Designer's Oasis

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint In today's episode, I interviewed Katie Gutierrez, the creator of Biographical Design, an interior design system that uses the client's biographies as the foundation of her six-step design process. She also has a customer relationship management tool that helps interior designers increase their exposure and lead engagement called the My Gotcha App. In this episode, we take time to delve into the intricacies of work-life balance and intentionality within the design business. Here's a glance at this episode…

• We discuss how Katie uses Biographical Design in her Interior Design Business and what the process looks like.
• We share the keys to building relationships in the interor design business.
• We discuss how to build confidence when it comes to attracting your ideal client.
• We share the importance of narrowing down your branding and messaging to speak to the type of client you want to attract and the type of interior design work that you do.
• We dive into the common topic fo work - life balance and share a few strategies we each use.
• We share our belief of collaboration over competition in the interior design world and how to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

It's important to gain confidence in building your interior design business in a way that highlights your unique skill set, what you love to do and also provides unique design work that is meaningful and powerful to your client. Using biographical design and focusing on creating a business you love can help you gain satisfaction, work-life balance, and live in a collaborative space all while providing exceptional service to your interior design clients. Mentioned in this episode:

• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Biographical Design
• My Gotcha App

🎯 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/finding-your-differentiator--to-build-a-successful-interior-design-business-with-katie-gutierrez

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint If you capture what really matters to your clients, your copy will be gold and resonate with the audience. When it comes to copywriting, if you try to speak to everyone, you end up speaking to no one. If you don't have a clearly defined audience in mind when you're creating copy, your message ends up diluted and can feel all over the place. In today's episode, I am joined by Masha Koyen of Content Vertical where she offers strategic website copywriting services to designers all over the world. Masha uses a data-driven approach to uncover the secrets to what makes your ideal client tick and then writes compelling copy that speaks directly to them through your website. Masha joins us today to help us all understand the importance of tailoring your message and how to just get started. Here's a glance at this episode…

• Masha and I discuss common mistakes made when it comes to interior design website copy
• We share the need to continuously update your website as your business evolves.
• We dive into how to write using both SEO and your brand voice plus what really matters when it comes to your copy.
• We share how to build in calls to action on your website to encourage potential clients to take the next step.

Copywriting can ultimately help your website become a screening tool that helps your ideal client find you and allows for objections to be addressed. Ideally, your website will include sections touching on pain points, designers, benefits of working with you, your unique value and then how to take the next steps. Narrowing down your audience, brand voice, tone, and overall image you want to put out to potential clients is key! Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Content Vertical
• Follow Masha on Instagram

🎯 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/copywriting-strategies-for-interior-design-websites

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint What is most important is that you start to recognize the value of your time. Discovering the value of your time includes understanding how important it is to manage, control, and protect it while still remaining flexible as a business owner. In today's episode, we dive deep into time-saving tips tailored specifically for interior designers that will help you handle minor inefficiencies so that you can spend your time in your zone of genius and the areas that are revenue-generating. We'll cover the top areas that tend to take up time - sourcing, email management, and general time management. Here's a glance at this episode…

• I share my top 6 productivity hacks for sourcing including how I use SketchUp, buying groups, and vendors to streamline my design processes.
• I share how I have created a trade directory over time, how I handle shipping rates, and the method behind how I organize my materials library.
• I dive into my top 4 tips for managing your email without getting stuck in the rabbit hole of checking email all the time.
• I discuss how I use automation, time blocking, time tracking, and extensions/add-ons within Google to streamline my processes and my calendar.
• I share with you how I protect my "white space" so that I can have dedicated deep work time.
• I share my best tips for creating SOPs, managing meeting scheduling, and communicating with my clients and team.

