Designer’s Oasis

"You don't need to do it all! Think about your personality and what is a good fit for YOU and your clients." - Kate Bendewald

When it comes to design services and the different options that we, as interior designers, have when it comes to what we each offer, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. In many cases, designers today don’t want to do procurement due to lead times, construction costs and delays, etc. Many of you may want to have a menu of options for clients. In this episode, I share what I feel are the 5 types of interior design services that you should consider offering, what they are, what the pros and cons are, and who they are ideal for. 

I will throw out one caveat. In this episode I am talking about generally accepted practices in interior design. Will there be exceptions? Absolutely. This is intended to provide a framework for how to think about the different types of services you might offer and how to decide which ones are in alignment with the types of clients you want and the kind of design career you want. 

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. What design services you may consider offering to your clients?

2. What are the pros and cons of each type of design service?

3. What kind of design career do you want?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[3:00] Why I don’t feel like an interior designer should offer all types of services, but rather choose what interior design services are best for their business. Why offering a ladder of services may be a better fit.

[5:20] We dive into what full-service design includes and involves, how the project management may work, and the pros and cons.

[10:30] I share how I use design-only services in my business, the pros and cons as well as who this is ideal for.

[18:05] Consultation only services and how you can set these up by offering advice and design direction only, without drawings or detailed specifications. 

[21:50] Offering services remotely via E-Design services - when they can work, who they work best for, and all of the pros and cons.

[29:45] One of my favorite services to offer, Designer for a Day - how much can you achieve in a day, how do you charge, what is really possible?

[35:27] Wrapping up with a few thought-provoking questions to get you on the right track! 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Is E-Design Finally Having it’s Moment?
• E-Design: How to Develop your Pitch, Process and Price
• Sidedoor https://www.onsidedoor.com/ 
• 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

  WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/2

  Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I am answering a listener question for our #dearkate entries! This question comes from Melissa, who wants to know about starting their own business? Melissa says: "Interior design has been a part of my life for decades. But I haven't worked in this field professionally. After graduating from an interior design program, I'm considering going right for it and opening my own design firm. I feel confident in my ability to design for clients. However, I feel uneasy not having any real world professional experience. I want to do right by my clients and enjoy my second career as much as possible. What do you think I need to know before deciding to go for it? PS thank you so much for sharing valuable specific insights on the podcast. I have learned so much from you. And I'm so grateful."     Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share why I think it's always a good idea to start working for someone else as you are getting started and learning.
• I discuss the 9 traits that are necessary to build a successful interior design business.
• I jump into the first steps to take to start building your interior design business.
• I share how to learn from your mistakes and avoid comparing your start to someone else's middle or end of their business journey.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Episode # 37: 7 Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

    🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/what-you-need-to-know-before-starting-an-interior-design-business    

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I chat with Selena Soo and Sharon Stokes. Selena Soo is a publicity and marketing strategist for visionary entrepreneurs and experts who has helped clients and students get featured in places like Domino, The Oprah Magazine, Forbes and Inc, and land interviews on popular podcasts and national television. Joining her today is Sharon Stokes, her head of publicity programs and senior media coach who has served as a TV producer for close to 20 years, producing interviews with notable personalities, including Oprah, Richard Branson, Marie Forleo, and Gabrielle Bernstein.   I have personally worked with Sharon and Selena and my very first publicity pitch after working with them was accepted, and featured in Domino! In today's episode we chat all about the best ways to get featured and gain the publicity you want for your interior design business.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We discuss all of the factors that come into play with publicity including what types of publicity are best.
• We share about the fear that comes with putting your work and your story out into the world and the fear of visibility that comes with that.
• We discuss the mistakes that are often made when it comes to publicity and marketing with interior designers.
• We dive into how to look for a find help with publicity including what to look for, what you need, and how that may look.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Book a Call with a Publicity Strategist
• Impacting Millions
• Selena's Website

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/publicity-and-marketing-strategies-for-interior-designers-with-selena-soo

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I am joined by Andrea Liebross, a dynamic business and life coach who specializes in empowering unapologetically ambitious women entrepreneurs. Andrea is not only a seasoned speaker but also the insightful host of the Time to Level Up podcast.   With a unique approach, Andrea guides her clients to merge Big Thinking with robust systems, creating a powerful synergy that propels them toward success. Her mission is to help women entrepreneurs not only achieve their goals but also unlock the freedom of time, money, and energy they passionately seek.   In September 2023, Andrea achieved a remarkable milestone by releasing a best-selling book, "She Thinks Big: The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Guide to Moving Past the Messy Middle and into the Extraordinary," accompanied by a transformative workbook. Through her work, Andrea has become a beacon of inspiration for those navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, offering practical insights and strategies to navigate the journey from uncertainty to extraordinary success.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• Andrea and I discuss the keys to being a big thinker and accessing the future you.
• Andrea shares how to recognize if you are stuck in passive action.
• We discuss the inner voice in the back of our heads that voices feedback based on the past and holding us back.
• We discuss the idea of having WILD goals.
• We jump into how striving for simplicity can really help when starting or growing an interior design business.
• We discuss the idea of thinking big and how to reframe our mindset.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Amazon Bookstore
• Andrea's Book: She Thinks Big: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Guide to Moving Past the Messy Middle and Into the Extraordinary
• She Thinks Big Workbook Q
• Andrea's website

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/big-thinking-to-create-an-extraordinary-interior-design-business-with-andrea-liebross  

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I'm catching up with Tammy Cody, founder and instructor at SketchUp for Interior Designers where she has taught 1000's of interior designers exclusively for over a decade how to master SketchUp so they can streamline their productivity while producing beautiful and organized drawing sets to accurately convey their ideas to clients and contractors.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• Tammy shares the common misconceptions about Sketchup
• We discuss where to start if you want to explore Sketchup for your interior design business
• Tammy shares tips on using organization and modeling within SketchUp
• Tammy shares new features you'll want to check out if you're an existing user.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• SketchUp for Interior Designers
• Follow Tammy on IG
• SketchUp for Schools

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/is-sketchup-pro-good-for-interior-designers-with-tammy-cody

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I sat down with the very talented, warm, smart, and creative, Britt Davis of Art & Adorn in Charlotesville Virginia. Britt is mother to 4 kids, she's an artist, interior designer, event planner, and retreat host at her farm - Glentivar Farm. Twice a year she and her best friend Molly Crouch who you can find in this episode host a day-long retreat for women called Tonic and Bloom. The retreat is a day of pause and reflection where guests can enjoy a variety of "tonics" such as exploring the farm, reading, resting, soaking in the pool, making art, and getting a massage. All while being fed delish farm fresh food prepared by Britt and Molly's husbands.   I asked Britt to join me this month specifically as we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness month. Britt and I discuss mental health, navigating life as an Enneagram 7, building an interior design and event business, all while raising kids.   There is a brief discussion of suicide which may be distressing or triggering for some individuals. I want to remind you that there are resources available. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you don't have to go through this alone. Please seek support from a mental health professional, a trusted person, or a crisis support service. We have linked to resources below.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• Britt shares her personal struggles with mental health as well as the struggles of her childhood best friend and how that ultimately changed who she was and how she felt she was called to serve other women.
• Britt discusses how supporting women and providing space for them to pause, pray, reflect, and restore became a passion project that has resulted in Tonic + Bloom retreats.
• We discuss how Britt got into art and interior design.
• We share the struggles with entrepreneurship, raising a family, and maintaining creative ventures.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Check out Britt's Website
• Tonic + Bloom Retreats
• Shop Britt's Art
• Follow Britt on IG
• Suicide Prevention Support https://988lifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/
• Unraveling Busy with Molly Crouch
• Podcast with Kate: High End Commercial Design to Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
• Find out more about the Enneagram

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/turning-tragedy-into-light-with-interior-designer-britt-davis

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I got to sit down and chat with Amber Guyton, the creative mind behind Blessed Little Bungalow. She's a marketer, a Financial Services Advisor turned blogger, influencer interior designer, and now a collaborator with companies like World Market and Mitchell Black, where she recently launched a beautiful line of wallpapers. Her work has been featured in HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful, Forbes Architectural Digest, Ebony Apartment Therapy, Domino, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle, and many more. Amber's designs are beautiful color-filled homes that she designs exclusively for her clients, both locally and nationwide.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We discuss how Amber jumped into entrepreneurship as an Interior Designer and how she prepared to move into interior design full-time.
• We discuss imposter syndrome, anxiety, and self-doubt when it comes to being an entrepreneur and an interior designer.
• We talk about how to network in your interior design business and ensure you are taking on the right type of client for you.
• We share about being authentic in business and interior design.
• We share how we have both been working on saying no to projects and opportunities that may not be the best fit for our current path.
• We jump into taking care of yourself while building your business and the roller coaster of entrepreneurship.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Blessed Little Bungalow
• Follow Amber on IG: @blessedlittlebungalow

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-balance-creativity-and-entrepreneurship-with-amber-guyton      

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I'm catching up with Cerissa McKinnis of Industrious Interiors in San Antonio Texas who offers luxury kitchen and bath design and whole home transformations. She's a long-time member inside the Interior Designer's Business Blueprint but today we are talking about a book she's written - Navigating the Liminal Places: How to harness the power of transitional moments in your life.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We discuss the concept if liminality in our lives.
• We jump into how to navigate these transitional moments and changes.
• We share our insights into how to maintain a positive mindset and still foster creativity during these periods.
• We share how to navigate big changes and choices to find your true calling and passions.
• We share about divine intervention and the role that faith can have during liminal times.
• We discuss a few ways that we foster creativity and feed our souls.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Industrious Interiors
• Follow Cerissa on IG
• Follow Cerissa on TikTok
• Grab your copy of Navigating the Liminal Places

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- www.designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-harness-the-power-of-transitional-moments-with-cerissa-mckinnis

  Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, Christina Canales joins me to discuss the importance of building a successful interior design business through fostering relationships with vendors and clients, and collaborating with other designers. We dive into the value of communication, mutual support, and taking back control of the sales process to navigate challenges. We share strategies for managing anxiety and impostor syndrome, including perspective-taking, reframing negative thoughts, and recognizing that these feelings are common and fixable.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• Christina shares the unconventional paths that led she and her husband Jose on a unique journey into the design industry, intertwining personal and professional endeavors.
• We discuss navigating diverse projects ranging from residential to commercial, each with unique challenges and rewards.
• We dive into juggling parenthood, homeschooling, and the demands of building a business and career.
• Christina shares how she worked to define her weaknesses and focus on growing or hiring to fill those needs.
• We discuss building a team and how to leverage your team member's strengths.
• We share our struggles with anxiety which resonate with many creatives who grapple with feelings of impostor syndrome and overwhelm.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Canales and Co
• Follow Christina on Instagram

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/managing-anxiety-and-growing-your-interior-design-business-with-christina-canales    

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   Have you ever had a client who is questioning your most recent invoice, they want to do something outside of your contract terms, or they misunderstood information? So what can you do to salvage the relationships?   In today's episode, I tackle a listener question on how to handle challenging client situations. I'm sharing 8 strategies that can help you in ANY sticky situation and hopefully bring a resolution without sacrificing your dignity or your income.   If you haven't yet faced a challenging client situation, you simply haven't been in business long enough. Certainly, these situations are minimized with the more experience you have because you know what to look for, and how to circumvent issues that arise, and you have more confidence to take the wheel on projects.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share how and why to buy yourself some time before responding in a stressful situation.
• I discuss how to focus on the facts and out the story and emotion.
• I share how to activate your empathy in situations with clients who may not fully understand the design process.
• I discuss the need to normalize problems such as an item arriving damaged or delayed as a normal part of the process.
• I share how I make sure to put my clients best interest in center stage when addressing a concern.
• I share the importance of accountability and flexibility

  Running into challenges is an inevitable part of running an interior design business. It can be hard not to take things personally or feel like your character/integrity is being challenged but you have to separate yourself from the claim vs your intention.   After utilizing these strategies, you may occasionally realize a project/client doesn't have room to move forward and that's also okay. If you employ these strategies you can feel good that you did the best you could to come up with a viable solution. If they are inflexible, it's better to establish it now and cut ties instead of trying to force something that will never get easier.     Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• How to get out of the Perfectionist Trap
• Managing Client Expectations during Renovations
• 5 Business Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
• 7 Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore
• You Have Time with Jenny Footle

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/8-problem-solving-strategies-for-interior-designers

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   The messes never clean themselves up but somebody who knows what they're doing has to get in there to help kind of right this ship.   In today's episode, Morgan Boudreaux, from Business by the Book, a full-service accounting firm that works directly with interior designers across the country joins me. Business by the Books started as a family-run business founded by Morgan's mother, Sherry Wilson. Today they have a team of bookkeepers who are passionate about taking care of financial tasks so that their clients can do the things that they love, design, create and build successful businesses, and spend time with their families. They have been my personal and trusted bookkeepers for four years and I can share firsthand the difference when working with their team who truly understands finances around interior design businesses.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We discuss the difference between profit and loss statements and income statements.
• Morgan shares the distinctions between using cash vs accrual accounting.
• We dive into when to hire a bookkeeper and how to look at this as a necessary (and extremely beneficial) expense for your interior design business.
• Morgan shares the top 3 bookkeeping mistakes that interior designers make (and how to change them!)

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Business by the Book
• PODCAST: Simplify your Bookkeping with Morgan Boudreaux

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/3-bookkeeping-mistakes-interior-designers-make-with-morgan-boudreaux  

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, we have a returning guest, and my friend Jenny Karlsson - a certified money coach helping creative entrepreneurs develop practical financial resilience and stability strategies. She's also the creator of the Money Compass Deck, a tangible tool to help you cultivate your connection with money. Jenny offers a safe, shame-free environment to help creatives develop a healthy relationship with money so that they can experience greater ease and freedom.   Today, we are exploring the idea of financial resilience - what it is and how we can employ certain strategies daily to help us strengthen our relationship with money while handling the ebbs and flows of being an entrepreneur.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We discuss the need for and difference between financial resilience and financial stability.
• We share advice on weathering unforeseen events without having a significant financial strain, but rather feeling prepared for these disruptions.
• We dive into how to build up resources and support systems within your business to allow you to adapt quickly.
• We share our thoughts on navigating the complexities of balancing work, family, and unforeseen challenges.
• We discuss how we each prioritize self-care, asking for help, and building community.
• We talk about the natural cycles of business that can lead to overwhelm, worry, or every overextending yourself.
• We look at how the financial health of your business impacts adding them members and outsourcing tasks.
• We share the fear around money and financial stability and how to put the right systems and support in place.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• PODCAST: How to Prep your Business Finances for the Ebbs and Flows with Jenny Karlsson
• PODCAST: How to Transform your Relationship with Money Featuring Jenny Karlsson
• Financials for Creatives
• Follow Jenny on IG!
•  

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-handle-financial-ebbs-and-flows-in-your-interior-design-business

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

In today’s episode I want to share the 7 money tips that I live by as an interior designer! Maybe finances come easy for you or maybe you’re more like me where it needs to be built into your schedule and you need a clear list of what needs to be done, what needs attention, and what to focus on.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I discuss making a ritual out of looking at your finances each week to create a habit and create a ritual of grabbing you favorite coffee or treat.
• I share how to start paying yourself first via auto-pay to create the habit that ensures you get paid and taken care of even from the start of your business.
• I dive into how to keep your money siloed and how I use this in my business to make sure my client money and my business money and profit stay separate.
• I discuss my method for how I use a recurring focused task on my calendar with a checklist to ensure that I can focus on what needs to be done without taking time as invoices, etc come in to stop and take care of those.
• I have questions for my bookkeeper throughout the month (as I’m sure we all do!) so I share how I manage these questions so that I can stay on top of what’s needed.
• I am a big advocate of auditing your projects to really get a feel for income and time spent on each project and share my methods.
• I share my simple method of using email tags to set up a system for knowing what needs to be paid or needs attention on the day you are doing your money work!

