Business of Design ™ | Interior Designers, Decorators, Stagers, Stylists, Architects & Landscapers

If you’ve been relying on the same style, the same tried and true suppliers, and not taking the occasional creative risk, you may be missing out on an opportunity to provide clients with spaces that are truly one of a kind. In this episode we learn: - how to source one of a kind items - why getting clients involved in the creative process can feel good - what to do when you hit a creative roadblock - working in a high-low modality can leave room for the occasional splurge It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Things get a little hectic during STEP 10. Listen in as Kimberley interviews her own trades during a typical installation process. In this episode we learn: - how to prep for STEP 10 - how to prepare clients for inevitable deficiencies - what it takes to create a successful installation for clients TAKE AWAYS To check out behind the scenes photos of a typical installation day, visit http://businessofdesign.com/podcasts It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Everyone needs that person in your life who tells you about the latest app or technology you should try. Kimberley’s go to resource for what’s next and what’s great is Lindan Courtemanche from Heuristic, a boutique branding firm. Lindan shares her fave apps for small business owners like you. In this episode we learn: - 5 fave apps for small business success - 2 guilty pleasures for art enthusiasts - best advice for your own contract - never confuse what you like with what’s required to fulfill on the strategy Take Aways - Lindan describes Trello as post it notes on steroid. A riff on the Japanese organization model, Kanban boards. - If you are working with remote teams, these apps will change your life. Dropbox & Box. - Kimberley is now hooked on Scannabal. It’s really useful for copying notes on job sites; leaving a hard copy with trades or client but having a backup copy ready to go. - Receipt Bank is an amazing tool for cutting down time when it comes to logging receipts! - An addictive site that allows you to bid on works of art and sell works of art. Paddle 8. Or, if you are keen to find new and upcoming talent, try Saatchi Art. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

We're ending this year off with a listener favorite. If you are eager to turn potential clients into paid ones, then you’ll love hearing what Aysun Kuck had to say about the process in EP 014 | Closing the Sale - Part 1. This episode was a two-part series, so be sure to go back and check out EP 022 | Part 2.  In this episode we learn: - how to put a smile in your voice - to have a goal when you return a potential client’s call - how to identify different types of clients quickly - getting paid up front is professional It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Kimberley has been teaching the strategies you find here for more than 13 years. In this episode, Cheryl Horne, BOD’s Director of Operations asks Kimberley to answer the top 10 questions she receives on flat fees. In this episode we learn: - which method, flat fee or hourly, Kimberley likes most - courage to ask for the fee you need - why project management is a game-changer - why scope creep is a good thing - why passing on your discount to clients is a mistake It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

If you’ve ever considered coaching, listen in as design professional and Business of Design member Enza Ricco grooms her procedures for flat fees and collection systems.   In this episode we learn: - tips for having the confidence to ask for the fee you need - size of deposit to collect before purchasing goods and services - how to discuss the disproportionate size of fees against small projects - how to maintain relationships with past clients - how do you get the phone to ring - how to expand business with existing clients and get new clients - a diplomatic response to reusing clients’ existing stuff It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Having an opinion, owning that opinion and then standing behind it are all part of a skill set the interior design professional needs. In this episode we learn: - clients are hiring you for your opinion - how to differentiate between personal preference and what is right or wrong for your project - creating a strong identity for yourself is the best way to attract clients It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Brittany Chinaglia has an amazing website and online business known as The Vintage Rug Shop. Listen in to hear how this closet interior design pro is turning her side hustle into a viable business. In this episode we learn: - key to success is having your financial processes in order - hiring a  bookkeeper is a small investment that pays big dividends - if you are selling online, you need an efficient website - the path to becoming a High Point blogger It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Why do smart entrepreneurs do dumb things with money? And more importantly, what can we do right now to make a positive and lasting change in our financial health and maturity? Part two with money and finance expert, Bruce Sellery. In this episode we learn: - how a tool (money) differs from your true desire - how to identify where your financial risk is - why action must be measured It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

It’s an honor to be chosen as a designer for a prestigious show house or a charity auction house project. Still, before you say yes, weigh the pros and cons of participation. In this episode we learn: - some of the challenges of working on team projects - why setting an intention can get you better results - why it’s important to evaluate your contribution—financial and otherwise It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Failing to manage the client’s expectations is a sure-fired way to destroy project harmony. In this one-on-one podcast with Kimberley, she reviews techniques and systems for efficient and effective communication with clients. In this episode we learn: - the number one reason you get fired - specific moments when stating the truth is imperative - why it’s ok to be busy - how to take back control of your personal life - healthy boundaries for healthy interactions It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Markup. It’s such a dirty word, and yet we need the income that comes from that revenue stream. In this podcast, we’ll share how we maximize our margins when purchasing products and trades. In this episode we learn: - a new language for dealing with the reality of markups - specific strategies for pricing - to increase profitability with decent margins on goods and labor - how to hone your confidence as a business owner It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Why do smart entrepreneurs do dumb things with money? And more importantly, what can we do right now to make a positive and lasting change in our financial health and maturity? Money expert, Bruce Sellery has actionable advice. In this episode we learn: - the questions to ask yourself when you’re ready to get serious about your financial health - how to make immediate changes to your financial strategies - how to use a community to support your new habits - why being financially savvy matters Take Aways Sustainable spending Analyze—Review spending for two months. Note that you spend x$ on groceries x$ on your car, x$ on dining out, etc. Then look at the analytics. Brainstorm—What are one or two things you can do differently? Don’t try to change everything at once. Identify a couple of areas that you can make a change. Change—Implement the changes in those one or two areas. Rinse and repeat! Also, automate savings into retirement plan. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Too many go into business with an idealized or romantic view of what it’s going to be like to “be the boss”.  If you’ve been talking about the benefits of owning your own business but not living the benefits, this episode is for you. In this episode we learn: - the common lies we tell ourselves about owning a business - how to take control of your life as the boss - being the boss is a choice - the difference between a job and a business It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

To publish the great design work you do, or to build your brand as an industry expert, you need to use the media—and the media may need to use you. Vicky Sanderson is a professional writer whose beat for the last twenty years is design. Vicky shares what every designer should have in her/his toolkit when it comes to capturing the attention of the media experts in your area.  In this episode we learn: - what is supplied content and how can you use it - what’s the difference between controlled and paid circulation - what should be in your tool kit if you’re serious about getting media exposure It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast