The Design Dialogues Podcast

098 Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Financial Systems to Protect Your Profit


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The Reality of Design Business Finances

• Why even the most talented designers can struggle financially 

• Common ways money slips through the cracks in design businesses 

• The mindset shift from "hobby" to "profitable business"

Cashflow Tracking Essentials

• How to set up proper accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB) 

• The importance of weekly cashflow reviews 

• Identifying patterns in your business finances 

• Common cashflow mistakes to avoid:

  • Spending money before it's in the bank
  • Forgetting about tax and business expenses
  • Not paying yourself first
Invoicing Best Practices

• Invoice on time, every time - as soon as milestones are reached 

• Set clear payment terms (7 days vs. "due upon receipt") 

• Utilize automated invoicing and payment reminders 

• The "accounts department" email trick for following up on late payments 

• Recommended reminder cadence:

  • 3 days before due date
  • On the due date
  • 7 days overdue
Pricing for Profitability

• Why undercharging puts a lid on studio growth • Factors to consider when setting your rates:

  • Experience and expertise (including transferable skills)
  • The value you bring to clients' lives
  • Time spent on all aspects of projects • Questions to ask yourself about your pricing:
  • Are you making a profit on every project?
  • Are you including markup on sourced products?
  • Would you be happy doing the project at this price again?
Free Resource

Download this month's free Project Tracker template to help monitor the financial health of your projects. 

This episode is perfect for interior designers who want to strengthen the financial foundations of their business, ensure they're getting paid what they're worth, and build a truly profitable design studio.

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

 

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

 

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

 

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

 

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

 

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

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The Design Dialogues PodcastBy Beth Bieske


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