At this time of the year, it's important to reflect on the past year, but also to reflect on ourselves, as human beings on this planet. With that thought in mind, I'm pulling out an episode from the archives about that very subject.

As  entrepreneurs or anyone working in a client facing business, we often find ourselves balancing our personal and business lives, and authenticity is the key to success in both areas. Authenticity is about being true to yourself and your values, expressing your genuine thoughts and emotions, and aligning your actions with your beliefs, motives, and personality. In the context of business, it means presenting your brand, products, and services in a clear and transparent manner, while selectively infusing your personal values.

In this podcast, we will discuss more about what authenticity is and what is is not, and my 10 steps to become more authentic in your personal and professional life:

1) Define Your Core Values
2) Love Who You Are
3) Tell Your Story
4) Build Real Customer Connections
5) Work In The Transparency Model
6) Lead Your Team
7) Be Authentic on Social Media
8) Love What You Do/Believe What You Sell
9) Stay True To Your Purpose
10) Embody Consistency

If you struggle with clearly defining your authentic self and showing it to the world, this episode is for you!

FREE DOWNLOAD: Discovering Your Personal & Company Values Workbook

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

I'm back with another "Take a Walk With John" episode! You all seemed to like the last one, and I felt inspired on a recent walk through my neighborhood, so out came my phone and I hit record.

In this walking episode, I'm talking about when and how to say no. It's a hard thing to do sometimes, and we, as people pleasers, tend to feel we have to overexplain the reasoning behind it. And when saying YES to everything, you are forgetting the things that really matter to you, i.e. your own values and priorities.

I want to show you the filter that I use for every opportunity and every decision in my life and business and how this one filter can give you an answer faster than one of those shakable Magic 8 Balls!

Here's what we talk about in this episode:
* How to  define your "Golden Thread Of Values" and how it weaves its way into all aspects of your life
* What traits in yourself and in others help to define your values
* Are you stealing from your family and yourself to give to others?!
* Create a How I Work Document for YOU!
* The hot take for this episode and how you can instantly start to implement my method.

The time is now my friend! I know you're a busy bee, so why are you saying yes to things that don't light you up and are not a fit for your values. It's time to realize that NO is a complete and total sentence and that your values will always back you up with that statement.

Now, I want you to say YES to listening to this episode! See you inside! I just know you will love it!

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

You're in for a real treat in this episode!
My talented friend Beth Kushnick is here and we are diving deep into her 30+ year career as a set decorator. Beth has honed her design chops starting with the original production of Little Shop Of Horrors on Broadway to TV shows and movies that I know that you have all seen today.

In this fun, enlightening episode we will discuss:

• The immediate parallels between set decorating and designing for residential clients.
• Beth's process for set decorating
• Why (and How) Beth lives by the mantra of always saying "yes" to everything!
• Fads: Friends or Foe? Beth and I weigh in
• Beth's high/low set decorating tips that you can implement in home design
• How pivoting is essential as a business owner and Beth's method of pivoting after the writer's strike and actor's strike

I KNOW you will love hearing this side of our industry and the ups and downs of set decorating and will see a lot of your own business model in this episode. After we're done, you'll also be recognizing her sets from all of your favorite tv shows and movies.

Find more about Beth here:
Website: https://www.bethkushnick.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethkushnick/
Beth's Podcast: Decorating the Set: From Hollywood to Your Home with Beth Kushnick: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decorating-the-set-from-hollywood-to-your-home-with/id1519062454

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Welcome to Episode 24 of The Designer Within Podcast! Can you believe it's already December? Time flies!

Today's episode is a bit different—it's a broadcast of a segment from a recent online presentation I did for designers. The topic? How to "social media-proof" your company.
 In the original hour-long presentation, I covered various aspects, but I've condensed it to about 25 minutes for you. 

I'll discuss why social media shouldn't be your sole marketing platform, the good and bad sides of social media, and the importance of creating your own social network.

We'll explore the drawbacks of relying solely on social media, such as the risk of diluting your target audience and the potential costliness of boosting posts. Then, we'll delve into the positive aspects, like developing your unique voice, fostering empathy through sharing, and the quick and easy implementation of social media content.

The key takeaway? Imagine a world without social media. What would you do if it all disappeared? My solution: create your own social network. I'll guide you through the concept and highlight the benefits. You'll have a community of like-minded individuals, be in control of your content, and enjoy unlimited growth potential.

We'll explore one of my favorite ways  to develop your own social network:  in-person interactions. These opportunities provide a chance to connect with your target audience, nurture relationships with vendors, and position yourself as an industry expert.

Remember, your social network extends beyond social media platforms. It's a powerful tool that you can shape and grow. So, grab your notepad, whether you're on a walk or doing household chores, and let's dive into this note-taking episode. I hope you find valuable insights on social media-proofing your company! 

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

I can guarantee you one of two things: either this year has flown by for you or dragged by at a glacial pace (bonus points if you know that reference).  Either way, it's time to stop, pause, reflect, and look back on what actually occurred over the last 12 months. Good, bad, and indifferent.

This is a practice I started years ago and continue to this day, and I encourage you to do the same so you can grow as a person and a business owner.

In this short and sweet episode, I'm going to share 3 simple steps to follow to perform your own year end review. Don't make this more complicated than it is!

I even have one very easy way to collect your wins from last year right from your phone..

Are you ready? Hindsight is 20/20 they say, so let's get some clarity!

