Designer's Oasis

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Today I'm chatting with Christy Taylor, a Certified Public Accountant on a mission to help empower women in business through financial literacy. Christy specializes in tax preparation and consulting for women-owned small businesses and creative entrepreneurs. When she's not trying to keep her clients from panicking about taxes, you can most likely find her curled up by the fire with a scandalous romance novel, sipping strawberry margaritas by the water, or listening to Taylor Swift on repeat.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[06:15] Christy and I dive into business and entrepreneurship for those of us with ADD/ADHD and how we work our businesses around our struggles. We dive into protecting our mental health and ways that we have set boundaries.

[19:54] Christy shares how she helps people start to understand money through the lens that anyone can learn about their finances if someone takes the time to teach them.

[26:00] Christy shares how she got into the business and found her passions within the financial world.

[37:00] We discuss filing as an S-corporation vs and LLC and Christy's top tips related to which is best for you and when that step may make sense.

[45:00] As an interior designer, we often get money in ebbs and flows that we need to plan for in terms of taxes and setting aside money so Christy shares with us her tips for making sure to set aside the proper amount of money.

[59:15] Write-offs! What can you write-off and what can you not? Christy dives into the do's and dont's. PLUS you can download her freebie below!

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Check out Christy's Website

• Christy's Freebies!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/42

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Bookkeepers can help out clients as much as possible but it is so important that the business owner understands their business and the rules and regulations as well.

Today my guest is…

Morgan Boudreaux Operations Director at Business by the Book, a bookkeeping service provider who specializes in working with interior designers across the US. As part of financial literacy month, I have invited Morgan here today to answer some common questions related to accounting in the interior design industry.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[04:00] I share my experiences with different bookkeepers and how important it is to find a great fit and stick with them.

[12:21] Morgan shares what questions an interior designer should ask when looking for a potential accountant and what red flags should they look for.

[18:30] I ask Morgan to set the record straight when it comes to the role of a bookkeeper and what common misconceptions about what a bookkeeping firm does/can do for your interior design business.

[20:30] If you feel behind in your bookkeeping, Morgan shares what to do when you've fallen behind.

[30:00] We discuss sales tax and tax compliance for interior designers to take into account.

[40:00] I ask Morgan questions from our members such as common pricing for a bookkeeper and how/when to get started with a bookkeeper. I ask Morgan about client income and expenses on projects and the differences between retainers and invoices.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Business by the Book

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/41

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Always make sure you have clear goals. How much is coming in? How much is going out? Take a look at the activities you are doing - are they revenue generating activities or just busywork?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[04:10] Jenny shares a little more about herself and how she moved from pet photography to money coach!

[09:06] Jenny shares all about money types and how she works with clients to determine their money types in a way that allows them to make financial decisions in a calm, confident way.

[19:22] Jenny shares habits that she feels every creative entrepreneur should practice on a regular basis.

[26:17] Jenny and I talk about separating business and personal finances and the value of doing this while also creating structure financially in both. We also talk about generational patterns that come into play with money mindset.

[43:00] We dive into having the confidence that money will be there and how to connect through the purpose of our work. We talk about numbers and trusting our own intuition.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• QUIZ: Finding your Money Archtype

• Financials for Creatives

• Money Compass Deck

• Follow Jenny on Instagram @financialsforcreatives

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/40

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

You go from a place of needing and wanting to take everything that comes your way but you can't multiply your time so taking a look at how we use it and who we spend it with matters.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[04:20] Whitney and I start off talking about her own home build and project and other recent projects she is working on.

[13:23] Whitney shares her background and path into interior design and her journey to where she is today. We talk about her work with One Kings Lane as a part of the Chasemakers team.

[29:45] We dive into the decision making process for choosing when to take on a new client, when to say no to a client and how to continue to make business decisions that support your vision.

[37:40] Whitney shares how she outsources in her business and how this helps create and keep boundaries and relationships.

[45:00] Whitney and I discuss brand identity, what it has led to and how it has elevated her business.

[53:04] I ask Whitney about her business values and how that shows up in her business on a daily basis.

[56:00] I do a rapid fire question session with Whitney to wrap the episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Farrington Lane

• Instagram: @farringtonlane

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗-

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Paragraph summary

No amount of money is going to make you happy with the work you're doing. Part of this is having great relationships and showing up and then you get to work on what you want and that's such a blessing.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:20] Karlin and I kick things off talking about how she got into architecture and established her seat at the table.

[26:50] Karlin shares a bit about her process and the ability to take on projects and clients in a selective manner - we talk about holding boundaries and why it is so important.

[44:18] We talk about portfolio building and when it is important and how to build through the right projects and deciding what the great projects for you are.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Meritborn.com

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/38

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

If you have ever wanted to know more about hiring an interior design photographer or the ins and outs of what you should know, what to ask, and why it all matters, this is the episode for you! Jeff Jones and I deep dive into the right questions to ask and what to look for in today's episode.

In this episode, we answer questions like:

1. How does a designer go about finding the right photographer for their business? What questions should we be asking?

2. Once you have found a photographer (or two) to interview, what kinds of questions should you be asking?

3. There are SO many different types of photographers out there, what makes an interior design photographer different?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[02:10] I share a little bit more about my guest, Jeff Jones, and where we are headed with this episode!

[07:45] Jeff shares how he got his start in photography and then moving into interior design photography. He shares how he worked with Magnolia Market and how this led him to lean into the design aspect of photography.

[18:34] Jeff and I discuss what sets an interior design photographer apart from other types and styles of photography.

[24:50] I dive into how we treat the spaces we design as a lifestyle space and Jeff shares how he is able to "get the story" in his work when photographing to ensure the designer's vision comes through.

