Designer's Oasis

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Too often designers either miss red flags due to a lack of experience or choose to ignore them becuase they are eager for the work or the client was a referral from someone you know. They may be in your circle of friends or community and the hard question is really what do you do with these red flags? Today's episode will shed some light on what to look for and how to handle the most common red flags.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[04:20] I jump into how you can start to spot red flags BEFORE engaging with a client on a long-term basis.

[07:15] I start with the red flag of a potential client trying to negotiate your contract, how to stand your ground and how to believe in your services and the contract you've spent time putting together.

[12:08] Indecisiveness in a client can make a project extremely difficult. I dive into why it's not about how much information or time they need, but their ability to make a decision in the end.

[18:26] I share about discounts! Discounts on services, products, etc and why this can be a red flag to handle head on from the start.

[25:50] I talk all about boundaries ranging from communication to expected response times to setting expectations

[28:52] I discuss how a client who "ghosts" you or continually takes a long time to respond can be a red flag while also throwing off milestone dates and delivery dates.

[33:00] I share about having and finding clients who truly respect the process.

[36:13] I discuss reading a potential clients' tone and paying attention to how you feel with the general communication to see if workin with them may be a red flag.

[45:50] I wrap up with the good and bad news and how identifying red flags early can help you make room for the perfect client that is out there for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• SHOP: Design Services and Investment Guide Template
• SHOP: Client Welcome Packet Template
• SHOP: Client Presentation Template
• SHOP: Interior Design Client Agreement
• SHOP: Interior Design Client Proposal
• PODCAST: Episode #11: Managing Client Expectations
• PODCAST: Episode #24: 5 Business Lessons I have learned the hard way

WANT MORE?

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

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/32

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

You might not always be able to change their minds but if you can look into why a client isn't moving forward with your services, you can find out where you're losing a client and if it's something that you can adjust in your business. In this episode, I'll dive into the 5 reasons why clients aren't moving ahead with you that I've learned over time with tracking and small changes.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:15] We talk about what happens when you go through with sending off the proposal and then crickets……

[06:11] We talk about the important things to remember when a client chooses not to use your services.

[07:30] I dive into the 5 reasons why you may hitting a deadend with prospective clients (after making these mistakes myself!)

[9:30] I chat about how to "cast the vision" effectively and help them see the end result and what they are really after.

[10:58] I share how to use your clients own words to help them feel validated and understood within your proposal.

[12:43] Overwhelming your clients or confusing them can be a concern so I share how to help ease the overwhelm as their interior designer.

[15:58] I dive into how to address your potential clients internal pain points rather then just those external pain points they may share.

One of the tools we offer inside the Designers Oasis Membership is the CEO Dashboard which includes a Conversion calculator. The conversion calculator can help you see where prospective clients may be falling off. This is a key metric to track in your business because. Once you can identify that, then you know where you need to improve your process.

If this sounds like something you'd like to have in your business, headover to Designer's Oasis to learn more about joining

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• PODCAST: Episode #23: 6 Ways to Research your Client's Pain Points

WANT MORE?

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

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

-------------------------------------

***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!

FOLLOW this podcast so you never miss an episode! Follow Now

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/31

Trust me, I get it! I've found that I have been a victim of the perfectionist trap for way too long and am just recently figuring out just how much this has held me back. We are exposed to the pain-free narratives of others while acutely feeling and experiencing our own struggles. Getting to where you want to be is a set of stairs where you are taking one imperfect step at a time.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How to start moving forward and get out of the perfectionism trap.
2. How to stop comparing yourself and get more done!
3. Strategies you need to start dealing with perfectionism within yourself.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[05:05] I share about the types of perfectionism and how this may show up for you. I dive into product perfectionism and process perfectionism.

[08:56] I talk all about the comparison trap and self-perfectionism and how this can keep us trapped or keep us playing small.

[11:00] I share a personal story about my perfectionist tendencies when it comes to podcasting. I share why I don't let it stop me anymore and try to move forward.

[13:20] I discuss the trap that perfectionism can lead to that can take us down a road to burnout which tends to feel like failure and stifles creativity.

[14:58] I share strategies for tackling the perfectionism within yourselves and how to start to normalize your own mistakes and failures.

