Designer's Oasis

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Today's episode is all about looking back and sharing with you all the 5 things I would do differently if I was starting from scratch again. I reflected back on what I would tell a new interior designer getting started in the industry.

Here's a glance at the episode:

• I share how important it is to truly invest in your business early on. I share how I invest in my business regularly now and how I wish that I had started to do this earlier.
• Perfectionism is the antithesis of progress. I share how it affects me as well and how it an hold us back from just getting started in business so dive in!
• I share all about how to get comfortable with self-promotion even if it is inherently uncomfortable for you.
• I discuss how important it is to get clear on your goals and what success really looks like for you! Remember - it's key to build the business you want that fits into your lifestyle.
• I share with you how to be more selective with the types of clients you take on and how to determine where to spend your energy.

Mentioned in this episode:

• REGISTER for the A-List Interior Designer's Summit
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram

📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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

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

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/52

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Have you been at this a while, but for some reason you can't seem to either get to that next level revenue goal you've set and you feel stuck at the level you're at?

Today's episode is all about the habits that keep you stuck and broke. Those habits that keep holding you back and are keeping you from really thriving in your business. I want to share what I see often that keeps interior designers in a perpetual loop and how to make mindset shifts to really make some adjustments and gain some clarity.

Here's a glance at the episode:

• I discuss how leaving money on the table is the first reason I have seen interior designers stay stuck, which can happen with scope creep and change orders. I share a few ways to address this in the future.
• I share how to use value-based proposals to ensure your clients can see what each level of service really includes.
• I share about tracking time and how important it is no matter how you are charging for your services.
• I dive into the importance of the follow up plan and staying connected with your prospective clients. I share how follow up is part of the selling process.
• talk about all things undercharging. So many interior designers are perpetually undercharging and I share all the ways you may be doing this and how to make sure you are aware moving forward.
• I wrap up with questions to ask yourself if these topics resonated with you and how to start making adjustments.

Mentioned in this episode:

• REGISTER for the A-List Interior Designers Summit
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• 3 Ways to Price Your Projects (Hourly, Flat Fee, & Hybrid)
• How to Make More Money with Time Tracking Part I - Why & How to track your time
• How to Make More Money with Time Tracking with Time Tracking Part II - How Audit your Project's Time
• How to Raise your Design Fees without the "Ick"
• 4 Ways Designer's leave money on the table
• 4 Myths About Selling

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram

📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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

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

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/50

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, that 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:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• 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

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/8

Think about what your clients are experiencing. (Hint - Your clients will give you these words.). Look back at their intake forms and use their words.

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 its 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:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Canva Templates - www.designersoasis.com/shop
• My Favorite Client-facing Printer Paper
• Zazzle Folders

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/5

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 everyone on your team must have 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:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• 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

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/4

"Being boutique is about delighting your client EVERY STEP OF THE WAY." - Kate Bendewald

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 of 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 providing 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:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Client Questionnaire
• Client Consultation Worksheet Bundle
• Client Intake Cheat Sheet
• 3 Binder System Toolkit

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/3

"You don't need to do it all! Think about your personality and what is a good fit for YOU and your clients." - Kate Bendewald

When it comes to design services and the different options that we, as interior designers, have when it comes to what we each offer, I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. In many cases, designers today don't want to do procurement due to lead times, construction costs and delays, etc. Many of you may want to have a menu of options for clients. In this episode, I share what I feel are the 5 types of interior design services that you should consider offering, what they are, what the pros and cons are, and who they are ideal for.

I will throw out one caveat. In this episode I am talking about generally accepted practices in interior design. Will there be exceptions? Absolutely. This is intended to provide a framework for how to think about the different types of services you might offer and how to decide which ones are in alignment with the types of clients you want and the kind of design career you want.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. What design services you may consider offering to your clients?

2. What are the pros and cons of each type of design service?

3. What kind of design career do you want?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[3:00] Why I don't feel like an interior designer should offer all types of services, but rather choose what interior design services are best for their business. Why offering a ladder of services may be a better fit.

[5:20] We dive into what full-service design includes and involves, how the project management may work, and the pros and cons.

[10:30] I share how I use design-only services in my business, the pros and cons as well as who this is ideal for.

[18:05] Consultation only services and how you can set these up by offering advice and design direction only, without drawings or detailed specifications.

