into that space that you designed. Quality photographs of your design work is a key component in marketing your business and cultivating new clients. Here’s what Mike wished designers knew that could make their projects better! LuAnn and Mike reminisce over his photography session at last year’s LuAnn Live. “Photographers are like pizza. Everyone thinks they have the best pizza until they have the best pizza.” - Mike If you’re looking at your photography and you’re not getting a visceral reaction, then it might be time to consider a different photographer. Photography should be factored in when rebranding your website, as the photographs will be the first thing that a prospective client will notice. Remember: Photography is a partnership, a collaboration between creatives. Connect with Mike! Mike’s Email Mike’s Website Mike’s Instagram Mike’s LinkedIn  Mike’s Blog Post: How to Bring Your Interior Design Style to Life Through Photography Links : LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Price: $2195 Register HERE! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! 19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio July 15th, 2020 Price: $129 Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts 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. Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM Sarah Winchester #444 Laurel Smith #545 Nicole Heymer #466 Nancy Ganzekaufer #256 Kae Whitaker #26 Raquel Langworthy #343 Stephen Karlisch #369 David Livingston #51 Sara Brennan #524, #514, #463  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Rasheeda Gray joins LuAnn in today’s #blacklivesmatter episode. Rasheeda shares her personal experiences in that we all may learn, benefit, and grow.  Rasheeda Gray is the owner and principal designer of Gray Space Interiors, a full-service design firm in the Philadelphia area. Launched in 2016, Gray Space is devoted to curating a client-focused, transformative, and seamless design experience.  With over 75 residential and commercial projects completed, the Gray Space approach to design can be found at the intersection of creativity, functionality, and process.  Rasheeda's path into design begins at the tail end of a fifteen year career in Marketing and Communications with the nation's top insurance companies. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and International Business as well as a Masters of Business Administration degree (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing.  Additionally, she holds a professional certificate in Interior Design from Temple University. Features include HGTV, Good Day Philadelphia, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest Pro, Designers Today, and more. Rasheeda is also the co-founder of Gray Real Estate Group, a real estate development company, along-side her husband, Jake and together they have two children, Jacob Jr., and Kennedy. Show Highlights: Rasheeda shares from the heart - her experiences as a black woman, mom, wife, corporate leader, and designer. Here are Rasheeda’s ideas for action: Follow, support, and share the #sharethemic initiative, both the original movement founded by Bozoma St John and her colleagues and ingeniously brought to our industry by Albie Buabeng. Albie is on Instagram at Albie Knows so follow her for information and updates. To learn more about Albie, please go back to episode #348 when she was on this podcast. Vote, show up, make sure the people in government enact laws that result in real changes. Representation within our industry. Shelter magazines, live events, show houses, product licensing, product development, everything. Look around and speak up to the ones in charge when you do not see our black colleagues at the table. Donate to organizations who make it possible to make change. In the industry, Rasheeda mentioned Black Artists Design Guild and The Black Interior Design organization. Outside the industry consider the NAACP. And finally, do not let this be only a moment, a hashtag. Keep talking, keep learning, stay accountable, teach your friends and children so real change becomes a reality. Please consider where and how you will show up to support her and all of our black colleagues and friends. Connect with Rasheeda! Rasheeda’s Email  Rasheeda’s Website Rasheeda’s Instagram Rasheeda’s Facebook  Rasheeda’s Pinterest Links : Share the Mic Now albieknows Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! 19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio July 15th, 2020 Price: $129 Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Price: $2195 Register HERE! Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service. Their popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture! Kravet Other shows mentioned for shownotes, to link to and to tag in SM Rasheeda Gray #267 Kim Kuhteubl #73 Albie Buabeng #348 Cat French #376 Britany Simon #490 Kae Whitaker #26, #114, #259, #274, #556 Amy Flurry #323, #108 Nicole McGuire #537 Fred Berns #174  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today, LuAnn’s guest, Sara Hillery, shares her top tips for client retention and sound advice that you’ll be able to apply to your own business. Take notes or listen to it a second time, too, because you’re sure to hear some tidbits you missed the first time! Sara’s approach involves incorporating the fine and rare with the utilitarian and available, creating beautiful and functional spaces. With a focus on honoring each client’s personal history, the firm excels at updating and transforming client’s interior spaces both architecturally and decoratively making previously acquired and antique pieces more relevant and practical. While Sara draws inspiration from her travels to Europe, India, and Japan, her style invariably reflects her Southern heritage and familial roots in Virginia, Texas, and New Orleans. Upon graduating from the University of Virginia in 2004, Sara turned her focus to architecture and interiors and received her MFA in Interior Environments and ASID certification at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007. After beginning her career in interior design working for a design group in Richmond, Virginia, Sara relocated to Houston where she became a Project Designer at Lucas Eilers Design Associates. While at Lucas Eilers, Sara’s projects received numerous local awards and accolades including Best in Show, Best Vacation Home, and Best Residential Green Design, and were featured in numerous publications. In 2011 Sara opened Sara Hillery Interior Design. As a proud working mother of 3, Sara excels at making design family friendly while still remaining creative, elegant, and timeless.  RHome, New Orleans Home and Lifestyles, and Boomer Magazine have featured her work. Sara Hillery Interior Design has completed projects in Louisiana, New York, Texas, and Virginia. Show Highlights: “Clients aren’t just clients, they’re a part of my life.” - Sara Sara has genuine interest in each client. The more she knows and understands about them, the better she can serve them. Sara’s detailed client questionnaire serves as a reference throughout the relationship and is updated as she gets to know the client. Setting up the client’s expectations at the very beginning of a project is very important, and Sara offers her strategies. LuAnn shares how we sometimes function out of fear, but we can learn how to operate from a place of faith that doesn’t rock us when we encounter a surprise. More tips from Sara regarding client retention throughout the project. Remember that there is a big emotional tie between the client and the work you are doing for their home. Don’t forget a unique, personal gift to present to your client when the project ends. Sara has a fantastic idea for you to consider! Bottom line in client retention: Pay attention to people, learn the things about them that matter, and act on ways you can show that you appreciate them. Connect with Sara! Sara’s Houzz  Sara’s Website Sara’s Instagram  Sara’s Facebook  Sara’s Email Links : LuAnn’s Blogpost on Faith or Fear Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! 19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio July 15th, 2020 Price: $129 Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Price: $2195 Register HERE! Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts 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! My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business 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. Candy Scott #279 Wendy Woloshchuk #316, #527 Ellie Mroz #374  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn welcomes Brad Leavitt back to the show, and they are going to be discussing what your builder wants you to know. Don’t miss this motivating conversation, it will be like being a fly on the wall to an exclusive builder’s club! AFT Construction is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Pella, Cambria, Elkay, and Post-it Notes. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley. 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. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability, and quality. Brad and his wife Ashley 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. Show Highlights: Brad and LuAnn discuss the importance of a design book. The more a designer puts on paper, the more accountable the builder will be. As your expertise grows, so will the level of detail you deliver in your design book. When you provide a builder with an example of your design book, that enables him to sell your value to the client. Brad shares how CAD brings extra value to the design book. It’s important to reach out to non-competing designers through social media and other networking opportunities to find out how they’re doing things. Brad encourages designers to chase the next-level project. You perfect your process and refine it after each job by doing a project autopsy. LuAnn covers the benefits to attracting builders who want to work with you. Brad divulges the tips to attract the right builders to work with you. The bottom line is this is a relationship-driven industry! Connect with Brad! Brad’s Email Brad’s Website  The AFT Construction Podcast Brad’s Instagram (AFT_Construction) Brad’s Pinterest (AFT_Construction) Brad’s Facebook Brad’s LinkedIn Links : Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! 19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio July 15th, 2020 Price: $129 Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895 Early Bird ends TODAY, July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195. Register HERE! Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts 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. Other shows mentioned to include in show notes: Brad’s other show: #542  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from Angela in Pennsylvania. Angela has 20 years of experience in design but considers herself somewhat of a baby designer since she only opened her own business two years ago. The Covid-19 event has had a huge impact on her virtual close rate, and she’s needing some guidance. Listen in to hear more about the dilemma that Angela faces, 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 details of Angela’s dilemma: Angela has resisted switching her business model and has picked up a few clients virtually, for which she receives a small deposit. She presents them with a slide presentation with fabrics delivered via mail, and the clients love what they see. When the client sees the invoice, however, they offer various excuses to back out. Angela’s close rate prior to Covid-19 was about 90%; now it’s around 10%. Here are some of LuAnn’s suggestions for Angela: Think outside the box! It’s very helpful to have an automatic salary withdrawal for yourself every week, even if it’s small. When you know you have to make money, somehow you do it. Since Angela is having a hard time closing full-service projects, perhaps she should consider adjusting her business model, after all. Angela could lean into a temporary consultancy model, as there have been other designers who have had great success with this. Don’t mail out the presentation unless the fee is paid up front. A 90% close rate means prices are too low. Get real and examine the entire process from beginning to end with the client to discover the reason why they are backing out of their deals. What signs were missed or ignored along the way? In wrapping up, LuAnn encourages Angela to go back and think about her “why”. If Angela truly loves being self-employed, she should stay the course and keep perfecting her process, because this will increase her confidence which will, in turn, increase her profits. Links : 19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio July 15th, 2020 Price: $129 Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895 Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195. Register HERE! Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: 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: Duncan Blair #301 WWLD #541  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On today’s show, LuAnn chats with Rebecca Robinson from Monarch Lane Interiors. Rebecca is one of the leading home renovation experts in Tennessee, and she’ll be sharing how she explains her value to contractors and builders and how this results in a full pipeline for her and her firm. You’ll also hear how Mydoma Studio makes this process even easier for her to pitch to contractors and easier for her to effectively manage the projects once she lands them. Don’t miss this conversation! Monarch Lane Interiors is a Full Service Interior Design firm by Rebecca Robinson. With 20 years of experience remodeling the homes, offices, and commercial Studios of successful professionals around Nashville and surrounding counties. Rebecca is involved in every aspect of remodeling from drawing floor plans to color and selections to managing contractors and overseeing the design and construction details. A customer relationship specialist, Rebecca has formed lasting friendships with her clients, helping some with multiple homes and projects. Her clients describe her as passionate, positive, and a problem solver. Specializing in Kitchen and Bath Design, Rebecca holds the certification of Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer-AKBD. She knows the industry guidelines and codes to keep your home’s best interests in mind. A member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association -NKBA, the longest and largest established design organization. Also an Allied Member of ASID- American Society of Interior Designers. Rebecca graduated from O’More College of Design with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design.  Rebecca launched her design firm in 2006 after working several years managing a team of designers at a local furniture retailer. It is there that she gained the knowledge of flooring, furniture construction, and textiles, as well as managing store operations, client budgets, and organizing the delivery and warehouse team. Her experience designing Model homes also gave her the eye for staging and furniture and accessories. A long-term resident of Nashville, Rebecca knows the area, along with real estate and design trends to enhance the home’s value. Show Highlights: Rebecca shares how she saw the need to work on the contractor / designer relationship. Here are some reasons why contractors don’t like to work with designers. Rebecca details a private package she ended up creating that contractors can buy as a gift to their clients. Mydoma Studio allows clients and contractors to log in to a project that you’re working on, and Rebecca sits down and shows them how to use the website. The client has the option to purchase additional design work when their initial gifted time has been used. LuAnn and Rebecca covers some of the ways that Mydoma Studio makes communicating and managing a project so much easier. How Rebecca reaches out to contractors that she does not personally know. “When I present to a contractor, I don’t just tell them all these things. I actually bring my laptop and show them Mydoma. Every single time.” Rebecca Rebecca addresses the rebranding of her business in 2019 and all the changes that accompanied it. Sometimes you just have to jump into your fear and go for it! LuAnn imparts some wise words about making mistakes. Business retreats are powerful and can bring great results! Do you want harmony in your business? Check out Rebecca’s Designer Notes Retreat. Connect with Rebecca! Rebecca’s Website FREE Download! The Interior Designer's Guide to Working with Contractors Designer Notes Retreat Links : 19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio July 15th, 2020 Pre-Sale Price: $99 through June 30th Full Price: $129 effective July 1st Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895 Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195. Register HERE! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts 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: Choose Monogram! Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program? Other shows mentioned to link: Brad Leavitt #542 John Dupra Revel Woods #329 Allie Finkel #452 Sarah Daniele #91, #177, #555 Fred Berns #337, #393, #460 Dixie Willard #272 Christie Leu #182 Darci Hether #220 Lisa Escobar #258 Krystle Pickens #543  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Desi Creswell joins LuAnn in a conversation today about breaking old habits and how to think about the same things in new ways. You’ll hear about how important it is to get real about your life by setting goals and expectations that serve you in totality so that you can run both your life and your business in sustainable ways. Get ready for some fantastic a-ha moments! Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally achieve next-level success with more freedom and fulfillment. An awarding-winning interior designer who has worked for world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice, Desi is uniquely equipped to empower her clients with an essential blend of industry specific expertise and mindset coaching. Her passion is to help designers build thriving businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole. Desi will be one of the co-authors in LuAnn’s next book, A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts, Volume II. Show Highlights: Desi explains that many designers are solopreneurs and wear both the CEO and the technician hats. The CEO is responsible for the vision of the business. Many designers spend too much time as technicians and not enough time developing their capacity to run the business as CEO. If this happens, a designer basically becomes a glorified assistant for their own business. You can’t afford to NOT take the time to get intentional about where you’re headed. How is your business serving your life? Desi covers CEO tasks and questions for consideration. Develop a strategy and be intentional about the way you’re spending your time. Think about what is possible, and make sure your life goals and business goals support each other. “The intention of growing your business and setting big goals for yourself is not just about the results, it is about the person you get to become once that goal is realized.” - Desi Be aware of places you might stumble! Desi and LuAnn share a plethora of tips, tricks, and strategies to get you on your way to honoring commitments to yourself as you grow your life and your business by developing your CEO mindset. Connect with Desi! Desi’s Website Desi’s Instagram Desi’s Email Schedule Mini Session HERE The Interior Designer’s Get It Done Daily Planner - FREE Download HERE Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen: Choose Monogram! 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 shows mentioned Desi Creswell #475 Madeleine MacRae #315, 283 Amber Dawn #478 Krystle Pickens #543 Nicole Cole #509 Amber De La Garza #385 Sara Lynn Brennan #463, 514, 524 Duncan Blair #301  

Kae is a Digital Marketing Strategist that specializes in helping service providers create automated marketing systems that close the gap in leads lost, enhance their sales processes, and keep customers returning bringing their friends. Kae’s philosophy is it takes the right strategy coupled with the proper tools to execute a well thought out plan.  She takes a tailored approach to helping her clients satisfy their online revenue goals, by paying attention to the unique needs, audience and capacity of each business, and creating strategies that are beneficial for not only the customers but the companies as well. She would love the opportunity to speak with you about your digital marketing goals and how she can help.  Kae offers complimentary calls to talk through your needs and see how she can best help you meet your goals. Connect with Kae! Kae’s Website Kae’s Instagram Kae’s Facebook Kae’s Twitter Kae’s Pinterest Kae’s Email Oprah Show on YouTube: Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 1) Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 2) Book: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts by LuAnn Nigara & Friends Other shows mentioned Corey Damen Jenkins #549 Kae Whitaker #26, #66, #114, #259, #274  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest on today’s show is her good friend, Sara Daniele, the founder and CEO of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio also happens to be the second-longest standing sponsor of this podcast! Don’t miss their conversation because you’ll want to hear all of the exciting details about Mydoma Studio’s 19H The Blueprint workshop that is coming up in July. This course will help design professionals, like you, build resilience into your business, no matter what crisis comes your way. Sarah Daniele is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio is the complete interior designer toolkit; workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. The first version of Mydoma Studio was built to fulfill a personal need. It was the encouragement of her peers that Sarah Daniele turned tech CEO and built Mydoma Studio for the interior design industry. Sarah is passionate about building tools and technology to allow interior designers to grow their businesses. Sarah has previously spoken at leading industry events and technology panels. Sarah and Mydoma Studio have also been featured in Designers Today, Home Accents Today, Editor at Large, and Kitchen, Bath Design News, and A Well Designed Business podcast.  Show Highlights: The 19Hours digital conference replaced High Point in April. The upcoming 19H The Blueprint will take place July 15th, 2020! You didn’t have to attend April’s conference to get benefits from the new workshop. Sarah shares how this newest course has come about. Sarah is an interior designer who happens to also run and operate a software company. LuAnn kicks off the workshop at 10:30am EST! A comprehensive recording will be sent to all attendees within 24 hours after the event. Sarah gives an overview of what to expect with each presentation of this 5-step methodology: Step 1: Learn how to target your ideal customers Step 2: Set your project up for success Step 3: Organization & Presentation Step 4: Checks & Balances Step 5: Presenting the project closeout There will be time dedicated after each session for Q&A. “This is the how. This is getting stuff done!” - Sarah This methodology teaches you how to build an adaptable process. For more information, visit 19hours The Blueprint. Connect with Sara! Sara’s Website: Mydoma Studio For more Information: 19hours The Blueprint July 15th, 2020 Pre-Sale Price: $99 through June 30th Full Price: $129 effective July 1st Join our designer community on Facebook! Mydoma Studio Designers Email: sarah@mydomastudio.com  Links : Buy Wholesale For Profit Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895 Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195. Register HERE! LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM Sarah Daniele #91, #177 Janelle Photopoulos #364 Wendy Woloshchuk #527  Stacey Brown Randall #93  Ashley Uhl #412 Susan Brunstrum #36  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! It’s Power Talk Friday and LuAnn is pleased to have her good friend, Traci Connell, joining her to talk about their newest venture, the Buy Wholesale for Profit program. Listen in as they give you a sneak-peek of The 6 Steps to Making Maximum Profit through Buying Wholesale! Traci Connell is an inviting, engaging, and approachable mentor who has overcome personal setbacks to build the business of her dreams - a multi-million dollar interior design business that she grew and scaled while navigating single-motherhood in the wake of immense tragedy. Traci is an expert in delivering unique design with ease of mind. She says: “What good is a luxurious home if you can’t actually live in it?” That philosophy drives her to provide high-end interior design that really lasts for every one of her clients. From initial to final details, each project is outlined through a state-of-the-art project management system, streamlining the process and enhancing the client experience. Over the years, Traci has been recognized with numerous local and national awards and publications in the interior design industry as well as many accolades within the business community. She recently launched her coaching and consulting business to teach other designers and female entrepreneurs how to get unstuck and scale their businesses just like she did using her proven system that she tested and developed over the past 8 years. She is really excited to share this system with others. Show Highlights: Traci shares the story of how she decided to grow and scale, and how she developed this information into a proven program. Traci relates the benefits to designers who follow her course. The Buy Wholesale for Profit modules that Traci details are: Pivoting Your Business Mindset - The differences between consultancy and furnishings business models, the procurement timeline, and the advantages of wholesale margins vs. retail. Plus: Traci’s Furniture Revenue Forecasting Tool to project past a NET income of $100k. Developing a Buying Co-op - The characteristics of successful partners, the desired strengths, and red flags. Plus: Traci’s Business Formation Checklist and template to develop and organizational chart for partnership success. Outreach to Vendors/Manufacturers - How to develop a list of target vendors, and how to communicate your value to vendors. Plus: Traci’s cheat sheet of preferred manufacturers and tip sheet for communicating with vendors. Pricing Your Furnishings and Design Fees - Your pricing sweet spot, how to convince clients to buy, and how to develop a budget. Plus: Traci’s preferred method for developing a design fee and furnishings budget. Processes and Systems for Expansion - The tools of a successful reseller, which project management software should you use, and the timeline from presentation to installation. Plus: Traci’s Top Tip Sheet for considering a receiving warehouse and a no-fail project timeline template. Wrap-Up - During this module, Traci answers lingering questions, helps you put all of this information together, and helps you decide on a clear path forward. You still have to look at the local artisans and support the showrooms in your area! Please visit the website for more details and information about the deliverables built into this course, which include a private FB specifically for the attendees of the course. You can ask Traci questions between sessions and connect with each other for support and help! All of the sessions are recorded and you will have lifetime access to them to watch, in case you miss a session or if you want to re-visit them at any point in the future. “When we don’t have the confidence, it’s because we don’t have the tools behind us to lean on.” Traci Connell Connect with Traci! Traci’s Email  Traci’s Coaching Website Traci’s Interiors Website Traci’s Instagram Traci’s Facebook Traci’s Pinterest Buy Wholesale For Profit Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895 Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195. Register HERE! Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: Open Your Trade Account & Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim! Use Code at Checkout: AWDB10 Kravet 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. Traci's original appearance on the show #525 Other shows mentioned:  Terri Taylor #548 Dina Holland #354  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from Leslie, a designer that LuAnn happened to meet last winter in Chicago at the Power House Luxury Conference. Leslie is struggling to educate customers who walk into her hybrid full-service design firm / large retail showroom and expect free design services. 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! Show Highlights: LuAnn shares the details surrounding Leslie’s dilemma and identifies with the consumer education stru It is likely that your messaging is not clear if you are constantly explaining yourself, your business, and your process to people. Once you are clear, the struggle will be over. LuAnn suggests that Leslie carefully analyze all of her revenue streams, using this enlightening and motivating exercise: What was your gross revenue last year? Identify all sources of revenue: design fees, product sales from the showroom, markup on outside contracted goods and services…what others do you have if any? What is the breakdown in gross revenue by category? What is the net profit margin of each category? What one or two revenue streams do you like doing the most? Are either of your favorite ways to make money also one of your top producing streams? If the answer is no, is there a way to increase their gross revenue capacity or their gross profit margins? The 2 big things to consider from this exercise: Step 1: Get clear on where you earn the most and then move in that direction. Step 2: If the competition is zigging, you need to zag. Have a beautiful hand-out made for the furniture salespeople, designers, and customer service reps to refer to and to give out to all potential customers that come in the store. LuAnn details all the information that the hand-out might hold, such as furniture services on one side of the hand-out and full service design on the other side. Educating the team members on the two different services is very important, so that they can present the hand-out to customers and answer questions with confidence. Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! 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 Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! LuAnn's new course taught by Traci Connell:  Buy Wholesale For Profit Starts July 22nd! Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn? Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line. She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you! A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen: Choose Monogram! Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is Shirry Dolgin. Hold on to your seat as Shirry humorously recounts her long-ago experience with a sales tax audit that was the furthest thing from funny at the time. You just might identify with the gamut of emotions that she experienced during this period and hopefully learn from her ordeal! Shirry Dolgin is a rising star in the southern California interior design community. Having established her firm, ASD Interiors INC. in 2004, Shirry has an impressive portfolio of projects, and has been featured in a variety of media outlets including multiple TV appearances. Specializing in large scale residential and commercial projects and an industry expert in construction, she has built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable renovations interior designers in the industry. A native of Los Angeles and the daughter of the owner of a construction company, Shirry was exposed to the world of design at an early age. She went on to study performing arts in Boston as a dancer, then attended the prestigious Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising in L.A., first in the visual communication department, then transferring to interior design.   Shirry’s on-screen career began in 2006, when she was asked to participate in a renovation project for television. Given her background in performing arts, she was a natural. Her TV credits include a design and remodel segment on the KTLA morning show, an appearance on HGTV’s Selling L.A. and a feature of her live/work office on You Live in What? for HGTV. She has participated in several episodes of House Hunters Renovation and was a two-time winner on HGTV’s design competition show, Design Wars. ASD Interiors projects have been featured in Traditional Home and Apartment Therapy, and published in the Kitchen Bible. ASD has received the “Best of HOUZZ” in service and design for the past nine years. Show Highlights: Shirry shares the backstory that led up to the letter from the State Board of Equalization requesting a sales tax audit. Shirry was working with a CPA that didn’t reconcile her account on a monthly basis. The audit covers a 3-year period. The CPA requested that Shirry gather all of her documents, which was bewildering to an unprepared Shirry. The CPA submitted all of the information that they were able to gather. The State Board of Equalization determined that Shirry was not properly collecting sales tax and demanded a very large sum of money, which Shirry did not have. Shirry requested an appointment with the State Board of Equalization’s superior manager in order to understand how they arrived at their figures. The State Board of Equalization’s response to Shirry stunned her! You don’t know what you don’t know. Shirry shares what she learned from this meeting. “I learned more going through that audit than I did in three years of college to get a design degree.” - Shirry How do you pay back $43,000 that you do not have? LuAnn explains the “Red Pen System” that she uses at Window Works. Find out if the CPA found redemption in Shirry’s eyes post-audit! Learn to speak up when something doesn’t seem right. Your action item: Download the handbook of equalization for your particular state (.gov address). Shirry: Collects 35% across the board for Residential work. Has this “procurement fee” conversation with her clients. Shirry and LuAnn offer additional tips on collecting sales tax. Links : Shirry’s Email  Shirry’s Website Shirry’s Instagram Shirry’s Facebook Shirry’s Pinterest Buy Wholesale For Profit Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895 Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195. Register HERE! Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: Other shows mentioned:  Cheryl Clendenon #482 Eric Ross #504, #505 Sally Williams #496 Laura Michaels #372 Dina Holland #354 Sandra Funk #520    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! It’s WTF, Window Treatment Friday! In today’s episode, LuAnn and her friend and co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska, explore how custom awnings can be the answer that your clients are looking for and the solution you need for your business and its profitability Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short!), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers. Show Highlights: Vita discusses how she arrived at her revelation that awnings could add revenue to her bottom line. Awnings are a creative up-sell that also serves a need for your client. Awnings are particularly desirable to high value design projects right now due to COVID-19 concerns because: more families are taking “staycations” this summer. being outside is a safe way to socialize. this can be a place to “work from home”. children can sit and do their homework, read a book, or enjoy the air being safely protected from UV rays. there is a reduction in energy costs by 25%. LuAnn covers entry-level price points. Interior designers should be interested in selling awnings if they’re decorating outside spaces, anyway. Reasons why awnings are superior to pergolas. Be aware that your window treatment specialists can help you with this. What you can do now: Start speaking with your current clients about awnings and let them know that you are a resource for this. Research which window treatment and awning specialists are in your area and set up appointments. Download the Window Works guide to Awnings by going to windowworksnj.com (if you like it, let Leslie Carothers at Savour Partnership know, she would surely appreciate it!). The number one way to increase your revenue is to sell more things to your current clients. Remember that for both the short-term and long-term it is important to always create diverse revenue streams that align with your design firm. Links : Watch WTF Live Shows on FB Learn More About Working with Window Works Learn About Working with Vita Learn About Exciting Windows Learn More About Leslie Carothers & Creating a Lead Magnet for Your Business Receive a Free Subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine Attend the Virtual IWCE Learn About the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) Buy Wholesale For Profit Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit KICKING OFF July 22, 2020 Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895 Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195. Register HERE! LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business If you loved this show, listen to these for information referenced by previous guests: Leslie Carothers / Savour Partnership: #458 Leslie Price: #413 Nancy Ganzekaufer: #256, #389 Nicole Heymer: #125, #317, #466  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from another one of LuAnn’s coaching clients, who was experiencing a late invoicing issue due to some extremely hectic circumstances in her life. 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 luannnigara.com/wwld!   Show Highlights: LuAnn shares the details surrounding her coaching client’s dilemma. The client was hesitant to send out invoicing at such a late date and LuAnn prepared her to by saying that some clients would fight her, some would pay her and some would ignore her.  The client did send out the invoicing, knowing that she did the work and earned the money, but was ready to eat some crow if she couldn’t collect payment. Apologizing appropriately and owning her mistake netted her payment from most of her clients, but there was one in particular that was adversarial. After a few not so fun email exchanges the client ultimately sends this email: “You will receive payment for the invoices in the same timeframe you billed me." LuAnn shares the cordial response that the client wanted to send, but LuAnn had a more appropriate response in mind, since this was clearly a compassionless, bad-mannered client. The key here is to focus on the agreement to pay, which the client had agreed to do. Leave the emotion out of the equation. You don’t want to introduce any other elements that can take the conversation away from the primary goal, which is collecting the money.  LuAnn shares her thoughts on the various responses that the client might have sent, and suggests that the client allow herself grace when she makes mistakes. The hope and goal is to learn from the mistake so that it is avoided in the future. Links / Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?  www.luannnigara.com/cob Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! LuAnn's new course taught by Traci Connell:  Buywholesaleforprofit.com Starts July 22nd! A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor: 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.  

Nationally acclaimed interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins mixes vibrant colors with layered patterns to create architecturally inspired spaces that are, at once, elegant, inventive and timeless. Taking cues from runway fashion, his residences feature luxurious and refined materials including intricate wallcoverings, sculptural lighting and stately furnishings. Jenkins’ goal “is to ensure that my clients’ homes are always classic, chic and without an expiration date,” states the designer. Most recently Jenkins was honored with Traditional Home’s “New Trad” Rising Star of Design Award, as well as an extensive cover feature highlighting a recent commission. His work has also garnered attention from numerous publications including Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, House Beautiful, Veranda, Domino, and HGTV. Connect with Corey! Corey’s Website Corey’s Instagram Corey’s Original Appearance on the show: #127  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Terri Taylor joins LuAnn on today’s show and she’s going to be walking you through how she calculates budgets on the fly. You’re going to learn what a powerful tool it can be for your design business! One of Terri’s passions is helping interior designers get their firms organized and profitable. Make sure you take notes because Terri’s going to detail how she does this in an understandable, doable way! Hopefully, it will inspire you and give you the courage and language to have that tricky conversation about budget with your next client. 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. Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation. Show Highlights: Using an Excel spreadsheet with the items found in a room and broken out by a room during a consult is simple and efficient. If you can get a client to agree with you on the price of furniture pieces three or four times, the client is going to say yes to you when you ask to be hired. You have to do your homework and know how to figure these prices out beforehand. When you get all the prices on your yellow pad, add it up using easy, rounded-up numbers, and write the total. Hand this to your client, and don’t say anything. They might say they didn’t know it was going to be that much, and Okay. Then you’ve just sold the whole job. If they counter with a lower price, agree with them, then ask them which parts they would like to take out? This is not the time to educate your client on quality and value, you’re just determining their thoughts on prices. Once you agree on the total of the furniture, you can pull out a design fee based on 15% - 20% of the furniture budget. This is a small number and easy to sell, but keep your percentage private. Terri offers more details on how to do this. There is a way to create revenue of millions of dollars a year, but it’s about team and organization. When you actually design the room, you don’t pay attention to the individual pieces but are just keeping the overall budget in mind. You have gotten the agreement based on concept and budget. What you can learn by floating good, better, and best prices for individual pieces. Your answers have to make sense and you need to speak with confidence. Tips on collecting your design fee. Although you charge a flat fee, you still have to plan your hours and know how much time each part of the project you have to complete its so that the flat fee you charged is profitable. ·         As you gain experience (meaning as you have perfected your back end, your process, your efficiencies as well as your budget and sales presentation), in order to make more money you should be striving to earn more money on the furniture items (instead of raising your design fees above 20-25%). ·         Terri shares information on her various online courses and the services she offers at Interior Design Business Academy. Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara: COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! LuAnn's new course taught by Traci Connell:  Buy Wholesale For Profit Connect with Terri! Terri’s Website: Go to Interior Design Business Academy and sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter to get FREE business tips and strategies and invitations to my monthly FREE Design Business CEUs. Terri’s Email: Terri@InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy 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! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service! Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative: Kravet For More Shows About Fees & Budgets: Sandra Funk #520, #145, #02 Sarah Magness #384 Cheryl Clendenon #482 Laura Michaels #372 Sally Williams #496 Other shows mentioned: Nancy Ganzekaufer:#389, #256, #159, #15 Brad Leavitt #542 Traci Connell #525    

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! It’s Power Talk Friday, and LuAnn’s friend, Jamie Lieberman, joins the show today. Jamie also happens to be her lawyer and co-author of their upcoming book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts, Vol 2, coming Fall 2020. Jamie will be covering five steps to engaging effectively in any negotiation. This is a great topic because you can dramatically improve your profitability when you sharpen these skills. Negotiating is a learned skill, just like learning how to do floor plans, and just like learning to do floor plans, negotiating is a critical skill to ensure your success, so listen in and take some notes! Jamie Lieberman is an attorney, podcaster and entrepreneur dedicated to making legal accessible and to sharing the message that legal does not have to be scary. As the owner and founder of Hashtag Legal, Jamie draws on her experience working with influencer marketing professionals, creatives and business owners to help her clients grow and protect their businesses. She leads an all female, virtual team focused on providing clients with advice on a wide range of subjects such as intellectual property, contracts, privacy, FTC and general business law as well negotiation strategies. Jamie is a highly experienced speaker and is the co-host for the FearLess Business Podcast. Show Highlights: If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re a sales person. Determine your tolerance for risk. Negotiation is about collaboration, and needs a holistic approach. Bargaining is what most people think negotiation is. There is so much strategy and research that goes into a true negotiation that by the time you get to bargaining, it’s an afterthought. Jamie details the five steps to effectively engage in negotiation, which are: Strategy Setting the Climate Getting Information Clarifying Positions & Interests Bargaining After those five steps, that’s when you can memorialize your agreement in a contract. Don’t be surprised if you have multiple waves of negotiation before you actually sign a contract. Know your boundaries and know when and if it’s appropriate to walk away. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Connect with Jamie! Jamie’sWebsite Jamie’s Facebook Jamie’s Instagram Jamie’s LinkedIn Jamie’s FearLess Podcast Jamie’s YouTube Channel A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. Previous Shows Mentioned: Kwame Christian: #129 Jamie Lieberman #454 Article.com Jillian Cross #367  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from LuAnn’s coaching client, Jill, who gave LuAnn her blessing to share this sticky situation on the podcast. Jill has a new client who is the daughter of a very good client (and friend) of hers. The new client had a general contractor present at an in-home consultation for window treatments and the GC was very opinionated, contradicting Jill's advice at every turn. To make matters worse, the new client gave deference to every word he said.  Listen in to hear multiple dilemmas that Jill faces, 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 luannnigara.com/wwld! Show Highlights: LuAnn shares the details of her coaching client, Jill’s, dilemma. LuAnn posed this question for Jill to consider: Do you actually disagree with the GC’s suggestions and comments, or are you just annoyed that his say-so is being included in the discussion? The bottom line is to get clear on what your actual reaction is and separate the emotion from it. As it turns out, Jill thought that the GC was leading her client into mistakes, some much worse than others. Additionally, Jill would be the one responsible at the end of the day. When Jill presented her reasoning, her reasoning was poo-poo’d and the client sided with the GC. The next question that LuAnn asked Jill: Does the client’s mother know the GC and does she have an opinion of him, and is this something that she needs to know about? Jill confirmed that the mother does know the GC and does not care for him.  Here’s the third question that LuAnn asked Jill: Yes or no, honestly: with everything set up as it is now with the same dynamics in place, do you see this project as being successful if you take the job? Jill did NOT see this project going well. LuAnn’s final question for Jill: Pretend everything is exactly the same and the project is $2,600 instead of $26,000: would you give a second thought to just walking away? Jill’s response was no, with the exception of the relationship with the client’s mother. The most important thing to consider, given all the details, is the relationship with the original client.  The second most important thing is Jill will only proceed with the job if this particular GC is not involved. Know what you will do, and what you will not do. What would Lu do, based on this information? Listen in to find out the surprising outcome! Links / Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?  www.luannnigara.com/cob   Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. 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. Previous Episodes: #222  #526

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Last year at LuAnn Live, LuAnn gifted each of the VIP Attendees with the headset which she requires when you do an interview with her, then challenged her attendees to take action in their business and come onto the show and share about it. Today’s guest is Laurel Smith, the principal of Farrington Avenue and she is doing just that! Laurel will be sharing the ups and downs and the stops and starts of her entrepreneurial journey that will seem so familiar to many of us. She discusses some of the assumptions she made about owning a business, some of the mistakes she made in starting up, and how she finally came to exactly what she knows she was meant to do with her professional life. Listen in as Laurel describes the key to how her growth really began, the things that catapulted once she got real, and see if some of her story sparks something that just might be inside of you, too! Show Highlights: Laurel shares her work and educational background and how listening to the podcast helped in to her decision to go in another direction to pursue her dream. Laurel has built her brand around everything she learned in occupational therapy and about how humans interact with their environment. When you can’t perform tasks, that impacts your sense of self, quality of life, and well-being. Her mission and vision for her company is built around the idea of creating wellness through design and making the home a happy and healthy place. LuAnn shares her “business mid-life crisis”, how she worked through it, and the wisdom that came out of it. Don’t map out your story of success using someone else’s narrative. Laurel details all of the work that she has been doing to transform her business. There’s power in the words we speak! LuAnn addresses confidence and how it comes out of understanding and growth. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara: COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Connect with Laurel! Laurel’s Instagram 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! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service! Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative: Kravet Other shows mentioned: Shauna Lynn Simon #76, 84,102, 499 Taylor Spellman 106, 390 Amber Lewis 169, 184 Sara Lynn Brennan 463, 524, 514 Michele Williams 137, 180, 395, 424 Wendy Woloshchuk 316, 527  

Welcome to, A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn’s guest today is Natalie Norcross, who has a specific road map for how she teaches you how to do your own PR. Public relations is so valuable, and more now than ever, due to the current coronavirus event. If you’re looking to not only survive but thrive during this economic crisis, you’ll want to keep marketing your firm and learn how to do your own PR.  Natalie offers so many good tips, you’re not going to want to miss this! Natalie is the CEO and Founder of A Design Partnership. Natalie Norcross has over 19 years experience working for Interior Designers, Architects, Builders, Developers, Hotel, and Home Brands and her firm has a demonstrated track record of driving exposure and placements through the PR they produce. Natalie has appeared on the show in episodes #162 and #506. In episode #506, LuAnn and Natalie talked about the four areas to pay attention to when you are going after press for your design firm. Please go back and listen to both episodes where you will not only pick up some outstanding business advice, but you will also learn a bit more about Natalie and her career. Show Highlights: Natalie details each of the five things you need to do to get published: Be specific! Know your niche. Be the face of your brand and be the expert. Partner with big names. Build a good relationship with the journalists. Timing is everything. Natalie explains her personality questionnaire that helps you to determine your niche. You don’t need an expensive publicist to get published, you just need the tools, the know-how, and who to contact. Natalie recommends to her PR members blocking out on their calendars 2-3 hours twice a month on Fridays. This is all the time they will need to spend putting together their pitches, sending them off to editors, and following up. LuAnn cautions knowing who you’re pitching to and making sure that your pitch matches their themes. Media NEEDS your content. Natalie shares some of the tools that members of her DIY PR Membership Program receive to assist them in getting more exposure. Tips and strategies on project organization, partnering, building relationships, and more! Media NEEDS your content. Natalie is a great resource of information and offers both DIY and a full-service PR firm. Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Connect with Natalie! Promo Code for Interior Design PR: Luann DIY PR Membership Program For 20% off your 1st month of membership use Promo Code: luann For Your Personality Questionnaire That Natalie Mentioned, Please Email: Hello@interiordesignpr.com Natalie’s Full-Service PR Company: A Design Partnership Download Your FREE e-Books HERE Blog Post: 5 Things You Can Do To Get Yourself Published Today A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen: Choose Monogram! Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Krystle Pickens joins LuAnn in today’s conversation about not just growing a business, but growing a business fast, smart, and intentionally.  Listen in for real strategies that can help you set up your own business for success and profit!  Krystle Pickens is passionate about working with clients to create spaces that are beautiful and evoke that special feeling of home, while also meeting the individual client’s needs. We apply our four core values: Sustainability, Feeling, Functionality, and Community to every project, big or small. Krystle has a degree in Interior Design and has worked in the design industry since 2012, getting her start in Kitchen and Bath Design.  She is based in Jersey City and really feels rooted there, however being raised in Seattle, Krystle feels a responsibility and bond to the environment and incorporates sustainability in all of her projects-she even studied Environmental Science briefly. Show Highlights: Krystle describes how she is in her fourth year of business, and has come a long way since her first year, when she pulled in $13,001.  She set a goal for her second year of $26,002, and ended the year with $27,100. It was at this time that Krystle started listening to “A Well-Designed Business” podcasts. She realized that she was serious about what she loved to do and decided to think of it as a business instead of a hobby. For her third year, which was 2019, Krystle set 19 goals and wrote them down. About halfway through her third year, Krystle decided to hire a business coach who pushed her to shoot for more than her $81,300 goal. She ended up exceeding her goal. Krystle learned at LuAnn Live how important it was to run a business autopsy. This is critical, because you must know where you are before you can plan where you are going. For 2020, Krystle assigned a specific goal to each month and is finding this very powerful. One of her goals this year is to get each and every policy and procedure locked down in a handbook before she takes maternity leave. The Process Leads to Profits class is packed with every tool, idea, and process you could imagine, specifically so that you have a road map to get your back-end organized. There will probably be another class late summer or fall, so if you want help with this, get on the email list to be notified. It’s worth every dime! Being coached on the concept of scaling and the concept of hiring were two of Krystle’s biggest lessons. Hiring a business coach is essential for accountability, advice, and helping you to see the bigger picture. Krystle shares some strategies on how she continues to grow her business and some client communication tips. Links: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action  A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?  LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Connect with Krystle! Krystle’s Website    Krystle’s Instagram Krystle’s Facebook Krystle’s Pinterest 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. Previous Shows Mentioned: Alinda Morris #429 Do Not Let Us Design For You #346 Nancy Ganzekaufer #15, #159, #256, #389 Amber De La Garza #385 Sandra Funk #02, #145, #520 Madeleine MacRae #283, #315 Amanda Berlin #420 Jenny Madden #332 Jamie Lieberman #454 Dane Austin #457    

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Are you in for a treat today! Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors contacted LuAnn to let her know about her experiences working with Brad Leavitt, President and Founder of AFT Construction in Arizona. Brad has the AFT Construction Podcast, and he and LuAnn have been guests on each other’s podcasts before, so it’s easy to see why Jenny gives him such high praise for being a great builder to work with. You’re sure to be impressed by Brad’s message and outlook on business, as well his obvious love and respect for interior designers. Listen in as he explains from the builder perspective all the reasons he knows that you make his projects more beautiful, more efficient, and more profitable. AFT Construction is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Pella, Cambria, Elkay and Post-it Notes. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley. 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. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability, and quality. Brad and his wife Ashley 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. Show Highlights: Brad’s company will not build a home for a client that does not have an interior designer on the project. Many companies have disregard for architects and interior designers, but the architects and designers actually bring expertise and a lot of benefits to the table. Brad shares the reasons why he does not have any in-house architects or designers. It’s important to get the client onboard with understanding the importance and value of a designer. Selling points to take note of when pitching to a potential builder: Having a designer involved helps a builder be more efficient, often saving as much as 2-3 months on a project. This can represent thousands of dollars in the builder’s pocket. Having a designer involved improves a builder’s relationship with his clients. A builder can get information from the designer without having to interrupt the client’s day and this avoids the frustration of arranging meetings while a job is stopped. A huge benefit for the builder is getting published. Having a room or outdoor area styled makes a huge difference! The referral relationship is a valuable component. Businesses are built on reciprocity. Brad offers some great suggestions on how to meet builders: builder organizations, supply showrooms, networking events, and on social media. Building relationships and trust are necessary before beginning to work together. Brad has already been invited back for additional guest appearances on A Well-Designed Business! Future episodes will include a list of the Things Your Builder Wants You to Know and a list of his pet peeves. You don’t want to miss these! Stay tuned for something else you don’t want to miss: more information will be forthcoming in the next couple of months regarding a new course being taught by Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors called “Design Build for Profit”. To be notified of open registration, put your name on the list at Design Build For Profit. Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara: COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Connect with Brad! Brad’s Email Brad’s Website  The AFT Construction Podcast Brad’s Instagram (AFT_Construction) Brad’s Pinterest(AFT_Construction) Brad’s Facebook Brad’s LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: When Your Client Wants the Finest in Luxury Appliances for Their Kitchen: Choose Monogram! Set Up Your Design Trade Account Today! FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Other shows mentioned to include in show notes: Brittany Simon #490 Circle Design Studio #380 Denise Wenacur #513    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from listener Amanda, who has lost a couple of jobs due to the costs of freight and taxes outside of a client’s budget. 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 luannnigara.com/wwld! Show Highlights: LuAnn shares listener Amanda’s detailed email. Nearly the exact same thing happened to Sara Brennan last year. You must remember that you are the professional in the room. Ask clarifying questions and provide your client with the information on how your business is run so that they can make a truly informed decision. LuAnn provides an example of how to manage future budget discussions. It’s all about the clarity and agreements upfront, when no emotion is attached. LuAnn goes into more details about Sara Brennan’s similar experience. This doesn’t have to be hard, and it doesn’t have to be adversarial, but it does have to be discussed and agreed upon before you get to invoicing. Remember, no surprises and you’ll be fine!       Links / Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action    A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts   LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday   Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?  www.luannnigara.com/cob Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!   A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:   Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest is Robin Baron, who first joined LuAnn in episode #32. Robin is a #smartlady with an incredible body of work which includes being a celebrity interior designer, lifestyle expert, and a luxury home-furnishings designer. Based in NYC, Robin always brings a striking sense of fashion and style to everything she does as a successful interior designer. Robin knows that flexibility is important, so customization is available in almost every piece in her collections. Celebrating 30 years in business Robin could have spoken on several topics but chose her strategy for designing and bringing a product to market. If you have ever dreamt about designing your own product, please, get a pen and paper for this show. Robin truly shares every aspect that you must consider before you set out on this path. Her advice is well earned and it is easy to hear the depth and breadth of her experience as a thoughtful business woman! Robin thrives on creating homes that are unique and fabulous while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. Reflecting her motto that “Confidence Begins at Home™”, she prides herself on her ability to capture her clients’ individual personalities and bring positivity into their homes. Robin has significant experience on TV, video, and radio including appearing on HGTV, Bravo, and NBC and has been featured in many print and online publications. Robin is the Brand Ambassador for the NY NOW show, and also tours the country as a spokesperson, speaking to audiences at events both within the industry as well as to the public. She enjoys providing lifestyle and design tips through her award-winning blog “Simplifying Fabulous!™” and her multi-platform social media presence. Show Highlights: There are five categories of products that Robin has brought to market: Hardware Case Goods Upholstery Rugs Lighting You have to set your macro goal, and then from there, set your micro goals, which are the goals that will get you to the bigger goal. Robin addresses licensing and how it needs to be a part of your overall marketing plan because it doesn’t really make you money, initially. Robin shares some tangible advice regarding bringing a product to a market: First, analyze the need in the market for your product idea. Have you looked around to see if anyone else is providing it? Next, are you the one to fill this need? Do you have the solution? Do you have the pockets deep enough to fund your idea and take it across the finish line? Does it fit into your overall goals for yourself and your business? A ‘Robin-ism’: If you don’t take a chance, you don’t get one! You don’t have to be an extrovert to be successful, you just have to know who you are. You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. You have to have support. Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Window Works - Facebook - Please Follow! LuAnn’s Window Works - Instagram - Please Follow! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Connect with Robin! Robin’s Website Robin’s Instagram Robin’s Facebook Robin’s Twitter 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 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. Previous Episodes: Robin Baron #32  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska, joins her today to chat about some of the things that interior designers can be thinking about in relation to window treatments during this time of quarantine. Whether you’re settling nicely into virtual consultations or you can’t wait for the brick-and-mortars to open back up, you’ll want to listen in to this conversation to learn how important window treatments are to your business! Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  Show Highlights: Vita gives shout-outs to the #maskAmerica initiative and to local designer, Michele Plachter, who gave a wonderful gift to her industry partners. Remember that your window treatment specialist is your partner in this. LuAnn covers the different reasons why window treatments are important ANY time. Window treatments are: money-makers! an essential part of an interior design project! beautiful! Vita suggests that it’s time to lean into your workrooms and window treatment specialists and she shares the ways that a specialist can support an interior designer: They can provide product knowledge. They can do renderings on your pictures. They can give you a ballpark budget. Window treatment specialists: Consider offering up your services and asking your designers how you can be of value to them. Here are some great ways thats you can still incorporate window treatments into your 2020 projects: virtual consultations when presenting mood boards, remember the windows clients can take their own rough measurements #WTF Live!! Vita and Kim will be discussing drapery pleats!! Friday, May 8th at 12 PM, EST on LuAnn’s Window Works - Facebook. If you are not happy with your resources, now is the time to expand your reach and look for additional or alternative resources, in window treatments, or otherwise. This podcast and past episodes are excellent sources of information and resources. Vita has some encouraging words from the heart regarding our low points. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Window Works - Facebook - Please Follow! LuAnn’s Window Works - Instagram - Please Follow! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! #WTF Live!! Vita and Kim will be discussing drapery pleats!! Friday, May 8th at 12 PM, EST on Window Works - Facebook. To learn more about working with Window Works To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the virtual IWCE where LuAnn To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America)  To learn about Exciting Windows To learn about working with Vita: Vitalia Inc 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 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. Previous Episodes Mentioned: #448  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s questions come from listener Christina, who struggles with expanding her prospects beyond client referrals. Christina is asking for tips on finding a space where she won’t be competing with architecture firms with in-house designers, and would like LuAnn’s opinion on the best social media platform. 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 listener Christina’s detailed email. Lean into the referral business because these are the best clients you can have. Look for ways to keep you referral clients engaged with you. Even when you do a fantastic job it may not be enough to make them remember you. Proudly build your referral pipeline! For more tips on how to build referrals, check out Episodes #93 and #426 with Stacey Brown Randall. Stacey is also one of the co-authors of LuAnn’s second book, A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts. Stacy’s chapter is about leveraging those A-list clients and maximizing the great work you have already delivered to them, so check it out! You may need to work smarter to grow a design firm in a rural location. Unfortunately, many architecture firms, builders, and kitchen showrooms may be laying off their in-staff designers during this economic downturn due to the coronavirus event. However, this may open the door for some freelance work and give you the chance to make an impression. Look for the local people there that can refer you to boutique commercial work. Check into organizations that have architects, property developers, builders, and commercial realtors, call each one and introduce yourself. You may need to join an organization in a larger nearby city. LuAnn suggests some additional episodes that will help Christina learn how to work with architects and builders and how to build a hospitality commercial firm. These shows are linked below. LuAnn provides a detailed overview of a potential social media strategy. For additional tips and social media strategies involving LinkedIn, please see the episodes referenced below. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article. Monogram - Work with Us! Monogram Other Shows Mentioned: Stacey Brown Randall #426 & #93 Susan Yeley #208 Anita Dawson #281   Judi Kieffer #276  Angela Harris #245 AJ Wilcox #219 Sara #438 Welcome, Monogram #536  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Just wait until you meet today’s guest, Nicole McGuire. Every word of her bio is expressed in every word of her conversation, and in LuAnn’s eyes, that makes Nicole one #smartlady. If you don’t epitomize your written bio, this conversation will make you rethink yours! Listen in, as Nicole has some great tips and lessons for us all. You’ll notice right away that she is clearly a business woman running a design firm. Passion and drive define Nicole.  These traits have been foundational to her success in the highly intense and competitive building market.  She is a visionary leader and disrupter of the status quo. Nicole is a gifted conceptual thinker with strengths in strategic planning, team leadership, mentoring, and community outreach.  She has actively worked to create space for women to be empowered and given leadership opportunities within the design and construction industry. Nicole was raised in a home building family, but she has never been one to rest on legacy.  After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Nicole partnered with her father, the late Jeff McGuire, to begin a new venture, building spec homes, and eventually creating unmatched custom homes and personally curated design pieces, all available within the McGuire Homes Collection.  Nicole has continued to dive deeper into best practices for the industry, even studying Sustainable Business Strategy at Harvard University- expanding her business through social and environmental sustainability standards. Show Highlights: A custom home-building company, McGuire Homes, is the foundation of all of their businesses. Nicole’s passions are in design and bringing women into construction leadership roles. She started Nicole McGuire Design Studio as another revenue stream, giving her the opportunity to sell all of the products, the finished materials, that go into a new construction home or a remodel, back to themselves. This includes cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and furniture. McGuire Development Group is a company that holds homes that are hire-in leases to professionals. The homes come furnished, unfurnished, or a full executive rental, as well. Nicole shares a mistake they made in 2019 and how they have been correcting it. Stay focused on your core business, she suggests. Nicole details her marketing philosophy. All about Around the House with Nicole McGuire. Nicole provides advice about how to get your own show! Communication between her clients, her design team, her build team and herself is extremely important, and Nicole does it all within project management software. Nicole describes the three different mood boards that clients get, and why. Getting clients on board with “important” vs. “urgent”. One of the biggest challenges is managing client expectations. If you have a question that you’d like LuAnn to answer- go to wwld and she’ll answer yours on air in the coming weeks. There’s a new episode of WTF this week with Vita! Also on Friday at 12:00 noon, EST Vita and Kim will be going live on LuAnn’s Window Works FB, talking tips, and design for custom window treatments. Please follow Window Works too, both on FB and IG, and be sure to join WTF Live every Friday on FB. Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Luann Live LuAnn Nigara WWLD Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Connect with Nicole! Nicole’s Website   Nicole’s Instagram  #mymcguire Nicole’s Facebook Nicole’s Pinterest See Nicole’s tips here! Around the House with Nicole McGuire Nicole has also given talks at University of Illinois and women’s groups on the subjects of construction, design, and business. 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! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Open Your Trade Account & Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim! Use Code at Checkout: awdb10 Kravet  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guests today are Robert Koller and Alexandra Skobel with Monogram, a new sponsor of the podcast. Monogram was also a valued sponsor of the recent 19hours virtual event sponsored by Mydoma Studio. You’re going to love the energy that comes out of Monogram and its team members, so listen in meet Rob and Alex and learn more about what Monogram has to offer you! Rob is the Senior Brand Manager for Monogram and Alex is the Senior Manager of the Monogram Design Center. Show Highlights: Alex shares the company mission. Monogram is the luxury line of appliances for GE and has been in the business for more than 33 years. Monogram launched two new collections earlier this year: Their Minimalist collection and their Statement The appliances offered include built-ins, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, wall ovens, and 48-inch ranges. A “built-in” means that an appliance is built into the cabinetry around it. A built-in often has custom exterior panels, which gives an integrated, seamless look to your kitchen. In 1987, Monogram was the first luxury brand to create a full built-in package for their clients. Rob shares his background in Food and Beverage, and what excites him about the time he’s spent at Monogram. Monogram performed extensive research before putting pen to paper on their latest designs. After careful consideration, they developed three main pillars to support their new look and feel: Materials, Performance, and Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and their ongoing relationships with designers and consumers. Through these pillars and their new collections, they've created a luxury brand experience that you can see and feel for yourself.   “Social Currency” - Something to talk about with your friends! Monogram has a couple of programs specifically set up for the designer community to educate them on the Monogram products. Resellers (and there are over 1,100!) have updated displays and presentations. You can see, touch, and feel! The flagship showroom in Chicago is open to the public Monday through Saturday. The showroom does not sell the products, but directs the inquiries to the local Monogram sales manager if it’s outside of Chicago. If a designer is registered for Monogram’s Rewards Program, they get to extend preferred-builder pricing to the client, which is a great discount. If a designer is NOT registered for Monogram’s Rewards Program, then the client would be using the rebate. There are 3 tiers where the clients qualify for free items with certain purchases. Engineering details make all the difference in the design and ease-of-use of the appliances for the consumer. “Monogram Talks” - a webinar series that will be launching the first week of May! Different technologies are incorporated into the Monogram appliances. Designers, when you introduce luxury items into your projects it benefits your profitability! Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Connect with Monogram! Monogram’s Website    Monogram’s Instagram  Monogram’s YouTube A Big THANK YOU to The Podcast Sponsor: Monogram - Work with Us!    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s questions come from listener Samantha, who would like some suggestions on how to find income when your projects have been put on hold during this COVID-19 event, the top ten recommended processes and systems to be putting in place, and the best practices for social media presence when you have no active projects. 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 listener Sam’s detailed email. Sam’s professional focus is mostly on hospitality design (9) but also residential (1). All ten projects are on hold, and she’s looking for suggestions on how to pull in income. LuAnn’s advice is to weather the storm for the time being and offers lots of great ideas that Sam can work on right now to successfully position herself for when things open up. Sam would like to know the top ten processes and systems that she needs to put in place. LuAnn offers 3 prerequisites and promises the other 7 when the first 3 are firmly in place. The first 3 are: bookkeeping, reviewing or creating a solid contract, and designing a thorough work flow. What level of social media presence is appropriate during Sam’s work lull? Recycle old pics with a new spin or a new caption, but avoid stating that it’s from an old project or that you’re not currently working on a project. Definitely post on SM to drum up business while not busy. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner? Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out! Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey! Suggested Podcast: Darla Powell’s podcast, Wingnut Social 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 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: #292 Summer Tannhauser #331 Kate Ahl #487 Vanessa Shepherd #20 Arianne Bellizaire #201 Dorien Morin van Dam, #237 Claire Jefford #516 Jude Charles #514 Sara Brennan #470 Christine Lin  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Are you in for a treat today! LuAnn welcomes Stephanie Castillo, the principal of Rumble Interiors, back to the show. Stephanie was a guest on Episode #391, as well, and is joined by Renee Fyall of D. Marie Interiors and Sam Mikel of Nest Design Studio. These ladies are all interior designers, doing business in the city of Ellensburg, Washington. Ellensburg is a rather small city of just 20,000 people and sort of between Portland and Seattle. Wait until you learn what these 3 #smartladies have created! Listen in to hear how these three interior designers chose to be open-minded, innovative entrepreneurs rather than wary competitors. Together, they form what’s known as Collective Interiors. You’re going to find their story fascinating! Stephanie Castillo: Rumble Interiors Communicator, observer, entrepreneur and creative...... Stephanie has been in a creative field her whole working career. Stephanie started Rumble Interiors as an extension of her success as a hair designer. Design, balance and harmony are built into everything Rumble Interiors embodies. Stephanie's ability to design a space comes naturally and her passion lives in her strength to envision a space for the people who live in it. Rumble Interiors specializes in taking your home or room from uninspired to a unique, inviting warm space that speaks to the people who live in it. Whether it's a Re-Style which is taking what you already have and Re-thinking, Re-imagining and Re-vamping your space; or a complete home decoration with results that reflect your world refined. Stephanie's special talent comes in the form of helping people define their design style, the consultation technique is one of her favorite parts of the process. Renee Fyall: D. Marie Interiors When it comes to Interior Design Renee joins function with aesthetics seamlessly on projects both big and small. With over 10 years’ experience, much of her career has been focused on project management. With an eye for quality, superior sense of style, Renee assures the space functionality is forefront, including the project running smoothly and on budget while still creating a beautiful and inviting space. Kitchen design and kitchen remodeling have become a large part of Renee’s focus and priority throughout her time as a Designer. She possesses an innate desire to create and design Interiors that exceed clients’ expectations. As many of us spend a large amount of our time in the kitchen, it’s important to Renee? that she delivers? a return on the investment as the kitchen is the best place in the house to add value, both in design and function. Sam Mikel: Nest Design Studio Design is a bastion of individuality and creativity.  However, as with other creative endeavors, the gap between one’s inner vision and its ultimate expression can be vast.  The function of the professional designer is to help you bridge that chasm.  By asking questions and listening attentively, a good designer can help you explore your needs and wishes and define and create the possibilities in your heart and mind.  As a wise man once noted, “limitations live only in our minds.  But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."  Sam’s goal as a designer is simply to help you make the best use of your imagination. Open communication throughout the design process helps develop trust and a comfortable, working relationship.  Building on your input, Sam’s job is to guide your consideration of such elements as your home’s existing features, the sources of light, and the function required of each space to best define and create your individual style.  Working collaboratively with her clients, she strives to create warm and inspired rooms—unique spaces that tell your own personal story in a timeless way.  Managing every detail from conception to completion, Sam’s aim is always to create an ambiance that reflects your taste and unique lifestyle. In every project she undertakes, she strives to be budget-conscious.  Also, whenever possible, she tries to incorporate eco-friendly green products and materials. Show Highlights: Stephanie shares how she met Renee and Sam, how the three of them worked over the idea of sharing a collective space, and their result. “Glorified space sharing” is their business model: Collective Interiors is a building, and inside of this are their three businesses. Stephanie and Renee share an office, and Sam has her own office. Sam is also the main leaseholder and she has retail space there. Collective Interiors is a interior design / decor / full-scale store. Renee relates the reaction she had to Stephanie’s request for coffee and mentorship, and how she appreciates directness. Sam describes her passion for her retail store and her love for people. Ways they make their collaboration successful. Mutual trust helps to make this business model work. Re-evaluation, as they grow and learn, is necessary. How their lives have been enriched since the inception of Collective Interiors. Guidance for others that might be interested in the same kind of business model. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Connect with Stephanie Castillo! Rumble Interiors Website Connect with Renee Fyall! Marie Interiors Website Connect with Sam! Nest Design Studio Website 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 Jaipur Living - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company. Other Shows Mentioned: Stephanie Castillo / Rumble Interiors #391 Lori Paranjape # 344  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! It’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn’s guest today is Katie Krimitsos, Creator of the Women’s Meditation Network. The last time that Katie was featured on A Well-Designed Business on episode 253, she was the fearless leader of the Biz Women Rock community. Listen in to catch up with all that’s been going on with Katie since her newest endeavor. She truly has a passion to help you become your best you, and if this current Corona Virus event has left you a bit more fearful than usual, you’ll want to hear about guided meditations that can help you feel more centered in this anxiety-ridden environment. Katie Krimitsos is Creator of the Women’s Meditation Network. She is also a mom, wife, adventurer, podcaster, seeker, and change maker.  She's committed to brightening the light of women around the world through the Women’s Meditation Network, which provides guided meditations and related resources specifically created with the special journey of women in mind. She’s passionate about giving women the tools, strategies, and inspiration to live lives they truly love. She loves the water, the sound of her two girls laughing with each other, and is constantly evolving to make her life and the lives of others as magical as possible.  Show Highlights: Katie shares her compelling story of how the Women’s Meditation Network came about. Women naturally have a beautiful light but they are often dimmed by self-doubt or comparison. Katie is not a meditation teacher, but she does give women the TOOL of meditation to help them learn more about themselves and learn how to deal with life’s troubling moments. Meditation doesn’t mean having a blank mind. It’s about managing your thoughts, which is crucial to master in both your personal and business lives. Meditation helps you to distinguish between, “What’s the noise?” versus “What’s the voice?”. Stop and set aside the fear of what is and what could be. Then reflect on what you can do or how you can help. How are you uniquely qualified to help your clients right now? What you choose to do and how you choose to show up right now might not pay “right now”, but if you lead with love and do the right thing, it will pay a thousand-fold in the future. Katie describes the ease of using her 5-20 minute, guided meditations and she also has a sleep bundle. LuAnn points out that research backs up the physiological benefits of meditation. It’s so important to tap in and understand what’s really best for us at this moment and how we can best serve others. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB Connect with Katie! Katie’s Website Subscribe HERE to get FREE weekly meditations! Start the 7 Day Meditation ChallengeHERE! A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Open Your Trade Account: Kravet FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Mentioned Episodes: Katie's other appearance on the show #253  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Did you miss the amazing “19 Hours” free virtual business summit that ran the week of April 6th through April 9th, 2020? If so, LuAnn will be filling you in on the industry’s answer to the COVID-19 crisis that contains all of the incredible presentations and panel discussions that was originally planned for High Point Market Spring 2020. Today’s show is a replay of the solo presentation that LuAnn did on Thursday, April 9th, on “How to Lead Your Business Through the COVID-19 Crisis”. She has some perspective here that is sure to interest you, whether you run a virtual team or a brick-and-mortar one because LuAnn has weathered several significant economic downturns during her career and came out stronger on the other side of it. 19 Hours was hosted by Mydoma Studio and sponsored by Kravet, Article, Jaipur Living, Monogram, Summer Classics,Gabby Home, Interior Design Society, and Revel Woods. There were an average of 800 designers and business owners watching each and every live session! If you missed it, you can still get the video recordings. For the next couple of weeks, Mydoma Studio will graciously email you the entire video conference if you contact them here: My Doma Studio: 19Hours. Just wait until you hear the presentations by some of the industry’s top business leaders. There were 14 presentations and each one was stellar! Show Highlights: In LuAnn’s first book, The Making of a Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action, she emphasizes the importance of knowing your mission and your core values, and it’s never been more important than now so you can be laser-focused in crisis. LuAnn details the three areas that you should focus on: Mitigate the losses. Focus on sales and marketing. Gratitude There’s wisdom in the saying, “The time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining.” Don’t overreact but don’t not act. LuAnn describes the #1 mistake she made in the early ‘90s. Think very carefully about the problems you are experiencing with the way you are living through the COVID-19 crisis, and how might you solve this for people in your circle who are experiencing the same things? Be creative, be empathetic. This is a good time to look inward. It is also a good opportunity to make sure you have your systems locked down. If you could wave a magic wand, what would your business look like? Look inward and be listening for what your lesson is in this. It could be personal or business, big or small. Everyday there is something to be grateful for. Share and show grace with each other. If you need to unplug, then unplug and own that. It will take some ingenuity and intention to get through this, but you can do if! Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday To Receive the Entire 19Hours Video Conference, Please Visit: My Doma Studio: 19Hours Book Mentioned: The Making of a Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action by LuAnn Nigara Mentioned Episodes: LuAnn’s Solo #519 Kim Merlitti #442  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On today’s show, LuAnn is joined by industry-icon, Kendall Wilkinson. They’ll be chatting about Kendall’s perspective on her experience in growing an esteemed and successful firm. They discuss budgets to clients to discovery-call practices to Kendall’s experience in the 2008 recession where she had to use guerilla-style marketing strategies to build a pipeline. Whether you are already a Kendall Wilkinson fan or this is the first time learning about her, you are going to love this conversation. Kendall is a #smartlady who runs a major enterprise which includes her famous San Francisco design firm, her textile collections for Fabricut, as well as being a sought-after speaker for industry events all over the nation. Kendall’s work has been on the pages of Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Wall Street Journal, to name a few. Along with participating in numerous showcases over the years including the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, Elle Decor Showhouse, and LUXE Magazine’s Maison de Luxe Showhouse, Kendall has also she served on the prestigious Board of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Show Highlights: Kendall has been in business for 27 years and employs a staff of 30. Kendall believes that a combination of creative excellence and business acumen are responsible for her success. It’s important to mentor once you have the experience in. Kendall explains her business structure: She has four teams of principals who have their own firms. Within each team is a senior designer, a design associate, a design assistant, and a project manager. They each run 3-5 projects. Kendall also has a back office, which includes the expediters, controllers, accountants, and administrators. This structure has allowed her to be more creative because of the confidence she in her principals and their abilities. LuAnn and Kendall discuss clients, budgets, variables, and the non-negotiables. Kendall shares how she came through the 2008 recession without having to lay off any employees. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting Wednesday, April 22! If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits. Connect with Kendall! Kendall’s Website Kendall’s LinkedIn Kendall’s Twitter  - @KWilkinsonSF Kendall Wilkinson Design’sInstagram - @KendallWilkinsonDesign Kendall Wilkinson Design’sFacebook Kendall Wilkinson Design’s LinkedIn Kendall Wilkinson Design’sPinterest DesignClass: Interior Design With Kendall Wilkinson Be sure to check out Kendall’s textile line atFabricut! 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.  

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Nancy Lane, CEO of Nancy Lane Interiors in Houston, Texas, joins LuAnn today and you’ll be learning all about the Process Leads to Profits course that Nancy took last winter and the tangible benefits she has received from it. You’ll also hear how Nancy utilized Mydoma Studio to define her services for her prospective clients and how she now invoices and receives payments for her services through Mydoma Studio. Join LuAnn and Nancy in this engaging and informational conversation, and to learn more about signing up for the next Process Leads to Profits with Sara Lynn Brennan’s LIVE course, which starts NEXT WEEK! Nancy Lane’s idea of home has been informed by all the places she's lived, and perhaps most of all by the one she lost. As a child, her home burned to the ground, displacing her family in the process. Nancy and her family found themselves building their new home together and establishing the true meaning of that word at the same time.  Her love for interior design grew through the years, both through her own personal projects and as she shared her passion by helping friends and neighbors with their design projects for more than a decade. In 2016, she opened her residential interior design consulting business, Nancy Lane Interiors and turned that passion into a livelihood. Nancy helps clients solve their design dilemmas and turn houses into homes in and around Houston, Texas, where she resides with her husband and three sons.   Show Highlights: Nancy’s first career was as a chemist! She is a perpetual learner and was already running a successful business when she signed up for classes because she loves to learn new and better processes. Clearly defined processes are everything. You can define your process to make it concrete and repeatable BUT just know it's still really fluid. It will always be a work in process. Nancy details the steps she’s implemented since completing the Process Leads to Profits course. Automate, automate, automate! Automation is important in delivering consistent service. Mindset is key. Most of the issues we have all start right between our ears! In light of COVID-19, Nancy discusses the ways that she’s been taking advantage of being at home. Is the Process Leads to Profits class right for you? If 6 weeks from now you would like to know you are well on your way and well-armed with the information and strategies to once and for all organize your “you” into a repeatable, duplicatable process (AKA, a “business”!), then YES! Sign up HERE! Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! LuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22! If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits. Connect with Nancy! Nancy’s Websites: Nancy Lane Interiors &The Decor Detective Nancy’sInstagram Nancy’sFacebook A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Previous shows mentioned: Nicole Cole #509 Sara Lynn Brennan:#463, #514, #524  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for an episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from listener Jane, who would like to know how to handle a client who is refusing to pay a bill. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolution. If you have a burning issue that you need some insight on, please send your question to LuAnn Nigara! Show Highlights: LuAnn shares Jane’s detailed email. The red-flag phrase in the listener’s email that got LuAnn’s attention: “Even when I could see the project going south.” Why LuAnn thinks that the client somehow feels wronged. LuAnn’s take-action steps: The listener should think back to when she first felt things going south. She needs to identify the event and ask herself these questions: What one thing could you have done at the time to have avoided the project going south? Can you fix the problem even though it is late? Even if it costs you money, you have to fix it. Get ready for the hard conversation. Call her, acknowledge the problem, give a genuine apology for the past offense and offer the solution you are going to take. Once you’ve agreed on a solution, THEN you can ask for the payment, but there’s a particular way you need to frame the request! The client needs that moment of contrition and the solution to get past the problem. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday LuAnn Live LuAnn Nigara- Email LuAnn Your Questions! LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22! If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits. A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Open Your Trade Account & Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim! Use Code at Checkout: AWDB10 Kravet Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn gets to chat with Krista Watterworth Alterman, CEO of Krista Home in Palm Beach, Florida, about company mission and vision, how important it is to lift others up, and very timely advice on how to face fear. Krista leads her company with purpose and clarity. She is the kind of CEO that has taken the time to figure these things out for herself and as you listen, you will hear how it guides every decision she makes, from client interaction to creating, training and leading her team. You don’t want to miss this engaging conversation! Krista is the CEO of Krista Home located in Palm Beach Florida. Originally from Connecticut and trained in NY at Parsons School of Interior Design with a masters of Fine Arts from the New School, NYC, Krista is known for her highly acclaimed HGTV shows Save My Bath and Splurge & Save. She's also been featured on The Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible and DIY's The Vanilla Ice Project for seven seasons. Selected as one of the designers for the prestigious Kips Bay Show House in 2019 Krista has also won two 2018 American Society of Interior Designers Crystal Awards, a 2018 LUXE Residential Excellence Award and three 2017 American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Awards. Krista was one of the selected designers for the prestigious Kips Bay Show House in 2019. She won two 2018 American Society of Interior Designers Crystal Awards, a 2018 LUXE Residential Excellence Award and three 2017 American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Awards. Her work is regularly featured in many publications including Architectural Digest, Decor, Luxe Interiors & Design, Florida Design, Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, Southern Style At Home and Cottages & Bungalows. Show Highlights: When an employee hasn’t risen to exceptional status, it can sometimes be because we haven’t empowered them to properly do their job when they don’t have a clear understanding of their job description. Streamlining her business helped Krista and her team figure out who was responsible for providing different services, and how they could do it in a way that was fun and empowering for everybody so they loved coming to work. In doing this, she wanted to discover people’s natural talents and expertise. Krista wants her company to be able to function without her presence. Employees need clarity on their roles but they also need clarity on your company’s mission and vision. Service is Krista’s mission and she shares the relevance of saying, “Yes, And”. LuAnn emphasizes the importance of words. “A Design Lab” rather than a “Design Presentation”: Krista describes her plan to make everything fun for her clients when they come in to finalize the work product. When you feel fearful or anxious about something, it’s time for action. You need to do something to propel yourself forward. What you’re naturally good at is what you grow your passion around. Krista describes her employees’ job descriptions and how each of their strengths complement their positions. Having a philosophy in life that brings you great happiness and carrying that over to your work life is a win/win situation. Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday LuAnn Live LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22! If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits. Connect with Krista! Krista’s Website Krista’s Facebook Krista’s Instagram Books Mentioned: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts by LuAnn Nigara & Friends 3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And!by Travis L. Thomas 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. Previous Show Mentioned: #526 featuring Asha Chaudhary  

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! And today LuAnn will be doing a ‘Where Are They Now’ episode with Wendy Woloshchuk, who last made her appearance on A Well-Designed Business about two years ago.    What a difference those two years have made! Wendy is here to share the invaluable information she has learned from LuAnn Live and The Power Talk Friday Tour, the implementations to her business that resulted from that, and the profound impact it has had on her life.   You don’t want to miss this conversation! Get ready for some takeaways from this!   Wendy Woloshchuk believes that great interior design can change your everyday life. It’s about more than just beauty and function. It’s about creating a home that feels like a warm hug when you walk in after a long day. The details of your home create that feeling of comfort. She believes that interior design should be approachable, not intimidating! Her goal is not to make your house a showpiece, but to create a beautiful, comforting space and to see you enjoying it with friends and family. Wendy has been an interior designer and decorating enthusiast for as long as she can remember, and has been getting paid to do it since 2007, when she received her Interior Design Certification from Bay Path University. She is a frequent speaker and panelist at design events. She’s spoken for Facebook, been on multiple panels at High Point Market, was an invited guest at The Designer Experience, and was on the designhounds Influencer tour of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS).   Wendy is a Houzz influencer, has won multiple Houzz Service Awards, and is a Maria Killam Certified True Colour Expert. She was also a Las Vegas Market Red Carpet Tour attendee. She has done multiple projects with the Make a Wish Foundation, and she’s a certified member of The Interior Design Society (IDS).   Wendy loves sharing interior design advice and ideas. She coaches interior designers from around the world and teaches both local and online workshops to interior designers, decorators and home stagers on the business of interior design, and offer free tips on design on her Facebook live show, The Daily Details! She’s been quoted and/or seen in: Designers Today Magazine The Sunday Republican The Palmer Journal Mydoma.com Window Fashion Vision magazine …and heard on: A Well-Designed Business podcast with LuAnn Nigara Home Stagers and Designers on Fire podcast with Marianne Cherico     When she’s not working on other people’s houses – or on the beach in Aruba – she’s in her own home in the woods, listening to podcasts or country music; cheering for the New England Patriots; or spending time with her husband, Mike (Wally), and their schnug, Ozzy.   Show Highlights:   As Wendy explains, she had a process, but it was inconsistent. Once she hired an assistant, she knew she had to have a better process in place. Wendy took the time to document her processes in a “Standards of Excellence Manual”, an idea she got from Ashley Uhl.  Wendy asked her assistant to write down her own documented processes as she experienced them after a month of being hired, then they compared notes. This allowed them to fine-tune the manual. Another idea she got from Ashley Uhl was sending a simple hand-written thank you note after a consult.  LuAnn loved the idea Wendy shared of sending “Happy Birthday to Your Room” cards to her clients after their first anniversary of doing business together. After year 5 and year 10, Wendy sends a card offering to refresh their room design. Wendy hired Nancy Ganzekaufer as a coach and worked with her for most of last year. One of the big areas in which Nancy helped was with Wendy’s numbers, so she increased both her hourly rates and her consults rates, and started charging her clients retail for product, which substantially increased her profits. All clients get a weekly update email very Friday updating them on their project and exactly what was accomplished over the past week. Nicole Heymer’s branding course helped Wendy to websites, social media. what she wanted from her website, so last year, Wendy worked with a copywriter to redesign her website, making it more relaxed and fun. Based on conversations over lunch with Debbe Daley and Marianne Cherico last year, Wendy, Debbe, and Marianne started the Design for Today Collaborative. They do in-person workshops at the Boston Design Center and other venues around New England. It’s a way to keep designers up to date on technology, websites, and social media but has grown to include staging coaching. LuAnn points out that Wendy’s success story is a great example of never being afraid of seeking help and knowledge from others, and taking that information you learn and putting it into practice.     Links / Resources:   LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Sara’s Blog post on LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday  Luannlive.com   LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22! If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to www.processleadstoprofits.com.   Connect with Wendy! Wendy’s YouTube Wendy’s Pinterest Wendy’s Facebook Wendy’s Instagram Wendy’s LinkedIn Wendy’s Website Design For Today Collaborative Facebook Page   Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors:   FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness   Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! https://www.article.com   Previous Show Mentioned: Ashley Uhl #412 Nancy Ganzekaufer: #15, #159, #256, #389 Eileen Hahn #363 Kae Whitaker #26, #66, #114, #259, #274 Sarah Daniele #91, #177 Nicole Heymer #125, #317, #466 Debbe Daley #431 Marianne Cherico #123 Kimberly Merlitti #361, #442 Sally Williams #496 Claire Jefford #237, #325, #485 Sara Brennan #463, #524 Wendy Woloshchuk #316

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! LuAnn is so excited to finally be able to introduce this new sponsor to the show by chatting with none other than the CEO of Jaipur Living, Asha Chaudhary! In this episode, you’ll be learning about Jaipur’s beauty, value, and social responsibility, as well as their customer-centric trade partner program and their easier-than-ever to browse website with stunning images. Listen in to the conversation and please welcome Jaipur Living to the family! As president and CEO of Jaipur Living, Inc., Asha Chaudhary brings a personal perspective to the rug industry: “I grew up around rugs all my life; it’s a part of me.” From a childhood spent observing weavers and designers, Chaudhary has grown into a powerful design force within the industry. As the rare female CEO, Chaudhary has built a thriving business across rug constructions and textile accessories. Chaudhary’s father NK founded Jaipur Rugs, India’s largest manufacturer of hand-knotted rugs. She watched as he took the company from nine weavers in the family home to a global presence that employs more than 40,000 artisans.  Chaudhary came to the U.S. in 1997 to attend Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating in 2001 as a Dean’s List scholar with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a concentration in Finance. Chaudhary just graduated with a certificate from the Owner/ President Management program at Harvard Business School. She is also an active member of the Entrepreneurs Organization, Young Presidents Organization, Nest and ASID.  After taking over leadership of the company’s U.S. operations in 2005, Chaudhary set out to expand on her father’s original vision to create beautiful lives through great design and respect for artisans. Today, she has broadened the company’s range of products and its customer base.  Chaudhary has overseen new product launches of pillows, poufs, and throws, and a major restructuring and re-branding of the company to Jaipur Living, Inc. Jaipur Living’s customer base has expanded to include a broad mix of retailers, e-commerce dealers, and a sizable, loyal interior design following.  Looking towards the future, Chaudhary wants to help bridge the world of handmade artistry with the end consumer. “I’d like them to understand and appreciate the harmony of the design process and their part in it - with the first spark of an idea, through the hands of an artisan, and ultimately into their home. And always with the intent to create beautiful lives.”. Show Highlights: Asha shares the compelling story of her childhood and her incredibly visionary parents. Jaipur Living is a family enterprise and Asha’s Father is known as “the Ghandi of the rug business”. Jaipur Living has a handmade, custom line of rugs and has award-winning designs and team: they were the winner of the last 2 Dallas ARTS Awards and 3 design awards in 2020 at Domotex in Germany. 95% of interior designers rate Jaipur Living as better than other rug companies when it comes to products and customer service. Asha praises the 40,000 artisans in more than 600 villages in India for the beautiful work that they do. These artisans earn a sustainable wage that far surpasses the industry average, and also receive access to healthcare, education, and social development opportunities, in partnership with the Jaipur Rugs Foundation. Asha’s personal favorite features on their newly-designed WEBSITE includes real-time inventory, Pantone color matching, instant quotes, and the ability to customize the size and shape of more than 600 rugs. Jaipur Living has a comprehensive swatch program: free swatches are available on every single product that they offer. Touch and feel, and share with your customers! They have THOUSANDS of products in stock and ready to ship, and orders ship within 4-6 hours of receipt of order. Jaipur Living works hard to design beautiful things across all price points, and they are proud of their dedicated customer service! Creating beautiful lives is the mission of Jaipur Living, and they strive to keep the art of weaving alive. The art of weaving is passed down from generation to generation. Asha shares how each and every rug has a story behind it. LuAnn addresses the designers listening to the show regarding the value and practical reasons that it makes sense to work with Jaipur Living. In future episodes, LuAnn will be sharing more about the value, features, and benefits of working with Jaipur Living, so stay tuned! Thank you, Asha and Jaipur Living, for sponsoring this podcast! Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday Luann Live LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22! If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits. Please Extend A Warm Welcome to Our New Sponsor By Visiting Their Links! Jaipur’s Purpose Is To Create Beautiful Lives! Get Started Creating Yours, Now! Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Jaipur Living’s Instagram: #jaipurliving Jaipur Living’s Facebook Jaipur Living’s Pinterest Book Mentioned: The Healing Organization: Awakening the Conscience of Business to Help Save the World  by Raj Sisodia and Michael J. Gelb  

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Today is a special episode because it features a #smartlady that LuAnn has come to know over the last several months and has been impressed by how thoughtfully and purposefully she runs her interior design firm. Traci Connell joins LuAnn and weaves in info not only about how she designs, but how she delivers the design process to her clients. You’re going to learn how Traci reflected, analyzed, and documented what she did, how she did it, and what worked and what didn’t, all in the face of tremendous anguish and hardship. Traci is the combination of a sweet, southern lady with the grit and fortitude it takes to not only survive but to thrive and to provide for herself, her family and her staff. Traci Connell is an award-winning creative entrepreneur whose business sense and design skills are combined with a passion for delivering interiors that are at the heart of livable style. Her well-edited spaces feature functionality for a distinctive aesthetic she calls Ease of Glamour. She gives you luxury you can live in along with an innovative customer service experience that saves you time and money. High-end design, business savvy and a simplicity-driven approach — that’s what makes Traci one of leading interior designers in Dallas and the surrounding areas. Traci’s projects have been featured on the cover of Luxe Interiors and Design as well as projects showcased in Traditional Home, among numerous other publications. She has been named D Home Best Designer of 2018, 2019, and 2020 and was included in the 2018 Gold List by Luxe Interiors and Design. Her latest endeavor is her consulting business to teach other designers how to get unstuck and scale their business just like she did using her proven system that she tested and developed over the past 8 years. She is really excited to share this system with others. Check out her website Traci Connell for more details. Show Highlights: Traci shares her story and describes how she was trying to up-level her business during a trying time but couldn’t get any straight answers to the questions she had. This experience gave her the desire to help other designers who are experiencing setbacks to get unstuck. Remember that you have a choice! Get vulnerable and accept help from coaches, mentors, or whoever it takes. There’s no reason to go it alone. Put your business under a magnifying glass and take a hard look at your finances, margins, and revenue streams. Evaluate your pipeline and run your projections for the year. Create processes and systems for your business. As Traci explains, this is KEY in being able to confidently deliver an excellent client experience, to be able to scale, and to be able to take time off from your business when you need it to take care of yourself, especially if you may be in crisis like she was as she built her business. It is critical to build the right team. You must surround yourself with a team that can execute and help grow and run your firm profitably. Traci shares her concept of “Ease of Glamour”, which is livable luxury, and tips on how she streamlined her own personal life. The confidence behind finding your niche is super-important. Always deliver more than what is expected. This communicates value to the client. Traci is coaching and teaching other designers like you to go from setbacks to success using her proven system that she has tested and developed over the past 8 years. For more info go to Traci Connell. Links : LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22! If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits. Is Chairman of the Board Right for Your Business? LuAnn Nigara Connect with Traci! Traci’sEmail  Traci’s Coaching Website Traci’s Interiors Website Traci’s Instagram Traci’s Facebook Traci’s Pinterest SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: If you are listening in real-time, we are on the 2nd day of our epic online summit hosted by Mydoma Studio. It is called 19Hours. A huge thanks to Mydoma Studio as well as our other sponsors: Kravet, Article, Kirsch, Jaipur Living, Monogram, IDS, Revelwoods, Summer Classics, and Gaby Home. Traci will be on LuAnn’s panel Thursday, April 9th, along with Sandra Funk, Monica Wilcox, and Tobi Fairley. Don’t miss it!! Event: 19hours Hosted by: Mydoma Studio Monday, April 6th - Thursday, April 9th This is a FREE VIRTUAL EVENT! Presentations Each Day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm EST. It will be recorded for later viewing. This Is The Industry’s Answer to Covid-19 and Contains Much of the Content That Was Planned for HP Market. DON’T MISS the Solo Presentations by Some of the Industry’s Top Business Leaders and Panel Discussions with Some of the Industry’s Top Designers! To Sign Up, Go to 19hours Thank You to This Podcast Sponsor: Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch Other Shows Mentioned: LuAnn #491 Chairman of the Board Opportunity Nancy Ganzekaufer #15, #159, #256, #389 Nicole Cole #509 Kim Merlitti #361, #442 Michele Williams #137, #180, #395, #424 Denise Wenacur #513 For conversation about the importance of reciprocal mentoring and paid coaching, go to Rasheeda Gray #267, Christina Bruce #486, Laurence Carr #484 and Laura Umansky #492 For a good conversation about taking a hard look at your finances, go back and re-listen to Cheryl Clendenon’s show #482 as well as Kimberly Merlitti #442. Conversations about creating processes and systems for your business include: Sara Brennan #463, Darci Hether #220 and Christine Lin #470. For shows about building the right teams, go to Eileen Hahn #363, Janelle Photopoulus #364, Rebecca Richardson #303, and Chad James #68.  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Sara Lynn Brennan joins  LuAnn to chat about faith or fear. Earlier this year, Sara wrote a blogpost titled, “Are You Operating Your Design Business Out of Faith or Fear?” and in the midst of the current pandemic, it seems like a great time to re-visit her reflections. Although her original intent had nothing to do with the Corona Virus, there are lessons in the article that are certainly timely and applicable to our current situation. Sara 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: LuAnn’s interview with Candy Scott in Episode 279 was the inspiration behind Sara’s blogpost, “Are You Operating Your Design Business Out of Faith or Fear?”. A lot of drama stems from fear, and this was Sara’s epiphany that even the design experts have the same doubts as everybody. Be prepared for problems, but having the right processes in place will give you confidence that you’ve covered all of your bases. Problems that might occur will not be because you weren’t following through. Drama in projects can stem from lack of communication, expectations, mistakes, personalities, etc. How you handle it is what makes all of the difference. Look for common ground where your clients feel heard and happy. If you’re working from home during this outbreak, explain upfront to your client that your kids are home and there may be some interruptions during a phone call. Conversely, if you’re talking with a client and their kids are home and interrupting, don’t roll your eyes or express frustration. Let them know it’s ok because you’re both in the situation together. Offer to reschedule if that is better for them. This quarantine is slowing us all down and giving us common ground, and opening up opportunities to have hard conversations. LuAnn addresses fear and the ways it can impact our business relationships. Sara offers ideas to make things happen during this downtime. Know your worth! Doing your best isn’t just what you showed up that day, doing. Doing your best is being prepared to do your best and doing extra. Gather your best resources, and spend your time sourcing so that you have the opportunity to provide your finest services. Showing up with a plan, some knowledge, and a background will separate you from the others who are just showing up. This is what Sara means when she says, “Showing up is not enough.” Are you going to be the person who deflects and doesn’t want to look bad? Or are you going to be the person that owns it because you can see where it went wrong and you’re going to make it better? Take this time to re-organize and streamline your business. The more informed the client is, the further along you can get with them, faster. Clarity is key and comes from preparation. Links:  LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog Power Talk Friday SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Event: 19hours Hosted by: Mydoma Studio Monday, April 6th - Thursday, April 9th This is a FREE VIRTUAL EVENT! Presentations Each Day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm EST. It will be recorded for later viewing. This Is The Industry’s Answer to Covid-19 and Contains Much of the Content That Was Planned for HP Market. DON’T MISS the Solo Presentations by Some of the Industry’s Top Business Leaders and Panel Discussions with Some of the Industry’s Top Designers! To Sign Up, Go to 19hours Interior Design Standard IWCE 2020 Connect with Sara! Sara’s Website Sara’sInstagram Process Leads to Profits- Starts April 22nd! Get Your Early Bird Pricing Now! Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors: FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Monogram - Work with Us Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.comHere! Article Previous Shows Mentioned: Nancy Ganzekaufer: 15, 159, 256, 389 Nicole Heymer: 125, 317, 466 Candy Scott: 227 Sandra Funk: 02, 145 Sara Lynn Brennan: 463, 514  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn brings you a very special conversation today, one that may hit very close to home for many of us; mental illness. Bearing that in mind, I must also say that this show was recorded months ago before the word COVID 19 was even legitimately on our radar. Even though the topic of mental illness can be sensitive, it’s important to talk about it.  Whether mental illness affects us personally or affects one of our loved ones, you’re not going to want to miss this intimate talk. LuAnn’s guest is Leah M. Meyer Perez, and Leah will be sharing how she overcame her own internal struggles while trying to run a business. She wants to share her story and bring it out in the open so that we as a community don’t have to feel embarrassed about asking for help. She encourages an environment of support and care for each other. Leah M. Meyer Perez is the CEO/Principal Designer of Leah May Interior Design. Like so many of you, from an early age Leah was creative and had a natural talent for interiors. From her artistic flair in art class to tinkering in the garage with her Father, Leah’s path was destined for design. Leah has earned an extensive knowledge of fabrics and furniture by working for several boutique interior firms including a custom furniture workshop and drapery workroom. In 2014, taking a leap of faith, Leah opened her residential interior design firm and as you will learn today, Leah has had to overcome more than simply understanding marketing, bookkeeping, and pipeline building in order to be successful. If you are listening and you are struggling with serious thoughts of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, or isolation, there is no podcast for that. Please reach out, and have a friend help you find qualified help. You deserve to be happy and fulfilled and like Leah, with true professional therapy, it IS possible. Show Highlights: First: It’s Ok to have fears and insecurities. You just have to find the courage to talk to somebody about them and work through them. Leah shares how her symptoms of mental illness manifested in her personal and business lives. Understand self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors by learning to be self-aware. Therapy can help you discover the heart of the issues. Learning that she was a negative person and realizing that she had to start being grateful was a turning point in Leah’s life. Appreciate all of the things you’re good at doing. Leah strives to push past the fear of talking about mental illness. What other people think of you does NOT define you. You must be open to help. You cannot change another person, but you can learn to change how you respond to a person. You never know what another person is going through. Share a high-five with someone who you think could use it, and if you’re inclined, tell someone you talk with today something nice so that they have a positive thought in their head when you part. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! The Power Talk Friday Tour LuAnn Live WCAA Exciting Windows IWCE-Vision My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Connect with Leah! Leah’s Website Leah’s Facebook Leah’s Instagram Thank You to This Podcast Sponsor: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Other shows mentioned to link to and tag in Social Media Alex Gourlay # 447 Wendy Glaister # 386 Desi Creswell # 475    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Peter Lang joins LuAnn on today’s show to discuss accounting that is specific to design firms. Peter is a CPA that works exclusively with interior designers, and he will be covering the nuances of the industry. He is also a co-author of LuAnn’s latest book, A Well-Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts. If you’re a business owner and concerned about how this current COVID-19 pandemic will impact your taxes, you will not want to miss this episode! Peter Lang is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  He is the founder of The Designer CPA, a CPA firm that works exclusively with business owners in the design industry.  He has worked in public accounting since graduating from Providence College in 2002.  After working for several larger size firms in Boston and Rhode Island, Peter realized his true passion was to start a firm that specifically focused on designers.   Peter currently resides in Rhode Island with his wife Carmen and their identical twin boys, William and Matthew.  He enjoys running and golfing outside of work. Show Highlights: The IRS expects you to file your 2019 income tax return by April 15th, or apply for an extension. If you have a Federal or state tax payment that is due, they expect that by the April 15th deadline. Technically you are responsible for Q1 2020 estimated payments by April 15th, as well. HOWEVER, due to the pandemic, the IRS has reset all of the April 15th deadlines to July 15th for the 2019 filing year. This gives everyone an additional 90 days to get all of your information to them. The IRS has NOT changed the Q2 2020 estimated payments deadline of June 15th, so this WILL still be due. Peter addresses which deadline might be better to consider, and why; HSA’s, and sales tax. Peter and LuAnn discuss the stimulus package, how much we might expect to receive, and when it will be sent. What you need to know if you’re receiving unemployment compensation and receive a stimulus payment. Your business may be eligible for relief in the form of a relaxed-rules small business loan. Listen for details! Payroll tax credits, deferments, and managing your cash flow. Things you can do now to be ready in the event another disaster strikes: Get your books in order. Make sure you understand your numbers. Set aside cash for quarterly tax payments. Don’t mingle sales tax collected from customers with your operating cash. Build a reserve of three months fixed operating expenses in a savings account. LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Event: 19hours Hosted by: Mydoma Studio Monday, April 6th - Thursday, April 9th This is a FREE VIRTUAL EVENT! Presentations Each Day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm EST. It will be recorded for later viewing. This Is The Industry’s Answer to Covid-19 and Contains Much of the Content That Was Planned for HP Market. DON’T MISS the Solo Presentations by Some of the Industry’s Top Business Leaders and Panel Discussions with Some of the Industry’s Top Designers! To Sign Up, Go to 19hours Connect with Peter! Peter’s Website Book Mentioned: A Well-Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts by LuAnn Nigara & Friends Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.comHere! Article FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! My Doma studio: A Well Designed Business Kravet Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch Sponsors You’ll Be Learning More About in the Future: Jaipur Monogram Shows Mentioned: Michele Williams - Certified Profit First Coach #180 Peter Lang previous episodes: #349, #464 #519 finances at Window Works  

Welcome to this episode of A Well-Designed Business! Gabriela Gargano joins LuAnn in this episode to caution us as entrepreneurs about being careful not to apply reasons and rationale to decisions that we are facing because we are reluctant to take the risk. Gaby also shares some very specific strategies that she is employing as the CEO of her design firm in light of the Corona Virus, which you will likely find very smart and useful! You are going to love these ideas! After graduating from college with degrees in Art History, Hispanic Studies, and Business Economics, Gaby spent more than a decade at Goldman Sachs, as a sales trader and relationship manager. She simultaneously grew her passion for interior design through real estate investing, renovation, and staging of her properties in Manhattan. In 2016, she decided to leave finance and establish Grisoro Designs, a full-service interior design firm located in New York City. Gaby’s style blends clean lines with rich textures and eclectic pieces, referencing art, and vintage design. The team's process is anchored in a deep understanding of each client's design goals, functional needs, and lifestyle. By implementing a transparent process, clear communication, and active project and budget management, they can provide a seamless experience, resulting in a beautiful and functional space that truly feels like home.  Grisoro Designs has been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Domino, and several other publications. Services offered include interior design, full-scale renovations, project management, budget management, art curation, and real estate advisory.  SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Event: 19hours Hosted by: Mydoma Studio Monday, April 6th - Thursday, April 9th This is a FREE VIRTUAL EVENT! Presentations Each Day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm EST. It will be recorded for later viewing. This Is The Industry’s Answer to Covid-19 and Contains Much of the Content That Was Planned for HP Market. DON’T MISS the Solo Presentations by Some of the Industry’s Top Business Leaders and Panel Discussions with Some of the Industry’s Top Designers! To Sign Up, Go to 19 Hours Show Highlights: Gaby was at Goldman Sachs during the 2008 recession. Decide what you want your business to look like. The indicators that Gaby used to evaluate when it was time to grow: Assessing her past, current, and projected pipeline. She made sure that she was attracting the type of clients that will take her into the future. She recognized that she was so fatigued that she was jeopardizing her ability to deliver her creative best to her clients. She realized that she and the employees she had on board were consistently being pushed to their limits, and this was leaving a lot of room for errors. Working from home is fine, but getting space brings an elevated sense in having your own studio. You’re able to have your full-time employees there, bring on an intern, and have your vendors and clients meet you there. Remember that this Covid-19 crisis isn’t forever. Take this time to learn to work better remotely. Find more ways to be collaborative and keep the lines of communication open. As entrepreneurs, we have to figure out a way to work through this. Focus on business planning in greater detail, such as business expenses, hurdles, goals, targets, etc. Most importantly, do not delay in responding and looking at what changes you need to make in order to protect your cash flow. Make rational, unemotional decisions when you are calm. Make decisions based on thoughtful evaluation with your CFO or whoever helps you with your finances in your business. Commit to taking the actions that you make a decision on. This planning and effort will help to provide you with a peace of mind, which is very important subconsciously for your team. When you’re calm and positive, your team will feel that. Don’t overreact. But don’t NOT act! LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Connect with Gaby! Design Firm: Grisoro Designs Principal: Gabriela Gargano Gaby’s Instagram Gaby’s Website Do YOU Need Help with Your Past, Current, or Projected Pipeline? Michele Williams: Scarlet Thread Consulting Kim Merlitti:  KMM Consulting Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors: Kravet For 10% off any Kravet Wallpaper, Fabric, or Trim Enter at Checkout This Promo Code: awdb10 Kirsch Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Mentioned Episodes #519  

Welcome to this episode of A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn chats with Sandra Funk about Sandra’s amazing new program for the interior design community. Her program is called “The Interior Design Standard”. Just wait until you hear about it, you’re going to LOVE this! Sandra Funk is the CEO and Principal Designer of House of Funk, a greater New York area design firm working wherever great clients need us. This is interior design with a soul and a sense of place; reflecting your desires, personality, and style. House of Funk creates thoughtful homes with an emphasis on clean lines and soulful touches, all rooted in tradition. Sandra is an Accredited Professional for the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Sandra’s award-winning design work has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor, House Beautiful, The Huffington Post, Apartment Therapy, Aspire Design & Home, and Luxe Interiors + Design. With almost two decades in the interior design industry, Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020 – a template for designers to utilize her streamlined processes and business structure to bring joy and profit to their own design business. Show Highlights: Sandra’s program is targeted towards interior designers to guide them on the path of business success. The Interior Design Standard is a program comprised of Sandra’s templates, systems, and processes, delivered in a digital format to help designers run a more efficient, joy-filled, and profitable business. The program includes: Sandra’s design fee calculator - confidently calculate flat design fees in moments. House of Funk’s design agreement, that both clients and designers love. The exact process that each interior design project follows, from the first potential client contact to pitching the photos to press. Four designers beta-tested the program for three months and gave the program rave reviews. LuAnn and Sandra discuss the lessons learned from beta-testing. There’s a lack of standards in the industry. Depending on your situation, the time of implementation will vary but is expected to take approximately 3 months. Sandra asks: Do you want to spend another year wondering if you should edit your terms, update your fees, pass along your trade discount or make a profit on furnishings, or manage client expectations better? The Interior Design Standard purchase is a lifetime membership and 100% guaranteed, but you have to fully implement from start to finish. Sandra’s program costs $3,989, plus any applicable tax. This program streamlines your methods of business management and execution! Sandra wants to see the industry become more professional and profitable. The more profitable the designer the better work you can all do as an industry, and the better high-quality customer service you can offer to your clients. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Connect with Sandra! House Of Funk Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry. In April, she’s launching the Interior Design Standard - a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business. Click here to take her FREE Demo Module to get a taste of what’s to come: Interior Design Standard April 8th: Registration opens Note: If designers register before April 22nd, they receive VIP access which grants them 3 group Zoom calls with Sandra. April 22nd: VIP Access closes and general enrollment begins May 5th: Enrollment closes at 11:59 PM May 6th: Module 1 is released and the program begins FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Podcast Sponsor: Article Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn has been considering adding a Wednesday show answering straight-up questions that you ask her via email and SM, and with everything happening in the world right now, she thought this was the perfect time to debut “What Would Lu Do?” On today’s episode, she will be discussing doing business through a crisis. In the 40 years, she’s been in business, she has had to weather all kinds of crises, such as recessions, acts of terrorism, and viral pandemic scares. Listen in to learn how you can be smart, strategic, and patient to help you get your business to the other side of this! Be sure to join her next Wednesday as she shares some additional tips to help you through this difficult time. Show Highlights: This is critical: 1) Don’t overreact. 2) Don’t NOT act. Cash flow is KING. Everything in your business will depend on your cash flow. The first-level action plan: Focus on sales. Monitor cash flow and keep your vendors paid. Review all money owed to you and collect any outstanding balances. Go through your expenses with a fine-toothed comb. Owner’s pay cuts as loans to the company. Other ideas for consideration: Consider working remotely. Work on projects that you have been ignoring, especially if they generate revenue. Keep a routine. Find your mentors, your peers, set up phone calls, zoom meetings, brainstorm ideas on how to stay productive, how to maintain your clients and how to build your pipeline for when this is a bad nightmare for all of us down the road. LuAnn’s favorite tip from an emergency virtual meeting with her colleagues at Exciting Windows is from Steve Wishnow, who said, “Get Smart - Get Market Share.” He urged the allocation of money to marketing during this time and to not make the mistake of curbing this expense. Don’t go into debt, do everything with common sense. But now is the time to let people know you are here, you will be here and you can be depended on. Find a way to stay positive through this! Links: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! The Power Talk Friday Tour LuAnn Live WCAA Exciting Windows IWCE Vision Carla Aston Tips for Building Future Success When Your Interior Design Business is Slow Episode Mentioned: episode #242 Carla Aston  

Welcome to A Well Designed Business! It’s WTF, Window Treatment Friday! In today’s episode, LuAnn and her friend and co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska, cover effective communication between the interior designer and the workroom to ensure a successful project. One of the private Facebook groups that Vita belongs to is the “Soft Furnishings & Upholstery” group. Prior to this show, she posted a query asking for their stories on the topic of communication, both good and bad, that members’ workrooms have had with their designers. She received some really good feedback on what worked and what didn’t work, and she and LuAnn will be sharing their collective wisdom with you today. Listen in to take advantage of what others have learned from their experiences, and remember the most important thing of all: communication is key with everything! Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short!), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers. Show Highlights: Vita explains the difference between the detailed estimate and the top-line budget estimate and discusses the proper information that is required from the designer. The right questions contribute to a successful site visit to take measurements and discuss project specifics. It is important for the designer to be present at this visit. If you’re a designer or a workroom new to window treatments, make sure meetings happen when all of the important parties are there. Considerations when choosing types of fabric. You must take ownership and read the detailed estimate, question it, and correct if needed. Some workrooms require the designer to sign it. Vita shares her recommendations for managing outstanding issues on the detailed proposal. LuAnn offers further suggestions on ironing out all the details. Additional communication tips: Be clear on who is responsible for what. Be clear on terms. Use only one way of communicating, preferably email. Be sure to follow up a verbal conversation with a summary email. Thank your workroom! And keep them in the loop. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! The Power Talk Friday Tour LuAnn Live WCAA Exciting Windows IWCE Vision My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Vitalia Inc. Grand Opening! All are invited to join us for Vita's grand opening! June 16th, 4-7pm LuAnn is excited to be there and all are invited to join! RSVP at Vitalia Inc Events To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc: Vitalia Inc To learn more & register for Vita's course: Profit With Window Treatments Thank You to This Podcast Sponsor: Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Mentioned Shows: Links to previous WTF episodes #462, #471 Sandra Funk #02, 145  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is Melissa Lindsay, Co-Owner of Pimlico Interiors, located in Westport, CT. She will be sharing some of the methods and tactics that she and her partner, Jill Kakaletris, use when dealing with difficult conversations and difficult clients. As #seasoned designers, Melissa and Jill have had their share of difficult conversations with clients and together they have developed a personal philosophy for handling these as well as some actual tips to help you navigate them, too. Whether you are crafting an email or having a hard person-to-person discussion, there are some strategies here that you can most certainly find useful! Melissa brings 20 years of luxury residential design experience and award-winning interiors to the firm. Named at home Magazine’s A-list award winner multiple years over, she has been lauded by industry professionals from Celerie Kemble to Bunny Williams. Show Highlights: Be truthful with kindness and grace! Listen more than talk. This is the only way to truly know what the obstacle is for the client. And if you are reading an email from a client--- read it closely and consider only what it says; don’t make up stuff in your head. Keep to your talking points and be clear and focused. Keep the conversation respectful and unemotional. Know your value and be confident in it. Have a value statement prepared that you are ready to say when you are in a situation that is getting tricky. Keep re-stating your points, rephrasing if necessary, and don’t get dragged into details that are irrelevant. This distracts from the solution. Keep a cache of pre-written emails that you can go to in the tough moments. You can tweak as needed for the present client. This helps in both diffusing your emotion of the current situation as well as saving not having to start from scratch over and over. Stop talking once you have made your points. By continuing to talk it opens the conversation to points that are not core to the current conflict. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! The Power Talk Friday Tour LuAnn Live Connect with Melissa! Pimlico Interiors Interior Design Standard East End Interiors Trade Mydoma Studio: Well Designed Business Kirsch Stamford Waterside Design District March 19this the 4th birthday party for this podcast! Thanks to Kravet Inc for hosting this. Please join us 5:30- 7:30 pm at the Kravet Work Space Showroom at 200 Lexington Ave NYC. You can find the RSVP on EventBrite as well as on the website under the Events Tab. March 21stto 24th Exciting Windows and IWCE  / March 25th to the 27th Teaching the Professional Window Coverings 7 Step Process, which is open to the public. Go to Exciting Windows. At the IWCE, Luann will be doing Closing the Sale Begins with Hello, as well as moderating some panels on Profitability with the Vin Man and Michele Williams. Next, LuAnn has a panel with Sara Brennan on Packaging your Process and Working with Window Treatment Professionals with Sara Brennan and Vita. Please visit IWCE-Vision. April 2nd, Thursday, East End Interiors is celebrating 30 years in business this year and they have invited LuAnn to speak at their showroom in Long Island NY. If you were at LuAnn Live last year, then you know Sal and Enza and you already know what a fantastic family business they run. If you are in the NY Metro area, especially LI, you must make the time to join us so you can see everything they have to help you complete all of your design projects. They are a strictly to the trade showroom featuring furniture, lighting, accessory and more. LuAnn is also delighted to share that they are the Exclusive VIP Experience Sponsor for LuAnn Nigara Live 2020. High Point Market in April. It all starts with LuAnn’s PTF Tour on Friday, April 24th, 8am to 11:00 pm. Yup, all day, this event is jam-packed, loaded-to-the-gills, with eye-opening A-ha’s and advice specific to your business. LuAnn brings you 3 of her PTF Experts and one of them is Sandra Funk, the CEO of HOF. Sandra will be on an upcoming PTF where you will learn how she truly runs the back end of her business. And then, get to spend the whole day picking her brain? Uhmmm, the price of admission is worth it right there, no question. During the next few days at HP, LuAnn will have several presentations and panels. Saturday, April 25th, she’ll moderate a panel at the showroom of the newest sponsor to join the show, Jaipur, which will be co-hosted by Revelwoods and the Interior Design Society. They will be talking about the Design-Build Process and how to navigate the big-ticket projects. On Sunday, April 26th, LuAnn will be in the HP Theater at 12:00 noon for a very special one-on-one conversation with a very special friend, designer, and all around outstanding human being…not sure if ASID wants the proverbial beans spilled yet…so just put LuAnn on your dance card! Here’s a hint: If you were at LuAnn Live, you could probably make a good guess as to his name… Sunday at 4:00 pm you can always find LuAnn at the Kravet showroom. This is a wonderful opportunity to see and meet the incredible leadership team atKravet Inc. Later at 6:00 pm Sunday, there will be a special VIP party with Mydoma Studio. YOU are the special VIP :) This is a kickoff event to celebrate this new collaboration, so please join us. I THINK THIS IS THE PART IN QUESTION Monday morning, LuAnn will moderate a panel all about Process Leads to Profits. LuAnn’s friend and Process Leads to Profits course teacher, Sara Lynn Brennan will be there along with a few others yet to be announced. This is also hosted by Mydoma Studio. Check LuAnn’s Website later this month for all of the locations and details.  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday! On today’s show, Jude Charles joins LuAnn for a chat about videos, and how important they are to our websites. He is here to explain that compelling video is achieved through storytelling, and how we can’t have video just for video’s sake. It must be compelling and it must do the heavy lifting of attracting our ideal client to us. Jude is talented and clearly passionate about helping business owners tap into their unique value by creating the videos that help your clients feel like they already know you.Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring episode!  Jude Charles is a story-driven filmmaker, brand strategist & speaker. For over 13 years, he has been producing documentaries & videos for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He lives and breathes YOUR brand. He digs deep to find the compelling stories that no one else knows & then leverages those stories to scale your business. Show Highlights: Jude shares how storytelling is pivotal to captivating video. The “why” creates the thread for your story. It’s essential to “cut out the fat” of a 3-minute video to focus on the one core story. A great storyteller is also a great editor. LuAnn draws an interesting parallel between filmmaking and design. The Road Mapping Session: Jude explains his strategy when working with a client. Hearing something said a thousand times is not as convincing as seeing it once for yourself. Clients are searching for silver but are sitting with gold. The gold is the content that they’ve already created, but haven’t yet figured out a way to re-purpose. Jude relates some success stories for a closer look at the process and the results. You are invited to check out some of the work Jude has done on his Website. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! The Power Talk Friday Tour LuAnn Live Check Out LuAnn’s Second Book! A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Window Coveringsu Connect with Jude! Jude’s Website Thank You to This Podcast Sponsor: Kravet Other guests mentioned for Shownotes and to tag in SM: Marie Flanigan #89 Pulp Design Studios #176 Arianne Bellezaire # 30 Fred Berns #174 Claire Jefford #237 Nicole Heymer #125    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this episode, LuAnn chats with Jaclyn Lankiewicz, the woman behind the Instagram handle, Jaclynmari_. She is the principle of Jaclyn Marie Interiors based in Long Island, NY. Her journey into interior design, like many, has not been a direct line. Basically, Jaclyn created an Instagram page that was getting so much attention that it prompted person after person to ask her if she would design their space. As you will hear today, her response was, “I finally said to myself, ok, let me do this”. Jaclyn created an Instagram that has created a design business, and since you already have a design business and want to create more clients through Instagram, perhaps you’ll find her tips to be very helpful. Listen in to see what we can learn about how to attract clients through Instagram! Show Highlights: Keep your feed neutral, bright, and uncluttered. Edit your pictures properly, paying close attention to wood tones. Be strategic about what and where you’re posting. Keep an eye on your nine squares. A picture of herself, a zoomed-in picture of styling, and a larger picture, such as a whole living room or whole kitchen is another tactic that Jaclyn likes to use. Sharing a little of her personal life through Instagram helps people feel connected to her. Another tip that Jaclyn offers is tagging retail vendors because they re-post a lot. Jaclyn likes to share designers on her story (but not on her feed), and details the reasoning behind this. Answering every message and comment from followers is a great way of engaging with them and inspiring trust. How to identify someone whose work you’d like to share, and how to reach out. Understanding your “why” and saying no to those you don’t wish to collaborate with. Posting new content every day shows your followers that you’re reliable. Jaclyn mentions apps that she finds helpful: Videoshop, Unfold, rewardStyle, VSCO, Snapseed, Retouch, and Planoly. Resources:  LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! The Power Talk Friday Tour LuAnn Live Connect with Jaclyn! Jaclyn’s Website Jaclyn’shouzz Jaclyn’s Instagram Wingnut Social East End Interiors Trade Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors: Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Article Other guests mentioned from previous episodes: Sara Lynn Brennan #’s: 463, 514 Darla Powell #’s: 203, 330 Kim Merlitti #’s: 361, 442 Sandra Funk #’s: 2, 145  

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this episode, LuAnn recounts the way that Sara Lynn Brennan, from Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors, went from being a stranger to her, to someone she treasures as a friend, all in less than two years. As an entrepreneur, Sara stands out as one of the most unusual LuAnn has met during her entire business career and her podcast journey. You may have noticed lots of collaboration with Sara over the last few months, and wondered why. There’s a lesson to be learned here, and LuAnn is eager to share it with you! It has to do with investing in your success. One of the ways that LuAnn noticed Sara investing in her success was that she steps outside the box by working on things that may have been intimidating or scary. Another way is that Sara has put in the blood, sweat, and tears. A third way that Sara has brought her business to a place of success so quickly is that she invested her dollar bills. When she made money, she evaluated it, and invested money back into her business. Listen in today to find out what Sara has to share concerning success! Sara 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 shares how listening to LuAnn’s podcast helped her learn to run her business. Aligning yourself with the people you love and respect and want to be like is pivotal in becoming successful, because you are like the five people you spend the most time with. Understanding the value that you bring to the table inspires confidence. It all comes down to what you planned and what you didn’t plan for, and the expectations that you set. You can look back to see where things went wrong. Sara relates her favorite saying and what it means: “The package is the promise of the process.” Sara takes her own discovery calls because she wants to be the first person a client talks to about her process. Whoever is in this with you - a business partner, a coach - can’t stroke your ego; they have to give you the insights and pushback you need. Hard times in life can teach us the greatest lessons. Understanding yourself as a person will help you to find your passion. This sometimes takes therapy or soul-searching. Learn to “edit” your space and business to create a balance that is sustainable. FYI, LuAnn and Sara will be in Charlotte at the IWCE in March! LuAnn details all the other shows that she and Sara will be showing up at in the coming months. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Power Talk Friday LuAnn Live The Power Talk Friday Tour Interior Design Standard IWCE Vision Connect with Sara! Sara’s Website Sara’s Instagram Process Leads to Profit! Big Thanks to ThisPodcast Sponsor: My Doma Studio Book Mentioned: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman Other shows mentioned: Michele Williams: 137, 180, 395, 424 Nancy Ganzekaufer: 15, 159, 256, 389 Nicole Heymer: 466, 317, 125  Wendy Woloshchuk: 316 Sandra Funk: 02, 145 Sara Lynn Brennan: 463    

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On this episode, LuAnn sits down for a chat with Denise Wenacur, the principle of DW Design & Décor in Croton on the Hudson, which is a beautiful community just outside of NYC. Design-build is the hot topic of the day, and you’ll learn the importance of having an interior designer as the point person for the client between the architect, the builder and themselves. She discusses the ways having an interior designer on their team from the outset truly benefits the process and the result of the project. If that wasn’t enough, Denise will share tips for connecting with people who can introduce you to the type of projects you are looking for. Tune in to this engaging and informative conversation! Show Highlights: Denise recounts why and how she changed her business model to include the construction part. She is always the first point of contact as the interior designer. She rounds out each team with an architect, contractor, and whichever trades need to be added, as well. Each team member has their unique perspective and experience that they bring to the job, all working together for the good of the client and a perfect outcome. Making a 3D version of the architect’s plans can assist in both the design and the build in amazing ways. Denise has a video on her website explaining the pros and cons and importance of having a designer involved at the beginning of construction. One big successful project will generate referrals. Sharing on social media tips and ways that your services have made a positive impact will further help you to get noticed. Denise also holds a Construction Manager certificate from Pace University. This helps build confidence when she’s working with the rest of the team. Communication is everything, and it’s all about the client. Denise feels like she’s doing a good job when she gets new clients from her referral partners. Denise shares some ideas on how to meet architects and builders in the area. It’s important to create the relationship first. A CFO surprise! When you know your numbers, it instills confidence and that comes across to your clients. Potential clients will know if you know what you’re doing. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Power Talk Friday LuAnn Live Connect with Denise! Denise’s Website Denise’s Facebook Denise’s Instagram Denise SINGS!The 1-4-5's YouTube Channel Podcast Sponsor: Article Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Other episodes mentioned: #380 Circle Design, John and Theresa Dorlini #361, #442, Kimberly Merlitti #441 4Pt Design Build, Laura and Cliff Muller #181 H2 Design Build, Angela Rasmussen #202 Enoch Sears #292 Jana Phipps  

Welcome to A Well Designed Business! It’s WTF, Window Treatment Friday! It’s been a while since LuAnn has had a window treatment episode, so she’s super-excited to have her co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska back on the show. Hardware is the subject of today’s show, and if talking about ripple folds, pinch pleats, stationary rods, rod pockets, and rods with c-rings make your heart beat a little faster, then you’ve found your people! Drapery rods can be a super-complicated thing, but LuAnn and Vita have a way of making this a fun conversation. Join them in this educational and insightful journey into the world of window treatment hardware. Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  Show Highlights: The more knowledge you have on hardware enables you to sell more window treatments. There are four main components to drapery hardware: the rod, the finials, the brackets, and the rings. The types of rod (or pole) is a basic traverse rod, a decorative traverse rod, and a pole that doesn’t move. Vita explains more about each rod and how it functions with drapery. LuAnn and Vita sing the praises of Kirsch and its Architrac Ripplefold track. Motorized draperies? Yes, it’s a thing! Provide your client with ALL of the options, and let them decide what they want. LuAnn and Vita address drapery issues that designers run into. How to counter a client who asks for a lower price. Drapery hardware can add a lot of profit to a job, but it is its own beast in the world of window treatment professionals. Distributors are there to help you. Familiarize yourself with Kirsch’s website and other drapery hardware websites. Window treatments are a great way to make your company more profitable. Check out LuAnn’s Live Events! She would love to meet you!  Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Kravet To learn more & register for Vita's course: Profit With Window Treatments To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc To learn more about working with Window Works To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the IWCE where both LuAnn and Vita will be presenting: IWCE To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) To learn about Exciting Windows Podcast Sponsor: Kirsch Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now!    

Welcome to this episode of Power Talk Friday! Join LuAnn and her guest, Victoria Sanchez, in this thought-provoking conversation about changing things up in the way we educate interior designers. Her concern is if we don’t start to make changes in the design curriculum, then we, as an industry, are at risk. At one time, Victoria served as in interior design professor at Marymount University and this is where the conversation begins today. As LuAnn will tell you, this is a totally new idea to her and many of us, and sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know! Just wait until you hear what Victoria proposes! Victoria Sanchez, one of America’s premier design professionals, has been creating one-of-a-kind interiors for hundreds of prominent clients over the past three decades. Dubbed a home décor “style maker” by Luxe magazine, Victoria is an award-winning designer who offers services ranging from project management and space planning to kitchen and bath design and furniture selection. She and her team are backed by the region’s leading contractors, painters, architects, kitchen and bath pros, flooring specialists, audio-visual experts, and other professionals. Victoria, whose work has appeared in publications nationwide, is known for her extraordinary customer service, fee integrity and ability to help clients get the highest return on their design investment. She has designed multiple homes for the same clients and has worked with companies to design the interiors of apartment buildings, boutique hotels, and law offices. Victoria spent the majority of her career in Alexandria, Virginia, providing design services to Fortune 500 executives, lobbyists, military generals, doctors, lawyers, investment specialists and other professionals throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and along the east coast. While there, she also ran her ‘Victoria at Home’ shop, the area’s leading source of elegant home furnishings and accessories. Her collection of the finest upholstery, furniture, art, lighting, and pillows was carefully and proudly curated from an international network of vendors and suppliers. Now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Victoria is keeping busy in ways she had never imagined. From charitable design work to the restoration of heritage buildings, the depth and breadth of her work have expanded while her style becomes more and more influenced by the new colors and nature that surround her. She continues to travel back to the East Coast on a regular basis, taking on projects across the country. Victoria also speaks at design industry events across the United States. She is currently active in the American Society of Interior Designers and holds Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees in Interior Design from Marymount University. She also previously served as an interior design professor and was a board member of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association. Show Highlights: The internet and all the design centers being opened to retail now both present concern to interior designers, because consumers now have the same access as designers. A bigger cause for concern is that we are not producing business-minded interior designers when they graduate from their programs. The top ten schools in the country have the same curriculum due to certification requirements. Victoria explains that colleges are trying to pack far too much information into a 4-year program. Students must learn residential design, commercial design, sustainability, and technical presentation skills, in addition to the general education classes. The solution offered by Victoria is to take the programs, pull them apart, and offer three separate interior design programs: residential, commercial, and technical presentation. This would allow schools to offer more courses, such as business law, accounting, marketing, and professional practices. We are moving forward in our profession when we can offer a student the opportunity to be a designer with a business brain. Interior design is very tactile; therefore, a designer misses the basics when rushing through courses and doing work digitally. It’s not that industry leaders are apathetic to change, but they are tasked with the traditional models of teaching the student all of the aspects of interior design. Changing the curriculum to product business-minded interior designers represents a challenge to CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation). LuAnn and Victoria discuss ideas for implementation. LuAnn points out that those running the most successful interior design firms come with experience or training in running a business. It’s a business first, and a design firm second. The younger generation of designers understand that they need business skills, and are currently turning to podcasts to learn what schools aren’t teaching them. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Connect with Victoria! Victoria’s Website Victoria’s Pinterest Victoria’s Facebook Victoria’s Instagram Podcast Sponsor: Article Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Mentioned Episodes: Dr. Ellen Fisher Ep #71 Ashlina Kaposta Ep #109  

Welcome to this episode of Power Talk Friday! Today, LuAnn shares her findings on coaching a diverse group of entrepreneurs. As it turns out, they have several tangible things in common that she was so impressed by that she decided to dedicate a podcast to complimenting these special people and laying out for you what she has discovered in their time together. As she relates, this has been an ‘A-ha!’ moment for her, and she hopes it will be for her listeners, as well. If you don’t already see yourself in these descriptions, perhaps it’s time that you do something to work toward them. Additionally, LuAnn brings you exciting news of her upcoming LIVE events that she will be attending spring and summer, and invites you to join her because she LOVES meeting you in person! Show Highlights: The 3 Traits of Smart Business Owners: They come to every session with a truly open mind. They listen, ask great questions, and take action on ideas that are new to them and that sometimes even make them a bit nervous. They understand the importance of having a coach because it is an investment in their business. A coach can help you grow beyond what you imagine for yourself and shorten the learning curves. They have hope. Hope for themselves, hope for their business, and hope for the industry. They seek out new ideas and new ways to make a profit, to succeed and service a client where the client needs it the most. Companion questions to ask yourself: Are you open to taking advice? Even advice that you think might not work for you? If you are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time what, how does that make you look? What does your crew look like? Do you create opportunities through mentoring, coaching, and eduction that increase your value and your business acumen? Do you believe in yourself? Do you know your value and how you enrich other peoples’ lives? Do you take your talent and your abilities serious enough to invest in them? March 19this the 4th birthday party for this podcast! Thanks to Kravet Inc. and 200 Lex for hosting this. Please join us 5:30- 7:30 pm at the Kravet Work Space Showroom at 200 Lexington Ave NYC. You can find the RSVP on EventBrite as well as on the website under the events tab. March 21stto 24th Exciting Windows and IWCE / March 25th to the 27th Teaching the Professional Window Coverings 7 Step Process, which is open to the public. Go to Exciting Windows. At the IWCE, Luann will be doing Closing the Sale Begins with Hello, as well as moderating some panels on Profitability with the Vin Man and Michele Williams. Next, LuAnn has a panel with Sara Brennan on Packaging your Process and Working with Window Treatment Professionals with Sara Brennan and Vita. Please visit IWCE-Vision. April 2nd, Thursday, East End Interiors is celebrating 30 years in business this year and they have invited LuAnn to speak at their showroom in Long Island NY. If you were at LuAnn Live last year, then you know Sal and Enza and you already know what a fantastic family business they run. If you are in the NY Metro area, especially LI, you must make the time to join us so you can see everything they have to help you complete all of your design projects. They are a strictly to the trade showroom featuring furniture, lighting, accessory and more. LuAnn is also delighted to share that they are the Exclusive VIP Experience Sponsor for LuAnn Nigara Live 2020. High Point Market in April. It all starts with LuAnn’s PTF Tour on Friday, April 24th, 8 am to 11:00 pm. Yup, all day, this event is jam-packed, loaded-to-the-gills, with eye-opening A-ha’s and advice specific to your business. LuAnn brings you 3 of her PTF Experts and one of them is Sandra Funk, the CEO of HOF. Sandra will be on an upcoming PTF where you will learn how she truly runs the back end of her business. And then, get to spend the whole day picking her brain? Uhmmm, the price of admission is worth it right there, no question. During the next few days at HP, LuAnn will have several presentations and panels. Saturday April 25th,she’ll moderate a panel at the showroom of the newest sponsor to join the show, Jaipur, which will be co-hosted by Revelwoods and the Interior Design Society. They will be talking about the Design Build Process and how to navigate the big-ticket projects. On Sunday, LuAnn will be in the HP Theater at 12:00 noon for a very special one-on-one conversation with a very special friend, designer, and all around outstanding human being…not sure if ASID wants the proverbial beans spilled yet…so just put LuAnn on your dance card! Here’s a hint: If you were at LuAnn Live, you could probably make a good guess as to his name… Sunday at 4:00 pm you can always find LuAnn at the Kravet showroom. This is a wonderful opportunity to see and meet the incredible leadership team at Kravet. Later at 6:00 pm Sunday, there will be a special VIP party with Mydoma Studio. YOU are the special VIP :) This is a kickoff event to celebrate this new collaboration, so please join us. Monday morning, LuAnn will moderate a panel all about Process Leads to Profits. LuAnn’s friend and Process Leads to Profits course teacher, Sara Lynn Brennan will be there along with a few others yet to be announced. This is also hosted by Mydoma Studio. Check LuAnn’s Website later this month for all of the locations and details. Wednesday April 29th LuAnn will be back in NYC and NYSID has invited her to do a solo presentation and book signing. This is open to the public and is an evening event. On May 20th, the Philadelphia Chapter of IFDA has asked LuAnn to speak and her friends at the Kravet showroom are hosting. Please join us. June 4,5,6, ASID California is having their annual conference in Santa Barbara this year and they have invited LuAnn to do a solo presentation and moderate a panel. Currently, they are finalizing the designer speakers and panelists and so far, it’s looking like A-List all the way! A minute later on Jun 9th LuAnn may be confirming an event with the NKBA NJ Chapter, so stay tuned on that. June 16th, LuAnn’s friend, Vita, her co-host from their WTF episodes is having a grand opening party at her brand-new work room and she will be there for this celebration. Hope you will come too! We will get as many of these as we can on my website but if one in particular is right for you and it is not on my site, reach out to the hosting event for the details. LuAnn’s website is LuAnn Nigara. And of course, in the fall there will be LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation again, here in NJ. Please be on the email list for when she announces ticket sales are open—go to LuAnn Live. For now, keep early November open and plan your budget for tickets, flights, and hotels. The announcement will be later this month for sure! Want to make LuAnn’s day? She really does love to take her friendships from virtual to real, so please plan to attend at least one of these events. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Special Thanks to Podcast Sponsor: Kirsch  

Welcome to this episode of Power Talk Friday! Nicole Cole joins LuAnn today for a chat about a-ha moments and the ensuing mindset shifts. Nicole will be sharing five takeaways she’s learned from both Power Talk Friday and her time with business coach, Nancy Ganzekaufer. You’ll want to listen in to hear her tips on how she accomplished her mindset shift to being a CEO so that you can implement these ideas for your business, too! Nicole Cole is the CEO and Principal Designer at vestige HOME, a Philadelphia based residential interior designer firm focused on creating spaces that are interesting, engaging, and that encourage people to live well. As a young adult, Nicole served in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer before leaving to pursue work in the corporate world. With her new-found freedom outside the military, she realized that she missed the curiosity and creativity she enjoyed as a child, and decided it was time to build a creative business. Thus, vestige HOME was born! Nicole and her team provide turnkey design services, which include trade resource coordination, sourcing expertise, creation of detailed plans, and open communication with her clients. With her many years of project management experience, she consistently delivers her projects in the most streamlined fashion with clear goals and expectations and a plan that provides the least amount of disruption possible to her client’s lives.   Nicole studied interior design at Monterey Peninsula College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Information Systems from the University of Kansas. She believes in creating beauty and exercising a little creativity wherever possible, whether designing a room in a client’s house, picking the perfect pairing of plants for the garden, or just setting the table for breakfast on a Wednesday morning.  Nicole’s greatest joy is helping clients to create homes that reflect their lives and personalities while honoring the buildings that contain them. Show Highlights: Systems and processes are fundamental to the way you run a business. Confidence is the reward when systems and processes are used consistently. This confidence spills over to the client and they become confident in you. When you know what you will and will not do, and the why, you will be more selective about who you work with. When you refer a job because you know someone else can do it better than you can, it makes saying ‘no’ so much easier. Nicole’s Five Takeaways: She realized she was no longer “just” a designer, but the CEO. As CEO, she had responsibilities to herself, her team, and her clients. It’s important to build a team. Create the systems and processes, and teach them to your staff. Focus on the details of the client experience. Focus on profit, and don’t feel guilty! Lu Ann covers some additional obstacles that she has observed in speaking with designers. How there’s power in using the phrase, “In my experience”. LuAnn provides a designer perspective on how much work gets packed into each billing hour. When you truly explain what details go into what you do, that’s when the client can buy in to your charges. When you understand your own value for the work you do, you can then feel confident in either what you charge or raising what you charge. Resources: Join us for The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Market Friday, April 24th, 2020 from 8am - 11am! Sign Up For Updates HERE! Sponsors: Start Your Trial Now! Mydoma Studio- Your On-Stop Client & Project Management Tool! Jaipur A Well Designed Business Podcast® 4th Birthday Party New York City, New York Thursday, March 19th 5:30 – 7:30pm  Kravet Workspace, 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 210 RSVP HERE! LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Connect with Nicole! Nicole’sWebsite  Nicole’s Instagram Nicole’s Facebook Podcast Sponsor: Article Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Links to other shows mentioned: Nancy Ganzekaufer #389 Michele Williams #180 Ashley Uhl #412 Bethany Mabee #450 Sarah Durnez #418 Brittanie Elms #149 Taylor Dieterich & Yashlie Negron #346 Kimberly Merlitti #442 Sara Lynn Brennan #463 Wendy Wolshchuk #316 Mikel Welch #297    

Welcome to today’s episode of Power Talk Friday, where LuAnn chats with Nikki Rausch, a fellow seasoned sales guru with a passion for the art of selling. Nikki has the unique ability to transform the misunderstood process of selling into techniques, tools, and tips that can successfully be incorporated into a duplicatable process. Nikki Rausch is the Founder and CEO of Sales Maven, where she leverages her 25 years of sales experience to help entrepreneurs learn to sell in an authentic way. As a sales coach, trainer, author, and speaker, Nikki teaches her clients how to authentically move people through the selling process in a way that builds relationships, creates true connection, and results in more closed deals and long-term clients. Her latest book, Selling Staircase, is sure to leave you feeling confidently equipped to develop a genuine sales process that gets those deals closed. Listen in to this jam-packed conversation to find out more about how showing up from a place of credibility and being more strategic will help you to reach your sales goals. Show Highlights: Sales is really about creating strong relationships with people. LuAnn likens closing a sale with being on a first date. Interior Designers often classify themselves as an introvert and therefore don’t develop sales skills. Using your own personality is the best way to grow your business. Nikki helps clients learn how to use language to attract ideal clients. It’s important to be the expert and provide recommendations. You need to be able to explain the “why” so that communication is clear. You can talk people out of buying from you if you don’t recognize a buying signal. LuAnn and Nikki share personal pet-peeves they have when they’re on the receiving end of a sales pitch. Nikki’s 5 Steps of the Selling Staircase: Introduction: Establish yourself as a credible source and make a powerful first impression. Creating Curiosity: Is this a potential client or colleague? Tip: Are you answering questions in a way that spurs people to want to know more about you? Nikki explains the difference between using a ‘cat-calling’ and ‘dog-calling’ technique to create curiosity. The Discovery Phase: Find out what their want/need/problem is, and ask questions that lead to people hiring you. The Proposal: As the expert, recommend the services that you think your client needs, and not what you think they can afford. The Close: Use closing language and then zip it! Let your prospect respond first. If they raise an objection, be ready to uncover and overcome the “real” objection. You, as the salesperson, are not allowed to skip any of these steps. Your client, however, can! Resources: Join us for The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Market Coming Spring 2020! Sign Up For Updates HERE! A Well Designed Business Podcast® 4th Birthday Party New York City, New York Thursday, March 19th 5:30 – 7:30pm  Kravet Workspace, 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 210 RSVP HERE! LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Connect with Nikki! Nikki’s Website - Free E-Book ‘Closing the Sale’! Learn why you might be fumbling sales calls and what to do instead, how you can establish yourself as the expert and language to use when asking for the sale. Nikki’s Sales Maven SocietyFor 10% Off Membership, Use COUPON CODE: luann Nikki’s Selling Strength Assessment Nikki’s Facebook Nikki’s Instagram Nikki’s Linkedin Nikki’s YouTube Nikki’s Books Podcast Sponsor: Article Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here! Recommended Previous Shows Stephanie Chung # 277 Kwame Christian #129 Madeline McCray #315  

Welcome! On today’s show, the creative force behind the Barclay Butera Design Firm, joins us on the show for the second time on the podcast. We pick up with Barclay today, where we left off with him in our previous conversation in episode # 122. He talks to us about his corporation, how it has changed, how he vets potential licensing partners, and what his responsibilities are, in terms of his relationships with his licensing partners. Be sure to listen in today, to find out what Barclay has to share. Barclay has been the creative force behind his prestigious design firm since 1994, and he is well-known for his approachable elegance and glamorous coastal-chic interiors. He has showrooms in New Port Beach, California, Corona Del Mar, California, and Park City, Utah. Apart from his thriving interior design business, Barclay is also a stand-out leader in our industry for developing and earning licensing agreements. His licensing partners include Kravet, Jaipur, Bradburn Home Lighting, Castell Outdoor Furniture, Eastern Accents, Leftbank Art, Lexington Home Brands, Mirror Image, Napa Home and Garden, and many others. Barclay also has a long list of esteemed press and media publication credentials. Tune in today, to find out more. Show Highlights: Barclay talks about his new, sophisticated fabric collection at Kravet. Every license relationship wants Barclay to push to the next level. Barclay discusses what he has coming in 2020with Jaipur. Barclay has recently celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his business. His next book could be out within the next year. Barclay discusses the real estate revenue stream that he has recently added to his corporation. How his whole licensing empire has grown organically to where it is today. Some tips for capitalizing on licensing opportunities. A lot of hard work goes into Barclay's licensing partnerships. Barclay discusses the kinds of people he has to sell to. Barclay informs everything he does with the very same thought processes he uses to manage his very large design firm. Barclay's company has been built on good personal relationships and he promotes from within. Learning to run a business well. Barclay was raised in a sales environment. His parents were both salespeople. Managing with kindness, not fear. Some things to consider when thinking of growing your business. Barclay shares his thoughts about sharing, caring, and supporting charities, and his mechanisms for doing it. Barclay explains why e-commerce is the most difficult revenue stream. Previous Episode Mentioned: Nate Berkus #433 Links: Barclay Butera info@luannnigara.com My Doma Studio: A Well designed Business  

Welcome! We have Natalie Norcross, the CEO and Founder of A Design Partnership, back on the show today. (She was previously in episode #162.) Natalie started her career as an interior designer. She then built a highly successful residential and hospitality design firm, and after she sold it in 2008, she was repeatedly approached by interior design and architectural firms to assist them with their marketing and business development. And this was how A Design Partnership was born. In today's episode, Natalie talks about the four areas you need to focus on when going after press for your design firm. She also discusses how to make PR more accessible to designers, and she shares her strategies for goal setting, running her firm, and achieving success. Be sure to listen in today, to find out what this #smartlady has to share! A Design Partnership has grown to become a dynamic group of experts who are passionate about helping clients transform their brands and evolve their businesses. From content curators to data-obsessed experts, Natalie leads a dynamic team of design-savvy people who know the industry, love their craft, and are fanatical about helping brands grow. Natalie has more than nineteen years of experience, working for interior designers, architects, builders, developers, and hotel and home brands. Her firm has a proven track record of driving exposure and placements through their PR. Natalie is an Official Member of Forbes Agency Council as well as a regular speaker and panelist in both the communications and design industries. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Having systems in place will allow you to sell your business. How Natalie's agency was born. Systems lead to success. Locking things down and getting things organized in your business. Focus on your goals to achieve your dreams. Ninety days of intention. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself. Success is all about service. Natalie talks about her superpower. Natalie describes her wonderful team. Working with success metric for each client. Accountability is a great mirror. Developing a growth mindset and surrounding yourself with positive people. Everything in your life is figure-outable. Some advice about PR. Great tips for getting press! Getting published with Interior Design PR in 2020. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Natalie Norcross 1st show #162 Ren Miller #12 Ashley Hotham Cox #321 Amy Flurry #108, #323 Alex Gourlay # 447 Links: Website: A Design Partnership Instagram: A Design Partnership Pinterest: A Design Partnership Facebook: A Design Partnership New Launch: Interior Design PR  

Welcome to our special bonus show! Today, as promised, we will be sharing our conversation with Eric Ross about his business philosophy, his process for selling accessories, and the way he manages his reveal install day. Eric's process is unique and very unusual. Be sure to listen in, to hear what he has to share. Eric has been a professional decorator for more than twenty years. Although his preferred design style is traditional, he listens to his clients, to help them discover what they love, and what they respond to because he believes that everyone's home should represent who they are on their best day. Tune in today, to get some great advice from Eric! Show Highlights: Eric doesn't deliver a project piecemeal. He only reveals it when it's ready. Eric takes risks when making purchases for his clients but they seldom ask to return items. It is important to look at what you're trying to achieve, and the value you're bringing to people, and stick to that. Know that your job is to make things beautiful and if something gets returned you have still done your job. Eric loves to wow people at the install. People who appreciate Eric's value and want a beautiful home will be willing to pay the price he's asking. It's Eric's job to design a room to completion. It's the client's job to decide on the budget. The designer needs to learn what makes the client tick. Links: Website: Eric Ross Interiors Facebook: Eric Ross Interiors Instagram: Eric Ross Interiors Pinterest: Eric Ross Interiors Mydoma Studio: A Well Designed Business A Well-Designed Business® 4th Birthday Party    

Welcome! Today, Eric Ross joins us on the show. Eric is a charming southern gentleman and a well-experienced design professional. He is also a seasoned businessman who has figured out how to run his firm in a unique way that really works for him. In today's episode, he describes how he runs his private interior design studio like a retail store. He explains that he no longer feels the need to change, apologize or adjust the way he works to conform to a client’s expectations. Eric knows himself well, he understands his passions, and he is very clear about what he will and will not do. Be sure to listen in today, to find about his very interesting business model. Eric is from Nashville. He has been in love with the traditional living design style since he was a child. He has more than twenty years of design experience and his work has been published in Traditional Home, Southern Style, Southern Lady, The Cottage Journal, as well as in many other publications. Eric's passion is to fan the flame of traditional decorating with a deeply Southern esthetic. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Eric explains what he means when he says that he is running his design firm like a store without a storefront. What the decorating track of Eric's business is all about. Eric's margins are hefty, just like those in a storefront, and all of his design services are included in that pricing. The way that Eric educates his clients about his philosophy and the way he works. Talking about transparency. People will happily pay Eric for his product rather than his time. Trust is a key issue. Eric's business model allows him to have total control over the whole process. Eric's advice is to start small with clients. It makes your business more manageable. The biggest motivator for Eric is seeing the result of what he has created. Eric's qualifying process for his new clients. Eric explains why he does not do discounts. The opportunities you're losing by being overworked. Eric's goal is to monetize his passion. Our industry is too high-touch to make it high volume. It's okay to mark up because of the value you add to the project. You don't have to explain your "no". Eric has a new book out, called Enduring Southern Homes. Links: Website: Eric Ross Interiors Facebook: Eric Ross Interiors Instagram: Eric Ross Interiors Pinterest: Eric Ross Interiors Mydoma Studio: A Well Designed Business A Well-Designed Business® 4th Birthday Party    

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Traci Reuter, the founder, and CEO of Divine Social joins us today. Traci loves to uplift and inspire business owners, entrepreneurs, or anyone with an amazing idea! She has a knack for uncovering just the right strategy for everyone and then helping them map things out to make the execution simple and easy. In today's episode, Traci shares tons of ideas, strategies, and tips for paid marketing on social media. Be sure to listen in to find out more about the paid advertising aspect of Instagram and Facebook.  Traci has twenty-five years of experience in sales and marketing. She is passionate about supporting businesses and growing their brands through real and meaningful social media advertising. She has a special gift for mapping out the perfect strategy to get a brand in front of the right people at the right time. Traci truly knows her stuff when it comes to high-level marketing strategy. She also co-hosts the Social Media Happy Hour podcast with Dawn Marks. Tune in today, to learn what she has to share. Show Highlights: The power of paid advertising on social media. Traci explains how she started with her business. Traci gives her team incredible training. Sometimes, it takes just a tiny thing to make all the difference in your profitability. Begin with the end in mind. The customer journey. Never spend money on ads. Rather invest in your business. Consideration is not the same as pre-purchase. Why Traci is against boosting Facebook posts. It takes time to build up enough trust to invest in advertising. Thinking about what to put your ads, to get your prospects to want to know more. Branding is about telling your story so that business comes out of it. Creating engagement with your prospects. Building audiences of people who have watched your Facebook video. Traci shares the EDIE formula for creating a great video. All your ads must be congruent with your end-goal. Video out-performs everything else on social media. What to do if you only have the budget to run one thing. The Three Pillars to Successful Social Ads. Should you focus on Facebook or Instagram? Bio: Traci Reuter is the founder/CEO of Divine Social. She’s passionate about supporting businesses in growing their brands through authentic, meaningful social advertising. Traci has an uncanny gift for looking at any business’s mission, vision, and message, and mapping out the right strategy to get their brand in front of the right people at the right time. With 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, Traci knows her stuff when it comes to high-level marketing strategy. Combined with her tactical knowledge of social advertising, Traci can write the recipe for any brand’s success, and she would love to share some of her greatest secrets behind mapping out your own powerful social advertising strategy. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Nicole Heymer #125, #317, and #466 Links: Website: Divine Social Instagram: Traci Reuter Facebook: Traci Reuter Social Youtube: Traci Reuter Please take advantage of Traci’s gifts: For the 15-minute audit, if you are spending more than $3000 a month on social media marketing, email Traci at info@divinesocial.com. For Traci's free mini-course, 3 Pillars To Successful Social Ads, go to A Well Designed Business Big announcement - The 4th Birthday Party for the podcast will be at Kravet’s new workspace center at 200 Lexington NY NY on March 19, 2020, at 5:30 pm Book mentioned: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey  

Welcome! Today, we have Lisa Haude, of Paradigm Design Group, joining us! Lisa built her firm from ground zero to a firm with gross revenues exceeding fifty-million dollars. And she showed her relentless commitment by doing that the old-fashioned way, by calling on her contacts week after week. In today's episode, Lisa talks to us about how she runs her business, and she explains how all her success can be attributed to her commitment to delivering an exceptional project, regardless of the situation. Tune in today, to find out how planning to exceed your clients' expectations in every aspect of a project will always bring about a successful result.   As the lead designer and founder of Paradigm Design Group for the last fifteen years, Lisa Haude is an expert in livable luxury. She has built Paradigm Design Group into a hospitality design powerhouse. With projects ranging from The Roosevelt Waldorf Astoria in New Orleans to the award-winning Portland Marriott Downtown, to boutique hotels and numerous Hilton hotels across the United States, Lisa prides herself on her design versatility. Be sure to listen in today, to find out more about Lisa, and her work ethic, and her successful design firm. Show Highlights: Lisa spent time working at high-end hospitality firms, for architectural design firms, and in the hotel and hospitality industry, on the inside, on their design teams, before opening her firm. She talks to us about how this great learning experience informs the way she runs her firm. Lisa gives us some insight into the way her firm looks. Taking care of the details and all the moving pieces on multiple-million dollar projects. The way that Lisa's whole team collaborates to bring about an awesome project. Dealing with the documentation. Talking about accountability. The whole team is detail-oriented. Open discussions are vital for growing and improving. Taking responsibility, as a leader, for whatever happens with a project. Sometimes it's hard to find your humor when you're in the trenches. Some advice for landing and keep long-term hospitality accounts. Owning up if you mess up is very important. People like to do business with people who have similar ideals and values. Lisa has an amazing village of co-workers. How Lisa created her opportunities and made things happen when she started her firm. Lisa offers some awesome advice. Thinking outside the box to make things happen. The background and skills that Lisa looks for when hiring a junior designer. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Meryl Santopietro #40 Mikel Welch #297 Corey Damen Jenkins #127 Claire Jefford #237 Vanessa DeLeon #18 Links: Website: Paradigm Design Facebook: Paradigm Design Group Instagram: Paradigm Design Group The 4th Birthday Party for the podcast will be at Kravet's new workshop center at 200 Lexington New York on March 19, 2020, at 5.30 pm. Use this link to RSVP -  Event Brite  

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we have one of our early guests back on the show. Diane Gardener, known as The Tax Coach (Episode #54) is back with us to talk about the specific niche of seven-figure interior design firms. Although LuAnn has done a lot of shows about getting a design business off the ground, she realized that she's done way fewer shows about what to do when you are in the seven-figure bracket. And there are very specific challenges that come with this area. When moving into the seven-figure bracket, business owners frequently experience higher expenses, cash flow problems, and higher taxes. So be sure to listen in today even if you're still a #babydesigner because LuAnn fully intends for you to become a seven-figure interior designer someday. Diane Gardner is a Certified Tax Coach, a Quilly award recipient, and a best-selling author whose expert planning approach has saved her clients over three-million dollars in taxes. Her expertise lies in the area of tax planning. And her goal is to make sure that successful entrepreneurs across the United States are paying the least amount of income tax that they can legally pay. She aims to save taxes, one business at a time, through the use of pro-active tax planning. Diane has been featured on popular podcasts such as CEO Warrior, For the Love of Money, Listen Money Matters, Investing in The U.S, Cashflow Ninja, SharkPrenuer, Wealth Formula and Profit Boss. Tune in today, to learn about what you need in your seven-figure business to mitigate risk, increase your profits, and legally decrease your taxes. Show Highlights: Diane is a certified Profit First coach. Planning ahead to pay less tax when moving into the seven-figure tax bracket. Increased income often means increased expenses. Becoming an active partner with your CPA or Business Coach. The tax planning strategies that seven-figure businesses need to implement to keep more money A great way to incentivize your people and lessen your tax load. It takes a different set of skills to run a bigger business. How to increase your cash flow to leverage growth from multi-six-figures to seven-figures. Diane explains how a tax coach can be your ultimate advocate and partner in growth. Doing an entity analysis for your business. An amazing strategy for saving money by investing in your own insurance company. Other guests mentioned in this show: Michele Williams #180, #395  Peter Lang # 349, #464  Diane Gardner was on the show before in episode #54 Links: Diane's website: Tax Coach 4 You Diane's offer: Planning guide for the new tax law vs old tax law. Diane’s Facebook handles:       @taxcoach4you @AdeptBusinessServices        

Welcome to the epic 500th episode of A Well-Designed Business! So far, it's been a wild ride, and we've fully enjoyed every minute of it! Even LuAnn, the consummate positive thinker, ever-optimistic dreamer, and earnest believer in the truth, could not foresee all the joy she has experienced, and the delightful connections she has made, because of this podcast! Join us today, for this truly memorable episode! Recently, LuAnn has been spending time reflecting on all the pleasure that this podcast has brought her. She's been thinking about all the people she's met, the invaluable relationships she's formed, the opportunities she's been given, and the ones she has helped to create through this podcast. She has also taken the time to break down the various business strategies she's used in running this platform. In today's episode, she shares the five things that she learned behind the scenes, from doing this show. Be sure to tune in today, to hear about the 5 Keys that LuAnn believes were essential for her to have in place, to allow for her calling to happen. Show Highlights: LuAnn talks about the 5 essential keys to success. Talking about passion. How LuAnn realized that she needed to do a podcast. Looking for something to light her up, back in 2013. Lessons learned from golf lessons, surfing lessons, and 46-mile bike rides. Never looking back, only ahead for what was to come. LuAnn shares her true passion. Even the hard days have been an absolute joy for LuAnn. Creating a business plan with cold, hard facts. Making clear decisions, based on facts and up-front agreements. Clarity creates calm and purpose because when you have a plan, you are more likely to get to where you want to be. Having an unrelenting, single-minded, and focused commitment to getting things done. Every business is always a work in progress. What you need, to be successful. Commitment is showing up on schedule, being prepared to do what you said you would do, and doing the work. What it takes, to run a village. LuAnn has been blessed by the most amazing village of the brands who believe in this show. It has been through the village of guests, sponsors, co-authors, and listeners that LuAnn has grown, and learned so much, in the last four years. Some valuable lessons were learned from doing LuAnn Live. Paying other people to deal with the details and fill in the gaps. Having the support of our amazingly gifted podcast village. The sad loss of a dear friend, Liza Jones. Treasuring the support of all her co-authors. Make someone's day, and decide to be excellent! Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Nicole Heymer #125, #317, and #466 Taylor Spellman #106, #390, and #467 Michele Williams #137, #180, #395, and #424 Sarah Daniele #91, #119, and #177 Jenny and Greg Madden #332 Corey Damon Jenkins #388 Eileen Hahn #363 Wendy Glaister #386 Links: LuAnn Nigara My Doma Studio Kravet Article Kirsch Revel Woods  

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Shauna Lynn Simon with us today. She is an award-winning home staging industry expert and business strategist, and she's also one of the co-authors of LuAnn's second book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts. Shauna Lynn is seriously committed to helping aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success in their businesses. In today's episode, she explains how to become unforgettable to your clients. She shares several ways to make yourself memorable so that you're always the first person that your clients think of when they need an interior design or a window treatment service. Be sure to listen in, to find out what this exceptional businesswoman has to share with you today. You're really going to love her! Shauna Lynn Simon is dedicated to creating educational content that builds successful relationships between like-minded professionals. She partners with CEOs, executives, and solo-preneurs to grow their brands. Shauna Lynn has built a thriving home staging and design business. She has designed a comprehensive and systematic program for teaching the technical and the business side of the home staging world. She also offers core and continuing education for home staging professionals through Styled, Listed, and Sold (SLS) Academy. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Making yourself stand out uniquely. It's all about understanding who you are and owning it. Shauna Lynn's company has been branded with the color pink. You need to know who you are and what you represent. People often forget the names of people they have worked with before. You need to find something to make yourself memorable. Owning every part of your image. You have to be one in a million. Figuring out what makes you the best. What fires up your passion? Finding your purpose by looking at what makes you happy. Positioning yourself well in the marketplace. Give people a reason to remember you. Figure out your "thing" is and steer yourself in that direction. Everything you do should reflect your business in some way. Creating an effective About You page. Bio: Shauna Lynn Simon is an award-winning home staging industry expert and business strategist, committed to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve success in their business. After building a thriving home staging and design business, she founded Styled, Listed, and Sold (SLS) Academy, a comprehensive and systematic program providing core and continuing education training for home staging professionals. Analyst turned home stager, Shauna Lynn combines creativity with logic and problem solving to achieve incredible results. Dedicated to creating educational content that builds successful relationships, Shauna Lynn partners with CEOs, executives and solo-preneurs in the creative field to grow their personal and professional brands, providing real-world insights and actionable tips for conquering their business dreams. Links: Website: Beyond The Stage Homes Facebook: Beyond The Stage Homes YouTube Channel Pinterest: BTSHomes Exciting Windows IWCE PowerHouse Smart Luxury Conference - phs20.com Goodies Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Shauna Lynn Simon # 76, #84, and #102 Moniomi Design #193 Dane Austin #457 Nicole Heymer #125, #317, and #466    

Welcome! Today, we have Claire Staszak back on the show with us. Claire, who was previously in episode #166, is the principal of the Chicago-based firm, Centered by Design. Claire is a kind and genuine lady, and LuAnn has always had a very soft spot for her. In today's episode, she explains how to create excellent, top-quality content for social media. She and LuAnn also talk about how they met at the Design Influencer's Conference in 2017, and they discuss how Claire's blog, Centered by Design, was honored with an award for Best Design Writing. Be sure to listen in, to hear what Claire has to share about creating quality content for social media. Centered By Design, is known for its holistic design process, which combines Claire's passion for wellness with her well-trained eye for interiors. Claire studied interior design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and she holds a Certificate of Kitchen and Bath Design from Harper College.   She is also a certified yoga instructor with more than 500 hours of training. Claire's work has been featured by The Chicago Tribune, Modern Luxury, HGTV, Domino, Architectural Digest online and more. Tune in now, to find out more. Show Highlights: Claire will be speaking at The Powerhouse Smart Luxury Conference that LuAnn will be headlining, in February, in Chicago. Why The Powerhouse Smart Luxury Conference is unique and well worth attending. Claire talks about winning the Best Design Writing Award at the Design Influencer's Conference, in 2017. The Design Influencer's Conference was a turning point for Claire. It boosted her and gave her a lot of confidence. Claire has a degree in journalism so writing comes very naturally to her. Helping as many people as possible, as effectively as possible. Claire came to the Design Influencer's Conference, in 2017, asking whether or not she should continue writing her blog. Claire shares her biggest takeaway from her experience of winning the Best Design Writing Award. Claire has created a workbook, called Authentically You, for interior designers and creatives looking to create content for their websites and social media. Claire has a social media following of 18 000 people, and she gets more than a million views a month on Pinterest. She shares some tips and strategies. Creating opportunities for brand ambassadorship. Claire's best apps for pre-planning and creating content. Growing your #following on Instagram. You attract the right kind of clients when you're authentic on social media. Claire has an awesome giveaway for you today! Links: Claire's online shop pages: Centered By Design Centered By Design Claire's Instagram and Pinterest: Instagram: Claire Staszak Pinterest: Claire Staszak Claire's blog Claire's giveaway - Social Media Prompts for Seasonal & Evergreen Content Goodies Process Leads To Profits Profit With Window Treatments What Would Lu Do LuAnn and Claire will be speaking at the Power House Smart Luxury Conference this February 5, 2020 For tickets Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Claire’s 1st episode #166 Kelsey Grose- The Farmer’s Daughter #167 - Winner of Best New Design Blog 2017 by Design Influencers Conference Shea McGee - episode #’s: 236, 270 - Keynote Speaker 2017 at Design Influencers Conference Amber Lewis – episode #’s: 168, 184 - Keynote Speaker 2017 at Design Influencers Conference Wendy Cohen: #483 - Organizer of the 2020 Power House Smart Luxury Conference      

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we have a business strategist, Kim Dawson, joining us. Kim enjoys working with business owners, helping them earn more and grow their businesses into successful enterprises. Her superpower is helping the owners of service-based businesses work out their ideal pricing formula. In other words, she guides them through a process of figuring out how much they should be charging, either per hour or for an entire project, to be profitable. Kim's advice is to always start with the numbers so that you can plan and strategize to accomplish your goals, rather than wishing for them to happen. Be sure to listen in today, to find out what she has to share. Kim is a lifelong entrepreneur. She has started many businesses of her own, including a local health and fitness studio, and she has also co-founded a software setup. Kim's experience lies both in locally-focused, service-oriented businesses, and in online product-based businesses. Tune in now, to find out how to set and track your yearly financial goals, and make more profit from your business. Show Highlights: Kim works with many different industries. Running a business is not for everybody. Owning a business does not mean that you know how to run one. Making a plan to earn your money. Getting your priorities in order. Looking at your numbers. Kim shares a formula for working out how much money you need to bring in each year. You need to know your market. Evaluating the whole situation before deciding to take something on helps you stay on target. Kim advises charging a flat fee, rather than an hourly fee. Working out your hourly rate. Finding the right market for the rate you're charging. Using a strategic plan to get where you want to go. Tracking your time makes your billing easier. Kim used to have The Sassy Strategist Podcast. The shows to go with this show: Krista Coupar #60 Kim Merlitti #361 and #442 Alinda Morris #429 Cheryl Clendenon #482 Michele Williams #395 Kae Whitaker #114 Links: Kim Dawson LuAnn Nigara Profit With Window Treatments Kirsch My Doma Studio Kravet Well Designed Article IWCE Vision    

Welcome to the last podcast for 2019! Today, we have Sally Williams, the owner of Colorful Concepts Interior Design, based in Raleigh, New York, with us on the show. Sally knows who she is, what she is capable of doing, and what sets her apart from other designers. And this comes across very distinctly in her carefully thought-out and exceptionally well-written bio. Listen in today, to hear what Sally has to share about the way she markets and grows her design firm. Sally is very clear about what she will do and what she won't do in her business. And she knows precisely what to say when she has to have difficult conversations with her clients. This is Sally's secret sauce because certain conversations can be very hard to have if you're not prepared. In today's show, Sally explains how she's equipped herself for having these hard conversations with clients, and she talks to us about two changes that she made in her firm, which have resulted in a 40% increase in her gross sales in just one year. Be sure to tune in today, to find out more! We wish you the happiest and most successful of years in 2020! Show Highlights: Sally explains how she achieved a 40% growth in her business this year, by making two changes. Changing to charging an hourly rate, rather than a flat fee. Sally explains how she estimates the cost of a design project. Sally's mechanism for billing her clients for additional work. Sally explains how she and her team track their hours. Sally walks us through her strategy wall for new projects. Setting things up for a new project. Sally explains how she persuades new clients to hang in there, and bear with her until she's ready to start with their project. How Sally and her team coped with a 40% growth this year. Creating touchpoints for keeping the communication with the client open throughout a project. The wrapping-up process. Susan Brunstrum (#36) has developed a great process for wrapping up a design project. Charging the same mark-up percentage on products across the board. Sally explains how she builds her pipeline and markets her business. Bio: Sally Williams, the Owner and Principal Designer of Colorful Concepts Interior Design has a design aesthetic that is timeless and free of stylistic premises working in contemporary and traditional spaces alike. Sally is a CQRID-certified Interior Designer who has also earned an Accounting degree from the College of William and Mary.  She worked in Corporate Accounting Management prior to following her life-long passion for Fine Art and Craft by opening a Gallery in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.  During her seven years of Gallery ownership, Sally’s eyes were opened to the world of Interior Design.  With the encouragement of Gallery clients, friends, and family, she pursued vigorous self-study of the field. In 2002, Sally closed the Gallery and Colorful Concepts was born.  The gallery and artists Sally worked with continue to inspire her design approach today.  She begins her designs with the color palette, which sets the tone for the entire project.  Sally transforms a space artistically, providing balanced composition and soulful color schemes set in crisp optimistic environments.  She has a strong philosophy that environments impact peoples’ daily lives, and she works with the client to deeply understand what they want and need in their space. ​As the daughter of a United States Foreign Service Officer, Sally spent much of her childhood overseas.  A multi-cultural heritage of French-Canadian on her Father’s side, and Peruvian on her Mother’s, has also inspired Sally’s creativity, which is delivered beyond her client’s expectations. Sally is a Past President of the Triangle Chapter of the Interior Design Society; a member of numerous Professional Associations including the Home Builders Association and the Remodeler’s Council; and is a volunteer with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild.  Sally has lived in Raleigh for thirty years, where she and her husband, Richard, raised their two daughters - Angela and Nancy.   Colorful Concepts Interior Design is a full-service Interior Design studio providing professional services in residential renovation design, space planning, new home materials selections, custom window treatments, and furnishings, fine art and craft consulting, and more.  At Colorful Concepts Interior Design, long-term client relationships are valued, and we look forward to working with you on future projects as well. We are fortunate to serve clients in a way that truly enhances their lives. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Cheryl Clendenon # 482 Susan Brunstrum # 36 Nicole Heymer # 125, #317, and #466 Fred Berns #22, #48, #96, #174, #226, #289, #337, #393, and #460 Links: Colorful Concepts Interior Design Instagram Facebook Dering Hall Luann Nigara Well Designed Article My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business    

Welcome to another Power Talk Friday! Today, we're very excited to be talking money with our guest, Gerri Detweiler! Gerri understands just how to talk to creatives like us about money in a way that we truly get it. As designers, we need to understand that working intentionally with our business finances will ultimately allow us to bring our design talent to the world. However, many creatives struggle to understand the nuances of money and finance, so, in today's episode, Gerri talks to us about business finance and she explains how to get access to a line of credit. Be sure to listen in, to get a clear understanding of credit and financing for your business. Gerri has been guiding individuals through the confusing world of credit for more than twenty years. Her articles have been widely syndicated, and she is either the author or co-author of five books, including her most recent, Finance Your Own Business: Get on the Financing Fast Track. Gerri is also the Education Director for Nav, which matches small business owners to their best financing options and gives them free access to their personal and business credit scores. Tune in today, to find out more! Show Highlights: Gerri admits that she's not a numbers person. She does what she does because she loves helping people. Gerri hates seeing people making bad choices. Why you need to have a good financial buffer available for your business. Setting your business up smartly, for success. Protecting your personal finances from your business's ups and downs. There are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings about which cards to use in your business. Some clever strategies for saving on bank charges. Avoiding fraud with credit cards. Using business credit to benefit your cash-flow. Establishing a line of credit. There are many different loans available for small businesses via the SBA. Checking on business credit. Why you need to keep your personal credit scores separate from business credit scores. Business credit- use it or you'll lose it. How Nav helps business owners. You can set up your business credit for free with Nav. Links: Nav: The coupon code for opening a premium Nav account is PODCAST. Nav Blog Find out which small business credit cards don't report to your personal credit: Nav Small business credit cards that DO help you build business credit Get Nav's free Build Business Credit Checklist at Nav Podcast Facebook: Nav Twitter: NavSMB Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Peter Lang #349 and #464 Kimberley Merlitti #361 and #442 Michele Williams #137, #180, #395, and #424 Taylor Spellman #467 Ashley Micchice #468  

Welcome! We have Mimi Goldsmith, a loyal podcast listener, and the principal owner of her referral-based business, Style by Mimi G, with us on the show today. Mimi's bio is a perfect example of the lessons that Fred Berns, and Nicole Heymer, of Curio Electro, have been teaching us. Although Mimi has only been in business for a few short years, she has created a bio that draws the reader's attention to the uniqueness of her work. In today's episode, she talks to us about her business, how she started it, and all the shows that influenced her and helped her get her business off the ground. Be sure to listen in today, to hear what Mimi has to share about her journey! Mimi Goldsmith, an interior decorator, and stylist is the principal owner of Style by Mimi G, which she opened in 2016. Mimi provides full-service interior decorating, e-design service, interior consultations, space planning, paint color consulting and home styling packages. She specializes in creating one-of-a-kind residential and commercial interiors for her local full-service clients. She also specializes in creating tranquil therapy offices for therapists across the world through her online services. Tune in now, to find out how Mimi got her business up and running! Show Highlights: Mimi describes her spontaneous decision to start her interior design business. The kind of research Mimi did when she started her business. Mimi didn't know how much to charge when she started. The magic of attending a LuAnn Live event. Mimi explains how she found this podcast. The groups that can be found via the podcast. How Mimi has been growing her business. Where Mimi found the necessary information to grow her business. Some lessons that Mimi learned from getting her clients' feedback. To work after business hours, or not? Mimi takes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons off. Some very valuable lessons that Mimi has learned. Making use of My Doma's services. It's a great idea to create various design packages. Learning about vendor relationships. Buying from local vendors and learning from their expertise. It's essential to run your business with integrity. When you charge more, you can deliver more, and you create loyalty. Links: Mimi Goldsmith's website: Style by Mimi G Instagram: Style by Mimi G Facebook: Style by Mimi G What Would Lu Do? LuAnn Live Get the Goodies LuAnn Nigara and Friends Facebook Group Claire’s Facebook group: Interior Design Business Strategies Veronica’s Facebook group: What They Don’t Teach You in Design School Darla’s Facebook group: The Wingnut Social Media Lab Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Fred Berns #22, #48, #96, #174, #226, #289, #337, #393, and #460 Nicole Heymer (Curio Electro) #125, #317, and #466 Summer Tannhauser #292 Stefan Spencer   Sandra Funk  # 02 and #145 Groups to be found in the podcast: Claire Jefford (# 237, #325, #485) - Interior Design Business Strategies Veronica Solomon (#50) - What They Don't Teach You In Design School Darla Powel (#203, #330)l - Wingnut Social Leslie Carothers (#458) - The Design Wealth Group Cheryl Clendenon (#482) - Small Business, Think Big Email LuAnn at info@luannnigara.com if you think she could be your partner in making 2020 your amazing year!    

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we have Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska joining us on the show. As most of you know, Vita is LuAnn's Window Treatment Friday co-host. Ever since they launched the series last summer, they have been getting awesome feedback from designers and the window treatment community. Vita is an award-winning window treatment specialist with an impressive career path. In today's episode, you will learn all about her life, her career, her business, and her superpowers, so be sure to listen in, to get to know Vita a little better! Vita has an MBA. She is a CWFP (Certified Window Treatment Professional), an award-winning window treatment specialist, and an author. Her company, Vitalia Inc. Her company, Vitalia, Inc., provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services, exclusively for interior designers. Tune in today to find out more! Show Highlights: Vita talks about what her career path looked like before she started doing window treatments. How Vita came to open Vitalia Inc. Vita has a flair for finance. The corporate world can be brutal. Vita truly appreciates the skills she developed and the lessons she learned in the corporate world. Why Vita decided to leave her corporate career. Productivity is very important for Vita. The kind of confidence that corporate gave Vita. Learning the skill and finesse to stand her ground in the face of bullies. Looking back to learn from your past mistakes. Vita is like an extension of the team of the designers she works with. Entering the window treatment world with her eyes wide open. It took Vita two years to decide to leave the corporate world. Being very clear about your mission and vision. It's not necessary to go it alone because there's so much help and support available out there. What you will learn in Vita's eight-week Profit With Window Treatments Remember- your success starts with a decision. Bio: Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. A big thank you to Kirsch for sponsoring Window Treatment Fridays! Links: To learn more & register for Vita's course: Profit With Window Treatments To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc To learn more about working with Window Works To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the IWCE where both LuAnn and Vita will be presenting To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) To learn about Exciting Windows To learn about Mydoma Studio  

Welcome! Today, Laura Umansky, the principal of Laura U, (episode # 64) joins us once again on the show. Laura very clear about her vision for her firm and she is currently guiding her company to work towards growing from a five-million-dollar firm to a ten-million-dollar firm. In today's episode, Laura explains that, for her, this kind of growth requires a team of outside expert consultants, including an outside CFO, an EOS (Entrepreneur's Operating System) consultant, and her business advisor, in addition to her internal team. Laura is a true #smartlady, so be sure to listen in today, to hear this outstanding conversation. Laura is the Founder and Creative Director of Laura U Interior Design, which is based in Houston, Texas. Her work has been featured by esteemed media outlets, which include Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Modern Luxury Houston, Veranda, and Luxe Interiors. Laura is also in Carl Dellator's brand new book, On Style: Inspiration and Advice from the New Generation of Interior Design, which was released in the fall of 2019. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Laura is ultra-focused and she is a major planner. Nothing happens by accident so you have to be prepared to be lucky. Laura talks about the intentional way that she and her plan for her business to be run. Work begets work. You need to put yourself out there, plan, and get involved with your community, for things to come back to you. Laura is ready to take her firm to the next level. She explains what this means for her. Structuring a business to scale it. Laura describes the kinds of decisions she has to make in her firm. For her first seven years in business, Laura worked without the assistance of any advisors. Laura started working with a business coach four or five years ago. Working with a virtual CFO. Laura has chosen to run her business on the EOS (Entrepreneur's Operating System) system. The EOS system can even be used for a family! Always doing what's best for the business is vital. How Laura manages to be both the visionary and the integrator for her firm. Laura talks about the processes that are involved in growing her firm from a five-million-dollar company to a ten-million-dollar company. Being a life-long-learners with a growth mindset is important for scaling a business. Laura talks about Carl Dellator's book, On Style, which has just come out. Bio: Laura Umansky is the Founder and Creative Director of Laura U Interior Design, a firm based in Houston, TX. Design has always been a part of her life. From a young age, Laura was deeply influenced by her environment, constantly finding ways to arrange her possessions with meaning and purpose. Seeing her father build her childhood home in Seguin, TX was the starting point of her career. “To see that he could do that, create our home with his own two hands…that lit something inside of me,” says Laura, who went on to study art at the University of Texas and subsequently obtain her Masters in Architecture from the University of Houston. In 2006, she founded Laura U Interior Design, bringing her unique vision for Classically Current interiors to life. “Interior design, the way we practice it, is a true luxury,” Laura says. “Every part is crafted by human hands. We take great care to find out what matters to our clients most, and then to articulate that through great design.” Every interior is an authentic reflection of our clients’ passions and values so that just like Laura, they are never without something they enjoy. Laura’s work has been featured by esteemed media outlets, including Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Modern Luxury Houston, Veranda, and Luxe Interiors. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Laura Umansky #64 Kimberly Merlitti #361, #432 LuAnn PTF #491 Books mentioned: Traction by Gino Wickman Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters Links: Website: Laura U Interior Design Instagram: Laura U Interior Design Pinterest: Laura U Interior Design Facebook: Laura U Interior Design Article Trade Program Mydoma Studio Process Leads to Profits with Sara Lynn Brennan Profit with Window Treatments with Vita Vygovska What Would Lu Do Design Build for Profit with Jenny Slingerland  

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, LuAnn will be talking to us about the kinds of problems and obstacles that stand in the way of designers with the running of their design firms. Although everyone is unique, there are still certain themes that play out, and problems that we all tend to share, as entrepreneurs. Listen in today, to learn what you can do to overcome the challenges that we, as designers, all face in our businesses. LuAnn has put a lot of thought into the best way to address these things in a precise way that would benefit each of you the most, as individuals. This has not been an easy task because designers are such a diverse group, with varying levels of experience. In today's episode, LuAnn will teach you how to grow your client base, increase your net profits, improve your business acumen and sharpen your sales skills. She will also talk about goal setting and great ways to expand your network. Be sure to tune in today, to find out how to grow your business in 2020. Show Highlights: You can turn your business around by listening to the podcast. It's your number one free resource! Systemizing every aspect of your business. About Sara Brennan's eight-week course, Process Leads to Profits. How to talk confidently with your clients about window treatments, with Vita's eight-week course. You need to know what you don't know. LuAnn's superpower is sales, which is all about listening. Creating client loyalty and lasting relationships. If you'd like to get inside of LuAnn's brain, whatwouldludo.com will be meeting once a month, live, via Zoom. Go to whatwouldludo.com to sign up. Jenny Slingerland's DesignBuildForProfit course will be starting in February 2020. A great opportunity for #seasoneddesigners. LuAnn Live is coming in November of 2020. Are you going to settle for normal in 2020 or will you strive to be exceptional? Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Darci Hether #220 Darla Powell #203 and #330 Kelsey Gross #167 Kimberley Kay #234 Christine Lin #470 Sara Brennan #463 Links: LuAnn Nigara Process Leads to Profits Profit With Window Treatments Design-Build For Profit Whatwouldludo LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Nigara  

Welcome to the show! Today, Britany Simons joins us. Britany founded her full-service design firm, Britany Simon Design House, in 2010. Her work caught the attention of national media and this helped to launch Britany into the world of television and media. In today's episode, she talks to us about her experience of being in the seventh season of the hit HGTV design challenge series, Design Star. She shares the lessons she's learned from doing the show, and how she applies them today, to her design firm. Be sure to listen in today, to hear about Britany's extensive experience of doing television shows. For the last fifteen years, Britany's design career has covered everything from large-scale commercial renovations to budget-friendly builds, including entire home makeovers. With a degree in Business and Interior Design, Britany's professional career started with working for some of the top design firms in Arizona, where she specialized in kitchen and bath design, as well as the whole construction process, from conception to completion. In addition to being a regular design contributor to television, digital, and print media outlets, Britany has also been the host for the Holiday House series on HGTC.com, a designer on Travel Channel's hit series, Hotel Impossible, co-host of We're Moving In, on the FYI Network, and a featured designer on Bravo Network's new design show, Best Room Wins. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Britany enjoys supporting and having the support of other designers. Britany discusses how she stumbled into doing TV design shows. Being on TV isn't as glamorous as it looks. Why you don't make good money on TV unless you get into the fifth season of a show. Some of the lessons Britany learned from being on a TV show. TV challenges are very stressful and you have to be self-sufficient and savvy with your resources because you're left to your own devices. You have to be highly organized to pull off a TV challenge. It's a very testing experience. It's very rewarding to complete a TV challenge. Being on TV is not what you would imagine because it's more exciting for the producers if the designer breaks down and falls apart. What Britany learned about herself, as a designer, from being on TV. Being on TV taught Britany to be more efficient and trust her gut. Learning to understand the process of how things are made, and what's involved with the different aspects of a renovation process. Britany gained a lot of confidence from being on TV. Being on TV certainly opened doors for Britany. You need to know what you want from being on TV before you start because it's a huge time commitment. You need to be mindful of where you're putting your energy. Television has been the marketing that Britany has used in her business. Bio: To Britany Simon, the foundation of good design is about the experience that it gives you. She believes in spaces that blend fashion with function and luxury with livability.  With a focus on creating a space that is a reflection of who you are, and an emphasis on how it makes you feel.  Her artistic nature, a penchant for the details, and eye for the unexpected have helped her create incredibly distinguished living spaces and striking commercial projects for her clients. Over the last fifteen years, Britany’s experience has spanned across a vast array of projects – from large-scale commercial renovations to whole home makeovers to budget-friendly builds. Although she has had a lifelong love affair with interior design and architecture, Britany received formal training through her bachelor’s degree in Business & Interior Design. She began her professional career working for some of the top design firms in Arizona where she worked on new residential homes, specializing in both kitchen and bath design, from conception to completion throughout the entire construction process. In 2010, she founded Britany Simon Design House – a full-service design firm. The signature style and unmatched execution of BSDH have garnered a notable client roster with projects all over the country. Additionally, her work has caught the attention of national media and helped launch Britany’s foray into the television and media world. Upon being selected on the seventh season of the hit HGTV design challenge series, Design Star, Britany discovered a new passion for television and video production. Her natural talent for design and on-camera presence earned her the accolade of “Fan Favorite” from her season. In addition to being a regular design contributor to television, digital and print media outlets, she has also been the host for the Holiday House series on HGTV.com, a designer on Travel Channel’s hit series, Hotel Impossible, co-host of We’re Moving In on the FYI Network, and a featured designer on Bravo Network's new design show, Best Room Wins airing May 2019. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: #420 Amanda Berlin #478 Amber Roy #297 Mikel Welch #338 Orlando Soria #127 Corey Damen Jenkins #255 Anne Rue #220 Darci Hether #258 Lisa Escobar #182 Christie Leu #296 Ruthie Staalsen #291, #397 Cheryl Luckett #267 Rasheeda Gray #486 Christina Bruce #376 Cat French #463 Sara Brennan Links: Website: Britany Simon Pinterest: Britany Simon Instagram: BRITANY SIMON Facebook: Britany Simon Design  

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Brad Clinard, a certified financial planner from High Point, NC, joins us on the show today. Brad, like Peter Lang, the Designer CPA, (episodes #349 and #464) specializes in working with interior designers. He has a very real desire to help the people in our industry, and his approach to finances is different from any other financial planner. He knows that every designer needs to plan for life’s financial challenges, and for their retirement, so he helps them maximize their earnings over their lifetime. He refers to this as intentional planning for abundant living. Be sure to listen in today to find out what Brad does to help designers plan for a life and future that they deserve to have.  Brad graduated from UNC Charlotte, Magna Cum Laude, majoring in Economics with a concentration in Psychology. He was the senior team captain of the tennis team and worked closely with the NCAA advocating for student-athletes. Brad has earned the designation CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Brad is married to Hope, a pastry chef. They attend Wesley Memorial Church in High Point, and they have a passion for missions and service, most recently supporting Youth with a Mission, Casey Cares Foundation and the Old North State Boy Scouts Board. In his “spare” time, Brad enjoys reading, movies, travel, time outdoors and eating great food. His adventures have included hiking the northern half of the Appalachian Trail and the Laugavegur in Iceland. Tune in now, for more. Show Highlights: Brad helps designers with their personal financial planning. We need to learn to understand how to use our money to empower us to live an abundant life. Brad’s parents were in the traditional wealth management industry and they focused on investing. Brad’s experience of growing up in High Point. Brad explains what financial design is all about. Starting with people’s values, rather than with their financial goals. The Designer’s Dozen are twelve challenges that designers face when working with traditional financial planners. Goals are future-focused and temporary, and values are present-focused and permanent. Understanding your values is the first point in getting to know yourself. Brad spends a lot of his time trying to understand how our psychology affects us. From a professional perspective, there are four types of money scripts that everybody falls into- money avoidance, money worship, money status or money vigilance. It can be very challenging for creative-minded designers to find professionals to give them advice and guidance. There are generally four different communication styles. Bridging the gap between the different styles of communication. Why Brad decided to focus on interior designers. How to know when you need the services of a financial planner. Brad gives you the Ten Keys to Financial Foundation. The plans that Brad will create for you. Follow your bliss and plan for an abundant life. A formula for having a less stressful experience of life. Brad has a three-stage process to help clients going through transitions in their lives. Other shows related to finances to go with this show: Peter Lang #349, #464  Kimberly Merlitti #361, #442  Ashley Micciche #468  Diane Gardner #54  Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Michele Williams # 137, #180, #395, and # 424 Taylor Spellman #106, #390, and #467 Links: Website:  High Point Financial Design  Quiz to learn your money script: High Point Financial Design  

Welcome! We have Monica Wilcox, the principal of M Wilcox Design, joining us today. Monica is a #seasoneddesigner. She's dynamic, entertaining, and she's on the show to share some of her killer inspiration. She talks to us about coming to grips with her "business midlife crisis", her decision to be on TV, diversifying revenue streams, and setting the rules for yourself first, and then for your clients, to ensure your success as an interior design business owner. Monica is often called on for her advice. She is full of energy and her approach to business and life is truly authentic. You're really going to love her, so be sure to listen in, to hear what she has to share! M Wilcox Design is an award-winning design firm with an emphasis on collaboration. Monica's impeccable eye for design and her in-depth knowledge about project management really sets her apart from other design companies. She has very well-established systems, from the initial design phase all the way through to the final install, and every project is executed with precision and exceptional quality. Tune in today, to find out more about Monica and the efficient way that she runs her design firm. Show Highlights: Monica did not start out in business with a foundation for success. She had to teach herself the business side of her business. Some of the core things that designers should be paying attention to when they start a business. Monica started out with a career in the military. There, she learned about determination and discipline. Monica is a believer in staying in her own lane and always hiring people who are good at what they do, to help her get to the top of her game. It's important to hire the top people. Monica explains what she looks for when hiring people. What caused Monica's business mid-life crisis, ten years ago. Finding a new sense of purpose. Transformation is powerful. Figuring out a deeper meaning to what you do. Monica shares her strategies for diversifying revenue streams. Getting on TV happened very easily for Monica. Preparation plus opportunity leads to success. Running with a structured system. There's so much to be learned from events and other designers. Monica explains her fee structure. All about Monica's Design Mecca classes and education. Bio: Interior Designer Monica Wilcox is an expert in delivering unique designs with functionality in mind. Her award-winning design firm creates gorgeous interiors that also offer livable-style with a California twist. With an emphasis on Collaboration, Monica is able to realize the vision of her clients and bring them to life. She has the unique ability to connect with her clients and radiates a tremendous passion for what she does which is contagious to everyone around her. Her impeccable eye for design combined with her in-depth knowledge of project management sets her apart from other interior designers. From initial designs to the final install, each project is executed with precision and exceptional quality. Monica is frequently called upon for advice for everything from interior design to business growth to lifestyle tips. She enjoys the art of living fully and completely and is happy to share that with others. With boundless energy, an honest and direct approach, and an infectious spirit, it’s possible that this creative visionary may someday be in every household in America. Monica Wilcox is the founder of Design Mecca, an online learning center that teaches interior designers how to start a successful business. Along with her colleague Nikki Chu, Monica teaches at the accredited online university which features a course broken up into 36 videos and 12 modules that students can work through at their own pace. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Tobi Fairley #419, #440 Nancy Ganzekaufer #389  Ann Rue #255  Sara Brennan #463  Janelle Photopoulos #363  Stacey Brown Randall #93   Links: Website: M Wilcox Design Design Mecca Nikki Chut LuAnn Live Sara Lynn Brennan Course LuAnn's Favorite Resources  

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Vanessa Shepherd, the owner of She's Got Vision, on the show with us today. Vanessa is all about efficiency. She has won awards, she has been recognized in her community and she knows just how busy most creative business owners are. In today's episode, she talks to us about how hard it is for creative entrepreneurs to find the time to get everything done in their businesses, especially if they have a family to manage as well. She shares strategies for growing your design business through Pinterest and some really helpful tips for managing your time so that you can live a little too. She also explains what you need to do to really stand out from the crowd, so be sure to tune in, to find out more. Vanessa graduated from NAIT with honors for her degree in Business Administration. She is a content marketing professional and she helps business owners to be seen, increase the traffic to their websites, and build lasting relationships. Her specialty is social media marketing, and she loves to use Pinterest as a platform for visibility. Listen in today, to benefit from Vanessa's wisdom and experience. Show Highlights: Vanessa loves to be as efficient as possible. There's a big update coming for Pinterest. Vanessa explains what a pin title is, on Pinterest. Pinterest wants to make titles more purposeful. Later is a great scheduling tool. Pinterest is an important search engine. Some strategies for using Pinterest to drive potential clients to your website. Allowing someone else to help you have the time to do what you do best. Video is big everywhere on social media right now. Pinterest can be used as a good cross-promotion tactic. Some tips to capture people's attention in the first three to fifteen seconds of a video. Good quality photos are a must on social media. The process of pinning. Find content that can educate, inspire, or entertain your audience. Showcasing your work in multiple ways to drive more traffic to your website. Being consistent with your pins is very important. Vanessa has a Pinterest audit that you can download for free on her website. Go to She's Got Vision How Vanessa helps people improve their strategies for social media. Bio: Vanessa Shepherd is a content marketing professional at She's Got Vision, helping business owners to get visible, drive traffic to their websites, and build lasting relationships with their audiences. Vanessa specializes in social media marketing, and her favorite platform for visibility is Pinterest! She graduated with honors from NAIT with a degree in Business Administration and from the University of Alberta with a master's in Communications and Technology. When she's not creating strategies, running ads or pinning her heart out, you can find Vanessa traveling and gardening with her husband and their two Airedale Terriers. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Amber De La Garza #385 Summer Tannhauser #292 Allison Fannin #223 Kate Ahl # 331 Links: Website: primary: She's Got Vision Blog  course microsite: learn.shesgotvision.com  Blog: She's Got Vision Blog LuAnn Live Article: welldesigned.article.com Kirsch: kirsch.com Instagram: She's Got Vision Facebook: She's Got Vision Pinterest: She's Got Vision Free Pinterest audit checklist: She's Got Vision  

Welcome! Today, we have Christina Bruce, the principal of Christina Bruce Interiors in Vero Beach, Florida, with us on the show. Christina was one of the VIP attendees at the LuAnn Live, It's About the Conversation event, earlier this year. LuAnn asked each VIP to let her know, in the months following the event, what they have done and achieved based on what they learned, and the people they met there. So, Christina messaged LuAnn recently, with a long list of the positive things she identified in herself and her business, from the event. In today's episode, she shares the serious questions she had been asking herself about her business, before attending LuAnn Live. She then goes on to describe the things she put into action and the remarkable 180 degrees turn around that she created in her business, as a result of attending the event. Listen in, to hear about the incredible way that Christine transformed her business. Christina started her company in Savannah, in 2009. She then completed several residential and commercial projects in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Christina received an award for excellence for the work she did on a medical center from the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce during this time, and she was also invited to be a guest designer on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The love of her hometown, Vero Beach, drew her back there in 2012. Christina has had the opportunity to further her experience and influence by working with some of the most established communities in Vero Beach, and by helping to complete residential and commercial projects in Texas, New York, and internationally. Tune in today, to learn about the lessons that Christina has learned and the actions she's taken to transform her business. Show highlights: Christina explains why she decided to go to the LuAnn Live event. Attending LuAnn live pulled Christina out of the negative head-space that she had been in before attending the event. LuAnn Live was like a designer's support group for Christine. Christina talks about the significant conversation she had with Taylor Spellman. Learning to look at her motivation, rather than her goals. Parenting always takes priority. Cat and Christine keep on learning together. Some of the actions that Christine has taken. Christine's experience is in high-end residential design. Becoming successful within the demographics of where you live. What Christine learned from Dala al Fuwaires. There will always be times when the things we do don't work. You have to risk failure to succeed. There are some things you should never fake. Christina describes the Christina Bruce Collection, for David Francis Furniture. Talking about partnerships. Podcast green is a wonderful color! Bio: Christina Bruce graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The Interior Design program at SCAD has been consistently ranked as the number one program in the nation. It is here that Christina not only formed a strong foundation of design principles, but also a true passion for interior design.  She formed her own company in Savannah in 2009 and completed several residential and commercial projects in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. During this time, she received an award for excellence for her work on a medical center from the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. She was also invited to be a guest designer on ABC’s Extreme Make-Over: Home Edition where she helped complete the design of the dining room and master bedroom of the home being featured. Savannah’s charm enriched her experience, but the love of her hometown of Vero Beach drew her family home in 2012. In her time in Vero Beach, she has worked with some of the finest architects and builders which has helped to shape her corporate philosophy and relationship with clients. She has had the opportunity to further her experience and influence by not only working with some of the most established communities in Vero Beach but also helping to complete residential and commercial projects in Texas and New York, as well as internationally. She looks forward to many years of successful relationships and projects with the clients and communities with which she is fortunate to work. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Vanessa DeLeon # 18 Dala al Fuwaires # 392 Taylor Spellman #467, 106 Shauna Lynn Simon #76, 84, 102 Cat French #376 Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich #15 Nicole Heymer #125, 317, 466 Kae Whitaker #114, 259, 274 Michele Williams #180, 395    Carolyn Flannery #453 Links: LuAnn Live LuAnn Nigara Book Power Talk Friday Link to IG post announcing color collection PodGreen named for me David Francis Furniture Clem Schaub Architect Vero Beach Florida Christina Bruce Interiors    

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Claire Jefford joins us on the show once again today! Claire is an interior decorator, business coach, leader of the designer Facebook group Interior Design Business Strategies, a vlogger, and author of a chapter called Managing Client Expectations in LuAnn's second book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power talk Friday Experts, Volume 1. In today's episode, Claire takes us through her initial process. She shares her wealth of information about the best practices for handling all aspects of consultations with clients. Listen in today to learn how to set the tone for success right from the outset. Claire started her award-winning decorating firm in 2011, and in 2017, she started a second business as a business coach. She is passionate about having organized processes, marketing, and creating videos. She was voted #3 Top Influencer in 2018, and she runs an active Facebook group called Interior Design Business Strategies, with more than 3000 design professionals from around the world. Tune in now for more! Show highlights: Being upfront about the way that you work. Managing your clients' expectations, educating your clients, and communicating effectively. Claire talks about her templated email system. Setting the tone right from the start. Claire always asks for payment upfront for consultations. Keeping clear logs of everything. 3-D design is the way to go! Claire talks about what she brings with her to consultations. Helping people as much as possible in two hours. Clients like structure. You have to let your clients know what you do. Little things can go a long way. Confidence is key! Claire has some fabulous packages available. Claire explains what WidWil is all about. Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Maria Killam #58 Fred Berns #174 John and Theresa Dorlini (Circle Design Studio) #380 Claire was previously in episodes #237 and #325 Links: Website - https://clairejefford.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clairejefforddesigns/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/interiordesignbusinessstrategies/ Blog post Claire mentioned in the show: https://clairejefford.com/3d-renderings-for-interior-designers/ The Initial Phone Call: 5 Must-Ask Questions - https://clairejefford.com/initial-phone-call/ Kirsch: kirsch.com Article: welldesigned.article.com LuAnn Live: luannlive.com LuAnn's Favorite Resources: luannnigara.com/resources

Welcome! Today, we have Laurence Carr, the CEO of Laurence Carr Design, with us on the show. Although Laurence opened her design firm just a short eighteen months ago, she is already running it with the clarity of a seasoned CEO. She has a very well-structured business plan and her goals are right in front of her. In today's episode, she explains how she managed to get her business up and running so quickly and she also shares with us her well-thought-out business plan. Laurence is truly an impressive businesswoman so be sure to listen in today, to learn about the clear and intentional way she runs her business. Laurence is helping to shape our cultural dialogue through her work, her speaking engagements, and her blog, "Beyond Aesthetics". Her focus is on combining sustainability with quality, and she is a GREEN Leaders Accredited Professional, and a Member of the Sustainable Furnishing Council. She is is a leading voice in the field of Holistic Interior Design and she's been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Business of Home, Domino, Apartment Therapy, Sotheby’s Home, House Tipster and Style Matters. Laurence won the BUILD awards from Homes and Gardens UK in 2019, and she was nominated for the ASID National Awards 2019 for “Design for Humanity”. In March of this year, she was invited to be one of the 30 speakers of the Circular City Week in New York. And this summer, Laurence Carr Design successfully unveiled "The Restorative Room", in Southampton New York, for the Hampton Designers Showhouse 2019. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Laurence talks about the advisory board that she recruited to help with business strategy. It helps to get advice from people outside of your industry. Everything that Laurence does is done with clear intention. Laurence wanted to build a business with multiple revenue streams. Thinking about the impact of stress on people's lives. Considering not only how things look, but also how they feel, when making choices. Working with Leslie and Sam, of Savour Partnership. About the immense value that Laurence found in creating her e-boutique. How Laurence grew her email list. Working with freelance designers. Laurence talks about her interview process. The systems and processes she uses in making selections for her e-boutique. Earning money on the side, from affiliate marketing. It all comes down to the systems you use. It's very important to keep your goals in front of you. Bio: Born in France and now living in NYC, Laurence Carr has an inherent appreciation for art and design—she is a natural aesthete. Before launching her interior design practice, Laurence was a professional ballet dancer, singer,  stage director, and fashion event manager. Today, she is recognized for her application of wellbeing principles and ancient techniques in high-end residential interior design. Laurence believes luxury interiors don’t have to be sterile and soulless. Instead, her projects encourage mindful living and create harmony, whilst attaining a level of sophistication that develops from layering modern art, furniture, antiques, and accents. Having lived, worked and traveled in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US, Laurence’s design aesthetic is influenced by her love of different cultures and deep appreciation of art. She brings an international approach to each project—whether its sifting through antique galleries in Paris or sourcing hand-woven rugs from the villages in Nepal, Laurence’s knowledge and network allows her to find and assemble unique items for you. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Nicole Heymer #466, #317, #125 Andrew Joseph #39 Dennis Scully #459 Savour Partnership #209 and #458 Links: Website: Laurence Carr Facebook: Laurence Carr Design Instagram: Laurence Carr Design YouTube: Laurence Carr  

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are delighted to introduce you to Wendy Cohen today. Wendy is the founder and CEO of a suite of Powerhouse Companies comprising of PowerHouse Advisors, a consulting firm, PowerHouse SMART, a luxury industry education and networking leadership community, and PowerHouse Recruiting, which is a division of the consultancy, PowerHouse Advisors. This expert group of companies is committed to serving the best people in the luxury industry by teaching and speaking to them about luxury, and educating them about new luxury technologies. Wendy herself is a powerhouse lady, and in today's episode, she talks to us about building a company culture, creating a complete customer experience, and what it takes to get ahead in business. She also discusses the Luxury Home Conference that is coming up in Chicago, in February, where she has invited LuAnn to be the keynote speaker. Listen in today, to find out what this dynamic and special lady has to share! The family of PowerHouse Companies was formed in 2006. It is recognized most for successfully guiding hundreds of luxury industry brands and firms in the fields of design, build, and development, across the US and in Canada. PowerHouse SMART was also formed in 2006. It was intended to power-up the very best leaders in the luxury market by creating a platform for elite relationship building, to lead to business collaborations, new business development, referrals, knowledge sharing, and cutting-edge education. Then, in 2015, PowerHouse Recruiting was created as a division of PowerHouse Advisors, to continue with the exceptional recruiting and placement guidance that was established under the consultancy umbrella. Tune in today, to learn what it takes to win in the arena of luxury design, build. Show Highlights: Wendy started her career as a realtor. Wendy was part of a four-person team in a building company that grew the company from having ten employees to eventually having 120 people working there. Creating a culture in her company. Great success for builders doesn't come overnight but it is possible. Growing the design, build concept. Teaching her sales team about the complete experience was the thing differentiated from any other builder that a consumer might be going to, in 1989. You don't brand yourself. Your audience brands you. Treating sub-contractors, tradespeople, and suppliers with respect, as if they are part of your company. In 1995-1996, Professional Builder Magazine named Wendy's company one of the best eight companies to work for in the nation. Being selected by Custom Builder Magazine as Custom Builder of the Year. The satisfying way that Wendy's vision for the company became contagious. Consulting with other companies to teach and advise them about systems, processes, and how to replicate Wendy's success. For ten or eleven years, Wendy's main focus was on business development. Consulting about recruiting, and helping everybody grow, is where Wendy finds herself today. Wendy views the placements that she makes within other companies as a reflection of her reputation. Wendy talks about PowerHouse Smart. This is how she gives back to her community. Wendy is all about sharing and giving. Every month, PowerHouse Smarts had one big event, called the Builder Architect Hard-Hat Tour. PowerHouse Smart is always looking to grow like-minded individuals. This is why they host a Luxury Conference every year. The next PowerHouse Smart Luxury Home Conference is being held on February 5th, 2020, in Chicago. LuAnn has been invited to be the keynote speaker. Wendy explains what will be happening at the upcoming Luxury Home conference. Bio: Wendy Cohen CEO PowerHouse Companies PowerHouse Advisors, LLC PowerHouse SMART® PowerHouse Recruiting, LLC Wendy Cohen is the CEO and Founder of the PowerHouse Group of Companies comprised of PowerHouse Advisors™, a consulting firm, PowerHouse SMART®, a luxury industry education & networking leadership community and PowerHouse Recruiting, a division of the consultancy PowerHouse Advisors™ LLC. The family of PowerHouse Companies was formed in 2006 where it is most notably recognized for successfully guiding hundreds of luxury industry brands and firms in the design, build and development arena across the nation and in Canada. PowerHouse Advisors’ profound impact is working with owners and senior managers in refining business development efforts, implementing process improvement platforms, developing operating systems and procedures, properly managing and executing manpower and creating strategic growth plans. PowerHouse SMART® also formed in 2006 was intended to power-up the best of the best leaders in the luxury market by creating a platform for elite relationship building leading to business collaborations, new business development, referrals (give and get), knowledge sharing and cutting-edge education. From the onset, the goal was to bring all the talents needed to create an ultimate luxury project and educate on the value of collaboration at the highest level. Today PowerHouse SMART® supports leaders in the industry in growing their businesses with over 30 events a year, an Annual Luxury Conference and a robust online connection website. While PHS operates in the United States Midwest Market, there has been discussion for future plans for expansion via franchise opportunities tying other local luxury market chapters to the headquarters in Chicago. PowerHouse Recruiting™ was created as a division of PowerHouse Advisors in 2015, to continue the exceptional recruiting and placement guidance established under the consultancy umbrella. PHR as a dedicated division can help more employers and career-minded candidates find the perfect fit for continued success and growth. PowerHouse Recruiting is unique in that recruiting services are performed as if the employer owner was personally conducting the screening and recruitment process. PowerHouse Recruiting has proven results in supporting trusted colleagues in the luxury design, build, develop and real estate industry in hiring top talent from CFO to Design Assistant. Wendy Cohen has over 30 years of luxury industry experience and is often referred to as the ultimate power connector, with an exceptional network among top-tier professionals. PHR connects the right people (top talent candidates) to the right career opportunities (employer client’s job openings). PHR believes there is such a thing as a perfect fit. The PowerHouse Group of Companies is dedicated to being experts in the luxury industry by teaching luxury, speaking about luxury, educating on new luxury technologies, building new relationships every day, and proudly serving the best people in the industry. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Claire Staszak #166 Nicole Heymer #125, #317, and #466 Links: Conference Registration: Power House Smart Instagram: Power House Smart Facebook: Power House Smart LinkedIn: Power House Smart PowerHouse Smart  

Welcome! Today we have Cheryl Clendenon, the CEO of the Florida-based design firm, In Detail Interiors, with us on the show. Cheryl is one of our industry’s boldest, smartest, and funniest ladies, and she’s always willing to generously share her business expertise and advice with those who would like to learn from her. In today’s episode, she offers some very valuable advice about crafting conversations and steering them to where you want them to go. Be sure to listen in today, to find out what she has to share.   Cheryl is a master of sales. She's a truly outstanding professional who has been in business for more than 19 years. She operates a full-service design firm, a retail location, and a business Facebook group and she understands she has to make her money intentionally, rather than with luck or by accident. Tune in today, to get some priceless tips from Cheryl. Show Highlights: The copy on Cheryl’s website is awesome! You need to know your audience. Carefully considering what your website says about you. Learning to guide your clients down your path. There are many people are too timid to reveal their personalities on their website. This is very limiting. Cheryl has an incredible Facebook group, called Small Business Think Big. How to best position your design firm. It all starts with the way you present yourself on your website. Learning to not be afraid to talk about money. Projecting your income. People tend to be a little resistant to the idea of minimum expenditure at first. The nuances of how to get what you want. Sales is a win-win game. Positioning yourself in the very best way possible. Giving added value is a formula for success. Cheryl explains what her training focuses on. Cheryl looks at how much money she’s going to make on every job she does. For Cheryl, the words have to be right. Cheryl helps you think big about your small business. Cheryl’s fees are based on a combination of design fees + a contracted minimum expenditure on products Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Chris Ramey #345 Links: LuAnn Nigara Resources Vita’s course link: Profit With Window Treatments Sara’s course link: Process Leads to Profits My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Well Designed Article In Detail Interiors Cheryl’s FB Group: Small Business Think Big Cheryl's Instagram: In Detail Interiors Cheryl's Pinterest: In Detail Interiors LuAnn’s FB Group

Welcome to Window Treatment Friday! Today’s show is brought to you by Kirsch.com, our newest sponsor. Last week, we learned from Matt Johnson, the National Sales Manager, and  Sarah Frost, the Brand Manager, for Kirsch Drapery Hardware, how the Kirsch team is on a mission to breathe new life into their company, which is more than a hundred years old. And today, we have some big news! If you would like to learn more about window treatments so that you can incorporate them into your business as an added revenue stream, Vita and LuAnn have the answer for you! Vita will be teaching an eight-week course, called Window Treatments and Profits for Designers, starting in January. Listen in, to find out more. Vita and LuAnn know just how profitable window treatments are. They want to share their knowledge and experience with you so that you can also develop the skills and confidence you need to make a profit from window treatments. The Window Treatments and Profits for Designers course will meet via Zoom so this means that you can be anywhere in the world to do it. You either can join Vita live, in real-time, or you can watch the replay at your convenience, and still get all the magic. The course will be run in conjunction with a private Facebook group, for support and extra time to answer questions. We will be opening the course in the next week or two, so go to Luann Nigara Profit With Window Treatments or Profit With Window Treatments, and leave us your email address so that you can be first in line when the registration opens. In today’s episode, we will be talking about the different types and categories of window treatments. There’s a myriad of different custom window treatments available out there, so Vita’s way of simplifying things is to break everything down into two main categories- hard and soft window treatments. Vita and LuAnn will then give us an overview of the different types of window treatments in each category, listing and explaining the various types of treatments and the pros and cons of each one. Be sure to tune in today, to hear what they have to share.      Show Highlights: Vita gives her personal take on hard window treatments overall, as a category. Generally, hard treatments consist of blinds, shades, and shutters. The main purpose of hard treatments is functionality, which is usually light control, privacy, or glare control. Vita explains what soft treatments are. Although soft treatments are generally there to add to the aesthetic value of a room, they can still be functional. The pros and cons of blinds. The rebirth of roller shades. Comfortex will supply cellular shades in any color. Talking about shutters. Woven wood shades are very popular with designers. The different types of soft treatments in the category. LuAnn explains what she likes about drapery panels. Roman shades are very versatile. Some useful resources for you. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Kirsch #479 Links: LuAnn Nigara Vitalia Inc Kirsch Kravet Inc My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business Exciting Windows WCAA Window Fashion IWCE Vision Window Works To sign up for the Window Treatments and Profits for Designers course, go to Profit With Window Treatments or Profit With Window Treatments For a free PDF download of this episode, go to LuAnn Nigara.

Welcome! Today, Julia Marcum, half of the dynamic duo of Chris Loves Julia, joins us on the show. Julia started blogging more ten years ago, and her readership has grown to include millions of people. In 2016, Chris left his day job to join Julia as a blogger on a full-time basis. With their blog, this remarkable couple shares their original, authentic, and sincere perspective on the daily coups and challenges of their DIY home renovations. People follow them to learn how to improve their space and to get inspiration, tips on trends, and motivation to get things done. In today’s episode, Julia explains that they know exactly why they’re doing what they do, and they know who they do it for. This particular component is vital to your success as a business owner, so be sure to listen in today, to hear what Julia has to share. Chris and Julia are a fresh, honest, and creative DIY duo, blogging about the daily feats and failures of renovation. They offer their loyal readers a mix of large-scale renovations, quick DIY projects, budget-friendly ways to revamp their spaces, and items to splurge on, as well as a few personal stories to remind their readers that they’re real people, too. They were named as one of Better Homes & Gardens’ Top 10 DIY bloggers. Tune in today, for more. Show Highlights: Julia explains how she and Chris came to realize that they should combine their talents and work on the blog together, on a full-time basis. Creating the right kind of content to post on Instagram. Knowing what you want to be known for. What you’ll find on their blog, and what you’ll find in their Instagram stories. There are zero downsides to growing your Instagram presence. Creating consistent, quality content based around your niche. Consistency and quality content is key to getting lots of Instagram followers. Julia doesn’t have a photography background and yet she took all her own photos until three months ago. Figuring out photography. Educating your photographer about what you want. Being intentional about the look that you’re creating in your photos. Julia explains why people are following her. The difference between just posting a picture, and creating content. Choosing where to best utilize your energy. The best way to connect with your Instagram Stories audience. Julia talks about the two courses she teaches, Working With Brands and Growing Your Influence. Links: Website: Chris Loves Julia Instagram: Chris Loves Julia Propertee: Chris Loves Julia Facebook: Chris Loves Julia Pinterest: Chris Loves Julia Youtube: Chris Loves Julia Good Influencer Good Influencer on Instagram Link Previous Shows Mentioned: Shea McGee #236, #270 Amber Lewis #169, #184 Nicole Heymer #125, #466 Jamie Lieberman #454 Fred Berns #22, #174 People who inspire Julia: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design Instagram: Josh young Design House Don’t forget when you place your next order on any Kravet fabric, wallpaper, or trim, to use the code AWDB10 at checkout, to get 10% off any one purchase.  Go to Kravet to place your order.

Welcome to another episode of Window Treatment Friday! Today, we're introducing you to Kirsch, our newest sponsor for A Well-Designed Business. Kirsch has been an industry leader in drapery hardware for more than one hundred years, and they also have a custom window coverings program. For today's episode, we have Matt Johnson and Sarah Frost with us to talk to us about the latest innovations that Kirsch is bringing to the design and window treatment community, so tune in, to find out more! Kirsch was started in 1907 when Charles Kirsch invented the first curtain rod and telescoping rod. His goal was to connect with people around his fantastic products. Soon after inventing his innovative curtain rods, Charles published his first style book,  to guide purchasers of drapery hanging specialties.  The first Kirsch patented lace curtain rod was created in 1923, and then Charles designed the deluxe cut-to-measure drapery, which was one of the most important developments in drapery hardware history. For the next fifty years, the Kirsch brand continued to incorporate many more innovative advancements that would change our industry forever. Matt Johnson is the National Sales Manager of Kirsch Drapery Hardware. He leads a team of experienced sales professionals representing over 100 years of the Kirsch brand. Over his 22 years in the window coverings industry, Matt has sales experience in multiple channels of business including National Retailers, Independent Retailers, Builders, Contract and Commercial Accounts and Distributors.  His rich background and understanding of the window coverings industry have allowed him to apply his passion for working with business owners and designers to develop sales and marketing strategies to improve sales and service. Sarah Frost is the Brand Manager for Kirsch Drapery Hardware. She oversees a talented team that creates conceptual designs and implementation of the marketing initiatives for the drapery hardware launches and projects. Sarah has experience in hard window coverings as well as drapery hardware from her previous positions as a product manager and in sales. Listen in today to find out what Matt and Sarah have to share about our newest sponsor, the Kirsch brand. Show Highlights: Matt gives us a synopsis of Kirsch, and it's long and rich history in the window coverings industry Sarah has lots of fresh, new ideas for the Kirsch brand. Breathing new life into the brand through engaging with the trade. There are currently so many new and improved drapery hardware options available. Kirsch provides great resources to educate the design community about their complicated product. Sarah discusses how she and her team are revising and revamping the way their products are produced and presented. It all starts with the numbers. Keeping abreast of the latest trends. Creating a digital price list has made all the difference. The new styles and colors that Kirsch is coming out with are very different from what people are used to seeing in their Buckingham collection. The texture of natural wood products is really beautiful. The craftsmanship of their new finishes is really impressive. Matt explains the features of their new and improved motorized drapery tracks. Sarah discusses all the aspects of the business that have been redone. Their brochures have been redone for the designer to the client. What the resource library is all about. You will be able to see Kirsch's new products at the IWCE Expo in Charlotte in March 2020. Links: Website: Kirsch Instagram: Kirsch Twitter: Kirsch Facebook: Kirsch

Welcome to the show! Today, Amber Roy, the principal of the recently launched design firm, Amber Dawn Interiors joins us. Amber's approach to design is to find a balance between old and new, and between trends and timelessness. Her goal is to get to know her clients and understand what makes their hearts sing so that she can turn their homes into a reflection of who they truly are. In today's episode, Amber shares an 'aha' moment she experienced while listening to LuAnn being interviewed on Amber de la Garza's podcast, The Productivity Specialist. She talks to us about her first design project and the ingenious way she launched herself as an interior designer at the end of it. She also shares the intentional things she did just before, and in the weeks immediately after opening her business, to make herself known to potential clients, build relationships both within and outside of the design industry, and get her new business off the ground. Listen in today, to find out about Amber and how she got her successful new business up and running. Amber, who is also a realtor, has been passionate about interior design since she was a very young girl. As she grew, her interest in interior design also continued to grow and she eventually realized that she needed to put her passion to work. And so Amber Dawn Interiors was born. Amber has always been drawn to all things old, including houses and architecture. She feels that bringing in old pieces gives a place soul, and that warmth and balance are created by mixing old with new, so she loves to use heirloom pieces and incorporate antique and salvaged building materials. It is very important to Amber to create carefully and thoughtfully curated spaces, and she will go the extra mile to find the finishes and pieces that will give her clients the unique look that they really want. Be sure to tune in today, to find out more! Show Highlights: Amber explains what it was that moved her to email LuAnn. Amber talks about her first project, to showcase her abilities as a designer. Reaching out to potential collaborators, including Ethan Allen and Coastal Furniture. Staging an open house in collaboration with a realtor. The great benefits of collaboration. Realtor's are good to partner with because they are an influential group of people. Networking is Amber's current strategy for building relationships. What it takes to create a successful relationship-building event. Discovering her mission and values. An awesome opportunity that has come Amber's way. You need to put yourself out there to become known. Bio: My passion for interior design began when I was a very young girl. I remember drawing floorplans for my "dream house" on the lined pages of my spiral-bound notebook. I remember staring out the window of the school bus, scoping out the houses that were down and out, imagining how beautiful they'd be if I could just fix them up. My interest grew as I did, and through the years I began to realize that I needed to put my passion to work. So, it is with immense pleasure and gratitude that I present Amber Dawn Interiors. My approach to design is to find a balance between old and new, between trends and timelessness. It is so important to me to create a space that is carefully and thoughtfully curated- going the extra mile to find the finishes and pieces that will give you the look you want, but that won't be the same as your neighbor. My goal is to really get to know my clients: their lifestyle, their likes, and dislikes, the way they use their space, the things that make them happy, what makes their souls sing! I want your home to be a reflection of you. I want you to turn every corner and see something that makes you smile. I love to use heirloom pieces and incorporate antique and salvaged building materials. Having always been drawn to all things old, including houses and architecture, I feel that bringing in old pieces gives a space soul, and mixing old with new creates balance and warmth. When I'm not designing spaces, you will find me with my two boys, Turner and Pierson, their Dad, my husband Tim, and my other family and friends. I may be singing some karaoke. I may be gardening. I may be traveling. I may be enjoying the sunshine or a glass of wine. Probably both. I may very well be admiring an old truck or a historic building. If you see me, say hello :) Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Amber De La Garza #385 and #436 Stephen Karlisch #369 Dala Al-Fuwaires #392 Nancy Ganzekaupher #15, #159, #256, #377, and #389 Carolyn Flannery #453 Jana Platina Phipps (The Trim Queen) #293 Darla Powell (Wingnut Social Media) #203  Rebecca Richardson #330 Links: Website: Amber Dawn Interior Instagram: @amber.dawn.interiors Facebook: Amber Dawn Interiors

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Laurel Palmer with us today. Laurel is the New England Sales Territory Manager for Comfortex, one of the premier sponsors for the LuAnn Live event last March. Laurel is a pro when it comes to the art of selling. She has many years of experience, having worked for furniture manufacturers, commercial office furniture dealerships, building materials suppliers, and ultimately, a window treatment company, where she first sold window treatments to retail consumers before landing on the wholesale side of the trade. Laurel grew up in Northern California and now resides happily in the Greater Boston area. She is committed to helping her window treatment dealers make more money, so tune in today, to hear what she has to say. Comfortex was founded in 1986 and soon became known as a provider of innovative cellular shades. The company grew, and their product offering expanded to include roller shades, sheer shades, wood, and faux wood blinds, as well as cellular shades in every shape and configuration. Then, in 2000, Comfortex was acquired by Hunter Douglas. Comfortex is known for constantly innovating and improving. An example of their innovation is Color Lux, which marries an unlimited color choice with green production processes and game-changing materials. Comfortex blinds and shades have won more than 100 Window Covering Manufacturing Association awards and they are distributed currently in more than 50 countries. Most of their products are manufactured in upstate New York. Listen in today, to find out more. Show Highlights: Laurel talks about the incredible amount of color choices that are available with Comfortex's Color Lux. How Color Lux came about. You can now get solar screens in any of Color Lux's 800 colors! As a designer, using Color Lux will give you the freedom to confidently offer your clients the exact color of their choice or to match any color that they already have. Beautiful relationships are formed between interior designers and many of the window treatment dealers that Laurel works with. The benefits of working with a window treatment pro. Window treatments are a viable way for designers to add a terrific layer of profitability to their revenue stream. The importance of creating partnerships. Laurel has a unique approach to being a representative of Comfortex. Laurel shares her sales philosophy and her sales process. If you ask the right questions and listen carefully people will tell you exactly what they need. People don't always buy what you think they're going to buy, so you owe it to your customers to show them all of the available options. LuAnn shares some pointers from the seven-step sales-course that she teaches. Confidence is a key component to your success. Why it's important to sell value, not price. LuAnn explains what makes a good salesperson. An expert is someone who has made every mistake in their field. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: WTF episode numbers #462 and #471 Links: Comfortex Window Fashions IWCE Vision To get in touch with Comfortex, send an email to customercare@comfortex.com and put LuAnn Nigara in the subject line. Link to RSVP for November 5th at Exclusive Flooring Concepts  Or Luann Nigara: Live Event

Welcome to the show! Today, we're featuring #risingdesigner Amanda Hamilton. Amanda's bold and unorthodox approach to design and business has made her one of the most sought-after designers in Western Canada. She is driven, focused, and has truly achieved a lot during her fifteen years of experience in the design industry. LuAnn is certain that the secret sauce to Amanda's success is that she is a first businesswoman and then an interior designer. In today's episode, Amanda talks to us about what goes into running a medium-sized business and creating extra revenue streams. Be sure to listen in to find out what she has to share. Amanda has her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Interior Design from Mount Royal University, she's earned her status as a Licensed Interior Designer through the National Council for Design Qualifications, and she is a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional. Amanda is dedicated to the career development of young women, so she mentors through the Harry G. Schaefer Mentorship Program. She has also mentored for the Women in Leadership and the National Council of Interior Design Education, and she is the current chair for the World of Choices committee for Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, which focuses on career mentoring for young women. Amanda was the recipient of the 2012 Mount Royal University Horizon Award, which recognizes the outstanding achievements of alumni early in their careers. In 2016, Amanda launched a Travel Scholarship through her alma mater to promote design exploration. She was named as one of the 20 Most Compelling Calgarians by the Calgary Herald for 2018, n 2017, she was awarded the Top 40 under 40 by the Calgary Edition of Avenue Magazine and she received the Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of Canada. And to top it all, her design studio was awarded Best in Calgary in the Interior Design category and received the Ones to Watch award by Western Living Magazine. Tune in, to find out more! Show Highlights: Amanda talks to us about the time when she decided to build her firm up and take on employees. Amanda started her business in the middle of the recession. She has doubled her numbers since that year. Some of the lessons Amanda has learned about hiring. Developing awareness around the energetic effect you're having on others. Stress doesn't go away. You learn to deal with it. The challenge of creating an ideal team. Finding the right person for the right position. What Palette Archives is all about. The logistics behind Palette Archives. The goal of Palette Archives is to be like Amazon Prime. Tapping into a growing market. Pricing Palette Archives to make it accessible to even more people. Amanda explains how much went into the development of Palette Archives. Links: Amanda’s website Instagram Facebook Twitter Email Palette Archives Article Trade Program

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are delighted to introduce you to Desi Creswell today. Desi and LuAnn speak a lot of the same language! They both know that it takes more than just talent for you to be in a position to share your gift with the world because, as a designer, you need your business to be profitable. This could mean having to improve your systems, processes, or even your education to inspire you and enhance your natural aptitude. Also, the way we think often prevents us from sharing our superpowers because of our mindset problems and limiting beliefs get in the way. So we are very happy to be talking to Desi today because she is skilled and able to deal with many of these issues with the coaching she does. In today's episode, she talks about how to create more time in your day by learning to identify the emotions you are trying to avoid. She explains how to eliminate feelings of being overwhelmed, clarifies how to take action, and she discusses emotions and how they hold us back. Desi also shares a fantastic exercise to help you create more time. Be sure to tune in to learn how to use this valuable tool. Desi is a certified life and business coach who specializes in interior designers. She teaches her clients to become more profitable, productive, and confident while reducing the stress and overwhelming feelings that often comes with running your own business. Before turning thirty, Desi has already built two successful companies. She offers a unique blend of entrepreneurial expertise and effective mindset teachings. Desi is also an award-winning interior designer and her work has been featured both in print and online publications. She has been a guest presenter and panelist at events such as Midwest Home Design Week. Listen in today, to find out more. Show Highlights: You can start creating more time by using a coaching tool called 'The Model' to become aware of your thinking and your feelings. Desi explains why it is important to understand what neutral facts are. Indulgent emotions; although they can sometimes feel justified or even productive, tend to keep people stuck because they don't produce any results. You can create efficiency by simply changing the way you think. Setting a schedule that creates results and saves time. Desi describes how to create thoughts and feelings that will serve you. How a coach can help you to create new thoughts and beliefs. Desi discusses the way she works with her clients. Buffering is one of the ways that we tend to waste a lot of time. Desi explains what it is, how we use it to distract ourselves, and how we can overcome the urge to use it. Creating intentional models that serve you. Take a moment to think about the emotions that you usually try to avoid during the day. Learning to move out of the emotion and to see and accept the neutral facts. Desi shares an exercise to help you to marry your mindset with a strategy. (Start, Stop, Keep.) Start, stop, keep will give you some perspective for looking at what you want to start doing, in terms of planning for future projects. Desi has a free guide on her website that will be helpful for you to take this work a little further and implement it in your life. You can schedule a free mini-session with Desi. Go to her website to take advantage of this offer. Links: Instagram: Desi Creswell Website: Desi Creswell Link to download the free guide:  Time And Profit Previous show mentioned in this episode: Amber De La Garza: #385 -Buffering: The activities you do when avoid doing what you know you should be doing. (hand up) I learned that my constant checking of emails is my buffering technique.

Welcome! Today we have Bria Hammel, the Principal Designer and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors, the CEO of Brooke & Lou, and the Co-Creator of Hammel House & Co., with us on the show. Bria leads a team of sixteen highly-skilled women who run thirty to forty significant projects each year. The company has two design teams working on the details and execution of all their projects. In today's episode, Bria explains the particulars of the way she runs her firm, she talks to us about how she learned to operate a well-managed company, and she shares the keys to scaling your interior design firm. Listen in, to find out more about Bria and the way she runs her highly-organized and very successful business. Bria's work has been featured in national publications like Traditional Home, Magnolia Journal, Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, My Domain, Style Me Pretty, and also in many other local shelter regional magazines. She was awarded the 'Fresh Faces of Design' award from HGTV in 2015 and 2018, and she's been nominated for an international design award. Bria was also selected as a 2018 Style Spotter by High Point Market Authority. Tune in now, find out what to do to make your design firm a whole lot better. Show Highlights: Bria has almost 100 000 followers on Instagram. Bria talks about the specific roles played within her team of sixteen talented women. Pricing things accurately is very important for interior designers. It's very important to keep your clients regularly updated about their projects. Bria explains why she loves listening to podcasts. Businesses go stale when they stop growing because they think they know how to do everything perfectly. You can gain a lot from working for somebody else before starting your own design firm. Bria cut her teeth at Ethan Allen and she even became their Design Manager because they believed in her. Bria explains the phases of her design process. How Bria's teams are run. The way that Bria's trust in her team engenders her clients' trust in her firm. Bria talks about the Friday reports that she gets from her team each week. Asana helps Bria and her team to coordinate their projects and Slack helps them to communicate in a very organized way. Organization is key to scaling your business. Bria has added a retail component to her business with Brooke & Lou and their exclusively designed, Life Friendly products. Bria explains what the EOS system is about and how it works. Bio: Bria Hammel PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & CEO Bria is the Principal Designer and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors, the CEO of Brooke & Lou and Co-Creator of Hammel House & Co. She leads a fresh, talented team of women who are dedicated to designing beautiful, inviting homes for clients. For Bria, every project is about creating a home filled with surprising, thoughtful spaces that lead to unexpected moments. She has an incredible eye for detail and has a passion for designing spaces that tell her clients’ stories. Bria’s work has been featured in national publications such as Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, Lonny Magazine, Style Me Pretty, as well as many other local shelter magazines. She received the “Fresh Faces of Design” award in 2015 and 2018 from HGTV, has been nominated for an International Design Award and was selected as a 2018 Style Spotter for High Point Market Authority. Bria was intrigued by design at a young age and grew up visiting wallpaper stores and furniture showrooms, as her mother was an “in-the-closet” designer. Bria has been fortunate enough to travel the world, which has given her a unique perspective on how people live, as well as a deep understanding of how different spaces can come together in incredible ways. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Shea McGee #236, #270 Tools that Bria's team uses: Asana Slack Links: Bria Hammel Interiors Facebook: Bria Hammel Interiors Instagram: Bria Hammel Interiors If you are interested in using Bria's Life Friendly products, be sure to set up your trade account today. Go to Brooke And Lou Link for LuAnn's book LuAnn Nigara Books recommended for learning about the EOS System: Traction by Gino Wickman Get A Grip by Mike Paton and Gino Wickman

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's episode is sponsored by The FabricShield, a company that cleans, protects, and performs emergency spot-cleaning for the times when accidents happen. The FabricShield is owned and operated by Rene and Scott Schleicher. Rene and Scott are passionate about their business and they know how much money your clients are spending on investing in furniture, carpets, area rugs, window treatments, and wall coverings. They truly understand the advantage you have, as a designer, when you're able to offer your clients a service to help them protect their investment for many years to come. Listen in today, to find out what Rene and Scott have to share about their unique product and the way that it adds value to any design business. Rene and Scott are a remarkably well-matched couple, both in life and in business. Rene has a background in retail furniture sales and Scott's background is in growing national business networks. This places them in a unique position to excel at both sides of their business. Their first-hand understanding of the value and pride that designers place in their clients and their homes, coupled with the astute way they run their business, makes everything happen very smoothly. This means that you can rely on them completely, and refer or hire them without any reservation. Tune in today to learn all about The FabricShield and what it does for fabrics. Show Highlights: The FabricShield makes regular fabrics perform like performance fabrics. Dealing with accidents and offering protection for any soft surface. About their complimentary spot cleaning service. You can first test a sample of your fabric, just to put your mind at ease. The water test will immediately show how well this product performs. This product never changes the feel of a fabric. The FabricShield is completely non-toxic and it dries extremely quickly, leaving no smell at all. Applying the product is a straightforward process and the technicians are very conscientious about cleaning up before they leave. Anything natural almost always comes out. Protecting your fabrics for your peace of mind. They schedule their day to leave themselves windows of opportunity to react to your stains. How interior designers can work with The FabricShield. The way that designers are rewarded for their referrals. Talking about pricing. They provide complimentary spot cleaning for 18 months. The business is now a franchise. Scott explains what makes their franchise unique. The quality of the product is the key to their business. Why Rene and Scott are uniquely positioned to lead their company. Starting a start-up business within a Fortune 500 company. About The FabricShield: The FabricShield is an in-home application to be applied to upholstery, area rugs, carpets, to any other soft surface you'd like to protect. It dries within an hour and there is no aerosol mist or haze. The FabricShield won't alter the texture or the look, feel, or color of the furnishings and its protection will keep your furnishings looking like new for longer. The FabricShield company provides complimentary spot cleaning care for 18 months once a client's furnishings have been protected with The FabricShield. Bios: Scott Schleicher Co-Founder Scott Schleicher is a co-owner of The FabricShield. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD with a B.S. degree in Mathematics. Upon graduation, he served for 5 years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He has spent the majority of his professional career in the industrial gas industry working for Air Products, Inc. in Allentown, PA. While at Air Products, he had the opportunity to start-up their MicroBulk business serving as the National Business Manager. The MicroBulk business served over 30 locations in the United States and grew rapidly under Scott’s leadership with revenues of $200K in Year 1 and growing to revenues of over $20MM in Year 10 when Scott departed the company.   He then joined Airgas, Inc. and served as the President of Airgas National Carbonation (ANC). Under Scott’s leadership, ANC grew from $48MM in revenue and a 17% profit margin to $75MM in revenue and a 24% profit margin in 3 years. Scott departed Airgas in 2018 to join Rene Schleicher in establishing FabricSeal, LLC. the predecessor to The FabricShield. Rene Schleicher Co-Founder Rene Schleicher is a co-owner of FabricSeal, LLC. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD with a B.A. degree in Government and Politics. She received her Paralegal degree from the University of San Diego, CA. Rene has been an entrepreneur since graduating from college and has spent the last 20 years serving the legal and design trade industries. Rene has worked as a paralegal in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Rene formed her first start-up company as an interior decorator while living in Allentown PA. Her business grew and she eventually opened a boutique furniture store serving the design trade called Haven Home Furnishings, LLC. Haven Home Furnishings was eventually sold and continues to flourish in the Lehigh Valley under a new name, Beautiful Home by Quentin Eshleman. In 2012, Rene joined an upholstery protection company as a sales professional. She departed in 2017 to begin developing the business model for FabricSeal, LLC the predecessor to The FabricShield with her husband and now business partner Scott Schleicher. Links: Website: The Fabric Shield Facebook: The Fabric Shield Twitter: The Fabric Shield Instagram: The Fabric Shield

Welcome to the show! We have John McClain joining us today. John is the owner and Principal Designer for John McClain Design, and he is also an ASID Associate. For John, a successful design project involves combining the client’s needs and wishes with his own natural instinct. John McClean Design has offices in Florida and Los Angeles, and in today's episode, John talks to us about his superpower, which is organizing the systems and tools that he and his team utilize to manage their projects from two locations in two different time zones. Tune in now, to learn how to set your firm up with a strong foundation. John McClain is an accomplished interior designer who has turned his lifetime passion for interior design into an opportunity to do the same for others. Shortly after launching his career, John appeared on HGTV, which allowed his personality and design perspective to become visible to a larger audience. He then joined a prestigious interior design firm/furniture design company in Los Angeles, CA, which eventually led to him starting his own home furnishings company, John McClain Home. John McClain Design is a well-crafted blend of John's past design experience, education, and innovative-forward thinking. His projects have received numerous awards and have appeared in many publications including Traditional Home and Elle Décor. John now also shares his passion for interior design through speaking engagements, television appearances, articles, and events. Listen in today, to find out what he has to share. Show Highlights: John has a degree in business management. He has always been an entrepreneur with a keen interest in learning systems and ways to make businesses run more efficiently. Systems are always evolving and changing, so you have to keep learning and growing. John talks about the structure of his business and the roles that his employees play. Synergy is really important to John, so he is always aware of what's going on with all of his firm's projects. John explains how he works and how he organizes his projects within his company. Transparency is very important, for both employees and clients. John has started using MyDoma Studio to coordinate his projects and it's made things so much easier! John explains what he likes about MyDoma Studio. Some of the tools that John and his team use to communicate and to coordinate their projects. The way that John manages his business finances. Learning the ins and outs of QuickBooks. Keeping a keen eye on your finances is key to running a successful business. John explains how he keeps his finger on the pulse of his business. Using a questionnaire to get information about potential new clients. John talks about his involvement in the consultation process. Coping with a three-hour time difference. Knowing when you have to step in as the leader. Keeping his team inclusive. Links: John McClain Home John McClain Design Instagram: @johnmcclainhome Facebook: John McClain Home Go to A Well Designed Business to sign up for your trial with MyDoma Studio. On November 1st, 2019, LuAnn will be speaking at the Portland Interior Design Society Chapter's event, the Elevate Conference. Then, the following week, on November 9th, 2019, she will be speaking at the thirtieth-anniversary celebration of the NKBA Portland Chapter. Both the IDS of Portland, Oregon, and the NKBA of Portland, Maine, are inviting you, the design professional, to join us! You don't have to be a member of IDS or NKBA to attend. Go to LuAnn's website, Luann Nigara, and click on the 'Attend A Live Event' tab to find the RSVP and registration info for these events. (And for any other event that LuAnn will be attending over the next few months.)

Welcome to another episode of our Window Treatment Friday series with LuAnn and Vita. In this series, we're talking about window treatment services and we're sharing some viable business models with you. We explain how you can incorporate a window treatment business into your interior design business and we help you find the business model that's the best fit for you. Today, we're continuing our conversation from the last episode in this series (# 462) where we outlined the framework for the 'Do It Yourself' model. In today's episode, we will be covering the 'Done For You' model, where the interior designer partners with a window treatment specialist. In this model, the interior designer is the primary creator of the vision and the plan, and takes care of the more fun aspects of the service, while all the 'behind the scenes' aspects are taken care of by the window treatment specialist.  Listen in, to find out more. Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives. Vita and LuAnn have been getting some outstanding feedback about this series, so tune in today, to learn from them how to make window treatments a profitable center of revenue for your interior design firm. Show Highlights: Vita gives a recap of what she and LuAnn covered in the previous episode of this series, #462. With the 'Done For You' model, the window treatment expert expects you to call them in right at the beginning of a new project. Devising the strategy for window treatments is the first step. The designer remains the leader and the window treatment expert helps the designer understand how to find the best solutions. The importance of honing your communication skills. The way that the window treatment experts can help you, the designer. Coming up with the design is usually the most fun step for designers. An expert is someone who has made every possible mistake in their field. The role of the designer and the role of the window treatment expert. Window treatment experts use systems to keep the designers in the loop. Dealing with delays. Creating efficiency with systems. Vitalia Inc. uses Air Table, a very robust web-based project-management system that outlines every step of the project. What it means to take responsibility. The value you get from partnering with a window treatment expert. This model is a win-win for the designer and the client. Vita shares the questions that you need to ask, to find the best window treatment model that's the best fit. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Peter Lang #349 and #464 Links: To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at vita@vitaliainc.com To learn more about working with Window Works To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the IWCE where both LuAnn and Vita will be presenting To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) To learn about Exciting Windows To get the PDF with the Goodies from today's episode: Luann Nigara If you join LuAnn's mailing list, you can access any information that we have uploaded relating to all the previous episodes of the podcast via this link.

Welcome! Today, Christine Lin, the founder of San Francisco-based Form + Field, joins us on the show. Christine sent LuAnn an email a while back, explaining how well her brand new interior design firm is doing due to all the strategies and tactics she's learned from listening to the podcast. Christine really has a lot going on for herself. She's a multi-disciplinary creative with degrees in architecture, engineering, and business, from MIT and UC Berkeley. After spending a successful decade in the tech industry, she has now returned to her true passion of interior design. Christine's rigorous training in corporate and startup environments gave her expert communication, management, and execution skills. She brings these skills, together with her well-honed eye for seeking out new art, design, and architecture, to her firm and all her design projects. Listen in today, to find out what Christine has learned, and how she successfully applies these lessons to her business. Form + Field creates original interiors that honor the identity, history, and surroundings of their clients. With an emphasis on art, architecture, and eclectic modernism, they cultivate every project as a partnership. Form + Field has been widely recognized by publications such as Domino, Rue, California Homes, and Hospitality Design. Tune in now, to hear Christine's story. Show Highlights: Christine shares her takeaways from her experience of working part-time for another designer, and from listening to the podcast. Running your business as if it's already a big business. Christine didn't want to be putting out fires in her business. The salary that Christine paid herself last year. When she first started out, Christine paid herself a salary of $5000 per month. Establishing your company's revenue goals. Doing whatever it takes to reach your goal. Some of the key things that Christine did to get clients, when she started out on her own in business. Setting professional boundaries and treating friends as formal clients. A contract protects both the designer and the client. Boundaries create freedom. Christine shares some of the growing pains from her first year in business. Systemizing your hiring process will save you money in the long run. Cleaning up your accounting system is very important for your business. A hard lesson that Christine learned. Talking about estimates and fees. Learning to keep every aspect of your business within your control. Links: Website: Form And Field Instagram: Form And Field Pinterest: Form And Field Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Judith Taylor #340 Eileen Hahn #363 At 10 am on October 10th, 2019, LuAnn will be at the Stanford Waterside Design District, in Connecticut for her free, full-day event. This event is co-sponsored by the Stanford Waterside Design District and Aspire Design and Home. Please join us there! You can find the RSVP on the EVENTS page of LuAnn's website. LuAnn Nigara

Welcome! We're bringing you this extra little episode of A Well-Designed Business today because, over the past months, many of you have told LuAnn that you don't know what the Power Talk Friday Tour is. And a number of you have expressed just how much you need it, after finding out what it's all about. In light of this, LuAnn decided to take some time to explain exactly what the Power Talk Friday Tour is. Tune in now, to find out! Over the nearly forty years that LuAnn has been in business, she's learned a lot about creating a successful business from the deeper conversations she's had with other business owners. Almost every other owner of a thriving business that she's spoken to has had some or other sort of business coaching throughout their career. This is why LuAnn believes in business coaches and business coaching. And why she believes in business mentors and mentees, and business besties. In today's episode, she defines each of these roles, and she explains how all of this ties into the Power Talk Friday Tour. Listen in today, to find out what the Power Talk Friday Tour is, and how it happened. Show highlights: How the Power Talk Friday Tour happened. One-on-one business coaching is at the top of the food chain but not everyone can afford it. Sometimes you need someone to help you implement the new things you've learned about. Perhaps you just need someone to talk to about a new idea you've had for your business.  LuAnn has selected the coaches that she respects and admires for the Tours, and she rotates them for each Tour. Why the PTF Tour is enough of an investment to make you think. Most of the experts typically charge between $400 and $700 per hour for one-on-one coaching. The conversations will be geared to hit the points that are relevant to everyone in the room. There will be small, round-table discussions with the experts after lunch. If the group is really small, you might even get a one-on-one. This event is small for a very good reason. Every single tour is different. The day always ends with a celebration dinner!   Links: To find the information about the next tour that's coming up, go to www.powertalkfriday.com. If you'd like to find out if the Power Talk Friday Tour is right for you at this time, email LuAnn at info@luannnigara.com, put Power Talk Friday Tour in the subject line, leave your phone number, and LuAnn will call you within 24 hours.  Thank you to MyDoma Studio and Revel Woods for committing to sponsor every Power Talk Friday Tour!

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Ashley Micciche, the CEO of True North Retirement Advisors, on the show with us today, and we're talking exit strategies. This is a very important topic because you will need an exit strategy when you get to the point in your business career where you begin thinking about whether your business is viable to sell, why you should sell it, how to sell it, and what it's worth. Everything you do in your business is about building it and setting yourself up for success. So, even if you've only been in business for a short while, you have no intention of selling in the foreseeable future, and you feel that your retirement is still a long way away, you will still benefit from this podcast. Listen in to find out more. Ashley started her career as a financial advisor in 2007, after graduating, magna cum laude, with a bachelor of science degree in business finance, from Portland State University. True North Retirement Advisors is an independent financial advisory firm,  located just outside of Portland Oregon, that manages two-hundred-and-thirty-million dollars in client assets. In today's episode, Ashley explains to us how she specializes in designing, building, and implementing business exit plans to help business owners secure their final and most important business decision- their exit strategy. Ashley's mission is to transition 300 small business owners successfully into retirement in ten years, so tune in today, to find out what she has to share about planning smartly for your future. Show Highlights: Most businesses revolve around their owners, and that impacts negatively on the value of the business. Creating a thriving, systemized, well-oiled machine. Thinking about how your business could go on after you, or be sold when you are ready. Preparing for your exit as if you are going to do it. Where to start with thinking about exiting. What drives the value of your business? Ashley dispells a myth about valuing a business. Some things you should be aware of that decrease the value of a business. Ashley has a valuation tool and checklist on her website that you can use to value your business in just a few minutes. Some things to safeguard against. Getting unstuck and exiting your business with three universal steps. It's very important to get an expert to guide you through the process of selling or buying a business. Go to Value My Business to value your business.                               Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Meadowbank Team: #302 Do Not Let Us Design For You: #346 Eileen Hahn: #363 Links: True North RA Well Designed Article Free Checklist & Unlimited Access To Our Business Valuation Tool Alex: One Minute Retirement Tip: Subscribe on iTunes Blog: True North Retirement Advisors Website: rue North Retirement Advisors Facebook: rue North Retirement Advisors LinkedIn: Ashley Micciche LuAnn will be at the IDS Elevate Conference in Portland Oregon on Friday 1st November. RSVP link: ID Sport Land

Welcome to the show! We have another one of those rare shows today, where our guest bravely pulls back the curtain and talks to us openly about what it's like to be an entrepreneur, and to go through very tough times where everything is on the line. Taylor Spellman, the CEO and Creative Director of Taylor Spellman New York, previously appeared on the podcast in episode #106. She's back with us today to talk about an eye-opening lesson she recently learned about running a business. Taylor wanted to share this lesson with you so that you might not have to make the same mistake in your business. Tune in now, to learn something very important from Taylor. Taylor is a #smart lady, and she's really funny too! Her firm specializes in a concierge level of project management. At any one time in her business, Taylor has upwards of fifty million dollars of real estate interior architecture and design under her direction, as well as all the press and the Bravo TV shows that she has. Tune in today, to hear about the grave challenge that she recently faced and overcame. Show Highlights: Taylor explains what happened when LuAnn called to ask her to do LuAnn Live. Taylor talks about the things that caused the very difficult time that her business went through. Why you have to be very clear about what you want to do with your money. The importance of being prepared. Learning to trust the right people. Why you need to have a finger on all your accounting systems. There's a fine line between negligence and malicious intent, but the results are often the same. How Taylor's ability to value the privilege of having a home has shaped her work. Taylor learned the value of money the hard way. Taylor tells a cautionary tale about the hazards of hiring friends. Learning to run her business from her brain, rather than her heart. Getting rid of all her staff and hiring new people. The importance of tracking and checking everything in your business. Protecting your business, and your staff, with accountability. Keeping up with your goals as they unfold. Realizing who you are and moving forward. Bio: As CEO and Creative Director of Taylor Spellman New York, Taylor’s client-centric focus is bold and eclectic, showcasing the personality of the inhabitants of the spaces she creates. At any given moment, Taylor has upwards of fifty million dollars of real estate interior architecture and design under her direction. The firm specializes in a concierge level of project management with TSNY’s team of designers, contractors, and architects directing each phase of production from conception to completion at the top commercial, residential and new development properties throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Taylor has been featured in The Real Deal, Architectural Digest, The New York Times, E! News, Elle Décor and People Magazine in addition to hosting her own design show on BRAVO. You can meet Taylor, in person, at High Point, with LuAnn, Sandra Funk, and Lori Paranjape, on Sunday, October 20th, 2019, at Suria, at 2 pm. This panel, titled Confidence Sells, is co-sponsored by MyDoma Studio and Suria. Links: Website: Taylor Spellman Facebook: Taylor Spellman Instagram: Taylor Spellman Would you like to meet Luann in Connecticut on the 10th of October, 2019? This outstanding full-day event is co-sponsored by The Stanford Waterside Design District and Aspire Design and Home. The first 100 RSVPs that also show up will receive a free copy of LuAnn's second book. To RSVP, go to Luann Nigara, and look for the event in the Events and Coaching tab. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Elissa Grayer #451 Wendy Glaister #386

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Nicole Heymer, the owner and founder of Curio Electro, back with us today. Nicole is our website designer and developer, she's our branding guru, and she's also a co-author and the book-cover designer for LuAnn's new book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts, Volume One. Nicole's chapter in the book is about the questions you need to be asking yourself and your clients, to discover, establish, and make very clear what your brand is. In today's episode, she will be taking the concept of defining your brand a step further by explaining how to express the uniqueness of your brand in every aspect of your business and giving you an exercise to help you to get this done. Tune in now, to find out what Nicole has to teach you about visual branding, brand voice, and messaging. Curio Electro was founded in 2011. It is the go-to for businesses seeking smart and practical digital branding that gets results. They are experts in curating your brand voice and finding the aspects of your business that will draw in new clients by creating compelling websites and thinking through what happens after everything goes live. The collaboration with Nicole and her team is outstanding, so even after the website has been built, she and her team continue to provide marketing materials and social media graphics. We truly respect Nicole for her expertise and her business acumen. Listen in today, to learn how to express the uniqueness of your brand in every aspect of your business. Show Highlights: What you need to know about what shapes people's beliefs about your brand. Knowing what it takes to make people believe something about a brand. Creating moments for people, and telling stories. The little things that are very important to deliver to your clients. Using every aspect of your business to tell people exactly what they can expect from you. Your message has to align with what you're doing. People subconsciously judge you on your visual branding. Demonstrating to the consumer how you stand out from the rest. How you make more money when you have your brand clearly defined. Nicole shares some ways to tell your brand story, to make it real for people. Some ways to delight and surprise people with the technology you use in your business. Talk about your charitable contributions. They say a lot about your brand. Video is a really powerful way to tell your story. How to organize and prioritize your systems and your marketing. The different courses that Nicole offers to assist designers. Bio: Nicole Heymer is the founder of Curio Electro, a boutique creative agency specializing in intuitive branding, compelling design, and actionable plans. Since 2011, Curio Electro has worked within a multitude of industries and with a wide variety of clients at every stage in their development, from nationally known interior design firms to local craft breweries. Nicole's clear, practical take on creating a memorable brand has been featured in print, on podcasts, and as the framework for branding workshops. She is an active ASID Industry Partner and has served as the Editor of NJ ASID's Blueprint Magazine. Links: Website: Curio Electro Instagram: Curio Electro LinkedIn: Nicole Heymer Facebook: Curio Electro Nicole's Course for Interior Designers: Branding Discovery Get the Goodies from Today's Episode For Claire Jefford's courses Nicole will be at the Power Talk Friday Tour High Point Nicole's Previous Episodes: #125 & #317 Previous Episodes Mentioned in the Show: Pulp Design Studio #176 Savour Partnership  #209 and #458 Claire Jefford #237 and #325 Kae Whitaker #26, #66, #114, #259, #274

Welcome to today's show, sponsored by Kravet Inc. We have the privilege today of having the Dallas-based interior designer, Jan Showers, join us on the show. As a successful entrepreneur, Jan understands the value of collaboration, which is a very important element of her business. In today's episode, she discusses her multi-faceted career, and she talks to us about the full lifestyle collection that she's created for Kravet, what it includes, and how her collaboration with Kravet came to be. Tune in now, to find out more! Jan's career spans three decades, and during this time, she has received many of the highest honors awarded to design professionals. Her magazine credits include Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Veranda, House Beautiful, InStyle, Traditional Home, British Home and Garden, Harper’s Bazaar, and Luxe. For the last five years, Architectural Digest has added Jan Showers and Associates to the AD100, their preeminent directory to the world of design. Jan has also written two books, Glamorous Rooms and the follow-up to that, called Glamorous Retreats. She's currently working on her third book, which is due to be released in the fall of 2020. Jan is truly one amazing lady! Listen in today, to hear about her insights and her reflections on her career. Show Highlights: Working hard, getting published, and having great photographs are all key to being noticed for the Architectural Digest's AD100. Where the inspiration for her book came from. The most challenging part of her business. Twenty years ago, Jan couldn't find what she wanted in the trade showrooms so she began creating a collection of her own, the Jan Showers Collection. Being prepared to get lucky! To do what Jan has done, you'd need to have strong systems in place, and an amazing team behind you. Jan talks about her collaboration with Kravet. Jan's impressive portfolio supplied most of the photographs for her book. Jan's third book, Glamorous Living, is coming out in September of next year. How Jan's mother influenced her life and career. High-level clients expect and deserve perfection. Jan discusses her history with Kravet. It's a good idea to start out working for someone else or to have a mentor. Jan shares her key to success. Bio: Jan Showers is a Dallas based interior designer and has been designing for clients for over 25 years. Her magazine credits alone place her in the highest echelon of designers. Aside from Jan’s interior design business, her career spans three different businesses. Jan has a to-the-trade custom furniture line, Jan Showers Collection, which is sold in eight showrooms across the U.S. Showers also has an antique showroom in the Dallas Design District, where she sells vintage items, as well as her new collection, 1308 Collection. Showers’ partnerships include a full lifestyle collection with Kravet Couture, a furniture collection with Kravet Furniture, which debuted at High Point 2019, a hand-knotted rug series for Moattar, Inc., a lighting series with L.A. based designer Joe Cariati and a cowhide rug collection for Kyle Bunting. Jan has written two books: Glamorous Rooms and her follow-up, Glamorous Retreats, both published by Abrams. She is working on writing a third book with Abrams to be released in fall 2020. Links: Website: Jan Showers Jan Showers & Kravet Inc Instagram: Jan Showers Facebook: Jan Showers Associates Twitter: Jan Showers Glamorous Rooms Glamorous Retreats Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Joe Cariati #197 Nate Berkus #433 Candice Olson #74 LuAnn and Jan will be at the Kravet showroom in the Boston Design Center on Wednesday, Oct 2nd, 2019. Please join them there!

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are very happy to have Peter Lang, the Designer CPA, on the show with us today. Peter is one of the co-authors of LuAnn's book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts. He wrote chapter two of the book, called 'Find The Best Accountant For Your Firm' because, as a creative, it can be really hard to lock down the financial side of your business. Today, Peter, who previously appeared in episode #349 of the podcast, talks to us about how he teaches designers to understand everything they really need to know about their finances. Listen in, to find out more. Peter is The Designer CPA and he genuinely loves working exclusively with design professionals just like you. He has a really strong desire to help creatives, and his goal is to help you to become a confident partner with him around the financial side of your business. Peter is based in Rhode Island but he works remotely with designers all over the USA. Tune in now, to find out what he has to share.  Show Highlights: Peter and LuAnn are going to be doing Power Talk Friday together, at High Point, in October of this year. What Peter learned from the LuAnn Live event, last March. Having a great team does not mean that you should stop paying attention to your business. How Peter started teaching people about the right way to be looking at their finances. Why Peter won't work with certain people. Peter chooses to work with people who care. Peter talks about the different classes he teaches. The design industry is not straightforward when it comes down to finances. Peter understands this and he teaches you how to run your books accordingly. You want everyone on your team to be on the same page. Peter explains what his second course is all about, and how it was created specifically for the design industry. How these courses will prevent you from becoming marginalized by your CPA. Peter teaches you what you need to know about taxes. About the next course that Peter will be doing. About LuAnn's Power Talk Friday Tours. Bio: Peter Lang is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  He is the founder of The Designer CPA, a CPA firm that works exclusively with business owners in the design industry.  He has worked in public accounting since graduating from Providence College in 2002.  After working for several larger size firms in Boston and Rhode Island, Peter realized his true passion was to start a firm that specifically focused on designers.   Peter currently resides in Rhode Island with his wife Carmen and their identical twin boys, William and Matthew.   He enjoys running and golfing outside of work. Links: Website: The Designer CPA Power Talk Friday Tour Peter's Courses: Classes For Designers A Well-Designed Business®️: The Power Talk Friday Experts Mydoma Studio: A Well Designed Business Instagram: The Designer CPA Facebook: The Designer CPA Twitter: The Designer CPA Previous Shows Mentioned: Peter Lang #349

Welcome! Today, Sara Lynn Brennan joins us on the show. Sara is an entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Eighteen months ago, Sara contacted LuAnn, telling her that she wanted to go to High Point Market, but she wasn't sure what to do or where to go. So LuAnn arranged to meet her there, and Sara spent two days with LuAnn and Sara Daniele, the CEO of Mydoma Studio, going from event to event, hanging out, talking, and allowing Sara to get to know some significant and influential people in the design industry. Since then, 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. Listen in today, to find out what Sara has to share. 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.  In today's episode, Sara talks to us about the extra layer that she's added to her design business, and she explains how she's put the lessons that she's learned from the guests on the podcast into action. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: How MyDoma Studio inspired Sara to create packages. Sara shares a mind-blowing story about selling packages. Why you really need to go and look at Sara's website. Sara describes her really smooth process. Getting clear about the steps that are involved in any process. Coming up with a flat-rate fee. The great reward of instant gratification. Sara describes her consultation process. The way that Sara personalizes her packages. The discovery call is a very important part of the process. Creating an approachable package to reach more people. Coming up with a detailed DIY package. A package called 'DIY with an option to buy'. Sara talks about how she presents her e-design package. Creating these packages been a labor of love for Sara. Bio: Sara Lynn Brennan is an award-winning Entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors, the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxhaw, North Carolina who specializes in Transitional Design. 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. Sara’s confident, unique and fearless approach to business and design make her an inspiration to those who work with and around her. Sara is known for her recognizable “Romantic Transitional” design aesthetic, but her award-winning design team is not just about creating pretty spaces. It is Sara’s mission to educate and expose clients to the beauty and functionality of transitional design. She and her team pride themselves on creating practical, beautiful, and timeless homes that families can really LIVE in for years to come. Links: Website: Sara Lynn Brennan Design Packages and Free E-Book: Sara Brennan Blog Post: Luann Nigara Baby Designer IG: @saralynnbrennan FB: Sara Brennan Soft Design Lab HPMKT Experience Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Wendy Woloshchuk #316 Mr. Inkredible #417 Kimberly Kay #234 Kelsey Grose #167 Megan Molten #455 Darla Powell #203 and #330 Deb Barrett #53 Tobi Fairley (1st one) Lori Paranjape #34 Tori Alexander #445

Welcome to another episode of Window Treatment Friday, with LuAnn and her friend and co-host, Vita. Since starting the WTF series, they have been getting lots of emails from designers, asking questions related to their businesses. Finding the best business model for window treatment services was at the top of the list, so in today's episode, we will be outlining the framework for the 'Do It Yourself Model'. In this model, the designer takes all the risk and the responsibility- but gets all the money. In the following episodes, we will share different business models, so that you can choose the one that's the best fit for you. Today's show is an important one, so tune in now, to find out more! Vita is a class-act lady! She's the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., which is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments in the Philadelphia Metro area. Vita has been taking the lead in responding to all the emails and having the conversations with you, the listeners, about the things that really matter the most to you. After getting all your feedback to the first two episodes in this series, it made a lot of sense to address some of the more pressing topics that are on your minds. Listen in today, to find out what Vita and LuAnn have to say about finding the best business model for your window treatment services. Show Highlights: On September 23rd, the Lunch and Learn events will be kicking off once again for the season. LuAnn explains what the exciting first event, called Showroom Showdown, will be all about. Helping you to find the best business model to pursue. What the 'Do It Yourself' Model' looks like, and how it works. You will need to learn how to measure. LuAnn suggests finding information from the WCAA about certification courses in window treatments. Coming up with what the window treatment is, and learning to fill out the work and the production orders, with all the specifics. As a designer, you need to have a vision and an understanding of the practical, functional needs. Your lingo has to be very specific when communicating with the workroom. You will have to keep track of the work in progress, and you will have to follow it up. Different workrooms have different cultures. Selecting the appropriate fabrics for the treatment you've selected. Developing good relationships with the workroom. Next week we will be discussing the business model where you work with a window treatment specialist, or a project management company. Announcements: On September 23rd, the Window Works showroom, in Livingstone, New Jersey is re-igniting and kicking off the Lunch and Learn events for the season. The first Lunch and Learn event for the season is called Showroom Showdown. Reminder: LuAnn and Vita will be presenting Demystifying Window Treatments For Interior Designers, at The Design Trade Resources Showroom, in Devon, Pennsylvania, on September 24th at 12 pm. This event is free and it is sponsored by Stout Fabrics. RSVP at events@designtraderesources.com. Links: To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc: Vitalia Inc  To learn more about working with Window Works: windowworks-nj.com  To RSVP for the Window Works Showroom Showdown To learn more about WTF on A Well-Designed Business®️: Luann Nigara To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the IWCE where both LuAnn and Vita will be presenting To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) To learn about Exciting Windows To attend our upcoming event in PA, De-Mystifying Window Treatments go to events@designertraderesources.com To learn more about the Interior Design Society To learn more about Stout: Stout.com

Welcome to another episode of our Design Biz Live series with Corey Klassen and Judith Neary! Today, Corey and Judith will be discussing five fatal errors that people tend to make in their businesses. Judith and Corey run their own design firms and they have both had years of experience in the design industry, so they know what it takes to create a successful business, and they understand what you need to do to avoid the pitfalls. Listen in today, to get their expert advice. Corey is the owner of Corey Klassen Interior design, based in Vancouver. He provides professional interior design services for residential and commercial interior design projects while specializing in high-end kitchen and bath projects. Judith owns Roadside Attraction Design Studio, based in Vashon Island, Washington. She provides professional design services for kitchens, baths, and other fun living spaces. Tune in now, to find out how to avoid making these five fatal errors in your interior design business. Show Highlights: Judith talks about making the first fatal error- basing business models on demographics. Your profit margin comes from how you do your business. It's all about product, people, and place. The peril of making a value call, or a judgment about someone, without first engaging with them. Lead from selling in alignment with your business goals. Being clear with your clients about what you will do and what you will not do. Finding the right clients based on a psychographic rather than on a demographic. Sometimes it's okay to do things for the greater good even though you're not being paid for it. Being clear in your communication will be your biggest asset. The difference between a customer and a client. It's not about what you like. It's about what your client likes. A true design professional will recommend rather than offer their advice or opinion. You need to know your capacity and your capability. Internalizing your external values with a code of ethics for yourself, for your contractors, and your clients. Links: Goodies Link: Luann Nigara Corey's Website: Corey Klassen Judith's Website: Road Side Attraction Studio

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Fred Berns is back on the show with us, and if you're a regular listener, you will know that he's one of our most repeated guests. Fred is a really powerful copywriter and he is also one of the co-authors of LuAnn's most recent book, A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts. The topic for today's episode is Get Ready To Go Steady, so today, Fred will be explaining how to turn single sales into long-term sales. He really has a passion for helping designers to avoid leaving money on the table, so listen in, to find out what he has to share! Fred Berns is a coach and a copywriter, and he brings more than twenty-five years of experience to the table, helping designers from Dallas to Dubai create their online profiles, their websites, and social media copy for their blogs, their marketing forms, and whatever else they may require. Fred offers a wide selection of coaching services, ranging from his High-Performance Coaching Program to his Bio-Briefing, and his Website Onceover. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Fred talks about his passion for helping designers to avoid leaving money on the table. It costs five times more to attract a new customer than it does to retain an existing one. It's your fault if your client does not know all that you can do. It's so much nicer to work with people you've worked with before. Learning to develop partnerships with your clients. Fred shares a great marketing strategy. Expanding your marketing network. Sending out a "Guess what" email to your clients. Planting the seeds of long-term relationships with your clients. Dealing with conflict in the best possible way. It's not about the quantity of your client relationships. It's about the quality of your relationships. Fred's Bio: Fred Berns is the only interior design industry business coach and speaker who creates personal bios and other promotional materials for design professionals worldwide. Fred has more than 25 years experience training design professionals from Dallas to Dubai and creating their online profiles, website, and social media copy, blogs, and marketing forms. In addition, he offers a wide range of business coaching services, ranging from his High-Performance Coaching Program to his Bio Briefing and Website Onceover. As one of the biggest names in the business of interior design, he speaks at design conferences and other events throughout the U.S. and around the world. He also develops sales and marketing programs for international franchise organizations and companies within the interior design industry, and trains manufacturers, retailers, and others on how to increase sales to design professionals. Fred focuses on his keynote speeches and seminars on how designers, kitchen and bath specialists, window fashion experts and other professionals can dramatically increase sales, and market themselves more effectively. He has appeared at the International Window Coverings Expo; Neocon events; the High Point Market; Surfaces; design symposiums; home and design expos; furniture, gift and accessory shows; and national conferences of such groups as ASID, NKBA, IDS, and IFDA. Fred’s blog is read by design professionals the world over, and he regularly writes guest blog posts and articles for online and print media.  He also is a frequent guest on design industry podcasts. His Interior Design Business Library includes a vast collection of books, audio and video programs and other business-building resources that he has developed for the design industry. His learning tools cover topics ranging from setting and getting higher fees and overcoming price objections to branding and million-dollar marketing on a shoestring budget. Fred’s clients today benefit from the communication and copywriting skills that he acquired during his highly-successful earlier career as a broadcast and print journalist. In that career, he founded one of Washington, D.C.’s largest and longest-established independent news bureaus. Links: Fred's Website: Interior Design Business If you'd like help with your personal promotion profile, go to Bio Briefing A Well-Designed Business®️: The Power Talk Friday Experts Sales for Creatives Article Trade Program: Well Designed Article Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Fred's Previous Episodes on A Well-Designed Business ®: #22, #48, #96, #174, #226, #289, #337, #393 Lee Cockerell #222  

Welcome! Today, we're delighted to introduce you to Dennis Scully, the host of the Business of Home Podcast where each week, he interviews interior design industry thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives, to explore the changes and the challenges faced by the design community. In today's episode, Dennis and LuAnn talk tech. They discuss the way that technology is changing how business is done, and the adaptions that we have to consider making in our businesses. We all need to grow, innovate, and figure out new ways to make money and be profitable, so listen in today, to find out what Dennis has to share about the shifts that are happening within our industry. The Business of Home Podcast is a production of Business of Home which, for the past ten years, has been the leading publication covering the home industry, delivering essential business news, analysis and insights to a dedicated readership of interior design professionals, including residential, contract and hospitality designers, retailers, makers and manufacturers, executives and entrepreneurs. With a career in marketing, advertising, and business development in the home furnishings space that spans more than 20 years, Dennis has helped some of the finest companies in the industry to manage their teams and grow their brands. Tune in now, to find out how to lean into the changes that are coming. Show Highlights: Technology is changing everything! The design industry is adjusting to what today's customer is looking for. Dennis shares one of his core beliefs. People are more excited about design right now than ever before. You need to think about what you're bringing to your clients that they cannot get online. Designers today have to work even harder at educating their would-be clients about their talents and value. The undeniable issue around technology is the impact that it's going to have on all our lives and all of our businesses. So we need to figure out how we are going to deal with it. The incredible new workspace that Kravet has created to support the way that designers are now doing their business. Learning to run with the way that technology is going. It's worth experimenting with new and improved ways of doing things. It's challenging today to know where and how to put your message forward. Material Bank is a great example of a company that has taken the initiative to change with the times. Designers have not yet made the complete shift into the world of e-commerce. Designers need to understand that although there are pros and cons to technology, it is here, and it's going to keep coming our way with more innovations, at an ever-increasing pace. You, as a designer, need to know who you are, and you need to be confident with your skills and keep on honing them. Learning to lean into the changes that are coming. Things are shifting so quickly that if you don't keep up with the change you will end up going backward. Bio: Dennis Scully is the host of the weekly BOH podcast, where he explores the changes and challenges facing the interior design community through interviews with industry thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives. He is also the vice president of sales and marketing at luxury textiles company Castel. With a marketing, advertising, and business development career in the home furnishings space that spans more than 20 years, Scully has helped some of the finest companies in the industry to manage their teams and grow their brands. After wrapping up his tenure as the President of the luxury custom upholstery company Avery Boardman, Dennis returned to Business of Home, where he had previously served as the V.P. of Business Development.  This time it was to launch a new column for the site, Market Report, based on Scully’s financial insights, as well as a business-focused podcast, Business of Home. Dennis began his career in the homeworld running a small retail advertising agency that created branding and marketing campaigns for many of New York’s great furniture retailers of the day.  As the grandson of the founders of Scully & Scully on Park Avenue, New York retail was a world he knew well. He later joined the luxury kitchen and bath company Waterworks, ultimately serving as the New York Director of Sales and Marketing.  From there he landed a job at Condé Nast, joining the launch team of Domino Magazine as its Home Furnishing Director. Dennis worked with the luxury textile brand Twill as Sales and Marketing Director, and he later worked with the Chicago-based interior designer who founded Twill, Suzanne Lovell. He joined Castel in May of 2018 to help them launch their first-ever flagship showroom in New York City’s famed D&D Building. Business of Home: For 10 years, Business of Home has been the leading publication covering the home industry, delivering essential business news, analysis and insights to a dedicated readership of interior design professionals—residential, contract and hospitality designers, retailers, makers and manufacturers, executives and entrepreneurs. BOH has built a loyal national and international subscriber base of more than 100,000 professionals, for whom it is the go-to source for top-notch industry reporting, trade show guides, job openings, event listings, expert sourcing, educational seminars. Our tagline “Home is Everywhere” emphasizes that home, the fastest-growing category in the economy, encompasses all of the spaces—private and public—that surround us.-- Links: Event: Future Of Home Website: Business Of Home Instagram: @dennisscully Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Jesse Lazarus #446 Jean Brownhill # 422 Anna Brockway #79, #186 Nicole Gibbons # 411

Welcome to today's episode! We have a very special show for you, sponsored by Savour Partnership, which is owned by principals Leslie Carothers and Sam Henderson. Leslie and Sam both appeared previously in episode #209 when they first launched their company and they spoke to us about the importance of email marketing. Today, Leslie joins us. She is a visionary who has had a significant impact on our industry and she really knows how to help designers pivot and then come out of the change far stronger than ever before. Currently, Leslie and Sam have a new mission- to create awareness around the changes that are happening within the design industry and to help designers thrive in this new environment. Whether you are an interior designer, a retailer, or a brand, Leslie and Sam have the answers to successfully navigating the changes that are coming. Tune in today, to find out what Leslie has to share. Leslie's strengths are in strategic planning, online copyrighting, social media campaign execution, content marketing, and advertising.  Sam's strengths lie in graphic design, video production, and e-commerce photography. Listen in today, to find out about this dynamic partnership, which is fully committed to helping you understand that you need to build and design wealth right into your interior design business. Show Highlights: Taking e-commerce matters into your own hands by designing wealth into your website. There are ways to continue making money selling products one-on-one to clients. Leslie invites you to join her Design Wealth Facebook group. Design Wealth Leslie explains how to design wealth into your website. Leslie talks about how you can thrive with the changes. Building your business from the foundation. Why you need to have digital products available on your website. Creating your own online magazine is a great way to make money. Leslie talks about her business partner, Sam, who is a master graphic designer. The products that Leslie and Sam provide for their clients. To see the fabulous mini-magazine that Leslie and Sam created for Window Works, go to Window Works. Leslie explains how her Email Opt-in Mini Magazine will help you make money. Making a little extra with affiliate marketing. About Leslie's special offer for her very comprehensive online course called Design Wealth- How To Design And Market Your Own Online Courses For 24/7 Passive Income. Info on Savour: Leslie Carothers and Sam Henderson, Savour Partnership's principals, came together to form their business collaboration based on their complementary strengths: Sam's in graphic design, video production and e-commerce photography and Leslie's in strategic planning, online copywriting, and social media campaign execution, content marketing, and advertising. They are convinced that beautiful design in online visual communications is a key competitive advantage and helps businesses build a valuable business asset with long term financial value. Savour Partnership produces magazine quality, custom-designed, downloadable e-publications, each of which can include ( but doesn't have to include) affiliate marketing links to help businesses generate revenue 24/7. Our publications help our clients: 1. Elevate the visual experience of their brand, online, to help them gain a competitive advantage. 2. Build their email lists. 3. Build a sellable business asset. As income is generated 24/7  via our beautifully presented affiliate product links, a recurring revenue stream is created. As this revenue stream increases over time, it leads to a financially valuable, sellable business asset.  Our service packages include options for: Affiliate marketing set up and training. Uniquely branded 3-5 page magazines, (scroll to Package 2 and click to see our brochure) to use as free email opt-ins to help build your company's email list. Completely custom branded downloadable catalogs, e-books, online magazines, look books, portfolios, of any size. These can include video, custom animations, etc. ( see an example of a custom magazine Sam designed,  here. )  Custom e-newsletters.  Custom media kits. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Megan Molten #455 Brea Hammil Carla Aston #242 Leslie Price #413 Links: Website: Savour Partnership Instagram: Savour Partnership Facebook: Savour Partnership Groups: Design Wealth Price Style and Design Leslie's email - leslie@savourpartnership.com Leslie's very comprehensive online course, called Design Wealth- How To Design And Market Your Own Online Courses For 24/7 Passive Income, is available to you for only $297 if you go to Design Wealth and use the code LUANN. (The normal price is $497)

Welcome! Today, Dane Austin, of Dane Austin Design, joins us on the show. Dane founded his award-winning, full-service interior design firm, which specializes in luxury residential interiors throughout New England and North America, in 2009. Dane has a signature design process, which he calls the Dane Austin Design. He created this highly-organized process because he truly understands the value in building profit centers around creating packages. This customer-driven plan delivers custom solutions for full-service, turnkey projects and Dane uses the packages feature from Mydoma Studio to explain, quantify, and smoothly sell his services to his clients. Listen in, to hear what Dane has to share on the show today. Dane is the artist, interior design his medium, and the client his muse. Today, we have a conversation with him about finding yourself, both as an individual and as a business person. He talks to us about how he found his Fred Berns 'only', about the significance of the ladybugs on his website, and about finding your voice within your career journey. Dane is a delightful, warm, and generous person, so tune in today, and enjoy this opportunity to get to know him! Show Highlights: It takes time to figure out who you really are. It's important to dress the part. Your attitude is the most crucial thing. A lot goes into making your way to the top in the design industry. The human connection matters the most in the end. Helping each other be better and grow. Dane discusses his approach to his work. Bold and daring use of color really works for Dane. Identifying a thread through all his projects. Marketing yourself in a way that will attract the people you'd really like to be working with. Investing in really good images is very important. Finding the right element to create the wow factor. Delivering beyond the level of the client's imagination. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Nicole Heymer - Curio Electro #125 and #317 Nate Berkus - #433  Links: Dane Austin Design Email: Dane Austin Design Facebook: Dane Austin Design Instagram: A Colorfull Life Twitter: Dane Austin Design Ask me anything” coaching Strategy Session

Welcome to the second episode of Window Treatment Friday! Starting this new series has rekindled a lot of excitement for LuAnn around window treatments! And she and Vita are both very excited to share with you that on the 24th of September, at the Design Trade Resources in Devon, Pennsylvania, they will be presenting a Continuing Education Unit, sponsored by Stout, on demystifying window treatments for interior designers. In today's episode, this dynamic duo will be discussing the pros and cons of using custom, versus ready-made window treatments. This show will set the scene for all the following episodes of WTF, so tune in now, to find out more! Vitalia (Vita for short) Vygovska is the award-winning window treatment specialist.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. Listen in today, to hear what LuAnn and Vita have to share with you. Show Highlights: Vita explains the main differences are between custom and ready-made window treatments. Custom is not necessarily the only way to go because different situations call for different things. When you would use ready-made, rather than custom window treatments. The way that Vita supports the designers she works with. When you would need to use custom window treatments. When the budget allows for it, custom will always be the better choice. Leading the conversation with your client to where you want it to go. Why most interior designers would prefer to do only custom window treatments. Some important things designers need to be aware of when they're faced with a situation where they have to use ready-made window treatments. Ready-made drapes often take a lot of work to make them look like the picture on the package. Some ways to improve ready-made drapery. Links: To learn more about working with Vita and Vitalia Inc: Vitalia Inc   To learn more about working with Window Works: Window Works   To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine To attend the IWCE where both LuAnn and Vita will be presenting: IWCE To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) WCAA To learn about Exciting Windows To attend our upcoming event in PA, De-Mystifying Window Treatments go to: events@designertraderesources.com Facebook: Vitalia Inc Instagram: Vitalia_inc LuAnn's website: Luann Nigara LuAnn's email: info@luannnigara.com The information about the upcoming CEU on the 24th of September, at the Design Trade Resources in Devon, Pennsylvania, will be on Luann's website, under 'Events and Coaching'.

Welcome! Today we are really excited to have Megan Molten on the show with us. Megan reached out to LuAnn in an email a while ago, telling her that she learned everything she knows about the business of interior design from this show, and it's changed her life. She went on to explain that after twelve years of being in health-care sales and having listened to the podcast every day for the last year, she finally quit her day job to become an interior designer. Listen in today, to hear Megan's story. Before quitting her job, Megan managed to have an incredible 29 interior design clients on the side, over six months, while still working full-time, for fifty hours a week! Now, a year later, she has a full-time business manager, a full-time designer, she has leased warehouse space, she has a studio space, she has an e-commerce business, and she has 19 000 followers on Instagram! In her first year, Megan brought in $600 000 in revenue, and she also planned her wedding and got married last May! She has been featured on eighteen different sites, from Serena and Lily to Apartment Therapy and Bungalow. Megan has achieved all of this because she truly understands that to make her dreams a reality, she has to actually do the things that she learned from the different guests on this show. In today's episode, she talks to us about the things she learned and how she's applied them. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Megan talks to us about the moment that she finally decided to quit her day job. It all began with social media, with Instagram in particular, for Megan. One of the first things that Megan did was to hire a photographer. Starting afresh, both professionally and personally. Having the support of her entrepreneurial parents really helped Megan a lot. Do what you do best, and outsource the rest. Making her first hire was one of the best decisions Megan has ever made. E-commerce makes so much sense but it really takes a lot of work. Using the services of a purchasing agent. Having conversations and making connections. The importance of finding the blind spots in your processes. Bio: Megan's love for all things interiors has been around for as long as she can remember and soon became a reality after she purchased her first home in Charleston, South Carolina and started the design process herself. She began sharing with the world all of her favorite finds and amazing transformations on social media and the world responded! It was this incredible response to Megan's designs that encouraged her to start helping friends, then friends of friends and eventually clients transform their spaces too. This exciting new "hobby" she devoted every hour to while not working her very full-time job in medical sales quickly turned into a business. She quit her 12-year career in corporate America to chase a dream-a dream that was her true passion in life-helping others achieve beautiful spaces they love.  Her passion for light and airy design, go-getter attitude and attention to detail has quickly created a strong following and brand for #designsbymeganmolten and she can't wait to continue to watch her big dream grow! Links: Megan's email: megan@meganmolten.com Website: Megan Molten Shop: Megan Molten Shop Instagram: Megan Molten Facebook: Megan Molten Pinterest: Megan Molten Houzz:  Designs By Megan Molten Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Shea McGee #236 Cheryl Luckett - Dwell by Cheryl #291 and #397

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Jamie Lieberman is with us today. Jamie is an attorney, a podcaster, and an entrepreneur. She is also the owner and founder of Hashtag Legal, and she's dedicated to making the legal field accessible to creative professionals just like you. Jamie is down-to-earth, easy to get along with, and she is passionate about sharing the message that legal doesn't have to be scary. Listen in today, to find out how and why she does this. Jamie draws on her experience working with influencer marketing professionals, creatives, business owners, and interior designers, to help and protect them as they grow their businesses. She leads an all-female virtual team with a focus on providing clients with advice on all kinds of subjects, like intellectual property, contracts, privacy, FTC, and general business law, as well as negotiation strategies. Jamie is the co-host of the Fear Less Business Podcast and she's an outstanding speaker with tons of energy! There are so many insights to be gained from today's conversation. Tune in now, to find out how to gracefully dismantle a business partnership, keep your eyes wide open, and make sure that your contracts and agreements are all clear. Show Highlights: Daniele Liss (#171) used to be Jamie's partner in Hashtag Legal. Jamie really gets the intricacies of running a creative business. Jamie makes it very easy for people to access her talents. Managing the challenging nuances of running an interior design business. Everything changes when money comes into play. Negotiating towards a common goal, which is building a successful business. Partnership agreements can be changed. Covering vendor liability could put designers at risk. A contract is actually a gift, it's not a bad thing. It's perfectly acceptable to negotiate a contract before signing it. You have to learn from the things that come up. It's all about clear communication. Jamie is learning from her clients all the time. She likes it when her clients challenge her. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Daniele Liss #171 Amanda Berlin #420 Jenny Maddon #332 Peter Lang- The Designer CPA #349 Tori Alexander #445 Links: Jamie's website: Hashtag Legal Jamie's email: jamie@hashtag-legal.com Jamie on Instagram: Hashtag-legal Jamie on Facebook Jamie on Linked-In

Welcome to the show! Today, Carolyn Flannery, the principal of Carolyn Rebuffel Designs joins us on the show. Apart from designing interiors, Carolyn also heads up Workroom C, a textile company which offers pillows, drapery, bespoke soft goods, and fabric by the yard. Carolyn built her design business in a rather unusual way and she has a really organized approach to running it. In today's episode, she shares with us how she intentionally focuses on families with children, who understand the value of having family-friendly spaces with durable, multi-functional furnishings which are also beautiful. Listen in today, to hear about Carolyn, her business, and how she markets specifically to her ideal clients, using one strategy that has been keeping her pipeline full for more than 10 years. With over a decade of hospitality experience under her belt, Principal Designer Carolyn Rebuffel Flannery brings a thoughtful approach to each project she completes. At her namesake design firm, established in 2006, Carolyn believes that your home should be a retreat that provides you with a sense of ease and calm. After building a career as an antique store owner, buyer, and merchandiser, Carolyn transitioned to interior design, crafting practical yet beautiful interiors that reflect her clients' unique lifestyles. As a mother of four, Carolyn understands the value of creating family-friendly spaces with durable, multi-functional furnishings. Her work highlights unconventional lighting, savvy design solutions, and a healthy mix of high and low pieces. In addition to designing artful interiors, Carolyn helms WorkRoom C, a textile company that offers fabric by the yard, pillows, drapery, and bespoke soft goods. She holds a BA in Art History from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a MPS in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. Tune in now to find out more. Show Highlights: How Carolyn started with her unusual business strategy. Carolyn explains her free, and her paid consultation processes. Carolyn has grown her business so that she's in a position to direct it in any way that she chooses. It's not always the swankiest private schools that make the best clients for Carolyn. Some clients tend to experience some fear when using the services of an interior designer for the first time. Being really clear when explaining your processes and pricing to new clients. Staying on track with the amount of time that's been allocated for a consultation. You don't have to have children to be able to tap into the schools' PTA donation market. It may take some time to tap into Carolyn's kind of market. Carolyn talks about how she started with the fabrics that she's designing. The complicated reality of providing exactly what clients want. What Carolyn learned from Amy Flurry about PR. You have to have an intention behind everything that you do in your business. Other episodes mentioned in this show: Amy Flurry #108 and #323 Andrew Joseph # 39  Krista Coupar #24 #45 #60 #81 #150 Links: Carolyn Rebuffel Designs: Workroom C WorkRoom C

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's show is a special episode, sponsored by American OEM,  one of our nation's leading hardwood flooring manufacturers. We're really fortunate to have Allie Finkell, the executive vice president of American OEM, with us on the show. This past spring, Allie and American OEM asked Revel Woods to invite several designers for a tour of their factory in Nashville. LuAnn and Vin were lucky enough to be included. This remarkable Tennessee-based factory is called the Prison Industry Enterprise because it operates within a penitentiary. In today's episode, Allie talks about their unique prison-based business model, she gives us a breakdown of the difference between hardwood floors made in the US and those made in China, and she discusses the relationship that American OEM has with Revel Woods, and why and how that had brought Allie and LuAnn together. Listen in today, to find out what Allie has to share about this unusual enterprise. Allie is known as royalty in the wood flooring industry because she is the great-granddaughter of L. W. Anderson, who was the founder of Anderson Hardwood Floors, and she has spent her life immersed in the hardwood flooring industry. Following early career sales and marketing experience in New York City, Allie eventually joined the family business, taking on a sales position covering the Northeastern US. During that time, Anderson was acquired by Shaw Industries, and Allie helped lead the introduction of hardwood, laminate, ceramic and vinyl into Shaw’s commercial product offering. In 2013, Allie took on the role of Director of Marketing for Mohawk Industries, building another commercial hard surface program from the ground up. Allie followed her family roots back to hardwood in 2014 when she joined American OEM as executive vice president, helping grow the Anderson-Finkell legacy of beautiful, enduring American-made flooring for the next generation. A graduate of Furman University, Allie holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Allie talks about the remarkable prison industry enterprise. How hardwood floors are made within a prison environment. The benefits of this unique business model to all concerned. How the landscape of the hardwood flooring industry has changed over the last ten to fifteen years. The way that the Chinese have begun to erode the hardwood flooring industry. The difference between the quality of the Chinese and the American product. Allie discusses the quality of the product that her company produces. The difference between hardwood and LVT flooring. Some things that designers could ask builders about hardwood flooring. Character does not have to mean rustic. Designers can purchase American OEM flooring via Revel Woods. Allie explains what makes Revel Woods so special. Hearth Wood is Allie's family flagship brand. It's her family's way to leverage their history and continue their legacy in the industry. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: John Dupra of Revel Woods #329 Links: Revel Woods American OEM Hearth Wood Floors Instagram - Revel Woods

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today, we have Elissa Grayer joining us on the show. Elissa is here today, just like so many of our guests over the years, to share her lessons in business. Today's show is a little different, however. Because, often, our colleagues have shared with us the lessons they've learned in hindsight or the past difficulties that they experienced in their careers, that they weren't sure they would ever manage to overcome. Yet today, Elissa, who is going through an unusual season in her business, bravely shares something with us that she is knee-deep in, right now. In today's episode, she talks to LuAnn about what she's been going through over the last six months, some of the lessons she's learned, and the action steps she is taking to remedy the situation. Listen in, to hear her story. After graduating from Amherst College with a B.A. in Psychology, Elissa spent 10 years in the fields of education and business, earning three masters degrees along the way. It took the joining of two individual apartments into one family-friendly space to convince her to turn her passion for interior design into a business. She was then asked to oversee another major renovation project on the Upper West Side, and thus her career began. To further her education, Elissa also studied at both the New York School of Interior Design and Parsons School of Interior Design. Launched in 2001, Elissa Grayer created her namesake design firm and quickly become the go-to talent for young families transitioning from New York City to the idyllic suburbs of Westchester County. Since then, the firm has also become known for its mastery in the planning, design, and project management of grand estates, luxury apartments, and vacation retreats across New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. Tune in now, to find out more. Show Highlights: Elissa's business has changed significantly because, since January, her turnover has taken a drastic downturn. Elissa describes what she's been going through over the last six months. Elissa recommends outsourcing your business management to Studio Webware. The value of working with an excellent business coach and having the support of like-minded business owners. It's really important to keep checking your numbers consistently. And to act timeously, if necessary. It's all about setting goals and being accountable. Elissa has never worked for anyone else, so she hasn't had the opportunity to learn business fundamentals from a seasoned business owner. Today, you have to actively market your business. The great incentive gifts that Elissa has been giving to realtors. Waiting for the right time to approach realtors to introduce your services to them. Building the skill of rainmaking. Elissa has been building time-blocking into her schedule. If you ever have downtime in your business, you can make good use of it to get started with some new processes. Learning to trust and use your intuition. Looking for the lessons in the hard times. Bio: After graduating from Amherst College with a B.A. in Psychology, Elissa spent 10 years in the fields of education and business, earning three masters degrees along the way. It took the joining of two individual apartments into one family-friendly space to convince her to turn her passion for interior design into a business. She was then asked to oversee another major renovation project on the Upper West Side, and thus her career began. To further her education she has also studied at the prestigious New York School of Interior Design and Parsons School of Interior Design. Launched in 2001, Elissa Grayer created her namesake design firm and quickly become the go-to talent for young families transitioning from New York City to the idyllic suburbs of Westchester County. Since then, the firm has also become known for its mastery in the planning, design, and project management of grand estates, luxury apartments, and vacation retreats across New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. She strives to create beautiful and functional spaces that reflect each client’s personality in an elegant and comfortable way; Classic luxury design for modern living. Elissa subscribes to the belief that creating a home should be a partnership between the designer and homeowner. Educating her clients and exposing them to the exclusive access that only an expert can bring, Elissa Grayer Interior Design creates smart solutions that fit within the homeowners’ budget and lifestyle. Links: Website: Elissa Grayer Design Instagram: Elissa Grayer Interior Design Facebook: Elissa Grayer Interior Design Pinterest: Elissa Grayer Exciting Windows

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Have you ever wished that you could outsource your procurement process to a proven professional? If so, you will gain a lot from today's show because we have Bethany Mabee with us, and Bethany is your lady if you ever want to outsource the procurement process of any interior design project! She makes it possible for you to work with her whether you're a small interior design firm looking for some help with the procurement process of a one-off project, or you're a larger firm with several projects going on at the same time, consistently. In today's episode, Bethany explains the way that she assists designers, and she discusses the kind of accountability that she has built into her process. Listen in today, to find out how Bethany could mean real magic for you and your design business. Before opening her firm, Interior Procurement Group, Bethany worked behind the scenes in the Interior Design industry for nearly 20 years. Her career began in 2001, at Eastern Accents, a Chicago-based textile manufacturer where she oversaw custom trade orders by communicating their specifications through to production. This was a perfect learning experience and stepping stone for transitioning to Gary Lee Partners, where she worked as the Architecture Firm’s Procurement Director from 2005 - 2009. Since opening her Procurement Group, Bethany has worked with dozens of designers, on a project-by-project basis, acting as an agent on their behalf. Her goal is to eliminate all non-design-related items for the designer during the furniture purchasing process so that they are free to focus on the other areas of the project that demand their attention. Tune in now, to find out more. Show Highlights: Bethany loves swimming in details and finding organization in chaos. Bethany works with different size firms and projects. Bethany works with designers only during the procurement phase of their projects. It's great for designers not to have to train someone up in the area of procurement. The vast range of procurement services that Bethany supplies. The kind of admin that Bethany covers. Why Peter Lang, the Designer CPA, specializes in the design industry. About Kimberly Merlitty's specialty. Bethany discusses the monthly check-in that she does with designers. Bethany supports interior designers at an expert level. Sending regular status reports to her clients. Confidentiality is really important to Bethany. Bethany's files are available to the designers at all times. Keeping the designers up to date with the status of their purchases. Working on the finer details. Bethany offers her support, on-site, on installation day. Bethany really respects designers. She sees them, she hears them, and she understands their value. Bio: Bethany has been working behind-the-scenes within the Interior Design industry for nearly 20 years.   In 2001, her career began at Eastern Accents, a Chicago-based textile manufacturer where she oversaw custom trade orders by communicating their specifications through production. This was a perfect learning experience and stepping stone for transitioning to Gary Lee Partners, where she worked as the Architecture Firm’s Procurement Director from 2005 - 2009. In 2009 after having her first child, Bethany wanted a chance to continue doing the work she loves, while also being more available to her son.   Noticing that many designers in the industry were juggling the purchasing process on their own and that most dreaded this time-consuming, archaic process.   Bethany decided to branch out on her own as a consultant and provide residential furniture procurement solutions to design clients.  Bethany has been able to work with a variety of clients across the country, from small boutique firms to independent designers.  Bethany works with designers on a project-by-project basis and acts as an agent on their behalf.   Her goal is to eliminate all non-design related items for the designer during the furniture purchasing process so that they are freed up to focus on other areas of the project that demand their attention. Bethany remotely manages all aspects of the procurement process including purchasing, billing, and warehousing.   Once a designer’s specifications are finalized, Bethany takes over by generating client proposals, processing purchase orders, and communicating custom specifications and sample approvals to manufacturers/vendors as needed.  Throughout the purchasing process, Bethany tracks all costs and markups for designer profitability and maintains communication and records with the designer’s accountant.  Bethany also manages the installation process for her clients by facilitating vendor correspondence throughout production, communicating material timeframes to workrooms, maintaining project production status sheets, submitting regular updates to the design team, coordinating local and long-distance shipments with carriers, recording warehouse receiving reports, tracking freight and warehousing costs, coordinating damage claims, repairs and replacements, coordinating building installation arrangements and insurance requirements, attending and supervising project installations and handling any post-installation follow up and coordination. Bethany has a unique understanding of the creative process.   Her office doubles as an art studio for her other work as an abstract artist.  As a painter, she understands that projects are the designers’ own works of art and that they deserve to be handled with the utmost attention to detail.    For years, Bethany would not even share with her procurement clients that she was also a painter.  She worried that it would discredit her abilities to manage the logistical tasks of their projects.  Over the years, Bethany has learned that these two roles ebb and flow together perfectly and some procurement clients have even become painting commission clients. She is grateful to interior designers for allowing her to fulfill her own calling to express both her logistical and creative sides. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Peter Lang, The Designer CPA #349 Kimberly Merlitti # 361 and #442 Links: LuAnn's email: info@luannnigara.com Interior PG Bethany Mabee Art For your MyDoma Studios trial, go to A Well Designed Business LuAnn is running her Power Talk Friday One-Day Coaching Event on July 27th, 2019 in Las Vegas. If you'd like to get in, email LuAnn. LuAnn will be at the Las Vegas Market on Monday, at 3 pm, at Uttermost. Nancy Ganzekaufer will be in the seminar space at 11 am, with IDS, doing a presentation about body language. The event is sponsored by MyDoma Studio and Interior Design Society (IDS).

Welcome another episode of Power Talk Friday and Design Biz Live, with Judith Neary and Corey Klassen. It's been several months since the last episode of the Design Biz Live series and today's show is really going to be fun, especially if you were one of the 200 people attending LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation, last March, where Corey and Judith were both guest designer panelists. Tune in to today's episode of Design Biz Live, to find out why everyone really needs a Vin man! Judith and Corey are usually the ones to come up with the topics for the Design Biz Live episodes, and their topics are mostly about the things they're facing in their businesses or the things that their colleagues are struggling with, in theirs. For today's episode, however, they have decided to talk about the things that they learned from LuAnn Live. Corey and Judith both have tons of experience in the design industry, so listen in today, to hear what they learned. Show Highlights: Corey really enjoyed connecting with other like-minded individuals and sharing stories and experiences with them. Judith, as a tenured professional in the industry, really loved the amount of information that was available at LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation. Everyone needs a Vin man! Corey talks about a moment of clarity that he experienced. LuAnn explains where the magic happens. Judith lists five of her take-aways. Corey uses spreadsheets to track everything, so he really loved Michele William's Profit First method. What Judith loved so much about Fred Berns. Your existing client base is the fastest, shortest way to putting money in your pocket. The incredible value of referrals. The power of adversity. Judith gives a shout-out to MyDoma Studios. The benefits of using MyDoma Studio's packages. Corey explains what horizontal revenue is. LuAnn shares what she learned at LuAnn Nigara Live. LuAnn Live 2 will be coming out in 2020. To get onto the email list, so that you can know what's happening and when text the word 'designbiz' to 444999.

Welcome to the first episode of Window Treatment Friday! For some time now, designers have been reaching out to LuAnn and asking her to share some of her window treatment expertise, because the window treatment business is a pretty complicated area of business for many designers. So about once a month, LuAnn and Vita Vygovska will be producing an episode of Window Treatment Friday, where they will explain how designers can increase their bottom line by incorporating custom window treatments into their projects. In each episode, they will break down and unravel the intricacies of an aspect of the window treatment business, as it relates to interior designers. They will be giving you content-driven education which is unbiased, truthful, and open, to educate baby designers and inspire the more seasoned and experienced designers to have more confidence, talk to their clients with more authority, and, ultimately, make more profit. Tune in now, to find out more. Vitalia (Vita for short) Vygovska is the award-winning window treatment specialist.  Her company, Vitalia, Inc, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service exclusively for interior designers.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done. Listen in today, to hear what LuAnn and Vita have to share about the value of incorporating custom window treatments into your design projects. Show Highlights: There are some valuable resources out there for window treatments. There's the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America), Exciting Windows, ASID, the IWCE Expo, and Window Fashion Vision Magazine. The goal of Window Treatment Friday is to provide designers with just enough of the right kind of information to help them feel more confident in the world of window treatments. LuAnn explains which designers this show is talking to. Window treatments make up a large portion of interior design projects. Mistakes are part of learning, but they are costly when it comes to window treatments. LuAnn and Vita are here to share their lessons learned, and the mistakes they have made. There are pros and cons to adding window treatments to your ladder of services, as an interior designer. Window treatments make a huge difference to any interior design project. They are like jewelry for the room. There's profit to be made from including window treatments in a design project. Your number one way to make a profit is to sell more things to the same people. Some of the more nuanced points about the value of offering your clients window treatments. In the episodes coming up, LuAnn and Vita will be talking about everything, from custom versus ready-made, to specifying the differences between ready-made rods and custom-made rods, and why and when it matters. Please share with us any questions that you may have about window treatments or the challenges that you face with window treatments, in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Vita has already come up with 25 different window treatment topics to cover in this show. Links: Vita’s Website: Vitalia Inc Facebook: Vitalia Inc Instagram: Vitalia Inc Exciting Windows WCAA ASID IWCE The Window Fashion Vision Magazine Mentioned in the show: Sew Much More Podcast

Welcome! Today, Alex Gourlay joins us on the show. Eighteen months ago, Alex took LuAnn and Nancy Ganzekaupher's Money Mindset and Sales Course. Then recently, she contacted LuAnn to say that she wanted to share what she's learned since taking the course, and the things she's done since then to build her business, with all of you, her designer colleagues out there. For Alex, this has all been around mindset and about breaking through some of the patterns that she noticed in herself. Listen in today, to hear what Alex has to share. Alex Gourlay is the owner of Vellum Interiors, a high-end residential interior design studio in Sydney. Founded in 2016, Vellum Interiors has quickly gained a reputation for creating beautiful, feel-good homes. Alex’s work has been featured in multiple publications, and she was recognized as a Finalist in the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards. Tune in now for more! Show Highlights: Alex always knew that she had potential, but she also knew that there was something holding her back. Alex explains what she discovered about mindset issues and her business. Some examples of the mindset issues that Alex has managed to overcome. Two sentences that are really powerful informing how you think. Being confident without acting like a jerk. Growth mindset and fixed mindset. The fear of failure often prevents people from attempting something new. The key that has unlocked so many things for Alex. It feels uncomfortable to look in the mirror, go deep, and get to the next level. It helps to have a really supportive partner in life. The people that you surround yourself with will inevitably influence you. And some of them will try to hold you back because they're scared. The positive impact that Alex's new awareness has had on her business. You have to know what you want in order to create it. Once you know what you want, your brain looks for ways to make it happen. So many people really underestimate the power of their thoughts. Getting comfortable with your own beliefs. It's actually easier than you think to get published in magazines, as long as you do it the right way. It's all about standing in your space, staying in your lane, and being who you are. Giving yourself permission to be your best self. Bio: Alex Gourlay is the owner of Vellum Interiors, a high-end residential interior design studio in Sydney. Founded in 2016, Vellum Interiors has quickly gained a reputation for creating beautiful, feel-good homes. Alex’s work has been featured in multiple publications, and she was recognized as a Finalist in the 2019 Dulux Colour Awards. Tune in now for more! Alex’s design ethos focuses on the character of the houses and clients she works with, with an emphasis on simplicity and laid-back sophistication. She specializes in creating beautiful homes by the harbor or ocean, that her clients can love for many years. Alex’s previous experience in events and client services in global advertising firms has shaped how design projects are run at Vellum, and she is passionate about delivering a highly-organized and smooth experience for her clients. She loves to ‘surprise and delight’ her clients to keep things interesting too! A key value of Alex’s business is creating incredible relationships with clients, her suppliers, and trades, and she has garnered a reputation for being a force to be reckoned with. Alex works with people who are down-to-earth, high-net-worth Sydney-siders who have a desire to create a long-term home or holiday home. Vellum Interiors has been published in Australia House & Garden, InsideOut, Home Beautiful, and has been featured online in The Local Project, Homes to Love and Interiors Addict. Mentioned on the show: Steve Berson: The leader of Exciting Windows Book: Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Amy Flurry #108 and #323 Ren Miller (Design New Jersey) #12 Ashley Hotham-Cox #321 Shea McGee #236 and #270 Amber Lewis #169 and #184 Power Talk Friday

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, Jesse Lazarus, the Chief Process and Innovation Officer for Kravet Inc. joins us on the show. Jesse is a deep thinker, with a BA in philosophy, and in his role, at Kravet he plays an integral part in the discussion around the technology and innovations that the company chooses to partner with and embrace. Jesse spearheads Kravet's strategic plans and he implements their new digital initiatives, which include e-commerce projects, in-store experience concepts, and groundbreaking virtual design tools. Listen in today, to find out what Jesse has to share about the ongoing evolution of Kravet. Kravet is a smart company and they are guided by their mission to support you, the interior designer, in your efforts to run a really profitable business. Kravet has been a show sponsor since the beginning and, in today's episode, Jesse talks to LuAnn about how this happened. He discusses the way that technology has advanced during his time working in the interior design industry, and how the industry is changing, as a result. He also talks to us about Kravet's new showroom which opening up at the New York Design Center, the way that Kravet is evolving,  and where they are heading, in terms of innovation and technology. Tune in now for more! Show Highlights: How LuAnn's collaboration with Kravet began. For Jesse, Kravet is a really great and innovative place to work. The criteria that Jesse uses to decide whether or not to partner with tech companies. One of Kravet's core mission values is to always be in support of interior designers. Although many of the new tech companies are not yet geared for the interior design industry, designers are now involved in helping those companies evolve to meet the needs of the industry. Kravet has been partnering with MyDoma Studio since the spring of 2019. Jesse discusses the reason for this partnership. Jesse discusses his perception of the two flavors of the marketplace. Being transparent and as accessible as possible is another one of Kravet's core mission values. There's so much research and product discovery happening online, currently. This has started feeding through into the design industry. The way that Jesse sees the evolution of interior design showrooms, going forward. The way that Jesse has built the digital experience into the concept for Kravet's new pilot showroom, as a subtle, supportive tool for designers. Kravet's pilot showroom is meant to be a relaxed workspace for collaboration, where designers can feel comfortable enough to come in and use their sample library as if it was their own. Kravet's pilot showroom is a way to honor their relationships with interior designers. Some new technological innovations that are destined to become a part of the design industry. Recently, designers have been collaborating to form buying groups. Jesse sees this as a natural evolutionary step. The evolution of technology has made it possible for designers to now work in any way that fits their individual business. Bio: Jesse Lazarus is Chief Process and Innovation Officer for Kravet Inc., a high-end home furnishings supplier to the interior design trade. In this role, Jesse plays an integral part in spearheading strategic plans and implementing new digital initiatives, including e-commerce projects, in-store experience concepts, and innovative virtual design tools. He received his BA in Philosophy from the State University of Stony Brook and resides in West Sayville, NY with his wife and two daughters. Links: Website: Kravet Instagram: Kravet Facebook: Kravet Pinterest: Kravet Twitter: Kravet Mydoma Code for 10% of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim: AWDB10

Welcome to the show! We have Tori Alexander with us today. Tori is a Nashville native and she's a Harpeth Hall alumna with a B.S. in Furnishings and Interiors from the University of Georgia. After graduating, Tori set herself apart as a designer with her uniquely broad understanding of architecture, while honing her skills at a boutique architecture firm in Nashville. In 2012, Tori launched her own company, Alexander Interiors, in Sacramento California, when her husband's career took their family there. Then they returned to Nashville in 2016 and Tori started her business all over again. In today's episode, she talks to us about the systems she uses to keep her projects extremely well organized. And she mentions how moving and starting over twice, and experiencing a different culture and aesthetic, really broadened her design skills and helped her become a better businesswoman. Listen in today, to find out more! Spaces you can live in. That’s Tori Alexander’s design philosophy – a vision that is top of mind as she dreams up new creations for her clients. “I design every space with the assumption that adults will spill red wine and children will spill their juice,” Tori explains. “That being said, it can still be beautiful! It is about knowing when and where to use each material.” When it comes to understanding those critical details, Tori’s credentials are truly impressive. Alexander Interiors has been featured by Southern Living, Today, Style Blueprint and more. Tune in today, to hear what Tori has to share about how to run a design-build project. Show Highlights: Tori explains where to start with a design-build project. Implementing the production list was a turning point in Tori's business. It has led to more opportunities, such as management and construction management of larger projects. Running a business in California was a constant uphill battle for Tori and this really helped her to develop an edge. Tori talks about the production list and what it entails. The management tool that has really improved the profitability of Tori's business. Tori has four categories of projects: Renovation, full design, e-design, and consulting. Projects have to make sense for Tori, first financially and then creatively. If they don't fit any of these categories, she turns them down. Tori explains the kind of project that is not a good fit for her. The way that Tori packages her consultation times. Laying the seeds in the right places. A production list documents every single task that needs to be done, no matter how large or small. How trackable goals tie into the production list. Implementing separate cross-checks for completion and accuracy. Coming up with systems to prevent unforeseen installation problems from arising. Tori shares some of the checklists that she uses. Using checklists helps to bring calmness to a potentially chaotic industry. Rewarding the team at the end of a project for a job well done.   Tori Alexander- Bio Spaces you can live in. That’s Tori Alexander’s design philosophy – a vision that is top of mind as she dreams up new creations for her clients. “I design every space with the assumption that adults will spill red wine and children will spill their juice,” Alexander explains. “That being said, it can still be beautiful! It is about knowing when and where to use each material.” When it comes to understanding those critical details, Alexander’s credentials are impressive. The Nashville native and Harpeth Hall alumna earned her B.S. in Furnishings and Interiors from The University of Georgia’s esteemed program in 2008. Upon graduating, she continued to hone her skills at a boutique architecture firm in Nashville, setting herself apart as a designer with a uniquely extensive understanding of architecture. In 2012, her husband’s career took Alexander to Sacramento, Ca., where she launched her own design company, Alexander Interiors. “I think being in a new and unfamiliar city encouraged me to finally take the leap and begin working for myself,” Alexander shares. Since the launch, clients have eagerly sought out Alexander’s impeccable expertise for their own homes. Describing her style as fresh and classic all at once, Alexander creates timeless interiors with layers of color, texture, and pattern. “I love a good pattern,” Alexander says. “That’s what I feel truly sets me apart — my ability to pair pattern on pattern within the same space.” In 2016, Alexander brought her thriving business back home to Nashville – a trending city with an ever-growing design scene. But with years of experience in California and clients across the country, Alexander offers a unique perspective for clients. “I’ve been able to draw inspiration from the quirks and trends in various regions and cities,” Alexander explains. Or sometimes, the inspiration is close to home – like an antique bracelet from her grandmother serving as the muse for a hand-painted ceiling in a charming nursery. Alexander’s creativity and heart help give clients unforgettable, one-of-a-kind spaces they can live in. Alexander Interiors has been featured by Southern Living, Today, Style Blueprint and more. To learn more, visit Alexander Interiors.  Links: Alexander Interiors Instagram: Alexander Interiors Nashville Will you be joining LuAnn in Las Vegas for her one-day Power Talk Friday Tour? LuAnn is repeating her Power Talk Friday Tour this year in Las Vegas. It is a one-day coaching event and it will be held on Saturday, July 27th, and it will run from 8.00am to 11.00pm. It will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, discussions with LuAnn's PTF experts, and four hours of round table discussions, in groups of three or less, with each expert individually. Go to Power Talk Friday to reserve your seat. if you are not sure if it’s right or you—email LuAnn at info@luannnigara.com, put powertalkfriday LV in the subject line, and give LuAnn your phone number. She will call you and together you'll see if this one-day event will benefit you and your business.  This event is sponsored by Revel Woods and MyDoma Studio. To get onto LuAnn's email list to get the info, text the word DESIGNBIZ to the number 444999.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Sarah Winchester with us today! Sarah is a Boston based photographer specializing in interiors and fine art photography. Social media has really raised the bar for photographers over the last few years, and as a result, the world of interiors photography has been getting a lot of recognition. So investing in an excellent professional photographer has become a valuable way for new interior designers to become known. In today's episode, Sarah talks to us about styling, copyright, what it takes to be a great interiors photographer, and she also explains what you, as an interior designer, need to look for when hiring a photographer. Listen in today, to get Sarah's practical tips and advice for showing yourself in the way that you want to be seen. Raised in Atlanta, GA Sarah brings her southern sensibility and style to her work.  After years in the corporate world as a creative director, brand manager, and in-house photographer, Sarah opened her own studio in 2009. Sarah’s strengths lie in blending the needs of the client with her own unique and artistic approach, to create beautiful and effective images. Sarah graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor’s in Art and Art History and received her Masters in Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was also able to spend time studying art in Florence, Italy. Tune in now for more! Show Highlights: Sarah believes that you have to have a script, or a shot list to know where you're going, where to start and to keep things organized. Amazing photographs are essential for interior designers. Social media has raised the bar for photographers. Finding the right photographer. Photographic shoots are creative and fun, and also exhausting! What to look out for when choosing a photographer who will be the right fit. Getting as much out of a photo shoot as you possibly can. Copyright versus usage right... it can all be very confusing. Paying for usage rights for the images you've shared. Having the conversation about who owns the rights to the images on social media. There's safety in integrity so it's important to be clear right from the beginning. Partnering with local brands in order to style a project. Developing relationships with local businesses and highlighting their products in your photo shoots. Using images to sell a feeling. Bio: Sarah is a Boston based photographer specializing in interiors and fine art photography.  Raised in Atlanta, GA she brings her southern sensibility and style to her work.  After years in the corporate world as a creative director, brand manager, and in-house photographer, Sarah opened her own studio in 2009. Sarah’s strengths lie in blending the needs of the client with her own unique and artistic approach, to create beautiful and effective images. Sarah graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor’s in Art and Art History and received her Masters in Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was also able to spend time studying art in Florence, Italy–one of her favorite cities in the world. Sarah has worked with clients, which span the creative and professional world, from magazines and fashion houses to advertising campaigns and construction companies. Sarah feels photography is about creating, not just capturing and brings that emotion to her work. Links: Website: Sarah Winchester Studios Instagram: Sarah_W_Studios Austin Mill PR Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Stephen Karlisch # 369 David Livingstone # 51 Raquel Langworthy # 343 Sarah Winchester Studios - Pitch for LuAnne Nigara Podcast About Sarah Winchester Sarah is a Boston based photographer who shoots all over the country, specializing in interiors and fine art photography. Raised in Atlanta, GA she brings her southern sensibility and style to her work. After years in the corporate world as a creative director, brand manager, and in-house photographer, Sarah opened her own studio in 2009. Sarah’s strengths lie in blending the needs of the client with her own unique and artistic approach, to create beautiful and effective images. Sarah graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor’s in Art and Art History and received her Masters in Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was also able to spend time studying art in Florence, Italy–one of her favorite cities in the world. Sarah has worked with clients, which span the creative and professional world, from magazines and fashion houses to advertising campaigns and construction companies. She also creates a series of fine art photography stemming from a passion for art and travel; creating beautiful images to live with and love. Sarah feels photography is about creating, not just capturing and brings that emotion to her work. OVERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHERS - How to choose one? What sets me apart? In an increasingly growing field, how should a designer choose? In turn, how can a photographer set him or herself apart? (I know lots of interiors photographers who listen to the podcast) SOCIAL MEDIA - Still photography, moving images, videos Social Media v. Website/Portfolio Instagram shooting tips. IPhone v. Professional Engagement, Stories, connecting with followers. CONTENT - Still photography, moving images, videos Should you be doing “more?” What does that “more” look like? Online and social media are perfect for playing with this. Places where traditional print media can’t go COPYRIGHT - Who “owns” the images Copy Right v. Usage Rights 2 - 3 party usage - reduced rate “Other Parties” wishing to use the photos. Publications, vendors, etc. STYLING - The discussion continued… Such an important aspect of interiors photography. Could parent more discussion. Photographer as stylist…is this the new norm? Perhaps, but only if it fits the project and photographer. Partnering with a local business. Helps the shoot, the homeowner often buys the pieces and helps the designer finish out the project. I often buy or borrow, books, accessories, home goods, etc. for a shoot and let the homeowner buy the products from a shoot…unless they are from my personal collection. - The homeowner gets free shopping and styling ART + ART SOURCING Not all spaces and projects have amazing art budgets, but art is a crucial part of a finished project and creating beautiful, finished photographs. Relationship with art consultants. Finding new a artist who will lend work. A personal passion: I love finding new artists and helping them. GETTING PUBLISHED Writers - In addition to getting to know editors (which can be very challenging because they are such busy people) Develop a relationship with writers. They get paid by the story to so we all want to find amazing projects. Local/Regional press and print is still amazing. Online features - .com arm of publications, blogs. Great in that things can go viral. Also, the reason why it is important to credit everyone when you post things. SARAH WINCHESTER STUDIOS. | SARAH@SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM | 404.542.2833 IN DEPTH BREAK DOWN Photographers - How to choose one? - I come from a fine art/art history background that is where I start, but I also have some commercial experience so that always creeps in, but first and foremost I LOVE creating a great editorial type shot. One that will draw the viewer into the space. I love the challenge of creating beautiful images but also the effectiveness of conveying the “information” the designer needs/wants to parlay. - Photographers - Just like designers, there is the right fit for you. What is their photographic style, their personality, do they assist in styling, and do they fit your budget and meet or talk to them in person. Crowded field of photographers - photography is becoming more and more accessible which makes the field larger. I say great. A rising tide lifts all boats. - Look closely at the photographer's portfolio. The feel, the lighting, the angles. How do you want your work to look? Just like when people choose a designer that best suits their needs and style. - Photo shoots are long hard days…sometimes overnight trips. You better like who you are working with and shouldn’t it be fun? They should be creatively fulfilling days that give you the final images that perfectly show your work and you. - Trust the photographer but also speak up. If the leather straps on a chair really speak to your work and your design choices, make sure the photographer gets those leather straps! Or tile or built-in design. - This is the time to get the project the way you want it because when you walk out the door and close it behind you that is it. What do you have left of the SARAH WINCHESTER STUDIOS. | SARAH@SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM | 404.542.2833 project? A photo shoot is a chance to get the project the way you want it and preserve it for your portfolio. SOCIAL MEDIA - Consulting - Social Media v. Website/Portfolio - How to use Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. Which platform is the best for you? To expand upon what David Livingston talked about in Episode 51 when talking bout Houzz. Where should designers be? - How to use it for your brand/company - for most in our business Instagram is THE tool to use. I have a little PDF I like to share with my clients as an “added value.” - Instagram shooting tips. I like giving my clients a little cheat sheet on how to use their iPhone and Instagram to their best of their ability. The iPhone is a very powerful camera. It kills me when people don’t use it to the best of their ability. I also love consulting new designers in this. They may only have the budget to hire me for that one great room they “designed to completion” so I love teaching photography 101 so they can use their iPhone to create content and images for social media. For website and portfolio purported I still advice to use a true professional. - Instagram Engagement Community Building, give credit. Reply to comments, DM’s, etc Pose questions. Ask for advice. - Posts v. Stories - Authenticity - “Behind the curtain”. About you as a creative/business owner. Photos of travels Videos - real life, behind the scenes. Show your personality SARAH WINCHESTER STUDIOS. | SARAH@SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM | 404.542.2833 - Give Credit - It takes a lot of people to make a beautiful space and then the image that represents that space. It makes you look better to give credit where credit is due and helps with engagement. The more the merrier! Designer, architect, Builder, Stylist, Photographer. Try to credit all the people involved. It only makes you look better and it spreads the love/influence. GIFFS and VIDEOS - Giffs and video type images. I have been having fun creating gifts and stop motion images. Online and social media are perfect for playing with this. Places where traditional print media can’t go If your photographer focuses on only still, the iPhone can so much. Time-lapse, stop motion, videos, etc. COPYRIGHT - Who “owns” the images. Such a huge topic these days with photo sharing and the monetizing of Instagram, shopping, etc. It seems to be a touchy subject but an important one. - What is the difference between usage rights and copyrights? It is my job a the photographer to educate the designer on the differences. I don’t expect the designer to know this. - When I was on salary for a large corporation they “owned” all the images I took. Some of my photographs were used in national ad campaigned printed in the likes of Sports Illustrated and This Old House, but I did not receive and usage payment form my company. That was our agreement. Totally fine as I was a salaried employee and that was a part of my job description. - Now running my own studio I “own” all my images. I maintain the copyright. SARAH WINCHESTER STUDIOS. | SARAH@SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM | 404.542.2833 The question may be raised from a designer ”but that is my work, my project.” Absolutely. I have been hired for my talents, my brain juice, on how to create a photograph to best showcase that work. That creation…that photograph is my work, therefore the creator maintains the copyright. - Usage Rights - When I shoot for a designer they have unlimited “usage rights” to the images. My wording goes: Unlimited digital and print usage is granted to the client. Any editorial rights (digital and print) rights should be settled between Sarah Winchester Studios LLC and the publisher. Images and their rights usage are not transferable. Rights usage by other parties may be obtained for a fee per image. Sarah Winchester Studios LLC is the sole copyright owner (only usage rights is being granted) All photography to be credited: Sarah M. Winchester - “Other parties” includes, builders, architects, lighting companies, wallpaper, furniture company, etc who see the images and then wants to use it for an ad campaign or marketing tool they need to contact me for a usage fee. Basically, if they are going to use my image to sell their product. They are usually more than happy to and understand this industry standard. Plus it is far more economical than producing their own photo shoots. I had a wonderful recent experience where a project for my beloved client Cecilia Walker was featured on domino.com (a connection through written Jaci Conry). Cecilia had used a lot of Hudson Valley lighting fixtures. They then bought some usage rights from me and ended up using the images in their national advertising campaign all over their website and in print publications like House Beautiful. Conversely, I had a company see a project in a publication, asked to buy some usage but the designer had such a terrible time dealing with them she asked that I not. I of course obliged. My relationship with the designer is worth much more than the money I would have gotten from this other party. I always ask…and get the permission of the homeowner. So many moving parts involved, but I find being open and transparent is the best way and I pride myself in being clear and honest. - 2 - 3 Companies Usage SARAH WINCHESTER STUDIOS. | SARAH@SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM | 404.542.2833 Often times the designer, builder and architect all want photos of a project. For this, I offer a slightly reduced “combined rate” for the shoot. So the overall cost of the shoot might be more because there are more people “using” the images, but when split 3 ways is less expensive for each party than if they each hired me separately. - If copyrights are wanting to be purchased it usually is a much higher cost because I am basically giving away all my rights to that image I created. That case usually only comes up when a photographer is hired by Architectural Digest or some major print publication but even then that is not always the case. I heard Photographer Lynsey Adario who shoots for the NY Times, National Geographic, etc. speak and she said she shoots as a freelancer for that reason. So she owns the copyrights to her photographs. STYLING - Styling Assistance - I have rolled it into my services because I love it and I am good at it. This was covered greatly in the Raquel Langworthy podcast and I thought she did an amazing job conveying the differences between stying assistance and hiring a professional stylist. It's a new way people are looking at their photographers. Majority of my clients do not have the budget to hire amazing stylists like Stacy Kunstel or Charlotte Safavi. That is usually a publication level shoot. - I have relationships with various studios and shops and after scouting with gather information on colors, flowers, accessories, books needed. I borrow a ton of stuff on my own. Inevitably the homeowner buys half the stuff we bring. Win-win for all. - If the homeowner isn’t on set (which is usually the case and the preferred option) we send photos and pricing while on a shoot for approval. - A great way for the designer to finish out the project. SARAH WINCHESTER STUDIOS. | SARAH@SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM | 404.542.2833 - I know what it “photogenic” I know what has been shot to death. (Ahem…Tom Ford book)I also like that “control” over the shoot. It makes us all look better. - STORY: I recently shot a gorgeous old brownstone in historic Beacon Hill, the designer hired me to style and shoot the project. I hired my own styling assistant. We spent an entire day styling and then we shot for two days. I helped source art ART - Art sourcing - Art is SUPER important. This is also a personal passion of mine with my Art History major, I love finding new artist, I have a few art consultants I work with who lend me work. One of whom I am giving a Design Week talk with about Art + Design. To Stephen Karlisch point we can hold art up. No need to bang holes in that Phillip Jeffery wallpaper. And sometimes the homeowner ends up buying a piece. Win-win! GETTING PUBLISHED - Writers!!! - In addition to getting to know editors (which can be very challenging because they are such busy people), I have loved developing relationship with writers. They get paid by the story to so we all want to find amazing projects. - Local/Regional press and print is still amazing - We all want national press of course but regional print has amazon coverage - New England Home, Newspaper magazine, Modern Luxury, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle SARAH WINCHESTER STUDIOS. | SARAH@SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM | 404.542.2833 WWW.SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM. | SARAH@SARAHWINCHESTERSTUDIOS.COM | 404.542.2833

Welcome to the show! Today, we have the charming Jared Hughes, an interior designer from Atlanta, joining us. Jared's Instagram and his website are well worth paying attention to because they are unusual, warm, and beautiful, and the authentic way that he has remained true to himself and his own, personal style really shines through both. In today's episode, Jared talks to us about his solid interior design business and he explains how he has built a reputation and gained recognition as a talented designer within the interior design industry, even though his firm is still under three years old. Tune in now, to find out more! Jared opened his firm after ten years of experience working for others in residential design and event and floral design. The experience that he gained from doing this has allowed him to hit the ground running and as a result, he's been producing projects that are timeless, classic, and with an unexpected twist. Listen in to find out what Jared has to share today. You're really going to enjoy this episode! Show Highlights: Jared talks about his confidence in presenting his work in his own, unique way in his Instagram and on his website. There are some key elements that are evident in all of Jared's designs. Jared explains why hints of his personal life appear regularly in his Instagram feed. Jared's biggest client is from Switzerland. What people are looking for in Atlanta, in terms of interior design. Jared talks about his incredible number of accomplishments over the last two years. Networking has really been key to Jared's success. As a new designer, it's really important to present yourself in a humble and respectful manner when getting to know more experienced designers. Jared advises you, as baby designers, to take the advice of more seasoned designers and let them help you. We never stop learning, so Jared likes to test out processes that have worked for other people. Jared is extroverted and better around other people, however, he has no problem with being alone. Jared gives some unique and useful advice to help introverted designers with networking. Jared explains where he gained the grounding for his specific design aesthetic. Bio: Jared Hughes is a globally inspired Atlanta designer with deep roots in the South. His penchant for antiques and architecture are at the heart of his work, and his fascination with fabrics is the starting point for nearly all of his design projects. He gleans inspiration from his obsession with color to rethink the past and create livable,  layered spaces. With 10 years of experience in residential, event and floral design, Hughes’ breadth of experience allows him to produce projects that feel timeless and classic with an unexpected twist. Links and Resources: Website: Jared Hughes Design Instagram: Jared Hughes Design Will you be joining LuAnn in Las Vegas for her one-day Power Talk Friday Tour? LuAnn is repeating her Power Talk Friday Tour this year in Las Vegas. It is a one-day coaching event and it will be held on Saturday, July 27th, and it will run from 8.00am to 11.00pm. It will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, discussions with LuAnn's PTF experts, and four hours of round table discussions, in groups of three or less, with each expert individually. Go to Power Talk Friday to reserve your seat. This event is sponsored by Revel Woods and MyDoma Studio. To get onto LuAnn's email list to get the info, text the word DESIGNBIZ to the number 444999.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are very happy to have Kimberly Merlitti, one of our favorite Power Talk Experts, back on the show today. Many people are really in the dark about how much money is actually going in and out of their businesses. Kimberly, who first appeared in episode #361, loves teaching people to understand accounting in a way that makes them an active partner in their finances. Talking in really simple language, she helps people figure out the really important financial side of their businesses. In today's episode, you will learn about the billable hours, rates between the principal designer and junior designers, how to know your cash on hand, how to know your 'cost to be open' number, how to budget to hire a junior designer, and how to prepare for a recession. Listen in, to find out how to get to know your numbers. Kimberly Merlitti owns KMM Consulting based out of Washington, D.C. She has 20 years of experience working in accounting for companies such as Swinerton Builders, WRNS Studio, and Martin Group. She has her Masters in Accounting from Golden Gate University. Located in Washington D.C. Kimberly's clientele includes a diverse group of service-based companies, with the main focus on small interior design, construction, and architectural firms. The goal of her firm is to make the businesses she works for as profitable as they can be by educating them on accounting, cash flow management, tax deductions, project reporting, and business management. Tune in now, for more! Show Highlights: Kimberly shares a really simple calculation for you to get to know how much of the money in your business account is actually yours. Using the best software to calculate your vendor liability. Keeping an eye on your cash flow. How to know your cash on hand. It only takes five minutes a month to know your cash on hand. Budgeting to hire a junior designer. Working out your time-billing rates and budgets. Being upfront and straightforward with your clients. Telling your clients what to expect with every stage of the design process. Things to consider when working out your 'cost to be open' number. How to prepare for a recession. Building cash reserves for difficult times. Other episodes mentioned in today's show: Alinda Morris: #429 Michele Williams #180 and #395 Peter Lang #349 Links: A Well Designed Business Kimberly's website: KMM Consulting Kimberly's email: kimberly@kmmsf.com Need to schedule time with KMM? KMM Consulting

Welcome to today's show! We're excited to be interviewing Laura and Cliff Muller today. Laura and Cliff are the husband and wife team behind Four Point Design Build, an award-winning full-service multi-disciplinary residential and commercial high-level interior and architectural design, project management, and construction firm, based in Los Angeles. The landscape of interior design is changing, so design-build has become an incredible opportunity for interior designers to have control over their projects and to enjoy the fruits of a multi-dimensional process. In today's episode, Cliff and Laura share some of their winning design-build processes, and Laura gives some great advice about mentorship and collaborating with build professionals. Tune in now, to find out more. Four Point Design Build is owned and led by interior designer and general contractor, Laura and Cliff Muller, and with over sixty years of combined experience, FOUR POINT’s boutique hands-on style of design and project management from concept to turnkey, specializes in highly customized client-centered projects with an experienced and immaculate focus on whole home remodels, kitchens, baths, and office spaces. Cliff and Laura’s work has been seen Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Metropolis, Hospitality Design, and CA Home & Design to name a few. Listen in today, to find out about what it takes to run a successful design-build business. Show Highlights: There's a fine line between professionalism and personal expression in the world of business today. Why Laura and Cliff make such an excellent husband and wife team. Celebrating all the different people involved in a project at the end. How they developed the name of their business. Cliff and Laura's four-step business-process. Understanding what goes into a design-build project. The best way for a new designer to start out in the design-build world. Laura suggests that new designers find a design-build mentor to oversee their first small design-build project. The best way for a young designer to approach someone they would like to become their mentor. Laura explains how to make the right kind of connections. What has to happen at the beginning of a successful design-build project. The investigation and analysis that is necessary before the start of a design-build project. Knowing your self-worth and value, and the essence of the truth of your business is really empowering. Some websites that provide good information for designers and consumers to understand what to expect from a design-build project. Laura discusses the really well-received presentation that they did at the Las Vegas market, around the changing landscape of interior design. Short Company Bio: FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC LAURA MULLER – CEO, OWNER + PRINCIPAL CLIFF MULLER – SENIOR CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT June 20, 2019 For Immediate Release FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC is an award-winning full service multi-disciplinary residential and commercial high-level interior and architectural design, project management, and construction firm based in Los Angeles, serving clients nationwide. Owned and led by Interior Designer and General Contractor, Laura and Cliff Muller, and with over sixty years of combined experience, FOUR POINT’s boutique hands-on style of design and project management from concept to turnkey specializes in highly customized client-centered projects with an experienced and immaculate focus on whole home remodels, kitchens, baths, and office spaces. From high-rise and mixed-use design-build to executive offices and luxury custom homes, Cliff and Laura guide and oversee every detail and project process with systems and teams in place that allow their Clients to relax and enjoy the blessings of designing and building a custom luxury #CleanFreshModernTM space. [137] Cliff and Laura’s work has been seen Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Metropolis, Hospitality Design, and CA Home & Design to name a few. Laura is the former President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID/2016) and has the distinct honor of being selected to the prestigious 2018 DXV Design Panel and the elite 2019 Designer Council for Monogram Appliances. Cliff has collaborated on award-winning and highly celebrated projects with such renown architects as Patrick Tighe and Morphosis. [90] Link to HIGH RES IMAGES: A WELL DESIGNED BUSINESS_PODCAST ASSETS SERVICES INCLUDE > Full Service Interior Design > Architecture and Detailing > Custom Furniture Design and Fabrication > Construction Documents and Permit Acquisition > Full Service Project and Construction Management and Administration PROJECT TYPES > Residential > Commercial > Tenant Improvement > Retail > Restaurant > Multi-Family and Mixed Use TO LEARN MORE about us, our team, and our work, visit Four Point Design Build and SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter #The4ptReport for tips and trends, means and methods, things we love, inspiration, resources and tools, and more. FOLLOW US @4ptDesignBuild on Instagram Facebook Pinterest and Twitter. C O N T A C T U S Project Inquiries - Info@4ptdb.com Media and Speaking Inquiries - Andrew@andrewjosephpr S T U D I O 22048 Sherman Way, Suite 205 Canoga Park, CA 91303 | T 818.914.8826 LIC. B #982460   Links: Website: 4 Point Design Build Inc Instagram: 4 Point Design Build Inc Twitter: 4 Point Design Build Inc Facebook: 4 Point Design Build Inc Pinterest: 4 Point Design Build Inc The Design-Build Institute of America: DBIA LuAnn is repeating her Power Talk Friday Tour this year in Las Vegas. It is a one-day coaching event and it will be held on Saturday, July 27th, and it will run from 8.00am to 11.00pm. It will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, discussions with LuAnn's PTF experts, and four hours of round table discussions, in groups of three or less, with each expert individually. To get onto LuAnn's email list to get the info, text the word DESIGNBIZ to the number 444999.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's show is sponsored by our guest, Tobi Fairley, who previously appeared in episode #419. Tobi has been one of our industry leaders for many years, mentoring interior designers and helping them become better business persons. She is an accomplished luxury interior designer with her business based in Arkansas. She's a fabric designer, a business coach, a life coach, and she has her own podcast called Design You. Tobi has also created a unique and really effective coaching course called Tobi Fairley's DesignYou Coaching Program and in today's episode, she explains how her coaching program differs from all the rest. Tobi loves nothing more than helping people really thrive and love their business so listen in today, to learn from Tobi how to cast a wider net and start making money while you sleep. Tobi Fairley is known for her bold use of color in interior design, but she’s also one of the nation’s most progressive-thinking entrepreneurs. She is passionate about her full-service interior design company and her consulting firm which are focused on helping clients design their homes, their businesses, and their lives, with a special interest in promoting wellness and balance for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creatives. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Tobi explains what's different about her coaching. Getting out of your own head and out of your own way. Unlocking your old mindsets. Why the course is a yearly program. Tobi explains what the coaching course covers. Finances can be scary for creatives. The kind of real-time support that you will get from Tobi. The benefits of abundant thinking. The three different courses that Tobi will be re-doing, live, that are also included in her yearly course. Tobi is very straightforward with her coaching clients. Tobi explains why it's in her best interest to pour all her support into you. Why you need to be doing business differently now to how you did it in the past. Digital marketing for interior designers. Understanding the value ladder in a digital marketing system. Opening your mind to working differently. Creating a system from your design process. Becoming niche-specific. Meeting your clients right where they are. How coaching, content, and community can help you reach your goals. Bio: Traditional Home predicts “Tobi will be like Cher or Oprah, one of those women for whom one name says it all.” Tobi Fairley is known for her bold use of color in interior design, but she’s also one of the nation’s most progressive-thinking entrepreneurs. Tobi is passionate about her full-service interior design company and her consulting firm which are focused on helping clients design their homes, their businesses, and their lives, with a special interest in promoting wellness and balance for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creatives. Tobi established her firm more than 19 years ago and her projects have spanned the nation and beyond. Her award-winning interior design, product design and ideas have been featured on television and in publications worldwide including House Beautiful, Veranda, Traditional Home, Huffington Post, HGTV, The Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Coastal Living, Southern Cottages, Creative Live, the Chicago Tribune, and MSNBC. In 2017, Tobi was a columnist for Traditional Home magazine with a feature in each issue chronicling her own home renovation and reveal. Tobi’s design goal is to create interiors that will assist her clients in reaching their big, personal, and entrepreneurial dreams, while supporting their health and wellness. She designs functional homes and beautiful environments that will foster personal growth, balance, and connection for all who use them. Tobi was at the forefront of the design blog movement when she launched her blog over 10 years ago, and it’s currently read in more than 125 countries worldwide. She has been a trusted coach for over 10 years for interior designers and creatives through her live events, design and business courses, and online programs. Among Tobi’s latest ventures is Design You, a monthly coaching program, where interior designers and creatives can get all of Tobi’s best course content, along with live coaching from Tobi in the areas of business, health and wellness, and mindset for a monthly or yearly subscription. In April 2018 Tobi launched her new podcast, The Design You Podcast, where she helps Interior Designers and Creatives say no to busy and say yes to more health, wealth and joy. In her podcast episodes, Tobi shares best business practices, her personal journey as a working mom and her beliefs about personal development for creating your best life, business, and home. For the last 3 years, Tobi has had great success in product design with her licensed collections from Soicher Marin (art), Duralee (fabrics), CR Laine (upholstered furniture), Woodbridge Furniture (case goods and outdoor furniture), New River Artisans (rugs), and recently signed a license with C2 Paint which will debut late 2018. Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Tobi's first appearance on the show was in episode #419 Links and resources: Tobi's details: Tobi Fairley, ASID 17200 Chenal Parkway Suite 300 #330 Little Rock, AR 72223 tobifairley.com info@tobifairley.com 501-868-9882 Tobi's website: Tobi Fairley Tobi's podcast, Design You Mighty Networks   Tobi’s Freebie for LuAnn’s Audience: The Digital Marketing Primer e-Course--this 12-part email course teaches you the basics of what a digital marketing strategy is and why you MUST have one in your business.  Get it at Digital Primer Tobi Fairley’s DesignYou Coaching Program: DesignYou is a monthly coaching program for Interior Designers and Creative Entrepreneurs that costs $279 per month or $2799 per year. Features: 2 live monthly coaching calls with Tobi (2 hours each) Tobi’s Book Club bi-monthly book selections and group calls for discussion Access to Tobi’s 3 signature courses included in your membership. These courses (listed below) have transformed thousands of creatives and the way they run their businesses. Designer MBA Course Digital Marketing For Creatives Course Financials for Creatives Course (Tobi is teaching this live July 16-17) You also get a very active peer community in DesignYou built on the Mighty Networks platform. Thanks to the features of Mighty Networks, DesignYou is organized by topics and is easily searchable. There are groups on specific topics in DesignYou including: Interior Design Group Tobi’s Book Club 3 Accountability Groups for the Digital Marketing for Creatives Course depending on your level of implementation. Digital Marketing Assets Group where you can post your digital marketing deliverables for review by Tobi and Team Tobi. If you buy at the Insiders Level of DesignYou (pay for a full year when joining), you also get: A live call with one of Tobi’s top team members or experts with a Q and A--these are on topics like marketing, podcasting, writing email campaigns, creating a course or program, website design and more. A monthly flash mastermind where you and your peers do a live collaborative mastermind session on a specific topic lead by Team Tobi. A behind the scenes look at what Tobi is working on in her business and what programs courses she is currently creating. Benefits: In DesignYou we teach Designers and Creatives how to: Transform your mindset to bring about real change in your business and personal life and understand what’s holding you back/keeping you stuck so you can find a solution. Transform your business model to be profitable, scalable and future ready. Implement consulting-only offerings like Strategy Sessions into your service offerings to start making more money for your time and intellectual property TODAY! Transform your schedule from flying by the seat of your pants to organized structure. This means finally accomplishing goals but on the timeline you create. End the feast or famine nature of business by teaching members how to create a digital marketing strategy. Have more health, wealth, and joy while running your creative business. Identify burnout and all of the action steps to overcome it or prevent it. Build systems and processes to get your business running smoothly and consistently with less stress - and then we dive into how to automate these systems to create more time in your day.   Target your Ideal Client and Niche so that you are working with the group of people that light you up every day and who are most willing to pay you your worth. We also teach you how to develop a following or tribe of these like-minded clients. Learn to delegate and run a team of in-person, contract, and virtual employees so that you spend 80% of your time in your Zone of Genius.

Welcome! Today, Beth Smith, the owner and principal designer of Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, based in New Jersey, joins me on the show. For Beth, the interior design came years after pursuing her degrees in business and accounting to fulfill her love of processes and business strategy. In today's episode, Beth talks to us about budgets, managing situations, and expectations, and also about sexual harassment and she explains to us why she now has a clause in her contract to cover it. They also discuss the power and benefits, to both your business and your self-development, of attending industry events. Tune in now, for more! After completing her M.B.A., Beth spent more than ten years in corporate finance, with companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Viacom, honing her skills in understanding clients, analytics, and budgeting, and sharpening her attention to detail. Beth's work and her design advice have been featured on television and also in various print and online publications including NBC, HGTV, Vogue, EBONY, Design*Sponge, and the New York Times. Listen in today, to hear Beth's story. Show Highlights: Leaning into your skills and expressing them to your potential clients. The skills that Beth moved over from her corporate life to her design business. Working strategically around budget issues with clients. Keeping the client's expectations realistic. What 'don't save your client's money' really means. Dealing with clients who have unreasonably low budgets. Listening to your gut and having your client trust that you know what is best for them. Coping with situations where a client does not go along with your advice. Beth takes her contracts very seriously. After signing, she sends the client a letter highlighting the important points. What Beth outlines in her welcome letter. Being responsive while still sticking to business hours. Beth explains why she does not feel the need to present her contract to her clients in person. How Beth protects herself and the team she works with. Dealing with sexual harassment. Beth talks about the great press that she has had in her design career. Beth shares some suggestions for running a design firm in a way to prepare yourself to get lucky and be noticed by Open House NYC. Most of Beth's press has come from relationships and networking. Networking from a place of giving. About Kavet's past Blogfests and how they have really helped Beth to grow her business. Bio: Beth Diana Smith is the Owner and Principal Designer of Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, a New Jersey-based interior design company. Beth, her work, and her design advice have been featured on television and in various print and online publications including NBC, HGTV, Vogue.com, EBONY, Design*Sponge, and The New York Times. But know that interior design came years after pursuing degrees in business and accounting to satiate her love of processes and business strategy. After completing her M.B.A., she spent more than a decade in corporate finance in companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Viacom honing her skills in understanding clients, analytics, budgeting, and keen attention to detail.  Links and resources: Beth's Website: Beth Diana Smith Beth's Instagram: Beth Diana Smith Beth's Facebook: Beth Diana Smith Beth's Pinterest: Beth Diana Smith Beth's LinkedIn: Beth Diana Smith Luann Nigara Luann Nigara Book2 Well Designed Article Window Fashion Vision Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Nate Berkus #433 Erika Ward #6 and #278 LuAnn is repeating her Power Talk Friday Tour this year in Las Vegas. It is a one-day coaching event and it will be held on Saturday, July 27th, and it will run from 8.00am to 11.00pm. It will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, discussions with LuAnn's PTF experts, and four hours of round table discussions, in groups of three or less, with each expert individually. To get onto LuAnn's email list to get the info, text the word DESIGNBIZ to the number 444999.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, Sarah Santacroce, an internationally recognized LinkedIn Specialist & Online Presence Mentor, joins us on the show. Sarah helps convert your presence online into paying customers, and she is also the creative brain behind the LinkedIn Challenge, an event that has already helped more than 1900 people to improve their knowledge about using LinkedIn for business. Tune in now, to find out more. Sarah, who lives in Switzerland, is known for her simple, no-nonsense Swiss efficiency mixed with a dose of Californian 'yes we can' attitude. She uses her ability to focus to help you to come up with a strategy to achieve your goals. And with her experience, her skill, her empathy, and her passion, she encourages you and helps you grow your business. She has assisted hundreds of clients from all over the world by generating leads for them via LinkedIn and social serving strategies. In today's episode, Sarah will open your eyes to the untapped potential of Linkedin. Listen in, to learn from Sarah how to breathe life into your LinkedIn profile. Show highlights: Why LinkedIn is actually a great platform for introverts. How LinkedIn has changed since the millennials started showing up and changing things about two years ago. Sarah suggests some strategies for successfully using LinkedIn as a platform. How a great LinkedIn profile can really benefit introverts. Where the power of LinkedIn really lies. On LinkedIn, everything is organized by job titles so you need to figure out who you're going to be working with. Adding more experiences to your LinkedIn profile. Creating a special landing page and linking it to your LinkedIn profile. The biggest mistake Sarah's seen people make. Sarah explains where to start. Your past experience counts for a lot. Building relationships and networking effectively through social serving. LinkedIn is about creating a human connection. Posting visual content to demonstrate that you're an expert in your field. LinkedIn's mission is to be the number one platform for professional content. The amount of time it takes to create a meaningful presence on LinkedIn. Sarah talks about her podcast, Introvert Biz Growth Podcast. Extract from Sarah's website: My clients like to work with me because I’m structured, focused, result oriented, ‘the real thing’.  I’m known for my simple, no-nonsense Swiss efficiency, mixed with a good dose of Californian ‘yes we can’ attitude! (we lived in California from 2006 - 2010) And she goes on to say: There are a few things I’m good at: My ability to focus on the essentials & come up with the strategy for you to achieve your goals My experience(based on many failures) of getting clients online & what it takes to grow your business My skill to quickly put myself into your client’s shoes & create an offer that he/she can’t resist My empathy, passion& encouragement to use your uniqueness to grow your business Oh, and I'm an Introvert. Links and resources: Sarah's website: Sarah Santacroce Sarah's podcast Sarah's LinkedIn: Sarah Santacroce Sarah's facebook: Sarah Santacroce Sarah's lead magnet: Sarah's Templates LuAnn's Webinar: Join me on Tuesday, June 25th at 1:00 pm est for an exclusive Mydoma Studio webinar on Sales Strategies for Interior Designers! The roles will be reversed and I will be in the hot seat talking about the strategies I have learned. Come prepared with your questions!  You can ask me questions about your business, about tricky conversations with clients, about how to sell more to the same people, about anything you want really. You know me, I just love hanging out with you! Webinar: My Doma Studio

Welcome to today's episode! It's time to start thinking about the High Point Market again. If you're wondering why you need to be thinking about it now, you may be surprised to find out that the hotels are already filling up. Also, now is the right time to start mapping out your trip and go to the website at High Point Market to see who the brands are, make your appointments, and get onto the email list so you can be notified of the new product launches, the panels, and the keynote series in the theater, because you really won't want to miss a thing! Listen in today, to find out more. On the show today, we have Ashley Grigg, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the High Point Market Authority, Lisa Mende, the founder and principal of Lisa Mende Design, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jeanne Chung, a luxury interior designer and retailer based in Southern California. These three ladies will explain why you need to attend the High Point Market and they will give some great tips for making the most of the experience. They will also discuss the logistics of going to High Point, explain how to make your trip really productive, and share some really useful information about the various tours that are available. You really have to know what to do before you get to High Point, so tune in now, to get all the details. Show Highlights: Why it's really important for interior designers to invest the time and money in going to High Point Market. How half the business is conducted after the market is over. The brand cocktail parties are awesome opportunities to meet and connect with important people. The way that High Point has really impacted on Jeanne's business. Making great connections at High Point Market. How High Point Market stands out from all the rest. Having the opportunity to talk to the showroom owners. Ways for new designers to establish themselves with the various showrooms. Some things to think about when pre-planning your trip to High Point Market. Why it's a good idea to do a tour for your first trip to High Point. High Point Market covers 11 500 000 square feet! Jeanne talks about her Insider's Tour, which is geared towards designers seeking to offer customization and one-of-a-kind. Ashley talks about all the other tours that are also available for buyers at High Point. The relevant information about all the tours is available on the High Point Market authority website. High Point Market Some tips for making sure that you are able to connect with the right people at High Point. There is an incredible Market Advisor Team available for you to call to answer any questions you may have prior to arriving at HP. They will also be available during the market. Lisa's great tips and suggestions for getting ready for market. Bios: Ashley Grigg is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the High Point Market Authority. High Point Market is the largest home furnishings trade show in the world and Ashley manages many of their projects, including media relations, educational programming, social media, and digital promotions. Ashley has over 13 years of experience in marketing and event management Lisa Mende is the founder and principal of Lisa Mende Design based in Charlotte, NC which opened in 1998. She has built a reputation as one of the South’s Leading Luxury Designers and her work has been featured in many well-known national shelter and lifestyle magazines. As a designer and tastemaker, Lisa works with Brands and has served as a #Authlux Design Guild Member for House of Rohl for 2018, The Thermador Design Council and the Design Council for DSV Luxury in 2016. Lisa is an Allied Member of ASID and NKBA. She also pens the popular blog “The Design Connector” where she is currently kicking off a new series which will chronicle the renovation of her own home sharing all her favorite kitchen and bath products and as well as the renovation process with her readers. Jeanne Chung is a luxury interior designer and retailer based in Southern California. In addition to heading up her own interior design firm, Jeanne owns a retail and to the trade showroom in Pasadena, CA which has become a favorite go-to destination for both designers and design enthusiasts who seek a unique and artfully edited selection of new and vintage home furnishings and accessories.  Through her design blog Cozy Stylish Chic, Jeanne has become recognized as an influencer in the industry and frequently collaborates with brands and manufacturers. She is a regular speaker on trade show designer panels and has served as a High Point Market Style Spotter. Jeanne participated in the Pasadena Showcase House of Design in 2017 and in 2018, served on the Board of the ASID Pasadena Chapter. About the High Point Market: In October and April each year, the High Point Market attracts more than 75 000 retailers, interior designers, and service providers from more than 100 countries. There are nearly 2000 exhibitor showrooms across 180 buildings, covering twelve million square feet of space. High Point Market was founded in 1909, in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It is the world's longest running home furnishings event and it is the driving force in the home furnishings industry. It is unrivaled in both its size and scope. High Point Market features more Made in the USA furnishings than any other trade show, as well as a wide variety of imported goods, spanning every style, category, and price point. Links and resources:  High Point Market Digital Press Kit Website: High Point Market Ashley's email: ashley@highpointmarket.org To download the app CamCard: CamCard Registration opens mid-July, 2019 for the fall market Fall Market: October 19th-23rd, 2019 When you do go to High Point, please be sure to stop by Kravet’s showroom, located at Market Square, #217 on the 2nd floor. This show was previously aired as #406.

Welcome to today's show! We're turning things around a bit and sharing a replay of LuAnn being interviewed by Amber De La Garza, aka the Productivity Specialist, a while back, when LuAnn was a guest on Amber's show, Productivity Straight Talk. Listen in today, to hear their conversation. In today's episode, LuAnn talks to Amber about the way that she's blended structure, systems, and processes into her business, Window Works, to help it grow to become a two-million dollar company. She talks about her success and her challenges, she shares ways to create structure in your business, and she also gives some questions to ask yourself before making any big decisions. Tune in now to find out what LuAnn has to say about her business which has been thriving in the interior design space since 1982. Show highlights: LuAnn describes what her business and her support structure look like. Luann discusses the roles that she, her husband, and their partner each play in their business, and the synergistic way they work together. How the Window Works team came together. LuAnn describes her life before structure. How structure equals freedom and success. How LuAnn woke up to the value of structure. Why you must embrace systems in order to scale. LuAnn and Amber discuss the perils of disorganization. How organization ties into productivity. How time-blocking has really worked for LuAnn. The administrative system that has had the biggest impact on LuAnn's business. Links: A Well-Designed Business Podcast Window Works Original Episode Amber’s Website: Amber Delagarza Amber's Facebook Amber's Instagram Email: Amber@TheProductivitySpecialist.com Book mentioned: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber

Welcome! Today, we have Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Artigas on the show with us. Juan Carlos is an accomplished architect and interior designer with extensive experience in high-end hospitality, restaurant, commercial, and residential design. He is currently the design director of the London Studio of the global interior architecture firm, Wilson Associates. Juan Carlos's position is multi-faceted, and in today's episode, he discusses his role and responsibilities, as the firm's design director, where he oversees the day-to-day operations and projects of the London studio. In addition to creating beautiful projects, he has been in charge of the hiring and building of a cohesive and talented team, which he has then had to lead and guide. Also, a large part of his job involves finding, meeting, and creating opportunities for new business for the firm, and he explains that this all starts with relationships and with connecting to people. Tune in now to find out more.  Wilson Associates is a collection of 10 design firms around the world whose work encompasses interior architectural design, architecture, art consultancy, concept development, branding, and food and beverage design. Their portfolio includes some of the most prestigious hospitality projects in the world. Listen in today, to hear what Juan Carlos has to share. Show Highlights: Juan Carlos shares some of his experiences from the past year while building the London studio. The pros and cons of first working for a small firm, and then jumping to a big firm. Juan Carlos shares what he was looking for when hiring his team members. Starting out with a small team and growing organically. When building his team, he was looking for flexibility and team players. That's his secret to creating a small, winning team. Running a small office has involved wearing a number of different hats. Juan describes the difference between his last position and his current one, with Wilson Associates. Creating a strong foundation with the team he built. The kind of skill set that Juan Carlos required his team members to have. Why Juan Carlos prefers working in hospitality, rather than in residential. Having to take into account what the operations team is telling you when designing for hospitality. Juan Carlos describes his superpower and the superpower of Wilson Associates. The way that all the offices of Wilson Associates collaborate and support each other. Even though Wilson Associates is a global team, each studio has its own identity. How Juan Carlos, personally, cultivates a pipeline of hospitality projects. The event that Juan Carlos would recommend for everyone to go to. The biggest challenge that Juan Carlos has faced, that has also been a great lesson for him. Some advice for keeping a pressured team happy and moving. Bio: Role & Responsibility: Juan is an architect and interior designer with an extensive and holistic international experience in high-end hospitality, restaurant, commercial and residential design. Combining strengths in architecture and interior design, Juan worked eight years as an independent designer and creative consultant on different high end commercial and residential projects in Spain and abroad. He was Designer Director at Rockwell Group Europe, managing a variety of projects in Asia and the Middle East for some of the most prestigious hospitality brands. He currently leads the recently open Wilson associates London office. In charge of this edition sleep & eat theater. Juan Carlos says: “People ignore design that ignores people” Education: College Degree in Architecture at Universidad Anahuac Mexico City, Mexico Interior design degree/ Instituto Europeo di Design Madrid, Spain Master degree in project management & design Universidad San Pablo Ceu Madrid, Spain Links and resources: Wilson Associates website:  Wilson Associates’ Designer Questionnaire Basics Title: Design Director London Office Languages spoken: English / Spanish and a bit of Italian Education: College Degree in Architecture/ Universidad Anahuac Mexico City Professional accreditations and/or memberships:- Interior design degree/ Istituto Europeo di Design Madrid, Spain –Master degree in project management & design Universidad San Pablo Ceu Madrid, Spain. Tenure at Wilson: March 2018 Quote you live by or your design mantra: “People ignore design that ignores people” Beyond the Basics: What attracted you to Wilson Associates? What do you enjoy most about working here? I’ve always loved a challenge; opening an office for such as important and reputable firm like Wilson Associates in a city like London has been one of the most exciting and rewarding challenges in my career to date. When did you know you wanted to be a designer? I don’t think we ever really know what we want to be, but we do begin doing things we love, and by finding our passion you realize it is something you want to do and be forever. Where do you find your design inspiration? Everything is inspiring if you look and pay attention. Do you have any advice for young designers? Is there any piece of advice you were given early in your career that sticks with you? Don’t be afraid to fail; defend your ideas, but never fall in love with them and always listen to different points-of-views. What are some of your career accomplishments? What projects are you most proud of? Some of my career accomplishments within design come from participating in projects like the recently opened W Suzhou and Hotel Ingles in Madrid, which opened Spring 2018. I have a special affection for high-end residential design, especially a recent penthouse project in Madrid before I entered the hospitality field. What is the most rewarding part of the job? The most challenging? Any project that ends with a shake of hands and smile from a client is an accomplishment. In hospitality, I find the most challenging part of the job is not only working as a designer but as a mediator between a hotel operator and ownership when they have very opposite visions for a project. It is our job to find that common ground and present an end result that pleases all parties. What are your hobbies outside of your work? Any guilty pleasures? I think the best thing you can spend your money on is travel; experiences stay with you forever. I like yoga, meditation and to hit the gym as much as I can. My guilty pleasures include tacos with tons of salsa verde. You can also put poison into strawberries with chocolate and I would never notice! What is your favorite restaurant, hotel and overall destination to visit? My favorite restaurant is a classic Spanish restaurant in Madrid called El Paraguas. From a designer perspective, The Jane in Antwerp, Belgium is always worth visiting and I most recently visited a small boutique hotel in Paris called Maison Breguet that was just lovely.  My favorite hotel and destination are a hidden place off the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico called Zipolite, but please don’t spread the word! Mallorca in Spain is also always a good idea. Which designers and/or artists inspire you? Luis Barragan, Piet Boon, Carlo Scarpa, Lázaro Rosa Violán If you weren’t an interior designer, what would you be? Definitely an interior designer. Topics or aspects of design you’re comfortable discussing with the media or on a panel? F&B, Changing trends in the hospitality area, hotel room experiences. What are some panels, events/conferences, colleges/professional groups and events, blogs/media you would like to participate in? Anything related to interior and hospitality design. List three lessons, systems or business techniques you learned at previous positions in and out of the industry. You need to get the right players on your team. Great ideas come from various minds, so it’s important to recruit the best team members and invest in the growth and empowerment of your team. Don’t fall in love with your ideas and always be ready to alter them, especially in hospitality design where revenue plays an important role. Remain optimistic while maintaining realistic expectations as to what you are capable of delivering by a specific deadline with the resources you have. Sometimes it’s better to have quality results than quantity. Finally, I would also make sure that what you are able to deliver what is written in the contract. Name 2-3 challenges in running a design firm? One of the main challenges of running a design firm today with all the constant stream of communication and information from the media is creating a space that not only makes a difference but offers some sort of engagement for the user in order to create brand loyalty. How do we as designers create an emotional link between the user and the space? We have to think about what would draw them in and how do we design an area that will become a part of their lives and experiences. There’s a lot of competition out there and you need to question if what are you offering is unique. Design? Customer service? Or both? The second biggest challenge one might encounter when running a design firm is ensuring your team is happy and engaged with what they do. You want to pull out their very best work without forgetting the human component; there is nothing worse than a burned-out team and it will ultimately affect deadlines and the bottom line. Build an individual identity for your brand. There is always a lot of competition within the field but creating a brand and positive reputation will go a long way. Do you have a superpower…what makes your firm different? With 10 global offices in various parts of the world, our designers speak over 30 languages and offer backgrounds and cultures that complement one another. We live and think outside the box, enabling us to design for every kind of client and market. Although each office has its own identity to some degree, we all live under the Wilson Associates umbrella and work as a team.  Do you have a client onboarding process? Having been in the business for nearly 50 years, we have a legacy for upholding the highest standard in client customer service. We analyze their needs and offer a wide range of services that make for a tailor-made and unique experience. As we’ve grown, we’ve continued to evolve and reinvent ourselves within the hospitality and F&B industries, while still maintaining that same level of top-notch service. List the steps critical for successfully running a client project. Connect with the client from the very beginning by listening to their needs, making them feel comfortable and heard, and building trust. Be honest and upfront about budget Set realistic timelines and don’t overpromise if you know you can’t deliver Have you ever received a piece of advice regarding running a business that was truly valuable? The best contribution you can make to your client is to be as authentic as possible. Stay grounded and true to who you are. Also remain open to new ideas and sources, gathering as much data collection as possible, not just digital sources like Pinterest. I find looking outside interior design exhibitions and at the real world is the most inspiring. Inspiration does not necessarily come from beauty.

Welcome to another solo Power Talk Friday! We hope you're ready for a really out-of-the-box episode today! This morning, as on most weekday mornings, LuAnn was reading the Dear Abby column. She's often thought about it and wondered why she reads it because it's such a crazy, mindless column. People write in with very real and heartbreaking problems and yet they are willing to wait for months to get an answer. That really boggles LuAnn's mind! So, this morning, she was talking out loud and ranting about it, in the very same way she did at the LuAnn Nigara Live event last month when she got really upset about designers not charging their worth. Then she had an idea! Tune in now, to find out what she came up with. Sometimes, in our businesses, when we know that things aren't quite right, we pretend that it's just not that big of a deal. So we avoid having the hard conversation or doing the hard thing. Today, LuAnn has come up with some of the top things she has found that we, as business owners, tend to convince ourselves are okay when they really are not. She has listed all the shows that go with these difficulties, so listen in today, to find out which action to take to correct each these problems. Show Highlights: LuAnn reads this morning's Dear Abby column. People tend to forget that they have a choice. LuAnn has no idea what it costs to run her business and she has no idea of the minimum billable hours that she must log each week. Should she be worried? Listen to Alinda Morris’ episode #429. Month after month I let my bookkeeper do everything, with no accountability, with no oversight on my part. Should I be worried? Listen to Andrea Schumacher’s lesson in episode #86. I don’t know how to talk to my CPA. Should I be worried? Listen to Peter Lang in episode #349. I really want to be an interior designer but I can’t get out of my day job. Should I be worried? If you want a plan to get out and do what you’re meant to do, listen to Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl in episodes #291 and #397. I’m not really making any money in my design firm, but it’s only been a few years in business. Should I be worried? Listen to Kimberley Kay in episode #234, Cat French in episode #376, and Alyce Lopez, in episode #382. I don’t know anything about home staging but I’m a designer so should I be worried? Listen to Shauna Lynn Simon in episode # 84. Also, Taylor will be back at the end of the summer. They don't talk much about home staging but if you missed her first show, listen to episode #106. Everybody says I should be doing video for my business but I hate it. Should I be worried? Listen to Arianne Bellizaire, in episode #20, talk about how she uses video in her firm and then listen to Claire Jefford teach you how to do it in episode #237. I don’t know my gross sales for 2018? I don’t know how to figure it out. Should I be worried? Listen to the shows with Michele Williams #180 #395. And her own podcast: Profit is a Choice. I run a business but I don’t take a salary, should I be worried? Listen to Kimberley Merlitti’s episode on what you really are earning with your hourly fee, in episode #361. I don’t have an email list. Should I be worried? Listen to Kae Whitakers show, episodes #’s 259 and #274. I know in my gut I need to re-brand and I want to but I’m afraid? Should I be worried? Listen to Kristen Thomas, episode #314 and Sandra Funk #145. I have a big dream for my business but I’m not sure it’ll work, so I do nothing. Should I be worried? Listen to Lori Weitzner’s episode #308 and Caitlyn Waite’s episode #284. I have an employee that I know is not a good fit but I’m afraid to have the hard conversation? Should I be worried? Listen to episode #101 with Joni Vanderslice, episode #364 with Janelle Photopoulos, and Eileen Hahn, episode #363. I’m a horrible salesperson. Should I be worried? Listen to Madeleine MacRae #315 and last Friday solo’s show #432 Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Alinda Morris #429 Andrea Schumacher #86 Peter Lang #349 Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl # 291 and #397 Kimberley Kay #234 Cat French #376 Alyce Lopez #382 Shauna Lynn Simon #84 Taylor #106 Arianne Bellizaire #20 Claire Jefford #237 Michele Williams # 180 and # 395. Her Podcast, Profit is a Choice Listen Notes: Profit Is A Choice Michele Williams Kimberley Merlitti #361 Kae Whitaker #259 and 274 Kristen Thomas #314 Sandra Funk #145 Lori Weitzner #308 Caitlyn Waite #284 Joni Vanderslice #101 Janelle Photopoulos #364 Eileen Hahn #363 Madeleine MacRae #315 Last Friday's Solo Show #432 Links: LuAnn's sales course: Sales For Creatives   LuAnn's new book: LuAnn Nigara: Book2 

Welcome to a very special episode of A Well-Designed Business! Today Nate Berkus joins us on the show! We really have lots to talk to him about, and at the top of the list is his first collection with Kravet Inc. This collection, called Well-Traveled, launching in June 2019 is a luxurious mix of chenille’s, statement cotton and linen prints as well as intricate embroideries, and velvet. In today's show, Nate describes how his love of organic, rich, earth-tones is incorporated in the color palette he designed for this collection. Nate's travels have been the inspiration for this collection. Each of his exclusive fabrics possesses a global point of view and the fabric collection, as a whole, represents his distinctly individual perspective, which blends history, architecture, and artwork from all around the world. Listen in to find out about Nate's approach to his business, his perspective on color and design, and how he came to work with Oprah. Show Highlights: Nate talks about his new venture, in collaboration with Kravet Inc, which launches in June 2019. Nate has really enjoyed working with the passionate, creative team at Kravet Inc! LuAnn is looking forward to featuring some of Nate's collection in her newly-renovated showroom at Window Works. Nate explains what inspired him to start his own interior design firm at the age of twenty-four. Nate talks about what he set out to do when he first started out on his own. The impact that social media has had on the interior design industry. Running his business like a Fortune 500 company with systems, procedures and cross checks. Nate explains why creating an exceptional client experience has always been as important to him as the creativity their team produces. Why you can't separate who you are professionally from who you are personally. The importance of being honest and transparent- and owning your mistakes. Always remember that you can't change your reputation. It follows you wherever you go. Nate talks about his creative director, Lauren Buxbaum Gordon, the team she leads, the way that they support one another and their process for managing interior design projects. Nate explains why he decided not to close his design firm in 2006. The magical way that Nate got to meet and work with Oprah. Even when faced with a one of a kind opportunity, Nate made decisions based on sound business principles, exemplifying true professional leadership as an interior design firm owner. The moment when Oprah told America to remember Nate's name. Nate personal work ethic is to work as hard or harder than anyone he collaborates with. He feels it shows respect and creates an environment for more collaboration. His dear friend, former Co-President of Oprah Winfrey Network and President of Harp Productions, Sheri Salata, married Nick and Jeremiah Brent. Nancy Hala, Sheri’s business partner, and co-host on their podcast, Sheri and Nancy, is a previous guest on A Well-Designed Business, episode #377 Sheri Salata, Nancy Hala, Nate and Jeremiah partner in a media company called Story. Nate discusses how he and Jeremiah work together on interior design projects and how important it is when you are in business with your spouse to respect each other's opinions. Nate gives his best advice for growing a profitable design firm. Bio: Since designer Nate Berkus established his award-winning interior design firm at the age of 24, his approachable and elevated philosophy has transformed countless homes around the world through his design work, home collections, books, television shows, and media appearances. Ever since Berkus’ first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2002, he has become one of the world’s most recognizable interior designers. His work has been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, VOGUE, InStyle, O Magazine and People. He is included on the ELLE DÉCOR “A-List” of the world’s top designers and was named to the AD100 list in 2018.  Links: Website: Nate Berkus Instagram: Nate Berkus Facebook: Nate Berkus Pinterest: Nate Berkus Nate And Jeremiah By Design is on TLC on Saturday nights. Nate’s fabric collection with Kravet Inc. is called Well-Traveled. In spring 2019 Nate and Jeremiah launched a new line of furniture, with over 300 pieces, for Living Spaces, a retailer on the west coast of the US. Recommended book: The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we're talking about what to do when you know the client is wrong. For the health and success of your business, it's really critical that you know how to handle conflicts successfully. In episode #430, we talked about what to do when you are wrong. In today's episode, you will learn what to do when you do everything right but the client doesn't like it. Listen in, to get LuAnn's expert advice. Do you want to be right or do you want to get what you want? Over the years, this little phrase has really helped LuAnn navigate conflicts with clients, vendors, employees, and even with the people closest to her. And Window Works is also very clear about their core values and their commitment to 110% customer service. The team doesn't always know how each of them will handle a given situation, but they all know that they will do whatever it takes to make the client happy. Tune in now, to find out what to do when the client just isn't happy with what you've done. Show highlights: LuAnn gives an example of something that happened at Window Works this past winter. In a conflict situation with a client, be calm, non-confrontational, and let them know that you will do whatever it takes to make them happy. It's important to know what you're striving for and what your goals are. LuAnn explains why she, as the owner of the company, decided not to make the first phone call in the situation that happened with Window Works. There are subtle nuances to successfully handling difficult situations. Why Luann called the client only on the second day. LuAnn explains how she read the situation. It's very important to remain real, and not play any games. It's another thing if the client decides not to play by the rules. Setting up reminders and putting all the previous agreements in front of the client in a conversational way. Sometimes, it's best to honestly agree with the client. LuAnn shares the solution she proposed to the client. Carefully placing the message of excellent customer service in between the lines. Applying pressure in a very nice and subtle way. LuAnn explains her clear reason for creating an opportunity for a phone call the next day. Why it was so important for LuAnn to have the first order paid for right away. Selling is about listening, being on your feet, and being willing to get to the bottom of whatever is upsetting the client. Using your rationale to get the client to buy into the solution that you want to happen. Why you need to be very clear about how the payments for each section of the project must happen after agreeing to a solution. Remember that you are the leader of the transaction, so be the leader! The ultimate goal is not to win. It is to leave the client 100% satisfied. You need to know what the net cost of the project is. Paying close attention to what your client is saying is really very important. Links: To find out about LuAnn's group sales coaching course, Sales For Creatives, head over to Sales For Creatives To get onto LuAnn's email list, text the word designbiz to 444999.