[20:25] I wrap up with a few thoughts from one of my favorite authors, Adam Grant, and his thoughts on comparison.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dubsado - use designersoasis20 for 20% off!
• More on Adam Grant

Today's episode is all about my favorite lead magnet idea for interior designers to help you find the right type of client from the start, share your process, and streamline your business.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. What lead magnet may be the right one for you?
2. The goal of a lead magnet is finding the perfect client for you.
3. How and what your email sequence should include?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[2:34] We jump into the basics of what a lead magnet is, what the goal is and what it may include. I share why you would even want to collect email addresses and how to use them once you have them.

[04:13] I share how you may use an email series to expand on the lead magnet, build trust, and share more resources.

[06:23] I share using emails to provide a quarterly studio update to share upcoming projects, keeping you front of mind, and sharing ways to work together.

[09:58] I dive into the top principles of a good lead magnet. I share what the lead magnet should include and how it should reflect your brand. I talk through how you can demonstrate your expertise, inspire them, and attract the type of client you want to work with.

[18:30] I share ideas for lead magnets that you could create. I talk quizzes, informational guides, checklists, and round-ups.

[26:45] I wrap up with a few final tips on the goals of a successful lead magnet.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• BLOG - Creating an Effective Lead Magnet for your Interior Design Business
• Designers Oasis Shop

Limiting beliefs, you know those sneaky thoughts that creep in sabotage your progress? When left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on your potential. I hear a lot of limiting beliefs from the designers I work with.

Today I'm sharing some of the common limiting beliefs I hear over and over again. We're going to examine 7 of them and try to untangle them. The truth is, if you're feeling stuck in business, it might not be what you're doing (or not doing) that is the problem, rather it may be your thinking or beliefs that are holding you back.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. What to do when you are just feeling stuck.
2. How you can pull yourself away from those limiting beliefs.
3. How to tackle the most common limiting beliefs I hear over and over.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:30] I dive right into the first limiting belief that you need to have all of your processes "figured out" before you can take on clients. (Hint: you have to jump in before you can start to figure it out and refind the process)

[05:07] I discuss how not finding immediate success is not a reason to give up. We see a lot of people's success without seeing the hard work or process behind it. It's just an illusion and we need to continue to grow and trust the process.

[11:02] I tackle the age-old idea of when to invest in your business. How long can you bootstrap your business and when do you need to start investing in some way? I share why you should be investing in your business from the start, even in small ways.

[15:35] I jump into the limiting belief that you can't afford to make mistakes. I share how this can throw you into analysis paralysis and how to overcome this idea.

[22:10] I share all about the idea that you can't start to charge for your services until you have a few projects under your belt. Your services are valuable, no matter where you are in your business.

[24:30] I talk all about the idea that once you have "x", you'll be confident and put yourself and your business out there. I share how to build that confidence in your business.

[26:47] I discuss the misconception that selling is somehow about convincing people and share why believing that sales are "icky" can hold you back and limit your growth.

[31:01] I wrap up with how to ask yourself if a thought is a limiting belief or a true challenge.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Podcast → 5 Business Mistakes I Learned the Hard Way
• Designers Oasis Shop
• To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink

The experience a client receives and great service is so important. Lucky for me, that comes pretty naturally based on my experience working in fine dining. The goal at the end of a meal is to leave the customer with a full belly, and a dopamine hit from laughter and being with people they love. My goal was to make it feel like an effortless and seamless experience, which is the same goal I carry into my interior design business!

Today I share all about how I feel that my experiences working in a few fine dining establishments helped shape me to be a better manager of projects and clients and to help me understand what high end clients want.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How your past experiences have/can shape your interior design business
2. How you can use these experiences to create your unique selling proposition
3. What I learned from waiting tables that helped me craft my business

Here's a glance at this episode…

[04:40] I share how previous experiences (waiting tables or not) have shaped your ability to create a unique selling proposition for your interior design clients.

[08:26] Experience is everything, right? I share how to figure out the experience a client is after and help to provide that in your service. The goal is to do the ordinary things extraordinarily well.

[11:55] I jump into efficiency when providing service and how to create efficiency in your business. I share how to handle billing, emails, and correspondence to streamline your time.

[14:39] I share how important it is to truly know your audience when relaying information. From contractors to clients to vendors, it matters how you relay information related to the interior design project.

[17:24] Anticipating needs of our clients is KEY! I share how you can anticipate common needs for clients.

