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

If you are looking for advice on how to change your clients, you won’t find it here. As the professionals, it’s our job to manage the clients and their expectations so the renovation, remodeling, styling, decorating, landscaping project is an enjoyable one. Preparing the client for the work ahead is a full-time job and there are critical moments in the process. In this episode we learn: – it takes courage to speak your truth to clients, but they appreciate it. – being selective about projects brings peace of mind and grooms a better clientele – the higher your rate, the less likely you are to get push back from 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

You love getting paid without a hassle from your clients, but you hate logging hours. You have a real dilemma. It’s time to resolve this once and for all. In this episode we learn: - why effectively logging hours means fewer questions from clients - how to track time - why you need to log hours for hourly fee contracts and flat fee contracts It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Private label branding increases your street cred within the industry, but most importantly in your clients’ eyes. Instead of introducing your clients to someone else’s brand (the name on the sofa or chair you procure), you are keeping the client focused on your brand. In turn, this allows you to provide more value and charge higher fees. Curious to learn more? We were too! In this episode we learn: - what private label branding can do for your business - why working with a specialist to provide custom branding makes sense - how mentoring can improve the business for all of us 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’ve all been there. Everything is great…we are feeling like we’re at the top of our game. And then, wham. A series of errors occur, a couple of projects get off course, a client is angry about fees, a supplier is annoyed with some aspect of the relationship and suddenly, you’d rather work anywhere then here, as a design professional. Find out how interior designer Ellen Walker found herself burnt out and ready to quit. Learn how to avoid the same situation with Dr. Ganz Ferrance. And, as a bonus, Kimberley discusses how these same feelings led her to fantasize about doing jail time! In this episode we learn: - what leads up to hitting the wall - how do you know you’ve hit the wall - how to put the brakes on, before you hit the wall - Bonus: Dr. Ganz shares tips on how to avoid burnout It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Just because you’ve been doing it that way for years doesn’t make it the best way. Don’t surrender to so-so, when amazing is just around the corner. In this episode we learn: - top assumptions that need replacing - when it’s time to abandon a method of working - why new systems can fast track you to new success It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Talent isn’t enough to get you noticed. You’ve got to work at making your own breaks too. Especially if you want the wide-exposure gained through big media—television, print, radio. Cultivating a “yes” personality, going with the flow and persistently chasing your dreams will open doors. In this episode we learn: - why a “yes” first approach is best when it comes to media - the value of expanding your brand into television and print - tips on getting published and landing your first TV gig - why local promotion is sometimes the best - what traits are required to create a dynamic career - how Karl Lohnes finally got to work with one of his design idols, Martha Stewart - the 30-minute rule for engaging with TV hosts It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Working with seniors and the elderly can be a rewarding way to build a niche, but to do this work successfully, the design professional requires a distinct set of skills. Downsizing Diva can coordinate a move from start-to-finish, get a house ready to be staged, clear estates or drop in for a WOW session (Work on Whatever it takes) to begin the task of downsizing and organizing. In this episode we learn: - what downsizing is, and when it occurs - why it can feel great to downsize - how language can impact varied age groups differently - most important factor when decorating or designing for a client over the age of 70 - specific tips for working with seniors It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Terrible, awful, bad and inferior. These are the adjectives that best describe the three most popular methods for calculating flat fee proposals. Yes, most popular! In this one-on-one episode with Kimberley, you’ll hear first-hand, why the most popular methods don’t work. We want to clear the path for you to make lasting change in your business (and your life) and you won’t be able to do that until you abandon methods that are no longer serving you. In this episode we learn: - why guesstimating is a losing proposition; and, clients always “hold you to it” - how to increase your success rate in procuring new projects by 50% - how room-by-room methods for calculating come up short - why percentage of overall budget is not the best choice It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

As interior design professionals, most of us have big ideas, and frequently we can visualize those concepts long before they are realized. However, clients aren’t typically able to do that. To sell our design ideas and concepts to clients we must be able to show them what we’re thinking. A solid drawing package does just that. In this episode we learn: - what elements make up a thorough drawing package - how a disclaimer can protect you and your business - what clients do and don’t need to see - who decides what drawings are required - why billable hours for drawings are worthwhile - why negotiating fees with clients is a very bad idea It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Accessorizing and styling your design project is not a frivolous pursuit, nor is it an optional extra. Rather, styling is a key component of the finished project. As professional designers, we want to plan for this process, budget for styling items and deliver them—all as cohesive part of the client experience. If your clients want “wow”, then you need an effective styling strategy. In this episode we learn: - how to introduce the styling conversation - why projects that aren’t styled are not projects you want - strategies for building a styling budget - how to leave a lasting impression on 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

For too long, many of us have acted as if the purpose of our life is to fuel our business, when in fact, it’s just the opposite. Your business should be fueling your life, and funding your lifestyle. No business can do that successfully unless it’s run efficiently and effectively. In this episode Kimberley shares her top 10 Best Business Practices. In this episode we learn: – systems create and maintain order – pre-qualifying clients leads to less time on the phone, more time spent in meaningful projects – why impeccable integrity delivers a good night’s sleep – how evaluating your current practices allows you to make better decisions – why firm deadlines can free up valuable time It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Want to handle difficult clients and challenging situations with total authority? Well then, channel your inner 90’s action star (think Steven Segal)! Using a simple and effective technique, you can diffuse any challenging situation and turn an uncomfortable exchange into an affirming and positive step forward in your relationship. The bonus: this technique works with friends and family too. In this episode we learn: - how to diffuse a bad situation that is escalating. - stress-reducing strategies that will keep you in top-shape for the challenging work you do. - why hiring a coaching and/or psychologist is a sign of strength. - 5 reasons you absolutely should charge more money. 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 don’t get the consultation right, the project will never get off the ground. How to own the process—from first phone call, to onsite performance and signing the letter of agreement. In this episode we learn: - how charging a higher rate leads to more than just profit. - the perfect response to those who question charging for the consultation. - to offer a different service, of lower value, rather than take no for an answer. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast