Designer's Oasis

Tracking time can be such a sore subject with entrepreneurs and business owners and the interior design business is no different. It is easy to forget, can feel like an interruption, and can be hard to enforce with a team BUT it is the KEY to finding out the profitability of your business, charging the right amount, and being transparent with your clients.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What do you even track? -(Hint: it's more than just your hours)
2. What are the different ways to track your time ?
3. How do you go back and audit your project at the end?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[05:37] I dive into what happens if you're not tracking your time and that can impact your business and your projects.

[08:30] How to build a new time tracking habit by working on your mindset first.

[11:40] I share key tips for training your team and getting your team up to speed and in the habit of tracking time along with you.[13:50] What should you be tracking and how to organize your tracking into categories (P.S. there's a freebie for you involved!)

[17:30] I talk through a few methods you may want to use to track your time and the pros and cons of each.

[19:50] I share a little bit about Harvest as a time tracking tool, why I use it and a little about how it works.

[26:30] I share my weekly challenge to you in regards to time tracking!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Harvest Affiliate Link: http://try.hrv.st/7-31015
• Episode 7: 3 Ways to Price your Projects
• Freebie - Timekeeping Categories

Client expectations start at the beginning of the design process. It's imperative to build a good relationship with your client. Make sure you are open, honest, communicative, and direct. This will translate to more business in the future, through referrals or future projects.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How can I set goals for their time frame and also allow for situations which are out of our control?
2. How can I normalize issues that come up throughout the process?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[02:50] Why is this piece of the process so important? We talk about why it's important for you as the designer as well as for the client.

[04:20] I share some tips for setting client expectations when it comes to a renovation.

[06:05] I share tactical ways to normalize issues that come up throughout the renovation and design process.

[09:26] How to set up great communication and be a good listener and sounding board for your clients.

Today's episode is all about building a successful relationship with your contractor and how many benefits this may lead to.

Every project is going to have its road bumps. When you have a great relationship with a contractor with open, honest dialogue those moments will feel more like little speed bumps than giant potholes that cause a flat tire. The result is smoother projects and happier clients.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do you find contractors that are at the caliber you want to be working with?
2. How do you get off on the right foot?
3. How do you maintain a great relationship with your contractor? One that is built on trust, mutual respect, and excellent communication.
4. Why does this really matter and how it can impact your design projects?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:33] How do you find a great contractor? I dive into the several ways to find a great contractor who also works at the same caliber as you in terms of clients.

[05:59] Once you have done your relationship, it's time to start establishing a relationship. I share a few of my tips to make sure that you can get started on the right foot.

[10:30] I share my thoughts on how to maintain that great relationship with your contractor once you've spent time establishing it. I share my tips straight from 2 of the contractors that I truly enjoy working with.

[14:34] Referrals! New information I have learned recently about referrals and liability that may come with your referrals (and how to avoid this!)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• SHOP - 2-in-1 Legal Bundle
• Legal Article re: Referrals

Imagine this - You just returned from a much-deserved 2 week holiday with your favorite person or people and while you were away any one(or perhaps all) of these things happened…

• You have a new client consultation on the calendar with a fully-vetted client.
• You've received the as-built drawings and site photos from a brand new project you are kicking off.
• Drawings for a new kitchen renovation are nearly complete and fully-detailed for next week's presentation.
• The ordering is complete for a project you recently presented to a client
• A light fixture arrived to the warehouse damaged, but a replacement is already in route.

Sounds pretty good yeah? I'm here to tell you that this level of support, and growth is totally doable. I'll share the ins and outs of hiring in your business in today's episode.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do you even get started in making your first hire?
2. How do you know if you're ready to hire in your business?
3. How does hiring actually increase the bottom line in your business?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[06:50] I jump into how hiring can help your bottom line and the various ways it can greatly benefit your business.

[14:50] How do you know who to hire first? I share how to figure out what your needs are and what type of hire you need to make first!

