So many design professionals dream of hiring an office manager to, well, manage the office day-to-day. What’s that like? What are the benefits and challenges of adding this person to your team? What should you pay for the service? Should this person be a designer? In this episode, non-designer Hilaire Martin, answers all these questions and more.

In this episode we learn: 
- what’s the difference between a COO and an Office Manager 
- what size firm would benefit from an office manager
- be honest with yourself, it’s OK if your current process isn't working
- map out your internal process, especially the client facing side of your business 
- good motivation vs. bad motivation for hiring an office manager 
- start small and identify one area you want to improve
- define what you want to accomplish for that one area
- celebrate the small and big wins

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com

EP 343 | The Office Manager with Hilaire Martin

Business of Design® is the #1 trusted business training resource for design professionals around the world. Join thousands of design professional already using our field-tested project management strategies and enjoy increased confidence, improved client retention, greater profits and a business that thrives.

It’s time to take control of your business. 
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

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Two years ago, when designer Holli Appelquist joined Business of Design® and began to implement the systems. She anticipated improvements to her projects, but she was blown away by the positive changes in her life. She finally enjoyed the work-life balance that previously eluded her. She had more time to work on the tasks she loved doing. More time off during the work week and more time off for holidays. She was able to delegate to staff and their satisfaction improved. Profits soared. Today, Holli is the confident business owner she always wanted to be. 

In this episode we learn: 
- establish a company mission and define your values, then live by them
- integrity matters, define it and honor it 
- adding systems allows you to take more time off, to have more breathing space in your week

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 374 | Systems and the Solution with Holli Appelquist

Could you start over? Let’s say you’ve been in business a few years, or more. You’ve given it your all, but you still aren’t where you dreamed you’d be by now. Would you just keep plugging away, or would you be willing to try something new? Would you be willing to adopt the BOD™ systems? In this episode, designer Holli Appelquist shares how she joined BOD™ and transformed her company, her profitability, and her life, in one year. 

In this episode we learn: 
- you can actively target the profitability you want 
- establish a company mission and define your values, then live by them
- look for new hires adjacent to your interior design firm 
- employees love how easy it is to train with systems in place
- adding systems allows you to take on more projects and work less
- systems give you confidence

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 373 | Rebuild with BOD™ with the Holli Appelquist Team

It’s one thing to design a kitchen. It’s an entirely different matter to cook in one. If you are an interior design professional who renovates or designs these important spaces, you’ll love getting advice from a professional who has cooked in a hundred different homes. 

In this episode we learn:
- questions to ask clients before you begin their kitchen renovation
- tips for designing a kitchen that functions well
- pet peeves to avoid
- why it’s important to say yes and follow the opportunity
- how to stay motivated with your social media efforts

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 372 | Kitchen Aid with Chef Maddy Goldberg

Yes, it can be scary to face an audience and stand in the spotlight. However, there are simple techniques you can use to harness your energy and transform it into excitement, rather than fear. 

In this episode we learn: 
- an instant technique to combat nerves and fear
- what to practice before speaking or doing a presentation
- a one-minute crash course in media

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 371 | Media Training with Jennifer Convy

When someone asks you about your fantasy life, do you immediately think of your Hollywood crush or, are you so deep in the weeds that an assistant is where your mind goes? Ah yes. An assistant. A magical, mythical creature who can do all the tasks you don’t have time to do, plus keep you organized, answer your emails, deal with client headaches, and generally solve most of your problems. Sound about right? 

In this episode we learn: 
- make a list of the tasks you love doing and the tasks you hate doing
- imagine if you could turn over the tasks you hate to someone else
- create training videos in advance of hiring
- to retain staff, share the accolades 
- allow yourself to delegate tasks that you may enjoy, but take a lot of your time

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 343 | The Office Manager with Hilaire Martin

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