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

Interior design professionals are frequently lauded in the media for the results we achieve. Too often though, how we achieve those results is relegated to the editing room floor. It seems we can’t rely on television reality shows, glossy magazines or social media influencers to tell our story. It’s a hero’s journey and it’s time we advocate for ourselves. In this episode we learn: - the value of sharing the whole design process with clients and potential clients; not just the good parts or the highlights real - why consumers have a hard time knowing who they can trust It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Yes, you can be a creative and a powerful business owner. Take it from creatives Weston and Cristy Blankenship. They lost everything (we’re talking bankruptcy and homelessness) only to find they could start again and succeed by setting a new intention and stepping up to the challenge of being the boss. You (right now, whatever your circumstance) have the power to change your business and your life. In this episode we learn: - It’s never a good idea to surrender your power - fear-based decisions are rarely constructive - a higher rate will push you to excel - the value of boundaries It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

The only way to hear the still small voice is to slow down. Of course, that’s easier said then done, like most worthy goals. In this episode we talk to a master craftsman about the process, the journey and the joy. In this episode we learn: - a slower approach to the creative process can yield surprising results and allow you to see and know more - consider and appreciate your origin story - maybe it’s time to use all the colors in the crayon box again - sometimes it’s good to just make a decision, regardless of whether it’s right or wrong - supporting and appreciating local artisans and craftspeople is good for all of us - perfection is an illusion; let that s^#t go - tell clients the story of special objects—how they are made and info about the artist It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Clients hire an interior design professional for a variety of reasons, but certainly they are looking for direction and guidance. Too often, designers hesitate to make strong recommendations out of fear or a lack of confidence. It’s time to own your projects and confidently make suggestions. In this episode we learn: - a secret weapon to boost your confidence at the presentation - too many options are never a good thing - it’s ok to hold firm and allow your client to consider your suggestion (don’t rush in to provide another option) - amp up your intake to learn more about clients - techniques for working through major resistance to ideas - how to get a yes out of 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

In this episode, Kimberley explores her personal search for mindfulness. Is this a tool that can be used to keep you focused on tasks, and therefore more productive? Yes. Is it also a tool you can use to create a better experience for your clients? Absolutely. In this episode we learn: - to consider the stress that extra “stuff” can place on your consciousness - it may be time for a digital detox - how meditation can center and calm you - it’s ok to talk to clients about clutter - how to diplomatically help clients let go of items with sentimental value It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Many people think being a parent is the toughest job there is—even tougher than running a design firm! In this episode, Kimberley asks interior designer and mother of five, Lindsay Kjellberg to share techniques that work as well at the office as they do at home. In this episode we learn: - protocols and systems make it possible to succeed every day - boundaries provide comfort and safety - limited choices provide comfort and safety - 100% honesty is not totally necessary - set expectations early and then stick to them It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Our suppliers and trusted resource providers can offer a wealth of insight into how to run our businesses more efficiently and profitably. Seeking their advice can save you from making costly mistakes and position you to succeed. In this episode we learn: - present the whole project (renovation and fixtures and furniture) to clients at one time - give clients an opportunity to know luxury—don’t deprive them - hold your opinion, even if a client is balking at the suggestion - systems, period - rely on specialists to know all the things you don’t (and can’t possibly) know - you don’t have to know everything; you just have to know who to ask It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Although we learned a lot in design school, many of us felt unprepared to run a business. It’s never too late to reengineer your business into what it might have been on day one. In this episode we learn: - to scale up, you must let go of some tasks - how clarity in all areas of business is achieved by implementing Business of Design™ 15 STEP Project Management Strategy™ - creating one system has a snowball effect that improves all adjacent tasks - an operations manual will save time and prevent chaos It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Although we learned a lot in design school, many of us felt unprepared to run a business. It’s never too late to reengineer your business into what it might have been on day one. In this episode we learn: - there are 2 ways to navigate your career - why clarity must come before strategy - how boundaries are only part of the solution to overwhelm - questions to consider before starting your business (or as soon as you hear this podcast) - should you start with a side hustle or go all in It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Occasionally we have snippets of great conversation which don’t make it past the editor to air on a podcast. Why waste great information? In this episode Kimberley shares random thoughts that have not yet been explored on the show. In this episode we learn: - don’t be afraid of failure, embrace the learning - accepting responsibility for everything that’s not working in your business will allow you to fix the problem and move forward - being vulnerable, even admitting failures can be freeing - the power of a mature business network - when it’s time to hire, don’t hire a mini-you It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

No one needs to be reminded that they are aging or have limitations. Our role as designers is to create functional, beautiful and safe environments for all of our clients, regardless of circumstances. In this episode we consider replacing aging in place with living in place. In this episode we learn: - replace negative terminology such as “grab bars” with neutral phrasing such as “towel bars” - comfort is key at every age and stage - when to use contrast and when to avoid it - how we can do better work for our clients through education To view the show notes on Erik’s 5 areas of the home to focus on when it comes to safety and comfort for all, head over to: https://businessofdesign.com/podcasts/ep-108-living-in-place/ It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Although we don’t always learn the lessons when they first present themselves, in hindsight, they were there. Kimberley discusses her very first design client and what she learned (or could have learned) back in 1991. In this episode we learn: - you determine your value and clients will oblige - clients value your expertise when you do - clients care about two things and you should care about those same things - professional hours look professional - the boss makes the rules It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Starting from ground zero with no clients and no formal training, we learn how one entrepreneur launched her design business using tactics she picked up in the entertainment field she worked in previously and applying her Business of Design membership. In this episode we learn: - a flexible business plan is a guide to growth and a catalyst to identifying what makes you stand out in the market - contrary to popular thought, not all designers see themselves as creative - a niche focus on young families is a long-term strategy for success - outsourcing can support fast growth - get comfortable with networking - consider a co-working space to surround yourself with other business owners 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 some designers, a work space outside the home is a stamp of legitimacy. But a collective can offer so much more. It’s a safe place to discuss ongoing projects, a resource for new ideas and an opportunity to welcome clients into a professional atmosphere. In this episode BOD member LeAnne Bunnell She shares her journey running a cooperative work space. Then, we hear from Swati Goorha who runs a collective buying group with her partner Julie Anne Baur. If you’ve ever felt marginalized or squeezed by shrinking margins, you’ll love the conversation. In this episode we learn: - before you launch a collective, figure out what your intention is for the space - remember to allow for staff, visiting vendors and client meetings when determining the size of the collective you want to join or open - 5 must include considerations for your collective work space - consider how many members you need to meet the financial commitments - a buying collective can significantly increase profits on goods It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

How one designer’s five-year plan guided her to success. It’s never too late to create one for yourself. In this episode we learn: - sound legal advice, to guide you through the initial stages of setting up the business, can be really helpful - strategic, effective networking gets you customers and trades when you need them - drive through key neighorhoods to find trades who work nearby - in your first year in business, it’s ok to say yes to all the jobs, but get discerning as quickly as possible - as projects get bigger, you can begin to define your style aesthetic - strategies for billing out other team members - the advantage of hiring a bookkeeper early in your career For a copy of Stephanie's 5 Year Plan, go to: https://businessofdesign.com/podcasts/ep-104-5-year-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