[18:30] I walk you through the types of employees vs contractors and why you may want to hire each type, the pros and cons, and all of your options.

[22:15]] My challenge to you this week: Write your job description of the role you want to hire first or next. Define the skill sets they need to have, describe the environment, what kind of experience they need to possess.

Years ago, I had a wonderful Discovery Call with a photographer who I was interviewing for a project. When we wrapped up, she sent me a drop-dead gorgeous PDF that showcased her work and also broke down her process and all of the investment details.

She offered premium services and it was a huge investment for me. I wasn't ready to commit over the phone; however, after spending time reviewing the guide she sent, I decided to proceed and guess what…she got the job.

It was at this point, I decided, I needed to create my own guide, which I call the "Services & Investment Guide." And let me tell you my friend, it has been a game changer in my business. I convert more potential leads into happily paying clients faster and with greater ease.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How does your Design Services and Investment Guide work with a Discovery Call?
2. What are 3 Things the guide helps you achieve in terms of potential clients?
3. What's Inside the Guide? If you already have a services guide, keep listening b/c you may have some important information missing that you might want to add.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[05:05] We discuss how I use the guide in my Discovery Call to complement what we discuss and what may be ideal for their project.

[06:30] I share 3 things the Design Services and Investment Guide helps you achieve in your business.

[09:50] I start answering some of the commonly asked questions like "isn't this info already on my website?" and why this guide is necessary to help present the right information at the right time.

[11:50] How is the Design Service and Investment Guide different than your Welcome Guide? I share a few reasons why I use both and how they differ.

[13:52] I jump into what is included, how to create, and how to grab a template if you don't want to start from scratch!

[24:58] My Challenge for you this week! If you don't already have a Services and Investment guide for your business, get started on that this week!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• BLOG - 4 Ways to get photos for your interior design business
• BLOG - Why your business needs a services and investment guide

SHOP - Design Services and Investment Guide Template

Today's topic is one of the most asked questions that I get about building your interior design business and that's how to price your projects and come up with your service fees and feel more confident in your proposals when you send them out.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do you decide what type of pricing strategy (or a few of them) that work best for your business?
2. Do you need to base fees on square footage?
3. How do you estimate your time?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[05:22] Do you need to track your time? Is this important regardless of your fee and pricing method?

[06:37] I share what 2 factors your fees should be based on no matter what the project scope entails. How to continue to price projects well even as you and your team become more efficient at project management.

[07:45] I share a few other methods on how to charge that may play a factor in how you charge for a project. I share how charging by the square footage or overall project cost are used by some interior designers (personally, this is not what I use and I share why!)

[11:50] I discuss how to charge for your projects based on time and the value that you bring to the project.

[16:45] I jump into the 3 types of pricing - hourly, flat fee, and hybrid. I share the pros and cons for each type and how we use them in our business.

[28:50] I share my challenge to you for the week!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Freebie - Design Process Asana Template
• Harvest for time keeping (Affiliate)
• Blog Post - How to Use Pricing Options in your Design Proposals
• Blog Post - How to Easily Track Time for Interior Design Projects
• Shop - Interior Design Client Agreement

Shop - Interior Design Client Proposal

One of the most important steps in the Interior Design Process is "Trade Day" especially on those small to mid-scale projects or cosmetic projects.

"Trade Day" is the day that you arrange for your vendors or trades to walk your interior design project so you can discuss their scope of work and they can collect whatever photos/measurements they might need to provide you with a thorough bid.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What are 3 ways that a trade day makes a more successful project?
2. When is the best time to schedule trade day in the process?
3. Who to invite, sequencing and prioritizing trades?
4. Other common challenges and how to get around them

Here's a glance at this episode…

[06:25] Why is a trade day so important? We cover 3 main reasons why I believe that trade day is a critically important part of the design process.

[08:10] I share a case study where I involved several trades in a very small portion of a larger project and each one had to be sequenced at the right time.

