Learning to think on your feet is critically important for the design professional. Taking an improv class can improve your ability to engage in a positive way with clients and stay in the moment; allowing you to problem solve more effectively. 

In this episode we learn: 
- improv prepares you for thinking on your feet
- yes, opens doors and no, closes them
- fearlessness is increased with improv training 
- don’t try to anticipate what the client is going to say, just wait and listen

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 317 | Improv For Life with Marilyn Smith

Business of Design® is the #1 trusted business training resource for design professionals around the world. Join thousands of design professional already using our field-tested project management strategies and enjoy increased confidence, improved client retention, greater profits and a business that thrives.

It’s time to take control of your business. 
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

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Why does it seem like you’re either drowning in opportunity or getting hit from behind by closing doors? Design professional, and BOD™ devotee, Jameelah Watkins-Mallett says there is an art to getting abundance in your life. And, it’s important to be discerning about what you will say yes to. 

In this episode we learn: 
- how small yeses turn into the big yes
- when it’s time to say no
- why it’s important to stand in your power, from your first project
- consider setting a minimum for your design fees

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 378 | Stand In Your Power with Jameelah Watkins - Mallett

The journey to a dream career is frequently a winding path. That’s true for many of us, and it certainly describes the journey of designer Denean Jackson. Hear how she launched her business as a staging professional and then followed her heart to a niche in kitchen and bath design. Every year gets better, and there are big plans ahead for Denean.  

In this episode we learn: 
- self-assessment is an important tool
- reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and areas of expertise
- identify what sets you apart from others in the industry 
- explore the current trends, demands, and gaps in the design market
- understand the needs and preferences of your target audience 
- gather feedback from past clients to understand what they appreciated most about your services 
- don’t be afraid to experiment and try out various specializations within interior design 
- continue to learn through workshops, courses, and industry publications

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 377 | The Journey to Niche with Denean Jackson

Could you take 1% of any revenue you earn and tuck it away, out of sight, safe in a savings plan? Yes, you can. Although 1% doesn’t sound like a lot, it might surprise you to see how fast your 1% asset will accumulate. Saving is a muscle, like any other. Taking 1% off the top may push you to get more creative with purchasing and expenses. Try it. 

In this episode we learn:
- take 1% of all revenue and put it in a separate account
- train your brain to work without that 1%
- get in the habit of saving
- once 1% feels easy, push the boundaries, and save 2%
- if you continue to put your needs last, not saving for a rainy day, you’ll eventually burn out 
- three profit levers you can pull in your business

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 376 | 1% Matters with Danielle Hendon

There are so many joys and benefits of working on projects in different locations, but there are an equal number of challenges. Working on distant projects will force you to be extremely efficient and strategic with your time, benefiting all of your other projects in the long run.

In this episode we learn:
- How to manage projects in different time zones
- Develop good procedures for remote work
- Travel to the places where you want to work and build a presence
- Use a PR and Communications company to target new areas
- How out of town projects can teach you to be more efficient with on site visits
- If you work overseas, make sure to understand local building code, commercial laws, tax regulations, shipping clauses, business regulations, etc.

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 375 | Working Abroad With Christina Richardson.m4a

Two years ago, when designer Holli Appelquist joined Business of Design® and began to implement the systems. She anticipated improvements to her projects, but she was blown away by the positive changes in her life. She finally enjoyed the work-life balance that previously eluded her. She had more time to work on the tasks she loved doing. More time off during the work week and more time off for holidays. She was able to delegate to staff and their satisfaction improved. Profits soared. Today, Holli is the confident business owner she always wanted to be. 

In this episode we learn: 
- establish a company mission and define your values, then live by them
- integrity matters, define it and honor it 
- adding systems allows you to take more time off, to have more breathing space in your week

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 317 | Improv For Life with Marilyn Smith

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