[30:30] Jeff and I discuss how important it is to know your end goal when getting interior design photography - is to to be featured in press, social media, personal use, etc - as it helps a photographer determine how to shoot the photos to provide the best results.

[34:36] We dive into the questions you should ask once you have found your photographer.

[41:30] Jeff shares what to look for in a contract and some standard photography licensing agreements and fees associated with third party usage of photos.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Jeff Jones Photography

• Instagram: @jeff_jones_photo

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/37

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Selling your services and selling your brand is not always easy! It can feel icky and as if you're trying to persuade someone to work with you (which doesn't always feel great). This episode is all about the myths around selling and how to re-frame your feelings on selling.

One thing to keep in mind is that your clien'ts money is none of your business. Your clients are grown ups and can decide what they can afford - not you. It's not your business. If they can't afford you, there is a designer out there who may be at a different place than you and would be a right fit. This leaves the door open for you to work with the clients that are perfectly aligned.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[02:05] I share my personal journey with selling, the struggles I encountered and steps that I took to move forward into feeling comfortable with selling.

[07:00] I discuss how selling happens throughout the client journey, not just in a sales call and why it is an essential part of running your business.

[08:00] I share how selling is NOT trying to persuade someone of something and jump into the first myth that selling has to be hard, icky, and challenging.

[10:34] Your beliefs about money affect your ability to sell and I discuss how your money thoughts and challenges impact your ability to sell.

[17:10] Hearing a no from a prospective client does NOT mean there is anything wrong with your pricing or with you. I share how to get curious around this and refine your processes. Pricing is not always the concern!

[24:33] I discuss how to overcome the idea that you are competing with "cheap" and "free" design services. I share how to work with your competitive edge and expertise.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Blog: An Abundance Mindset - 3 Ways to Shift your Mind towards Abundance

• Blog: Personal Story: I didn't take "No" for an answer.

• Blog: 5 Follow Up Strategies to Get More Interior Design Clients

• Blog: 3 Ways to Stop Doubting your Design Fees

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/36

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Today we are putting pen to paper and talking all about the benefits of hiring for your interior design business. I am passionate about this and feel strongly that every interior designer should have at least one assistant.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:06] I dive right into why most designers get stuck on hiring and understanding how they would utilize an assistant.

[05:00] I share how having an assistant can help your business - what can they help with? How will it uplevel the client experience?

[12:25] I run through an exercise with you all about how to figure out all that you do plus what you should be doing yourself!

[19:05] Grab your pen and paper! I go through an exercise to sort out what is fulfilling about your career and what lights you up.

[23:24] I share my real-life experiences with moving my business across the country twice and how I have used a wide array of assistants and employees.

[28:40]We run through examples of tasks that an assistant can help with during the interior design process and imagine what you could do with the time you gain back to really focus on and grow your business.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• PODCAST: Episode #9: How Hiring Can Help your Bottom Line

• PODCAST: Episode #34: 5 Signs it's Time to Hire

• BOOK: Traction by Gino Wickman

• BOOK: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wikman and Mark Winters

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/35

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Today we are talking all about hiring - specifically, how to know when its time. The reality is that many of us, as designers experience the struggles that we are talking about today and we end up throwing money at or wasting time on the wrong things - when really the answer is hiring help in your business.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[06:26] I share the honest truth that sometimes if you are not enjoying your business anymore and feel like you're losing your creativity and your love for your work, you may be in need of help i.e. hiring!

[08:35] I dive into the second way to know it's time to hire - you are overwhelmed with the business tasks and the day to day and losing your time in all of you necessary admin work.

[09:38] I share how the necessary details that go into every project can be bogging you down from really working on your big picture goals. Someone else could be doing some of this behind the scenes work for you.

[14:05] If your client work is suffering and the experience is dwindling, you may have too much on your plate that could be handed off to another team member via hiring.

[15:42] I talk about team burnout and how not hiring can affect the rest of your team and how this may include your team not focusing on what they are best at as everyone takes on projects that are out of their wheelhouse.

[18:05] I share how to start hiring, who to hire and what you should be looking for to offload some admin work. I share an exercise that will help you take action now in deciding the next first step!

[28:05] I talk about how not hiring can actually keep you stagnant and keep you from making more and providing a greater level of service for your clients. I leave you with a few thoughts on mindset and how to make that first hire (or next hire).

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• PODCAST: Episode #1: 3 Core Truths I Believe

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer)- Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/34

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Ask yourself, what would happen in your business if you started to take up a little more space. If you continuously looked for ways to move the needle even in small ways a little more each and every day. Those little needle moving actions and behaviors over time add up to huge success. That's what we're going to jump into today to keep you from leaving money on the table.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:45] I introduce the idea of taking up more space and moving the needle in your interior design business.

[04:30] I share how a follow-up strategy in your business can help create more time and make sure that deadlines, communication and follow-ups are taken care of in a timely manner.

[09:09] I discuss what happens when you give clients only what they ask when you know you could do better for them.

[16:28] I share how to ensure you are not under-charging for your time. I talk about how to audit your projects, track your time and make sure you are paid for your time.

[23:15] I talk about how to make sure you leave no dead-ends at the end of a project by asking for referrals, testimonials, and making sure to wrap up the project well.

[26:00] I wrap up the episode with a few needle-moving activities to get you thinking!

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• PODCAST: Episode #12 How to Make More Money with Time Tracking (Part I - Why & How to Track your Time)
• PODCAST: Episode #13 How to Make More Money with Time Tracking (Part II - How to Audit your Project's Time & Increase Your Profitability)

WANT MORE?

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer)- Blog - Free Resources

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers.

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/33