The McClain Method | Business Tools For Interior Designers

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!

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

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!

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://www.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, 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!

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://www.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/

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!

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://www.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/

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!

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://www.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 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!

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://www.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/

Luxury...it means something different to everyone, but a lot of the definitions simply come down to the fact that someone is getting their heart's desires & wishes. In this shorty episode, I'm sharing some simple tips to follow when searching for and closing a luxury interior design client.

You will learn:
- How to move your own mindset out of the way to best serve your client
- What luxury clients are looking for in a designer
- How to service a luxury client AFTER the end of a project
- Your checkbook is not your client's checkbook

Enjoy this short and to-the-point podcast episode all about working with that sometimes elusive luxury client.
 Enjoy!

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://www.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/

Hey ya'll! Today, I welcome my friend and colleague in the design industry, Courtney Porter.  In this super duper detailed episode, Courtney and I dish about SO many things in our industry, but all centering around High Point Furniture Market.

Here are the fun topics we discuss in this episode:
- What is the "new" luxury design market and how are designers & manufacturers addressing it?
- What Courtney & I both love AND hate about High Point ;)
- How our industry has changed with less arrogance and more "down-to-earthness"  with designers
- The many educational opportunities that High Point Market gives to you
- The qualities to look for & questions to ask when considering working with a new vendor
- Courtney and I share our top tips on how to navigate the mammoth High Point Market with ease and accomplish what you came for (while having fun!)

Courtney is not only the Editor in Chief of DecorNewsNow.com but is also the co-author of Green Interior Design with Lori Dennis. She combines a deep understanding of luxury design, business development, and the tech media landscape to deliver insights in a voice respected throughout the industry. Interior designers, architects, showrooms and retail brands have relied on Porter's consultations to move their businesses upmarket and into the modern age. She also hosts  the Disruptive Design video podcast series.

Enjoy this episode with the always informative Courtney Porter.
For more information on Courtney & Decor News Now:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyporteroninsta
Website: https://decornewsnow.com/
For a list of all of the speaking engagements where you can find Courtney at Fall High Point Market 2023: https://decornewsnow.com/decor-news-nows-fall-high-point-2023-schedule/

John McClain Speaking Engagements Fall High Point Market 2023: https://johnmcclain.thedesignerwithin.co/highpoint

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://www.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/

Today we welcome Jude Charles as our guest on The Designer Within podcast! Jude is a author, filmmaker, and consultant, but more so he is a powerful storyteller who especially loves partnering with us Interior Designers (thankfully!)

Jude helps entrepreneurs make money by using the power of storytelling. I truly loved this conversation because I too understand and value the power of a story. 

I first heard of Jude after he created a beautiful docuseries for my friend, LuAnn Nigara. Check that out if you haven't yet, it's really really well done and insightful.

In this episode, Jude share SO much value for all of us. 
Here's a bit of what you will hear in this fun and insightful episode:

• Jude's powerful story of how HE started in his career (hint: teachers rock!)
• How one AHA moment of near desperation changed the way he valued his work
• What's a story "hook" and how I'm going to add one to my simple Insta stories
• How to create your own story board (and a free download for you)
• After-Market Marketing: What it is and why you should do it
• The importance of your story and why it's crucial to your success
• How to overcome the fear of being on camera and sharing your story
• Specific places to place your videos for all the eyeballs to see (some might surprise you)

I promise you, you will leave this episode inspired and energized to develop and share your own story!

MORE ABOUT JUDE:
Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/judecharles/
Website:   http://JudeCharles.co
Download Jude's Freebie:  10 Storytelling Prompts for Interior Designers:
https://judecharles.co/lead
Jude's Book, Dramatic Demonstration:  http://JudeCharles.co/book 

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://www.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 podcast episode, I am talking about listening to your heart. 💓

This could apply to all aspects of life, but for the purpose of this podcast, I am taking a sample of the first chapter of my book, The Designer Within, and diving deeper into Chapter 1 (also aptly called "Listen To Your Heart."💓💓

This episode is for both homeowners (clients) AND designers, so I want EVERYONE to listen up!💓💓💓

The first chapter of my book is my own home and I truly did listen to my heart when I was designing it, but this episode is much more than just a recap of the chapter, we also dive into some "taboo" topics that some are timid to discuss.

Here is what you will learn in this episode:
❣️ Why It's Important To Listen To Your Heart When Designing Your Home
❣️  Specific Ways That I Listened To My Own Heart In My Home
❣️ The Responsibilities of Both Designers & Clients When Designing
❣️  Why I'm Over "Copy Cat" Design
❣️ A Story of "Copy Cat" Design That I Experienced
❣️  The Real Reason Interior Designers Do What We Do

So grab a cup of something (or shake that cocktail shaker) and settle in as we talk about listening to that important voice that's in your heart.  💓💓💓

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://www.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/