Does the idea of networking make you cringe? 

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m breaking down why networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or forced. In fact, you’re probably already networking naturally—without even realizing it!

I’ll share how to shift your mindset about networking and reframe it as an organic, relationship-building activity rather than a pushy, sales-driven chore. You’ll learn practical strategies to connect authentically with others in everyday situations, craft a powerful elevator pitch, and draw clients and referral partners to you effortlessly.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why networking isn’t about attending awkward events or pitching yourself
• How to build genuine relationships that lead to new opportunities
• The importance of a clear and compelling elevator pitch
• How to spot organic networking opportunities in your daily life
• Why creating referral partnerships can transform your business

If networking has ever felt intimidating, this episode will show you how to make it natural, effective, and even enjoyable!

🎯 Ready to grow your business? Visit Interior Design Business Academy to book a call and explore how we can help you succeed.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m sharing innovative ways to scale your design business and increase profitability through strategic partnerships. Partnering with other designers, contractors, or vendors can open the door to high-profile, big-budget projects you wouldn’t tackle on your own—all while keeping your business independent and financially secure.

I’ll discuss real-world examples of successful partnerships, from design-build collaborations with architects and contractors to forming teams for larger projects like model homes or multifamily housing. You’ll also learn how to leverage stocking dealer accounts with other designers to maximize margins and streamline purchasing.

In this episode, I cover:

• How strategic partnerships can unlock bigger opportunities
• Why maintaining financial independence is crucial
• Real-world examples of partnerships that boost profitability
• Tips for combining resources to secure vendor accounts
• How to scale your business without adding unnecessary stress

Ready to scale smarter? Visit Interior Design Business Academy to book a call and explore how we can help you grow your business sustainably.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you wondering if now is the right time to hire for your design business? 

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into the key indicators that it’s time to bring on help and how hiring can transform your business. 🚀

From spotting the signs that you’re ready for extra support to understanding the financial impact of delegation, I’ll show you how hiring strategically can free up your time, improve client satisfaction, and drive profitability. Whether you’re overwhelmed with admin tasks or feel stuck in the DIY mindset, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make the leap.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to recognize the signs you’re ready to hire
• The financial benefits of delegation for scaling your business
• How hiring the right help improves workflow and profitability
• Practical strategies for taking the first step toward building a team

If you’re ready to stop feeling overworked and start scaling your business with confidence, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you feel like you can’t afford to hire help for your design business? 

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m flipping that belief on its head and showing you why you actually can’t afford NOT to hire someone to help you. 

I’ll break down how just one extra billed hour can pay for several hours of administrative support each week, freeing up your time to focus on income-generating activities like designing and marketing. You’ll learn how the DIY approach is costing you more than you realize—your time, energy, and even client satisfaction. 

Plus, I’ll share actionable strategies for tracking your time, identifying where you’re losing productivity, and scaling your business with a small but impactful team.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why hiring help is a critical step for growth
• The hidden costs of trying to do everything yourself
• How to track your time and identify tasks to delegate
• The 80/20 rule for maximizing your productivity and profits
• Strategies for scaling your design business effectively

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start scaling your business, this episode is for you. Let’s turn your time into money and take your design business to the next level! 

Ready to SCALE? Check out my workshop, SCALE! Your Design Business: https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/scale-your-design-business/

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re diving into the challenges of staying in control during remodeling projects. When clients bring contractors into the mix too early, things can quickly get complicated. We’ll explore a real-life case where a designer lost control of a kitchen remodel after the client and contractor made changes without the designer’s input, leading to budget cuts and project issues.

Learn essential strategies to avoid these pitfalls, such as finalizing project details before introducing contractors, developing a clear scope of work, and ensuring contracts are signed and funded before any contractor-client interactions. We also discuss how to communicate the impact of design changes, from increased costs to potential liability issues, and the importance of maintaining control over the project from start to finish.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Why you should avoid bringing contractors in too early
• The importance of finalizing scope and budget before contractor-client meetings
• How to handle client-led design changes and DIY efforts
• Tips for maintaining control throughout remodeling projects

If you’ve ever felt sidelined during a remodeling job, this episode is for you. Take back control and ensure a smooth project flow!

Book a Clarity Call 

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing how design fees can streamline your workflow, increase profitability, and create a smoother process from start to finish. I dive into why setting up clear budget agreements and scopes of work upfront can eliminate wasted time and unpredictable income, making it easier to plan your day, manage your time, and focus on what matters most.