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers

• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business

• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

• PODCAST: 3 Ways to Price Your Projects

• PODCAST;3 Reasons Interior Designers Stay Stuck and Broke

• Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones 

• Harvest $10 off of your first month

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/43

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   On today's episode, Carla Titus, the founder and CEO of Wealth & Worth Within shares about finances, scaling, profitability, and her mission to empower business owners to take control of their finances to grow profits, have cash in the bank, and pay themselves, so they can build personal wealth. Carla loves working with interior designers to help them achieve financial clarity and peace of mind so you can get back to the work you enjoy doing. Working as a fractional CFO, Carla can consult with interior designers looking to grow their business profitability and scaling their businesses sustainably. In this episode, we discuss how to use hiring, outsourcing, contractors and more to build additional revenue streams and scale your business in a manageable way.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We discuss how a fractional CFO helps support your business.
• We discuss the process of financial decision making.
• We share the challenges in expanding your interior design business including hiring and integrating new team members into your business.
• We share how and when to outsource projects and tasks.
• We jump into how to utilize contractors as a method of business expansion.
• We share the struggle with trusting ourselves to make financial decisions.
• We discuss how to balance growth and financial health within your interior design business.
• Carla shows how to balance revenue and profitability and to focus on financial health over vanity metrics.

  There is transformative potential in taking action towards understanding and managing your business finances. While this require discipline, prudence, and commitment it will help you to cultivate a mindset of financial abundance and resilience. This lays the groundwork for sustained success in your interior design business.     Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• How Hiring Can Help your Bottom Line
• Revenue Generating Activities for Interior Designers
• Mental Health and Taxes with Christy Taylor
• Money Routines for Interior Designers
• Simplify your Bookkeeping with Morgan Boudreaux
• Wealth & Worth Within Website
• Follow Carla on IG!

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗-designersoasis.com/episode/financial-strategies-for-interior-designers-with-carla-titus

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I interviewed Katie Gutierrez, the creator of Biographical Design, an interior design system that uses the client's biographies as the foundation of her six-step design process. She also has a customer relationship management tool that helps interior designers increase their exposure and lead engagement called the My Gotcha App. In this episode, we take time to delve into the intricacies of work-life balance and intentionality within the design business.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We discuss how Katie uses Biographical Design in her Interior Design Business and what the process looks like.
• We share the keys to building relationships in the interor design business.
• We discuss how to build confidence when it comes to attracting your ideal client.
• We share the importance of narrowing down your branding and messaging to speak to the type of client you want to attract and the type of interior design work that you do.
• We dive into the common topic fo work - life balance and share a few strategies we each use.
• We share our belief of collaboration over competition in the interior design world and how to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

  It's important to gain confidence in building your interior design business in a way that highlights your unique skill set, what you love to do and also provides unique design work that is meaningful and powerful to your client. Using biographical design and focusing on creating a business you love can help you gain satisfaction, work-life balance, and live in a collaborative space all while providing exceptional service to your interior design clients.   Mentioned in this episode: 

• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Biographical Design
• My Gotcha App

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/finding-your-differentiator--to-build-a-successful-interior-design-business-with-katie-gutierrez

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   If you capture what really matters to your clients, your copy will be gold and resonate with the audience.   When it comes to copywriting, if you try to speak to everyone, you end up speaking to no one. If you don't have a clearly defined audience in mind when you're creating copy, your message ends up diluted and can feel all over the place.   In today's episode, I am joined by Masha Koyen of Content Vertical where she offers strategic website copywriting services to designers all over the world. Masha uses a data-driven approach to uncover the secrets to what makes your ideal client tick and then writes compelling copy that speaks directly to them through your website. Masha joins us today to help us all understand the importance of tailoring your message and how to just get started.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• Masha and I discuss common mistakes made when it comes to interior design website copy
• We share the need to continuously update your website as your business evolves.
• We dive into how to write using both SEO and your brand voice plus what really matters when it comes to your copy.
• We share how to build in calls to action on your website to encourage potential clients to take the next step.

  Copywriting can ultimately help your website become a screening tool that helps your ideal client find you and allows for objections to be addressed. Ideally, your website will include sections touching on pain points, designers, benefits of working with you, your unique value and then how to take the next steps. Narrowing down your audience, brand voice, tone, and overall image you want to put out to potential clients is key!   Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Content Vertical
• Follow Masha on Instagram

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/copywriting-strategies-for-interior-design-websites

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   What is most important is that you start to recognize the value of your time. Discovering the value of your time includes understanding how important it is to manage, control, and protect it while still remaining flexible as a business owner.   In today's episode, we dive deep into time-saving tips tailored specifically for interior designers that will help you handle minor inefficiencies so that you can spend your time in your zone of genius and the areas that are revenue-generating. We'll cover the top areas that tend to take up time - sourcing, email management, and general time management.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share my top 6 productivity hacks for sourcing including how I use SketchUp, buying groups, and vendors to streamline my design processes.
• I share how I have created a trade directory over time, how I handle shipping rates, and the method behind how I organize my materials library.
• I dive into my top 4 tips for managing your email without getting stuck in the rabbit hole of checking email all the time.
• I discuss how I use automation, time blocking, time tracking, and extensions/add-ons within Google to streamline my processes and my calendar.
• I share with you how I protect my "white space" so that I can have dedicated deep work time.
• I share my best tips for creating SOPs, managing meeting scheduling, and communicating with my clients and team.

  Mastering the art of time management and creating more space for true productivity and creativity is crucial for achieving success as an interior design business owner. By implementing strategies such as whitespace scheduling, leveraging productivity tools, and embracing efficient communication methods, you can enhance your productivity, reduce stress, and ultimately achieve your business and design goals with greater ease and efficiency. So, whether you're a solopreneur or part of a growing team, investing in effective time management practices can help to create the space you need to do your best work while also increasing your revenue and time for your personal life.     Mentioned in this episode: 

• Blog Post: How to Organize Your Materials Library
• Blog Post: Makeover Your Week with Timeblocking
• Blog Post: How to Capture Systems with Loom
• Shop: Email Template Suite
• Join Sketchup - SketchUp
• Join Danielle House Club 
• Join Designer's Inc.
• Check out Design Trade Service
• Start using Boomerang for Email
• Dubsado
• Honeybook
• Use this Visual Timer: Time Timer
• Start using Loom for Video Recording
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- www.designersoasis.com/episode/20-time-saving-tips-for-interior-designers

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   You don't need to justify or explain your rates or your prices when presenting them. You just need to show your value.   In today's episode, I share three mindset shifts that will help you confidently price your services and reframe your mindset when presenting your pricing.   Let’s dive into the top 3 mindset shifts you should make to reframe your mindset regarding pricing.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share how to separate your value from your time and how to frame your pricing structure for your clients.
• I share my belief that building your value starts in the discovery call which should be used as an opportunity to understand your clients’ problems and offer solutions.
• I share how to use the discovery call to really dig into what a client wants and, more importantly WHY they want it.
• I share how to reframe rejection (it's inevitable) and the two paths you can take when faced with a no.
• I share how to reframe your mindset about your pricing and gain confidence in sharing with potential clients.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/pricing-your-interior-design-services-with-confidence

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   When we think about scaling a business, the first thing that typically comes to mind is “How can I get more project work”? Maybe you’re currently taking 8-10 projects a year, so you ask yourself, “How can I increase that to 12-15 per year?”    Taking on more projects is indeed going to generate more revenue and help you grow your portfolio, AND it takes more resources (i.e. time from you, growing a team, investing in your business, etc,)    Sometimes, the real question is, “How can I generate more revenue”? “How can I grow the business? “   Generating more revenue is a GOAL and scaling is just one STRATEGY to get there.   In today’s episode, we are going to talk about both. We’ll discuss the strategies you can use to increase your revenue without scaling and we’ll discuss what it takes if you decide you are going to scale Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share how scaling doesn’t always mean taking on more projects. There are other ways you may consider increasing your revenue without taking on MORE projects each year.
• I discuss how to run projects more efficiently to enhance profitability and client satisfaction. This allows for more time gained which can be utilized to either undertake additional projects throughout the year, thereby maximizing productivity, or to allow for a more balanced lifestyle by opting for extended periods off.
• I talk about how to level up the projects you are willing to accept  by taking on more substantial projects (larger in scope and/or bigger budget projects).
• I share how to diversify your revenue streams as an interior designer by adding additional services, using to-the-trade sourcing, adding digital products and even offering group teaching or design sessions.
• I dive into the 5 questions to ask yourself to find out if you are ready to scale your interior design business.
• I wrap up with an invitation to join me for our next CEO Corner inside the IDBB Program to continue the conversation on scaling! This CEO Corner will be all about the systems & automations you need in place to scale, hiring, leadership and delegation as well as the importance of building strong industry relationships.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Join Kate at Highpoint!
• Book:  Company Of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business
• Automations & CRM Tools: Dubsado or Honeyboook
• Project Management Software: DesignFiles

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-know-if-you-are-ready-to-scale-your-interior-design-business

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I have a conversation all about the unconventional path to interior design success with the mother-daughter duo Susan and Jillian Hayward. We discuss all of the shared experiences, challenges, and collaboration along the way.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We talk all things entrepreneurship, design education, and business growth including Susan and Jillian's unconventional paths into interior design.
• We share about the many ups and downs of entrepreneurship along with how flexibility can help build a family-first approach.
• We discuss the need for setting boundaries with our clients in interior design.
• Susan shares how to find balance through hiring and growing your interior design business
• We dive into a conversation on how to use sustainable practices in interior design including waste reduction, using high-quality timeless pieces and other environmentally responsible practices
• We wrap up with a discussion on collaboration in interior design and the creative process.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Episode 70: Sustainable Style: How to Incorporate Sustainability in your Interior Design Projects
• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-run-a-successful-family-owned-interior-design-business    

  Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In this episode, we dive deep into crucial aspects of interior design, focusing on pricing strategies, time management, and the imperative shift toward sustainability. I advocate for responsible design leadership and share my journey toward a more sustainable approach.   Here’s a glance at this episode:

• I share the importance of responsibility in interior design leadership.
• I discuss the significance of sustainability in interior design, backed by compelling statistics.
• I highlight the environmental impact of fast furnishings, including staggering statistics on landfill waste and concerns related to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and child labor in the furniture industry.
• I dive into my strategies for sourcing sustainable materials in interior design businesses.
• I share how to source vintage and antique items, along with pricing strategies for these pieces.
• I discuss the free sustainability guide I want to share featuring the key principles, eco-labels, and brands dedicated to sustainable interior design. 

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• FREE Sustainability Guide for Interior Designers
• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- www.designersoasis.com/episode/sustainability-principles-for-interior-designers

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today’s episode, I interview Tina Guevara, owner of Juliette Sebastian Interiors and a member of the Designer’s Oasis program to share experiences and tips for building a thriving interior design business.   Here’s a glance at the episode:

• We discuss the importance of having your backend processes set up well in your interior design business.
• Tina shares her journey through Designer’s Oasis and the support she has received and found invaluable.
• We dive into the non-traditional paths into an interior design career with Tina sharing her experience moving from corporate project management to executive coaching before interior design.
• We share our insights into networking, self-promotion, and how to build lasting relationships.
• I share about a memorable project that helped shape my career and we discuss decision-making and risk-taking.
• We both share our thoughts on negotiation strategies, setting boundaries, and proper compensation
• Tina and I both share our mistakes, what we learned through these mistakes and how accountability plays a part in our business design.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Check out Tina's Website

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/entrepreneurship-growth-with-tina-guevara  

I believe in a rising tide that when one of us does well we all do better. I love sharing this space with other amazing interior designers and can’t wait for what’s in store!

In today's episode, I share my vision for where we are headed in 2024 and the impact that we can have as interior designers. I want to share a little bit about what we're going to be doing here on the podcast, inside the Designers Oasis community, and the topics and guests we are bringing on. One big part of this is a survey we are launching TODAY to all interior designers to gain insight into pricing, time estimates, and more. The goal is to help provide data points to help you confidently price your services and estimate your time based on industry standards.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share about my journey in self-care and personal growth (including my first mammogram experience!).

• I discuss the impact that interior design can have in the face of global issues and the impact we have in our clients’ lives and homes.

• I share my focus on leaning into sustainability practices in the interior design industry and how I am hoping to inspire even small steps towards more ethical and sustainable practices in design.

• I even let you know about a few guests who will be joining us in the new season that I am so excited to share with you!

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Take the Interior Designer Pricing Survey
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

    🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/68

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   I feel strongly that when we share our gratitude through gifting with clients and the people that we work with it's a good feeling and it makes us feel good as well.   In today's episode, I share my love of gift-giving by sharing how to show gratitude through gifting clients and colleagues plus the positive impact that giving others gifts can have on your mental health and even your business success. So, think about your budget, get yourself organized, and get out there and start gifting.     Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share various gift ideas, including subscriptions, experience, and DIY gifts, to cater to different clients' interests and lifestyles.
• I showcase unique gift ideas for high-end clients including items for home, travel, and on-the-go.
• I share my favorite DIY gift options for business associates.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Gift Guide with Links!

