Designing Success

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

Today on the podcast 

The Importance of Transparency and Sharing in the Industry: Eliza's willingness to share her rates and services guide is a testament to the value of transparency in the interior design industry. This openness not only fosters a sense of community and support among designers but also helps newcomers understand the business aspects of the profession.

The Journey from Passion to Profession: Eliza’s story of knowing she wanted to be an interior designer from a young age, diverging into a different field, and then returning to her passion could inspire those unsure about pursuing interior design. It highlights the value of following one's passion, even when it might not align with societal expectations of a "proper job."

The Reality of Starting and Growing Your Design Business: The discussion about the challenges of being taken seriously at a young age, the transition from part-time to full-time business, and the strategy behind securing consistent work with builders offers practical insights for new designers about the realities of building a design business.

Investing in Your Business and Yourself: The plans for a brand refresh, joining a women's mastermind, and the dream of opening a studio speak to the importance of continual investment in one's business and personal growth. This can serve as motivation for designers to not only refine their craft but also explore opportunities for professional development and networking.

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

paid initial consultations for interior design projects. Here are the key takeaways:

• Purpose of Initial Consultations: To assess the client's needs, budget, timeline, and constraints. It sets the stage for the future scope of work. It’s not to create a “design in an hour”
• Importance of Charging: Charging for consultations ensures that the designer's expertise and time are valued. It includes travel time, on-site consultation, and post-consultation work to draft detailed notes and proposals.
• Preparation and Presentation: Designers should lead the consultation to stay focused on relevant topics. Preparing a presentation pack or template can help communicate initial concepts, the scope of work, and fee proposals efficiently.
• Payment and Process: A clear payment method, such as a 50% deposit, should be established. Confirmation of payment IN FULL before the consultation is crucial.
• Building Rapport and Managing Expectations: Making clients comfortable and managing the consultation time effectively are key to a successful outcome. Designers should set clear expectations about the consultation process and follow-up.
• Gathering Information: Collecting detailed information about the client's needs, preferences, and the space is essential. This includes asking the right questions to understand the project's scope fully.
• Safety Measures: Taking precautions for personal safety, such as informing others of your location and being aware of your surroundings, is advised.
• Following Up: Concluding the consultation with a clear timeline for delivering the detailed proposal and next steps ensures a professional finish and sets the stage for the next phase of the project.

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

If you listen to just one episode of this podcast this year and action all of the tactics to help your business grow. This will be my top pick.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of topics covered ;
Pinterest's Relevance for Interior Designers
Setting Up a Pinterest Account
Board Organisation and Strategy
Keyword Research
Content Creation Strategies
The Value of Consistent Pinning
Leveraging Idea Pins
Cross-Promotion with Other Platforms
Pinterest for Client Collaboration
Overcoming Fear and Procrastination
SEO and Pinterest
The Role of Visual Content
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Utilising Analytics
Paid Advertising on Pinterest
Actionable Steps for Growth
The Importance of Authenticity
Repurposing Content
Engagement Strategies
Longevity of Pins
Navigating Pinterest's Algorithm
Creating a Content Calendar
Learning from Analytics
The Power of Keywords
Starting Small and Scaling

Find Jo here on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sojo_social
And her website for books, content and services ;  http://sojosocial.com.au/hello/?fbclid=PAAaaJQSWHJqvRk6GeX_XP4oFd_N4k9rY_esRzvJXpSQzCoj2Xi_EwS3Ml7lc_aem_AXoRgrQ592QlcEEgrO0x200TEDJ37qy1od_opUPSW3lNPJDp_CeWRLElhZkWCqMvu8g

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

Framework for Effective Time Blocking

Self-Assessment: Begin with a moment of honest reflection. Time blocking isn't one-size-fits-all. If it feels like a fit, let’s, do it... If not, that's okay too.

Visulaise and Scheduling: Imagine your ideal week. What tasks are non-negotiable? Schedule these into your calendar, using colours to differentiate between tasks like marketing, admin, creativity, and personal time.

Batch Similar Tasks: Cluster similar tasks. If you're filming video lessons, consider also scheduling other camera-ready activities on the same day.

Minimise Distractions: Designate specific times for email and use airplane mode to curb the temptation of constant connectivity. This fosters deep work, where your productivity peaks.

Customise Your Calendar: Your business, your rules. Align your tasks with your most productive times. Early bird or night owl, schedule demanding tasks when you're at your best.

Group Meetings and Calls: Consolidate meetings and calls to specific times or days. This reduces the mental load of constantly switching gears.

Financial and Data Tasks: Consider a "Finance Friday" for all things money. This keeps you in the right mindset to tackle financial tasks effectively.

Flexibility and Buffers: Build in buffer times for transitions or unexpected tasks. Rigidity can be the enemy of productivity. Allow space for breathers and personal moments.

Personal Time and Surprises: Don’t forget to block off time for you. Whether it’s a walk, time with kids, or an hour of "choose your own adventure," self-care is crucial.