Mastering the art of time management and creating more space for true productivity and creativity is crucial for achieving success as an interior design business owner. By implementing strategies such as whitespace scheduling, leveraging productivity tools, and embracing efficient communication methods, you can enhance your productivity, reduce stress, and ultimately achieve your business and design goals with greater ease and efficiency. So, whether you're a solopreneur or part of a growing team, investing in effective time management practices can help to create the space you need to do your best work while also increasing your revenue and time for your personal life. Mentioned in this episode:

• Blog Post: How to Organize Your Materials Library
• Blog Post: Makeover Your Week with Timeblocking
• Blog Post: How to Capture Systems with Loom
• Shop: Email Template Suite
• Join Sketchup - SketchUp
• Join Danielle House Club
• Join Designer's Inc.
• Check out Design Trade Service
• Start using Boomerang for Email
• Dubsado
• Honeybook
• Use this Visual Timer: Time Timer
• Start using Loom for Video Recording
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 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 ⇗- www.designersoasis.com/episode/20-time-saving-tips-for-interior-designers

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint You don't need to justify or explain your rates or your prices when presenting them. You just need to show your value. In today's episode, I share three mindset shifts that will help you confidently price your services and reframe your mindset when presenting your pricing. Let's dive into the top 3 mindset shifts you should make to reframe your mindset regarding pricing. Here's a glance at this episode…

• I share how to separate your value from your time and how to frame your pricing structure for your clients.
• I share my belief that building your value starts in the discovery call which should be used as an opportunity to understand your clients' problems and offer solutions.
• I share how to use the discovery call to really dig into what a client wants and, more importantly WHY they want it.
• I share how to reframe rejection (it's inevitable) and the two paths you can take when faced with a no.
• I share how to reframe your mindset about your pricing and gain confidence in sharing with potential clients.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 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/pricing-your-interior-design-services-with-confidence

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint When we think about scaling a business, the first thing that typically comes to mind is "How can I get more project work"? Maybe you're currently taking 8-10 projects a year, so you ask yourself, "How can I increase that to 12-15 per year?" Taking on more projects is indeed going to generate more revenue and help you grow your portfolio, AND it takes more resources (i.e. time from you, growing a team, investing in your business, etc,) Sometimes, the real question is, "How can I generate more revenue"? "How can I grow the business? " Generating more revenue is a GOAL and scaling is just one STRATEGY to get there. In today's episode, we are going to talk about both. We'll discuss the strategies you can use to increase your revenue without scaling and we'll discuss what it takes if you decide you are going to scale Here's a glance at this episode…

• I share how scaling doesn't always mean taking on more projects. There are other ways you may consider increasing your revenue without taking on MORE projects each year.
• I discuss how to run projects more efficiently to enhance profitability and client satisfaction. This allows for more time gained which can be utilized to either undertake additional projects throughout the year, thereby maximizing productivity, or to allow for a more balanced lifestyle by opting for extended periods off.
• I talk about how to level up the projects you are willing to accept by taking on more substantial projects (larger in scope and/or bigger budget projects).
• I share how to diversify your revenue streams as an interior designer by adding additional services, using to-the-trade sourcing, adding digital products and even offering group teaching or design sessions.
• I dive into the 5 questions to ask yourself to find out if you are ready to scale your interior design business.
• I wrap up with an invitation to join me for our next CEO Corner inside the IDBB Program to continue the conversation on scaling! This CEO Corner will be all about the systems & automations you need in place to scale, hiring, leadership and delegation as well as the importance of building strong industry relationships.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Join Kate at Highpoint!
• Book: Company Of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business
• Automations & CRM Tools: Dubsado or Honeyboook
• Project Management Software: DesignFiles

🎯 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/how-to-know-if-you-are-ready-to-scale-your-interior-design-business

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint In today's episode, I have a conversation all about the unconventional path to interior design success with the mother-daughter duo Susan and Jillian Hayward. We discuss all of the shared experiences, challenges, and collaboration along the way. Here's a glance at this episode…