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/67

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   When you share gratitude openly with others, it starts to have a ripple effect and it can help you to feel good too, even when there are uncertain times (and there are many!) Gratitude is this amazing, free thing you have available to you at any time, all the time, no matter what.   In today's episode, I share the power of gratitude in business and how it can help to create a sense of belonging and connection to our work and to the other contributors to our business(es).   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I emphasize the importance of showing gratitude to all contributors in a business, from clients to vendors, to create a virtuous cycle of gratitude.
• I share how to put into practice finding gratitude in everyday experiences
• I discuss gratitude's impact on mental well-being and resilience through the infinite nature of both love and gratitude.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/66

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   Spending time styling and preparing for a photo shoot with a professional photographer is key. Finding a photographer who can capture interior photos from different angles to bring a room to life is such an important part of curating a great interior design portfolio.   In today's episode, I share all of my best tips and advice for styling an interior photoshoot for magazines and publications.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share how to plan and execute a successful interior design photo shoot including tips on styling, preparation, and real-life elements.
• I discuss the importance of working with a professional photographer who can execute well-staged interior photos from different angles. I also share why it's best to work with a natural light photographer for interior design photography. 
• I share my best tips for creating a shot list and planning the styling for a photo shoot, including prioritizing spaces and considering lighting throughout the day.
• I share my advice on styling a room with layered objects, mixing textures, and adding life and interest through lifestyle accessories. 
• I share how to incorporate botanicals to add depth and interest without breaking the bank.
• I share how to treat interior photography as an investment in your business that is worth the time and attention.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• PODCAST: Episode 37 - Working with an Interior Photographer with Jeff Jones
• Kate's Pinterest 
• Jeff Jones Photography

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/65

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   Have you ever gotten yourself a big project or call from a big deal client and thought to yourself, I don't think I have what it takes to take on this project?   What if instead, you got curious and asked yourself, what would it take to be successful with this project? Who do I need on my team? What do I need to learn?   In today's episode, I share 3 mindset shifts to start using so that you can run your business through a lens of curiosity, leading to a business that will expand, thrive, and grow.   Here's a glance at this episode:

• I share how to set boundaries and be more proactive in your interior design business.
• I discuss my experiences and my tips for managing difficult client relationships.
• I share how to overcome your limiting beliefs, embrace resilience, and overcome your fears in building your interior design business.
• I dive into how to expect that you will make mistakes and how to push yourself so that you can grow your interior design business into what you want it to be.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• Annual Masterplanning for Interior Designers Masterclass on November 16th! -Register Today!
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your Podcast Questions today!

   🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/64

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   Starting an interior design business is easy, but growing an interior design business is so much harder because you just don't know all the answers and sometimes it's using your own intuition.   In today's episode, I chatted with Libby Rawes about how she successfully transitioned into an interior design business and what it took to really make the career shift from branding to interior design.   Here's a glance at this episode:

• We discuss how Libby made the career shift from branding to interior design.
• We discuss the evolution of the client process, client experience, and home design.
• Libby shares how investing in her business growth through hiring, PR, and setting intentions has really helped her business flourish.
• We discuss how to hire and work with contractors and build partnerships.
• We talk about everything related to pivoting careers and how to leverage past experiences when building an interior design business.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• Annual Masterplanning for Interior Designers Masterclass on November 16th! -Register Today!
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Follow Libby on Social: Instagram

   🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/63

Building an interior design business that is profitable takes hard work but it is figure-outable.   Today's episode is all the 3 commitments that you need to make to build your interior design business in a way that is profitable without setting yourself up for burnout and taking on too much to get there. In this episode, we turn the tables, and Katie Gutierrez, from Biographical Design interviews yours truly!   Here’s a glance at this episode… 👉 We discuss overcoming financial struggles in a business partnership. 👉 We share our experiences with pivoting a design business from feeling overwhelmed to thriving. 👉 We dive into how to create profitability and creativity in your business. 👉 We touch on how to manage time, finances and marketing as a creative business owner. 👉 We share how to track metrics and which types of metrics you should be tracking, including project profitability and costs.   Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Highpoint Meet-Up Form
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Find Katie at Biographical Design

     🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/62

Interior Designers Business Blueprint   Serving clients well and building an interior design business with excellent communication can be done without always being available.    Today's episode is all about how to create systems, processes, and communication that allow clients to feel nurtured and cared for without having to always be ON and responsive in the moment. This doesn't come naturally for most of us.   Here's a glance at this episode: [5:40] I share examples of when a client may reach out for something that seems "urgent" and how it can truly interrupt your flow. I also share strategies for how to handle these situations.   [9:50] I discuss ways to set boundaries with clients from the start that allow you to share some of your boundaries (holidays, working hours, etc) initially prior to signing a contract.   [12:05] I dive into how to set up communication guidelines with your clients around when they can communicate with you and expect a response along with how they can communicate with you (text, email, etc). I also share how to leverage your team to help with communication.   [16:45] I share my thoughts about response time and when a client can expect a response from you. I share how I respond even if it's quick to acknowledge a client's concern and share when they can expect a more detailed response. I also dive into a little bit about how we handle responses with autoresponders and commonly asked questions.   [21:37] I jump into how project management tools can help ease communication and allow clients access to information and concerns they may have. I also share the ways that we update our clients regularly to help answer the questions that may come up before they even have to ask.   [27:10] I discuss how and when I share with my clients when I am going to be away for more than a day or two. I encourage you to take time off and truly give yourself permission to take the time off when you need it in a way that truly allows you to relax (and allows for you to tap into your creativity!)   Mentioned in this episode: 

• Annual Masterplanning for Interior Designers Masterclass on November 16th! -Register Today!
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Episode 44: Unraveling Busy with Molly Crouch
• Episode 32: 7 Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore
• SHOP: Client Welcome Package
• Tools I Recommend: Dubsado, Honeybook,  Design Files, Boomerang for Gmail

   🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/61

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Ask yourself, what would happen in your business if you started to take up a little more space. If you continuously look for ways to move the needle even in small ways a little more each and every day. Those little needle-moving actions and behaviors over time add up to huge success. That’s what we’re going to jump into today to keep you from leaving money on the table.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:45] I introduce the idea of taking up more space and moving the needle in your interior design business.

 [04:30] I share how a follow-up strategy in your business can help create more time and make sure that deadlines, communication and follow-ups are taken care of in a timely manner.

[09:09] I discuss what happens when you give clients only what they ask when you know you could do better for them.

[16:28] I share how to ensure you are not under-charging for your time. I talk about how to audit your projects, track your time and make sure you are paid for your time.

[23:15] I talk about how to make sure you leave no dead-ends at the end of a project by asking for referrals, testimonials, and making sure to wrap up the project well.

[26:00] I wrap up the episode with a few needle-moving activities to get you thinking!

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• PODCAST: Episode #12 How to Make More Money with Time Tracking  (Part I - Why & How to Track your Time)

• PODCAST: Episode #13 How to Make More Money with Time Tracking  (Part II - How to Audit your Project’s Time & Increase Your Profitability)

 

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

FOLLOW this podcast so you never miss an episode! Follow Now

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/33

 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Too often designers either miss red flags due to a lack of experience or choose to ignore them because they are eager for the work or the client was a referral from someone you know. They may be in your circle of friends or community and the hard question is really what do you do with these red flags? Today’s episode will shed some light on what to look for and how to handle the most common red flags.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:20] I jump into how you can start to spot red flags BEFORE engaging with a client on a long-term basis.

[07:15] I start with the red flag of a potential client trying to negotiate your contract, how to stand your ground, and how to believe in your services and the contract you’ve spent time putting together.

[12:08] Indecisiveness in a client can make a project extremely difficult. I dive into why it’s not about how much information or time they need, but their ability to make a decision in the end.

[18:26] I share about discounts! Discounts on services, products, etc. and why this can be a red flag to handle head-on from the start.

[25:50] I talk all about boundaries ranging from communication to expected response times to setting expectations

[28:52] I discuss how a client who “ghosts” you or continually takes a long time to respond can be a red flag while also throwing off milestone dates and delivery dates.

[33:00] I share about having and finding clients who truly respect the process.

[36:13] I discuss reading a potential client’s tone and paying attention to how you feel with the general communication to see if working with them may be a red flag.

[45:50] I wrap up with the good and bad news and how identifying red flags early can help you make room for the perfect client that is out there for you.

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• SHOP: Design Services and Investment Guide Template

• SHOP: Client Welcome Packet Template

• SHOP: Client Presentation Template

• SHOP: Interior Design Client Agreement

• SHOP: Interior Design Client Proposal

• PODCAST: Episode #11: Managing Client Expectations

• PODCAST: Episode #24: 5 Business Lessons I have learned the hard way

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

-------------------------------------

***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

FOLLOW this podcast so you never miss an episode! Follow Now

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/32

 

I want you to have clarity in where you're heading and what you're focused on right now.   In today's episode, I share my 4 phase success path for interior designers to help you know what to focus on right now, gaining clarity on where you're heading and want to go without getting stuck in the comparison game with those around you   Here's a glance at this episode: [4:44] I share how to figure out where you may be on your success path and remind you that you have time! You control your time and where you can focus so we dive into what that may look like for you.   [7:47] I share what the four phases of the success path are and how to figure out what area(s) you may be in currently.   [10:30] I discuss what you may be thinking, feeling, and doing if you are in the Launching Phase of the success path. I share what your next steps may be, and what milestones to look for.   [17:23] I move into what the Establishing Phase of the success path entails including creating your project management systems, time tracking, and what your processes are evolving into as you take on more projects.   [24:25] I share what you may be working on and developing in the Growing Phase of your success path.   [33:35] I jump into the Refining Phase and how this usually involves scaling, how and why you may want to take this step.   Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Highpoint Meet-Up Form
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• [SHOP] Interior Design Client Agreement Contracts
• [PODCAST] - Episode 44 | Unraveling Busy with Molly Crouch
• [PODCAST] - Episode 59 | How to Develop a Rock-Solid Concept Design

   🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/60

When you're a good listener to your client's needs, wishes, and visions, your clients naturally are excited and share this with their friends - making them natural evangelists for your work before you even finish the project.   In today's episode, I share how to develop a rock-solid concept design phase for your clients and how important it can be to truly utilize in getting your clients excited and ready for their project.   Here's a glance at the episode: [11:26] I dive into the concept design phase, analysis paralysis, and what the concept design phase is really all about   [13:15] I discuss what so many interior designers leave out when it comes to concept design and how important it is for key decisions moving forward.   [17:03] I share a few examples of how important getting client questions and feedback answered during the concept design can make a big difference in what direction you go, and what products you're sourcing, as well as save everyone more time.   [19:35] I share what 4 items are included in the concept design phase and why you need to include all of these.   Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Highpoint Meet-Up Form
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

   🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/59

I did not become an interior designer to sit around and crunch numbers all day..... but numbers tell a story!   As interior designers, we can get caught up in the design work and avoid the numbers and need to track a few key metrics to really understand our business. In this episode, I share the 2 key metrics that I use in my business and why they are the most important to track.   Here's a glance at this episode: [9:15] I jump into why it's important to track certain numbers and why this information is critical!   [11:12] I share all about conversion rates and what your typical client journey looks like. I talk all about each step of the journey and how to track conversions at each step along the way.   [15:25] I discuss how looking at conversion rates can help you pinpoint what still needs work and where potential clients may fall through the cracks. This helps determine what changes to focus on.   [19:09] I talk about Average Project Profitability (APP) and why this is the second key metric I believe interior designers should be tracking.   [25:20] I dive into how knowing your APP can help you determine which types of projects are the most profitable for you, which projects you may want to focus on more, and what needs improvement to increase profitability.   Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Highpoint Meet-Up Form
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

   🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/58

Are you ready to really grow your business but you're still running it like you did on day one?   Today’s episode is all about creating the type of business you have always wanted. It's time to level up, create systems, and save you time and money all while forming a pipeline of client work that truly lights you up each day.   Here’s a glance at the episode: [11:50] I jump into when you know it's time to stop being "scrappy" in your business but rather a time to start truly investing in your business. You never outgrow the need to invest in your business or yourself.   [15:23] I share the signs to look for to let you know that it may be time to invest in your business.   [19:15] I discuss what I'm NOT talking about in terms of investing in your business without strategy. I share how to determine what is and is not a good investment in your business.   [22:06] I share what happens when you're ready to start leveling up and investing. I talk about the changes in your business and mindset when this happens.   [25:00] I wrap up with a few questions for you to think about to help you know what to invest in first or next.   Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Highpoint Meet-Up Form
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

     🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/57

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint Your first hire will always be the hardest. It’s kind of like having a baby. 

Imagine this - You just returned from a much-deserved 2-week holiday with your favorite person or people and while you were away one(or perhaps all) of these things happened…

• You have a new client consultation on the calendar with a fully-vetted client. 

• You’ve received the as-built drawings and site photos from a brand-new project you are kicking off. 

• Drawings for a new kitchen renovation are nearly complete and fully detailed for next week’s presentation. 

• The ordering is complete for a project you recently presented to a client

• A light fixture arrived at the warehouse damaged, but a replacement is already en route.  

Sounds pretty good yeah?  I’m here to tell you that this level of support, and growth is totally doable. I’ll share the ins and outs of hiring in your business in today’s episode.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. How do you even get started in making your first hire?

2. How do you know if you’re ready to hire in your business?

3. How does hiring actually increase the bottom line of your business?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[06:50] I jump into how hiring can help your bottom line and the various ways it can greatly benefit your business.

[14:50] How do you know who to hire first? I share how to figure out what your needs are and what type of hire you need to make first!

[18:30] I walk you through the types of employees vs contractors and why you may want to hire each type, the pros and cons, and all of your options.

[22:15]] My challenge to you this week: Write your job description of the role you want to hire first or next. Define the skill sets they need to have, describe the environment, and what kind of experience they need to possess. 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/9

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

 

Today I’m chatting with Ericka Saurit of Saurit Creative, a STRATEGIC BRAND MARKETING + STORYTELLING for interior designers and home brands. 

Ericka believes that HOW you tell your story matters. It needs to be clear, concise, and consitent. She’s on a mission to help interior designers clarify their value and get that message out. 

Ericka shares the 3 pillars that you have to understand and get right - in order to shift from being a business to a brand. 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

[5:37] Ericka shares her backstory and how she got into teaching storytelling for interior designers and the home industry.

[13:45] We discuss the importance of brand storytelling and how it shows up across your work from your website and social media all the way into your proposals, emails, and correspondence with your clients.

[18:10] Ericka shares what most interior designers underestimate or leave out when storytelling and how we have to think about if we are a business or a brand. She discusses how to create a brand where clients want to choose you.

[24:00] We discuss the need for consistency across your brand storytelling and how important it is in what clients and potential clients remember us for.

[29:10] Ericka shares with us the 3 E’s of taking a business strategy and creating a brand.

[36:00] We discuss the importance of taking time to craft your storytelling without rushing through the process. There is so much more to creating a brand than just getting a really great logo and website up.

[44:26] I ask Ericka to share what shifts an interior designer will feel when you really nail down your brand in terms of your business strategy and creating content.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Saurit Creative

• Follow Ericka on IG

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

-------------------------------------

***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/56

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint  Be willing to own your experience and the value that you bring to your clients and projects. If you feel you’re worth what you're charging, so will your clients!

Want to raise your design rates? Your costs have increased and it’s time you raise your rates to match this. It’s tempting to put our emotions into these decisions but today is all about sharing how to make this a little easier!

In this episode, we discuss things like…

1. How to raise your rates and fees with ease.

2. How to deliver the message that your rates will be changing.

3. How to feel you're worth what you’re charging so your clients do as well.

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:13] I share about how you could gradually increase existing clients as you increase your rates to newer clients coming in. Remember: not all clients have to be at the same rate.

