In this episode, we take you back inside our community of designers as we share another episode of Candid Corner. Rebecca answers questions about sourcing and helping clients with that essential finishing touch, art. She shares insider tips and a few different approaches including what to do when tastes don't align. Then she dives into what designers should consider and concentrate on in during an economic slowdown. Hint: invest in yourself and get scrappy!

SHOWNOTES

Designer Meetup Facebook Group

PI Fine Art

3 part podcast series with Rebecca's Operations Manager Merilee Wright

Rebecca Hay's YouTube Channel

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist   

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about my systems building course.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode, I walk you through we are planning to onboard our new hire! This episode is for you if you’re looking to take that next step to grow your team or bring on some help.

Recently my team went through a restructuring and we had to shift into hiring mode. If you’re interested in learning more about my experience with hiring, have a listen to episode 55 where I share 3 big hiring mistakes I’ve learned from.

I truly never worked corporate. My journey began working for an internationally-known design firm where my onboarding consisted of being thrown into the deep end and figuring it out along the way. Through my many hiring experiences over the years, I realized that no matter how experienced someone is they still need to be skillfully onboarded so that they learn about your business and seamlessly integrate into all that you do. In this episode, I share the exact steps that I took after I found the right candidate and walk you through the plan we’ve created to onboard our new hires as seamlessly as possible.

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses:

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course 

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about my systems building course.

Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

If you’re curious to learn more about what it’s like to design a show house, this one is for you!

 In this episode, I speak with residential interior designer Jennifer Muirhead, of Jennifer Muirhead Interiors, all about her experience and the process of designing rooms for a show house.

She shares what it was like to move across the country, re-start her business, and how she got involved in show house design. I learn the surprising outcome of this project, the post-event procedure, and the best (and worst) aspects of working on something like this. You’ll discover how Jennifer balances her design style to attract the ideal client, how she weighs the costs against the return, and her terrific marketing idea to draw in new opportunities.

About Jennifer 

Jennifer Muirhead started her eponymous design firm in 2012 in Los Angeles. After the 2008 recession (and a few years working in tv production and as a lifestyle magazine editor), she reevaluated her passions and returned to school for interior design. She began taking on design projects almost immediately and hasn’t looked back since.

Today, Jennifer delivers bespoke spaces to clients in the NJ/NY metropolitan area. Drawing on both her West Coast and East Coast experiences, she finds the sweet spot between modern and classic elements, creating spaces that are welcoming, authentic and casually elegant.

Jennifer’s work has been featured in Homes and Gardens UK, Lonny, Martha Stewart.com, Apartment Therapy, and Style Me Pretty. She now resides in historic New Vernon, NJ with her husband, daughter, and King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

You can connect with Jennifer on her website or on Instagram 

Listen to her previous episode - #131 - High Point Market, Is it worth it?

Thank you to our episode sponsor Studio 321b

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist   

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about my systems building course.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! 

In this episode, I chat with Jamie Van Cuyk all about hiring. We dive into why you need to hire to scale your business at any level, how you can prepare to interview the right candidates, the distinction between salary, contract, and freelance, and what you need to have in place to successfully onboard someone into your team.

If you’re looking to hire but haven’t before, have hired but it hasn’t worked out or you have a team and are looking for ways to better that process this is the episode you need to listen to!

About Jamie

Jamie Van Cuyk, the owner and lead strategist of Growing Your Team, helps women small business owners become confident leaders who hire right every single time.

Drawing from over 15 years of leadership experience, Jamie teaches her clients how to master the art of hiring. By learning the dynamics of each company and its specific needs, she helps them find their perfect-fit, long-lasting team members and avoid the hiring and firing cycle.

On a personal side, Jamie lives in St Petersburg, FL, with her husband and two daughters, is a hobby winemaker, loves to travel, and enjoys exercise that takes her feet off the ground, including rock climbing and aerial dance.

You can connect with Jamie at www.growingyourteam.com or on Instagram @growingyourteam.

You can also grab her free hiring checklist resource here.

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Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses:

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course 

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about my systems building course.

Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Pricing your services is always a hot topic for any service-based entrepreneur. For many of us, pricing is a constant struggle due to our own money mindset, so bringing the topic up often and openly sharing can make that struggle a little easier.

In this rebroadcast episode, I share my experience with pricing my services and talk about my mindset and relationship with money. I also share how much community and the power of collaboration have changed and continuously impact how I charge for my services.

I cover my story about all of the little and big things I did when I started in this industry working for another designer and how I transitioned into my own business. Through the years I have definitely made my share of mistakes when it came to undercharging my clients while trying to find the right amount and correct way to charge for what I do.

Over the years I’ve come to realize that it’s not enough to just know someone else’s rate and compare that to yourself and what you have to offer. Pricing your services and charging what you’re worth takes into account your experience, what you’re offering, how long you’ll take to complete your offering and so much more. When a client argues with your pricing, they are usually not your ideal client and don’t understand the value of the service you’re offering.