Through design fees, you’ll gain control over your schedule, minimize last-minute client changes, and present the entire project as a cohesive concept. This approach keeps you in charge, ensures clients understand the full scope, and allows you to get paid upfront—all while delivering a superior experience.

In this episode, I cover:

• How design fees eliminate guesswork and boost profits
• Why budget and scope agreements streamline the process
• Planning deliverables and managing time effectively
• Presenting the total project for a single, cohesive sale
• Invitation to the Design Fee Formula workshop

If you’re ready to streamline your design process, increase profitability, and gain control over your projects, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re unpacking the different methods for calculating design fees—whether by square footage, hourly rates, or fixed fees—and how to choose the best approach for your business. With insights on the pros and cons of each method, I’ll guide you on using these strategies to communicate clearly with clients, define project scope, and set up profitable billing practices.

We’ll also discuss why hourly billing, while not always ideal, can be a valuable tool for handling additional client requests, and how to treat these add-ons as new business opportunities. Plus, I’ll introduce the Design Fee Formula workshop, designed to provide in-depth training on calculating fees effectively and managing time wisely.

In this episode, we cover:

• Design fee structures: square footage, hourly, and fixed fees
• Why clear communication and scope of work are key
• The advantages and disadvantages of hourly billing
• Strategies for handling additional client requests and upselling
• Introduction to the Design Fee Formula workshop

If you’re ready to take control of your pricing and ensure your fees reflect the value of your work, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m discussing why design fees are a smarter choice than hourly billing for designers who want to grow their income and client satisfaction. If you’re still charging by the hour, you may be leaving money on the table and running into unnecessary challenges.

I’ll share insights on how hourly billing can hold experienced designers back, lead to cash flow issues, and even create friction with clients. We’ll explore the advantages of design fees, from improving cash flow to setting clear project expectations, and how shifting to fee-based agreements can lead to more profitable, trusting client relationships. Plus, I invite you to join the Design Fee Formula masterclass to refine your pricing strategy and set yourself up for consistent success.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why hourly billing often undervalues experienced designers
• The cash flow and trust issues that time billing can create
• How design fees offer a structured, profitable approach
• Benefits of fee-based agreements for client relationships
• Invitation to the Design Fee Formula masterclass

If you’re ready to improve your pricing strategy, build trust with clients, and get paid what you’re worth, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I dive deeper into the challenges designers face when it comes to billing, especially with hourly rates and managing legacy clients. If you’ve ever found yourself taking on small, low-paying jobs that end up consuming more time than you estimated, this episode is for you!

I share real-world examples, like the outdoor wall sconces project and a reupholstering job that went off track, to highlight why these types of jobs can become unprofitable. More importantly, I discuss how to break this cycle by implementing a structured design fee formula that’s tailored to your business stage. By setting a minimum design fee, you can enhance your profitability, protect your personal time, and elevate your professionalism.

Listen in to learn how to qualify potential clients, stop shrinking to fit smaller projects, and start charging what your services are truly worth!

In this episode, I cover:

• The pitfalls of hourly billing and small jobs
• Real-life examples of design jobs gone wrong
• How to break the loop of unprofitable work
• Introducing a minimum design fee to boost profitability
• Strategies for qualifying potential clients with confidence

If you’re ready to set boundaries, create a profitable pricing structure, and start getting paid for the value you bring, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you ready to start charging what you’re worth as a designer? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we focus on enhancing your billing practices and shifting your mindset toward valuing your design services. Host Terri Taylor shares key strategies to help you improve your billing accuracy, manage your time effectively, and maximize your income by focusing on design fees instead of product sales.

Discover how tracking your time and setting clear deliverables can lead to substantial annual earnings, and learn why self-worth plays a crucial role in client acceptance of your design fees. This episode also features practical tips for structuring your workweek to hit 20 paid design hours and build a consistent, profitable income.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• How to track time and improve billing accuracy
• The importance of charging for design services, not product sales
• Example earnings based on hourly rates
• Shifting your mindset to communicate your value confidently
• Invitation to the free webinar: ‘Design Fees Unlocked’

If you’re ready to charge what you’re worth and create consistent income from design fees, this episode is for you!

Design fees unlocked: 5 secrets to getting paid what you're worth

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.