[08:35] Don’t be afraid to lose some clients. I share how raising your rates may lead to some loss of clients but this makes room for new clients.

[09:45] I share how you can explain your rate increase to clients and discussion points you may want to have.

[12:00] I share about using a fee ladder structure and how you can share this with your clients as well as timelines to share with clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• BLOG - How to stop doubting your design fees

• BLOG - Raising your Rates for Interior Design Clients

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

 

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/26

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint  In order to know your profitability at the end of a project, it’s helpful to see what you estimated in the first place. Just like a budget for money, we need to budget our time. 

 

Today’s topic is one of the most asked questions that I get about building your interior design business and that’s how to price your projects and come up with your service fees and feel more confident in your proposals when you send them out.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. How do you decide what type of pricing strategy (or a few of them) work best for your business?

2. Do you need to base fees on square footage?

3. How do you estimate your time?

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:22] Do you need to track your time? Is this important regardless of your fee and pricing method?

[06:37] I share what 2 factors your fees should be based on no matter what the project scope entails. How to continue to price projects well even as you and your team become more efficient at project management.

[07:45] I share a few other methods on how to charge that may play a factor in how you charge for a project. I share how charging by the square footage or overall project cost is used by some interior designers (personally, this is not what I use and I share why!)

[11:50] I discuss how to charge for your projects based on time and the value that you bring to the project.

[16:45] I jump into the 3 types of pricing - hourly, flat fee, and hybrid. I share the pros and cons of each type and how we use them in our business.

[28:50] I share my challenge to you for the week!

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Freebie - Design Process Asana Template 

• Harvest for timekeeping (Affiliate) 

• Blog Post - How to Use Pricing Options in your Design Proposals

• Blog Post - How to Easily Track Time for Interior Design Projects   

• Shop - Interior Design Client Agreement

• Shop - Interior Design Client Proposal

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

 

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/7 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

“You don’t have to get it right. You just have to get it going.” – Mike Litman

In this episode I share: 

• A little about me 

• Share some of the early struggles I experienced 

• But also how I was able to overcome them and turn my little baby designer business into one that thrived and supported me and my family 

• 3 core truths I believe can help you grow in business and accomplish your biggest dreams  

 

Here’s a Glance at this Episode:

 [1:40] Why podcasting? I share how if you’re anything like me, you listen on the go, fitting in during kids’ practices/lessons/pickups or while doing laundry, cleaning the house or a million other things. You’re a busy guy or gal!

[3:20] A little background on me. I’m just a regular old girl! I share my background while living in Austin. I share how I was running out of time to decide what I wanted to major in. Then I learned that there was an “Intro to Interior Design'' summer course at my local community college. I instantly knew that would be my path. I share my early life with my “weekend designer” single mom and how we moved a lot - I mean - a lot 18x’s in 18 years.

[6:00} I share about my internship with a high - end designer in Austin. We even did a $1M Boat Dock and how I then found my way to Denver working for OZ Architecture. It was a dream. Great team, Energy, buzz, Imagine scenes from The Intern - set designed by Nancy Myers.

[7:20] I had my first baby and returned to work - severely sleep deprived! - and people started to notice. I thought I was going to get fired.  At this point my husband suggested maybe I should go to work for myself - I didn’t see that potential in myself. But he did. 

[8:30] I did it! I went to work for myself. I share what I didn’t have going for me and then what I DID have going for me! Where did I start? What problems did I encounter? How and why did it “click”?

[10:00] My business was growing but I was getting burnt out! The running a business part of the design business along with the client work was exhausting. So I had to figure out what to do to “fix” this. I needed to charge more and I knew I provided great service. 

[12:15}  I will tell you what I did (not all at once) but I will share the top 3 things that I did to transform my business. Spoiler: I share much of what I learned inside my Designer’s Oasis Membership.

[17:42] This is what I want you to know. These are 3 very simple truths I will stand behind until the day that I die. If you can get behind these ideas too, the sky's the limit for you. 

[18:00] Core Truth #1 - You don’t need to have it all figured out. You will never have all your ducks in a row, so you just need to get going!

[20:15] Core Truth #2 : There is No one-size fits all for running your design business. Design the business that works within what YOU want. That may be full-home design, specific room design, designer for a day, or agency work - it’s up to you!

[22:00] Core Truth #3 - Everyone (including you) has a unique set of skills, background, expertise that adds a unique twist to your design POV. It's up to you to uncover this and tell that story. Listen in as I share examples of members inside the Designer’s Oasis Membership and their unique backgrounds. What is your story?

[24:48] Recap of the core truths

1. You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started 

2. There is no one-size fits all approach to running your business 

3. Your story matters and helps shape your POV as a designer. 

 

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Designer’s Oasis 

• @designersoasis

• Luanne Nigara Podcast Episode 

• Book: Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth 

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/1

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Is popular advice crushing your interior design business? Do you sometimes find that the advice you hear doesn’t seem to fit your business?

Today’s episode is all about some popular advice that may be crushing your interior design business. I’m putting my stake in the ground on what I feel about some popular advice for interior designers and where I stand on these topics.

 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

[2:50] I jump in with the notion that you have to have just one ideal client avatar and why I believe you often need variations of this avatar for each service that you provide.

[6:42] I share why flat fee is not always the best way to charge for your projects and why I don’t believe there is ONE best way but rather how I believe in the nuances of the business and having the ability to charge based on the type of project.

[13:03] I discuss how business is cyclical and even when you have achieved success, you will still face challenges. There is no “easy” in business.

[16:50] I share how success looks differently for each of us and how to keep the big picture in focus.

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers

• Episode 7 - 3 Ways to Price your Projects

• Episode 12 - How to Make More Money with Time Tracking (Part I - Why & How to Track your Time)

• Episode 13 - How to Increase Project Profitability with Time Tracking (Part II - How to Audit your Project’s Time & Increase Your Profitability)

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/55

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

 

Energy begets energy. Money is energy.  If we know that energy begets energy, what happens in your business when you sit down and you spend the time to commit some energy towards revenue-generating activities and lead-generating activities?

In today’s episode, we are talking about revenue-generating activities and what that means, how and when to do these activities, and how they keep your business thriving! This episode was inspired by a listener question that we received from Julia,

 “Hi Kate, I’ve followed your advice and started batching my days so that I have more focus and not drawn in 100 different directions at once. I’ve set aside Mondays as my Marketing & Money Mondays. The problem is, I don’t always know what to do with this dedicated time. Can you provide some specific examples of revenue-generating activities that I can be focusing on during this time? Thanks so much. I appreciate everything.” 

 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

[5:00] We dive into a list of revenue-generating activities and get started with following up with leads.

[8:25] I share about putting together proposals and my methods for getting these done in time efficient manner.

[10:10] Invoicing clients can occasionally drop by the wayside when you’re deep into projects and a one-off invoice or an invoice outside of the regular schedule pops up so keeping these front of mind is necessary.

[11:30] I discuss how I make time to reach out and cultivate strategic partnerships on a regular basis.

[14:40] I share how utilizing Facebook groups can help build your clientele and the right methods for trying to both share helpful information and build relationships while also promoting your services.

[18:00] Sometimes the key is in the follow-up and continuing to follow up with past clients. I share how this has worked for my interior design business.

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Ask Kate a question!

• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/54

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

 

Want to have better proposals? Start with delivering better consultations. Consultations are the first step in working with your client and the better experience they have, the more likely they will want to work with you

Here’s a glance at the episode:

 

[6:36} I discuss how to effectively set expectations for your clients from the beginning - even before the consultation begins. 

 

[9:08] I share how I prepare for a consultation and what I typically do in terms of paperwork, research, and getting to know the potential client(s).

 

[15:26] I share with you some of the little nuances that I have picked up along the way that help you to make  a great first impression. 

 

[23:41] I go through how I get more information about the lifestyle of the client and what they are looking to feel in their home and how they entertain to get a full picture.

 

[27:15} I discuss how I treat the consults as a “mini-design” session to add value for my client where I share a few design solutions to allow them to see the possibilities, however big or small. I also use this time to explore the different surfaces and revisit the budget to present a solid proposal.

 

[38:30] I share how I wrap up the session and remind the client of their options moving forward.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Episode #5-  How to Create a Successful Client Welcome Packet

• My favorite tape measure 

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

-------------------------------------

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/53

 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

 

Today’s episode is all about looking back and sharing with you all the 5 things I would do differently if I was starting from scratch again. I reflected back on what I would tell a new interior designer getting started in the industry.

Here’s a glance at the episode:

[5:25] I share how important it is to truly invest in your business early on. I share how I invest in my business regularly now and how I wish that I had started to do this earlier.

 

[8:30] Perfectionism is the antithesis of progress. I share how it affects me as well and how it an hold us back from just getting started in business so dive in!

 

[13:41] I share all about how to get comfortable with self-promotion even if it is inherently uncomfortable for you.

 

[16:00] I discuss how important it is to get clear on your goals and what success really looks like for you! Remember - it’s key to build the business you want that fits into your lifestyle.

 

[20:43] I share with you how to be more selective with the types of clients you take on and how to determine where to spend your energy.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

-------------------------------------

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/52

 

Great marketing should make our consumers feel like they WANT to open that email and look at the blog post or podcast. We have all had those moments where marketing may have put us off because it was a little “icky” or overly done but today’s guest Katie Boyce is going to help us with copywriting and brand messaging that feels just right!

 

In this episode, we discuss

👉  What a lead magnet is, why they are important, and how to decide that you need one (hint: we all do!).

 

👉  What type of lead magnet attracts the right client, what can set you apart and what really makes a good lead magnet.

 

👉 What comes after you create the lead magnet from putting it all together, the tech side, the nurture sequence, and all that comes along with having a successful lead magnet. She shares how the days after they are delivered the lead magnet are really key in conversions.

 

👉 Email service providers and tech tools you can use to build your welcome sequences and how to keep moving forward even if this part is intimidating for you!

 

👉 What emails should be included in a welcome sequence and how to build out an email sequence that will keep your subscribers interested and engaged.

 

👉 When it may be best to hire a copywriter and how a copywriter can help you really nail down your brand messaging to attract the clients you really want. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• BLOG: Lead Magnet Ideas for Interior Designers 
• Check out Katie’s Website & Services
• Follow Katie on IG @katieboycewrites
•  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint 

 

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

-------------------------------------

***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/51

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

 

Have you been at this a while, but for some reason you can’t seem to either get to that next level revenue goal you’ve set and you feel stuck at the level you’re at?

 

Today’s episode is all about the habits that keep you stuck and broke. Those habits that keep holding you back and are keeping you from really thriving in your business. I want to share what I see often that keeps interior designers in a perpetual loop and how to make mindset shifts to really make some adjustments and gain some clarity.

 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

[5:55] Leaving money on the table is the first reason I have seen interior designers stay stuck, which can happen with scope creep and change orders. I share a few ways to address this in the future.

 

[9:17] I share how to use value-based proposals to ensure your clients can see what each level of service really includes.

 

[10:55] I share about tracking time and how important it is no matter how you are charging for your services.

 

[13:54] I dive into the importance of the follow up plan and staying connected with your prospective clients. I share how follow up is part of the selling process.

 

[20:00] I talk about all things undercharging. So many interior designers are perpetually undercharging and I share all the ways you may be doing this and how to make sure you are aware moving forward.

 

[28:45] I wrap up with questions to ask yourself if these topics resonated with you and how to start making adjustments.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• 3 Ways to Price Your Projects (Hourly, Flat Fee, & Hybrid)

• How to Make More Money with Time Tracking Part I - Why & How to track your time

• How to Make More Money with Time Tracking with Time Tracking Part II - How Audit your Project’s Time 

•  How to Raise your Design Fees without the "Ick"  

• 4 Ways Designer's leave money on the table 

• 4 Myths About Selling 

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

-------------------------------------

***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/50

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

 

Have you had doors close for you that you can later look back on and realize it was pushing you into a new place, a better place? 

Today I am joined my Crerissa McKinnis, an interior designer from San Antonio Texas, and a member of the Interior Designers Business Blueprint program. 

After attempting career paths toward being a doctor. And then a lawyer, she had what she calls a “god moment” and she knew that design was her calling. 

She shares how she had many door close on her over the years - but her persistence has paid off. Today she runs a thriving interior design business she is proud of. 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

[5:50] Cerissa shares her story about getting started (at the young age of 16) when her parents were building their dream house.

 

[10:20] Cerissa and I discuss her educational and career path towards interior design ranging from wanting to be a doctor to a lawyer and settling on interior design.

 

[17:40] We discuss how Cerissa got started in a retail environment and how she sorted out what she enjoyed, what she didn’t enjoy and what her next steps should be.

 

[24:20} We jump into Cerissa’s move back into interior design through a family renovation and how she began advocating for clients moving forward.

 

[29:20] We discuss making the move from a full time job into your own business including the time  and commitment it takes to build a “side-hustle” into a full time business.

 

[30:25} I ask Cerissa to explain how she is a dream caster for her clients and how she applies that to her clients to help them manifest their dreams inside their homes

 

[33:00] Cerissa shares what she would have done sooner or what she would have done differently when taking your business to the next level. We discuss where to invest, what was most helpful and what key components you should nail down as you grow.

 

[40:00] We discuss how important really knowing and speaking to your ideal client is and how it’s necessary to revisit this as you grow to ensure you work with exactly who you are looking to work with!

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Industrious Interiors

• Instagram: @industriousinteriors

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

-------------------------------------

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/49

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Do you find yourself still on Instagram an hour and a half after you went on to post or engage with your followers? We all do! 

 

In today’s episode I catch up with Jessica Norby, a social media strategist on how to lose the social media overwhelm while still allowing social media to work for you and help attract the right clients to your business.

 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

[5:00] Jess shares how the strategy for  service based business models differs from larger product based online businesses in terms of building relationships via social media. 

 

[7:10] We discuss how to get a user to stop scrolling past you on social media so that you can grab their attention and allow for that connection to your followers.

 

[10:00] We jump into how social media for smaller product based businesses is a long game and not something that just happens overnight. It’s a longer strategy of having your ideal client learn who you are so they can know, like, and trust you.

 

[19:00] Jess shares the real story behind your reach on social media when you’re comparing yourself to accounts with massive followings. Social media is a FREE avenue with live feedback through likes, saves, shares and messages. Reach for local business owners is about getting visibility to those around you both on social media and in real life within your community!

 

[29:05] We dive into the discussion of hashtags and geo locations. Do they really matter as much as they used to?

 

[35:30] We discuss planning for social media. We talk about strategy, batching, and planning content. 

 

[39:00] Jess talks about analytics and best practices for seeing what is working and what may not be.