During the episode, I also share my personal relationship with money and how my upbringing has affected that. I also go into detail about how I’m reevaluating and repairing my money mindset. If you’re trying to establish a healthier relationship with money and become more accustomed to charging what you’re worth, I strongly recommend the book: You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero.

If you take only 2 things away from this episode and what will help you to price your services correctly its this:

1. You need to focus on your money mindset. Find out what’s holding you back? Explore your relationship with money.
2. Collaborate in your industry – Find out what others in your area are doing? Actively pursue community and don’t think of it as competition. You will find people to encourage you to charge more money so that you’re fair to yourself.

If you're an interior designer looking for the complete blueprint to calculating your design fee with confidence ensuring you consistently get paid what you’re worth, check out my self-guided course Pricing with Confidence. 

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Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

This is a special episode because we’re sharing a live broadcast we did inside our Designer Meet-up Facebook group. We brought together 2 special guests to open up the discussion of what it really means to be a licensed Interior Designer.

About Maia

Maia’s formative years were spent in a home built by famed Canadian architect Ron Thom. Visits to properties in Toronto’s Forest Hill and Rosedale neighborhoods, and trips further afield to the Laurentians and Barbados cemented her appreciation for elegant architecture and beautifully executed spaces.

A graduate of McMasters multi-disciplinary Arts & Science program in Hamilton Ontario, Maia took a brief detour into law school on the west coast before finding her niche in design. She graduated with honors from Ryerson’s School of Interior Design and completed her BCIN, LEED AP, and NCIDQ designations before founding Black Sheep Interior Design in 2013.

With an approach that is as creative as it is rational, Maia’s design sense is fueled by sun-filled travels. Whether diving in the Caribbean, mini-breaking in Miami, or resting up in cottage country, she loves to soak up the materials and aesthetics of get-a-way destinations. She is also a dedicated volunteer and proudly combines her love of design and philanthropy.

Maia is a member of ARIDO and the IDC.

Maia is a returning guest - listen to her first episode 46: Budgeting, Pricing your Services & Attracting the Right Trades

About Sharon

Sharon has worked in the not-for-profit sector since 1997, starting in the financial sector with the Institute for Advanced Financial Education. In 2011, she transitioned to the design and construction sector in the role of Executive Director and Registrar with the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO).

Her professional experience includes the development and enforcement of qualification standards for professions, regulatory frameworks, and lobbying for public policy in support of safe interior environments in Ontario. 

Starting in 2014, Sharon led several projects intended to provide a more inclusive and fairer pathway to qualifying as an interior designer in Ontario through competencies-based frameworks. In 2020, ARIDO undertook a commitment to the advancement of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within ARIDO as an organization, the profession, and the community.

Sharon is a Maltese-Canadian who is proud of both her Maltese and Canadian heritage and roots. Her favorite pastimes include photography and long walks with her dog, Toretto.

This is always a hot topic in our community, so we decided to have this conversation because we believe the more knowledge you have, the better you are at making decisions. 

In this episode, Maia Roffey, Sharon Portelli and I discuss what it means to be an interior designer, the circumstances when you can refer to yourself as an interior designer, and how you can start the process. Listen towards the end when I ask an uncomfortable question and share my less-than-positive experience with the local association. 

I truly hope that at the end of the episode, you’ll see that there isn’t simply one way of doing things, but having the knowledge is the best way to make the right decision for you.

You can connect with Maia at blacksheepinteriordesign.com or on Instagram @blacksheepid

You can connect with Sharon at [email protected]

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses:

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course 

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about my systems building course.

Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode, I chatted with Dena Patton and did a deep dive into the CEO mindset. We talked about how to take you from a fly-by-the-night designer or entrepreneur to the truly savvy business person you know you want to be.

If you’re looking for the right motivation to stop treating your business like a hobby this one is for you!

About Dena

Dena Patton is an elite business coach and transformational speaker who has worked with thousands of purpose-driven business owners and world-changing leaders around the globe. She helps her clients to build GREAT companies that break records in their revenue AND their impact. She founded Dena Patton Coaching & Training Company 22 years ago while living in New York City where she created her world-class Greatness Methodology. Her 3-Pillar coaching approach can help you build: the systems to be a well-oiled company, the strategy to be a well-marketed company, and the greatness mindset to be a well-led company. As a speaker, coach and best-selling author Dena has garnered over 60 media stories and she leads from 6 core values: Courage, Accountability, Authenticity, Faith, Integrity, and Fun!!

As you listen to this episode pay close attention to her Dena describes clients. She categorizes them into beer clients, wine clients, and champagne clients. Use this segment to start thinking about your current client and see where they fall.

We also chatted about systems! I shared the ONE system I implemented in my business that completely transformed me from entrepreneur to CEO. It helped me free up my time and focus on the money-generating activities. I believe this is the one system that everyone should nail down first.

As you listen to this episode take away the motivation you need to be and own the CEO role in your business - it’s not about scaling or growing a team, it's about freeing up your time to do what you love.