Worry Window: Allocate a time slot weekly for worries. This helps compartmentalise concerns, reducing their immediate impact on your daily productivity.

Prep for Tomorrow: End each day with a brief planning session for the next day. This ensures you hit the ground running each morning with clarity.

The beauty of time blocking lies in its flexibility. While it provides a framework to boost productivity, it's not set in stone. Adapt it to fit your evolving business needs and personal rhythms. Remember, it's a just a tool to serve you, not a rigid set of rules to constrain your creativity and spontaneity.

Armed with this framework, I encourage you to carve out some time today to draft your ideal week. Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress. Allow yourself the grace to adjust and adapt.

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

In this episode I'm chatting with Belinda Botzolis -  renowned property valuer and social media standout, exploring the impact of interior design on property valuation, the art of content creation for professional services, and strategic advice on property investments. 

Belinda shares her expert insights on whether renovations truly add value, the importance of market research, and how interior designers can enhance their business visibility through engaging content. An enlightening conversation filled with actionable tips for both budding and experienced interior designers looking to make informed decisions in property investment and leverage social media to boost their business

Meet Belinda here https://www.instagram.com/belinda.the.valuer

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

In this solo episode, I’m workshopping all things partnerships and pitching for collaborations, especially valuable for  interior designers who haven’t reached out to look at  networking with builders, real estate agents, and other professionals. I’m sharing tips on how to approach potential partners with a clear understanding of mutual benefits rather than just seeking client referrals. Key highlights include:

Identifying Mutual Benefits: Understand what you bring to the table and ensure the partnership is mutually advantageous.

Tailoring Your Pitch: Customise your approach to suit the communication style and preferences of potential partners.

Expanding Partnership Possibilities: Think beyond the obvious choices and consider various professionals within the early stages of your client's decision-making process.

Creating a Simple, Impactful Pitch Pack: want my FREE  Canva template to craft a concise and appealing presentation tailored to each potential partner? Drop into my DM’s on Insta @oleander_and_finch with the word ‘PARTNERSHIP’ 

Building Relationships: Farm your network for connections and get introductions and aim for in-person meetings to more effectively communicate the value you offer.

For a detailed guide and to access our pitch pack template, DM me on Instagram @Oleander_and_Finch with the word "partnership".

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

This chat with  Crystal Bailey, was so much fun. - Hold on for insights and real talk about kicking off and running an interior design biz. Crystal's been everywhere - from solo projects to the big leagues, designing interiors that are straight-up dreamy. She spilled the beans on how keeping things real with your clients, especially when you're deep into those big, fancy projects, is super key. She talks about the challenges of running a business as a solo mum. 

Crystal's all about mixing it up. She's got this cool way of looking at marketing, seeing opportunities everywhere, and really making the most of her past wins. And for anyone just starting out or hitting a rut, she's living proof that with a bit of hustle and a lot of heart, you can make big waves in the design world. From leveraging your experiences to diving into collaborations that can really elevate your business. it's all about staying true to your vision and pushing boundaries. It was a blast getting into the nitty-gritty of making it in interior design with Crystal. She's totally got this vibe that anything's possible if you're up for the challenge, and say yes to the opportunities and adventures that come your way.

connect with Crystal here https://www.instagram.com/crystalbailey.co

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

Bringing some easy tactics to help tighten your wasted time and get more into your week.

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand the limits of what can be achieved within a given time frame to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Time Blocking and Task Blocking: Utilise dedicated days for specific tasks (e.g., Marketing Mondays) to streamline focus and efficiency.
3. Use Voice Notes for Content Creation: Leverage voice-to-text for authentic communication that captures your true tone and ideas efficiently.
4. Work Offline: Minimise distractions by setting designated times to work without internet interruptions, ensuring focused productivity.
5. Adapt Work Hours to Personal Life: Customise your work schedule to align with your O W N most productive times and personal commitments for optimal efficiency.
6. Invest in Systems and Processes: Regularly review and improve your business operations to enhance client experience and operational efficiency.

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.

I am sitting down with Emma, an architect turned interior designer, about her transformative journey within the Oleander & Finch Framework. Emma shares her leap from architecture to establishing her own interior design business, Formery Architecture and Interior Design, emphasising the crucial role of backend systems and processes for business success. 

The conversation delves into the nuances of starting a design business, highlighting Emma's first major project, her approach to systemizing her business, and the importance of communication and setting boundaries with clients. We also touch on the balance between professional growth and personal well-being. This episode is packed with actionable insights for emerging designers on navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship in the design industry.

Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business.

 Grab  more insights and updates:

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee

For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/

Get your interior design studio running on AI in 6 weeks.

admin, client follow-ups, content, and operations handled.
Six live build sessions.

You leave with a working system, not more mess.

Studio BUILD  ( now open) 

Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations. 

Thank you for your support!