Welcome to today's show! We have Debbe Daley, an interior designer in the New England area, on the show with us. Debbe is also an installed designer in the Boston Design Center’s Designer On Call program, now called Design Services program. In today's episode, Debbe talks to us about the way she handles her initial consult, about the items that she puts in a folder for her clients, and how she provides suggestions for her clients. She also talks about the book she is writing, Monetizing Your Passion- Turning Your Hobby into A Business, which is due to be launched in the fall of 2019 and she discusses the two-day seminar that she will be running in Portsmouth, in June, for interior designers. Listen in, to find out what Debbe has to share on the show today. After obtaining a business degree, Debbe took a slight detour and taught herself how to sew custom window treatments. She also spent some time doing hands-on work in the paint, wallpaper, and furniture industry. In doing this, she gained valuable knowledge and she also expanded her industry network of friends and colleagues. Now, some thirty years later, Debbe is well-respected in the industry and she is often invited to speak at industry conferences. She also writes a weekly lifestyle column for the Lowell Sun, where she covers topics about design, travel, DIY, and cooking, for the Merrimack Valley audience. Tune in now for more. Show Highlights: The five-day course in decoration and interior design that Debbe teaches to the non-design professional who is hoping to become a design professional. Debbe gives an overview of the two-day course she teaches, called Design For Today, that is geared towards professionals in the design industry. The next course will be in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on June the 27th and 28th. Debbe's two-day workshop was developed at the request of some of Debbe's seasoned colleagues from the Association of Design Education. Debbe's clients are looking for software platforms that they can use to enhance their businesses, to make their lives a bit easier. Debbe uses Design Files, a platform that is designed to do e-design. The thing that really got Debbe going in the right direction and gave her the motivation for the book she's writing. Why sharing her knowledge is so important to Debbe right now. Some of the lessons that Debbe learned from Fred Berns. Debbe's take on whether or not to put your packages on your website. How Debbe handles her initial client consultation. The mechanism that Debbe uses to stay on time. What the folder that Debbe gives her clients initially contains. Why Debbe always has her clients sign a photo release form. Debbe talks about her initial consultation rate and her hourly rate. About Debbe's Pick Your Brain segment. How Fred Berns helped Debbe to increase her rates. Debbe has set things up so that there's a package for everyone. Attracting the client that is right for you. The importance of putting yourself out there, introducing yourself to your local reps, and setting up your vendor accounts. Debbe talks about her new book, Monetizing Your Passion- Turning Your Hobby into A Business, and she explains who it is geared towards. It takes a lot of hard work to be an interior designer. As a new designer, any kind of store experience is valuable. People notice it if you're driven and you really know what you're doing, as a designer. Bio: Debbe Daley, an award-winning interior designer with more than 30 years’ experience, is known for the extraordinary service she provides prominent homeowners in New England and around the country. She supplies a complete range of design services for new and existing homes nationwide, but she focuses on working with clients in the Boston Back Bay, the North Shore of Massachusetts, Cape Cod, coastal Maine, and the New Hampshire seacoast as well as the Merrimack Valley. In addition, she is a gifted professional speaker who delivers programs to both interior design and general audiences nationwide. She presents keynotes, seminars, and workshops on topics ranging from design business success practices to the Power of Positive Energy. Debbe is the winner of numerous Houzz customer service awards and gets 80% of her business from referrals. She designs multiple homes for the same clients and works with different generations of the same family. Clients use words like “fantastic,” fabulous,” “exceptional,” “impeccable,” “outstanding,” and “a pleasure to work with” to describe her. Debbe has designed new homes and remodeled existing residences for more than 700 clients, including Fortune 500 executives, CEOs, high tech leaders, medical specialists, business owners, and other successful professionals. Her commercial design projects include funeral homes and professional offices. Debbe Daley Designs is based in an elegant design studio in the historic Abraham Shaw House in Portsmouth, NH. The firm is backed by a team of some of the region’s premier contractors, carpenters, painters, flooring specialists, cabinet experts, electricians, and other professionals, as well as a nationwide network of vendors and suppliers. Debbe, who earned interior design degrees at three leading institutions, shares her extensive design expertise in her weekly lifestyle column in the Lowell Sun, the Huffington Post and her own blog. She keeps current on the design industry through her involvement with the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Furnishings and Design Assn. and the National Speakers Association. Her clients today benefit from the customer service, problem-solving and administrative skills, and the product knowledge she gained during her highly successful earlier career working in the industry through retail establishments, an interior design firm and four leading New England companies. Debbe has an office in the Boston Design Center, where she is involved in the Design Services, Designer on Call program as well as the new office location in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, serving regions of the Merrimack Valley, Boston, and the Portsmouth seacoast. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Fred Berns: #289, #226, #174, #96, #48, #22 Darla Powell #330, #203 Wendy Glaister #386 Kristan McLaughlin #319 Barbara Sallick owner of Waterworks #131 Wendy Woloshchuk #316 Links and resources: Debbe Daley Designs LLC 379 State Street - #1 Portsmouth NH 03801 Daley Designs Instagram: Debbe Daley Facebook: Debbe Daley Designs

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we're talking about when things go wrong and how to fix them. If you'd like your business to be really successful, with loyal, long-term clients who keep coming back year after year, you have to differentiate yourself from the rest. There are two kinds of situations where you can make this happen if you're willing to conduct yourself in the way that LuAnn advises and if you're willing to spend the time perfecting the necessary skills to do so. Listen in today, to learn what LuAnn has to teach you about what to do when you've made a mistake. Sometimes, your client isn't happy with an outcome. You see their point and you agree, however, you can also see that the solution is going to be expensive for you, either in terms of time or money. So you might feel that you can't afford to fix it. The truth is, however, that you cannot afford not to fix it. Because good news travels fast and bad news travels even faster- and further. Tune in now to find out what LuAnn has to share about what to do when something goes wrong.  Show Highlights: LuAnn describes a typical scenario of something going wrong. Often, we worry that if we tell a client that we've made a mistake we will be at a disadvantage with them because it could cost us money or our expertise could be questioned. Why you're not fooling anybody by pretending. When you price your projects properly you will have the money to clean things up if you need to. If it really is your mistake, just say so. It's important to acknowledge what your client is feeling. Mistakes are going to happen. So at the start of a project, explain to your client how you take care of mistakes. The first thing is to acknowledge your mistake, and the second thing is to own it. Then you tell your client what the solution is. When it's okay, and when it's not, to charge your client for the mistake. Listen to your inner voice. Listen carefully and be real with your client. Don't ignore a problem. Don't be afraid to ask your client what will make them happy. You will know when your client isn't happy, so ask them about it. It will be okay. Next week, we will talk about what to do when there's a problem, but there isn't really a problem. But you still have a problem because you have to fix it. LuAnn talks about the group sales coaching course that she has decided to run. LuAnn gives some details about the group sales coaching course and she talks about the topics that she will be covering. Links: To find out about LuAnn's group sales coaching course, head over to Sales for Creatives - (If the link is not working Friday when this airs, it will be working by Tuesday, 5/21.) To get onto LuAnn's email list, text the word designbiz to 444999.

Welcome! Today we have Alinda Morris, of Alinda Morris Interior Design, located in Gig Harbor, Washington, with us. Although her firm is small, with Alinda and just one other employee, she's running it like a bigger firm. She has her systems down, she has her practices binder, and she's tracking her hours. In today's episode, Alinda explains how she has become very clear and focused, in the last couple of years. This has really made a big difference for her in terms of peace of mind, profitability, project management, and the experience her clients have when working with her firm. Listen in today, to find out what Alinda has to share about the way that she's set herself up for success with builders and other trades, and how she ensures the success of anyone that works for her. Alinda Morris is a nationally published, award-winning interior design professional, habitual remodeler, adventurous creative, specializing in full service, luxury residential interior design. These include custom furnishings, unique kitchens & artfully designed bathrooms, attention to details, and clean, updated spaces are her specialties. She is committed to her clients having a wonderful experience. She is widely admired for her ability to create, invent, explore, and innovate. In addition to Alinda's impressive versatility, ranging from minimalist restraint to traditional chic, client’s find Alinda's passion for design infectious so that collaborating with her is a thrilling process as she works her creative magic in both visual appeal and functionality. Tune in now, for more. Show highlights: Alinda has her systems down pat, and her portfolio is really amazing! Some of the habits that Alinda has instituted in her firm. The challenges that Alinda faces. Great communication has always been very important for Alinda. The trail and error process that Alinda went through, for a few years, to find the best systems for her business. How Alinda helps her clients get a grasp on their design budget. Starting the design process with Alinda, through her questionnaire. Alinda's firm is very client-based. The way that Alinda communicates with the builders she works with. Alinda talks about her detailed special best practices binder, for her interns, with examples of how she likes things to be done. Choosing the right font for your brand. About the check-lists Alinda uses. The things she brings in for photo shoots. Alinda shares her thoughts on the way she tracks her billable hours. Alinda knows exactly how many hours she needs to bill in order to cover her costs each month. Alinda describes her magnificent small boutique studio on the waterfront at Gig Harbour, Washington. Reinvesting profits back into her business. How Alinda creates the very best experiences for her employees. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Charlotte Safavi #138 Raquel Langworthy #343 Stephen Karlisch #369 Links: Alinda Morris Interior Design   Houzz Instagram Facebook

Welcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday.  Today, we're having a solo show because LuAnn has some things to share about her event, LuAnn Nigara Live, which was held in New Jersey a month ago. She would also like to talk about some of the things you can do to take action in your business, in order to do better and become more profitable. Luann's event was a really special experience and an outstanding success! Almost 200 designers, speakers, panelists, sponsors, as well as LuAnn's team, attended the event and for two-and-a-half days, the room was filled with an electric atmosphere and they all really rocked it! Listen in today, to find out more. LuAnn had a vision for the event, and she really knew what she had to do. And she did it! The conversations after the panel discussions were so interactive that it felt as if there were only twenty people in the room, even though there were almost 200 people there! It was really intense in the very best way possible so we're working on doing it again, probably in eight months to a year's time. In the meantime, there's a lot of stuff coming up, like the smaller one-day events and the Power Talk Friday tours. Tune in now, to find out how to turn your inspiration into action. Show highlights: LuAnn thanks everyone and gives a quick recap of her event, LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation. You can go to the blog post on LuAnn's website LuAnn Nigara to see the pictures and get an overview of everything that happened at the event. LuAnn talks about her new book, A Well-Designed Business- The Power Talk Friday Experts. It can really help you to up your game in business. LuAnn shares some of the keys to upping your business game. Watch your mindset, and be careful not to be closed to new ideas for success. Look at the stories you tell yourself about money. Examine your own mindset about numbers. Michele Williams, in LuAnn's new book, says not to play the song in your head: I’m creative so I’m not good at numbers. Examine your mindset about your fees and don't pretend your rates are about the area you live in. Your rates are related only to your confidence as a designer and business person. What it means to not save your client's money. It is your job to make your clients aware of the best solution for their challenge or problem. They don’t have to do as you suggest but, as the expert, you must make them aware of it. Not saving your client's money also means that when they can’t afford something, they don’t get it. You don’t lower the price to meet their budget. Customer service is critical in creating a successful business. Satisfied clients return. Dissatisfied don’t always tell you, they just don’t return. Own your mistakes. Clients know when you are lying and lying is worse than making a mistake. Take action! With so much information from the live event and the podcast, overwhelm becomes a real possibility, so you have to break things down and work on your business, to get better and to become more profitable. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Fred Berns #289 Vincere #356 Chris Ramey #345 Sandra Espinet #287 Links and resources: Kravet is having a sale at their outlet. And on any regular Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order get 10% off with the code AWDB10 at checkout. Mydoma Studio for project management, time tracking, invoices, communication and saving time: A Well Designed Business A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts

Welcome to the show! We have Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto, the founders of Park and Oak Interior Design Studio, located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, with us today. These ladies work on new construction, renovation, and furnishing projects across the US, and you may even know them from their Instagram, with 130 000 followers. The way that they handle themselves and speak about their firm really conveys the confidence that they have in what they're doing. And the success they've had in their first three years in business is not at all typical. In today's episode, Renee and Christina pull back the curtain and boldly share with us their experiences and the lessons they have learned over the last three years. Listen in today, to find out what they have to share. Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto founded the Park & Oak interior design studio in 2015. They are known for creating homes that are visually stunning, yet functional and comfortable. Their work, rooted in the art of timeless style, is driven by the belief that design can be used to create feelings of comfort and happiness. It combines the best of their individual aesthetics for a unique look. Christina and Renee have a creative energy that is engaging to work with. Using beautiful and unexpected sources of inspiration, they work collaboratively with clients to create spaces that thoughtfully honor the spirit and traditions of their owner. Tune in now for more! Show Highlights: Renee and Christina talk about what each of them brought to the table when they started out, and about what attracted them to each other, as business partners. Some of the one-year and five-year goals that they established when first starting out. Renee and Christina's approach to the individual roles that they have in the business. Renee describes the really special way that she and Christina work together. From a park bench to a studio. The first person that they hired was a bookkeeper. What kept them powering through in the beginning, when they were sacrificing a lot and there were many challenges to face. Struggling with balancing family life and business. It took some time to bring their really awesome team together. In year two, they experienced a turning point in the business. They use a finite system to prevent problems and execute their projects efficiently. Learning from their mistakes and gaining the courage to stand up for themselves. Creating the right systems, in order to protect themselves. There's really a lot going on behind the scenes too. How they find the time to keep their systems in order and their projects running smoothly. Renee is behind their really impressive Instagram following. Links: Park And Oak Facebook: Park And Oak Design Twitter: Park And Oak Instagram: Park And Oak Design Pinterest: Park And Oak

Welcome! Stacey Brown Randall joins us on the show today. Stacey, a three-times repeat guest on the podcast, is one of the co-authors of LuAnn's new book, A Well-Designed Business, the Power Talk Friday Experts. Stacey really has a lot to share, to teach, and to give that is of genuine value, and she does some wonderful work with entrepreneurs. In her first and second episodes, she talked to us about Employee Management (#69), and the Client Experience (#93). In today's episode, she will explain How To Get Referrals Without Asking. Tune in now, to find out more. Stacey, who has a Master’s in Organizational Communication, provides a roadmap for small business owners and solopreneurs to generate referrals without asking through her Growth By Referrals program. She is the author of the book, Generating Business Referral- Without Asking, and she also hosts her own podcast, Roadmap to Grow your Business. Stacey lives in Charlotte NC with her husband and three kids. Listen in today, to find out what Stacey has to share about building relationships and planting the seeds of referral. Show highlights: Janelle Photopoulos changed certain things in her business, to up the client experience, based on her working with Stacey. Stacey talks about her work with Janelle. Stacey explains how she got to understand interior designers so well. Why Stacey hated asking for referrals. Stacey is debunking the advice that we've all been given, that we have to ask everyone for referrals at the end of a project. Asking for referrals generally makes people feel really uncomfortable. Changing the way we think about referrals. Looking for ways to fill a funnel after failing in her business. Stacey started unpacking the psychology and the human dynamic behind why referrals happen. Referrals actually happen because they are triggered. Why manufactured triggers are not successful. Making yourself look like a hero by offering a solution to a problem is the best way to get referrals. Stacey shares the trigger for making a referral happen. How to trigger always being top of mind in a referral source. What constitutes a great referral. Taking great care of the relationships with your referral sub-set. Identifying your referral sources. These are gold! How baby designers can start building relationships with referral sources. Using the right language. Taking care of your referral sources year after year. It all comes down to authentic relationships. Stacey's bio: Stacey Brown Randall is a member of the business failure club, a contrarian on how to generate referrals and a supporter of the entrepreneurial dream. Through her programs, she provides a roadmap to take control of your business. Stacey’s quest to crack the code on how to generate referrals without asking began after her first business failed. When she started her second business – a business and productivity coaching practice – she knew keeping her pipeline full of new clients would be one of the biggest differentiators from her business failure. She honed-in on referrals as the main source of prospects for her second business but wasn’t satisfied with the conventional advice which is to receive referrals you must ask. Stacey has taught her “no asking” referral generation strategy to hundreds of companies including Bank of America, Carroll Financial, International Minute Press, Dogtopia, O’Connor Insurance Associates, ACC Associates (Mortgage Advisor), Slater Interiors, Real Living Real Estate, Milazzo Webb Law Firm, Wells Fargo Advisors, Success Institute, HM Properties, Ameriprise, Farris Cooke CPA, Keller Williams, LearningRX and more small businesses and solopreneurs. She is a three-time entrepreneur, author of Generating Business Referrals...Without Asking, and host of the Roadmap to Grow your Business podcast. Stacey received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids, a 10-year- old son, 8-year-old daughter and she and her husband are raising their 11-year-old nephew.   Links: Stacey Brown Randall Facebook LinkedIn Youtube Twitter Instagram Previous episodes Stacey has been on: #69 Employee Management #93 The Client Experience Other episode mentioned in today's show: Janelle Photopoulos, Blakely Interior Design #364 Stacey is a co-author in LuAnn's new book: LuAnn Nigara

Welcome to today's episode! We have Misty Maxey, the Bachelor Pad Designer, on the show with us today. Misty has decided to fully niche her business into designing strictly for bachelors. After spending some time doing hobby designing, she finally made the decision to get serious and look for the help she needed to learn the difference between a hobby and a business. On the show today, she explains how she knew that she had to reach out to coaches and other accomplished designers, in order to be successful. Misty really understands that by pushing through fear and doing things that scare you, you level up and make things happen. She really has her eyes wide open, and her website, (Misty Maxey) with its clear and authentic copy, describes very distinctly what she does, how she does it, and who she does it for. Listen in today, to hear what Misty has to share about the really intentional way she set up her business. Misty Maxey has always loved interior design. With two artistic parents, her creative path was written in the stars. Always seeking to grow in her knowledge and understanding of the interior design field, she regularly sought out the experience from successful designers. With knowledge and life experiences forming her understanding of the importance of interior design, she opened her business with the goal of inspiring bachelors to live their best life ever by co-creating their home that reflects who they are and to become. As a survivor of domestic violence, Misty regularly gives back by providing complimentary design services to survivors and their families. This restores dignity and gives back to her community. Tune in now, for more! Show highlights: Misty's website is really clear and specific about what she does. Tapping into the metrosexual market in Portland. Misty explains why she likes to work with bachelors. The underlying message in Misty's approach to interior design. Guys like to have their outdoor hobbies reflected in their home. Misty honors the way the guys she designs for like to live. Letting her clients know in a really fun way that they will be making an investment. How Misty learned that guys are comfortable talking about money and business. Transparency and communication are the two main things for Misty. What transparency means for Misty. Where Misty sources her products. The retail markup that Misty adds to her products. Misty explains where her money is coming from. The different packages that Misty offers. Misty's way of dealing with damaged deliveries. Misty hired the services of a market research company in Portland. Misty talks about the business coaches she has worked with. The book, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, really helped Misty push past her fear. Links: Website: Misty Maxey Instagram: Misty Maxey Designs Pinterest: Misty Maxey Twitter: Misty Maxey Books mentioned: Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way by Steven Pressfield The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

Today on the show I have yet another fabulous business coach who specializes in our industry! Michele Williams is with me! Michele is the founder of Scarlet Thread and Consulting in Atlanta, Georgia. Today we will learn about Michele’s background which includes the financial software industry as well as a business in soft window treatment fabricator. She also has a BS in business administration, a diploma in Christian life coaching and she is one of the few certified profit first coaches in the United States. Michele was also the communication director and editor in chief of the Drapery and Designs Professional Magazine from 2009 to 2012. She is a member of The Design Collective in Atlanta, the Designers Work Club Council and the Window Covering Association of America. After talking to Michele I realized that there are so many things I could talk with her about but after we talk about her background a little bit we are going to pull apart work scheduling and chunking our day to have more productivity. Show Notes: What is her background in the financial software industry? When did she decide to start her window treatment business? Did she start with a business plan? How did she start to make her business bigger? What is the Design Collective in Atlanta? What is a round table discussion and how is it helpful? How is the Window Coverings Association helpful to Michele and her business? What are some of things that you can expect Michele to talk about the expo IWCE in Charlotte? Why is it important to listen to different people say the same things? Why is important to be able to chunk your time for productivity? Is it better to be proactive or reactive? How should you plan your calendar? Resources: Website: Scarlet Thread Consulting Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: Scarlet Thread LinkedIn: Michele Williams Twitter: Michele Williams  Financial Health Checklist PDF: Scarlet Thread Consulting Previous shows mentioned: #104 Kate the Socialite #94 Debi Pinelli (A& J Interiors) #69, #93 Stacey Brown Randall #128 Grace McNamara #125, #317 Nicole Heymer #141 Jim Riviello Links: WCAA IWCE Vision Window Fashion Vision Luann Nigara Book 2

Welcome to today's show! We're talking to Tiffannie White today, the creator of The Nappy Bohemian, located in Oakland, California. Tiffannie is a blogger, an interior stylist, and an e-designer and she also has a full-time position as a design consultant at  Fireclay Tile. After spending many years as a career sales professional, The Nappy Bohemian was born in 2017 because Tiffannie wanted to merge her architecture education, her love for tile and ceramics, and her desire to showcase the real black experience in the world of interior design. Tune in today, to hear about Tiffannie's business, what she's doing, and the lessons she's learned from running her business. Tiffannie's job with Fireclay Tile has allowed her an inside look on the world of artisan makers, and it has also connected her with terrific designers in her East Coast territory. In today's episode, she describes how much she loves her job, she talks openly about the lessons and challenges she experienced in her first year in business, and she shares her goals for the year to come. Listen in now, to find out more. Show highlights: Tiffannie talks about her traumatic experience of taking her daughter to the hospital and how her daughter really loved the decor there. This showed Tiffannie just how important interior design really is in people's lives. Creating a holistic space is really important for Tiffannie. About Tiffannie's personal and unique 'only'. Tiffannie is proud of the lessons she's learned. Tiffannie talks about her first eighteen months in business. Being focused and clear in her vision. All about Tiffannie's e-design packages. Tiffannie's e-design is driven mainly through her Instagram and word-of-mouth. Settling on a name. Going with the flow and trusting. Some of the challenges she's faced. You have to value what you do to have a thriving business. Being careful not to compromise in too many areas when starting out in a business. Work for free only if it's worth your while. Some tips about blogging. Tiffannie's business goals for the next year. Links: Instagram: The Nappy Bohemian The Nappy Bohemian The Nappy Bohemian   Previous shows mentioned: Albie Buabeng #348 Chaney Widmer #260, #327 Cheryl Janice #41 Sue Firestone #404

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are really thrilled to have Jean Brownhill, founder, and CEO of Sweeten, on the show with us today. Jean, who has almost 500 000 followers on Instagram, is onto something that you, as designers, really need to know about. She has a designer trade VIP program where she connects interior designers with the really well-screened, well-vetted general contractors that her company has worked with over the years. Right now, Sweeten has thousands of these contractors on their books. This means that whatever kind of project an interior designer brings to them, they can match it. Listen in today, to find out all about Jean's really awesome designer trade VIP program and how it can really benefit you, as a designer. After earning an Architecture degree at The Cooper Union, Jean spent a decade in design and construction, including in Global Architecture at Coach, where she won the Chairman’s Award for designing web platforms to streamline retail construction worldwide. After a challenging renovation of her own home, she saw the need for a free service to match people to vetted general contractors, providing support throughout the process. So Sweeten was launched in 2011. The concept earned Jean a prestigious Loeb Fellowship from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. Tune in to find out what Jean has to share about the really unique platform that she's created. Show highlights: Jean explains how Sweeten assists interior designers. Finding the right general contractor to suit the design project. Jean talks about where she started with Sweeten. Jean wanted to figure out how to get high-quality construction and design resources to regular people. How Designers get matched a contractor through Jean's website. What's included in the service that Jean offers. Sweeten has a vetted group of contractors that have all committed to working transparently. The kind of data that they re able to collect as a result of staying with all their projects to completion. They do an original content piece on their blog every single day. Sweeten can hold their contractors accountable based on the fact that their communications, signed contracts, and estimates are all on the Sweeten platform. Sweeten is always working on ways to get everybody on the path to completion. How the contractor's ratings on the Sweeten platform affect the number of projects Sweeten will send their way. The way that the contractors are incentivized to stay with Sweeten and deliver great service. Treading lightly in the process of learning what works best for everybody. Jean shares her contractor vetting process. Jean gives some tips for interior designers to work successfully with contractors. Sweeten charges interior designers no fee at all. Jean offers an awesome incentive of $500 for a referral. Bio: Jean Brownhill, Founder, and CEO of Sweeten After earning an Architecture degree at The Cooper Union, Jean Brownhill spent a decade in design and construction, including in Global Architecture at Coach, where she won the Chairman’s Award for designing web platforms to streamline retail construction worldwide. After a challenging renovation of her own home, she saw the need for a free service to match people to vetted general contractors, providing support throughout the process. Sweeten (as in “home, sweet home”) launched in 2011; the concept earned Jean a prestigious Loeb Fellowship from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. Today, Sweeten has more than $1B of construction projects in the pipeline. The service has been called a “Renovation Game-Changer,” with Jean hailed as “The Contractor Whisperer” by New York Magazine as well as one of Inc. Magazine’s “Most Innovative Women Founders in America.”  Sweeten brings trust, technology, and transparency to the $340B+ residential renovation industry, allowing consumers to renovate fearlessly. The company expanded to commercial projects—restaurants, retail, offices, etc.—in 2017. Just as Sweeten sets new standards for contractors, Jean is taking on traditional barriers for diversity and women in tech. She's a female founder disrupting a male-dominated industry. She’s co-founder of the African American Student Union (AASU) at Harvard's Graduate School of Design, an organization supporting African Americans in architecture, real estate, and urban planning. She’s a member of the 2018 Class of Henry Crown Fellows at the Aspen Institute. And she’s one of few black female entrepreneurs to raise $1M+ in venture capital, as featured in Vanity Fair. For more info, please contact Randi MacColl at randi@sweeten.com or 212-671-1713. Links: Sweeten Blog Sweeten Design Trade VIP Program: Sweeten Architects Designers Instagram: @sweeten_home Facebook: @theSweeten Pinterest: Sweeten Twitter: @sweeten home

Welcome! Today we have Melissa Hryszko, the award-winning design brain behind Veranda Estate Homes Inc., join us on the show. For the past eighteen years, Melissa and her husband, Rob, have owned and operated one of Calgary's most successful and versatile luxury home building companies. Today, Melissa shares some of her best tips for growing her firm's Instagram following to an incredible 80 000 followers, and she also explains that she and Rob are crystal clear about who they will work with, and about the kinds of projects that they will do and will not do. Listen in today, to find out what it takes to consistently build between seven and ten custom homes per year, from the ground up. Melissa's formal education is in graphic design and advertising and yet it's really clear that she belongs in the world of interior design. She brings a meticulous level of detail to each and every project that Veranda is involved in, and she does all her designs by hand. Melissa also tackles each project on an individual basis to ensure that each one is unique and representing the Veranda brand. Tune in today to find out more. Show highlights: Melissa talks about Veranda's unique business model. Melissa is involved with every single home. How Veranda has the edge. Learning from past mistakes. Working with the best architect. Veranda only works from word-of-mouth advertising. Talking budget with clients. Working out ball-park prices. How Melissa's firm works with the different trades on each project. What it takes for a project to get off the ground. They have only five people on their team! About the weekly site meetings that happen every Tuesday morning. They use a program called Buildertrend to coordinate projects. Melissa shares some good practices for growing your Instagram following. Melissa spends more than two hours per day on Instagram. Instagram is about building relationships. Melissa tells us all about her podcast, Modern Design Minds. Links and resources: Melissa's Podcast: Modern Design Minds with her co-host Amy Kearns (from the Boston area). Amy Lynn Interiors Veranda Estate Homes Instagram: Veranda Interior Facebook: Veranda Estate Homes Modern Design Minds on Instagram: modern design minds Buildertrend: Builder Trend Modern Craftsman Podcast amylynn_interiors Visual Comfort Currey & Co Wingnut Social Podcast Modern Design Minds Podcast Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Circle Design #380 Judith Neary - Design Biz Live #170, #264, #326, #399, #410 Shea McGee #236, #270 Additional episodes about building your IG: Amber Lewis #184 Shea McGee #236, 270 Mr. Inkredible# 417 Mark McDonough #110 Darla Powell #203 and #330 More episodes about doing full design and build: Circle Design Studio with husband and wife team John and Theresa Dorlini #380 Angela Rasmussen of H2H Design+Build #181

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are really delighted to introduce you to Amanda Berlin today. Amanda is a communications consultant specifically for entrepreneurs. She teaches visibility strategy, to help people to be seen and appreciated for their uniqueness. She tells us that what she does daily, in her PR niche, is much the same as every one of us, as entrepreneurs, has to do when marketing our businesses. It's about creating a story around a business or a product that really connects it with an audience. On the show today, she and LuAnn talk about the kinds of pitches that designers need to write, the types of media that are the right fit for designers, and how to create relationships with writers and reporters to get yourself and your projects featured more easily and more often. Tune in today, to find out how to be seen and appreciated! Amanda studied journalism at George Washington University. She interned at CNN, wrote for a local paper, and spent a decade writing media pitches for companies like Disney, Dove, Brawny, Baskin Robbins, Colgate, and Campbell’s. The pitches Amanda wrote resulted in appearances on almost every level of local television outlet in the country and on every national cable and network morning show at one time or another. Amanda has been featured on Carol Cox's Speaking Your Brand and she also has a podcast, The Empowered Publicity Podcast. Listen in today, to hear what Amanda has to share! Show highlights: Amanda has a really awesome 'about me' page. Starting with goals. Thinking about goals when considering media and visibility. Amanda explains what a PR opportunity looks like. Working out what's most important. Unearthing the evergreen and newsworthy opportunities. The two kinds of pitches that every designer needs to write. Why you need to be really specific about what you have to teach. Different pitches for different kinds of media. Looking at mainstream consumer media. Twitter is an excellent source of information about the media. The Profile Pitch. To get you deeper in with your niche audience. Telling your own story. Why you need to be willing to own your story. Going back to who you were before you became who you are. Pitching for podcasts. Making it as easy as possible for media to say 'yes'. The services that Amanda offers. Go to her website Amanda Berlin Bio: I’m a New Yorker by way of New Jersey with stints in Washington, DC and Madrid, Spain. I’m told my Jersey often shows through, whatever that means. I’m a mama of an only. I’m obsessed with my family as well as finding the exact right word to complete my thought in every conversation (it can get annoying). And peanut butter. I’m also obsessed with peanut butter. I was born to make sure we are all heard and seen and appreciated for our unique genius. I about died when I got a poem published in my high school literary magazine. I studied journalism at The George Washington University, interned at CNN, wrote for a local paper, and then came back to New York City. For a decade, I wrote media pitches for companies like Disney, Dove, Brawny, Baskin Robbins, Colgate, and Campbell’s. Clients would come to me with a spokesperson and some message points and I’d package it up and create a story that would get pitched to news outlets across the country. The pitches I wrote resulted in appearances on nearly every local television outlet in the country and every national cable and network morning show at one time or another. My day-to-day in this niche of PR is exactly what every last entrepreneur is tasked with doing when marketing their business. Take a spokesperson (themselves) and a message (their business or product) and create a story that connects with an audience. Amanda Berlin was referred to LuAnn by Amber De La Garza #385. Shows that correlate with this one: Amy Flurry #108 and #323 Ren Millar #12 Ashley Hotham-Cox #321 Jane Dagney #351 Andrew Joseph #39 Jenny Madden #332 Links: Amanda's website: Amanda Berlin Amanda's podcast: Amanda Berlin Find Amanda on Facebook: Amanda Berlin Coaching Follow Amanda on Twitter: Amanda Berlin Valerie Fund Designer Showhouse April 23- May 19, 2019 Previous guests participating in the showhouse: Gail Davis Tina Ramchandani Blanche Garcia Marina Umali WindowWorks is supporting several designers in the Valerie Fund Showhouse by providing window treatments for their rooms. Kips Bay Showhouse May 2- May 30, 2019 Previous guest participating in Kips Bay: Corey Damen Jenkins Links to LuAnn's books: Book 1: Luann Nigara Book 2: Luann Nigara

Welcome to today's episode! We are delighted to have the one and only Tobi Fairley join us today! Tobi is a progressive-thinking entrepreneur, known for her interior design and she is focused on helping her clients design their homes, their businesses, and their lives through her full-service interior design company and her consulting firm. Tobi has a special interest in promoting wellness and balance for entrepreneurs, CEO's, and creatives. She also has a podcast, called The Design You Podcast, which was launched in April 2018. (LuAnn was her guest on episode #37). Today, Tobi talks to LuAnn about tuning in to what you really like to do and how you really want your business to be, making more money, and getting to grips with digital services in the ever-changing online world. Tune in for more! Tobi has been a trusted coach for interior designers and creatives, through her live events, business courses, and online programs for over ten years. More than ten years ago, when Tobi launched her blog, she was at the forefront of the design blog movement. Her blog is currently read in more than 125 countries across the globe. In 2017, Tobi was a columnist for Traditional Home magazine with a feature in each issue chronicling her own home renovation and reveal. Her award-winning interior design, product design, and ideas have been featured on television and in worldwide publications including House Beautiful, Veranda, Traditional Home, Huffington Post, HGTV, The Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Real Simple, Coastal Living, Southern Cottages, Creative Live, the Chicago Tribune, and MSNBC. Listen in today, to find out from Tobi how to create a business that is right for you. Show highlights: Tobi really enjoys learning about personal development and self-help and melding that with interior design. The blessing of growing up with unconditional support. The kind of support that Tobi really loves giving to others. Tobi discusses her philosophy on the use of digital tools for interior designers. Why digital doesn't have to be associated with poor quality. Tobi's take on creating revenue streams. There are so many ways for designers to make really good money and still give value to the consumer. Thinking creatively to create different models to suit different customers. The beauty of creating a design business that is accessible online. Why it gets easier to make money in other ways. Creating different models to solve different problems for clients. A practical strategy for design professionals looking to tap different markets. How designers are creating their own competition. Tobi's suggestion for maximizing your profits with what you already have. Knowing what you can and cannot do successfully on the phone. Using the right language to assist clients with digital products and services. The industry is changing, so you need to figure out how to change and grow with it. You get to decide the services that your business provides. Tuning in to what you like doing, and how you really want your business to be. The importance of being profitable. Thinking outside the box. Bio: Traditional Home predicts “Tobi will be like Cher or Oprah, one of those women for whom one name says it all.” Tobi Fairley is known for her bold use of color in interior design, but she’s also one of the nation’s most progressive-thinking entrepreneurs. Tobi is passionate about her full-service interior design company and her consulting firm which are focused on helping clients design their homes, their businesses and their lives, with a special interest in promoting wellness and balance for entrepreneurs, CEO’s and creatives. Tobi established her firm more than 19 years ago and her projects have spanned the nation and beyond. Her award-winning interior design, product design and ideas have been featured on television and in publications worldwide including House Beautiful, Veranda, Traditional Home, Huffington Post, HGTV, The Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Coastal Living, Southern Cottages, Creative Live, the Chicago Tribune, and MSNBC. In 2017, Tobi was a columnist for Traditional Home magazine with a feature in each issue chronicling her own home renovation and reveal. Tobi’s design goal is to create interiors that will assist her clients in reaching their big, personal, and entrepreneurial dreams, while supporting their health and wellness. She designs functional homes and beautiful environments that will foster personal growth, balance, and connection for all who use them. Tobi was on the forefront of the design blog movement when she launched her blog over 10 years ago, and it’s currently read in more than 125 countries worldwide. She has been a trusted coach for over 10 years for interior designers and creatives through her live events, design and business courses, and online programs. Among Tobi’s latest ventures is Design You, a monthly coaching program, where interior designers and creatives can get all of Tobi’s best course content, along with live coaching from Tobi in the areas of business, health and wellness, and mindset for a monthly or yearly subscription. In April 2018 Tobi launched her new podcast, The Design You Podcast, where she helps Interior Designers and Creatives say no to busy and say yes to more health, wealth and joy. In her podcast episodes, Tobi shares best business practices, her personal journey as a working mom and her beliefs about personal development for creating your best life, business and home. For the last 3 years, Tobi has had great success in product design with her licensed collections from Soicher Marin (art), Duralee (fabrics), CR Laine (upholstered furniture), Woodbridge Furniture (case goods and outdoor furniture), New River Artisans (rugs), and recently signed a license with C2 Paint which will debut late 2018. Links: LuAnn's Book: A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts Kay Whitaker is a Co-Author in the book and her episodes on digital marketing are: #259, #274 Previous shows mentioned: Rachel Cannon #306 and #409 Tobi's website and social media: Tobi Fairley Facebook: Tobi Fairley Interior Design Instagram: Tobi Fairley/ Twitter: Tobi Fairley Youtube Pinterest

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's show is about working with a professional Virtual Assistant, who works specifically in the field of interior design. Sarah Durnez is the founder of Loft Design in Walla Walla Washington, and she joins us today. For Sarah, it really doesn't matter where she is, or where you are for that matter because she works remotely to help designers, like you, with their design businesses. She's worked with designers all over the US and she's only ever met one of them once, in the flesh. Sarah's specialty is providing designers with drawings and renderings. Most of her clients have been with her since she started her business, which really says a lot about Sarah and her work, right? Listen in today, to find out more about Sarah and the high-quality Virtual Design Assistant services that she gives her clients. Sarah graduated from MIU with a BFA in Interior Design. At school, she gravitated to honing her rendering skills and creating the best presentations. Competing to showcase design boards during Miami's Art Basil each year, really drove home the importance that the way that a project is presented is just as important as the design of the project. Sarah has been working remotely with designers for over six years, providing them with detailed construction documents, renderings, and presentation materials to sell their designs. With Sarah handling the technical side of a project, her designers have more time to focus on other aspects of design, grow their business, and be out of the office to spend more time with their families. Tune in for more! Show highlights: We all strive to be organized in the way we run our business. Sarah started out by just winging it. Sarah explains how she keeps her clients on their toes with their projects. The kind of service and support that Sarah provides for her clients. The quality of Sarah's SketchUp renderings is really remarkable. Sarah discusses the information she requires from designers in order to provide them with high-quality renderings. The kind of responsibility that Sarah takes on. Why some people call Sarah 'The killer of dreams'. How designers really benefit from Sarah's expertise. Sarah will always provide a solution for every issue that she points out. The way that small design firms really benefit from hiring Sarah. Listen to your tradespeople. They really know what they are talking about. Use your own talents for what you're really good at and hiring out for the rest. The excitement that comes with the renderings. When and why designers lean towards watercolor drawings. Taking the time to work through the specific process of your trade. About Sarah's training for designers on SketchUp and Podium. The design industry is a very personal one and hiring a Virtual Assistant is really like having someone on your side. Links: Press Kit Password: tacos Loft Design Website: Loft Design Instagram: SarahatLoftDesign Facebook: SarahatLoftDesign Pinterest: SarahatLoftDesign Mydoma Studio Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Darla Powell #330 Elizabeth Scruggs #305 Revelwoods #329 Mydoma Studio #91 and #171 Madeleine MacRae #283 and #315 Episodes that go with this one: On VA’s #375 Bonnie Fahy #149 My Design Assistant #346 Do Not Let Us Design For You

Welcome! Today we have Mr. Inkredible on the show with us. Don Ricardo Massenburg, Jr, known for his use of bright and bold patterns and colors in home decor, is the principal of Design Inkredible in Durham, North Carolina. Don believes that interior design should be and could be attainable by everyone, even though it's considered a luxury service. In today's episode, he talks to us about his design business and about his work in early childhood education. He also explains how he runs his design firm in conjunction with his full-time position in the education field. Listen in to find out more. For a long time, it has been Don's dream to do something that he loves so much that it doesn't feel like he's working. Interior design has been his answer to this. Don's firm has grown so fast and has become so successful that it's hard to believe that technically, it's his side-hustle. He really understands what it takes to maintain a successful interior design business, and he's always adding to his education in interior design. Tune in to find out about Don and how his love for art, music, furniture, and anything bold and creative really fuels his passion for interior design. Show highlights: How Don started his design firm while doing his career in education. How he runs his design business around his full-time job. Don is so passionate about interior design that it doesn't feel like work. How he uses social media to get clients. Posting on social media at peak times for maximum engagement. Don's strategies for attracting followers on social media. Joining Instagram pods, or groups are still effective as a strategy for marketing a business. Don's use of bold and bright colors and patterns. The importance of engaging, on social media. A lot of Don's current clientele comes from luxury new construction. Don's focus is on textiles. Maintaining a following on social media really takes a lot of work. The importance of your first six photos on Instagram. The value of hiring a really good photographer. Converting Instagram admirers into clients. Weeding out the tire-kickers. How to obtain the help of a mentor. How MyDoma Studio has really changed Don's life. Don used to create his own custom designs. Don's Bio: Recognized for his use of bright, bold patterns and colors in home décor, Don Ricardo Massenburg Jr. seeks to show that although interior design is considered a luxury service, it can be attainable to everyone. His love for art, music, furniture, and anything bold and creative fuels his passion for interior design.  It has been a lasting dream of Ricardo’s to do something that he loves and enjoys so much that it doesn’t feel like he’s working, and Ricardo believes that he has experienced that dream with interior design. Ricardo received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from North Carolina Central University and started his first interior design venture while he served as a teacher. Some of his earliest and favorite projects were children’s spaces where he enjoyed pulling bright, vibrant colors together, along with fun patterns. Ricardo continues to work in the field of education by day and acknowledges the value of the transferable skills gained through his experiences. The growth of DESiGN iNKREDiBLE LLC has been so exciting and through his, work Ricardo has developed other gifts and talents such as sewing, upholstery, and creating abstract art. Ricardo recognizes that although style and a good design eye are important, it takes much more to maintain a successful interior design business and he is currently continuing education in interior design. For more episodes on how to grow your Instagram following: #184 Amber Lewis #110 Mark McDonough #203 and #330 Darla Powell / Wingnut Social For more episodes on mentorship: #267 Rasheeda Gray #291 Cheryl Luckett #296 Ruthie Staalsen #272 Laura Thurman #91 and #177 Sarah Daniele- Mydoma Studio Links: Design Inkredible Instagram: Design Inkredible Facebook: Design Inkredible Join LuAnn at High Point Market Facebook Groups: Mark McDonough: Interior Design Marketing Darla Powell: The Wingnut Social Media Lab LuAnn: LuAnn Nigara and Friends

Welcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday! Today’s episode is a conversation with the founder of Digital Everything, Susana Yee. Susana is a marketing expert in social media and influencer marketing who has cultivated major engagement for companies through her innovative work, such as her Guess “color me inspired” campaign. Within her company, Susana helps individuals with their own social media campaigns, twitter and facebook ad management, influencer marketing, rebranding, content creation, retargeting campaigns, and so much more. Digital Media is a company that helps others build and market their own personal brands in order to reach out and work with top-notch influencers, or become an influencer themselves. This episode includes techniques and strategies that will help you create and promote yourself on any social media platform. Tune into today's episode of A Well-Designed Business to learn more about Digital Everything and how its program can help you build your social media empire. Show Highlights: Reaching out and working with influencers Making sure your brand is cohesive and looks promotable Tagging and promoting other brands that are relevant to you Strategies to grow your business through social media How affiliate and brand deals work Being selective about what you advertise Redirecting people to other platforms to avoid exposing secrets Building an email list Being easily contactable and accessible Posting consistently and strategically Putting a value on your services Using people’s needs to your benefit Paying people fairly for their expertise Playing the role of the brand and the influencer A roadmap for how to target and work with influencers Creating campaigns that include and reach a big audience Apps that easily regulate marketing Establishing your personal niche Properly labeling and hashtagging posts About Digital Everything: Digital Everything is a Los Angeles based digital marketing firm that works with brands directly and teaches them how to build and make the most out of relationships with influencers. Founded over 20 years ago Services include: social media campaign management, influencer marketing, twitter and facebook ads management, social media strategy, content creation, retargeting campaigns Links: Sign Up for Susana's Course:  The Influencer Marketing Roadmap  Web and social: Digital Everything Facebook: Digital Everything Twitter: Shopping And Info Previous Shows Mentioned: Shea McGee of Studio McGee #236  Shea and Syd McGee #270 Natalie Hurst # 172

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! We have Tina Ramchandani, a really smart lady and the founder of Tina Ramchandani Creatives, with us on the show today. Tina is another interior designer who started her career by training at a well-established and well-run New York design firm and we know that it really makes a difference when young designers cut their teeth this way. Tina started her own design business in 2014 and in four short years, she has managed to establish herself as an interior designer on the rise. She was recently named one of House Beautiful Magazine's 2018 Next Way Designers and she has been featured in Elle Decor, The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Cottage and Gardens, and more. Listen in today, to find out about Tina and her really successful design firm. In today's episode, Tina talks to us about her experience of working for the top-tier New York firm, Vicente Wolf and Associates, prior to opening her own design business. She discusses some of the practices that she has instituted in her firm, like her strategy for establishing monthly tasks in her business, to ensure that she's paying attention to the experience she's giving her clients. Today, Tina and LuAnn also talk about their involvement in the upcoming Designer Showhouse, Grace's House, by the Valerie Fund. LuAnn is on the committee, and Tina is one of the designers. Many of the designers selected to participate in bringing this really special home back to its former glory have been featured on this show, so we're giving all of them a special shout-out today, in appreciation for all that they are doing for our children! Tune in now to find out more! Show highlights: Window Works will be working with Tina and the other designers, doing window treatments and pillows for the Valerie Fund showhouse, Grace's House. Tina talks about her amazing experience and the confidence she gained from working for Vincente Wolf for five years. What Tina learned from working for Vincente Wolf, that she's brought to the way she runs her own firm, Tina Ramchandani Creative. The way that Vincente Wolf managed to inspire Tina's confidence. The natural way that Tina empowers her junior designer, Kay, in the same way, that she was inspired by Vincente. Learning to trust the people you have hired. How Tina knew that it was the right time for her to leave her mentor, Vincente. How interior design principals gain from giving their all to their junior designers. The systems that Tina initially took away from Vincente's firm. The way that Tina tweaked and changed some of Vincente's business systems, to work with the way she works. Tina and Kay sit down at the beginning of each year and assess the things that are not working and the things that need to change in the business. Tina discusses the goals that she and Kay set for each month. Tina and Kay meet each week to discuss what needs to be done in the business. Having outside help has really assisted Tina in running her own business. Tina has built in specific times of the month to address her business operations. The pressure that comes with being driven in business. Tina talks about the awesome Valerie Fund. All about the showhouse, Grace's House which is going to open on April 25th, 2019. There are many special events which will be happening at the opening of Grace's House. Tina talks about the colorful room that she is is designing in Grace's house. Benjamin Moore has kindly sponsored all the paint for Grace's House. Getting things to run smoothly when the pressure is on. Tina discusses the event that she is going to be doing with a women's group on the 15th of May, to raise money for the Valerie Fund. LuAnn is having a book signing for her new book, on the 30th of April, at 6 pm, at Grace's House. Tina's bio: Tina Ramchandani Creative (TRC) is a full-service design firm that creates modern, sophisticated and relaxed interiors. TRC's turn-key service makes it easy for clients to move into a completed home with minimal stress. Tina Ramchandani incorporates her vast experience and global perspective into her signature style that delivers a warm layered aesthetic, enhancing your lifestyle and inviting you to truly “live” in your bespoken space. Tina places a strong emphasis on artwork, couture pieces, and custom elements, within the client's budget. While creating a unique, livable environment for clients, Tina incorporates local artists and artisans to bring spaces to life, and showcase clients' personalities in their homes. TRC has developed a complete and individual onboarding process, which allows Tina to get to know clients and their needs in depth. Clients will share their inspirations with Tina, while also sharing details of how they live in their space, what they are looking to improve or change, as well as what they are interested in aesthetically. Tina and her team then create two complete design presentations for clients. First, the team offers a preliminary meeting, with floor plans and layouts, furniture styles, lighting pieces, fabrics, colors, and art inspirations. After honing in on the direction, TRC develops a comprehensive presentation for clients, soup to nuts. Tina and the team present every item in the space, from furniture to lighting and floor covering to window treatments. This allows clients to see the design vision in its entirety. Once approved TRC takes care of everything, so clients can sit back, relax, and watch their space come together. Tina Ramchandani developed her design expertise with several top tier, high-end residential and commercial interior design firms in Manhattan, including Frank & Marcotullio Design Associates and Vicente Wolf Associates, which led to the formation of Tina Ramchandani Creative in 2014. Ms. Ramchandani is deeply appreciative of good design and passionate about the impact social awareness can have on one’s life. Tina’s work has been nationally recognized by publications including Elle Décor, The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Cottages & Gardens, Lonny, Gotham, Cover, she was most recently named a “2018 Next Wave” designer by House Beautiful. She is also the founder of Life in Sketch, an internationally recognized interior design blog where she shares what inspires her in the world of design at large, from her daily experiences in New York to her extensive travels abroad. Press Release for Grace's House, presented by the Valerie Fund: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Valerie Fund The Valerie Fund presents Grace’s House, A Designer Showhouse Restoration of historic Plainfield mansion will benefit children in our area battling cancer and blood disorders Maplewood, N.J. January 14, 2019 – In May of 2018, nine-year-old Grace received a devastating diagnosis: she had a Germ Cell Brain Tumor. Grace’s treatment brought her to The Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Newark Beth Israel and after rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, she is recovering well. Her grateful family sought ways to give back to the organization that was taking such good care of their daughter and granddaughter. Last June, they spearheaded an extraordinary fundraising effort during The Valerie Fund’s annual 5K Run and Walk in Verona Park, Verona, NJ raising close to $32,000. Grace’s grandfather, Dan Reichard, a builder and principle of ER Development was interested in collaborating further with The Valerie Fund. He and his partners Thomas and George Allen purchased a 7,000+ square foot Colonial Revival in Plainfield, NJ restoring original elements and preparing it for featured designers to showcase their visions. Christened Grace’s House, the mansion is located in the historic Hillside Avenue district and will eventually be for sale, but in Spring 2019, the public will have the opportunity to tour approximately 20 of the house’s rooms, nooks, stairways and landings, and other spaces across three floors. Interior Design businesses selected to participate in bringing this very special home back to its former glory include: AK Design Studios, Monsey, NY ANEW Kitchen and Bath Design, Plainfield, NJ B-garcia designs, Montclair, NJ Butter and Velvet Home Designs, Denville, NJ California Closets, Fairfield, NJ CD Interiors, Manalapan Township, NJ The French Martini, Westfield, NJ Gail Davis Designs, South Orange, NJ Global Home Interior Design, Princeton, NJ Images in Design, Cranford, NJ JAB Design Group, Penn Valley, PA JMW Interiors, Millburn, NJ Liepold Design Group, Millburn, NJ Marina V. Design Studio, Ridgewood, NJ Mendham Interiors, Mendham, NJ Mimi & Hill, Westfield, NJ Samuel Robert Signature Spaces, Millburn, NJ Swati Goorha Designs, New Providence, NJ Tina Ramchandani Creative, New York “Building a Brighter Future for The Valerie Fund Kids.” Proceeds from public and private tours of the showhouse as well as ad journal sales and sponsorships will benefit The Valerie Fund’s Green Light Initiative, a $5,000,000 Capital Campaign. This initiative is the most ambitious chapter in The Valerie Fund’s history to date, poised to extend “next generation care” to thousands of children fighting life-threatening diseases. The Valerie Fund is proud to recognize Design NJ as a media sponsor, Holby Valve, Coughlin Duffy LLP, Stephen and Tina Squeri as sponsors and Worldwide Wholesale Floor Coverings as a sponsor and a designer resource. Generous in-kind sponsors already committed to the project include Benjamin Moore, Dente Trading Classic & Luxury Stone, Swarovski and Window Works. At The Valerie Fund each year, Grace and 6,000 other precious children benefit immeasurably by receiving their medical treatment close to home in a child-centered environment. Individualized support from an entire psychosocial team – Integrative and Palliative Care Specialists, Psychologists, Social workers, Child Life specialists, and Educational liaisons -- makes sure their quality of life is the best it can possibly be without regard to insurance reimbursements. And Grace’s favorite – Camp Happy Times, is a free one-week overnight summer camp for children with cancer. To see the amazing house transformation, Grace’s House will be open to the public every Thursday through Sunday beginning Thursday, April 25th through Sunday, May 19th. Tickets for the house tours are $30 on The Valerie Fund website The Valerie Fund and $35 at the door. About The Valerie Fund: After their nine-year-old daughter Valerie succumbed to cancer, founders Sue and Ed Goldstein were determined that no family should have to travel great distances to receive superior medical care. Along with a group of close friends, they began fundraising efforts from their living room---tireless work that would lead to the 1977 opening of New Jersey’s first pediatric oncology facility at Summit Overlook’s Hospital. More than 40 years later, The Valerie Fund’s mission remains that of supporting comprehensive health care for children battling cancer and blood disorders. Seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers are located in the metropolitan New York and Philadelphia areas. For more information, please contact Bunny Flanders, Director of Marketing and Communications at bflanders@thevaleriefund.org Previous episodes mentioned on this show: Century Furniture and Carrier and Co. Launch at High Point Market #407 Links: Tickets for the Valerie Fund showhouse: The Valerie Fund Specials Show House The Valerie fund showhouse: The Valerie Fund The Valerie Fund Tina’s event at the showhouse as discussed in the show: Eventbrite Lady Drinks Cocktails And Private Tour with Interior Designer Tina Ramchandani In Support of Graces Tickets Tina's website and social media links: Tina Ramchandani Instagram: Tina Ramchandani Pinterest: Tina Ramchandani Creative Linkedin: Tina Ramchandani

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's show is sponsored by  Bellacor, and we have Sara Saferstein, the director of the Bellacor Pro Division, with us on the show. Bellacor is an online company, established in 2000. They have all the top brands in lighting, decor, and furniture, and they have commercial products as well as residential. In today's episode, Sara will be talking to us about the Bellacor Pro Division, which is their resource for you, as an interior design professional. Listen in today, to find out how Bellacor Pro can make your life easier and your next project a little less of a project. The Bellacor Pro Division is there to help you with your projects, whether you're working on single, one-client projects or on the commercial side, with multi-unit projects. Bellacor Pro has a team specifically dedicated to helping you with your orders and there are also ALA certified personal account managers, available to help you with all your questions around specifying and sourcing their products. Bellacor Pro has a special trade-pricing program with free shipping, and right now they are welcoming new interior design accounts, and other trade professional accounts to join them. Tune in today, to get all the details about the awesome Bellacor Pro Program. Show highlights: Sara talks about the Bellacor dedicated trade team, specifically for interior designers. The kind of partnerships that Bellacor builds with the interior design and the builder communities. It really helps to not have to worry about all the little details of a project. Sara talks about her experience in the industry. The wide range of lighting and furniture items and products that Bellacor has for interior designers. Sara explains the advantages of using Bellacor Pro as your resource for lighting and furniture products. You will get Bellacor's trade pricing with any of their manufacturers. Why you really need to be part of Bellacor's trade program. About Bellacor's free shipping, and their flexible 30-day return policy. Bellacor is willing to think outside the box in order to help make your purchase successful. The advantages of having a dedicated team on tap to help you. The way that Bellacor Pro helps designers, day-to-day, with their projects. Bellacor Pro offers interior designers continuing education. There is a lot of complexity and detail involved in lighting. Bellacor Pro really adds value for designers. Bellacor Pro brings you the look you want at the price point you can afford. Get the best product at the best price from Bellacor Pro. Experience the Bellacor Pro Advantage of a high value, high touch relationship with their community. About Bellacor Pro: Unique clients require unique solutions. As designers, you need to delight your clients, deliver on time and on budget and we understand that. We are Bellacor Pro — A trade-program designed to meet the unique requests of interior designers, architects, builders, and other trade professionals. We deliver exceptional product selection and service including: Guaranteed low pricing every day: Get our best trade pricing Brands you love: Select from more than 500 designer- and builder-preferred brands in lighting, furniture, and home décor. Dedicated account team: Your dedicated account team of industry veterans and ALA-certified professionals will help you find the perfect products for every project in your portfolio. Free shipping: Everyday free shipping, with no minimums for trade professionals. Sara Saferstein, the Director of Bellacor Professional, has more than 20 years of industry experience working with manufacturers, designers, and retailers in lighting and home décor. Her team will make your next project a little less of a project while making your life as a designer easier. Links: BellacorPro: Bellacor LinkedIn: Bellacor Instagram: Bellacor Lighting Facebook: Bellacor Lighting Twitter: Bellacor Pinterest: Bellacor Telephone the Bellacor Accounts Management Team: 1877 688 7039

Welcome! Today we have Leslie Price, the principal of Price Style and Design, with us on the show. Leslie's superpower is sourcing and selling art for her projects and in today's episode, she explains why this is so important and personal to her. We also have a really nice conversation with her about her career and the turns it has taken, starting out in the home staging industry and then pivoting into strictly interior design. Leslie also talks to us about her studio and the wonderful setup she has in collaboration with her upholsterer, and about the pros and cons of charging for an initial consultation. Listen in now to find out more. Price Style and Design is a San Francisco Bay Area-based design and style firm, specializing in creating colorful, comfortable, and welcoming interiors. Award-winning designer and owner, Leslie Price, has a passion for creating light-filled, open, and uncluttered spaces influenced by an appreciation for the fresh colors of nature- an instintive artistic awareness which she developed growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leslie's impeccable attention to every detail will help you create comfortable and beautiful spaces that speak to your heart. Working from the belief that you must love where you live, Leslie and her team focus on designing spaces that inspire joy and happiness. With expertise from a thirty-year visual merchandising and design career, Leslie is uniquely positioned to help you understand and refine your own style, so you can enjoy the 'art of living' in your home. Tune in to find out what Leslie has to share. Show highlights: Leslie talks about the mid-life epiphany she had about her business. Leslie goes with the flow because she knows it will all work out in the end. How Leslie's interior design career began with home-staging. Her transition from home-staging to interior design. Why Leslie moved from home-staging to interior design. Some of the realtors that Leslie used to work for, doing home-staging, still send her client referrals. Leslie talks about her retail space, it's a purpose, and what it means to her business. The win-win situation Leslie has with the people she splits the rental for her retail space with. Why Leslie doesn't charge for her initial consultation. The struggle that Leslie's having with not charging for her initial consultation. Leslie believes that art is a legacy that talks about your soul. Leslie talks about her passion for helping clients to source their works of art. Art is an asset that continues to gain value. How Leslie helps her clients to make the most of their art. The way that Leslie sources works of art for her clients. How Leslie charges her clients for finding their art. Leslie bridges that gap between artists and buyers who may be intimidated to speak to the artists. Leslie talks about her mother's art and her art collection. Links: New podcast by Marianne Cherico launched Jan 25, 2019: Home Stagers and Designers on Fire  Leslie's website: Price Style And Design Leslie's Instagram: @pricestyleanddesign  Facebook:  Price Style And Design Pinterest:  Price Styling Previous episodes, with more info on home staging: Shauna Lynn Simon #76 Yohan May Interiors #396 Marianne Cherico #123 Taylor Spellman #106 Previous episodes, for more info on selecting, selling and framing art: Katharine Earnhardt #239 Paul Thomas & Daniel Beauchemin #291 Previous episodes, for more info on creating a lead magnet: Savour Partnership #209

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have a really terrific guest, Ashley Uhl, the founder and principal of Ashley Uhl Consulting, with us on the show today. Ashley consults and teaches interior designers, just like you, how to deliver a high-end service experience. If done correctly, this will lead to more efficiency in your business, greater profit, and most importantly, client loyalty. Ashley is one smart lady and she knows the incredible impact that delivering a spectacular experience can have on a business.  In today's episode, she explains how to keep things simple in your business to uplevel it and create the kind of experience that makes clients come back. Tune in now! You're going to love it! Ashley has a background in client relations, sales, and communications at the top leadership development company, Dale Carnegie. She's also had a number years of working with, and getting to understand the expectations of high net worth clients at the wealth management firm, Morgan Stanley. In addition, Ashley also pursued her certificate in interior design. Listen in today, to find out from Ashley how to improve the process and client experience of your business and to attract luxury, high-end clients. Show highlights: Ashley shares the three E's of high-end service experience. It's the small things that count. Showing your clients that you're ready to take their project on. Ashley has created a pyramid to explain the levels of need of the client experience. Dealing with grey areas with clients. Making it easy for your clients to understand, and be part of your design process. Manage the clients' expectations. They want you to lead them and they feel safer when they see that you are in control. Make it easy for the client to hire you. Creating loyalty that will last a lifetime. The way you handle your mistakes will have an impact on your success. A handwritten thank you note really makes a great impression. The benefits of developing a great relationship with a restaurant. A million tiny things can add up to a really incredible experience. Giving high-end clients unique and awesome experiences. How designers can work with Ashley and Ashley Uhl Consulting. Ashley teaches systems and processes, with a touch of luxury. Bio: Ashley Uhl, owner, and founder of Ashley Uhl Consulting know the incredible impact that delivering a spectacular experience can have on a business. That’s why her mission is to help designers learn how to deliver the type of high-end service experience that allows them to increase their profits, efficiency, and client loyalty. Ashley’s been cultivating a love for service her entire lifetime. Traveling extensively throughout the world early on in life, she developed incredible respect, understanding, and interest in the five-star service and hospitality she encountered. She furthered her interest in service with formal training and work in human relations, sales, and presentations for top professional development company, Dale Carnegie. This allowed her to expand her abilities to both create memorable experiences for customers, and prevent conflicts and frustrations from happening between a business and their clients. While later serving high net worth clients at wealth management firm, Morgan Stanley, and simultaneously decorating her first home, Ashley found her other passion, interior design. But after working on projects with family and friends, she realized that design itself wasn’t her calling. So with a nudge from her husband, she decided to combine her love for both service and design. Thus, allowing her to become the first and only service consultant exclusively focused on interior designers. Links and Resources: Ashley's website: Ashley Uhl Consulting You can sign up here for a free download of Ashley's The Essentials of a High End Designer Experience. And Ashley is offering you, the listener, 20% off of any of her services. Please use the code WELLDESIGNED. Ashley's blog: Ashley Uhl Consulting Ashley on Instagram: Ashley Uhl Consulting Ashley on Facebook: Ashley Uhl Consulting LuAnn on Instagram: Luann Nigara   Ashley Uhl’s company, Ashley Uhl Consulting is one of the sponsors of LuAnn Nigara Live. To register, go to https://luannnigara.com/luann-live/

Welcome to today's episode! We have Nicole Gibbons on the show with us today and she's an entrepreneur, interior designer, blogger, and on-air personality. Nicole spent more than a decade in the fashion industry, serving as the Global Director of PR and Events at a major woman's retailer, prior to starting her work in the interior design industry. She has appeared on the Emmy Award-winning Home Made Simple, as well as on the Oprah Winfrey Network, for three seasons as a designer helping deserving families to re-imagine their living spaces. Listen in today, to find out more about Nicole. Almost every interior design client that Nicole worked with complained to her about the overwhelming process of selecting and buying paint and also about the lack of transparency with the paint ingredients. So now Nicole has turned her attention to the paint industry, as the founder and CEO of an innovative new resource in paint called Clare. Clare takes the pain out of paint shopping because all the paint is Premium Zero VOC and Greenguard Gold Certified. Clare is also the first ever direct-to-consumer paint brand and Nicole has a to the trade program available, just for you! On the show today, she talks to us about her journey and she shares her observations about her diverse career and explains how Clare is reinventing the way that people shop for paint. Tune in for more! Show highlights: Nicole talks about her how she created her career by design. Transferring your skills from one career to the next. Nicole would love to be the next Martha Stewart. How Nicole's career has evolved. Strategically creating a parallel path is not an easy thing to do. Some tips for establishing yourself in the design industry as a recognized expert. What it takes for an opportunity to get on TV. TV really doesn't pay as much as you would expect. How to be comfortable in front of the camera. About Nicole's exciting new endeavor that came to fruition in 2018. Nicole really wanted to disrupt an industry and do something that could help people solve a problem. Nicole's 'aha' moment. How Nicole has done to simplify the color palette. The way that Nicole helps people with their color choice. Nicole's product descriptions really help you to understand what the color will feel like. About the features of Clare's seamless to the trade program. Nicole wants people to feel as safe as possible when using her paint products. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: High Point Market Spring 2019: Ashley Grigg, Lisa Mende and Jeanne Chung #406 Century Furniture with Carrier & Co #407 Visual Comfort with Lauren Rottet #408 Links: Nicole's website: Clare Article If you are going to HP Spring 2019, please join LuAnn on Saturday, April 6th at 12 noon at the HPMKT Theater. She will be giving a keynote presentation followed by a book signing of her new book, The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business, The Power Talk Friday Experts. This book is actually launching the week before at LuAnn's big event, LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation. To learn more, go to Luann Nigara and click on live events.

Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Live! Corey Klassen and Judith Neary join us once again on the show today. During the summer of 2018, Corey and Judith both experienced shifts in their businesses which really tested them as business owners, entrepreneurs, and as interior designers. In the previous episode of Design Biz Live, we spoke about what Judith went through last summer and today, we're going to be talking about Corey's experience. Listen in to find out more! Things seemed to be going really well business-wise for Corey at the beginning of 2018. Then he experienced an unexpected shift in his business and he hit the ditch. Corey understands, however, that although change can be daunting, we still need to take responsibility for keeping a positive attitude. He knows that there are some really big problems out there in the world and it's important to recognize that our own problems are usually quite small in comparison. Tune in today to find out how Corey managed to take control, shift his mindset, lean into the change, and become the project manager of his life. Show highlights: Corey had a team of three, then, almost overnight, he was left with just himself. Corey views the shift in his business as an unexpected gift. The way that Corey adjusted his business to his best advantage. What Corey discovered about himself. Corey moved his home and his office in just two months. The major life-events that Corey experienced recently. The importance of staying on an even keel. Getting clear about his goals. Corey realized that he had to become the project manager of his life. You've got to dig in and own your stuff. Having the confidence to shift gears in his business. Making choices based on the quality of life that you want for yourself. It's hard to be a leader when you hit the ditch. The clarity that Corey gained from his difficult experience. You don't need a crisis to have a revelation about yourself. Finding the next level. Mistakes are your education. And owning your mistakes is vital. Listen to your inner voice. Links: Corey Klassen Interior Design Judith Neary - Roadside Attraction Studio Previous episode of Design Biz Live Luann Nigara

Welcome to today's show! We are really happy today to have Candy Scott and Rachel Cannon join us on the show! In today's episode, these two smart ladies will be talking to LuAnn about the changing landscape in the business side of interior design. Candy and Rachel are both highly organized, with finite systems in place for running their businesses and they truly understand that you really need to know and sell your own value, as a designer, rather than the value of the products that you specify. Listen in, to find out what they have to share with you on the show today. Candy is the principal of Mood Design and Build, which is located in Chicago. She has won multiple awards during her seventeen-year career in designer and she's worked with large developers and corporate clients, outfitting high-rise condominium lobbies, club rooms, and model showrooms. Rachel is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has clients from Palm Springs to Palm Beach, with over fifteen years of experience in residential and commercial interior design. She opened her own firm, Rachel Cannon Interiors nine years ago and her work has been featured in Traditional Home, The Wall Street Journal, HGTV, My Domain.Com, and Southern Home. Tune in now! Both Rachel and Candy are going to be at LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation. Show highlights: Business disruptions are not a new thing. The future of the interior designer with the disruptive emergence of products being available online to the consumer. Being a designer is not just about selling merchandise- it's so much more about the relationship. As designers, you need to be the innovators! Why you have to start charging for your services. If you make your money on a flat fee, you don't have to focus on selling furniture. Creating tracking documents for orders. Surviving the changes in the industry. The layer of service that Candy has added to her business, to really set it apart. The value of having the designer run the project. Rachel's ideas for designers to make money, going into the future. The middle end of the market is going to go away. Rachel's approach to design consult packages. The importance of branding. As an entrepreneur, you just have to be open to change. Some things to consider when creating your brand. Rachel Cannon is an interior designer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with clients ranging the nation from Palm Springs to Palm Beach. She has over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial interior design, nine of which are at her namesake interior design firm, Rachel Cannon Limited. Armed with a degree in interior design and a background in art history, Rachel joins together classic principles with a decidedly contemporary tone. She provides her clients with sophisticated interiors that exude an effortless combination of subtle color, rich architectural detail, and a beguiling mix of livable, tailored and luxe details. With a clientele of professionals and families with demanding schedules, Rachel is most praised for her ability to simplify the interior design process while paying meticulous attention to planning and detail. The finished product: a livable yet polished space the entire family can enjoy. Rachel's work has been featured in Traditional Home, The Wall Street Journal, HGTV.com, MyDomain.com and Southern Home. Her captivating wit and knowledge of art, design, and architecture have made her a favorite on television, radio, and podcasts. While always on the go, the Rachel Cannon Limited team is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 2014, Candy Scott founded MOOD Design and Build where she continues to work with residential clients, business owners, and development partners on their homes, offices, and commercial interiors. As a designer, Candy is most inspired and intrigued by the transformation process. Both for the people who inhabit the spaces and the physical spaces themselves. She believes bringing consciousness to our spaces greatly impacts the way we think, feel, and behave. Candy graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC with a Bachelor's of Science in Interior Design. Through the years, she has won multiple awards and has worked with large developers and corporate clients outfitting the high rise condominium lobbies, clubrooms, and model showrooms. She has worked with small to medium-sized businesses as well, transforming their lobbies and offices to places employees love to work. Previous shows mentioned on this episode: Candy #227 Rachel #306 Wendy Woluschuk #316 Links: Rachel Cannon - Rachel Cannon Limited Instagram: RCL Interiors Facebook: RCL Interiors Candy Scott Mood Design Build Instagram: Mood Design Build Facebook: Candy Scott LuAnn Nigara Live- It's About The Conversation - At the event, on the 30th and 31st March, in New Jersey, Candy will be paired with Fred Berns and they will be talking about How to Find Clients and Build Your Pipeline. Rachel will be paired with Sarah Daniele and they will be talking about Why Your Business Grows When you Establish Your Systems. Go to Luann Live to sign up for the event. To join LuAnn's facebook group, LuAnn Nigara & Friends  Go to Luann Nigara Book2 to see the cover of LuAnn's new book. Book mentioned in the show: Start With Why- How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Portfolio.    

Welcome to our third sponsored show for High Point Market April 2019, brought to you by Visual Comfort and Co., and featuring the new product launch designed by today's guest, Lauren Rottet. Lauren is one of the most-celebrated interior architects in the world today, with an extraordinary record of awards, publications, lectures, juries, and honors. We are really delighted to have this dynamic, innovative entrepreneur on the show with us! In today's episode, she will be talking about her career, her lessons learned, and about her latest endeavor, the stunning lighting line she has designed for Visual Comfort and Co. Tune in now! Visual Comfort and Company is located in Houston Texas, and they have been the premier source for signature designer lighting since 1997. For more than 30 years, Visual Comfort and Company has collaborated with some of the most influential and iconic designers in the industry to produce lighting using natural materials of exceptional quality and distinctive hand-applied living finishes. Visual Comfort is proud to offer the industry’s widest range of incomparable lighting choices of extraordinary quality at a remarkable value. Previous collections have been designed by design greats including Alexa Hampton, Thomas O’Brien, Kelly Wearstler, and John Roselli among others. Lauren is the only woman in history to be elevated to Fellow status by both the American Institute of Architects and International Interior Design Association. She also holds the coveted titles of Interior Design Hall of Fame and Interiors (now Contract) Designer of the Year and she is a Lifetime Appointee to the U.S. General Services Administration’s National Register of Peer Professionals for Design Excellence. In 2006, she was inducted as an Inaugural Member of the Women in Design Hall of Fame. In 2012, she was named Boutique Design Designer of the Year. In 2014, Lauren was inducted into Hospitality Design magazine’s legendary Platinum Circle, the magazine’s highest honor for design professionals. Her furniture and product designs have earned her four gold medals for Best of NeoCon as well as a Chicago Athenaeum Award. Listen in to hear what she has to share on the show today. Show highlights: Lauren talks about her firm, how they started out, and how they got to where they are now. Hotels specifically budget for regular renovations. The way that Lauren practices diversification in her business. Designing for ocean and river cruisers. The way that Lauren's team was educated about designing for ships and cruise liners. Everyone in Lauren's office works on all the different kinds of projects. It takes a lot of homework to make a project successful. Creating the brochure for Viking. Breaking into a new market with hospitality. Lauren talks about her new venture with Visual Comfort. Lauren has always been fascinated by glass. She has been designing product for about thirty years. So much has opened up recently with new technology in lighting. Visual Comfort doesn't skimp on quality! How Lauren's relationship with Visual Comfort came about. The creation of a light, from design to manufacture. Lauren tells us where and when we're going to get to see her at High Point Market. Previous episodes mentioned on the show: Sue Firestone #404 Links: Website: Rottet Studio Twitter: Rottet Studio Instagram: Rottet Studio Visual Comfort: Visual Comfort

This show is sponsored by my friends at Century Furniture and features the design team from Carrier and Company Interiors located here in NYC.  Century Furniture is one of the world's largest privately-owned manufacturers of high-end residential furniture. Founded in Hickory, North Carolina in 1947 by Harley F. Shuford, Sr., Century is now in the third generation of family ownership and operation and remains committed to their founder’s ideal, to create furniture of such impeccable quality that it brings joy not only to the people who own it, but also to the craftspeople who build it.  Show Highlights: Craftsmanship is their expertise They have furniture for all rooms The company is located in Hickory, NC Century has state-of-the-art woodworking facilities They met at FIT 10 years ago They've been inside the homes of society's most elite Their best-selling book, Carrier and Company: Positively Chic Interiors The inspirations for their designs Their thoughts on success in this industry   Links: Website - www.carrierandcompany.com  Book - https://amzn.to/2IBQBOO Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carrierandco/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carrierandco Century Furniture - https://www.centuryfurniture.com/century-furniture-designers.aspx?d=carrier  

Welcome to this week's special sponsored series! Today we're featuring High Point Market, Spring 2019. LuAnn often gets emails from designers asking about High Point- whether or not it's a good idea to go, and what to do when you get there if you've never been before. Her answer is always 'go, but not without a plan'. Going to High Point without first establishing an objective for going there can really be a waste of your time and money. On the show today we have Ashley Grigg, Lisa Mende, and Jeanne Chung and they will be talking about the logistics of going to High Point. They will also be giving us some really useful information about the various tours available and they will also explain how to become a prestigious High Point Style Spotter. Tune in today, to get the best tips for making your trip to High Point really productive. In today's episode, you will hear High Point Market referred to as Disneyland for Designers. It really is an awesome experience! The market is comprised of 11,500,000 square feet of building after building of gorgeous furniture, rugs, art, lighting, accessories, with the added opportunity for you to meet many of the owners and execs of the brands you work with. Top it all off with a chance to meet some colleagues you may have only known before through Facebook or Instagram and you will have truly energizing experience that will really benefit your business! Listen in to find out more! Ashley Grigg is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the High Point Market Authority. High Point Market is the largest home furnishings trade show in the world and Ashley manages many of their projects, including media relations, educational programming, social media, and digital promotions. Ashly has over 13 years of experience in marketing and event management Lisa Mende is the founder and principal of Lisa Mende Design based in Charlotte, NC which opened in 1998. She has built a reputation as one of the South's Leading Luxury Designers and her work has been featured in many well-known national shelter and lifestyle magazines. As a designer and tastemaker, Lisa works with Brands and has served as a #Authlux Design Guild Member for House of Rohl for 2018, The Thermador Design Council and the Design Council for DSV Luxury in 2016. Lisa is an Allied Member of ASID and NKBA. She also pens the popular blog "The Design Connector" where she is currently kicking off a new series which will chronicle the renovation of her own home sharing all her favorite kitchen and bath products and as well as the renovation process with her readers. Jeanne Chung is a luxury interior designer and retailer based in Southern California. In addition to heading up her own interior design firm, Jeanne owns a retail and to the trade showroom in Pasadena, CA which has become a favorite go-to destination for both designers and design enthusiasts who seek a unique and artfully edited selection of new and vintage home furnishings and accessories.  Through her design blog Cozy Stylish Chic, Jeanne has become recognized as an influencer in the industry and frequently collaborates with brands and manufacturers. She is a regular speaker on trade show designer panels and has served as a High Point Market Style Spotter. Jeanne participated in the Pasadena Showcase House of Design in 2017 and in 2018, served on the Board of the ASID Pasadena Chapter. Show highlights: Why interior designers should really invest the time and money in going to High Point Market. High Point is a really energizing experience! Half the business is conducted after the market is over! The brand cocktail parties are awesome opportunities to meet and connect with important people. The way that High Point has impacted on Jeanne's business. What it took for Jeanne to become an official Style Spotter for High Point Market. Keeping abreast with current trends at High Point. It's really worthwhile making your application to become a Style Spotter. The criteria for becoming a Style Spotter. How being a Style Spotter really helped Lisa make connections with brands and PR people. It really takes a lot of work to be a High Point Style Spotter. How High Point Market stands out from all the rest. Having the opportunity to talk to the showroom owners. Ways for new designers to establish themselves with the various showrooms. The larger showrooms require you to make an appointment. Some things to think about when pre-planning your trip to High Point Market. Why it's a good idea to do a tour for your first trip to High Point. High Point Market covers 11 500 000 square feet! Jeanne talks about her Insider's Tour, which is geared towards designers seeking to offer customization and one-of-a-kind. Ashley talks about all the other tours that are also available for buyers at High Point. The relevant information about all the tours is available on the High Point Market authority website. High Point Market Some tips for making sure that you are able to connect with the right people at High Point. The Style Spotters are expanding beyond the Twitter chat. They will be dropping content on all the social media channels throughout an entire week, called Inspiration Week. (You can go back and check all the content on their Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.) Starting March 4th, everybody will be encouraged to look at the new product pics portion of the High Point website, to see all the exhibitors' new products that are coming to market. There is an incredible Market Advisor Team available for you to call to answer any questions you may have prior to arriving at HP. They will also be available during the market. All the great discussions that will be happening at the Spring Market. Lisa's great tips and suggestions for getting ready for market. Links: High Point Market High Point Market Facebook: HPMKT Twitter: HP Market News Instagram: High Point Market Email: info@highpointmarket.org Phone:  336 869 1000 To download the app CamCard: CamCard Use the hashtags #HPMKT and #HPMKTInspired, when you put out on your social media channels what you're excited to see at Spring Market.

Welcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday! Today we're going tease you by sharing all the details that are coming together for LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About the Conversation. In today's episode, you will hear about LuAnn's co-authors, the awesome emcees for the event, the incredible line-up of sponsors of the show, and also the designer panelists who will be there with us for the entire weekend, for you to meet, talk to and connect with. Tune in now for all the details! LuAnn will be leading the rock star team of experts in twelve live discussions, just the way she does right here, on the podcast. And they will be together with everyone for meals, for breaks and for fun, with music, laughter, and working harder than you ever thought was possible in two days. More than 120 designers have registered for the event so far, and we really hope that you will decide to be excellent, and choose to join us there too! Listen in to find out more! Show highlights: All LuAnn's co-authors have already finalized their travel arrangements for the event! LuAnn runs through all the amazing people that are coming to spend two-and-a-half days at the event in New Jersey. Fred Burns is the single most repeated guest on A Well-Designed Business. Nancy Ganzekaufer is the lady who brought us Your Business in Words. Nicole Heymer is the voice of figuring out your brand. Michele Williams is the finance lady who teaches us how to stand up and take charge of our money. Sarah Daniele knows all about systems and organization for a well-run interior design firm. She created MyDoma Studio. Stacey Brown Randall is all about building, filling, and maximizing your pipeline through intention and purpose. Eileen Hahn knows how to create a really exceptional team. Kae Whitaker has her thumb on the heartbeat of digital marketing. Shauna Lynn Simon, home staging business coach, tells us that home staging is designing for selling, not designing for living. Mark McDonough is the Instagram guru and he is always dying to tell you about his latest discoveries. Peter Lang is the Designer CPA and he will help you to keep more of the money you work so hard to make. Claire Jefford is an interior designer, vlogging queen extraordinaire and a master at setting up your consult, your client agreements so that you are purposefully managing both your projects and your client’s expectations. The emcees for the event are Darla Powell, the principle of Darla Powell Interiors, and Natalie Graff. They host the Wingnut Social podcast together and they also own and operate Wingnut Social. The sponsor lineup includes Kravet, MyDoma Studio, Schwartz Designs Showroom, Merrill Landis, DesignerInc, Ashley Uhl Consulting, The WCAA, East End Interiors, Exciting Windows and Comfortex. The designer panelists who will be there for you to meet and talk with are Sandra Funk- House of Funk, NJ NY, Corey Damen Jenkins, Taylor Spellman, Paula Grace, Rachel Cannon, Candy Scott, Dala Al Fuwaires, Courtney McLeod, Keisha Franklin, and also Corey Klassen and Judith Neary of the Design Biz Live series. LuAnn will be leading the team in 12 live discussions, just like here, on the podcast. LuAnn really hopes that you will be there to join her and all the other outstanding people at the event! Links: To register for the event go to Luann Nigara Live Until March 4th you can still grab yourself 10% off any furniture order from Kravet and Lee Jofa. Use the code W710 at checkout.

Welcome to another episode of A Well-Designed Business! We are really excited to have Sue Firestone join us on the show today. Sue has a body of work that is truly impressive and the really happy news for all of us is that she has just launched her brand new fabric line for Kravet. One of the things that really stood out for LuAnn in Sue's bio is that she rose from her position as a designer for the firm Design 1, to become president of the very same firm in a relatively short period of time. There's a lot of really useful information in the way that she achieved that, that can help us, as business owners. Listen in now to find out about Sue and the organic way that she rose to success in the design industry. Sue Firestone has spent more than 35 years cultivating her personal passion for design. With a client list that features the world’s premier five and six-star hotels as well as an A-list residential clientele, Sue has become a tastemaker for those seeking the ultimate luxury lifestyle. In 1996, after nearly two decades leading Design 1, Sue turned her focus toward creating a boutique design firm, large enough to execute projects of a grand scale, yet personal enough to provide devoted and intimate attention to each client. The result was SFA Design. Today, Sue is also a designer for Kravet and A.Rudin, creating 70’s-inspired, bohemian fabrics and natural furniture that embody true Californian style. Sue is the recipient of more than two dozen awards, including the prestigious Platinum Circle Award as well as a position on Robb’s Report’s “Top 40 Best Designers in the World.” Tune in to now find out more.  Show highlights: How Sue inadvertently started out in the design industry. Sue talks about the things that she consciously did, as a hard-working designer, to become noticed in the industry. Because of the way that Sue was encouraged when she first started out in the design industry, she's always looking out for new talent to nurture in her company. Finding and honoring the proper place for each designer to really realize their full potential in a firm. Being attuned, listening, and reflecting has always been in Sue's blood. The importance of really listening carefully. Sue explains how visuals are a big part of her listening process and really helpful with getting to know her clients. Sue talks about her firm, Smith, Firestone and Associates Design, which started out in 1996. How Sue first started out with SFA Design. Sue's secret sauce for breaking into the luxury, high-end, exclusive residential market. About Sue's really effective organic method of marketing. Sue talks about The Malibu Collection, her recently launched new fabric line for Kravet, and how it came to be. Sue talks about her joyful experience of working with the Kravet team. Why you should always go beyond what is expected of you.  Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Joni Vanderslice #101 Eileen Hahn #363 Janelle Photopolous #364 Mabley Handler #173 Links: Sue's websites: Sue Firestone &  SFA Design Sue Firestone SF Cal Collection SFA Design Luann Nigara Live Kravet

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today's episode is sponsored by Morgan Tap and Basin and we have the founder, Nathan Davis, with us on the show. Morgan Tap and Basin is a family owned company who really understand the challenges that trades-people face when running a business. They are fully committed to offering quality, timely, and honest service to support you and your business. Listen in today as Nathan talks to LuAnn about the launch of Morgan Tap and Basin's new product, and their dedication, in both the quality of their product and the way that they are going for a strictly to the trade model. You're really going to enjoy this conversation! Morgan Tap and Basin offers unique sinks and faucets that you won't find anywhere else. Nathan, who is really passionate about what he is doing, comes from a background in stainless steel sheet metal fabrication and investment casting for the institutional plumbing industry. He saw an opportunity to make use of this knowledge and to bring a higher level of product quality and functionality to the residential market, by combining the best manufacturing processes and available materials with original designs. So, Morgan Tap and Basin was founded in 2017, with the goal of designing and crafting the most beautiful, functional, and durable residential sinks and faucets in the world. They strive- not to be the biggest manufacturer, nor offer the broadest selection, but to ensure that every product that they create is the very best of its kind. Nathan is the man to make this happen, so listen in to find out what he has to share on the show today. Show highlights: Nathan discusses the new products that he is bringing to be launched this month at KBIS trade show, in Las Vegas. What their new workstation sink comprises of. Nathan explains why he is so passionate about what he does. Nathan talks about growing up, studying law, and getting involved in their family's stainless steel business. Their company's goal is for everything that they produce to be the very best of its kind available. Nathan explains what goes into making the very best products. Design always comes first, then functionality, and finally durability. They use a very high grade, and a thicker than usual gauge of stainless steel to create sinks that really last long- even outdoors, or at the coast. The redesign of their website is to make sure that it's better tailored towards functionality for trade customers, who are all trade customers. Nathan walks us through their to the trade sales process. Their products can all be seen on their website and a sample of the finish of their products can be seen first-hand, prior to purchasing them. All their sinks have free shipping and also free return shipping, if necessary. Nathan talks about the hand-wrapped foam insulating material which is unique to their sinks. All their designs are original and they're all created in-house. They create products that could really help designers solve certain problems for their clients. Pictures really help to visually drive home the difference between quality products and inferior ones. Why it actually matters whereabout in the sink the drain is placed. For all the designers who are going to be at KBIS in Las Vegas, Nathan explains how to find where the Morgan Tap and Basin booth will be located. (It's booth # SL4725 in the South Hall, in the outer row, near to the KBIS Next Stage.) Nathan is always happy to get feedback on products and ideas and if you need something custom made, he will work that out with you. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Revel woods #329 Announcements: Morgan Tap and Basin's product is launching at KBIS booth # SL4725 in the South Hall from the 19th to the 22nd of February. It's near to the KBIS Next Stage. LuAnn's panel discussion at KBIS is on Thursday, the 21st of February, at 9.30am. KBISNeXT Stage Speaker Landing Page-LuAnn Nigara

Welcome to today's episode of A Well-Designed Business! We have Christopher Grubb, the president of the Beverley Hills-based Arch-Interiors Design Group Inc., as our guest for today. Christopher has been called a style maker and expert design influencer by clients, editors, manufacturers, and producers alike and, for his entire career, he has been a sought-after speaker on what makes design compelling. He has also been a contributing writer to many media outlets as well as a guest judge for multiple design competitions. One of the things he will be talking to us about on the show today is how he began creating affordable, luxury products for the consumer market with the launch of the C.G. Collection in 2010. Although his business is more than twenty-years-old, and his projects are large and detailed, Christopher still maintains a steady eye and a firm hand on the way that his business is run. Listen in to find out what he has to share on the show today.  The Arch-Interiors design group is recognized internationally for its interior and exterior high-end residential, commercial, medical, health and beauty, retail design projects. The firm has been featured in books, hundreds of magazines and newspapers, and Christopher has shared his design skills on multiple radio and television shows – including recurring appearances on LXTV/NBC and Martha Stewart Living Radio. In 2015 Christopher launched a new studio, Autograph by Christopher Grubb. This line is comprised of unique, beautifully constructed products with rich features and alluring details for the most discriminating consumer clientele. The Arch-Interiors design group has received dozens of awards and is honored to be named the best interior design firm in California by Build Magazine, in addition to being featured in an entire issue of World Architecture Magazine in Hong Kong with over 70 pages, exclusively covering the works of Arch-Interiors. Christopher has also been named one of the 50 Innovators in Kitchen and Bath Design in 2017. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: Working with high-end commercial projects, compared with working with residential projects. Christopher does resommercial- a blend of commercial and residential design. You really need education about business before going out on your own. And you need to know what makes you stand out from the rest. What makes Christopher's firm really stand out. Flat fee, or an hourly fee? Some of the things Christopher is comfortable with not billing for. Christopher is really onto all the aspects of his business. No matter how big, or how small your business, you cannot offload your responsibility around the financials. The incredibly high level of service that Christopher's firm is offering his clients. Christopher talks about his product development and his two different entities, the luxury Autograph by Christopher Grubb, and the affordable luxury C.G.Collection. Bathrooms can be some of the most detailed rooms to do. Know your specialty and target that for success. Some of the nuances of bringing a product to market. Why you need to look at your payables and receivables at least once every month. Christopher uses Studio Designer Accounting and Project Management software, as it prints out your profit and loss, your time billing reports and your accounts receivable. About Christopher's designs and creations. What Christopher looks at for inspiration. Christopher has devoted a whole chapter in his book to the development of a luxury product line. Christopher's design firm is known for quality, a high level of hands-on, and for attention to detail. Why, as a designer, you really need to like the product that you produce. Fighting for your vision is really important for product designers. Owning your mistakes will earn you the respect of your clients. Why you never really have competition. Links and Resources: Christopher's website: Arch-Interiors Studio Designer Accounting and Project Management Software: Studio Designer To find out more about LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About the Conversation or to sign up for the event, go to Luann Live. The sponsors who have made this event possible include: Kravet Inc, Mydoma Studio, Wingnut Social, Schwartz Design Showroom, DesignerInc, Pollack-Weitzner, Merrill Landis Drapery Workroom, the WCAA, East End Interiors in Long Island, and Exciting Windows. LuAnn will be at KBIS on the 20th and 21st of February. For all the info on where else she'll be, go to her website Luann Nigara, and be sure to also follow her on Instagram at LuAnnNigara.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Keeping things organized is often the Achilles heel of creatives, so today we are very happy to have Jennifer Burnham, an organization coach, join us on the show. Jen helps people by providing the space for them to be creative, de-clutter and get organized. She believes that organizing is about more than color-coordinated baskets and pretty labels. It's really about productivity, so she helps her clients to dive in and discover the specific experience they're looking for in the way that they want their home, office, and in their life to be organized. Listen in today to find out how you can increase productivity in your business by having an organized space. Jennifer has appeared on Charlotte today, spoken at IKEA, at community organizations, at high-end real estate events, and she's also run home estate sales. On the show today she talks about how important it is to have your workspace organized, and she explains how to go about getting that done. Listen in and find out how an organization translates into productivity, which then translates into more business. Show highlights: Jennifer's awesome relationship with Cheryl Luckett, of Dwell by Cheryl. The challenges of organizing a design studio. The first step is always de-cluttering. Organizing in the right way. Looking at the emotional reasons for de-cluttering. First, put things in a space in the middle of the room, then sort them into broad categories. (Eg. pens, paper clips, notepads, product samples) Evaluate what you need and what you can get rid of. After you have de-cluttered you organize what you have decided to keep, putting everything in its place. The kinds of push-backs that Jen has encountered. Organizing takes time, and it's never really done, so you want to get it finished as soon as possible. The way that organizing changes your energy and the energy of the space. Things to watch out for that can bring the de-cluttering process to a halt. Donating unused items to charity can make the decision to throw things away a bit easier. If necessary, get new containers, storage items, or cabinets. Keep it this way by picking up each week as you go and not letting things get out of control. Jennifer explains the basis of her philosophy of organizing. The connection between organization and productivity. The way that Jen thinks in terms of shapes. If your business is feeling stagnant it's a good time to start organizing things. Owning less is better than organizing more. Do you respect your space? Tips for working with your client's clutter. Closing the loop when you're de-cluttering is important, so you need a system. Keeping the balance and staying organized. Looking at the things that threaten an organized space. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Cheryl Luckett: #291 and #397 Kim Kuhteubl #73 Links and resources: To see Cheryl Luckett's line of furniture: Sylvester Alexander Jennifer's website Jennifer is offering 20% off her services for all A Well Designed Business listeners Our friends at Kravet Inc. are having a big furniture sale. Starting January 14th, get 10% off Kravet Furniture, Lee Jofa Furniture and Holland MacRae furniture. Start shopping now- the deal runs until March 4th! Go to Kravet and make sure to use the code W7 at checkout to redeem the offer!

Big Day, Big Show, lots of news!! 400 hundred shows! I’d like to say I never believed this day would come but the truth is I did believe it. And more than that, I planned for it, I set goals around it, I tracked the milestones and the steps needed to reach it. Am I bragging? No, no, I am not. I am hoping to teach and inspire you by example. Just like you, I love what I do and as much as I love it and could do it for free for the fun and pleasure of connecting with you, meeting you in real life I understand all too well in order to be able to do those things I must intentionally run this podcast as the business it is. And you must do the same. In order to be able to create the fabulous, functional and unique spaces for your clients, you must run your firm profitably so you can continue to do it. What are some of the major lessons we have learned, together? What are some of the things we have learned from A Well-Designed Business Podcast? Welcome to our 400th episode! Today really is a big day for the show and we have lots of news! LuAnn loves what she does with this podcast so much that she could do it for free, yet she truly understands that, in order to be able to keep it going, she needs to run it intentionally, as the business that it is. Today she really hopes to inspire you, the listener, to do the same with your design business. Listen in to find out what you need to do, and the steps you need to take, in order to continue creating the fabulous, fun, and unique spaces that you do for your clients. Although LuAnn set a very intentional plan in action to make this day happen, it still feels almost unbelievable to her! On the show today, she will be discussing some of the major lessons that we've all learned together, from A Well-Designed Business Podcast. Listen in to find out more.  Link to LuAnn’s New Book: Luann Nigara Book 2  

Welcome to another Design Biz Live! We have the gang all together again to have a very candid conversation regarding a difficulty to which most of us can relate...how to handle a difficult client. Judith Neary and Corey Klassen join LuAnn once again and today, Judith shares a personal experience she had with a very difficult client last summer that rocked her confidence, made her life very horrible and the project was very challenging to get through. It shares the message that being self-employed is very hard and it takes a tremendous amount of grit and fortitude to power through the rough times. It is a significant message because Judith is a seasoned entrepreneur, showing how it can hit any of us at any time. You’re definitely going to want to catch this episode, so be sure to tune in. Show highlights: Designers are real people, too, and experience a myriad of emotions. Judith shares about a couple of episodes she experienced last summer that rocked her from her zone of genius. Judith shares that a difficult client crushed her confidence and made her question her own abilities and value. The client was satisfied with work being done one day, and unsatisfied the next, which was very challenging for Judith, the contractor, and other workers. Judith shares that the client’s demeanor drastically improved once the spouse came home. Corey shares that he and other people he knows have had similar experiences, and tried to understand why those types of behaviors were happening in order to avoid misunderstandings. LuAnn expresses that because a client had personal difficulties, doesn’t mean we should feel that we aren’t confident and capable, but should self-question in order to have better conversations with the client in the future. LuAnn says that even when we have difficult clients, we still need to remain professional and meet their needs in the best way possible. Judith says she is still affected by what happened last summer and felt like she was in a hostage situation. LuAnn and Judith discuss the importance of diffusing difficult situations in professional ways. Corey jumps in and says that sometimes a text or e-mail tone may differ from the in-person tone. Judith says through the experience, she knows she has to filter what is going on rather than absorbing it herself. LuAnn says it’s important to manage difficult situations so that we don’t become non-productive. Judith says that as a creative, you may perceive and sense the world differently and that when she has a client, it becomes a personal relationship. When Judith’s inner dialogue told her the client had personal issues and that she was not responsible for the negative behavior, it was still hard not to absorb the negativity. LuAnn says that each person has something within that makes them react in a particular way. LuAnn also points out that a designer’s relationship with a client may last weeks, months, or longer, which can be taxing when dealing with a client exhibiting erratic behavior. Regardless of the difficulties Judith experienced with her client, she had a positive result at the end of the job, and hopes her client is enjoying the home. Judith moves on and shares about another difficult client situation and how she had to fire a client. Judith terminated the relationship with her client because it was just not working for her. Judith shares how she terminated the relationship and about the follow-up phone call that confirmed she had made the right decision. Judith shares that the client crossed the line with her, and she respected herself enough to let him go. Judith shares how the two difficult clients made her bucket very full and she didn’t pay enough attention to it before it overflowed. LuAnn says before we reach the level of wanting to terminate a client, maybe we should remember that it is a business transaction, rather than a personal relationship. Also, LuAnn applauds the way Judith used two methods so it would leave no doubt about the situation. LuAnn also says Judith did a great thing by invoking some “wait time” before responding to the client’s request for a phone call. LuAnn suggests that we each need to figure out ways to keep our buckets from becoming too full. ie. a walk/run, dinner/conversation with family or friends, reading, etc. Corey says he has switched from having business hours to appointment hours so that he takes appointments when he can be productive and be his best. Judith suggests that designers may want to contribute time to a non-profit so that they can contribute to causes outside themselves. LuAnn says to watch for signals from clients which may indicate difficult behavior. Know you can’t change the person, but you can change how you react/respond to them. Have mechanisms in place to deal with this type of client because you will encounter them. Links: Corey Klassen Interior Design Judith Neary - Roadside Attraction Studio LuAnn's 3rd birthday party for the podcast is coming up and Kravet is hosting the party! It will be on February the 5th at the Kravet Showroom at the D&D Building in New York City. Please RSVP through the Event-Brite link at Luann Nigara.

Welcome to today's episode of A Well Designed Business! We have Courtney McLeod, the principal of Right Meets Left Interior Design in New York City, with us on the show today. Courtney has come to interior design as a second career. So even though she has always been passionate about the decorative arts, she first obtained a business degree from the Warden School at the University of Pennsylvania, and then pursued a successful, fifteen-year career in the financial services industry, where she rose to the role of a leading portfolio manager in real estate private equity before exercising her true passion for designing beautiful interiors. Listen in today to find out how Courtney used both the skills she gained through her experience, and her transferable skills, enhanced with her design-related studies at Parsons Pratt and the New York School of Interior Design, to confidently embark on a new career course. An avid colorist at heart, Courtney draws from a kaleidoscopic toolbox of texture, pattern, and color to create rooms evocative of one emotion above all others - joy. Her designs express both her client's unique tastes and her vivid, collected aesthetic.  Born and raised in New Orleans, Courtney brings a sophisticated view to her rooms, informed by her Creole background and extensive travels throughout Europe and Asia. She resides in the vibrant Harlem neighborhood, a wonderful source of inspiration. She has lived in New York City for two decades but remains a Southerner at heart. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: It takes time to figure out your specific process. Your confidence you will gain from having your system in place is really a huge benefit. The development of Courtney's process was not a straight line from A to B- it took trial and error to figure out what really worked. Working out what worked for her rather than for the client was like a magic moment for Courtney. Courtney shares a really important and effective way to gain the trust of your client. A softer touch works for Courtney, yet she also has to be firm. Courtney also developed a lot of confidence from embracing her style clearly and entirely. Happy, joyful color is really Courtney's thing. Having confidence in her process allowed Courtney to develop more creative confidence. The six steps of Courtney's process. Courtney explains her phase one, and how to implement it. About Courtney's 'Rules Of The Road' document. What's to be found in Courtney's welcome packet. The way that having a retainer protects Courtney. The way Courtney sets up her spreadsheet. It takes a lot of practice to get things right. The clear way that Courtney prices her projects. How to keep your clients informed and empowered. What the closure meeting means to Courtney. The goal of the closure meeting is to get a referral. Previous episodes mentioned in this episode: Erica Ward #6 Monique Holmes #365 Rachel Cannon #306 Nicole Heymer #317 Curio Electro #125 Links: Website: Right Meets Left Interior Design Instagram: Right Meets Left Interior Design Twitter: Right Meets Left LinkedIn: Right Meets Left Interior Design Facebook: Right Meets Left Interior Design LuAnn's 3rd birthday party for the podcast is coming up and Kravet is hosting the party! It will be on February the 5th at the Kravet Showroom at the D&D Building in New York City. Please RSVP through the Event-Brite link at Luann Nigara.

Todays’ guest is Cheryl Luckett, who is not only a tenacious and creative entrepreneur but has used her talents to build a flourishing business. Within the past two years, Cheryl has fully committed to growing her design business by using her creativity to incorporate unique designs into her projects. Her work has been published in Home and Garden, Southern Home, The Charlotte Observer, and her work has been featured on many other platforms. Not only is Cheryl making headway in her business but she’s using her platform to build relationships. Cheryl is all about establishing connections and giving back. In this episode, Cheryl talks about how to network, how to build beneficial relationships and the importance of self-promotion. If you want to learn how you can pursue your own dream and build an authentic business, join us in this episode of A Well-Designed Business, with your host, LuAnn Nigara. Show Highlights: What Cheryl has learned about the process of introducing new pieces. The new product line that is being launched on Cheryl’s website. Creating unique pieces and collaborating with local artists for the high-point market. How Cheryl fell into her current project and first show-house. Why you should keep going back and not always take no as a final answer. Being consistent with your business through your personality and professionalism. Cheryl shares how she uses her social media to uphold her brand. Cheryl talks about why she hired a coach and getting her license. How Cheryl built mutually beneficial relationships and set boundaries. Analyzing strengths and utilizing them to benefit your business. How Cheryl used her love for design and culture to tell a story. Weaving in friends’ goals and creativity into your work. The mechanics behind Cheryl’s design process. Identifying people who are going to be ambassadors for your business. Cheryl talks about how you build a business on self-promotion. Collaborating with smaller businesses in order to reach a bigger audience. Setting expectations upfront for projects as opposed to rushing for time deadlines. Being honest about your abilities with potential clients. How Cheryl prepares for upcoming showrooms. Previous Guests Mentioned: Denise McGaha #10 Kim Hoegger #336 Madcap Cottage #228 Ruthie Staalsen #296 Rasheeda Gray #267 Revolution Fabrics Sylvester Alexander Links: Website: Dwell By Cheryl Furniture: Dwell By Cheryl  Blog: Dwell By Cheryl Blog Instagram: Dwell By Cheryl  Facebook: Dwell By Cheryl  Twitter: Dwell By Cheryl  Pinterest: Dwell By Cheryl  LinkedIn: Cheryl Luckett

Welcome! Today we have Amber Friederichs and Michele Atijas from the UK, a really dynamic duo and the principals of Yohan May Interiors, with us on the show. They specialize in very high-end, high-quality home staging, so Yohan May Interiors attracts clientele and projects at the very highest level of luxury real estate in London. The two primary goals with every project in this really high-pressure market are to sell the home fast and to obtain the highest possible price. On the show today, Michele and Amber discuss their turnaround times, how they cannot concern themselves with their clients' taste and design style, and also, how they position the home for sale. Listen in today to find out more about Michele and Amber's business model, and to discover their keys to be really successful with what they do. Founded in 2015, Yohan May Interiors emerged from the collaboration of two friends, Michele Atijas and Amber Friederichs. The company started out of necessity when Amber was unable to find a home staging agency that offered the personalization and curation she was looking for.  The pair decided to work on the project on their own and spoke with a number of developers and estate agents. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. They decided to call the company Yohan May after Amber's late father, Johann, and Michele's late mother, Maj, whom they credit with their passion for interiors. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: Michele and Amber discuss the systems they use for their incredibly quick turnaround time. About their free site visits and what they entail. Their projects usually involve staging the entire house and they often deal with foreign investors. They always try to provide a flexible service. How they managed to attract so many high-end clients so early on in their business. The importance of networking to attract the ideal client. They talk about what went into their decision to invest in inventory. Providing a look that really embodies your brand. They have developed a relationship with several art agencies over the years. Dealing with the tricky business of insurance for the artworks in the house. The condition of all the items that they bring into a house is as new because nobody ever lives in their show-homes. At this point in their business, they don't stage homes that people are living in already. The number of projects they are able to deal with in one month. The cost of an average project that they do, and the kind of net profit margin that they work towards. They have included cancellation charges in their contract. Some of the differences between interior design and home staging. Home staging is a really new thing in the UK. Home staging has more to do with real estate than with interior design. About their go-to team for doing renovations. This particular line of work is all about relationships. How they manage their time, to fit it all in. A small business is all about prioritizing and delegating. Some of the suppliers that they work with, in the UK. The work is very hands-on and either Michele or Amber will always be present on site. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Polly Williams #88 Jo Buckerfield #320 Rachel Laxer #42 Fred Berns #289 Links: Website: Yohan May IG: @yohanmayinteriors Pinterest: Yohan May Interiors For your 10% off your next purchase at Kravet, use the code W7 at the checkout. Go to Kravet.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are really excited to have Michele Williams back on the show for the third time today! (She previously appeared in episodes #137 and #180.) Michele is the owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting, she's a certified Profit First Coach, and she is also one of the co-authors in LuAnn's soon-to-be-launched new book, The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business. Michele was one of the guest-speakers at LuAnn's Power Talk Friday Tour in High Point last October. During her presentation Michele had everyone do a very eye-opening exercise, designed to help business owners dial in on what's really important with their finances so that their business can become more successful and profitable. We have decided to share this exercise with you on the show today. It's a really good thinking point and you're going to have to answer some questions. If you don't score too well with your answers, it is an indicator that you may need some help, so listen in carefully to find out how to increase the profitability and success of your business. Having worked in the interior design industry for more than 18 years, Michele is fiercely committed to helping each business owner attain and maintain profitability. She empowers her creative clients by not only building confidence to charge what they are worth but by sharing education and systems for money management and financial awareness. With a degree from the University of South Carolina in management information systems and ten years of product development on financial software at Dun & Bradstreet Software, Michele has the ability to mix the logical and creative aspects of a business with ease. She is a Profit First certified coach and hosts the popular podcast, Profit Is A Choice. Michele is a sought after speaker and coach known for her straight forward but grace-filled approach delivered with a healthy dose of love. Listen in today to find out what to do if you really need to change the trajectory of your business. Show highlights: Don't let this exercise scare you, because if you're capable of working as an interior designer, you will be capable of getting to grips with your finances. There are certain numbers and indicators in your business that will paint a very clear picture of where you are at. You can download this Financial Health Check-Up exercise, at no cost, from Michele's website at Scarlet Thread Consulting. It's really important to have only business transactions running through your business accounts. Know your total sales. Have you created a clear sales goal for the year? For the month? For the day? Why Michele is such a great fan of QuickBooks accounting system. Michele has a course called Understanding Your Financials. It's a tool to help you to understand where to place your focus. Where you can start- right now! Become the boss of your money. What is your gross profit margin? And how does it fit towards your goal? Michele gives the ideal gross profit goal. Are financial reports maintained and analyzed regularly? The goal in all of this is to allow you to make decisions and to find errors early. Defining where the money is coming in at the highest rate and allowing your company to be in alignment with that. We have defined our top two profit centers and have all company goals aligned to maintain them. Who are my top two clients and income? Spending your resources in a way that brings you top dollar. We have set aside funds for owner's pay. How does this fit in with your net profit goals? Why Michele writes herself a salary cheque every single month. We're aware of payroll expenses and have a plan to always have funds available. Just in case something unforeseen happens. We know our average monthly expenses and we watch them closely. Remember that cash doesn't flow in and out at the same rate every month, so you need to be saving every month and managing your expenses well. We have a bank and credit card reconciliation process that is followed monthly. Don't rely entirely on your bookkeeper. Look at every transaction, in and out of the bank and the credit card. We have a process for determining the need for non-budgeted purposes in our company. Setting company values, a structure, and a determination to reduce impulse buys. We have a yearly budget that we track back to regularly. We have an ideal client description and a betting process that we use before we agree to work with anyone. Working with the wrong client will cost you money (or a bit of who you are) every single time. We have implemented and used a cash management system. Making choices that put you in control of the money you spend. (A cash management system is something like a Profit First system and not like QuickBooks- that's a financial management system.) We regularly considered the tax implications of our company financials. Knowing what your taxes are based upon. Peter Lang is one of the co-authors of LuAnn's new book. He is a CPA who works ONLY with interior designers. His goal is for you, as an interior designer, to really understand your finances. We have ongoing conversations with our accountant, our bookkeeper, and our financial coach. Ask for what you need and speak up if there's something you don't understand. We have confidence in the achievability of our financial goals. If your confidence is low, ask yourself why. Look for the areas that you still need to work on in your business. We are careful not to co-mingle funds in any way. (Between personal and business.) This will help you get a clearer picture of your financials. What will be happening at LuAnn's event LuAnn Live- It's About The Conversation. Links: Website: Scarlet Thread Consulting Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: Scarlet Thread LinkedIn: Michele Williams Twitter: Chelebelle Financial Health Checklist PDF: Scarlet Thread Consulting To get Kravet's generous one-time offer of  10% off your first order of any wallpaper or trim, go to Kravet and use the code AWDB10 at the checkout. LuAnn's 3rd birthday party for the podcast is coming up and Kravet is hosting the party! It will be on February the 5th at the Kravet Showroom at the D&D Building in New York City. Please RSVP through the event-brite link at Luann Nigara. To find out more about LuAnn Live- It's About The Conversation, go to LuAnn Live

Welcome to today's episode of A Well-Designed Business! We're really happy to have Carole Marcotte, from Form and Function, in Raleigh NC, join us on the show today. Carole followed a number of different paths while raising her three children, prior to officially starting her design business a little more than ten years ago in 2008. In 2013 she had the genius idea to expand her business to include a storefront with classic and funky vintage pieces alongside new Made-In-America and up-cycled gift selections. On today's show, Carole talks to us about her niche, and she also explains how she was honored as one of Midtown Magazine's "Thirty People You Need To Know" for the fantastic work she's done in her community. Listen in today to find out about Carole and how she guides people, and gives them a fresh, modern spin, with things they already have. Carole was raised in Canada and her career began in marketing and special events for a private women’s club in Toronto. After that, she worked at a radio station and she then moved to North Carolina in 1987. An old house renovation fueled her interest in architecture and design and she “unofficially” began to help friends and family with design work for many years, while also operating a catering and special events business and acting on local stages for more than twenty years. She also sat on many non-profit boards, most notably conceiving of and planning Raleigh’s largest public art project (The Raleigh Red Wolf Ramble) while Co-Chair of the City of Raleigh Arts Commission. Listen in to find out more. Show Highlights: Carole talks about her niche, what it means to her, and how she arrived at the clarity of it. The way that Carole's firm leads with her really meaningful process. Finding and reusing items from all over the house is part of Carole's process. Adding the final layer and stylizing the house to completion, and then taking photographs, is important to Carole. The kind of look that Carole uses in her design really varies a lot. Carole guides people and gives them a fresh, modern spin on what they already have. Carole always honors people's 'non-negotiable' items, and figures out a way to place them, no matter how absurd they are. Reusing items is more sustainable for the planet. Carol talks about her retail store. The store is about sixty percent vintage and forty percent new products- and it has a really funky vibe! The store is a great marketing tool for Carole's design services. Talking about different kinds of design business models. Shifting her business slowly towards a more sustainable model. Carole talks to us about The Design District, in Raleigh, that she pro-actively put together. Carole has really brought people together with her Design District map. Links: Website: Form And Functionraleigh Facebook: Form And Functionraleigh Instagram: Form And Functionraleigh Pinterest: F And Fraleigh  The website for the Design District map:  Design District Raleigh Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Kate Ahl #331 Fred Berns #174 Laurel Bern #342 Nancy Ganzekaufer #15 Claire Jefford #237 Nicole Heymer #125 and #317 Pulp Design Studios #176 and #310 LuAnn’s Upcoming Events: Philly Jan 30 Lucas Alexander showroom February 8th CEU Summit 2019 run by ASID NY Metro Feb 12 in the Boston Design Center at Waterworks And of course, the birthday party at Kravet.

Welcome to another Power Talk Friday! Today we are really happy to have the inimitable Fred Berns back on the show with us once again! Fred has been our guest on the podcast more often than anyone else in all of the almost three years that the show has been on the air! He has previously appeared on episodes #22, #48, #96, #174, #226, #289, and #337 and he is one of our favorite returning guests because his advice is always so intentional and actionable. Observation is one of Fred's superpowers and he always adds an extra layer by noticing the things that are done well and could be done even better, in any business process. Fred has discovered that success leaves clues, but mistakes multiply, so today he will be talking to us about The Dirty Dozen, the twelve most common things that interior designers tend to do to sabotage their own success, that they really need to avoid. Listen in today and learn about the habits that cause harm to professionals. Fred Berns is the only interior design industry business coach and speaker who creates personal bios and other promotional materials for design professionals worldwide. Fred has more than 25 years experience training design professionals from Dallas to Dubai and creating their online profiles, website and social media copy, blogs, and marketing forms. In addition, he offers a wide range of business coaching services, ranging from his High-Performance Coaching Program to his Bio Briefing and Website Onceover. As one of the biggest names in the business of interior design, he speaks at design conferences and other events throughout the U.S. and around the world. He also develops sales and marketing programs for international franchise organizations and companies within the interior design industry, and trains manufacturers, retailers, and others on how to increase sales to design professionals. Fred focuses on his keynote speeches and seminars on how designers, kitchen and bath specialists, window fashion experts and other professionals can dramatically increase sales, and market themselves more effectively. He has appeared at the International Window Coverings Expo; Neocon events; the High Point Market; Surfaces; design symposiums; home and design expos; furniture, gift and accessory shows; and national conferences of such groups as ASID, NKBA, IDS, and IFDA. Fred’s blog is read by design professionals the world over, and he regularly writes guest blog posts and articles for online and print media.  He also is a frequent guest on design industry podcasts. His Interior Design Business Library includes a vast collection of books, audio and video programs and other business-building resources that he has developed for the design industry. His learning tools cover topics ranging from setting and getting higher fees and overcoming price objections to branding and million dollars marketing on a shoestring budget. Fred’s clients today benefit from the communication and copywriting skills that he acquired during his highly-successful earlier career as a broadcast and print journalist. In that career, he founded one of Washington, D.C.’s largest and longest-established independent news bureaus. Show highlights: We're so busy looking for success steps, strategies, and shortcuts that we tend to overlook the fact that there are obstacles, roadblocks, and silly mistakes that derail too many design professionals too often. Be careful of following the followers and not the leaders in the design industry. Remember that you make a great you, but a lousy somebody else! Fishing for marlins, not minnows. Too many designers sell themselves short by thinking too small, too often, and they're aiming too low. They under-value and under-promote themselves, and they charge too little for their services. You're an expert, so know your value. Many designers fall into the trap of giving away their time and Fred believes that really diminishes your value, as a design professional. The most financially successful designer's charge for all of their time, all of the time. You cannot be taken advantage of if you don't allow it, so manage your relationships and take charge of them. Majoring in minors. Stop wasting your time and becoming distracted. What you will gain from including Fred's Daily Dozen Activity and his Five O'clock Focus in your daily routine. Plan your next day ahead with Fred's MVP List (Most Valuable and Productive use of your time activities). You need to be cross-selling, up-selling and doing add-on selling all the time by educating your clients about all you can do. Your work does not sell itself- it's way too competitive out there. Thinking your work sells itself is old-school thinking. It's the kind of thinking that could kill your career. Bogus Bios and Wimpy Websites- Bios that block you rather than boost you and disqualify you from the kinds of clients and projects you want and deserve. And websites that don't promote all that you do and how well you do it. (Check out Website Onceover) Your bio really has got to rock because it's your most vital, versatile, and viable marketing tool. (See Bio Briefing) Don't go it alone. Do what you do best and delegate the rest. Viewing price objections as obstacles. Learn to use price objections as opportunities. Fred's Fabulous Fallback for price objections. Don't futz with your fees. Hold firm on your fees or you won't come across as professional. Charging too little is another thing that will sabotage your success. You need to be in control your business rather than the business controlling you. Fred is coming to New Jersey for the LuAnn Nigara Live-It's About the Conversation event. He is one of the co-authors of LuAnn's new book, The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business, which will be launched on March 30th at this event! Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Episode #391- Live On Air Coaching Call- Rumble Interiors Links and contacts: Things I learned from Fred Bern: The Dirty Dozen For coaching on how to avoid or overcome these "Success Saboteurs:"  Coach Call For coaching on how to upgrade your website content: Website Onceover For coaching on crafting your Killer Bio: Bio Briefing Fred’s email: fred@fredberns.com Fred’s phone number: (303) 589-3013 About our birthday party: Sponsor, Kravet Inc, is hosting the 3rd birthday party for the podcast! So, if you are coming into New York for NY Now in the 1st week of February, or you want to come just for the party, please join us on Feb 5th at the Kravet showroom, in New York,  from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Go to Luann Nigara and look for the event rsvp—the party is free and the more the merrier so please plan to join us! Go to Luann Nigara and click on Live Event.

Welcome to today's episode of A Well-Designed Business! Dala Al Fuwaires, the Principal of FJI Design in Scottsdale, Arizona, will be joining us on the show today. Dala is a dreamer, designer, and doer, and she has begun to niche and focus her firm, FJI Design, in the food and beverage industry. Dala runs her business with very clear strategies for building her client base, for managing and motivating her employees, and also for making a name for herself and for her firm in her community. Listen in today to find out what she has to say about getting yourself into the driver's seat, in order to create a really successful business. Dala Al-Fuwaires, Principal of FJI, a hospitality design firm with a sweet spot for food and beverage interiors, is a dreamer, designer, and doer. With over a decade of experience in the interior design field, Dala has worked on hospitality, retail, and residential design projects ranging in size from boutique to national rollouts. Dala graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Arizona State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Purdue University. Outside of design, Dala can be found exploring the world, hosting dinner parties for friends and family, remodeling her home, and photographing all of the above. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: About sixty percent of Dala's business is food and beverage related and Dala really wants each of her projects to be it's own thing, in terms of style. The importance of having good design and lighting in restaurants. Dala really creates an experience for restauranteurs, and she even has a specific playlist of music that she plays when doing a presentation, to set the right tone. The intentional plan that Dala had in place for making money, when she first opened her business. Dala spent eight hours per day, for a whole week, reaching out to the people that she already knew. Dala talks about the High Stakes Mastermind Group she joined in her first year in business. Why Dala offered her services, pro bono, to one new (or growing), local food and beverage business per year. Dala gives the details of the Design It Forward competition she's been running for two years. How Dala informed her community about the pro bono design services she was offering. The applications for Dala's competition open in June of each year. How the book Profit First, by Mike Mikalowitz, really helped Dala to strategize effectively, and to keep her business expenses low, in her first year in business. Setting herself up on Payroll, so that Dala is actually an employee of her business, in order to maximize her profit. The importance of having enough money put away to keep your business running for at least three months, in case of an emergency. Dala's really awesome way of motivating her team to reach their quarterly goals. Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Candy Scott #279 Claire Jefford #237 Michele Williams #180 Chris Kofitsas #152 Links: Website: FJI Design Instagram: FJI Design Facebook: FJI Design Pinterest: FJI Design LinkedIn: FJI Design About our birthday party: Sponsor, Kravet Inc, is hosting the 3rd birthday party for the podcast! So, if you are coming into New York for NY Now in the 1st week of February, or you want to come just for the party, please join us on Feb 5th at the Kravet showroom, in New York,  from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Go to Luann Nigara and look for the event rsvp—the party is free and the more the merrier so please plan to join us!

 Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today we have the first of our brand new on-air coaching shows and Stephanie Castillo, of Rumble Interiors in Washington State, will be joining us. Stephanie is a new designer and although she is still finishing her degree, she does have business experience. On the show today Stephanie will be asking LuAnn some really interesting questions about how to set up vendor accounts and setting up accounts with the trades. They talk about whether or not Stephanie should niche her firm, and if she needs a receivership for the products she sells to clients. They also have a discussion about a collaboration that Stephanie is developing with two other interior designers. Listen in to LuAnn's excellent coaching session with Stephanie on the show today. Stephanie has been a hairstylist for 27 years and she's worn many hats in that industry, Stylist, Educator, Manager, and Recruiter. She has two kids in grade school and she volunteers as the Board President for the Ellensburg Downtown Association in Washington state. As her body was beginning to get tired from her work, Stephanie began thinking about what else she could do. As interior design has always been a love of hers, she enrolled at the New York School of Art and Design and started taking classes online. Now that she's close to finishing up with her studies, Stephanie has gone ahead with the process of starting her own business, Rumble Interiors. She has done some practice work of what has become re-styles which involves taking someone's house and using what they already have and reworking it. And this really brings her so much joy!  To set herself up for success, she has been reaching out to mentors, like LuAnn, because she is ready to learn about all the details of running an interior design business. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: Stephanie has her license and she has her social media sites set up, but she does not yet have her website set up. Stephanie has a blog that you can find via Instagram. The collaboration that Stephanie is developing with two other interior designers. Stephanie is into re-styles and would like to get into feng shui. The design styles of Stephanie and her partners are very different. Things to bear in mind when leasing a design space in partnership with someone else. Finding the best vendors and tradespeople. How to establish great relationships with sales reps. The need for having a receivership for your shipped goods. Finding a good and reputable receivership. Running your business like a big-girl one, even if you're still a baby designer. Do you really need licenses and accreditations? How to work out how much to charge when you're starting out as a designer. Is having a niche the best way to go? Deciding whether to go to design school or not. Why you really need to have a website for your business. Creating content for your website. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Nicole Heymer, Ep 125 - Curio Electric, Ep 387 Links: Facebook: Rumble Interiors Instagram: Rumble Interiors, mangossalon, @Stephanieatmangossalon on Instagram

I have another fun show for you today! Taylor Spellman is with us today. Taylor is a New York-based interior designer and staging expert. She is also the host of Bravo’s new TV show “Yours Mine or Ours”. No matter what she is designing- whether it be a 10-million-dollar penthouse, the lobby of a high-rise or the showroom for a fashion client-- her super down to earth personality combined with her bold style makes her a stand out in our interior design community. Taylor has the unique and unteachable talent using high end one of a kind pieces to an afternoon spent at the Goodwill. Today you will learn how she came from humble beginnings and now has a million dollar clientele in New York City. Show Notes: Did Taylor go to school for interior design? What are some pros for an interior designer that was not classically trained in the interior design field? What do Taylor’s clients have in common? How did she decide she wanted to work with men for her niche? How long did she research her idea for her niche before launching the idea? What did Taylor go to school for? What were Taylor’s intentions for her career? What is Taylor’s competitive edge? Nothing just happens! How did she discover staging as another niche? How did she find events to attend in real estate and build relationships? Why is it a good idea to have a lawyer? What opportunities came about before “Yours Mine or Ours”? What is the show “Yours Mine or Ours” about? Is it all just about real estate when helping clients with their homes? How does she execute her design on the show? Where do her girls from her business fit in while Taylor is working on set? Is there any other advice she would give to her colleagues? The rest of the show notes are in our resource center: Window Works 

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Nancy Ganzekaufer, one of the co-authors of Luann's soon-to-be-launched new book, The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business, with us today. Nancy is a really smart lady and she has appeared on the podcast number of times before to share her spot-on, expert advice. (#377, #256, #159, and #15) Today, Nancy is going to be talking to us about her new product, The Interior Design Profit Formula, an online course that she has really poured her heart and soul into creating. This is really the most affordable way to add a huge amount of value to your interior design business, so listen in to find out more! Nancy Ganzekaufer partners with creative entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses, get more sales, get over their fears and go for what they want in work and in life. Through a series of coaching calls, emails, and exercises, she helps entrepreneurs reframe their doubts and indecisions, work through challenges with more confidence, and ultimately to grow their sales. Listen in today, to find out about the incredible kind of impact that Nancy's new course, The Interior Design Profit Formula, could have on your business. Show highlights: There are many different things that an interior designer needs to manage and it's one of the most difficult service industries that Nancy's coached. Running an interior design business takes balance and really knowing what to do. Nancy explains her motivation for putting this course together. You will need to have stickability, and the right kind of personality to go the distance with Nancy's course. Nancy explains what you will find in her course. Describing your business in words is the beginning of your branding process. The way that Nancy presents her information, and the examples that she gives, will really open up your mind and give you clarity. The benefits of having lifetime-access to Nancy's course. Nancy talks about growing your business. The importance of getting creative. Designers often come to Nancy for her help when they're feeling overwhelmed. Nancy gives the simplest tip that really makes the biggest difference! Becoming the leader in your relationship, and in charge of the process with your clients right from the outset. Being alert to the subtle messages that a potential client is giving out during the consultation. Ways to introduce your services in order to protect yourself. Nancy explains the benefits of her Ladder of Services model. Make sure that the people that you hire are dedicated to the growth of your company. The goal of Nancy's course is to make everyone feel confident in extending their reach, gaining more clients, and doubling or tripling their income. Nancy talks about the guest coaches in her course. Nancy's course costs $997 at this point in time and she is offering a free, one-on-one, half an hour coaching consultation to everyone who purchases her course, through this link Luann Nigara, from now until 30th June 2019. Other episodes mentioned on this show: Eileen Hahn # 363 Resources: To get Nancy's Interior Design Profit Formula, go to Luann Nigara Links: Nancy's website: Nancy Ganzekaufer You can also reach Nancy through her forum, or through her Facebook group, The Interior Design Business Forum at Interior Design Business Forum

I have another outstanding show for you today! Corey Damen Jenkins is with me today and he is no exception to the amazing people I have been meeting. What you will learn from is that he is one of the good guys. He is the kind of person that everyone would agree is very open, sincere, humble and giving. What you may or may not know about Corey is that he is the principal of Corey Damen Jenkins Associates which is located in Birmingham, Michigan. In 2011 the television audiences voted him the winning design star of HGTV’s Show House Showdown. Since then it has been a whirlwind of accomplishments! Today we are going to talk about how his lifelong dream came true in 2016 with his launch of his first couture collection of furniture, Corey Damen Jenkins exclusively for leathercraft. This collection was nominated for the prestigious 2017 arts award for the best product design. Once you start to listen to this episode it will be no surprise to you that Corey Damen believes in giving back to the design community. His firm generously donates to several charities. Show Notes: What was the process like to get Corey to decide to get on HGTV’s Show House Showdown? What were the reasons that Corey was cast for HGTV’s Show House Showdown? How has Corey learned to deal with his past insecurities and reconstruct the way he deals with things? How does he get the most out of his projects? Does he use PR firms? When working with a PR firm how should a design firm behave and be organized? How did Corey decide to design his furniture through Leathercraft? What is Leathercraft? How did Corey decide what fabrics to use on his furniture collection? Who did Corey name a piece of his furniture in his new collection after? How does he come up with his designs for his furniture? Resources: Leather Craft Furniture Corey Damen Jenkins

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! LuAnn has a special announcement to make on the show today. As most of you know, her second book, The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business, is coming out soon. It was initially going to be released in February next year, but this has changed. On the show today LuAnn explains why the plans have changed and she talks about the big event, LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation, that has been planned instead, for the launch of the book on the 30th of March. She also explains what the book will be like, and the kind of information you can expect to find in it. Listen in to find out all about the really remarkable event that LuAnn has planned. LuAnn invited twelve of the Power Talk Friday experts to collaborate with her in creating a go-to book to run your interior design business. She invited each of them to write a chapter for the book about their specific zone of genius. The book is full of really useful information for interior designers about attracting luxury clientele, creating a design process, charging what you're worth, building an exceptional team, defining your brand, and much, much more. Listen in to find out more! Show highlights: The kind of information that you will find in the book. At the beginning and end of every chapter, LuAnn will do an intro and outro, just like she does on the show. The twelve experts, that LuAnn invited to write a chapter each, for the book. Our birthday party will be happening at the Kravet showroom, at the D and D Building in New York City, on the 5th of February 2019. About the Power Talk Friday Tour. Doing a thorough analysis of every project, after completion. LuAnn talks about the planned launch for her book in March. Thinking about ways to make the Power Talk Friday Tours a really amazing experience. On March 30th, 31st, and April 1st, 2019, at the Hilton in Short Hills, New Jersey, LuAnn will be gathering all twelve of her co-authors to do live discussions. In addition to the twelve experts, LuAnn has also invited twelve savvy interior design principals that have appeared on the podcast. The insane, intense, invigorating, and absolutely amazing book launch event that has been planned. The ticket price, and what the VIP experience is all about. Why the third day will be limited to only 50 or 75 designers. LuAnn is bringing the exact podcast format to her live event. Some of the incredible designers that have already committed to being at the event. You can get onto LuAnn's email list by texting 444999 and putting design biz into the field. You can get early bird tickets for the event for only $395 from today until January 8th. After that, the price will go up to $595. (The VIP ticket is $200 extra.) If you sign up between December 21st and January 8th, your name will go into a draw to win a one-on-one coaching session with LuAnn, her husband, Vince, or one of the co-authors of the book. About the VIP experience. (Go back and listen to episode #14 with Malene B) Why LuAnn invites the sponsors to be part of the VIP experience. The twelve experts who each wrote a chapter for the book: Fred Berns, Sarah Danielle, Nancy Ganzekaufer, Eileen Hahn, Nicole Heymer, Claire Jefford, Peter Lang, Marc McDonough, Stacy Brown Randall, Shawna Lynne Simon, Kaye Whittaker, and Michelle Williams Some of the sponsors that are supporting the event are: Designer Inc. Kravet MyDoma Studio Wingnut Social Schwartz Design Showroom Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Malene B #14 Links: Luann's website, to sign up for the event: Luann Live

Welcome! We are really happy to have Wendy Glaister, of Wendy Glaister Interiors, here with us today! Wendy is a really sweet, kind, and cheerful lady with a million-dollar smile, and it's very clear that being involved with philanthropic organizations, and giving back to her community are a big feature of Wendy's design firm. On the show today we have a really wonderful and very inspiring conversation with Wendy where she shares some things that may surprise you and will certainly make you appreciate her. You're in for a very different episode today! Listen in now to find out more! Wendy Glaister Interiors is located in Modesto, California. And Wendy is an interior designer who has mastered the art of listening. She listens to her clients, to understand the things that will make their homes feel uniquely special, she listens to architects, to help make their vision come to fruition, and she listens to contractors, collaborating with their craftspeople and artisans to bring out the very best in every member of the team. Wendy is a delightful speaker, whether to an audience of design students or a seasoned group of interior design professionals. She is engaging, using self-deprecating humor to immediately disarm and warm her audience. She is currently serving as president of the Central Californian Nevada chapter of the ASID. Listen in to find out what Wendy has to share with you on the show today. Show highlights: Growing up, Wendy always really wanted to be a member of the ASID- and now she's the ASID president! Being involved with philanthropic organizations, and giving back to her community is a big feature of Wendy's design firm. Wendy talks about the three organizations that she patronizes and some of the things she does for them. What the Genesis 50/20 Foundation is all about. Wendy shares, for the very first time, about a profound challenge that she had to deal with in her life. Talking about difficult things really can really help people to get their power back. What it took for Wendy to realize that she wasn't 'the problem'. Wendy talks about her compulsion to do well and to help people. Why Wendy doesn't think it's fair to quit. Wendy's business has grown a hundred percent, year over year, for three years! Ensuring that her son has a good life has been a huge motivator for Wendy. The help that she got from her gutsy pastor. How Wendy developed so much compassion for other people. From living in 'survival mode' to learning to trust again. That positive change she's experienced in her business since talking on a partner. Wendy does boxing to release her pent-up tension. God has always shown up for Wendy and that has allowed her to remain optimistic. It's really okay to be kind and helpful. How Wendy has managed to grow her business by a hundred percent a year, for three years in a row. Some business lessons that Wendy has learned along the way. It takes a lot of work to remain brave, take full responsibility, and be accountable for your business. Links: Website: Wendy Glaister Interiors Facebook: Wendy Glaister Interiors Instagram: Wendy Design Pinterest: WKG Design Twitter: WKG Designer To support Wendy in her mission to provide mothers who are victims of domestic violence with the funds to obtain the therapy necessary to heal, you can do it through The Haven Women's Center, Crickets Hope and Arts Therapy Program for children, and the Genesis 50/20 Foundation, which raises and distributes funds for trauma therapy. You can reach these organizations through Wendy's website Wendy Glaister Interiors.

Welcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday! We're really excited to have Amber De La Garza, The Productivity Specialist, here with us today! We all know that things, like being productive and efficient, getting our systems in order, and managing our time, are crucial to running a successful business. Although these things may seem simple, they are often a lot more difficult than they need to be. Amber's goal is to simplify everything and make it easier for entrepreneurs. One of the things that she loves to teach people about is time-blocking. If you have tried it before, and it didn't seem to work for you, you will really gain a lot from today's show. Because Amber's goal for today is to get you to to the place where you love time-blocking and you see that it's the best thing that has ever happened to your business. Listen in to find out more! Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist! Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, host of the Productivity Straight Talk podcast, and creator of S.T.O.P.! The Entrepreneur’s Success Solution. She helps driven entrepreneurs execute actionable solutions to maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most! Listen in to find out what Amber has to share with you on the show today! Show highlights: Amber is going to teach you how to love time-blocking! There are two different types of time-blocking- task-based and project-based. Amber gives her definition of what time-blocking is: It's investing your best time into your best activities. Getting really clear about the few activities that will have the biggest impact on you achieving your goals, if done consistently. Once you've created a schedule you will need to keep showing up consistently for the things that have to be done. Busting the myth that some people are designed to be more structure than others. Using your goals as a motivating factor to learn new skills. Some excellent tips for effective time-blocking. Amber shares her seven-step process of creating your ideal block schedule. Creating boundaries for your ideal schedule. Creating purposeful routines to set yourself up for success. It's often the smaller things that will get you to where you want to go. Finding what really works for you helps when creating routines that are sustainable. We all have different priorities for our daily schedules. The benefits of having weekly power lunches. Another way to do time-blocking. Reclaiming money by creating high-value activity blocks. You don't have to be available all the time! There's never enough time to do everything, so your job is to create the time and carve it down on your schedule for the things that matter most. Amber talks about the free template download that she has for you, to help you create your ideal schedule. Go to The Productivity Specialist to download it now! Other episodes mentioned on the show: Monique Holmes #365 Links: Website: The Productivity Specialist Podcast: Productivity Straight Talk Facebook Page: The Productivity Specialist Facebook Group: Productivity Straight Talk Instagram: Amber De La Garza For your free template download: The Productivity Specialist

Welcome to today's episode! We're really glad to have Sarah Magness, of Magness Design, with us today. Eight years ago, Sarah hatched as a 'baby designer' and launched right into the luxury market. Today she talks to us about the real-life experience she gained during this time, before opening her own firm. She also talks about the "New Heights" program at Marymount that she came to spearhead through her involvement with the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art. And today we also have an excellent conversation with Sarah about the best way to talk budget with clients. This is often a really tricky area of business, so listen in to get Sarah's very straightforward and clear advice. Magness Design began in 2010 with a focus on residential design. It is located in New York City and its current focus is on the preservation of historic properties, by saving them and making them livable. Their major projects are in New York City, the Hudson Valley area, and on Long Island. Sarah received her undergraduate degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and her graduate degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute. She is a House Beautiful "Next Wave" designer and she's also been featured in Architectural Digest for a very large townhouse project that she saved and renovated. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: Working for three or four different design firms is a great way to learn the business aspect of running your own design business. The different people that Sarah first worked for, to gain real-life experience. The type of apprenticeship that architecture undergraduates are required to do. Sarah's recommendations for getting to work for the best firms, after graduating from school. New York has a really supportive and talented design community. Budget is always an issue with clients. How Sarah approaches budget conversations with her clients. How to estimate a budget for your client on the spot. The importance of having really clear communication with your clients. It is often the clients' choices that cause a project to go over budget. Giving the client an itemized list with the cost of each item on it. How to talk to your client about going over the budget for certain items. When and how to discuss fees with a high-end client. The language to use in order to get the best response from clients when dealing with multi-faceted projects. Sarah discusses the passion-projects that she's involved with. Sarah has created a twelve-minute documentary called The Town Home, about a seven-story 1911 New York townhouse renovation project that she did. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Andrew Suvalsky #28 Christie Leu # 182 Dr. Ellen Fisher #71 Links: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Reference: Click the ICAA organization link find your local chapter.

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are really delighted have Jeff Tippett, aka Mr. Persuasion, with us today. Jeff is a subject matter expert in persuasive communications. And on the show today he will explain some of the principals that lie right at the heart of persuasion. This is really an important and valuable skill to learn for any business. And there's so much you can accomplish after acquiring this skillset! So grab the opportunity now, and listen in to hear Jeff's message. Jeff helps people increase their effectiveness, gives them powerful tools for attaining goals and dreams, and helps them positively impact their organization—all as they learn techniques for communicating persuasively with others. When results mattered most, renowned brands like Airbnb, The National Restaurant Association, The League of Women Voters, The League of Conservation have trusted Jeff to develop and implement communications plans to persuade elected officials, the media, and the general public. And as an expert on persuasive communications, Jeff continues to deliver results for influential clients. Other industry experts have validated Jeff’s work through numerous awards including the prestigious The American Advertising Awards. Jeff has impacted thousands of lives through over 500 presentations including keynotes and seminars. Others feature Jeff’s expertise in persuasive communications through articles, podcasts, and blogs. Jeff’s highly anticipated second book, Unleashing Your Superpower: Why Persuasive Communications is the Only Force You Will Ever Need is scheduled for completion in January 2019. Listen in to find out what Jeff has to share with you on the show today. Show highlights: Jeff shares the story of how he adopted his baby daughter in Haiti. The really valuable lesson Jeff learned from his experience in Haiti. Changing your mindset from one of manipulation to one of persuasion. The two words that indicate that you've successfully persuaded somebody. Showing someone a new vision of how things could be. Getting what you want by helping others to get what they want. Three ways to get to know what someone really wants. Some tools to use when making a real connection with a potential client, and getting them to like you. People will remember how you made them feel, so make them feel heard and understood, and valuable. Placing yourself firmly in the shoes of a potential client. Putting a lot of thought into what you say and the language you use. Jeff shares 3 strategies to create better online influence. Helping people to trust you. Figuring out your only-ness, to really stand out and set yourself apart. Staying consistent with who you are and what you do. Three tips to help you to position your message so that people will say "yes". Other episodes mentioned on the show: Nancy Ganzekaufer #15, #159 and #256 Fred Berns #22, #48, #96, #174, #226, #289, and #337 Sponsored episodes by Article.Com #301 and #367 Links: Website: Jeff Tippett Twitter: Jeff Tippett Facebook: Jeff Tippett Speaker LinkedIn: Jeff Tippett YouTube: Jeff In Cary Book: Pixels Are the New Ink: 3 Steps to Digital Domination In Your Industry To look into Article.com: Well Designed Article Text the word PERSUADE to 66866, to be informed when Jeff's new book, Why Persuasive Communications is the Only Force You Will Ever Need, becomes available. You will also get a free chapter of the book right away.