[21:50] Offering services remotely via E-Design services - when they can work, who they work best for, and all of the pros and cons.

[29:45] One of my favorite services to offer, Designer for a Day - how much can you achieve in a day, how do you charge, what is really possible?

[35:27] Wrapping up with a few thought-provoking questions to get you on the right track!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Is E-Design Finally Having it's Moment?
• E-Design: How to Develop your Pitch, Process and Price
• Sidedoor https://www.onsidedoor.com/
• 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/2

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint In today's episode, I am answering a listener question for our #dearkate entries! This question comes from Melissa, who wants to know about starting their own business? Melissa says: "Interior design has been a part of my life for decades. But I haven't worked in this field professionally. After graduating from an interior design program, I'm considering going right for it and opening my own design firm. I feel confident in my ability to design for clients. However, I feel uneasy not having any real world professional experience. I want to do right by my clients and enjoy my second career as much as possible. What do you think I need to know before deciding to go for it? PS thank you so much for sharing valuable specific insights on the podcast. I have learned so much from you. And I'm so grateful." Here's a glance at this episode…

• I share why I think it's always a good idea to start working for someone else as you are getting started and learning.
• I discuss the 9 traits that are necessary to build a successful interior design business.
• I jump into the first steps to take to start building your interior design business.
• I share how to learn from your mistakes and avoid comparing your start to someone else's middle or end of their business journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Episode # 37: 7 Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/what-you-need-to-know-before-starting-an-interior-design-business

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint In today's episode, I chat with Selena Soo and Sharon Stokes. Selena Soo is a publicity and marketing strategist for visionary entrepreneurs and experts who has helped clients and students get featured in places like Domino, The Oprah Magazine, Forbes and Inc, and land interviews on popular podcasts and national television. Joining her today is Sharon Stokes, her head of publicity programs and senior media coach who has served as a TV producer for close to 20 years, producing interviews with notable personalities, including Oprah, Richard Branson, Marie Forleo, and Gabrielle Bernstein. I have personally worked with Sharon and Selena and my very first publicity pitch after working with them was accepted, and featured in Domino! In today's episode we chat all about the best ways to get featured and gain the publicity you want for your interior design business. Here's a glance at this episode…

• We discuss all of the factors that come into play with publicity including what types of publicity are best.
• We share about the fear that comes with putting your work and your story out into the world and the fear of visibility that comes with that.
• We discuss the mistakes that are often made when it comes to publicity and marketing with interior designers.
• We dive into how to look for a find help with publicity including what to look for, what you need, and how that may look.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Book a Call with a Publicity Strategist
• Impacting Millions
• Selena's Website

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/publicity-and-marketing-strategies-for-interior-designers-with-selena-soo

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint In today's episode, I am joined by Andrea Liebross, a dynamic business and life coach who specializes in empowering unapologetically ambitious women entrepreneurs. Andrea is not only a seasoned speaker but also the insightful host of the Time to Level Up podcast. With a unique approach, Andrea guides her clients to merge Big Thinking with robust systems, creating a powerful synergy that propels them toward success. Her mission is to help women entrepreneurs not only achieve their goals but also unlock the freedom of time, money, and energy they passionately seek. In September 2023, Andrea achieved a remarkable milestone by releasing a best-selling book, "She Thinks Big: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Guide to Moving Past the Messy Middle and into the Extraordinary," accompanied by a transformative workbook. Through her work, Andrea has become a beacon of inspiration for those navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, offering practical insights and strategies to navigate the journey from uncertainty to extraordinary success. Here's a glance at this episode…

• Andrea and I discuss the keys to being a big thinker and accessing the future you.
• Andrea shares how to recognize if you are stuck in passive action.
• We discuss the inner voice in the back of our heads that voices feedback based on the past and holding us back.
• We discuss the idea of having WILD goals.
• We jump into how striving for simplicity can really help when starting or growing an interior design business.
• We discuss the idea of thinking big and how to reframe our mindset.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Amazon Bookstore
• Andrea's Book: She Thinks Big: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Guide to Moving Past the Messy Middle and Into the Extraordinary
• She Thinks Big Workbook Q
• Andrea's website

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/big-thinking-to-create-an-extraordinary-interior-design-business-with-andrea-liebross