 

[45:00] Jess shares the struggles and challenges with being a small business owner and a mom while also wanting to be an asset to your community and help others.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Jess’s Website

• Follow Jess on Instagram: @jessicanorbyllc

• Social to Selling Course 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

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📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/48

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Are you tuned into your creative energy and how it ebbs and flows? 

 

As designers it’s part of our job to read our clients minds and also be able to have time for creative processes but moving back and forth between the two can be a challenge. Tuning into her creative energy patterns, Carly shares some great tips on how to move between heading up long strategic conversations or taking in feedback, and producing work of a consistent quality all while protecting your creative energy.

 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

 

[05:17] We talk about the need to protect creative and social energy and how Carly started this process for herself.

 

[12:00] Carly and I discuss boundaries and how to start working through how you really want to work with clients. We discuss how the decision on when to take meetings, how often to engage with clients, and when you want to be social can make a huge impact on your creative energy.

 

[18:30] We discuss context switching and how for many of us, we lose so much time trying to switch our brains between a variety of tasks rather than go with our natural ebb and flow. 

 

[21:45] Carly and I share about how we use hyperfixation playlists to focus on creative days to help stimulate creativity and focus on projects.

 

[25:25] We dive into cycle-related trends around creativity and what Carly has learned about her own PMDD and how she now factors this into her schedule and recognizes how negative feedback can impact interactions during this time.

[32:30] Carly shares her self-care list she has created based on time available for reference for quick pick me ups to get into a better creative space so that they are readily available without needing to make another decision!

 

[38:50] We discuss how to use the Shortcuts app (game-changer!) when we are distracted to help run through a set of prompts to see what kind of support you may need in that moment, and then suggests ideas that you know work for you.

 

[47:00] We wrap up with a run-down of tools that can help you fight distraction, hyperfixation, and create the natural rhythms in your business to support your creative work in the best way possible.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Spotify ADHD Hyperfixation Playlist (Carly’s Fave)

• Spotify Binaural Beats Flow State (Kate’s Fave)

• Schematic Design Co. Website 

• Follow Carly on Instagram: @schematicdesignco

• PODCAST:  3 Things your Brand Needs to Communicate (well) with Carly Teigeler

• Blog Post: Makeover Your Week with Time Blocking

• Blog Post: Keeping Healthy Boundaries with Your Interior Design Clients 

• Blog Post: 3 Productivity Tools I can’t Live Without

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

-------------------------------------

***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/47

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

How much beauty comes out of the mess as a creative? When you have stuff all out on the table and  you are “in” in, that’s when the magic can happen. 

 

On today’s episode, I chat with Jenny Footle about how to remain present, listen to our bodies, and how to prepare for focused work, client meetings, and handling mistakes. We talk about how to really tune into our bodies and find ways to manage expectations of ourselves and our clients and find a pace of work that feels healthy and sustainable.

 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

 

[03:30] Jenny shares how she got into her work and her organization Beautiful Feet Wellness. 

 

[12:15] Jenny shares her techniques to help during those times when you are feeling like an imposter, being questioned by clients, and other times which leave you feeling anxious and how to pause in the moment and work through these feelings.

 

[15:26] We discuss taking time to pause between transitions in our days and lives. We talk about how to set the tone for how people interact with you and what pace you set for yourself.

 

[23:26] Jenny and I talk about creativity and creating space for creative expression. Allowing for play is critical for truly creating and digging into critical thinking. We talk about allowing for white space and the freedom of getting bored.

 

[39:45] Everything is a practice, not a perfect - we dive into how to take a pause between transitions so that you are able to be present in any moment.

[53:00] Jenny walks us through a few easy  yoga positions to utilize when you just need to let go or release in the moment.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Jenny’s Website → Beautiful Feet Wellness

• Follow Jenny on IG → @beautfiulfeetwellness

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

-------------------------------------

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/46

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

What we say to ourselves matters, right? We listen to ourselves, and we're counting it as evidence so being able to notice and think about how you can shift your thinking or reframe thoughts to support yourself is important.  

 

In today’s episode, we continue our discussions around mental health with Sarah Lovell, an executive function and ADHD coach. We will help normalize procrastination and overwhelm and learn skills and tactical tips to get s#!t done!

 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

[03:55] We get started with a discussion about what executive functioning is and how Sarah got started working with other female business professionals to prioritize, start and finish tasks, problem-solve, etc.

 

[08:20] I share my personal struggles with staying on task and how I have to set up my environment for the best productivity as possible. We discuss distractions and tactics for trying to minimize distractions with various tools.

 

[15:30] Sarah shares a few strategies from her toolkit to keep all the thoughts we have each day and organize them somewhere outside of just our heads and how to use visual systems.

 

[28:15] We chat about feeling in limbo when you feel “stuck” and how to create a list of things to do that can re-energize you and help you get back on track and create again.

 

[36:15] Sarah and I chat all about prioritizing tasks and deadlines along with asking for help when you need it.

 

[46:40] Sarah shares the concept of time tracking and time blindness which helps us visualize time when working on a project so that we can avoid going down an unnecessary rabbit hole.

 

[58:30] We wrap up with how Sarah structures her coaching and how you can find out more about her! 

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Time Timer 

• Clearly Reader Plug In 

• Colored To-Do List Post Its

• Spotify Binaural Beats - Focus

• Find out more about Sarah: Executive Functioning First

• Follow Sarah on IG @executivefunctioningfirst

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE? 

🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles  

⬇️  Free Resources

 

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram 

📍  Pinterest 

📺 YouTube 

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/45

 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

In today’s episode I have the pleasure of sitting down with Molly Crouch from In Her Company. Molly is a corporate-ladder-climber-turned-gentle-living-visionary who began to unravel the busyness in her own life after her youngest daughter was born. 

 

Now she serves as co-listener and coach for busy women who want to discover the rhythms, routines and rituals that lead to a more sustainable life. Molly received her life coaching certification through Erickson Coaching International in 2020, and is a co-host for a quarterly women's retreat called TONIC + Bloom where guests are invited to a day of pause, play and restoration. Today we are here to chat about how rituals, routines, and rhythms can help you create a more sustainable business. Molly believes that it is important to re-frame our view of our relationship to the world, our clients, our families, our friends, so that we can find more balance.

 

Here’s a glance at the episode:

 

[04:35] Molly shares her backstory and how she found her way into this line of work coming from a place with very little margin and how she created more space to really unravel the busy in here life. 

 

[12:45] We dive into how it can feel to manage “all the things” and feel like the wheels will fall off if we let anything go.

 

[16:30] Molly and I talk about delegation and how challenging it can be when it comes to our personal lives vs our professional lives.

 

[23:05] Anxiety can be contagious and learning how to set the tone for our own atmosphere can make a difference for those around us as well.

 

[25:45] Molly shares how to build practices through rhythms and routines to find groundedness and learn to really be kind to ourselves. Molly shares the rituals that help us and how to build rituals and routines that can become truly life-giving.

 

[46:00] Molly and I discuss how choosing to work with the right clients is key in creating ease and calm in many ways and how this can influence your ability to say yes to the right projects.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• In Her Company Website

• Follow Molly on IG @inhercompany

• Tonic + Bloom Retreats

• Join Molly’s Newsletter for a weekly Rest & Reflect Series

 

 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

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⬇️  Free Resources

 

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Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

In today’s episode I want to share the 7 money tips that I live by as an interior designer! Maybe finances come easy for you or maybe you’re more like me where it needs to be built into your schedule and you need a clear list of what needs to be done, what needs attention, and what to focus on.

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:26] I discuss making a ritual out of looking at your finances each week to create a habit and create a ritual of grabbing you favorite coffee or treat.

 

[07:45] I share how to start paying yourself first via auto-pay to create the habit that ensures you get paid and taken care of even from the start of your business.

 

[10:00] I dive into how to keep your money siloed and how I use this in my business to make sure my client money and my business money and profit stay separate.

 

[19:00] I discuss my method for how I use a recurring focused task on my calendar with a checklist to ensure that I can focus on what needs to be done without taking time as invoices, etc come in to stop and take care of those.

 

[26:30] I have questions for my bookkeeper throughout the month (as I’m sure we all do!) so I share how I manage these questions so that I can stay on top of what’s needed.

 

[28:30] I am a big advocate of auditing your projects to really get a feel for income and time spent on each project and share my methods.

 

[32:54] I share my simple method of using email tags to set up a system for knowing what needs to be paid or needs attention on the day you are doing your money work!

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones 

• Harvest $10 off of your first month

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/43

 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Today I’m chatting with Christy Taylor, a Certified Public Accountant on a mission to help empower women in business through financial literacy. Christy specializes in tax preparation and consulting for women-owned small businesses and creative entrepreneurs. When she's not trying to keep her clients from panicking about taxes, you can most likely find her curled up by the fire with a scandalous romance novel, sipping strawberry margaritas by the water, or listening to Taylor Swift on repeat.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[06:15] Christy and I dive into business and entrepreneurship for those of us with ADD/ADHD and how we work our businesses around our struggles. We dive into protecting our mental health and ways that we have set boundaries.

 

[19:54] Christy shares how she helps people start to understand money through the lens that anyone can learn about their finances if someone takes the time to teach them.

 

[26:00] Christy shares how she got into the business and found her passions within the financial world.

 

[37:00] We discuss filing as an S-corporation vs and LLC and Christy’s top tips related to which is best for you and when that step may make sense. 

 

[45:00] As an interior designer, we often get money in ebbs and flows that we need to plan for in terms of taxes and setting aside money so Christy shares with us her tips for making sure to set aside the proper amount of money.

 

[59:15] Write-offs! What can you write-off and what can you not? Christy dives into the do’s and dont’s. PLUS you can download her freebie below!

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Check out Christy’s Website

• Christy’s Freebies!

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/42

 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Bookkeepers can help out clients as much as possible but it is so important that the business owner understands their business and the rules and regulations as well.

 

 Today my guest is…

Morgan Boudreaux Operations Director at Business by the Book, a bookkeeping service provider who specializes in working with interior designers across the US. As part of financial literacy month, I have invited Morgan here today to answer some common questions related to accounting in the interior design industry. 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:00] I share my experiences with different bookkeepers and how important it is to find a great fit and stick with them.

 

[12:21] Morgan shares what questions an interior designer should ask when looking for a potential accountant and what red flags should they look for.

 

[18:30] I ask Morgan to set the record straight when it comes to the role of a bookkeeper and what common misconceptions about what a bookkeeping firm does/can do for your interior design business.

 

[20:30] If you feel behind in your bookkeeping, Morgan shares what to do when you’ve fallen behind.

 

[30:00] We discuss sales tax and tax compliance for interior designers to take into account.

[40:00] I ask Morgan questions from our members such as common pricing for a bookkeeper and how/when to get started with a bookkeeper. I ask Morgan about client income and expenses on projects and the differences between retainers and invoices.

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Business by the Book

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/41

 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Always make sure you have clear goals. How much is coming in? How much is going out? Take a look at the activities you are doing - are they revenue generating activities or just busywork?

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:10] Jenny shares a little more about herself and how she moved from pet photography to money coach!

 

[09:06] Jenny shares all about money types and how she works with clients to determine their money types in a way that allows them to make financial decisions in a calm, confident way.

 

[19:22] Jenny shares habits that she feels every creative entrepreneur should practice on a regular basis.

 

[26:17] Jenny and I talk about separating business and personal finances and the value of doing this while also creating structure financially in both. We also talk about generational patterns that come into play with money mindset.

 

[43:00] We dive into having the confidence that money will be there and how to connect through the purpose of our work. We talk about numbers and trusting our own intuition. 

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• QUIZ: Finding your Money Archtype

• Financials for Creatives

• Money Compass Deck

• Follow Jenny on Instagram @financialsforcreatives

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/40

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

You go from a place of needing and wanting to take everything that comes your way but you can’t multiply your time so taking a look at how we use it and who we spend it with matters. 

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:20] Whitney and I start off talking about her own home build and project and other recent projects she is working on. 

 

[13:23]  Whitney shares her background and path into interior design and her journey to where she is today. We talk about her work with One Kings Lane as a part of the Chasemakers team.

 

[29:45] We dive into the decision making process for choosing when to take on a new client, when to say no to a client and how to continue to make business decisions that support your vision.

 

[37:40] Whitney shares how she outsources in her business and how this helps create and keep boundaries and relationships.

 

[45:00] Whitney and I discuss brand identity, what it has led to and how it has elevated her business.

 

[53:04]  I ask Whitney about her business values and how that shows up in her business on a daily basis.

[56:00] I do a rapid fire question session with Whitney to wrap the episode.

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Farrington Lane

• Instagram: @farringtonlane

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗-

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Paragraph summary

No amount of money is going to make you happy with the work you’re doing. Part of this is having great relationships and showing up and then you get to work on what you want and that’s such a blessing.

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:20] Karlin and I kick things off talking about how she got into architecture and established her seat at the table.

 

[26:50] Karlin shares a bit about her process and the ability to take on projects and clients in a selective manner - we talk about holding boundaries and why it is so important.

 

[44:18] We talk about portfolio building and when it is important and how to build through the right projects and deciding what the great projects for you are.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Meritborn.com

 

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/38

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

If you have ever wanted to know more about hiring an interior design photographer or the ins and outs of what you should know, what to ask, and why it all matters, this is the episode for you! Jeff Jones and I deep dive into the right questions to ask and what to look for in today’s episode.

 

In this episode, we answer questions like:

1. How does a designer go about finding the right photographer for their business? What questions should we be asking? 

2. Once you have found a photographer (or two) to interview, what kinds of questions should you be asking? 

3. There are SO many different types of photographers out there, what makes an interior design photographer different? 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[02:10] I share a little bit more about my guest, Jeff Jones, and where we are headed with this episode!

 

[07:45] Jeff shares how he got his start in photography and then moving into interior design photography. He shares how he worked with Magnolia Market and how this led him to lean into the design aspect of photography.

 

[18:34] Jeff and I discuss what sets an interior design photographer apart from other types and styles of photography.

 

[24:50] I dive into how we treat the spaces we design as a lifestyle space and Jeff shares how he is able to “get the story” in his work when photographing to ensure the designer’s vision comes through.

 

[30:30] Jeff and I discuss how important it is to know your end goal when getting interior design photography - is to to be featured in press, social media, personal use, etc - as it helps a photographer determine how to shoot the photos to provide the best results.

 

[34:36] We dive into the questions you should ask once you have found your photographer.

 

[41:30] Jeff shares what to look for in a contract and some standard photography licensing agreements and fees associated with third party usage of photos.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Jeff Jones Photography

• Instagram: @jeff_jones_photo

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/37

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Selling your services and selling your brand is not always easy! It can feel icky and as if you’re trying to persuade someone to work with you (which doesn’t always feel great). This episode is all about the myths around selling and how to re-frame your feelings on selling. 

