What if I told you that the words you choose can have an impact on your bottom line? One of the best ways to attract affluent clients is by choosing the right words–words that not only magnify the worth of your work but sow the seeds of success. That means discarding limiting words like "expensive" and "cheap" and embracing empowering language that reflects the true value of your projects and services.

But, that’s not to say that this is an easy fix! Amending how you use and choose words in your vocabulary can be one of the most difficult changes you can make because the way we speak is so patterned and ingrained in our minds. But, if you can make the changes with fidelity in all aspects of your life–even behind the scenes–you will shift your world and your worth.

Join me in today’s episode for my suggestions for the words you need to eliminate and those you should adopt to sound more on-brand for your affluent clients and support your bottom line on the way. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• How word choices can increase the worth of your projects and attract affluent clients

• The impact of client language on the perception of design services and projects.

• Words to avoid to help you step away from perpetuating limiting beliefs

• Suggestions for using more creative, empowering language and replacing cliched or negative phrasing

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Get the Book: “Marketing Luxury Design: Attracting Affluent Clients”

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com

• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Over the past few episodes, I’ve been sharing a variety of ways that you can push your own brand further into the affluent realm. But have you considered what your affluent clients themselves are really looking for when they are choosing a designer to work with? Today we are delving straight into the heart of what affluent clients seek. Your ideal client wants to feel that they can trust who they are working with. I have some great tips to share that will help you achieve that balancing act of maintaining a personal style that resonates with your brand, which could entail stepping out of your comfort zone from time to time while also sometimes priotizing self-care and authenticity.

As we venture in further, I’ll help you unlock the secrets to understanding the needs of affluent clients through the four key elements to forging successful relationships. We talk about refining your client profile, understanding the client's language, and the magic of branding. We also discuss the importance of crafting a luxurious, personalized design experience, emphasizing the power of romance in design and tips on building strong client relationships. 

This journey is about you stepping into the next version of your creative business. So tune in, take notes, and transform your business into a magnet for affluent clientele.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of understanding the needs and desires of affluent clients to effectively cater to them

• The role of strong client relationships and personalized experiences in attracting and retaining affluent clients

• How to use sensory language to make design selections more appealing and luxurious for clients

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Get the Book: “Marketing Luxury Design: Attracting Affluent Clients”

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com

• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

When holding interviews, it's common to feel as if you're the one being interviewed. Sometimes our nerves get the best of us, and we talk more than we listen, or we don't allow ourselves to see the candidate for the person they are presenting themselves to be. So, today, we're going to dive into some of my best interviewing and onboarding tips and tricks.

In last week's episode, we discussed how to hire local assistants correctly the first time. Today's episode builds on that theme, with my interviewing tips and tricks for hiring that sticks. Hiring and team building are such broad topics with so much to dig into, so I've divided them into smaller chunks that you can focus and take action on.

Follow along with the process and join in!

In this episode, you will hear:

• Unexpected question suggestions for strategic and insightful interviews
• How to get a feel for a candidate’s skills and experience during the interview process
• Things to keep in mind during a new hire’s onboarding process
• Tips on structuring a thorough employment agreement 

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love to welcome you to our creative community if you haven’t yet subscribed.

We’d truly appreciate it if you drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• View and download all the resources mentioned in today’s episode here: https://melissagalt.mykajabi.com/resources-for-hire-local 
• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Do you know what it takes to attract and satisfy the crème de la crème of clients? In today’s episode of The Affluent Creative, we are picking up where we left off on the art of crafting a robust brand that appeals to the affluent clientele. While previously we focused on tips to incorporate to build your physical brand presence, today, we are diving into communication strategies from social media to socializing. I’m talking about establishing a commanding online presence and remaining consistent with your brand image on different social media platforms, all while building more knowledge of the luxurious pastimes of your most ideal clients. 

Infusing luxury into your brand’s social media presence can significantly up the ante and make sure your clients keep coming back. The affluent are in search of experiences, not just purchases, and the right approach to social media can help you tap into this desire. From understanding the intricacies of luxury to gaining knowledge about exquisite wine, spirits, and travel locations, I will share with you insights from my own years of experience that you can use to make a lasting impact. 

