Business of Design ® | Interior Designers, Decorators, Architects & Landscapers

Sure, as interior design professionals we make homes look beautiful. However, to be truly successful and create clients for life, we have to dig deeper. Interior designer Kate Marker says she likes to tap into the feeling or mood her clients are hoping to live with, in order to satisfy their deepest needs. She does that by asking strategic questions and actively listening, so she can build meaningful relationships that last and last.

In this episode we learn:

- it takes time to know your clients and then tailor your designs to reflect their unique personalities

- keeping the lines of communication open is critical, so build in regular updates and check-ins

- listen actively to your clients' concerns and desires and let them know you hear them

- foster collaboration but don’t be afraid to be the expert and make strong recommendations

- we build trust through transparency

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

Art provides a home with soul, infusing it with the client’s personality. Yet too many design professionals don’t make art selections on behalf of their clients. It’s not nearly as complicated to choose art as you might think. In this episode, we’ll talk about ways to bring more artwork into the lives of your clients.

In this episode we learn:

- art can be a piece you inherited, a painting you found at an antique store, a fun pottery collection, a textile from a trip (that could be a quilt, tapestry, or rug), kids’ art, etc.

- galleries can be intimidating, but flea markets, vintage shops, art fairs, and online art - resources can have amazing, meaningful pieces

- to create a color palette for a home, start with the art

- don’t worry about “matching” the artwork, opt for finding pieces that set the right mood

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

Can becoming a regular TV contributor on local networks impact your business? Absolutely, says interior design professional Hellen Austen. Here’s what you need to know to get yourself on TV and create a lasting impression that translates into clients.

In this episode we learn:

- get on a local show

- you might have to pay for the opportunity

- when on air, speak directly to your ideal client

- being on tv isn’t glamorous but it does increase your name recognition

- don’t be afraid to cold call the networks

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

Join Kimberley and Team BOD™ at High Point Market for a rehearsal of 20/20 Vision, Be the Expert. Yes, you can run a wildly successful and profitable business. It’s easier today than it’s ever been. In this episode, you’ll get a sneak peek at the 20 systems Kimberley shared to celebrate 20 years of Business of Design®.

You’ll learn what it takes to be the expert and how that benefits your clients. You’ll hear systems and strategies to implement, and the motivation required to boost yourself to the next level. If you weren’t able to join us live at High Point Market, here is your chance to be part of the celebration.

If you could wave a magic wand and go back in time, who would you add to your team first? A bookkeeper, like our guests today? A sales agent, like Kimberley? An assistant? An office manager? The choices are vast. Here’s what to think about as you build your team.

In this episode we learn:

- know the strengths and weaknesses of your employees and then build around their style of working

- assume the best of your employee, but look for opportunities to verify results

- create boundaries and expectations that are clearly defined

- allow failure to be part of your cost of doing 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

Not all contracts are created equal. An hourly fee contract has distinct advantages but so does a flat fee contract. Then there’s the hybrid contract. Which one is right for you? To be honest, it doesn’t matter which you use. All work effectively, provided you know how to calculate required funds, how to ask for the required funds and how to maintain control of the funds.

In this episode we learn:

- BOD™ finally has an ebook and an audio book

- which contract is right for you—hourly, flat, hybrid

- learn how to ask for the money you need

- learn how to calculate up-front 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

Do you have an appointment engine? Yup, says our guest, Nikki Nash, you have one. The real question is, are you using it and is it tuned up? There are three categories where you can focus your attention and achieve big results. 

In this episode we learn:

- you must go where your ideal prospect is (a place you can show up confidently)

- capture their attention and spark a conversation with a clear, consistent offer

- communicate your offer clearly

- get the client’s contact information and schedule a first date

- after the first date goes well, metaphorically go on the next until they have everything needed to make a decision

- propose to the clients and take your relationship to the next level

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

Do you have an appointment engine? Yup, says our guest, Nikki Nash, you have one. The real question is, are you using it and is it tuned up? There are three categories where you can focus your attention and achieve big results.

In this episode we learn:

- you must go where your ideal prospect is (a place you can show up confidently)

- capture their attention and spark a conversation with a clear, consistent offer

- communicate your offer clearly

- get the client’s contact information and schedule a first date

- after the first date goes well, metaphorically go on the next until they have everything needed to make a decision

- propose to the clients and take your relationship to the next level

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

The primary challenge keeping so many women in entrepreneurial poverty is a lack of consistent income. Interestingly, that’s a relatively easy fix, particularly for Business of Design® members. More challenging is the task of protecting your resources of time and energy. Yes, it’s possible to build a sustainable business that prioritizes health, wealth, and relationships.

In this episode we learn:

- define business growth goals that aim to eliminate time and energy constraints

- pay yourself while you are growing

- establish a support system of therapists, coaches, business BFFs, and mastermind groups

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

The wait is over! BOD™ Run Your Business has arrived. In this episode, Advocate-in-Chief Kimberley Seldon shares her journey over the past two years, offering key insights into crafting the ultimate playbook for running a successful business.

In this episode we learn:

- what’s inside Kimberley’s latest book and how it applies to your business

- everything starts with your money mindset and limiting beliefs

- expertise comes through systems

- hourly fees vs. flat fees, which should you use

- how to embrace a standardized contract

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