• We talk all things entrepreneurship, design education, and business growth including Susan and Jillian's unconventional paths into interior design.
• We share about the many ups and downs of entrepreneurship along with how flexibility can help build a family-first approach.
• We discuss the need for setting boundaries with our clients in interior design.
• Susan shares how to find balance through hiring and growing your interior design business
• We dive into a conversation on how to use sustainable practices in interior design including waste reduction, using high-quality timeless pieces and other environmentally responsible practices
• We wrap up with a discussion on collaboration in interior design and the creative process.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 70: Sustainable Style: How to Incorporate Sustainability in your Interior Design Projects
• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 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/how-to-run-a-successful-family-owned-interior-design-business

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint In this episode, we dive deep into crucial aspects of interior design, focusing on pricing strategies, time management, and the imperative shift toward sustainability. I advocate for responsible design leadership and share my journey toward a more sustainable approach. Here's a glance at this episode:

• I share the importance of responsibility in interior design leadership.
• I discuss the significance of sustainability in interior design, backed by compelling statistics.
• I highlight the environmental impact of fast furnishings, including staggering statistics on landfill waste and concerns related to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and child labor in the furniture industry.
• I dive into my strategies for sourcing sustainable materials in interior design businesses.
• I share how to source vintage and antique items, along with pricing strategies for these pieces.
• I discuss the free sustainability guide I want to share featuring the key principles, eco-labels, and brands dedicated to sustainable interior design.

Mentioned in this episode:

• FREE Sustainability Guide for Interior Designers
• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 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 ⇗- www.designersoasis.com/episode/sustainability-principles-for-interior-designers

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint In today's episode, I interview Tina Guevara, owner of Juliette Sebastian Interiors and a member of the Designer's Oasis program to share experiences and tips for building a thriving interior design business. Here's a glance at the episode:

• We discuss the importance of having your backend processes set up well in your interior design business.
• Tina shares her journey through Designer's Oasis and the support she has received and found invaluable.
• We dive into the non-traditional paths into an interior design career with Tina sharing her experience moving from corporate project management to executive coaching before interior design.
• We share our insights into networking, self-promotion, and how to build lasting relationships.
• I share about a memorable project that helped shape my career and we discuss decision-making and risk-taking.
• We both share our thoughts on negotiation strategies, setting boundaries, and proper compensation
• Tina and I both share our mistakes, what we learned through these mistakes and how accountability plays a part in our business design.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Check out Tina'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/entrepreneurship-growth-with-tina-guevara

I believe in a rising tide that when one of us does well we all do better. I love sharing this space with other amazing interior designers and can't wait for what's in store!

In today's episode, I share my vision for where we are headed in 2024 and the impact that we can have as interior designers. I want to share a little bit about what we're going to be doing here on the podcast, inside the Designers Oasis community, and the topics and guests we are bringing on. One big part of this is a survey we are launching TODAY to all interior designers to gain insight into pricing, time estimates, and more. The goal is to help provide data points to help you confidently price your services and estimate your time based on industry standards.

Here's a glance at this episode…

• I share about my journey in self-care and personal growth (including my first mammogram experience!).

• I discuss the impact that interior design can have in the face of global issues and the impact we have in our clients' lives and homes.

• I share my focus on leaning into sustainability practices in the interior design industry and how I am hoping to inspire even small steps towards more ethical and sustainable practices in design.

• I even let you know about a few guests who will be joining us in the new season that I am so excited to share with you!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business 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/68

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint I feel strongly that when we share our gratitude through gifting with clients and the people that we work with it's a good feeling and it makes us feel good as well. In today's episode, I share my love of gift-giving by sharing how to show gratitude through gifting clients and colleagues plus the positive impact that giving others gifts can have on your mental health and even your business success. So, think about your budget, get yourself organized, and get out there and start gifting. Here's a glance at this episode…

• I share various gift ideas, including subscriptions, experience, and DIY gifts, to cater to different clients' interests and lifestyles.
• I showcase unique gift ideas for high-end clients including items for home, travel, and on-the-go.
• I share my favorite DIY gift options for business associates.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Gift Guide with Links!

🎯 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/67