You can connect with Dena at denapatton.com or grab a copy of her book at The Greatness Game on Amazon.

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Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses:

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course 

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about my systems building course.

Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode, I share exactly how I run a consultation to ensure that both you and your client get the most out of your time together. 

Using a consultation to kick-start your process and convert leads to clients is the single most powerful and strategic way to eliminate chaos and increase your revenue. So let's dive into why you need to include in your process and how to run one!

During the episode, I talk about how I didn’t charge for my consultations when I started my business. It wasn’t because I didn’t value my time but because the person I worked for before didn’t charge for theirs. I just thought that since they were experienced and not charging for consultations, that was the best way to do it too. But what I didn’t realize at the time was the importance of that designer’s experience. He didn’t charge for consultations because almost every lead he had would turn into a full project job -  That was the caliber of client and level of experience he was at, not me.

I quickly learned, that if I didn’t charge for my consultations, my time and expertise as a designer were not as valued and I was not attracting the right type of client that could actually afford my services. I then shifted my mindset and started running my business as a business. The first thing you should do when you shift into this mindset is to charge the right value for consultations. (Obviously, every city and town is different, but the point is that you’ve got to charge!)

After a few years, I realized that it was time for another change. I was doing too many consultations at a relatively inexpensive fee and not many of those turned into full-fledged projects (which is obviously the goal when running a design business). After reassessing, I nervously increased my consultation to be a more premium fee, and guess what, I got fewer consultations… But more full-paying design jobs! Raising my rates for my time, knowledge and expertise attracted my ideal client, a higher caliber client that could afford my services and beautiful designs through to the end.

Through the episode, I share other lessons and tidbits I’ve learned about consultations such as:

1. Get a scheduler - this will save you or your team from having back-and-forth conversations about dates and times for booking consultations

2. Arrive prepared and ready to reiterate your messaging using multiple mediums

3. Set expectations for your clients early and often - This is essential throughout the duration you are working with a client. Talk timelines, budgets, and when you’re taking on new projects.

4. Listening is the most important thing you can do at a consultation, then come the ideas

5. Connect with your client based on what you see around their home - Show them you’re human and fund a common element so that you can make a personal connection

6. Show proof of the value you are bringing them and the possible problems that you will find solutions for - Use past magazine publications, client reviews, and past or ongoing project images with a story

One of the biggest game-changers in my business that completely altered the consultation experience I provide was the implementation of a pre-qualifying call, which I call a Discovery Call after the lead reaches out. Having a phone call before a consultation is booked is vital because you get to learn about the project, you can set expectations in terms of money and timeline, and one of the most important things, you find out if you’re right for each other. It all starts with this casual short conversation. (You can get my Discovery Call Script at rebeccahay.com/discoverycall)

Lastly, I share some tips on the best ways to convert a consultation into a full project job. I have found that reassuring them that you know what you are doing simply by having a clear-cut process, helps to establish trust even as a newbie designer. The more you educate people on your process, on your role, and with all of the knowledge that you have, the easier it’ll be to convert that consultation into a full client.

Download my free consultation checklist at rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist

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Leave a comment below on how you liked this episode and let me know what other topics or guests you’d like on the podcast. Don’t forget to rate the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or any other podcast platform!

I’m thrilled to share this episode with special guest Darla Powell! If you’re a design professional you’ve probably heard of Wingnut Social or of Darla herself. In this episode, Darla joined me to talk about all things marketing, with a special focus on Instagram and social media. If you’re looking to up-level your social media marketing game as an interior designer this is for YOU!

About Darla

Darla Powell is more than just an award-winning interior designer, podcast host, social media speaker, and former police detective. She’s also an adept unraveler of marketing secrets. Her down-to-earth style delivers smart, actionable information that’s relevant to real business owners—because she is one. Topics range from social media mastery (what really engages followers—it’s probably not what you think) to how to build your brand from the ground up (how did she go from retired cop to one of the top five interior designers in Miami in less than sixteen months—secrets will be revealed).

Through the episode, Darla shared her insight on staying consistent with your marketing and how to stay true to yourself as you raise awareness and share on social media. If you like what you heard on this episode and want to hear more from Darla, let us know and we’ll bring her back to share more of her marketing genius! 

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Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses:

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course 

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about my systems building course.

Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

I recently read that typically in a recession marketing is one of the first items to be cut when businesses try to rework their budget and cut costs. This is counterintuitive because during this time period, is when you need to get in front of more people and get clear on your messaging.

There may be less business to be had overall, but you have to get crafty to go out there and get the business that does exist. In this episode, I share strategies that I have seen to be very effective in marketing your business during an economic downturn.

If you're wondering how to connect to new leads and market your business directly to your ideal clients, this one is for you!

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Did you hear? Doors to my signature course for Interior Designers is NOW OPEN! Learn more at rebeccahay.com/powerofprocess (Doors close on Friday, March 31 2023)

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses:

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course