 

One thing to keep in mind is that your clien’ts money is none of your business.  Your clients are grown ups and can decide what they can afford - not you. It’s not your business. If they can’t afford you, there is a designer out there who may be at a different place than you and would be a right fit. This leaves the door open for you to work with the clients that are perfectly aligned. 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[02:05] I share my personal journey with selling, the struggles I encountered and steps that I took to move forward into feeling comfortable with selling.

 

[07:00] I discuss how selling happens throughout the client journey, not just in a sales call and why it is an essential part of running your business.

 

[08:00] I share how selling is NOT trying to persuade someone of something and jump into the first myth that selling has to be hard, icky, and challenging.

[10:34] Your beliefs about money affect your ability to sell and I discuss how your money thoughts and challenges impact your ability to sell.

 

[17:10] Hearing a no from a prospective client does NOT mean there is anything wrong with your pricing or with you. I share how to get curious around this and refine your processes. Pricing is not always the concern!

 

[24:33] I discuss how to overcome the idea that you are competing with “cheap” and “free” design services. I share how to work with your competitive edge and expertise. 

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• Blog: An Abundance Mindset - 3 Ways to Shift your Mind towards Abundance  

• Blog: Personal Story: I didn’t take “No” for an answer.  

• Blog: 5 Follow Up Strategies to Get More Interior Design Clients

• Blog: 3 Ways to Stop Doubting your Design Fees  

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/36

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Today we are putting pen to paper and talking all about the benefits of hiring for your interior design business. I am passionate about this and feel strongly that every interior designer should have at least one assistant.

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:06] I dive right into why most designers get stuck on hiring and understanding how they would utilize an assistant.

 

[05:00] I share how having an assistant can help your business - what can they help with? How will it uplevel the client experience?

 

[12:25] I run through an exercise with you all about how to figure out all that you do plus what you should be doing yourself!

 

[19:05] Grab your pen and paper! I go through an exercise to sort out what is fulfilling about your career and what lights you up.

 

[23:24] I share my real-life experiences with moving my business across the country twice and how I have used a wide array of assistants and employees.

 

[28:40]We run through examples of tasks that an assistant can help with during the interior design process and imagine what you could do with the time you gain back to really focus on and grow your business.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint

• PODCAST: Episode #9: How Hiring Can Help your Bottom Line

• PODCAST: Episode #34: 5 Signs it’s Time to Hire

• BOOK: Traction  by Gino Wickman

• BOOK: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wikman and Mark Winters 

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) - Blog - Free Resources

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- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/35

 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Today we are talking all about hiring - specifically, how to know when its time. The reality is that many of us, as designers experience the struggles that we are talking about today and we end up throwing money at or wasting time on the wrong things  - when really the answer is hiring help in your business. 

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[06:26] I share the honest truth that sometimes if you are not enjoying your business anymore and feel like you’re losing your creativity and your love for your work, you may be in need of help i.e. hiring!

 

[08:35] I dive into the second way to know it’s time to hire - you are overwhelmed with the business tasks and the day to day and losing your time in all of you necessary admin work.

 

[09:38] I share how the necessary details that go into every project can be bogging you down from really working on your big picture goals. Someone else could be doing some of this behind the scenes work for you.

 

[14:05] If your client work is suffering and the experience is dwindling, you may have too much on your plate that could be handed off to another team member via hiring.

 

[15:42] I talk about team burnout and how not hiring can affect the rest of your team and how this may include your team not focusing on what they are best at as everyone takes on projects that are out of their wheelhouse.

 

[18:05] I share how to start hiring, who to hire and what you should be looking for to offload  some admin work. I share an exercise that will help you take action now in deciding the next first step!

 

[28:05] I talk about how not hiring can actually keep you stagnant and keep you from making more and providing a greater level of service for your clients. I leave you with a few thoughts on mindset and how to make that first hire (or next hire).

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• PODCAST: Episode #1: 3 Core Truths I Believe

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer)- Blog - Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/34

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Ask yourself, what would happen in your business if you started to take up a little more space. If you continuously looked for ways to move the needle even in small ways a little more each and every day. Those little needle moving actions and behaviors over time add up to huge success. That’s what we’re going to jump into today to keep you from leaving money on the table.

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:45] I introduce the idea of taking up more space and moving the needle in your interior design business.

 

[04:30] I share how a follow-up strategy in your business can help create more time and make sure that deadlines, communication and follow-ups are taken care of in a timely manner.

 

[09:09] I discuss what happens when you give clients only what they ask when you know you could do better for them.

 

[16:28] I share how to ensure you are not under-charging for your time. I talk about how to audit your projects, track your time and make sure you are paid for your time.

 

[23:15] I talk about how to make sure you leave no dead-ends at the end of a project by asking for referrals, testimonials, and making sure to wrap up the project well.

 

[26:00] I wrap up the episode with a few needle-moving activities to get you thinking!

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• PODCAST: Episode #12 How to Make More Money with Time Tracking  (Part I - Why & How to Track your Time)
• PODCAST: Episode #13 How to Make More Money with Time Tracking  (Part II - How to Audit your Project’s Time & Increase Your Profitability)

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer)- Blog - Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/33

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

Too often designers either miss red flags due to a lack of experience or choose to ignore them becuase they are eager for the work or the client was a referral from someone you know. They may be in your circle of friends or community and the hard question is really what do you do with these red flags? Today’s episode will shed some light on what to look for and how to handle the most common red flags.

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:20] I jump into how you can start to spot red flags BEFORE engaging with a client on a long-term basis.

[07:15] I start with the red flag of a potential client trying to negotiate your contract, how to stand your ground and how to believe in your services and the contract you’ve spent time putting together.

[12:08] Indecisiveness in a client can make a project extremely difficult. I dive into why it’s not about how much information or time they need, but their ability to make a decision in the end.

[18:26] I share about discounts! Discounts on services, products, etc and why this can be a red flag to handle head on from the start.

[25:50] I talk all about boundaries ranging from communication to expected response times to setting expectations

[28:52] I discuss how a client who “ghosts” you or continually takes a long time to respond can be a red flag while also throwing off milestone dates and delivery dates.

[33:00] I share about having and finding clients who truly respect the process.

[36:13] I discuss reading a potential clients’ tone and paying attention to how you feel with the general communication to see if workin with them may be a red flag.

[45:50] I wrap up with the good and bad news and how identifying red flags early can help you make room for the perfect client that is out there for you.

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• SHOP: Design Services and Investment Guide Template
• SHOP: Client Welcome Packet Template
• SHOP: Client Presentation Template
• SHOP: Interior Design Client Agreement
• SHOP: Interior Design Client Proposal
• PODCAST: Episode #11: Managing Client Expectations
• PODCAST: Episode #24: 5 Business Lessons I have learned the hard way

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer)- Blog - Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

- Instagram- Pinterest - YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

"I Love the Designer's Oasis Podcast" <-- Does this sound like you? If so please consider rating & reviewing my show. This helps support the show so I can continue to make more episodes just like this to support you and other designers. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

FOLLOW this podcast so you never miss an episode! Follow Now

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/32

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint 

You might not always be able to change their minds but if you can look into why a client isn’t moving forward with your services, you can find out where you’re losing a client and if it’s something that you can adjust in your business. In this episode, I’ll dive into the 5 reasons why clients aren’t moving ahead with you that I’ve learned over time with tracking and small changes.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:15] We talk about what happens when you go through with sending off the proposal and then crickets……

[06:11] We talk about the important things to remember when a client chooses not to use your services.

[07:30] I dive into the 5 reasons why you may hitting a deadend with prospective clients (after making these mistakes myself!)

[9:30] I chat about how to “cast the vision” effectively and help them see the end result and what they are really after. 

[10:58] I share how to use your clients own words to help them feel validated and understood within your proposal.

[12:43] Overwhelming your clients or confusing them can be a concern so I share how to help ease the overwhelm as their interior designer.

[15:58] I dive into how to address your potential clients internal pain points rather then just those external pain points they may share.

One of the tools we offer inside the Designers Oasis Membership is the CEO Dashboard which includes a Conversion calculator. The conversion calculator can help you see where prospective clients may be falling off.  This is a key metric to track in your business because. Once you can identify that, then you know where you need to improve your process. 

 

If this sounds like something you’d like to have in your business, headover to Designer’s Oasis to learn more about joining

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• PODCAST: Episode #23: 6 Ways to Research your Client’s Pain Points

WANT MORE? 

- Template Shop - 10% off ANYTHING in the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer)- Blog - Free Resources

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/31

Aim for excellence and know that perfection is impossible. I want excellence in my business and for projects to be complete and done extremely well, but perfect just won’t always happen.

Trust me, I get it! I’ve found that I have been a victim of the perfectionist trap for way too long and am just recently figuring out just how much this has held me back. We are exposed to the pain-free narratives of others while acutely feeling and experiencing our own struggles. Getting to where you want to be is a set of stairs where you are taking one imperfect step at a time.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How to start moving forward and get out of the perfectionism trap.
2. How to stop comparing yourself and get more done!
3. Strategies you need to start dealing with perfectionism within yourself.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:05] I share about the types of perfectionism and how this may show up for you. I dive into product perfectionism and process perfectionism.

[08:56] I talk all about the comparison trap and self-perfectionism and how this can keep us trapped or keep us playing small.

 [11:00] I share a personal story about my perfectionist tendencies when it comes to podcasting. I share why I don’t let it stop me anymore and try to move forward.

[13:20] I discuss the trap that perfectionism can lead to that can take us down a road to burnout which tends to feel like failure and stifles creativity.

[14:58] I share strategies for tackling the perfectionism within yourselves and how to start to normalize your own mistakes and failures.

[20:25] I wrap up with a few thoughts from one of my favorite authors, Adam Grant, and his thoughts on comparison.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Dubsado - use designersoasis20 for 20% off!
• More on Adam Grant

 

People feel more trusting and eager to work with someone when they can see part of the process or learn more about you from the start. 

Today’s episode is all about my favorite lead magnet idea for interior designers to help you find the right type of client from the start, share your process, and streamline your business.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. What lead magnet may be the right one for you?
2. The goal of a lead magnet is finding the perfect client for you.
3. How and what your email sequence should include?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[2:34] We jump into the basics of what a lead magnet is, what the goal is and what it may include. I share why you would even want to collect email addresses and how to use them once you have them.

[04:13] I share how you may use an email series to expand on the lead magnet, build trust, and share more resources.

[06:23] I share using emails to provide a quarterly studio update to share upcoming projects, keeping you front of mind, and sharing ways to work together.

[09:58] I dive into the top principles of a good lead magnet. I share what the lead magnet should include and how it should reflect your brand. I talk through how you can demonstrate your expertise, inspire them, and attract the type of client you want to work with.

[18:30] I share ideas for lead magnets that you could create. I talk quizzes, informational guides, checklists, and round-ups.

[26:45] I wrap up with a few final tips on the goals of a successful lead magnet.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• BLOG - Creating an Effective Lead Magnet for your Interior Design Business 
• Designers Oasis Shop

 

You don’t know what is going to work unless you start doing the work. You will ALWAYS be refining so you just have to get started.

 

Limiting beliefs, you know those sneaky thoughts that creep in sabotage your progress? When left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on your potential. I hear a lot of limiting beliefs from the designers I work with. 

 

Today I’m sharing some of the common limiting beliefs I hear over and over again. We’re going to examine  7 of them and try to untangle them. The truth is, if you’re feeling stuck in business, it might not be what you’re doing (or not doing) that is the problem, rather it may be your thinking or beliefs that are holding you back.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. What to do when you are just feeling stuck.
2. How you can pull yourself away from those limiting beliefs.
3. How to tackle the most common limiting beliefs I hear over and over.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:30] I dive right into the first limiting belief that you need to have all of your processes “figured out” before you can take on clients. (Hint: you have to jump in before you can start to figure it out and refind the process) 

[05:07] I discuss how not finding immediate success is not a reason to give up. We see a lot of people’s success without seeing the hard work or process behind it. It’s just an illusion and we need to continue to grow and trust the process.

[11:02] I tackle the age-old idea of when to invest in your business. How long can you bootstrap your business and when do you need to start investing in some way? I share why you should be investing in your business from the start, even in small ways.

[15:35] I jump into the limiting belief that you can’t afford to make mistakes. I share how this can throw you into analysis paralysis and how to overcome this idea.

[22:10] I share all about the idea that you can’t start to charge for your services until you have a few projects under your belt. Your services are valuable, no matter where you are in your business.

[24:30] I talk all about the idea that once you have “x”, you’ll be confident and put yourself and your business out there. I share how to build that confidence in your business.

[26:47] I discuss the misconception that selling is somehow about convincing people and share why believing that sales are “icky” can hold you back and limit your growth.

[31:01] I wrap up with how to ask yourself if a thought is a limiting belief or a true challenge.

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Podcast → 5 Business Mistakes I Learned the Hard Way
• Designers Oasis Shop
• To Sell is Human by Daniel Pink

 

The experience a client receives and great service is so important. Lucky for me, that comes pretty naturally based on my experience working in fine dining. The goal at the end of a meal is to leave the customer with a full belly, and a dopamine hit from laughter and being with people they love. My goal was to make it feel like an effortless and seamless experience, which is the same goal I carry into my interior design business!

Today I share all about how I feel that my experiences working in a few fine dining establishments helped shape me to be a better manager of projects and clients and to help me understand what high end clients want. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How your past experiences have/can shape your interior design business
2. How you can use these experiences to create your unique selling proposition
3. What I learned from waiting tables that helped me craft my business

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:40] I share how previous experiences (waiting tables or not) have shaped your ability to create a unique selling proposition for your interior design clients.

[08:26] Experience is everything, right? I share how to figure out the experience a client is after and help to provide that in your service. The goal is to do the ordinary things extraordinarily well.

[11:55] I jump into efficiency when providing service and how to create efficiency in your business. I share how to handle billing, emails, and correspondence to streamline your time.

[14:39] I share how important it is to truly know your audience when relaying information. From contractors to clients to vendors, it matters how you relay information related to the interior design project.

[17:24] Anticipating needs of our clients is KEY! I share how you can anticipate common needs for clients.

[20:48] I jump into how to mitigate mistakes, those that are in your control and those that are not in your control. I share when and how to share those mistakes or delays and how to relay this information to your clients in a positive way.

[26:40] I share how to make friends with your back of house staff, your contractors, etc in a way that can help your business thrive, help with mistakes and concerns along the way, and how to nurture these relationships.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Designers Oasis Shop

Be willing to own your experience and the value that you bring to your clients and projects. If you feel you’re worth what your charging, so will your clients!

Want to raise your design rates? Your costs have increased and it’s time you raise your rates to match this. It’s tempting to put our emotions into these decisions but today is all about sharing how to make this a little easier!

In this episode we discuss things like…

1. How to raise your rates and fees with ease.
2. How to deliver the message that your rates will be changing.
3. How to feel your worth what you’re charging so your clients do as well.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:13] I share about how you could gradually increase existing clients as you increase your rates to newer clients coming in. Remember: not all clients have to be at the same rate.