Welcome to the show! Today we have Alyce Lopez with us. She is one of LuAnn's real-life friends, and also the principal of The True House in Tula Vista, California. Although Alyce is still a 'baby designer', she's a really smart lady! She knows that being an interior designer is her business and not a hobby. She is also very clear on what she does and how she does it. On the show today Alyce talks to us about the way she runs her business and how she's built it up to profiting six-figures in under three years. There is so much you can learn from Alyce on today's show! Listen in to find out more! Alyce Lopez owns and operates The True House, a full-service interior design firm that specializes in residential design for busy, young families. She began her career in interior design after purchasing a fixer-upper with her husband. The two navigated through renovations on a 1950's rambler maximizing their creativity and pocket change. The True House came about organically after documenting their home renovations on social media. Alyce grew up in southern California in Aliso Viejo, CA.  Growing up near some of the most beautiful beaches, she was always inspired by natural textures and elements. Alyce graduated with a degree in education.  In 2006, she married her husband who teaches kindergarten locally in Chula Vista.  Today, Alyce is mother to two young children (ages 5 & 7) and her pug, Mochi. TTH focuses on bringing a transitional aesthetic to the common builder grade home in south San Diego.  Alyce prides herself in making each home more functional and livable for young families while respecting her clients' budgets.  She believes your home should be a reflection of your personal style and provide customized features that make life more enjoyable.  The True House recognizes that your home is your largest financial investment and it should be treated with the proper care and attention.     The True House is the top reviewed interior designer in south San Diego. Alyce has been featured as a style spotter for industry shows and is a brand ambassador for Revolution Performance fabrics. You can find her work published by SD Voyager and Furniture Today. Listen in to find out what Alyce has to share about her interior design business. Show highlights: Some of the things Alyce has established as important parameters in her business. Establishing a really good relationship with a limited number of selected vendors. Tula Vista has organically become Alyce's niche area. Alyce's family-based approach to running her business. The importance of having a good work/life balance. Some tips for having a debt-free life and business. The type of design that Alyce focuses on and the services she provides. The benefits of offering clients blocks of time. The kind of value that Alyce provides for her clients. Alyce uses Acuity Scheduling to keep things organized. Where Alyce sources her furniture and accessories. Providing limited options when too many options could be confusing. How Alyce shares her trade-show experiences with her clients. The step-by-step process that Alyce uses with her clients. The way that Alyce structures her charges. The importance of planning ahead for your business. Resources: Books by Dave Ramsey Links: Website: The True House Facebook: The True House Instagram: @thetruehouse

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! As most of you know, on Fridays LuAnn talks to people, from any industry, who can share something with us that will enhance, grow, or make our business or personal lives make sense. Today we are very happy to have Julie Broad, an Amazon Overall Number 1 Best-Selling Author, join us on the show. Julie has a background in real estate and in branding. Having generated over six figures in revenue from her book sales alone, she now teaches authors how to build their brand and boost their business through her new company, Book Launchers.Com. Listen in today to find out how Julie could help you make a bigger impact with your interior design business by writing, publishing, and selling a top-quality book. Julie was born in Canada. She grew up in rural Alberta in a house attached to a 20 room Motel. Collecting the pop cans and beer bottles from the motel rooms, she used the money to invest in gold stocks which she used to pay for her first year of undergraduate education. When it was time to do her MBA, she used her savings to buy investment properties instead of fund her education. Student loans paid for school, and then the seven properties she owned by the end of her MBA paid off her student loans. Julie continued to apply the entrepreneurial lessons she learned from her parents (not her MBA, because that degree was pointless) as she grew her real estate portfolio, launched a real estate training and education company, and began to write books. She became an Amazon Overall Number 1 Best Selling Author, an International Book Award Winner, and recipient of the Beverly Hills Book Award for Best Sales book. Listen in to find out how Julie helps people achieve their goals. Show highlights: The benefits of self-publishing. Producing a book to give clients will really benefit small business owners or designers. Producing a book really demonstrates that you're an expert in your field and it can earn you tons of media as well! How much content has to be in your book for Amazon to sell it and provide you with printed copies of it. You can increase the content of your book by spacing it out and filling it in with pictures. How getting some assistance with structure, from someone like Julie, can really help to bring out of you what you already know. Friends and family probably won't tell you if your ideas really suck. The ways that Julie helps people position their book to appeal to their ideal reader. Putting your own flair into ordinary things. Some things to help you get to the heart of your brand. Some mistakes people make in communication that deludes their message. A tip about body language to help you become more confident. With self-publishing, it's 100% your book. Links: Website: Book Launchers YouTube: Julie Broad Facebook: Book Launchers Instagram: @juliebroad @booklaunchers Twitter: Book Launchers

Welcome to today's show! We are really happy to have John and Theresa Dorlini, the dynamic duo behind Circle Design Studio, with us today. The idea of CIRCLE was born in 2001 when, on their first official date at a sushi restaurant in downtown Tempe, John and Theresa made a pinky promise to build a design empire. On the show today we have a really great conversation with them about how they built their business and the way that they run it. Listen in today, to find out what they have to share with you. Circle Design Studio is located in Roanoke VA. Since its inception in 2005,  John and Theresa have expanded the CIRCLE family to encompass full-service design, including architecture and general contracting. John is the principal architect and he holds professional licenses as a Certified Interior Designer, Class A Contractor, and Architect in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Those qualifications, combined with his background in design and construction administration for large-scale public projects, ensure a thorough drawing set that leads to accurate bidding and execution. Theresa is the principal interior designer and creative director. Her strength is seeing the “big picture”.  She has 20 years of interior design experience practicing in Arizona, Florida, and Virginia, and she works closely with all their clients, both residential and commercial, to develop a cohesive design concept that reflects their personal style or branding. Theresa is passionate about design education and she's taught at James Madison University, and also at her alma mater, Arizona State University. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: Their way of explaining to a client why they would do well to make use of a designer, as well as a builder and an architect. Why they invest so much in their 3D visualizations. The programs that they prefer to use for their 3D visualizations, and why. How 3D modeling can help prevent disconnect with the various players working on projects. How it really helps to have an architect on board with their projects. The benefits of having a large body of work to show their clients. Words are just words, so images really help! They are busy creating a coffee table book. What they do to make projects easier to understand for their clients. Following the steps of a tried-and-true-process. Explaining to their clients, when discussing fees, that they're paying for John and Theresa's expertise. Everything about design comes really easily to Theresa. Designing seems really easy for some people, so it's easy for them to underestimate what actually goes into it. A book that John recommends is The Business of Design by Keith Granet. All about the vision statement they are busy creating. Being at the glorious point of being able to recognize the really valuable clients and let the others go. Realizing that it's all about serving the client. You have to be really good at what you do to work with the luxury market. Learning to be honest enough to just say 'no'. Putting things in writing can save your butt! Setting boundaries with clients. Creating a dual-purpose welcome-packet for clients. Ways to protect yourself from customers who tend to take advantage. Previous episodes mentioned in the show: Darla Powell #330 Jason Byrne #311 Charles Pavarini #113 Resources: Book mentioned: The Business of Design by Keith Granet Links: Website: Circle Design Studio Facebook: Circle Design Studio Pinterest: Circle Design Studio Instagram: Circle Design Studio Blog: Curata Home

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We have Samantha Parker and Kathy Rasmussen, the partners in the Badassery Community, with us on the show today. Samantha and Kathy are the co-founders of Badassery Magazine, the co-hosts of the Badassery Podcast, and they also have a book out, called Badassery Styled Community. These ladies are very real. They are trailblazers and they are on a mission. Together, they are creating an ultra-engaged community of women entrepreneurs who are fully committed to living bold and passion-filled lives. On the show today they share some great guiding principals on being authentic and doing things your way. Listen in to find out about the very significant work that these two dynamic ladies are doing. Badassery Magazine is a resource for female business owners to navigate and embody the Badassery Lifestyle. The magazine features articles written by their community of contributors on topics including Entrepreneurship, Branding, Marketing, Mindset, Self Care, Health & Beauty, Home, Family, Travel, Food & Drink Recipes, Entertainment, Music, and lots more. Samantha is ridiculously passionate about living a life of true Badassery. She believes that we all rise together and she puts community over competition. She has been featured on NowThis, The Daily Vee, Bold TV, and numerous interviews and podcasts. Kathy is an idea cultivating machine and can strategically birth your idea to life. When she’s not busy connecting other entrepreneurs with fabulous experiences, you can find her being featured on NowThis, Bold TV, numerous interviews and podcasts. Kathy is passionate about owning who you are and stepping into the spotlight. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: The backstory of how the Badass Community was started. How Samantha and Kathy first met. Kathy explains what she does, as an implementation strategist. Knowing your where your passion lies and what fulfills you. About the brand pillars of the Badass Community. Some pillars that would benefit designers. Embracing who you are and letting your authentic personality shine through. Thinking about what you want to be known for. Creating consistency throughout all your messaging. Determining what your brand pillars should be. The process of welcoming people to a community. Growing your design business through a Facebook community. Cultivating conversations within a Facebook community. Giving value and sharing your expertise within a Facebook community will get people to hire you. Getting loyalty from the personality brand you're creating. Things that are necessary, but not obvious about the backend of running a community. Some of the things they do that really make the members feel special and want to stay in the community. To restrict your community or not? Previous episodes mentioned on the show: Nancy Holla #377 Colleen Prim #359 Nicole Heymer #125 and #137 Claire Jefford #237 and 325 Rachel Moriarty #55 and #214 Dixie Willard #273 Links: Website: Badassery Magazine Facebook: Badassery Magazine Instagram: Badassery Magazine Badassery Mag: Badassery Magazine Badassery Podcast: Badassery Podcast

Welcome to the show! You're really in for a royal treat today! We're very excited to share LuAnn's interview with Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, as he unveils the Royal Funiture line for Theodore Alexander. LuAnn did this interview live, in person, at the Theodore Alexander Showroom in High Point, North Carolina. Lord Spencer is the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales. He is also a British nobleman, peer, author, journalist, and broadcaster. The Althorp Living History furniture collection was designed in partnership with Theodore Alexander. And it encompasses replications of furniture found in the 500-year-old Althorp Estate where Lord Spencer and Diana grew up. Listen in today to find out what Lord Spencer has to share about the Althorp Living History furniture collection. For five centuries, Althorp - a sprawling English estate in bucolic Northamptonshire - has served as the primary residence of the Spencers, one of the most distinguished, aristocratic families in England with ties to Winston Spencer Churchill and the ancestors of George Washington. It was this combination of rich legacy and the home’s warm, beautiful interiors that drew fine furniture maker Theodore Alexander to Althorp. The resulting collection of furniture and upholstery pieces in Althorp Living History draws inspiration from treasures gathered during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by Althorp’s famous inhabitants. Theodore Alexander is renowned for unmatched craftsmanship, exquisite finishes, and extraordinary design. Covering a diversity of periods and styles, their collections encompass thousands of unique lighting, home accents, case goods, and upholstered furnishings. Theodore Alexander and its licensed collections (Althorp Living History, Keno Bros. for Theodore Alexander, Jamie Drake for Theodore Alexander, Michael Berman for Theodore Alexander, and Steve Leung for Theodore Alexander) are available throughout the world at fine furniture galleries and design centers. Listen in today to find out more! Show highlights: The “Spencer heritage” — 500 years of history in the Althorp Estate and how that history is captured in the furniture. The wonderful responsibility of being heir to the Althorp Estate. Retaining Althorp as a place of entertainment. For Lord Spencer, history is about people- not about dusty, dry facts. How the relationship between Lord Spencer and Theodore Alexander began. Lord Spencer enjoys the passion that Theodore Alexander has for the heritage of the furniture collection. Lord Spencer is able to provide the backstory of every single piece of furniture in the Althorp Living History line. How Theodore Alexander has helped to preserve the Althorp history and heritage through the furniture line. Lord Spencer talks about his favorite pieces in the collection. What buyers can expect when purchasing an Althorp/Theodore Alexander piece. Owning a cherished piece of history with the opportunity to create your own heritage with pieces with a rich history. What designers should know about the value of the Althorp Living History furniture collection, and also of Theodore Alexander, as a company, when considering introducing the furniture line into their projects. Links: Theodore Alexander's website:  Theodore Alexander. Furniture Collection: Email: c@clairemontcommunications.com / msmiley@theodorealexander.com / ostrowski.anna97@gmail.com The video of this interview is available on LuAnn's Youtube channel: Youtube

Welcome to today's show! We are very happy to introduce you to Nancy Hala today. Nancy is a branding expert and she's also co-host of the podcast This Is Fifty With Sheri and Nancy. LuAnn truly loves and enjoys what Nancy and her co-host Sheri Salata are doing! Nancy and Sheri joined forces when they were both in their mid-fifties, to launch their company, start their podcast, and begin living The Pillar Life. They decided at the time that it's never too late to make the rest of their dreams come true. And both still had a ton of dreams left that they really wanted to come true! On the show today, apart from picking Nancy's expert brain, as a brand strategist, we will be talking to her about The Pillar Life, and leaning into starting a new life with career changes. Because sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and trust that the universe will support you. So listen in today to find out what Nancy has to share with you. Nancy is a chief visionary of The Pillar Life. And This Is Fifty with Sheri + Nancy is a popular podcast about redefining and rebranding the middle of life. Sheri Salata and Nancy are lifelong soul-sister friends. And on their podcast they’re having conversations with experts, teachers and uplifters about fueling their imaginations and igniting the eight most important pillars of their lives: Health + Wellness, Spirituality + Happiness, Romance + Sex, Friends + Family, Creativity + Innovation, Adventure + Discovery, Sanctuary + Beauty, and Money + Abundance. Nancy is also the innovator behind BrandStory, a trademark combination of brand strategy, storytelling and audience building, helping organizations articulate who they are, what they stand for, and where their brand’s spirit meets its mission. Nancy extends her business brand practice into personal brand development, working with individuals and groups in bespoke workshops designed to help participants understand and express their own personal brands. Listen in to find out more! Show highlights: Nancy shares her (and Sheri's) core beliefs. Nancy believes that taking the risk and trusting in the support of the universe will open doors for you. Learning to dream without limitations. Most people really love their brand, or their organzation, as an extension of themselves. Their first mantra, when Sheri and Nancy started their company, was 'dream big'. Shedding old beliefs about safety and security creates fun and excitement! Starting your own company or creating your own brand is one of the most creative things you can do as a business owner. Having a business is all about connecting with people- so you have to speak to them in a way that they can hear and understand you. The stories we tell ourselves make our dreams come true. Creating a really great narrative for your brand. Nancy's four v's: vision, values, virtues and voice. A vision is the foundational component of a brand story. Your virtues set you apart from your competitors or your peers. Your voice is the energy behind your brand. You need to be interested in something in order to be successful at it. Getting to the core of what really sets you apart from the rest. Getting into the virtue of what you do with authenticity and fearlessness. The Pillar Life consists of eight areas of life (or pillars) that we need to focus on, expand our energy over, and elevate our experience around. Nancy discusses her and Sheri's reckoning moment. Content has to have a framework. And The Pillar Life has become the framework for Nancy and Sheri's narrative. Finding your own, unique point of view on each pillar. Previous episodes mentioned on the show: Amber Lewis #169 and #184 Nicole Heymer (Curio Electro) #125 and #317 Links: The Pillar Life  10 Easy Steps to Launch The Pillar Life

Welcome to today's show! We have Catherine French, the founder of Catherine French Design, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with us today. Cat has been listening to this podcast since it first started, about two-and-a-half years ago. This was around the same time that she started her design business. Recently, Cat sent LuAnn a really nice email, telling her about the things she had learned from A Well-Designed Business. In the letter, she listed the things that she has really taken seriously from the podcast and implemented in her business. And right from the start, she has really been tremendously successful! Cat's firm is currently approaching half-a-million dollars in gross revenue per year- in under two-and-a-half years! So listen in today, as Cat talks to LuAnn about her business, and gives some context to the way that it all began for her. Cat loves color, pattern, texture, form, and has a passion for working with people. She focuses on color and balance to make rooms more warm, inviting and habitable. Her design is a unique blend of psychology, culture, color, and function with an emphasis on the principals of design and art taken from her formal Arts education and training.  Embracing full collaboration in creating a harmonious space, she spends time in the spaces with her clients developing their vision and then guiding them through the full process of a turn-key installation. After obtaining her Bachelors in Psychology from Wake Forest University, Cat later went on to pursue her Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While teaching the Environmental Design Studio at UNCG, she presented her work at several State and National conventions as an expert on Interior Design and Historic Preservation. Now Cat leads a passionate and enthusiastic team of design professionals that guide inspirations into reality at Catherine French Design. Listen in to find out what Cat has to share with you on the show today. Show highlights: Cat talks about the beginning of her business, two-and-a-half years ago, and everything that happened at the time. Enlisting the help of a stylist for the first time. Taking advice from this podcast turned out to be one of the best things she ever did. Cat enlisted some help from a neighbor, Jamie, and he's still with her business now, almost two years later. Now, Cat's team is really diverse and wonderful! How Cat came up with how much to charge her first clients. Cat explains why she mostly still charges an hourly rate. All about how Cat managed to have the hard conversation with one of her very first clients and hire someone to get the project finished on time. Cat had to make time to be with her family, or her business would have been pointless for her, so her whole firm does not work in the evenings or over weekends. Cat's way of dealing with unforeseen problems. Hiring the right person at the right time. What happened when Cat realized that she couldn't make payroll one month. How Cat learned that you have to always have to show up and put your team first. How Cat first started marketing her firm with blog posts to get SEO exposure. Showing her team that she wasn't giving up! Dealing with accounting problems in her business. Working out how much needs to be brought into the business, in order to keep things running smoothly. Talking to Caroline Hipple, co-author of Pathway To Profit. Making everyone in the team feel important. Maintaining boundaries and being brave enough to only work with clients that are the right fit. Untangling from projects that aren't the right fit. The importance of maintaining an attitude of professionalism and respect. LuAnn's second book, co-authored by Michele Willaims of The Scarlet Thread, will be launched at the next birthday celebration in February, next year. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Dina Holland #354 Michele Williams #137 and #180 Resources: Book: A Pathway to Profit by Caroline Hipple, Anita Pugh, Chris Matthies, and Dixon Bartlett Links: Website - Catherine French Design Instagram - Catherine French Design Pinterest - Cat French Design Facebook - Catherine French Design

Welcome to today's Power Talk Friday! We have Bonnie Fahy with us on the show. Bonnie is the creator of Source It!, which Forbes once called "the world’s premier education in online hiring and outsourcing for entrepreneurs". Although outsourcing is the obvious thing for a number of businesses to do, LuAnn wasn't a hundred percent sure that it would be transferable to the design industry. After having a conversation with Bonnie, however, she decided that it was viable for us. Because there are so many things that go into running a business and you really don't have to do it all yourself. So you could consider employing a virtual assistant. And Bonnie specializes in helping people understand the best process for hiring VAs. Listen in today to find out what Bonnie has to share with you. From her humble beginnings as a balloon artist, Bonnie Fahy has grown to become the ultimate hiring guru, helping hundreds of overwhelmed business owners balance their dreams with a work lifestyle that suits them best. She stumbled on outsourcing early in her internet marketing career and she was amazed to see her profits quadruple in only three short months! This really inspired her, so she began consulting with, and helping other entrepreneurs to grow their businesses to six and seven figures using the same strategies and methods. Bonnie has helped a roster of prominent entrepreneurs take back their time by leveraging high-quality virtual assistants, web developers and graphic designers for a fraction of the cost. Her business insights are based on the foundations of personal development and human psychology, and the shortcuts she teaches her mentees have helped them spectacularly transformed their lives. Listen in to hear about Bonnie's powerful strategies. Show highlights: Why Bonnie thinks that a VA is such a viable resource for a small business owner. You can hire a much higher level person from the Philippines at a fraction of the cost. Hiring the right person for the task. Taking responsibility for clear communication. Systematizing things is vital. Your VA can actually help you to create and document systems. Where hybrid sourcing comes into the picture. People are often unsure about which tasks to delegate. Bonnie has loads of free content on her website. The kind of tasks an online assistant could do for you, as an interior designer. Mastering the art of communication through conflict. Tools for protecting passwords while allowing someone else to use them. Freeing yourself up to do the things you do best. The kind of person to look for as a VA. Where to go, find the best VA. Writing a really compelling job ad. Testing for agreeableness. Finding the perfect person for the perfect price. Doing 'get to know you' calls. Resources for finding online assistance outside the US. Remember that it's always about the process. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Madeleine MacRae # 315 Resources for finding online assistance in the US: Craig's List Indeed.com Facebook Recommended resources for finding online assistance outside the US: International Facebook groups for VAs. OnlineJobs.ph VirtualStaff.ph Links: Bonnie Fahy Bonnie Fahy Get Source It Bonnie's Free Training For the automated webinar go to The Live More Formula

Welcome! Today you're in for a treat! We have Ellie Mroz joining us, and she's a really talented designer and also an astute businesswoman. We're very fortunate here at Window Works to be doing the window treatments for all Ellie's projects. Today, Ellie discusses her niche with us. And get this- her niche isn't a particular style of design or even an ideal client. It's it's the town where she and her husband grew up, fell in love, and started their family! On the show today we also take a look at the hard conversations that you will need to have with vendors and clients when unforeseen things happen. Listen in to find out more. Ellie’s passion for interiors began in the world of fashion. After she graduated from Cornell University, she enjoyed several years of internships in ready-to-wear and jewelry design, merchandising, and public relations. Finally, her love of beautiful things brought her into interior design. This transition was natural for Ellie because her husband’s residential home remodeling business, Michael Robert Construction, started growing. And his clients started asking Ellie for her help in choosing all the finishes. From there, the husband and wife design/build team grew and a boutique interior design firm was born. Since 2015, Ellie has been asked to appear in several episodes of George Oliphant's show, George to the Rescue NBC, as the on-air talent who helps families in need create beautiful spaces. And these beautiful spaces really improve the quality of the lives of these families, as well as the quality of their homes. Listen in to hear what Ellie has to share with you today! Show highlights: Ellie talks about her involvement with George To The Rescue. Why it's really worth investing in a receiving warehouse where they hold all your goods until you're ready for the majority install. Designers really need to be there when the delivery for an installation happens. Setting expectations with a new client right in the beginning. Ellie and her husband, Mike, have two separate companies and they don't always work together. Ellie talks about her really unique niche. Ellie prefers to take on few jobs and really make them profitable. Ellie has recently added a new service called Design Therapy. Ellie tailor's her style to each client. Some really great advice that Ellie received from a photographer. The joy of owning your niche fully. How to deal with it when things go wrong working on a project with contractors, subcontractors, and vendors. Some tools and tactics for avoiding dramas. Why you should never ditch old emails. The value of spending real time on site with your contractors. Developing the skill set to have the hard conversation with clients. What's coming up for Ellie in the future. Previous episodes mentioned on this show: Raquel Langworthy #343 Links: Website - Ellie Mroz Design Instagram - Ellie Mroz Design Pinterest - Ellie Mroz Design The custom home-building project that Ellie is documenting on Instagram: #Shadowlawndrive Michael, Ellie's husband's website: Michael Robert Construction

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! We are very happy to introduce you to two very interesting women today. We have Susan Whalen, the president of Pollack, and Rachel Doriss, Pollack's design director, with us on the show. These women have both been in the design industry for decades and on the show today they talk to us about the types of opportunities that are available in the industry, other than doing interior design. They also talk about the leadership at Pollack and their company culture of encouraging creativity, loyalty, and longevity in their entire team. Listen in today to find out what it takes to create and lead a really exceptional business. Susan earned a BA from The University of Arizona in 1996. She was appointed as president of Pollack/Weitzner in 2017 due to her forward-thinking vision. She began her career at Polack in 1999 as studio manager, working alongside the founding creative director, Mark Pollack. There she learned every aspect of design and product development for contract and residential textiles. In 2004 she shifted to the business side to work under Rick Sullivan, the founding president. Then, in 2006, she was appointed as vice president and chief operating officer. In the position of COO, Susan took the led role in Pollack's merger with Weitzner in 2011. She is currently spearheading the implementation of a new operating system and the development of improved digital platforms to support the future growth and adaptability of Pollack/Weitzner. Susan now resides in Brooklyn, NY. In her free time, she enjoys traveling internationally and renovating her weekend home in rural Pennsylvania. Rachel has textile design in her DNA. She studied printmaking and painting and even taught batik workshops when she first entered college. But it was in the Textile Design department at the Rhode Island School of Design that she realized, for the first time, the practical application of her beloved woven and printed textile techniques. She graduated with a BFA from RISD in 1999 and designed printed silk scarves at Echo before joining the Pollack Studio in 2000. In 2007, Rachel was appointed Vice President, Associate Design Director. She took the helm as Pollack’s Design Director in 2012, overseeing the Studio and guiding the creative vision for each textile collection. In the Studio, she and her team always begin a pattern by first creating artwork by hand. Rachel’s designs for Pollack have been featured in national magazines, including Architectural Digest, Interior Design and Elle Décor, and she has been profiled on such sites as Apartment Therapy and House and Home TV. Two of her creations, “Mod” and “Curlycue,” are in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Join us today and get the inspiration do things in your firm to make it the kind of place people really want to be engaged with! Show highlights: Other kinds of career opportunities within the design industry. What really goes into textile manufacture. What it takes to become a textile designer. You get involved in the textile industry for the love of what you do, not for the money! The partnership between Pollack and Lori Weitzner. How having a collaboration, or a licensed collection works. Working with Gary Graham, a New York-based fashion designer. The need for inspiration when creating a collection. A quick run through the development of a fabric. The whole chain of love and pain that goes into the design and development of a beautiful fabric. About the really terrific "Pollack culture". Some great tips for cultivating a really successful team. Inspiring employees towards longevity with longer vacations. Really creative "First Fridays" at Pollack. An "Ugly Sweater" contest at the office! Supporting employees through difficult times. Pollack has their product in showrooms in most of the major territories. Pollack has worldwide distribution- in Asia, the UK, and France. Links: Website: Pollack Associates Instagram: @pollacktextiles Facebook:  Pollack Textiles Previous episodes mentioned on this show: Lori Weitzner #308 Eileen Hahn # 363 Janelle Photopoulos # 364 Candace Olsen #74 Amber Lewis #184 Shea McGee #236 and 270 with Syd Corey Damen Jenkins #127

Welcome to today's episode! We know that you're really going to love it! We have Laura Michaels with us today and she is an experienced and insightful designer who knows how to tell it like it is. On the show, we have a very straightforward conversation with her about talking budget with clients. Laura is very confident in her process and in the service she offers, and she really knows how to hold her ground in these conversations. Listen in today, become inspired, and learn from Laura's expertise, and her really confident way of dealing with clients. Laura Michaels Design is a full-service design firm specializing in residential and commercial interiors out of Greenwich CT. Having started her career as a fashion designer, Laura Michaels is no stranger to developing complete collections filled with layers of textures, patterns, and colors. Laura thrives on the challenge of finding the perfect combination of textiles and other materials, then integrating them in unique and unexpected ways. Laura spends much of her time sourcing fabric, carpet, lighting and more...from all over the world and prides herself on her thorough knowledge of the market. Laura is also proud of her ability to source the "right" item at the ''right'' price. If cost, size or availability become an issue, her design skills allow her to create the perfect piece in one of her many custom factories.  Her extensive knowledge of the market makes the design process quick and easy, but never routine. Her artistic vision transforms the space into warm and inviting interiors and it is Laura’s goal to provide a warm, inviting environment that is enjoyed by her homeowners and will last the test of time. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: Developing the skill set to really understand your ideal client. Some red flags to look out for with a client. The kind of client that Laura works with. Looking at a potential client's expectations before their budget. There are millions of different supplier websites for all budgets. Laura's way of dealing with clients who are not clear about their budget. Managing your client's expectations. Laura loves the challenge of fulfilling a client's expectations on a limited budget. Things that people don't understand about hiring an interior designer. Hiring a designer can really be price effective. Establishing the ground rules around the budget upfront. Laura's way of obtaining art for her clients. Having the budget conversation with clients. Referrals are really important. You need to be confident and know your value to avoid being taken advantage of. Links: Website: Laura Michaels Design Instagram: The Laura Michaels Design Pinterest: Pinterest e-mail: Laura@Lauramichaelsdesign.com Find Luann on Instagram

Welcome to another Power Talk Friday! Everything is happening online these days, so we are really very happy to introduce you to Jason Berkowitz, of Break The Web Inc., a company that specializes in digital marketing and PR for businesses. Jason's business is an inbound marketing agency and their goal is to generate traffic which could ultimately turn into leads, sales, and customers. On the show today, Jason talks about the services that his company provides, that may be of interest to interior designers. He also explains what you, as interior designers, need to have in place, in order to come to the table. Listen in to hear what Jason has to say about digital marketing and public relations. Jason started out as a business owner at the age of nineteen. He quickly came to recognize the importance of marketing and brand security. And he also realized that he had to take matters into his own hands because the available information was all so contradictory. Jason's digital journey started in 2010 and his mission that year was to learn the ins-and-outs of digital marketing and more specifically, of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Through extensive networking, he had the opportunity to surround himself with some of the greatest and brightest minds in the industry. So he began utilizing and designing frameworks that led to a successful search-engine presence, spending hours analyzing algorithms and reading patent documents in an attempt to understand metrics for online visibility. Jason launched his first SEO agency out of New York City in mid-2010. They launched SEO campaigns for more than 300 businesses, secured over 50 000 Page 1 rankings and worked with some of the largest brands in the world. Then, in 2016, they launched their parent company, Break The Web, Inc., with a focus on Digital Marketing services and business acquisitions. Since then, they have acquired 2 successful digital marketing agencies out of San Diego, California, and New York City. Listen in to find out more. Show Highlights: Jason explains what his company does. The value in targeting your local area for marketing your business. Where and how digital marketing and PR is taking place. Jason's approach to digital marketing. Paid advertising campaigns can be a little budget heavy. Spending money on a digital marketing campaign pays off. Teaching in-house teams to make the whole marketing process seamless. How Jason structures his pricing. A typical management fee that Jason charges for an ads campaign. The SEO myths that Jason thinks really ought to be busted. Using click-bait with the best intent. Working with SEO really effectively. Creating search tags for Youtube videos. Google algorithms have become very smart- they can understand what's semantically relevant and what's not. Keeping things natural within an SEO campaign. Previous episodes mentioned in this show: Andrew Joseph #39 Links: Websites - Break The Web  SEO Services New York  Jason Berkowitz LinkedIn: Jason Berkowitz SEO Facebook: Jason Berkowitz NYC  Twitter: J Berkowitz SEO YouTube: Jason Berkowitz SEO

Welcome! Today's show was recorded live from the High Point Market on Friday, October 12th, 2018, as part of the Designer Viewpoint Series. We are very happy to introduce you to Kesha Franklin today, the principal of Halden Interiors, based in Greenbrook, New Jersey. Kesha has a background in the fashion world. And as a designer, she started out on a path that initially appeared to be destined for failure, which really rocked her world, but then things took an interesting turn for her. Listen in today as Kesha candidly shares her story, offers valuable insights, discusses the growth of her firm and explains her really intentional way of framing her conversations with potential clients. Kesha's intuitive sense of style, creativity, and harmony goes back to her formative years, where luxurious interiors and fine men's wear captivated her creativity, through her father's vast collection of Architectural Digest and the renowned GQ Magazine. Kesha continued expressing the artist within her through various creative means, but only after an encounter with a New York City architect, who recognized her eye for interior design and complimented her on it, did she take the leap and start The Beautiful Experience, a boutique design firm specializing in residential and special events design and planning, in 2006. Kesha spent years immersed in the exclusive world of couture fashion as a backstage production manager and wardrobe stylist for the iconic Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Surrounded by the work of well-known designers such as Vera Wang, Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Donna Karen, and Lanvin…Kesha sharpened her attention to detail, distinct eye for exquisite styling and sensibility to craftsmanship. The spaces Kesha reinvents today are impeccable. However, her striking aesthetic as an interior designer is not only shaped by her ability to curate color palettes, balanced textures, and distinct furnishings but is also influenced by her ability to understand and connect with people. Every single design project begins with a heart-to-heart. Listen in today to hear what Kesha has to share about how she supplies her clients with a full experience, from the ground up, that goes way beyond just beautiful things. Show highlights: Kesha shares the great story of how she started out with design in 2003. She began with very small projects. Moving from doing jobs for free to starting a business and attracting clients from the luxury market. Kesha learned a lot- the hard way. She had to learn to understand her true worth. Reading books really helped Kesha to understand the processes and the business side of the world of interior design. When things started to pick up in 2011, Kesha realized she really needed to figure out what her niche was. Kesha's process of rebranding to become Holden Interiors took three years. In 2013 Kesha was really fortunate to be a part of the Goldman Sachs 10 000 Small Businesses Program. And that really set her rebranding in motion! It really is okay to charge a higher price that truly reflects the level of service that you're giving. Not all consumers really understand interior design. Kesha gets excited about the kind of job that makes her nervous. Kesha explains the rates she charges her clients. Some things that need to be highlighted in the service agreement with a client. Kesha's approach to clients about her contract. Kesha explains her weekly project update. Teaching her clients to trust the process. Be careful of becoming a 'client pleaser'. Time management is still a challenge. Presentation is everything, so it's very important to invest in really good, high-quality pictures. Kesha's work will continue to change as time goes on. Previous episodes mentioned on this show: Adam Urbanski #192 and #280 Links: Kesha's website: Halden Interiors

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today we are really very happy to introduce you to photographer Stephen Karlish, from Dallas, Texas. Stephen began his career pre-internet, so he has seen the rise of social media and online sharing either make or break the careers of numerous designers. He has learned that the key to any creative environment is collaboration. We live in an image-based society today and designers really need to create a strong online presence. So they need to collaborate with experienced photographers to get the kind images that will be sure to drive traffic their way. Listen in today to find out what Stephen has to say about how a great photographer can really help you, as a designer, to build your brand identity and your online presence. Stephen started out in the world of photography assisting commercial photographers in the late 90's. In the early 2000's he started photographing interiors for both local and national publications like Southern Accents, Veranda, Elle Decor, and AD, mainly focusing on documenting local Texas designers' work for their portfolios and ads. Based on his experience, Stephen really wants to help designers to take the photography aspect of their projects seriously. Listen in today to get some really helpful advice and tips from Stephen. Show highlights: The really awesome business partnership that Stephen has with his wife. Pulp Design Studios really inspires Stephen! It really takes a lot of practice to get your personality to really come through on a video. What it takes to create a really great a photo shoot on location. Working seamlessly as a team for incredible outcomes. Really great shots can be used for years. As a young designer, it's really worth investing in your brand imagery right now. Doing it right! Some tips for getting the best shots on a regular budget. Working with stylists and floral designers. The importance of doing pre-shoot scout shots. The benefits of working with a stylist for your photos. How to find the right stylist to work with. Designing projects to completion. Creating portfolio shots on a studio wall. Some tricks that a photographer can do to create incredible shots. The best business advice that Stephen has ever been given. Links: Stephen's Website - Stephen Karlisch Studio Website: Karlisch Studio Instagram: @stephen_karlisch_photo Facebook: Karlisch Studio Twitter: Stephen Karlisch Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Pulp Design Studios #176 and #310 Charlotte Safavi #138

Welcome to the show! Today we are excited to introduce you to Jessica Duce, the principal of J Duce Design in Colorado. With a lot of hard work, and a little good luck, Jessica discovered her ideal client and so today she specializes in VRBO and Air BnB Design. On the show today, Jessica tells the story of how she saw an opportunity to follow a completely new path in her business and jumped right in. Listen in today to learn about the joys and the challenges of designing for VRBO properties. J Duce Design has won multiple best of Houzz awards and has been featured in Parker Lifestyle Magazine, Highlands Ranch Lifestyle Magazine, and Omaha Family Magazine.  Jessica was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her work for Habitat for Humanity. In 2018, J Duce Design is launching the Denver chapter of Savvy Giving by Design launched by Susan Wintersteen of Savvy Design. The goal of the non-profit chapter is to help families in crisis improve their current living environment for health and wellbeing at no charge to them. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: The story of what has happened to Jessica's company in the last three years. How Jessica launched into the world of designing for VRBO properties. The scheduling challenges that come with VRBO designing. Jessica's awesome team. The one home that Jessica worked on has led to her working on five other homes in the last three years. Jessica discusses her connection in property management. Times are changing with vacation homes and Air BnB. Being creative when spending money to create the 'wow' factor. Jessica's goals when meeting with the housekeeping staff. Dealing with the 'flips'. Some important things that Jessica has learned about designing for VRBO homes. Some things that need to be considered when designing for the VRBO market. The story of the really successful Captain Arnold's house. Designing to appeal to the holiday market. Experimenting with the best ways to invest money in VRBO properties. Creating a photo spot in every house. Learning lots of new ideas from the BDNY. The biggest lesson that Jessica has learned in the last three years. Links: JDuce Design Instagram: JDuce Design Facebook: JDuce Design

Welcome! It's Power Talk Friday and we have a special show today, sponsored by Article.com! We are very happy to have Jillian Cross,  their trade program manager, joining us on the show. The passionate team at Article.com has a very strong understanding of the world of interior design and their trade program is run entirely by committed people from the design industry. Today Jill explains what it is about Article.com that really makes interior designers want to work with them. Listen in to find out more. Jillian has had an amazing ride in the industry! She was born and raised in a construction and development family, so it's in her blood. She has a degree in project management as well as a background in interior design. Jill has been with Article for about one-and-a-half-years and she came to them with nine years of industry experience behind her. Prior to joining Article, she worked at several different firms in the industry, and also with some big-box retailers- helping them to build out their trade and their pro programs. She spent a number of years doing millwork design and also working in her family's business, where she got to experience residential and multi-unit design. Listen in to find out what Jillian has to share with you on the show today. Show highlights: The people on the team at Article have a strong understanding of the world of interior design. The importance of really understanding who you're talking to. Article really understands the pain points of interior designers. The team at Article takes a strong stand when something goes wrong and they get onto resolving it as quickly and effectively as possible. The benefits of having a small team. Following up with genuine care and concern. Relationship building. Striving to create a personal service for online trade partners. The positives and negatives to working in the online space. The discount structure at Article.com. The great value that Article.com is offering their customers. com is very competitive in its market. Understanding transparency. Article will send you swatches of fabric and samples with no shipping costs. Jill walks you through Article's fantastic return/exchange policy. Article will deliver anywhere in America. Links: Apply for the Article Trade Program: Article Trade Article: Article Linkedin Article Houzz: Article Modern Instagram: Article Facebook: Article

Welcome to today's episode! We have a really smart lady joining us on the show today! She is Nicole White, the president, and principal designer at the award-winning design firm, Nichole White Designs Interiors, based in Sunrise, Florida. On the show today we talk to Nicole about how she came to learn her particular skill set in the renovation process, and what her intentions are with that going forward. We talk to her about her experience as a journalist, in her previous career, and how she leverages that to earn press for her projects. And we also discuss confidence, how it develops mostly through the mistakes we make over time in our businesses, and how very important that is, when being an entrepreneur. Listen in to find out more. Nicole, known for her renovation prowess, has had her design work featured in various magazines including, Better Homes and Gardens, Ocean Drive, Modern Luxury Interiors; Huffington Post, HGTV and Domino online magazines. She’s twice been noted as an emerging designer to watch by the Black Interior Designers Network and is a brand ambassador/influencer for The Home Depot, Purple Drywall, and City Furniture. An award-winning writer, Nicole writes about the behind the scenes process of her projects on her popular blog LiveLaughDecorate. Nicole, lover of red wine and travel, is also mom to a busy 6-year-old, Xavier - a budding artist and self-proclaimed VP of NWD Interiors. Listen in to hear what Nicole has to share on today's show. Show highlights: Nicole talks her decision to direct her business towards working with the renovation process. Nicole has learned to get her hands dirty- working hands-on with the renovation process. Nicole really enjoys the whole process of renovation. What makes Nicole so successful with what she does. Nicole is getting ready to do her GC license in the next year or so. What obtaining a GC license involves. Nicole talks about her game-changing questionnaire, what it deals with, and how it came about. The questionnaire has literally transformed Nicole's business. Working realistically with a budget with clients. Nicole has the confidence to know that clients will be better off working with her. Fifteen years in, Nicole still clearly remembers not knowing how she was going to pay her bills. Standing in your experience and fully understanding what your needs are. Nicole has made some deliberate changes in her life since having her son. Nicole makes the amount of time that she has available very clear to her clients. It can take some time to develop the confidence, as a new designer, to charge a consultation fee. As a former journalist, Nicole really understands publications and how they work- so she knows how to build and grow press. Start building press by pitching the smaller publications first. Nicole has learned to build relationships- they really matter! It's really important to stay in touch- you cannot treat your clients and relationships as a one-night-stand. You have to enter the contests to win the awards. Go after companies and brands that fit your strengths. The goals that Nicole is stretching herself towards right now. Links: Nicole's website: NWD Interiors Nicole's blog: Live Laugh Decorate To sign up for your trade account with Article.Com: Well Designed Article

Send me the Source Like a Pro Video! Welcome to another Power Talk Friday! We have Monique Holmes (Duarte) with us again today and she's bound to inspire you to re-think the way that you approach sourcing for your interior design firm. Monique started Duarte Decor, a global interior design firm, in 2012, after successfully working in the marketing and advertising world for more than ten years. Using her marketing experience, she managed to generate $50 000 in profit in her first year, working part-time while still holding down a full-time job. Monique saw that there was a huge gap in our industry and that design schools don't teach the business side of the industry. So, she came up with her 8 Steps To Profitability Program and launched her own, private coaching firm,  Duarte Consulting, in 2016. Today's show is packed with tons of information and Monique generously shares some of her awesome resources! Listen in to today to learn about Monique's key strategies for sourcing like a pro. Monique Holmes is a Certified Interior Decorator, Business Coach, and an active member of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), International Interior Design Association (IIDA),  Central NJ & Brooklyn, NY Chapter President of the distinguished Interior Design Society (IDS) as well as a Certified member of CID (Certified Interior Decorator Association).   She also holds several degrees, including a career degree in Interior Decorating & AutoCAD Design, a Bachelor’s in International Business with a specialization in Economics & Marketing, and a Master’s Degree in Interactive & Direct Marketing.   Monique Holmes was awarded "Woman of the Year for Interior Decorating for NJ" in 2013 by NAPW, in addition, her design work has been featured online & in print publications including "Your Decorating Resource" and Moxie Woman Magazine. Listen in to find out more! Show highlights: The first thing to think about, as interior designers, in order to source and sell products like a pro. Monique likes to focus on helping designers to figure out strategies to do things effectively and efficiently. Monique explains her 4 easy steps to sourcing like a pro. The benefits of sourcing through trade-only vendors. The key to shopping with online retailers. The great thing about the Article.com trade program. It's really important to be transparent with your clients. E-design or full-service? Monique has trade programs with all the retail stores that she shops with. The percentage of her discount that Monique shares with her clients. The way that Monique charges clients for her design services. Some things to consider, about sourcing. Doing your research about sourcing ahead of time really helps to prevent any unnecessary stress. Being aware and knowing your product is very important. Always have a price-point scale of the vendors that you deal with. It's important to bear the location of vendors and their rep support in mind when making a purchase. Knowing your product and your customer is a vital ingredient. The importance of building sourcing and selling into the foundation of your business ahead of time. A lot of Monique's coaching is strategy-based. Building your sourcing repertoire list of vendors- it takes time but it's really worth it in the end. Links: Website: www.8STP.com 8STP FB Group Master Class (Launching September 30th, 2018) Instagram: Monique Nicole Holmes Previous shows mentioned in this episode: Monique's 1st appearance on the show: #178   (note she has since married- she was Monique Duarte- she is now Monique Holmes) Deb Barrett #53 Gary Inman #154 Article.com #301 Dina Holland Honey & Fitz #354 Heather McManus #357

Welcome to the show! We have Janelle Blakely Photopoulos, the owner and principal of Blakely Interior Design, with us today for another episode in our series of The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business. Janelle recently sent us an awesome letter explaining all the lessons, improvements and systems that she's applied to her business since listening to the podcast. She is really a great example of a thoughtful business owner in that she listens, she learns, and she takes action. Join us today to find out what Janelle has to tell you about the way that she leads her team and runs her business. Janelle earned a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from Syracuse University. Then, after honing her management skills with the corporate giant, AT&T, she realized her true calling and attended the Rhode Island School of Design to learn the technical aspects of interior design. Janelle started her residential interior design business in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, in 2010. Since then she has grown the business and established a reputation for creating really beautiful, livable interiors. Janelle has built a support team that reflects her vision and commitment to their clients. Her success is deeply rooted in her ability to collaborate and communicate adeptly with her clients and industry partners. In addition to the exponential growth of her design business, Janelle was recently nominated for Rhode Island’s 2018 Small Business Woman of the Year. Listen in to find out more! Show highlights: Janelle talks about her passion for leading her team. The first time Janelle hired someone. The importance of tracking time. Shifting people into roles that are suited to their particular strengths. Taking the time to see your employees for what they're really good at. The team-wide assessment that Janelle had done to discover the specific strengths of each member of her team. You're only as good as the team that supports you. About the Client Concierge Experience. The small things that you do for the client really make all the difference. Some of the things she's learned along the way. The biggest takeaways that Janelle gained from the podcast. Janelle is a big believer in self improvement. The impact that Stacy Brown Randall has had on Janelle. Setting your client's expectations realistically in case something goes wrong. Links: Janelle's website: Blakely Interior Design Other episodes mentioned on the show: Susan Wintersteen- #164 Chad James - #68 Caitlyn Wait - #284 Eileen Hahn - #363 Candy Scott- #279

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today we're happy to introduce you to Luann's exceptional cousin, Eileen Hahn! Eileen's superpower is helping people to intentionally build outstanding and exceptional teams- whether they have a dozen employees, or only one! On the show today Eileen will explain some of the layers and deep processes and that are required for you to become a really good leader. Listen in to hear what Eileen has to tell you about building a really extraordinary interior design team! Eileen is a principal at Organization Effectiveness Consultants, a San Diego based management consulting firm. She partners with leaders of organizations to establish new levels of performance, financial results, teamwork, and employee work passion. Eileen achieves this by first examining current processes and systems, and then collaborating with the company leaders to apply changes which improve productivity and profitability. Eileen works extensively with organizations which are going through rapid growth, downsizing, mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and cultural transitions. She facilitates succession planning, strategic planning, organizational change, joint problem solving, leadership development, and team building. In addition, Eileen also designs C suite selection and evaluation processes and she works with boards of directors to develop, implement, and facilitate these processes. Eileen is also a professional speaker and a university instructor. Some of her national and international clients include H.G. Fenton Company, The Wonderful Company, San Diego Padres, Ericsson Wireless Communications, Qualcomm, Pfizer Inc., General Atomics, Occidental College, Brooklynn Museum, General Motors, Anheuser Busch Corporation, The Venetian & Palazzo Hotels, Sea World Parks and Entertainment, and LEGOLAND. Listen in today to find out more! Show highlights: Eileen is part of Luann's second book, The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business- The Power Talk Friday Experts, which is coming out at the beginning of 2019. (Eileen's chapter is called The Care and Feeding of Exceptional Employees.) What Eileen means when she talks about exceptional employees. Hiring someone who has the specific skills you're looking for. Eileen explains the selection process that she used to help a certain company to hire exceptional employees. The special ingredient in every sales call. What makes someone exceptional. The type of kindness, care, and feeding that's necessary for exceptional employees. Employees really present a big challenge to employers. Placing people orientation before task orientation in a business. Establishing trust and care with your employees. Some of the key principals behind hiring (and keeping) exceptional employees. Determining for yourself, as a principal, what an exceptional performance really looks like. People are willing to pay for exceptional! Taking the time to learn to be an exceptional leader. The exceptional benefits of taking the time to care for, and feed your employees. The importance of thorough training for employees. Links: Website: OEC Strategic Solutions LinkedIn: Eileen Hahn Email: ehahn@oecstrategicsolutions.com

Welcome to today's episode! We are very happy to introduce you to Breegan Jane, a unique and fun individual who is a super-high achiever! Thirty-three-year-old Breegan is an interior designer who also has a successful blog, a high following on Instagram, and she's a podcast/radio host. She previously worked as a creative director in the luxury yacht business and as a property manager for multi-international million-dollar homes. Listen in today to find out about Breegan's vast experience and how it informs her currently, as an entrepreneur and interior designer.  Multifaceted entrepreneur Breegan Jane does it all.  A full-time businesswoman, interior designer, blogger, and popular podcast host of Mom Life Yo, all in all, her spare time. Her most recent project is the design of the new, buzz-worthy Los Angeles restaurant, NATIVE, spearheaded by award-winning Chef Nyesha Arrington of Top Cheffame. A single mom from Southern California, Breegan Jane credits her boys for pushing her to break down walls and test boundaries. She uses her powerful voice to inspire others and bring joy to people’s lives. Listen in to find out what Breegan has to share on the show today. Show highlights: How Breegan's experience, managing international real estate projects with full staff and working as a creative director and marketing professional for a luxury yacht manufacturer, translates to her current interior design business. The importance of great leadership. Great lessons from great bosses along the way. Utilizing every opportunity to the best of your ability. Feeling more at home in Dubai than in Texas. The importance of visual representation. Being given the space to run with your ideas. Transitioning to the design world. How Breegan developed through her experience. The kind of project Breegan enjoys the most. Identifying 'no-win' situations with clients. What being a mom and entrepreneur mean to Breegan. The way that Breegan was raised to be empowered. The power of turning negatives into positives. Breegan's dreams and aspirations for the future. Links: Breegan Jane Facebook: Breegan Jane Breegan Jane Blog Instagram: Breegan Jane Twitter: Breegan Jane Other episodes mentioned on this show: Amber Lewis # 184 Vanessa DeLeon # 18

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today we have Kimberly Merlitti, the owner of KMM Consulting, with us. In her experience, Kim has found that accounting and finances seem to scare most interior designers. So she helps them by going into their businesses and taking on the role of CFO. From there she teaches them how to really understand what they need to do in order to become successful as entrepreneurs as well as interior designers. Kim's specialty is helping designers with what she calls Project Revenue Accounting, which is how to manage the revenue of a project that is already in process. Listen in today to find out how Kim helps interior designers to really get to grips with their finances and advance their businesses. KMM Consulting takes on clients from around the United States. Kimberly has 20 years of experience working in accounting for companies such as Swinerton Builders, WRNS Studio and Martin Group. She has her Masters in Accounting from Golden Gate University located in San Francisco, CA. KMM Consulting’s clientele includes a diverse group of service based companies, with the main focus on small interior design, construction, and architectural firms. The goal of her firm is to make the businesses she works for as profitable as they can be by educating them on accounting, cash flow management, tax deductions, project reporting, and business management. Listen in today to find out more. Show highlights: Kim explains the difference between accounting and projection. What Kim has learned the hard way, about the difference between general contracting and interior design. Creating a contract and coming up with the budget for a client. Unknown factors that need to be taken into account when working out a budget. Why you need to start tracking your time. How Kim uses a payroll calculator to help designers come up with budgets. Working out the billing for your client. Restructuring things when necessary, after tracking your hours. Taking the time, as a principal, to teach your staff about efficiency. The importance of understanding regulations. Working out the cost of employees. How to know if it's time to hire somebody. The process of doing the projections. Kimberly works with designers in all states.  Other episodes mentioned on the show: krista Coupar # 150 Links: Website - KMM Consulting Facebook - KMM Consulting LinkedIn - Kimberly Merlitti

Welcome to today's show! We're really excited to have the celebrated and influential David Phoenix, of David Phoenix Interior Design in Los Angeles, with us on the show! David is a self-taught designer and today we're looking forward to talking to him about how he found his way, his passion and his point of view, as a designer. And we also talk to him about the new fabric line he recently developed and launched with Kravet Inc. Listen in to find out more! David Phoenix Interior Design gives each project a singular ambiance that wholeheartedly embraces, uplifts and celebrates its inhabitants. And David is known for thoughtful, modern luxury and livability. David finds inspiration from a myriad of styles, looking back through history as he creates spaces for today. His work personifies his own approachable, self-assured manner—gracious and considerate. In juxtaposing modern and traditional elements, his aesthetic conveys an easy welcoming sensibility, rich with classic haberdashery details and nuance. David draws from his experience and instinct in the all-important matters of style and function. David enjoys an international clientele of celebrities, royalty, business magnates and discerning homeowners, including Maria Shriver, former Los Angeles Mayor, Richard Riordan and actor Rob Lowe, whose home was featured on the cover of Architectural Digest. He believes in living each day to the fullest, delivering personal, sophisticated and thoughtful environments. Join us today and find out what he has to share. Show highlights: David explains how he sees a quintessential American point of view It all started for David with really great architectural designs in America David's day at design school David's journey to becoming an interior designer How David ended up in Los Angeles, California David's first job in Los Angeles How the loss of a friend led David to start out as an interior designer David's remarkable shopping encounter with Maria Shriver Doing worthy things to become worthy What it's really all about for David David's tagline is "Think big and you'll be big" A description of the fabric line that David's recently developed The labor-of-love process of David developing his handsome fabric line David's appreciation of the Kravet family and their 'culture of Kravet'  Links: Website: David Phoenix Link to his collection with Kravet: Kravet Fabric Designer Link to his furnishings collection with Hickory Chair: Hickory Chair Furniture Instagram: David Phoenix Pinterest: David Phoenix Facebook: David Phoenix Come and meet Luann and David in person, on Wednesday, October 3rd, at the Kravet Showroom in Chicago, for Chicago Design Week. Go to Luann Nigara for more information. Previous episodes mentioned on the show: 345: Chris Ramey

Welcome to today's show! We are really happy to have a new designer, Colleen Primm, joining us today. Recently Colleen decided to start a client-facing Facebook group to share her expertise, to get her name out there, and also to get some clients into her pipeline. Although she only started the group at the beginning of June this year, she already has more than 640 members, almost all of whom are potential clients! On the show today she will be talking to us about her Facebook group and she will also explain exactly what she puts in there. Listen in to find out how Colleen has managed to attract so many potential clients to her group in such a short space of time. Colleen, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration (management) from The University of Toledo, an M.B.A. from Averett University and has also attended Cuyahoga Community College for Interior Design, has taken a pretty unconventional path to interior design.  Before deciding to make the change, she worked in the banking industry for twelve years, where she first underwrote commercial loans, and then a little later, mortgage loans. After a few years, she became a trainer, teaching people how to write mortgage loans. While working on residential loans, Colleen got to see a lot of homes, because she was reviewing home appraisals. That's where her love of design, and wanting to help people achieve better-looking homes came from. She finally decided to turn her passion into reality and quit her banking job to go back to school for Interior Design. So Colleen is the rare interior designer who can not only decorate your home but also talk to you about your mortgage! Listen in to find out more!               Show highlights: Why Colleen chose this particular method to market her firm. What it will take for you to join Colleen's facebook group. Colleen wants to have only members who will bring value to the group. What inspired Colleen to start her Facebook group. The importance of getting constructive feedback. The precise message that Colleen sent out when she started her Facebook group. Getting lots of engagement with Facebook groups. Colleen's strategic way of attracting mainly local clients to her group. All about Colleen's Facebook contests. The number of paid consultations that Colleen has done as a result of the group. Colleen explains and clarifies the amounts she charges. The amount of preparation that Facebook Live requires. The kind of questions that Colleen deals with. The events that she's created as a result of her Facebook group. Making connections- and making money at the same time! The kind of preparation that Colleen does and how she manages her time. The importance of being really well organized. How to learn more about lenders and the programs that they have to assist designers. Links: Facebook: Colleen Primm Instagram: Colleen Primm Design Website: Colleen Primm Design Private Facebook Group: Primm and Proper Design Talk with Colleen Primm

Welcome to today's episode! We are delighted to have Karen Mooney, Taryn Schwartz, and Caroline McDonald with us on the show today. They are the three women responsible for the designer program at Ballard Designs and they are also behind the Ballard Designs' podcast, How To Decorate. Today they will be sharing their experience of interviewing celebrity interior designers for the podcast and also some of what goes on behind the scenes with the celebrity designers. Listen in today to find out what it really takes, and what really happens, when you get the opportunity, and then make the commitment to being a celebrity designer for a company as large as Ballard Designs. Karen, Taryn, and Caroline are the hosts of the Ballard Designs' How To Decorate podcast. And their goal is to help you to unleash your 'inner decorator'. Outside of the podcast, they work in different departments at Ballard Designs. Karen has a background in graphic design and she's the senior vice-president of Brand management. Taryn is an industrial designer in the Product Design department. And Caroline manages content marketing, specifically the blog How To Decorate, and also art producing digital marketing photography. Listen in today to find out more. Show highlights: Why they prefer doing their interviews in-person. How the relationship between Ballard Designs and their celebrity designers works. Why Ballard Designs chose to work with Suzanne Kasler, Bunny Williams, and Miles Redd. Making their celebrity designs affordable to their customers. The level of creative involvement of the talented celebrity designers. What it really takes to become selected as a celebrity designer. Why it takes what it does to become selected as a celebrity designer. Why it really takes such a lot of work to be a celebrity designer! Finding the right kind of vendor. Why a long-term business relationship is actually a lot like a marriage. Bringing Suzanne onboard. Then bringing Bunny and Miles onboard. The way that the designers earn their money. The way that people respond to Miles' dramatic pieces. Using inspiration to grab the imagination of the customer. Ways of making tried-and-trusted products look fresh again. Some ways that designers could get to become the celebrity designers. Doors always open as a result of relationships- so be nice! Big name designers discussed on today's show: Bunny Williams, Miles Redd and Suzanne Kasler You can find the How To Decorate podcast on iTunes. Note: This show will also be on video on Luann's Youtube channel. Links: Ballard Designs How To Decorate Instagram: Ballard Designs Facebook: Ballard Designs

Welcome to another Power Talk Friday! Today we're having a Where Are They Now episode, featuring Heather Mc Manus, our very first guest ever on the show! Heather is an award-winning designer from New Jersey and the principal of Artistry Interiors. She is also the author of the book Love Where You Live- Dream Homes Made Real, which is available on Amazon. On the show today Heather will be telling us all about her latest venture, Collaborate To Win, a buying group that she started for you, her designer colleagues, to become stronger together and make more profit through having access to products that may normally have been unavailable to you due to buy-in minimums and yearly volume quotas. Join us on the show today to hear Heather explain her really interesting idea! Heather started Artistry Interiors in 2012, after having worked in the design industry for a decade. Her first job, after graduating from the Pratt Institute, was at a high-end workroom where she gained really invaluable experience and learned everything about how quality window treatments and upholstery are made. From there she went on to further broaden her knowledge and expertise about furniture construction and quality through working at both Ethan Allen and Bograd's Fine Furniture. Listen in today to find out more! Show highlights: Heather's concept of a video tip per day that she discussed in her interview on our very first show. All about Heather's innovative concept, Collaborate To Win, and why it was born. Some of the growing pains that helped Heather grow. Collaborate To Win even works nationally. Dealing with breakages. How the concept actually works. The level of trust that is required for this unique concept. Keeping relationships intact is a key requirement for the group. How the payment for the orders works. Heather is constantly creating educational videos to explain the rules of the game. When an order actually becomes an order. The importance of working systematically. How Heather uses videos to explain her pricing. The constant teaching, mentoring and masterminds that Heather does to assist people with her concept. The cost for the membership of the group. How you will really save money by being a member of the group- one order through the group could cover your entire annual membership buy-in! Why you really need to be responsible to be a member of the group. To learn more about Collaborate To Win, there will be a website up and running by this fall. In the meantime, you can email Heather at collaboratetowin@gmail.com- an email address dedicated specifically for this group. The details that you will need to send to Heather in order to apply to join her group. To meet Heather in person, she will be at Windowworks, in Livingstone New Jersey, for the October Lunch and Learn on October 29th. RSVP via Instagram (@windowworks) Raquel Langworthy will be at Windowworks on September 17th for the September Lunch and Learn. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Nicole Heymer (Curio Electro #235 #317)  Links: Book - Love Where You Live: Dream Homes Made Real Collaborate to Win - Collaborate To Win  Collaborate to Win Facebook page Facebook -  Artistry Interiors LLC Instagram - Artistry Interiors  Website - Artistry Interiors 

Welcome to the show! Today we are very happy to introduce you to Vincere, an influential, Chicago-based, full-service interior design firm,  founded in 2007 by Micheal Stornello and Tom Konopiots. Vincere is a business fully committed to the principals of precision, proportion, scale, and form. They have completed projects throughout the Midwest, California, and Europe and their wide range of enterprises include everything from the pre-construction stage, through the interior design phase, to the acquisition and placement of the art and accessories. The team at Vincere firmly believe that the key to success lies in careful listening and clear communication. Join us on the show today to find out what Michael and Tom have to share with you. Both Tom and Michael have very strong business backgrounds. Michael used to be in the television industry where he served as executive vice president, development, for King World Productions (now CBS Television Distribution). Tom was previously COO and CEO of two futures brokerage companies. Listen in today to find out how their previous business experience has informed the way that they run their full-luxury interior design business. Show highlights: Some background on Mike and Tom's previous careers. How their shared passion brought them to start an interior design business. How they learned their design skill set through their real-life experience. Some of the mistakes they made and lessons they learned through trial and error. Creating impact for their clients and closing deals with three-dimensional floor plans. The way that they work with their vendors and contractors using 3-D models. The importance of being well-prepared and paying close attention to detail. All their clients are really value-conscious, regardless of their wealth. Their approach to addressing budget-related issues with their clients. The way that technology helps them to overcome certain client issues. Managing a million-dollar budget so that it looks like a million-and-a-half-dollar budget. They are fully transparent with their clients, in terms of the cost of things. In certain circumstances, it's necessary to tell the client that they're not the right fit. Avoiding traps and pitfalls with clients and adding the appropriate markup. Creating the kind of contract that can be put away and not thought about again. Finding the right balance within a partnership. Links: Website - Vincere Facebook - Vincere Instagram - Vincere Interiors Previous episodes mentioned on the show: Sandra Espinet #287 Fred Berns #289 Chris Raney #345

Are you ready to crush the last quarter of 2018? And are you really ready to make this the very best quarter of this year? Well, if you're the rare designer who is deciding to act, rather than to stay with the status quo, and to do, rather than wish, today's show is just for you! We have two very specific opportunities for you, and two different ways that we're making it possible for you to be the best you can be. Listen in now to find out how to take your game to the next level. The first opportunity is the second stop on the Power Talk Friday Tour. (It's happening on Saturday 13th October 2018 in High Point, North Carolina.) For the High Point tour, Luann has gathered some of the new Power Talk Friday experts including Claire Jefford (#325 and #237), Stacey Brown Randall (#93) and Michele Williams (#137 and #180). The second opportunity is the two masterminds that Luann is offering, Foundation and Transition. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: On the tour, Claire will be talking about managing client expectations, something fundamental to running a successful project. Pinpointing the challenges that tend to come up with new projects. Most problems with new projects are rooted in something that wasn't clear in the initial agreement. Claire will walk you through the best practices for setting up your project to succeed. Stacey has proven techniques for building your pipeline through referrals- without asking your clients for them. Stacey is a business coach with a recently-launched podcast called Roadmap To Grow Your Business. Stacey will teach you methods to attract new clients into your pipeline- immediately. Michele Williams, principal of Scarlet Thread Consulting, will also be with Luann on the tour. Michele coaches designers and window-treatment professionals on the financial methods and systems for running a profitable business. Michele is about to launch her new podcast, Profit Is A Choice. Michele is also a certified Profit First coach. What you have to understand, in order to really be successful with your business. Why you really need to come to the High Point Tour. How Luann will use her superpower to help you. How the High Point Tour will be structured. What you will gain from attending the tour. The price for the tour and what it includes. Having the chance to get to know the awesome sponsors. About the Foundations and Transitions Masterminds. Foundations is group coaching for new designers. What you will learn in the Foundations Mastermind. The Transitions Mastermind is for the more seasoned designer. What you will get from the Transitions Mastermind. Links: Go to Luann's website Luann Nigara to get the early episodes. To find out more about the tour go to Luann Nigara and click on the 'coaching' tab. The landing page for the masterminds: Luann Nigara Sponsors: The Power Talk Friday Tour is sponsored by MyDoma Studios, Revel Woods, and Bijou Wall Coverings. Luann's second book, The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business, will be coming out in February of 2019.  This book is for the designer who wants to be intentionally focused, efficient and profitable. Luann has gathered 12 of the Power talk Friday experts and together they have created the go-to book for you to get detailed explanations, advice, and clarity about the ideas and concepts that have been discussed on the podcast, over the past two-and-a-half years.

Welcome! We have Dina Holland with us on the show today. And she's someone you may already know from her Instagram stories, with her really down-to-earth, likable and engaging approach. On today's show, we talk to Dina about the importance of finding your personal voice and the value of being real and authentic in everything you do- with your blog, your social media, and your website. Listen in today to find out how this can really help you to find clients who are just the right fit for you.  Dina is the founder and principal of Dina Holland Interiors, but you might know her through her blog and Instagram account name, Honey, and Fitz.  It all started with a blog about eight years ago when Dina chronicled her own adventures in home decor and DIY projects. What started out as just a personal creative outlet quickly grew into a following of thousands with readers tuning in to see her own projects and those for neighbors and friends. Through word of mouth and the power of social media, Dina has grown her business far beyond the reaches of her blog and turned it into a successful full-service interior design firm with clients all over the country. Listen in today to find out what Dina has to share. Show highlights: How Dina's authentic voice on her website is a pre-qualifier to the clients that are reaching out to her. The importance of being true to yourself. The list of questions that Dina has on her website. How Dina's questions help potential clients to find just the kind of help that they're looking for. The really clever content to be found on Dina's website. Why Dina has put pricing on her website. The really great copy on Dina's website. How Dina learned all she knows about design. How Dina started out as an e-designer. Dina's shift towards Instagram. How, as a designer, to start charging friends and acquaintances. The importance of having really good photos. Charging appropriately for the managing, sourcing, ordering, and shipping of products. Why charging an hourly rate is simply not enough. How Dina managed to figure out the next level of trade sources. How Dina managed to do floor plans when she first started out without any training. How Dina dealt with her branding- from Honey and Fitz to Dina Holland Interiors. Dina is getting ready to launch a small online shop. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Gail Davis #47 Carly Waters #211 Links: Website - Dina Holland Interiors Shop (launching later this summer) - Dina Holland Interiors Instagram - @HoneyandFitz To become a trade member of Article.com go to Well Designed Article to register.

Welcome to another Power Talk Friday! You're in for a huge treat today! We have Virginia Muzquiz, the Referral Diva, on the show with us! Virginia is a connector with a real passion for teaching people how to cultivate referrals. And on the show today she explains how she teaches people to be referral-ready so that they can go out and get the referrals they need to grow their businesses. Listen in to find out more. Virginia is the owner and chief connection officer at Master Connectors Incorporated and she is the executive director of B & I in America. She has over thirty years of experience in teaching six-figure companies and solopreneurs how to build a sustainable and profitable business. Virginia believes that referrals are built out of relationships- and that requires people to like and trust you. This is why she really knows that learning how to create and leverage social capital is crucial in building businesses. Her numbers don't lie and Virginia's methods grew the contract service division of a nationally known education franchise from zero to 2.5 million dollars specifically, and only, by word-of-mouth. Today Virginia shows more than 1400 entrepreneurs how to redirect the time and money spent in non-productive networking into leveraged word-of-mouth strategies that produce measurable improvements in their ROI. Virginia is also the host of the Passion + Purpose = IMPACT podcast. Listen in to find out what she has to share with you on the show today. Show highlights: Virginia explains where she starts when teaching people how to be referral ready. Simply showing up with your skill-set, as a designer, is not enough. The key to creating really effective referrals. The gift that you need to bring along to your potential client. The importance of being really clear. Getting your clients to align with your core values. Knowing who you are and what you love. Giving to givers who give. How Virginia helps business owners to discover their own, unique core values. The importance of finding what you're really passionate about. Virginia's four-step plan to succeeding at networking events. What you need to read and listen to, in order to really be prepared for networking events. The right way to get someone's business card. Knowing what your niche is so that you can connect with your tribe. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Article.com #301 Links: LinkedIn: Virginia Muzquiz Website: Master Connectors Twitter: The Referral Diva Facebook: Master Connectors To become a trade member of Article.com go to Well Designed Article to register. To get the info about Luann's mastermind go to Luann Nigara and click on the coaching tab.

Welcome to today's show. We have Shannon Claire, a designer that Luann discovered on Instagram, with us on the show today. Shannon has a really beautiful Instagram feed and on the show today she will be talking about it and she will also share some tips from the perspective of someone whose career is not an Instagram marketer but has utilized the tool in a really effective way. Shannon Claire is an interior designer and stylist based in Washington, DC, specializing in creating beautiful spaces so that your home feels uniquely and comfortably you, but elevated. Shannon Claire offers many services that include full-service interior design by the hour, e-design projects for clients who do not live locally but still need design help, and event and space styling. She has been featured in HGTV Magazine, Domino, The Washington Post,  Buzzfeed, The Everygirl, Glitter Guide, The Charlotte Observer, CNN, Forbes, Style Me Pretty, House Beautiful Magazine, and Style At Home Magazine. Listen in to find out what she has to share on the show today. Show highlights: The first thing to think about, as an interior designer, if you want to really start taking your Instagram seriously. It can be hard to switch from using Instagram as a personal, or social tool, to use it as something that can funnel back into your business. The importance of identifying what your particular brand looks like on paper, or in a photo. Shannon explains why she only shares things on Instagram that fit into the specific aesthetic that she has created there- like pink walls. The way that Shannon's before and after pictures really draw you in. Shannon discusses her 'wake-up point'. The benefits that she has seen from really dedicating herself to her particular style and aesthetic- and the kind of content that she was posting. All the pictures on Shannon's feed are from her own home or her own projects. The way that Luann's Instagram feed has changed recently. The things that will really make your Instagram feed uniquely yours. Choosing your Instagram photos intentionally. The way that Shannon uses visual landmarks to let people know that she is in DC. Some things that you can do to reach out to the people in your area, to let them know where you are. Some information about the way that Instagram's algorithms operate. The importance of having an engaged following on Instagram and building a community. Effectively using captions on your photos. Learning to be authentically yourself! Ways to get your work featured out there. What comment pods are-and how to use them. Links: Instagram - @shannonclaire Blog - Shannon Claire Interiors Pinterest - Shannon Claire Interiors Shannon's website: Shannon Claire Interiors

Welcome to today's episode. We have Jane Dagni, the new editor-in-chief of Designers Today Magazine with us on the show today. Jane is a really well-regarded and true professional and today she will be talking to us about her new position as editor-in-chief, her take on the design industry, and also her future plans for the magazine. Listen in today to find out how Jane has really earned her respect in the design community. Jane Dagni became an assistant editor at Country Living Magazine, a B2B magazine for professional interior designers, decorators and related businesses twenty-six years ago. She spent fourteen years at Country Living, where she wrote and produced at least a hundred-and-fifty feature stories and wrote countless columns. For the next eight years, she worked on writing gigs, short projects, and substitute teaching to support her family. Her clients included Benjamin Moore, Bob Vila, the Cottage and Gardens Magazines and Fort Lauderdale Magazine. In 2014 her colleague, Amy Flurry, recommended Jane as a communications manager at a tech startup that was creating a project management sourcing software for small boutique interior design firms. When the company closed Jane was hired as the editorial director at Steel Yard. Then, in December of 2017, Jane became editor-in-chief of Designers Today Magazine. Jane also participates in industry panels and Listen in today to find out more. Show highlights: What makes Designers Today such an awesome magazine. Jane's mission for the magazine. Designers Today is becoming a subscription magazine. Go to Designers Today to sign up. Jane explains what's happening with her magazine at the moment. What makes Designers Today really stand out from other magazines. The thrust of the magazine. Some fun and unexpected things about Designers Today. Building trust is really a big thing for Jane. What Jane looks for in new designers. The way that Jane is changing the structure of the magazine. How Jane plans the issues of the magazine. How Jane would like designers to communicate their journeys with her. Why Jane really doesn't want people to feel intimidated. Bypassing the small talk. The kind of inspiration that Jane gets from vintage magazines. The way that Jane is bringing the magazine back to life. All about Jane's Designer Experience. Go to Designer Experience. Jane's blog is a great way for designers to find out what she's looking for. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Laurel Bern #342 Amy Flurry #323 and #108 Laura Thurman # 272 Judith Taylor #340 Links: Designers Today's website: Designers Today Instagram: Jane Dagmi LinkedIn: Jane Dagmi Twitter: Jane Dagmi Jane's email: jdagni@designerstoday.com Books Mentioned on the Show: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Recipe for Press: The Designer Edition by Amy Flurry Recipe for Press by Amy Flurry  

Welcome to the show! We have the pleasure of introducing you to an Australian designer today, Belinda Nihill, the principal of Nest Design Studio. After the birth of her first child, and working as a qualified interior designer for more than fifteen years, Bel started a blog focused on children's spaces. On the show today she explains how her really small, niche blog, Nest, progressed to becoming a really successful boutique design firm with clients in Australia, USA, France, Ireland, Dubai, Canada and many more places around the world. Listen in today to discover how Bel managed to really set herself apart from other Australian designers. Nest Design Studio was founded in 2010 and is known for its classic and creative style. Recognised both nationally and internationally, Nest has been featured in more than 25 magazines worldwide and has also been profiled on a number of other media outlets. Nest was included in the House and Garden Top Fifty Rooms of 2015 and in 2016 Bel released her first book, Beautiful Babies Rooms. Building on her reputation for being a leader in the children's interior field, and due to demand from her clients, Bel has now extended Nest to include residential and commercial interiors as well. Bel is a member of the Design Institute of Australia. Listen in today to find out more. Show highlights: How Bel's blog was born, soon after the birth of her child. How Bel went about creating her blog. Bel has completed nearly 500 nursery and children's room projects in the eight years that she's been in business. What helped Bel's blog to grow and feed her business. What Project Nursery is all about and how it helped Bel to grow her business. Finding what you're really passionate about as a way to grow your business. It took about six months for Bel's blog to gain some traction. Some of the things that really helped Bel grow her blog. What prompted Bel to start doing e-designing. How Bel worked out how much to charge for e-design. What Bel has learned about systems in the eight years since she's been in business. What Bel learned from the episode with Chaney Widmer (#327). Bel explains how her business has grown. The kind of budget that Bel works with for children's rooms. What's to be found in Belinda's book. Belinda's plans for the future. The steps that Belinda is taking towards her future plans. How Belinda sources her products. Belinda's advice for new designers. Some tips for building community on Instagram. Some of the challenges Belinda has faced with running her business out of her home. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Cheryl Janis #41 Laurel Bern #342 Chaney Widmer #327 Christina Perry #05 Rachel Moriarty #55 #214 To register to become an Article trade member go to Well Designed Article. Well Designed Article If you would like to be in Luann's mastermind, email her assistant at Christie@luannnigara.com to set you up for a chat.

Welcome to today's episode of Power Talk Friday! We are very happy to introduce you to Peter Lang today. Peter is a really smart CPA who has niched his business around helping designers with their unique financial challenges, like unconventional sales tax situations and budgeting around the massive upfront payments from clients. Many designers and artistic professionals find that ordinary CPA's are simply not equipped to cope with their specific needs. Peter, however, is a proven expert in helping interior designers with the kinds of financial duties that they weren't taught in art school. On the show today Peter discusses the years he spent learning how to help our constantly under-served industry and he also explains why he chose to follow his dream of starting a firm of his own. Listen in find out more. Peter started out at a large firm in Boston, where he became aware of the kind of problems that artistic professionals, like interior designers, were facing. He moved to a smaller firm but soon became bored with being a traditional CPA. He noticed that interior designers were constantly being under-served by standard CPAs, so he followed his heart and started his own business in Rhode Island, where he now lives with his family. Listen in today to find out what Peter has to share with you. Show highlights: Peter's experience of being told that he helped people too much while working at a cut-throat firm in Boston. The importance of being comfortable enough with your accountant to ask him whatever you need to know. How it happened that Peter started helping interior designers. The difference between gross profit and net profit. Why you need to keep track of your expenses in order to set your goals. Financial mistakes that designers often tend to make. How Peter helps new designers to really understand their financial situation. The way that Peter helps designers to increase their profit margins. Situations and ideas that could get designers into financial trouble. Peter explains how putting your money into a number of different bank accounts can help you to better manage your finances. Why you really need to trust your accountant. How Peter helps designers navigate their way to success by finding the right software for their business. Choosing the legal entity that best fits your specific business. When it makes sense to change your business to become an S-Corporation. Understanding more about taxation. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Michelle Williams #180 Fresh Books #265 Links: Peter's website: The Designer CPA Peter's email: peter@thedesignercpa.com Peter on Facebook: The Designer CPA Peter is also on Instagram