Discover the essence of maintaining a polished and professional image in your social media presence, email etiquette, and even payment process through the channels that your ideal client looks for the most. We've got a session brimming with insights, strategies, and resources to position your brand for luxury.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The significance of branding in every aspect of your business from travel gear to email signatures

• Ways to enhance brand image for affluent clients

• Tips on creating experiences rather than mere purchases 

• The significance of having knowledge about luxury spirits, wine and other beverages in boosting brand appeal and confidence

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• GET THE BOOK “Marketing Luxury Design: Attracting Affluent Clients”, the source for Who Your Brand Needs to Be to Attract Affluent Clients

• Additional Episode Resources Here

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com

• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Ever wondered how your fashion choices could determine your success? Today, we’re exploring the power of aligning values with your ideal clients rather than hard-selling and how your style choices – from your wardrobe to your eyewear – can impact your brand's image. We’re looking at the undeniable allure of fascination–which is why making an outrageous eyewear statement, for example, could actually be a game-changer for your business, taking cues from icons like Elton John and Iris Apfel.

Who knew that your choice of car, jewelry, and even technology could narrate your brand's story? Whether it be your snazzy watch, architectural jewelry, or the sleek car you drive, these factors all contribute to your brand's narrative. Learn how to harness these elements and reflect your brand's ethos powerfully. Drawing inspiration from the successful designer Peter Marino, we’ll learn how to think, dress, and act out of the box. We'll also delve into the often overlooked aspects of our lives – our phone cases, ringtones, and screensavers – and how they silently communicate our brand to the world.

It's not just about what you wear; it's about crafting a brand wardrobe that speaks volumes. Tune in as I share my journey of breaking away from a signature look to create a new wardrobe that better aligns with my brand identity. We’ll take a closer look at the concept of a 'brand wardrobe' and understand how a support network plays a pivotal role in building your business. Wrapping up, we'll explore the benefits of subscribing and sharing the podcast and how you can interact with me directly. Let's take this captivating journey together and step closer to becoming an affluent creative!

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of creating a remarkable and recognizable brand image through fashion and personal style

• The impact that personal choices like eyewear, jewelry, cars, and technology can have on your brand image

• Tips on crafting a 'brand wardrobe' that aligns with your brand identity

• How to use tech and business cards to effectively represent your brand

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com

• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Get ready to be captivated by Jenna Wedemeyer of Schnabel Interiors as she dishes on her journey from nearly burning out to finding the perfect work-life balance and uplifting her business. Jenna's narrative of finding joy in horse riding, reconnecting with a long-lost sweetheart, and successfully moving her life and business proves that personal happiness can coexist with professional accomplishment.

Jenna and I plunge into deep discussions about the significant aspects of business investment and how she leveraged her education to fuel her design business. Our conversation takes you through the art of forming client relationships and setting boundaries, to managing a website that reflects your brand. Jenna's penchant for minimalism and decluttering, and her expertise in the design market's dynamics provide a fresh perspective in the field.

Jenna and I also delve into the essence of networking and partnerships in scaling a business. Our conversation sheds light on the changing resources for designers and the increasing importance of forging meaningful connections with other professionals. Jenna's experience with the value of having a mentor to guide your entrepreneurial journey will inspire you to take risks and find others to help you explore your potential. So, sit back and let Jenna's story motivate you to create your dream creative business.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Jenna Wedemeyer's transition from burnout to achieving work-life balance and business success

• How personal happiness and professional accomplishment can coexist

• What the changing landscape of resources means for designers 

• The importance of forging meaningful connections with other professionals

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Check out Jenna’s work on Schnabel Interiors Website and Schnabel Interiors Instagram

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com

• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Struggling to shed those last 10 pounds taught me a lot more than just the importance of discipline and perseverance - it also taught me about growth. Personal growth, yes, but also business growth. What started as a quest to shed weight evolved into a passionate exploration of the powerful connection between personal and business transformation. 

In this journey of personal and professional evolution, I discovered the power of restructuring your business framework. I'm not talking about a simple cosmetic change, I'm talking about a fundamental shift in the way you operate. Breaking free from limiting beliefs, inefficient systems, inadequate clients, and low rates - it's more than just boundary-setting, it's about reclaiming your power, it's about revamping your business and paving its way to growth. And believe it or not, I found the humble pen and paper to be my greatest ally in this venture. There's something about putting your thoughts on paper that makes them seem more tangible and more real. 

In today’s episode, we are tapping into the power of releasing to invite more freedom, peace, and profit into your business. It's about letting go of the past, being fully present, and looking forward to the possibilities of the future. I'll walk you through the 10 things you need to release, starting with the fallacy that more revenue requires more work. It's time to release what no longer serves you, reclaim what needs to be reclaimed, and set your sights on a prosperous future. Join me in this exciting journey of personal growth, business transformation, and strategic decisions.

In this episode, you will hear:

• 10 things to let go of in your business, including the myth that increased revenue always equals more work

• How powerful the concept of “release” can be for your happiness and success in business

• The value of a well-matched team and my tips on managing underperformers

• The importance of restructuring your business, challenging limiting beliefs, and overhauling ineffective systems when they just aren’t working for you

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com

• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

• "What to Release for MORE Revenue"

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Ever struggled to balance your creative instincts with the cold hard facts of business profitability? At the recent High Point Market, I had the chance to sit down with three successful designers - Isabel Ladd, Duvall Reynolds, and Justine Knox - to unlock the mystery of building a profitable creative practice. Now, I want to share some of those insights with you all. The best part is that these four ingredients are all things that you already have going for you!

What are these four essential ingredients to success? Personality, point of view, process, and portfolio. You might be surprised, but price isn't on my list–and it isn’t as significant as you may think. 

In our conversation, I’ll explore how Isabel, Duvall, and Justine each harnessed their unique perspectives to attract their ideal clients. We’ll also delve into the art of simplifying choices for clients to reinforce your expertise and relieve decision fatigue. By the end of today’s episode, you will have collected a treasure trove of insights to help you amplify, optimize, and maximize the four essential ingredients of success in your website, social media, and stories. Tune in to discover the secrets to a less stressful, more profitable creative practice!

In this episode, you will hear:

• Strategies to improve productivity, confidence, and profit with ingredients you already bring to the table
• Inspiring ways that these successful designers have utilized the four keys to creative success in their businesses
• Why your price should not be the ultimate reason clients hire you
• The importance of portfolio and process in attracting clients and increasing profit

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Justine Knox’s website
• Isabel Ladd’s website
• Duval Reynolds’ website
• Podcast Episode: Your Client’s Aren’t Qualified
• The Go Beyond Intensive
• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Social media is an amazing tool that, when used correctly, can serve and support your business’ success. It is not something that you need to dedicate gobs of time to either, as long as you can use it strategically. Selecting only certain feeds to follow, setting specific goals for engagement and activity, and not overwhelming yourself by managing too many accounts are just some of the strategies I’ll be diving deeper into throughout today’s episode.

Today, I’m sharing with you 12 specific principles to follow when using social media to increase your profit. With each principle, I will also leave you with a couple of action steps you can start trying immediately to help you move forward. We are all about taking action here, and these steps are smart, targeted strategies that you can implement on your creative journey to success. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why using social media strategically is so important for your business
• What the 12 Social Media Principals of Profit are and how to implement them 
• Specific action steps for each principle for a clear and actionable way forward

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love to welcome you to our creative community if you haven’t yet subscribed.

We’d truly appreciate it if you drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

We all hit a rut at some point in our design careers. Perhaps you've gotten to a place where business seems to have slowed down and you want to hit the refresh button to jumpstart yourself into a new market of clients. Or, maybe you are a budding new designer, trying to build up your portfolio and make it into your ideal client market. 

Whether you are new to the game or simply looking for a new perspective, you need to step outside of your comfort zone and use the tools you have at your disposal to expand your business. That also means looking for clients in places that you may have yet to consider.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into 7 unexpected ways to find clients when you are just starting out or stuck in your business. Think of it as both inspiration and strategic guidance to help you get from starting out into a place of momentum and accomplishment. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Seven out-of-the-box solutions to tracking down new markets for potential clients
• Why being your own client can be especially rewarding
• The importance of leveraging social media in your business
• Why doing whatever it takes will get you farther than just stopping at your best

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love to welcome you to our creative community, if you haven’t yet subscribed.

We’d truly appreciate it if you drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.