[08:35] Don’t be afraid to lose some clients. I share how raising your rates may lead to some loss of clients but this makes room for new clients.

[09:45] I share how you can explain your rate increase to clients and discussion points you may want to have.

[12:00] I share about using a fee ladder structure and how you can share this with your clients as well as timelines to share with clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• BLOG - How to stop doubting your design fees

BLOG - Raising your Rates for Interior Design Clients

Pick one or two to help propel your business into the new year in new light and an organized mindset and business.

This episode is all about mini projects to help you set up and organize your design business for the new year. I’m going to be sharing 10 options that will hopefully get your mind thinking about the new year with a fresh start. 

In this episode we discuss things like…

1. How to prep your business during this down time to give you a fresh start
2. How to feel energized and refreshed in the new year

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:55] I start with the first category of projects, all related to branding for your business. You can start with revamping your services and investment guides and/or welcome packets.

[07:20] Auditing your website and/or social media can make for a great mini project(s) during a little downtime. I share how to look at and audit your pages. 

[12:58] I dive into the next category → organizing projects! This may be your sample library, your files, and even your bookmarks for your laptop!

[17:30] I share some small visibility projects to increase the visibility of your business in the new year. Looking into some of the organizations and networks you could become a part of can help you hit the ground running in the new year.

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• SHOP - Client Welcome Pack (Canva Template)
• SHOP - Services & Investment Guide (Canva Template)
• BLOG - How to Organize Your Digital Files for your Interior Design Business 
• BLOG - How to Organize Your Materials Library 

 

I think there’s this idea that once you decide on your ideal client, you’re done and in reality you need to come back to this many times in your business.

Today is all about failures and mistakes in business. I’m pulling back the curtain on the top 5 mistakes I have made in my business.I want to share these mistakes to normalize them and hopefully my mistakes can help you from making those same mistakes. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What do I wish I had done sooner in my business?
2. How can you use your failures and mistakes for growth?
3. Why making mistakes is not a bad thing.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[3:50] I jump right into my first mistake in business - not investing into my business sooner through coaching and business experts.

[08:13] I share about how to identify red flags in clients and how to learn from them. I share how ignoring them can really put you at risk in the long run.

[11:19] I share all about the mistake of blending money (client money and business operations money) into one account and the various ways that you may set up the money involved in your business.

[16:45] I talk about how I used to let my ideal client avatar get stale and how this can impact the types of projects that may come your way. [19:37] I discuss how I came to the conclusion that I could not do it all. I share how and when I knew I needed to hire and how I was able to work through it.

It’s so important to go back and take a look at your intake forms. Maybe you worked with a client who was unsavory, you missed the red flags or you turned down a project because it wasn’t a right fit. 

 

Today’s episode is all about knowing your ideal client’s pain points and how this helps you to talk directly to them. when you are able to do that you can help them see and feel like you get them and you are the answer to their challenges. 

In this episode we discuss topics like…

1. How to discover your ideal client’s pain points.
2. How to help you ideal client and show them how you can bring the solution,
3. The 6 ways you can investigate and find the pain points.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[06:12] I share my first step in researching pain points - magazines! I share how powerful the articles and stories can be in finding common client pain points.

[08:49] Online forums can be a source of researching pain points when used properly and mindfully. I share how I have used them in the past.

[10:00] I talk all about the ways that working with clients can help you build up your copy bank and identify pain points via intakes with prospective clients through intake forms and discovery calls.

[19:20] I share how I used a consultation to continue to identify pain points and build on the language your clients are using. [22:22] The deep dive interview - how this has helped in my business and why I feel like it’s a great opportunity to really get to know clients in a personal way.

[25:40] I share why it’s so important to go back to notes from client’s that  you didn’t end up working with and identify the red flags in terms of language and words they used and how this can also help you in your copy and attracting the right clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Annual Master Planning Workshop - November 10th, 2022
• Blog Post - How to Run a Discovery Call 

Blog Post - 12 Tips for a Rock-Solid Consultation

I would stand in the fire everyday for women’s empowerment around money.

 

In today’s episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Jenny Karlsson of Financial for Creatives. Jenny is a certified money coach with a special focus on helping creative entrepreneurs. Jenny is the creator of the #moneycompassdeck (a powerful and practical tool that allows you to connect with the energy of money.) She is on a mission to help creative entrepreneurs heal their money blocks and manage money with confidence. 

 

Today we’re talking about how we can set up our business finances so that the naturally occurring ebbs and flows that happen both internally and externally don’t shake the foundation of your business. 

 

What I love most about Jenny is her compassionate yet no-nonsense approach to helping empower women to take control of their finance. 

In this episode we discuss things like…

1. How you prepare your business for the ups and downs that are inevitable.
2. How to make your business more stable in the face of changes.
3. How to pay yourself
4. How to build an emergency fund for your business.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[6:22] Jenny shares her back story with us and how she got started working with creative entrepreneurs as a financial coach.

[11:48] Jenny shares all about her Money Compass Deck and how it helps to connect to the energy of money.

[17:20] I ask Jenny why she believes this is so important for entrepreneurs, specifically women to understand and control the finances for their businesses.

[26:35] I ask Jenny to share her top strategies for designers wanting to create the stability in their business. She shares how to make decisions that keep your business profitable. We talk through what accounts you need to setup, how to use them, and how to pay yourself!

[50:40] We chat about diversifying your income and how to create a ladder of services so that you are able to create structure and avoid hustling to do it all.

[01:01:00] Jenny and I chat about how to balance decisions related to hiring and help during busy seasons. 

[01:10:00] Jenny and I wrap up with Jenny painting a picture of what it means to be successful with money in our business and personal finances. She shares what this looks like, what flexibility it can create and what emotions may surround this.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Annual Masterplanning Workshop - November 10th 
• Episode #13 - Auditing your Projects for Profitability 
• Financials for Creatives
• Money Compass Deck
• Follow Jenny on Instagram 
• Jenny’s Money Type Quiz 
• Book: Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz
• Book: Money Magic: Unleashing Your True Potential for Prosperity and Fulfillment 

What I started to realize is that I was focused on the wrong thing. I didn’t need to - nor should I - compete on price. 

 

About a year ago I was invited to speak at the Designers On Social Summit and today I wanted to share this presentation with you because what I talked about is so near and dear to my heart. 

 

You see, years ago I struggled with pricing my services because I thought I needed to compete with the online design brands who were at the time offering $99/room designs.  What I started to realize is that I was focused on the wrong thing. 

I didn’t need to - nor should I - compete on price. 

 

Where my competitive edge really lied was in my ability to provide killer service. And that was developed in my years working in high-end hospitality design. 

 

So today, I’m sharing my presentation - Being Boutique - how to serve your clients so they become natural evangelists for your work. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How to provide excellent service to clients by doing ordinary things extraordinarily well
2. How to create natural evangelists from your client base
3. What it really means to “be boutique”

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:12] I share a brief introduction of myself, my background, and my business (and the journey to get where I am today)

 [06:00] I share a few of the key things we do to create opportunities to delight our clients that are not typically expected.

[10:23] I chat about prepping your clients for the inevitable delays that will happen.

[12:37] Want to learn how to turn your clients into real evangelists? I share how we go above and beyond with our project delivery and celebrate the end of each design project.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS 🗓️ Annual Master Planning Workshop on November 10th, 2022

You don’t want to look back at your life and feel like you missed opportunities to get the most out of life. 

 

Whatever it is, these are the things that matter. Leisure matters. Family time Matters. Time with friends matter. Travel matters. What are the things that matter to you? If we aren’t intentional about our time and protect the things that matter, it’s too easy to look up and be like, oh my god, I haven’t had a proper vacation in 3 years. 

 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How to prepare your business so that you CAN take the time off that you want
2. How to set expectations with your clients about time away and how that will be handled.
3. How to plan quarterly, monthly and weekly to set your business up for success while allowing you time away.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[06:17] I share how to communicate well with clients regarding your company holidays and time away. 

[11:00] I share a little bit about how to do your quarterly review and plan for time away - when you want to take off, how long it may be and commit to a plan. I share how I am able to get clients to certain steps to allow for breaks or vacations for myself and my team.

[14:20] Time efficiency is KEY! I share how I manage business tasks on a monthly basis and how I use a calendar review to maintain efficiency.

[15:50] I share my weekly start up and shut down routines to help create boundaries around my week and/or day. 

[18:30] I talk about task batching and how to maximize your workflow for efficiency and effectiveness. I also share about automating the parts of your business that you can.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• 🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDARS 🗓️ Annual Master Planning Workshop on November 10th, 2022
• SHOP: Welcome Guide

Book: Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself

My guest today is Carly Teigeler, owner and lead designer of Schematic Design Co, a brand and web design studio that specializes in “Human-Centered Design”.

 

In my interview today, I ask her about what human-centered design is and how we can employ that throughout design. 

 

But we also cover some other really exciting topics as it relates to braind like the 3 things, carly says your brand needs to communicate well - in order to position yourself well in your market. She also describes the palette of tools - way beyond a logo - that your brand needs.

 

Finally Carly understands that designers are in different seasons. Some brands may need a fully custom design. Other times, it may need a little glow-up. Today she shares some simple questions you can ask yourself to decide if a brand overhaul or a mini-makeover may be the right next step. 

 

I think you’re going to love the energy that carly brings along with her beautifully simple way of sharing her expertise.

 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. The three things your brand needs to communicate [to position you well in your market]
2. Why you shouldn’t settle for “just a logo” [i.e. you need more tools in your palette]
3. When to hire a brand designer - and when it’s best to wait

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[04:40] We dive into Carly’s background and her move from a degree in architecture and dance to how she really got started with her own graphic design studio.

[09:45] Carly shares with us what “human-centered” branding means and how her approach is more centered around the end-user experience.

[13:10] How does playfulness work with professionalism in a great balance for clients on their website, branding, and how to really work your personality into your branding.

[20:30] Carly shares what design tools you need in your toolbox and why you shouldn’t settle for just a “logo”. 

[28:58] We talk about the 3 things your brand needs to communicate in order to position yourself well in your market

[39:45] Carly shares the truth about when it’s time to hire a brand designer (and when it’s best to wait). 

[50:30] I ask Carly about her unique services that she offers for clients who may not be ready for full service brand and website design via semi-custom brand kits, etc.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Carly’s Website: Schematic Design Co.
• Follow Carly on Social Media:
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Carly’s Semi-Custom Brand Kits
• Download Carly’s Free Website Report Card

Download Carly’s Free Branding Report Card

You have to be able to evaluate if they are someone who is going to be able to take this design and run with it OR if they are someone who really need full service.

 

Today I sat down with one of the Designer’s Oasis Members, Lauren Sullivan of Well by Design, a luxury virtual interior design studio based out of Tennessee. 

 

Well by Design has been featured in multiple media outlets including Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, The Zoe Report and more. 

 

After nearly a decade as a pharmacist, Lauren’s two greatest loves—interiors and helping others feel their best—became more connected than ever with the launch of Well by Design.

 

Lauren helps homeowners nationwide create refined spaces that bring balance to their lives through a bespoke virtual experience. Never one to sacrifice style or substance and always finding the nuanced details.  

 

Lauren seeks to prioritize the health of her clients and the environment by choosing safe, organic, and sustainable materials while working with artisans and small businesses as often as possible. 

 

With an eye for timeless design, Lauren prides herself in tying together the tiniest of details that truly make a space feel unique to each client.

In this episode we talk about topics including…

1. 3 critical elements of working with clients virtually
2. Lauren’s experience of building her own home and how that has helped prepare her own clients for the road ahead

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:40] We start with an introduction of Lauren as she shares her story about going from being a pharmacist to an interior designer!

[11:10] Lauren shares with me how she came up with the name for her business, Well by Design and about the businesses’ goals and intention.

[18:46] Lauren is in the middle of building her own home and she shares the process and what she has learned. 

[23:57] We discuss how interior designers fit into the “team” of architects, builders, and contractors.

[27:08] Lauren shares how she came to the decision to do virtual design services. We also talk about how Lauren runs her design services. Communication is a a key and we jump into that.

[40:45] We talk a little bit about pricing tiers with virtual design services and how Lauren has set this up in her business.

[50:13] Rapid fire questions with Lauren!

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Lauren’s Webiste
• Follow Lauren:
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Like to Know It Page
• Facebook

In this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Dani Haas of Dani Haas Designs all about her unconventional path to launching her interior design business.

 

Dani Haas is the founder of Dani Haas Design, a Denver-based interior design firm focused on creating layered, sophisticated, and comfortable spaces. While carefully balancing function and aesthetics, Dani's interiors are known for being warm, textured, and inviting.

 

Before founding Dani Haas Design, she spent a decade in NYC working with prominent firms like Pappas Miron Design and the renowned AD100 and Elle Decor A-List firm Cullman & Kravis Associates. 

 

During her 8 years at C&K, she had the privilege of designing notable residences in NYC, the Hamptons, Connecticut, New Jersey, Miami, and beyond. Her projects have been featured in prominent shelter magazines such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Veranda, New York Cottages & Gardens, and Luxe magazine. 

 

Today, Dani shares her remarkable journey of rising through the ranks at C&K from an Administrative Assistant to Lead Designer and then deciding to move back to Denver and launch her eponymous Company Dani Haas Design. 

 

Her story is a testament to the importance of being willing to do and try anything, even when you don’t know the outcome. Alongside resourcefulness and creativity when it comes to getting to where you want to be in life and business. 

 

 

Dani graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Interior Design. 

 

Her passion for travel, food, and art influence her work, from the color palette to composition to unexpected textures and forms. In her free time, you can find her testing out new recipes and hosting friends and family or shopping for vintage ceramics and furniture. 

 

Dani resides in the West Highlands neighborhood of Denver, CO, with her husband, Patrick and their beloved goldendoodle, Jones and soon-to-be baby girl, coming in early October.

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:17] We jump into the interview talking about who Dani was as a little kid! What she was like as an artistic child and how that developed into her current passions.

[08:22] Dani shares about her experience with Cullman & Kravis in NY and how she rose through the ranks. She shares about the rocky moments and the growth she experienced. 

[22:20] Dani shares how working on the project management side of the interior design helped to create the confidence needed to start her own design business.

[29:00] Dani and I chat about her transition moving back to Denver and starting her business.

[48:00] Dani shares with me how she’s preparing for maternity leave while running her business and how she is preparing the business. 

[59:50] I ask Dani to share how she finds inspiration and what her go to way to tap into her creativity is.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Dani’sWebsite: www.danihaasdesign.com
• Social: @danihaasdesign on Instagram

 

Guest Info:

Bio:

Dani Haas is the founder of Dani Haas Design, a Denver-based interior design firm focused on creating layered, sophisticated, and comfortable spaces. While carefully balancing function and aesthetics, Dani's interiors are known for being warm, textured, and inviting.