Also, don't forget to download my FREE YEAR END REVIEW WORKBOOK to help you perform your own review with ease! https://john.myflodesk.com/yearendreview

Text Me a Message!

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Whether this has been a blockbuster year for you or just so-so, you still might have revenue goals for your business that you want/need to reach before 2023 bids us farewell. Well, I have some ideas for you!

I'm going to share 4 ways to bring in revenue (and brand awareness) now and even in the years ahead.

In this episode, I will discuss relatively quick methods of adding revenue streams to your design business right this minute centering around:

* The Real Estate Market
* Making Space for Past Clients
* My "Would You Like Fries With That?" model
* Revising Your Pricing Model

I want you to hit those 2023 (and beyond) goals with my simple but effective tips!

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

You, my designer friend, are your best and most important client. Everything that makes your business what it is starts with you!

Why, then, do we always put the issues of others ahead of our own needs?
Why do we think that a client's feelings are more important than our own?

If your foundation is not secure, you are of no use to anyone, especially those in your business.

In essence, just like they say on the plane....
put your own mask on first, then take care of everyone else.

I KNOW this is hard to do! I have struggled with it too! But in this episode, I am going to give you 4 ways to become your own best client and serve your family, your business, your vendors, your trades, and anyone else around you in the most optimal manner.

Come with me on my morning walk on this episode! I am shooting from the hip with no script, just my thoughts and a plan of action for you.

Here's the 4 methods to learn to be your best client that I will discuss in this episode:
1) Prioritizing Your Own Time
2) Prioritizing Your Own Finances
3) Prioritizing Your Own Mental Health
4) Setting Your Values to Align With All Of The Things Above

I hope you enjoy this episode and take it to heart to apply to your own business and start the journey to treat yourself as the VIP client that you are!

Let me know if you like (or don't like) this off-the-cuff walking episode as well!

Here's the download to start to define your own values: https://john.myflodesk.com/defineyourvalues

(or find it in the LINKS in my Instagram bio).

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Did that episode title get your attention?! I hope so, because it should!

I bet you are working hard to market your business and bring in new clients, but are you doing ALL that can you can?

Well, we're going to find out today when we discuss Call To Actions or CTA's. CTA's might just be the superpower that you have been missing in your marketing efforts. They're easy, impactful, and even fun to do! Listen to this episode closely and you might even want to take some notes (or listen twice) because it's full of action items.

Here's what we will be chatting about today:
~ What the heck is a CTA anyway?
~ Where can you use a CTA in your business?
~ How to create a powerful and effective CTA
~ My top tips for making a CTA work for you (and bring in new customers)
~ 15 FREE CTA's for YOU to download!

I hope you enjoy this episode of get-it-done action items around your CTA!

🔥Also, notice my new segment: 🔥HOT TAKE! In this segment, I will give a HOT TAKE (or 2) after each episode for you to put into effect!

Also if you still want to join the BETA Launch of my new program, Design Success Academy,  you must do so before Nov 19, 2023 to get the 50% discount.
Enrollment is limited.
https://designsuccessacademy.thedesignerwithin.co/
USE CODE: BETA23 for 50% only through 11/19/23

HERE IS THE FREE DOWNLOAD FOR YOU: 15 Call To Action Topics For You To Write About: hhttps://john.myflodesk.com/15ctas

Check out Flodesk HERE and get 50% off with my LINK: https://flodesk.com/c/9M15WA

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Communication is essential to anyone in life, but especially important to business owners or anyone who serves others. Inevitably, confrontations will also occur in our business lives and we need to know what communication methods can best diffuse and ultimately resolve a confrontation. That's what I'm discussing in today's episode.

Here are the topics for this episode:
1) My specific steps for handling confrontations
2) How to better your communication methods for the best outcome
3) Client Consultations and the importance of quality communication
4) How to bring empathy into your communication
5) How to dig deeper to find out the WHY behind a client's request
6) My #1 technique for solving communication issues
7) Being a chameleon of communicating
8) Non-verbal communication methods & how to understand them

So listen up! It's time to talk about effective communication methods!

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

I'm SO excited about this episode of The Designer Within podcast! It's chock-full of big news that I can't wait to share with you!

My Design Success Academy is now open for it's Beta Launch!  This has truly been a labor of love for me to revise my online education programs in a way to make them even more effective and easier to implement than ever!
If you're not sure what a Beta Launch is, it's my way of getting even more feedback from you to make the official course launch in January 2024, that much better. In exchange for the feedback, I'm offering 100 students the chance to enroll in the Beta launch for 50% off by using the code: BETA23.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:
- My High Point Market review
- Why I revised the course to help you learn more and easier
- How I specifically changed the course for you to learn and complete in 6 weeks
- What's included in the course and for less cost to you
- Promise Pods and other learning tools that will make your experience even better
- A special announcement about LuAnn Live and someone that you know (ME!) will be there too!

Thanks for indulging me on this episode, it's truly a way for me to explain in detail the Beta launch of my new learning program to make you and your business successful using my proven techniques. 

And don't worry, if you don't want to be a part of the Beta launch, I'll have much more info on the Public launch next Jan!

I'm here for you my friend and I thank you for your trust!

Also, I'll be at LuAnn Live Nov 5-8, 2023 in Orlando, so join us there!

REGISTER FOR LUANN LIVE: www.luannlive.com
REGISTER FOR MY BETA LAUNCH OF DESIGN SUCCESS ACADEMY: www.designsuccessacademy.com

Text Me a Message!

Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.

Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.

👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin

Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/