I'm so delighted to bring on fellow designer and friend, Amala Raj Swenson to the podcast today. Amala is the Principal Designer & Founder of Amala Raj Interiors based in San Diego, California.

We cover so much in this fun and information filled episode! Here's just some of the topics we will cover:

⭐ The unique way Amala blends her business and personal life
⭐ How Amala's "secret sauce" leads to more and better clients
⭐ The simple yet effective organizational software Amala uses to keep her company running
⭐ How we both feel about using Artificial Intelligence in the design industry
⭐ Amala's advice to new comers to our industry.

This episode is fun, informative, and full of great advice. See you inside!

For more on Amala visit her website at:  https://www.amalaraj.com/
Or on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/amalarajinteriors/

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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/

They say when you become an entrepreneur, you trade your 8 hour day for an 18 hour day, which, is kind of true in some ways. BUT.... what about all of the time that you allow to become a part of your workday?
 
You know? Those unpaid jobs that you keep doing out of obligation to clients and friends and family..

Well I would like to hit this problem head on today and figure out exactly how to eliminate some of those unpaid jobs that you have!

In this unfiltered episode, I will discuss:
🛑 How to recognize the jobs you are working for free
🛑 How to combat the urge to keep saying yes (and learning to say no) to both clients AND friends)
🛑 How to FINALLY get paid for those unpaid jobs
🛑 How to feel great about all of this!

Hate me or love me, I'm speaking the truth to you and it's all for your benefit. Now put those earbuds in and let's get started!

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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/

In this episode, I welcome Susan Hayward and Jillian Hayward Schaible. They are are the mother and daughter design team behind the successful firm, Susan Hayward Interiors in Milton Massachusetts. 

In this episode, Susan and Jillian share their interesting insights on how their internal relationship has worked to build a very successful design firm with lots of repeat and long term clients. 

We also discuss:
* How working together actually WORKS for them
* How interior design is not the first career of either designer
* The marketing method that brings in constant business for their firm
* How Susan & Jillian have set themselves apart from other designers in their area
* The transparency method of business operations that they swear by
* How their love of residential design morphed into a successful commercial design division for their company.

I know you'll enjoy this fun and very insightful episode with Susan and Jillian of Susan Hayward Interiors.

For more information about Susan Hayward Interiors, visit them at:
https://www.susanhaywardinteriors.com/
or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/suhayinteriors/?hl=en

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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/

Hi Friends! Can I celebrate episode 30 with you for a moment?!  That's 30 weeks of podcasts in your earbuds from me, & I'm so thankful that you take this journey of learning with me every week.

Today's episode is another BTS episode! I'm sharing an actual PRIVATE member podcast episode that I created for my program, Design Success Academy. 

Here's what you will learn in this note-taking, head nodding episode:
Key Points:

• How to deal with the reluctance to discount yourself and the need to recognize the value of your services.
• The significance of setting boundaries and not compromising on pricing.
• Overcoming the fear of hearing "no."
• Embracing discomfort and making incremental progress in pricing confidence.
• The positive aspects of people-pleasing when within agreed boundaries.
• How to overcome the fear of presenting prices and suggests strategies to confidently communicate pricing to clients.
• Can a gatekeeper help you in managing pricing conversations?
• Scope Creep and the importance of a detailed scope of work in the agreement.

Enjoy and I'll see you next week!
xo
John

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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/

And I mean that! :)

In this short but powerful episode, I am sharing with you some insights that I shared during a coaching session recently with a student of mine. The student was having issues with clients trying to dictate the investment amount of projects and even my student's design fees! 

As you can tell, this doesn't bode well with me, but the blame is on us as business owners to educate our future clients on how operate our companies, particularly how we price our products and services. 

In this episode you will learn:
💲How to discuss investment amounts with clients so that everyone is happy
💲How to choose a service category for every client
💲Why you need a set of deliverables for each type of service you offer
💲The BEST time to create your services (hint: it's not when you think)
💲How to TRULY serve your full service design clients

This episode might be short but it's PACKED full of juice! Now, grab a pen and paper and settle in for your own private coaching session with me!

Enjoy!

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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/

Ok friends, I'm being even more open and vulnerable today than ever.

I'm sharing with you my own year end review and the results of that. I took a deep dive into my own 2023 and found out the good, the bad, and the ugly of this past year. I found areas that went well....and then some that did not go so well.

But the beauty of a good year end review is that you learn from the past and make a new path for the upcoming year and that's what I'm doing for you today. Now, trust me, there were LOTS of good moments and I'm sharing those too, because those "wins" are just as valuable.

In this SUPER detailed episode, I'm going to share with you:
*The Good, Bad, & Ugly of My 2023
*The lessons learned and what I'm planning for 2024
* A simple 3 step model for evaluating your own year (I mean it, it's EASY)
*TONS of actionable advice for you to implement right now in your own business

I hope this episode is helpful for you to see the ups and downs of the roller coaster ride of life and business; and mostly I want you to take the time to review your own life and business with this simple model.

Head to www.johnmcclain.co for the free download exercise to plan your own year with 3 simple steps.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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/

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!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts  

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

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!

Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 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/