[12:12] When is the best time to schedule a trade day in the design process? I share my opinions on what has worked best for us!

[13:45 ] I answer how we go about setting up a trade day and coordinating that process.

[19:08] What should you bring to trade day? I share what we bring and prepare in order to have a successful trade day.

[20:15] I jump into the steps to follow up after trade day and we schedule and work on those tasks.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• "Trade Day" Blog
• FREEsources

This episode focuses on all things involving the welcome packet that you deliver to your clients. We will talk about how to create a professional, beautifully designed welcome packet and how to use it best as well as dive into some of the specifics of what pages to include. We will also talk about a few misconceptions surrounding the welcome packet.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What is the welcome packet? What is it's purpose?
2. When should the welcome packet be delivered?
3. What must be included in the welcome packet?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:00] How the welcome package sets the stage for what it will be like working with you and gets your clients really excited for what's to come.

[03:54] I share with you 2 common misconceptions about the welcome packet. (Hint: when should it be delivered and the purpose of the welcome packet)

[07:40] I break down what's included in the welcome packet and how to use each piece.

[26:30] I share about my favorite ways to print and source for my welcome packets so that you can print the best product for your client facing packets!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Canva Templates - www.designersoasis.com/shop
• Favorite Client-facing Printer Paper (Affiliate)
• Paper Source (Affiliate)
• Zazzle Folders (Affiliate)

Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

Having clearly defined design services is paramount to running an efficient and organized business.

It not only helps you get clear on the details such as the deliverables, the investment, and the timeline, but it also helps you to talk about your services to your clients with clarity and confidence.

And let's be honest, confidence is what we're after here right?

You can also use the details to help you put together those very important client deliverables such as your Services & Investment Guide or your welcome package.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. Have you ever struggled to explain the differences in your interior design services to potential new clients?
2. Do you have a clear picture of the benefits and results of each service and what type of client might be the best fit?
3. Do you sometimes wonder if you have enough offerings? Or - more likely - offer too many services?
4. Does everyone on your team know and understand the differences in your services?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:00] I dive into the importance of documenting and organizing the details of the services you offer and why it's important that everyone on your team has a clear way to access and use this information.

[05:05] How to name your service (quick tip: keep it simple!)

[06:40] I talk about how to describe each service, what it entails, and how to clearly define what you are offering. I also discuss how to lay out what is NOT included, how you will communicate with your client and how you will make sure this is all clear from the start.

[13:20] I share how to plan out timelines for each project and set up timeframes for the design services you will be offering.

[16:13] How to set up your terms for your different offerings. Minimum fees, travel times, and how to book your services.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Free Guide - Define Your Interior Design Services Worksheet
• Episode #2 - 5 Types of Interior Design Services to Consider Offering

• Canva Templates - www.designersoasis.com/shop
• Dubsado - 20% off First Month or Year with code designersoasis20 (Affiliate)

Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

Being boutique is about delighting your client EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

Today we are going to talk about what it means to "Be Boutique" in your business. Being boutique doesn't have anything to do with being small. It has everything to do with how you show up and serve your clients - and when done well, experiencing the natural benefits such as being able to charge more and cherry pick the clients and projects you want to work on. SOunds pretty good right?

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do we take that incredible responsibility or being given the keys to someone's home and be good stewards to our clients?
2. How can we afford to take on fewer clients and charge a premium?
3. How do you serve your clients so they become natural evangelists for your work?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:20] I discuss what it means to actually "Be Boutique" and how we take the incredible responsibility of being given the keys to our clients spaces and provide that top-notch service.

[05:00] I dive into how to delight your clients by doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.

[16:45] I share how I prepare your clients for the inevitable mishaps that will occur so that they feel supported!

[21:50] I share how to stay connected during a project so that you are always top of mind to your clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Client Questionnaire
• Client Consultation Worksheet Bundle
• Client Intake Cheat Sheet
• 3 Binder System Toolkit