Let me ask you a question? Have you been considering getting into the design industry, but worried that you are too old? In today's episode,  I want to speak with you about this topic and provide some much needed clarity on the value of starting a design business at a mature age.

Hello again! It's Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 17. 

This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money, whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.

In today's episode I talk about 3 key points that support starting your business later in life:

1.  You have life experience.

-  People feel comfortable under the guidance of someone with real life experience and values. 
- Mature aged designers are regularly less flippant and more open to unique situations, recognising [rather than wiping out] their clients rich family histories.

2.    You recognise what people need, rather than what’s in fashion

- Not everybody needs an 'on trend' home or design aesthetic. Unless your target market are Millennials, you will find that your broad sense of style and aesthetics attract the lucrative empty nester market.

3.      You have an authentic story to tell

- Starting your passion later in life is an advantage, not a detriment. People love hearing of others that have taken the path less travelled, including starting a passion led business at a later age. 

Need some direction and support in your design career? *Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz 

Let me ask you a question? Have you always thought that if you secured a client who had a project in a luxury postcode, and they had chosen you as their designer-you had made it?  They might have some odd demands, maybe even be a little controlling, but you’re sure you can work through it right? Well maybe you can or maybe you can’t. Let’s discuss some traits of that old chestnut. The nightmare client.

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 16. 

This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.- 

In this episode I cover 3 traits of a potential nightmare client. You can ultimately choose how to proceed, but keep your wits about you if you witness any of the three I discuss in today's episode.

Let me ask you a question? Have you always thought that you needed to quit your day job to be an interior designer? Have you dreamed of putting enough money away to finally say goodbye to your Corporate life and disappear into the design sunset? 

Lots of money, great clients and creatively fulfilled? Well in this episode I’m going to tell you 3 reasons why you may want to re-consider quitting your day job. Let’s chat…

Hey guys!  It's  Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 15. 

This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.

Wondering where to focus next in your new design career? Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz 

So You Want To Be an Interior Designer?

How you can improve what's going on in your current design career?
*Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz

Hey everyone!

It’s Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 2 and EPISODE 14. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5.
My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.
The topic for today is – “Website Essentials” with Sydney based Web Designer Zoe Scott from Sydney based boutique design agency 'The Design Order'. Listen to Zoe's must haves to consider before creating or refreshing your website in 2024.

Big takeaways for me were

1. Get rid of the wordy copy.
- We need to explain who we are and what we do, but we don't need to rattle on about it at length. No one wants to read pages of copy on a website and it complicates the look and feel as well. Focus on to the point wording, wth specific words that drive SEO and ensure what you are saying is succinct, not ramble. Seek the services of a good copywriter with SEO experience should your budget allow.

2. Don't blog unless you love writing and will keep it up.
-Sure blogging can support SEO if you use keywording, but unless you love to sit and blog for hours, this should avoided.How many out of date blogs have you read over the years? The momentum is usually there in the beginning, but most drop writing the blog on a consistent basis. Old blogs will date your website so have a long thing about this before committing.

3. Hire a professional if you have the budget
-Zoe provides some great DIY resources if you need to set up a website yourself, but if you can possible manage to get help from a professional-get it.
Having a professional website will support your feelings of being worthy from the get go. This is especially important as you start out, so seek professional help unless you really have the time and taken to set up your website properly. Your website is your online shop front! 

Please see below gifts from Zoe, to help support you with you brand and website focus for 2024.

Brand Audit:
https://thedesignorder.com.au/yearly-brand-audit/

Brand Essentials Workbook
https://thedesignorder.com.au/branding-essentials-landing-page/

Subscribe to the show and watch the episodes over at YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/@adamscougalltv

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.It really helps to hear what you think!
https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1705996535

Hey everyone! 

It’s Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 2 and EPISODE 13. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.

But first, whether you are just checking if you are the right fit for a new career in design, or wondering how you can improve what's going on in your current design career...

*Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz 

The topic for today is – “Mastering Visibility” with San Diego based Designer Rachel Moriarty. How visible are you currently?

Rachel’s bio:

Rachel Moriarty, an Award-Winning Designer, #1 Best Selling Author, and Style Expert, is celebrated for her vibrant and colourful approach to design. With multi-cultural roots—Mexican, Native American, and Filipina—Rachel embraces diversity in her creations. Her fearless use of colour, texture, and global influences reflects her upbringing in a culturally rich environment.

Known for her iconic designs, Rachel's philosophy revolves around the belief that colour adds passion and flavour to life. Featured in Vision Magazine and San Diego Home and Garden Lifestyle, Rachel's work has also graced HGTV and The Design Network. She has collaborated with Unique Design Solutions on her own tile colour collection, showcasing her unique style.

In terms of today’s topic, Rachel is a trail blazer in not only maximalist design, but visibility. Rachel was originally known for her use of Facebook and Instagram lives to gain long lasting visibility. She also helps others via a 3 hour intensive over at Luann Nigera’s University, as well as heling people one to one via her coaching services. See links below to connect with Rachel:

https://www.rachelminteriors.com

https://luannnigara.com/social-selling-intensive/

Top 3 takeaways from this episode include:

1: Go live!

Rachel and I discuss why going live on social media is so important for your brand and the relationship you are already building with your next potential design client.

2. Talk about what your ideal client wants to hear.

When do you go live, you want to speak about the stuff that your ideal client is romanced by. Are you talking about how you use colour and pattern to create a coastal environment that makes you feel like you are on holiday every day? Are you talking about the support your clients when it comes to decluttering their old lives to make space for a fabulous new one? 

3. Talk about the transformation.

In today’s episode, Rachel talked about a client who had removed herself from the severe clutter of her old life to the fabulous refresh of her new one. The result was not only emotional for Rachel’s client, but physical. Rachel talks about the surprise of seeing her client a few months later weighing half her original size. What previous client experiences can you bring into your conversation that may resonate strongly with your next potential client?

 Website and program links mentioned in this episode:

https://www.rachelminteriors.com

https://luannnigara.com/social-selling-intensive/

https://adamscougall.com/quiz

*Final episode for 2023

Let me ask you a question? Do you reflect on the year that was? Do you take action to ensure the mistakes aren’t repeated, and that you are geared for absolute success in the new year? Let’s discuss…

Today the 3 things are questions you need to ask yourself, so you can enter the new year with self assurance. They may not be the questions you thought you would ask either.

Hey you its, I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 12. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

 My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills

But first, whether you are just checking if you are the right fit for a new career in design, or wondering how you can improve what's going on in your current design career

*Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/podcast

Let me ask you a question? How much energy are you putting into creating income streams that don’t just involve you running after interior design projects? Do you have a backup income stream that you can tap into when things get too quiet? Today I want to break down 5 ways that you could make additional income that don’t involve a design client.

Hey, you it, I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 11. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

 My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.

But first, whether you are just checking if you are the right fit for a new career in design, or wondering how you can improve what's going on in your current design career.

*Take the quiz over at soyouwanttobeaninteriordesigner.tv/quiz

In today’s episode, I discuss 5 ideas that could develop into additional income streams. They involve you helping other designers in areas that they are not confident in, or don’t have the time to manage.

I know that the ideas I mention specifically in this episode may not be in your wheel house of expertise, but I do want you at least thinking about ways you can add value to other designers lives, that also benefit you with additional income stream.

Got some feedback on what you need to hear about next? Let me know your feedback by emailing me over at [email protected].

Enjoy the episode!

Let me ask you a question? Are you a goal setter? Do you think forward and set out a plan to achieve whatever you want for the next 12 months? I’ve created my goals for 2024, and I want to share with you why it’s important for me to do it and why I encourage you as well. Let’s discuss

Hey you its, I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 10. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills

But first, whether you are just checking if you are the right fit for a new career in design, or wondering how you can improve what's going on in your current design career

*Take the design quiz over at soyouwanttobeaninteriordesigner.tv/quiz

Highlights from this episode include:

1- Start with big, benchmark goals

·       I share with you my goals for 2024, but more importantly, what big goals are you defining in the next year?

2- Break it down in 3-month segments

·       Studies show that we really focus on our success in our short blocks of time. Break your goals down into 3 areas of your life, and in 3 month or quarterly increments.

3- Don’t create too many!

·      Creating too many will see us drop the ball and probably not achieve anywhere near the basics we set out to achieve. Keep it simple and edit, edit, edit so you can see achievable results.

Keen to learn your strengths and opportunities as you approach 2024? 
*Take the design quiz over at soyouwanttobeaninteriordesigner.tv/quiz 

Let me ask you a question? Have you ever engaged the services of a coach? A coach that works with you to create an action plan or bolsters your confidence and enthusiasm to keep going when things are waning? I’ve had many coaches over the last 8 years and I want to share what worked, what didn’t and what I suggest you do if looking for a coach.

Hey you I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 9. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5.

In this episode I cover two reasons you should absolutely should seek out a coach, then one little thing I'd like you to look out for before you sign up with your coach...

1- Your coach will help take 'the blinders' off your ideas

A coach can help greatly with our 'blind spots' by giving us ideas for ways to improve ourselves that we aren't able to see for ourselves. The results can be extraordinary.

2- Seek a coach who’s achieved what you want to achieve

I chose my current coach because she had 'lived' the experience that I needed to build and fine tune from scratch.  Its extremely common to get excited by working with somebody who has already achieved the things you are not sure you will ever be able to. Getting a coach that has gone through what you are dying to experience  is a very important part of our success. if they've done it, they can certainly help you to do it!

Q 3- AVOID: Coaching without a roadmap

Many coaches offer a package of sessions without a plan. This is ok if you are happy going where the wind blows that week, but generally unplanned programs, or 'blocks of sessions' aren't the best route to take. I discuss this in more detail in the show...

Flailing in your Interior's business, and would like immediate clarity? Take my quiz over at soyouwanttobeaninteriordesigner.tv/quiz to get your action plan emailed today. It's only 15 questions and takes less than 3 minutes!

Let me ask you a question? Do you continue to invest in your learning as an interior designer?  If you are still new to the game, have you figured out your marketing strategies, how to charge to make money and perfect the client experience so you get ongoing referrals? My guess is no.

In this episode I am going to share what my experience attending one of the best interior design conferences in the world. Luann Live!  LuAnn Nigera is the podcast host of ‘A Well-designed Business’ and is considered ‘mother network’ in the design community. Luann's podcast has had something like 8M downloads and offers interior designers the best tactics advice and experience available, online. In her first live event in since 2019, It was a dream of mine to venture to the states to take the 3 day event in person. Stay with me to hear my thoughts on it and tell you why it was worth the investment. Let’s discuss...

I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 8. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5.

My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.

In this episode the how and why on three important takeaways:

1- You will get incredible ideas that you could not think of yourself

·       I share the learnings from people I have met who have given me amazing ideas in everything from lead generation [getting our next clients] to creating furniture lines and releasing books.

2- You get inspired to 200% the success of your business

·       I share my learnings specifically on how to segment your published work, and focus on multiple resources rather than just the traditional ones we focus on when publishing our projects.

Q 3- You will make new friends from all over the world

·       I share the value in making the effort in travelling internationally, and the friendships I cemented [with people I have only ever met online] and the new ones I am now fostering.

soyouwanttobeaninteriordesigner.tv/quiz