[20:48] I jump into how to mitigate mistakes, those that are in your control and those that are not in your control. I share when and how to share those mistakes or delays and how to relay this information to your clients in a positive way.

[26:40] I share how to make friends with your back of house staff, your contractors, etc in a way that can help your business thrive, help with mistakes and concerns along the way, and how to nurture these relationships.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Designers Oasis Shop

Want to raise your design rates? Your costs have increased and it's time you raise your rates to match this. It's tempting to put our emotions into these decisions but today is all about sharing how to make this a little easier!

In this episode we discuss things like…

1. How to raise your rates and fees with ease.
2. How to deliver the message that your rates will be changing.
3. How to feel your worth what you're charging so your clients do as well.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[05:13] I share about how you could gradually increase existing clients as you increase your rates to newer clients coming in. Remember: not all clients have to be at the same rate.

[08:35] Don't be afraid to lose some clients. I share how raising your rates may lead to some loss of clients but this makes room for new clients.

[09:45] I share how you can explain your rate increase to clients and discussion points you may want to have.

[12:00] I share about using a fee ladder structure and how you can share this with your clients as well as timelines to share with clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• BLOG - How to stop doubting your design fees

BLOG - Raising your Rates for Interior Design Clients

This episode is all about mini projects to help you set up and organize your design business for the new year. I'm going to be sharing 10 options that will hopefully get your mind thinking about the new year with a fresh start.

In this episode we discuss things like…

1. How to prep your business during this down time to give you a fresh start
2. How to feel energized and refreshed in the new year

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:55] I start with the first category of projects, all related to branding for your business. You can start with revamping your services and investment guides and/or welcome packets.

[07:20] Auditing your website and/or social media can make for a great mini project(s) during a little downtime. I share how to look at and audit your pages.

[12:58] I dive into the next category → organizing projects! This may be your sample library, your files, and even your bookmarks for your laptop!

[17:30] I share some small visibility projects to increase the visibility of your business in the new year. Looking into some of the organizations and networks you could become a part of can help you hit the ground running in the new year.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• SHOP - Client Welcome Pack (Canva Template)
• SHOP - Services & Investment Guide (Canva Template)
• BLOG - How to Organize Your Digital Files for your Interior Design Business
• BLOG - How to Organize Your Materials Library

Today is all about failures and mistakes in business. I'm pulling back the curtain on the top 5 mistakes I have made in my business.I want to share these mistakes to normalize them and hopefully my mistakes can help you from making those same mistakes.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What do I wish I had done sooner in my business?
2. How can you use your failures and mistakes for growth?
3. Why making mistakes is not a bad thing.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[3:50] I jump right into my first mistake in business - not investing into my business sooner through coaching and business experts.

[08:13] I share about how to identify red flags in clients and how to learn from them. I share how ignoring them can really put you at risk in the long run.

[11:19] I share all about the mistake of blending money (client money and business operations money) into one account and the various ways that you may set up the money involved in your business.

[16:45] I talk about how I used to let my ideal client avatar get stale and how this can impact the types of projects that may come your way. [19:37] I discuss how I came to the conclusion that I could not do it all. I share how and when I knew I needed to hire and how I was able to work through it.

Today's episode is all about knowing your ideal client's pain points and how this helps you to talk directly to them. when you are able to do that you can help them see and feel like you get them and you are the answer to their challenges.

In this episode we discuss topics like…

1. How to discover your ideal client's pain points.
2. How to help you ideal client and show them how you can bring the solution,
3. The 6 ways you can investigate and find the pain points.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[06:12] I share my first step in researching pain points - magazines! I share how powerful the articles and stories can be in finding common client pain points.

[08:49] Online forums can be a source of researching pain points when used properly and mindfully. I share how I have used them in the past.

[10:00] I talk all about the ways that working with clients can help you build up your copy bank and identify pain points via intakes with prospective clients through intake forms and discovery calls.

[19:20] I share how I used a consultation to continue to identify pain points and build on the language your clients are using. [22:22] The deep dive interview - how this has helped in my business and why I feel like it's a great opportunity to really get to know clients in a personal way.

[25:40] I share why it's so important to go back to notes from client's that you didn't end up working with and identify the red flags in terms of language and words they used and how this can also help you in your copy and attracting the right clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Annual Master Planning Workshop - November 10th, 2022
• Blog Post - How to Run a Discovery Call

Blog Post - 12 Tips for a Rock-Solid Consultation