 

Before founding Dani Haas Design, she spent a decade in NYC working with prominent firms like Pappas Miron Design and the renowned AD100 and Elle Decor A-List firm Cullman & Kravis Associates. 

 

During her 8 years at C&K, she had the privilege of designing notable residences in NYC, the Hamptons, Connecticut, New Jersey, Miami, and beyond. Her projects have been featured in AD, Elle Decor, Veranda, NYC&G, and Luxe. Her unique works reflect the client's personality while exhibiting incredible craftsmanship, attention to detail, and elegant practicality. 

 

DHD prides itself on realizing our client's vision and needs while adhering to any budget. Grounded in traditional principles, DHD strives to create unique and inspiring spaces that are as livable as they are beautiful. 

 

Dani graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Interior Design. Her passion for travel, food, and art influence her work, from the color palette to composition to unexpected textures and forms. In her free time, you can find her testing out new recipes and hosting friends and family or shopping for vintage ceramics and furniture. Dani resides in the West Highlands neighborhood of Denver, CO, with her husband, Patrick and their beloved goldendoodle, Jones and soon-to-be baby girl, coming in early October.

 

Website: www.danihaasdesign.com

Social: @danihaasdesign (instagram)

Each month inside the Designer’s Oasis Membership, we invite guest experts to come share more about their area of expertise.  These curated individuals come and provide actionable insight into their areas of knowledge.  

 

Some months we have Design experts such as Porcelanosa who came and taught us about using their XTONE large format porcelain slabs which make beautiful and durable countertops, flooring and wall finishes,  or Surfacing Solution who came and talked about tambour wood - a flexible wood paneling product that is so popular in design right now. We learned how to specify it, different applications for it, and more. 

 

We also have experts in business who have come to discuss everything from money and finance, to wellness and mental health, to art curation. 

 

Today I’m taking just a few of these experts and sharing with you some of my favorite moments and insights from over the years. 

 

Consider this montage a sneak peek, but my HOPE for you today is that you find these excerpts to be powerful little nuggets of actionable knowledge YOU can take with you. And of course, if you like what you hear and want to catch the full episodes, you can always join the Designer’s Oasis Membership. When you do, you’ll not only get access to all the archives but access to join future LIVE guests where you can submit your questions to the experts in real time.  

 

Just a quick note before we get into these sessions - These were not recorded with podcasting in mind, so you’ll have to forgive the audio on some of them. I hope you can still take away some great insights from today’s episode.  

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:20] Molly Bird Casey - Nine Dot Arts - Curating Art for Your Clients 

Molly Bird Casey is the Chief Curator and Co-founder of NINE dot Arts, a full-service art curation and installation firm in Denver & Seattle but with projects all over North America. Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Forbes, LA Times and nominated this year for the Colorado Top Companies in Architecture and Design. 

 

We brought Molly in to talk about how to Curate art for your clients. You can find out more about Molly on her site at https://ninedotarts.com/

[12:07] Tracy Harwood - Is it Time to hire a VA in your business?   

Tracy Harwood, the founder of Rock Solid VAs, a Virtual Assistant Matchmaking service (one that I use) that helps pair busy professionals with a virtual assistant who can help them manage the seemingly endless daily to-dos. 

 

In my interview, I asked Tracy what she encountered over and over again from small business owners who are struggling to take that first step to hiring? You can find out more about Tracy and Rock Solid at https://www.rocksolidassistants.com/.

[24:50] Morgan Boudreaux - How to Create a User-Friendly Money Management System 

Morgan Boudreaux is the COO of Business by the Book, who offers Professional bookkeeping & accounting services for interior designers, home professionals, & other creative entrepreneurs. 

 

Mogan shares how to create a user-friendly money management system. Their team works with many interior designers and they have seen it all so they really are experts when it comes to understanding the nuances of the interior design industry. Find out more about Morgan and Business by the Book at https://www.businessbythebook.money/.

 

[30:39] Heidi Taylor - Ask like an Expert 

 

Intro: Next up I want to introduce to you a woman who has niched down so specifically, that her entire career is built on helping business owners craft the perfect intake form; one that qualifies buyers BEFORE the sales call.  I’m going to bet you’ve thought about, maybe even agonized over the questions you ask on your intake form? These are really important questions to ask, especially when selling high-ticket services such as interior design. 

To find out more about Heidi, you can head over to https://www.heiditaylor.ca/

[35:34] Natalie Norcross - Power of Public Relations 

 

Natalie Norcross is a public relations expert for interior designers. Her firm is called A Design Partnership.  She and her team have an unwavering passion for building brands in the modern design, architecture, lifestyle, and consumer markets. 

 

Natalie shares her definition of what a Brand is, as it relates to public relations. I love this definition. She then goes on to explain about the benefit of creating a Marketing Ecosystem and how the benefit of doing this on autopilot helps designers to achieve more work-life balance. You can find more about Natalie and A Design Partnership at https://adesignpartnership.com/.

 

[39:48] Chris Thomas - Successful Brands are Never an Accident 

My final guest that I’m sharing with you today was one of my favorite conversations with my friend, Chris Thomas, Creative Director at Cohn Marketing, a full-service branding and marketing agency. Chris’s fresh perspectives to marketing is heart-centered and authentic and is a refreshing approach to branding and marketing. To find out more about Cohn Marketing head over to https://cohnmarketing.com/.

 

I want to quickly just give a special thank you to the guests that I’ve shared with you today, Molly, Tracy, Morgan, Heidi, Natalie and Chris. We’ll link to a list of ALL the amazing guests and topics covered that are available ONLY in the Designer’s Oasis Membership. We’ve had more than I can mention right now, but you can see all of them on our website and we have some more incredible names lined up for the rest of this year and beyond. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Molly Bird, Nine Dot Arts
• Tracy Harwood, Rock Solid Virtual Assistants
• Morgan Boudreaux, Business by the Books
• Heidi Taylor, Ask Like an Expert
• Natalie Norcross, A Design Partnership
• Chris Thomas, Cohn Marketing
• All Guest Experts - Exclusively inside the Designer’s Oasis Membership
• Membership:  Doors are open! Join Today!

Lack of clarity is debilitating. It prevents momentum, causes stress, is taxing on our relationships and leaves us feeling stuck! This feeling of being stuck is a sign of discomfort, which often means we are on the edge of a major breakthrough.

 

Regardless of where your lack of clarity is coming from, it can truly get in the way of your business via burnout, indecision, lack of success, lack of vision, etc. In today’s episode I want to share with you my story, plus methods to use to break free of the feeling that you are “stuck”.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What causes your lack of clarity and stress with your business?
2. Why do you feel like you’re on the edge of burnout so often?
3. What can you do to help get you out of this “stuck” feeling?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[02:00] I share why lack of clarity and lack of focus with priorities can contribute to feeling stuck and really affect your relationships and lives. We talk about how this leads to indecision and how that can affect how we feel.

[07:20] We go through why this discomfort can be a good thing and how it can help us progress forward and make strides leading to momentum in our business.

 [09:50] I dive into my own struggle with burnout and feeling stuck. I share about how I overcame my indecision, burnout, and how I wanted to rebuild my business.

[19:20] I share the 5 ways to move forward and get unstuck!

[45:21] I wrap up with information on how to join our community of interior designer’s within the Designer’s Oasis Membership. 

[52:30] Quick wrap-up of the episode with a few action steps to take today!

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Designer’s Oasis Membership
• Fire Starter Sessions
• Worth Every Penny
• Rocket Fuel
• $100 Startup

Spotify - Beta Waves

Full Service is a high-end or luxury service designed for clients who are typically busy individuals (robust professional career or lifestyle - kids, volunteering, traveling, etc.) 

 

Today’s episode is all about how to attract the right kinds of clients for full-service interior design projects. It can be challenging to find clients who are wanting to commit full-service so I am going to share a few methods and tips for attracting these types of clients.  We are also going to dive into the benefits of full-service design (for clients and designers), how to attract the right clients and how to actually manage a full service project.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do I attract full-service interior design clients?
2. What are the benefits of full-service design?
3. Who is a good fit for full-service design?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[3:33] What can we doing in our businesses to attract the full-service interior design clients that we really want to work with?

[5:40] I jump into the benefits of full-service projects (for you and the client!)

[11:04] I share who is a good fit for full-service design projects and who this typically works well for. I share a few comparisons between a more DIY minded client vs a full-service client. 

[14:20] I dive into the customer journey and how to get a potential client from a lead all the way through to becoming a full-service client. 

[33:20] I want to share all the details on my upcoming masterclass - Project Management for Interior Designers LIVE on September 9, 2022. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Masterclass: Project Management for Interior Designers 
• Podcast: Episode #2-  5 Types of Interior Design Services to Consider Offering
• Blog: 12 Tips for a Rock-Solid Consultation  
• Membership: Doors Open September 8th! 
• Masterclass: How to Sell your Interior Design Services with Confidence. 
• Shop: Services & Investment Guide Template 
• Shop: Welcome Packet Template
• Shop: Proposal

 

It is not a crime to make money! You can delight your clients, do great work, grow a team, AND make  a good living.

 

Have you ever dramatically underestimated how long a project would take? 

 

Maybe you were so far over on hours you couldn’t bring yourself to invoice the client every hour of work you completed, 

 

Perhaps you were so far in the hole that you just stopped tracking your time b/c you couldn't bear to know exactly how far off you were. 

 

If so, this is the perfect episode for you! This is a 2 part series called “How to Increase Project Profitability with Time Tracking”  

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do you correctly audit your time when you look back on projects?
2. How do you make sure you are seeing  40 - 60% profitability in your projects?
3. What do you do if your projects are NOT profitable yet?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:15] I dive into a simple overview of how to track your time and what information you need to know for every project to truly audit your time and calculate your profitability. [15:20 ] If talking about money makes you a little queasy, I share my story of working with Money Coach, Jenny Karlsson to change my mindset and help build a business that would last. 

[17:50] What do you do if your projects aren’t profitable? I share a few strategies to help with this. 

[27:30] I share my challenge for you this week on auditing your projects to make sure you are able to increase profitability and build your own business that lasts.

EDIT: In today’s episode I used the term Total Project Cost but what I should have said was Total TIME Cost. The reason is, Total Project Costs would include additional costs such as client gifts, meals, paying for mistakes, etc. 

When you are auditing a project’s profitability, you’re going to also want to look at sales for products as well as project related costs.

But Since in this episode we are only focused on TIME, I should have said Total Time Cost or TTC vs TPC. The calculations are all still the same but I wanted to correct my terminology here. When you download the PDF you will see the correct term, “Total Time Cost or TTC” in the formula.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Book:  Money Magic by Deborah L. Price
• Jenny Karlsson - FInancials for Creatives 
• Episode 9 - How hiring can help your bottom line  
• FREEBIE: Project Audit PDF

If you aren’t tracking your time, you’ll never be able to know exactly how profitable your business really is. You won’t have those benchmarks that you need.

Tracking time can be such a sore subject with entrepreneurs and business owners and the interior design business is no different. It is easy to forget, can feel like an interruption, and can be hard to enforce with a team BUT it is the KEY to finding out the profitability of your business, charging the right amount, and being transparent with your clients. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What do you even track? -(Hint: it’s  more than just your hours)
2. What are the  different ways to track your time ?
3. How do you  go back and audit your project at the end?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:37] I dive into what happens if you’re not tracking your time and that can impact your business and your projects.

[08:30] How to build a new time tracking habit by working on your mindset first. 

[11:40] I share key tips for training your team and getting your team up to speed and in the habit of tracking time along with you.[13:50] What should you be tracking and how to organize your tracking into categories (P.S. there’s a freebie for you involved!)

[17:30] I talk through a few methods you may want to use to track your time and the pros and cons of each.

[19:50] I share a little bit about Harvest as a time tracking tool, why I use it and a little about how it works.

[26:30] I share my weekly challenge to you in regards to time tracking! 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Harvest Affiliate Link: http://try.hrv.st/7-31015 
• Episode 7: 3 Ways to Price your Projects
• Freebie - Timekeeping Categories 

Clients don’t do this everyday. When you normalize issues that come up, it helps to remind clients this isn’t a house of cards. This one issue (usually) isn’t going to affect the whole project. 

 

Client expectations start at the beginning of the design process. It’s imperative to build a good relationship with your client. Make sure you are open, honest, communicative, and direct. This will translate to more business in the future, through referrals or future projects. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How can I set goals for their time frame and also allow for situations which are out of our control?
2. How can I normalize issues that come up throughout the process?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[02:50] Why is this piece of the process so important? We talk about why it’s important for you as the designer as well as for the client.

[04:20] I share some tips for setting client expectations when it comes to a renovation. 

[06:05] I share tactical ways to normalize issues that come up throughout the renovation and design process.

[09:26] How to set up great communication and be a good listener and sounding board for your clients.

Today’s episode is all about building a successful relationship with your contractor and how many benefits this may lead to. 

Every project is going to have its road bumps. When you have a great relationship with a contractor with open, honest dialogue those moments will feel more like little speed bumps than giant potholes that cause a flat tire. The result is smoother projects and happier clients.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do you find contractors that are at the caliber you want to be working with?
2. How do you get off on the right foot?
3. How do you maintain a great relationship with your contractor? One that is built on trust, mutual respect, and excellent communication. 
4. Why does this really matter and how it can impact your design projects?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:33] How do you find a great contractor? I dive into the several ways to find a great contractor who also works at the same caliber as you in terms of clients.

[05:59] Once you have done your relationship, it’s time to start establishing a relationship. I share a few of my tips to make sure that you can get started on the right foot.

[10:30] I share my thoughts on how to maintain that great relationship with your contractor once you’ve spent time establishing it. I share my tips straight from 2 of the contractors that I truly enjoy working with.

 [14:34] Referrals! New information I have learned recently about referrals and liability that may come with your referrals (and how to avoid this!)

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• SHOP - 2-in-1 Legal Bundle
• Legal Article re: Referrals

Your first hire will always be the hardest. It’s kind of like having a baby. 

 

Imagine this - You just returned from a much-deserved 2 week holiday with your favorite person or people and while you were away any one(or perhaps all) of these things happened…

• You have a new client consultation on the calendar with a fully-vetted client. 
• You’ve received the as-built drawings and site photos from a brand new project you are kicking off. 
• Drawings for a new kitchen renovation are nearly complete and fully-detailed for next week’s presentation. 
• The ordering is complete for a project you recently presented to a client
• A light fixture arrived to the warehouse damaged, but a replacement is already in route.  

 

Sounds pretty good yeah?  I’m here to tell you that this level of support, and growth is totally doable. I’ll share the ins and outs of hiring in your business in today’s episode.

 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do you even get started in making your first hire?
2. How do you know if you’re ready to hire in your business?
3. How does hiring actually increase the bottom line in your business?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[06:50] I jump into how hiring can help your bottom line and the various ways it can greatly benefit your business.

[14:50] How do you know who to hire first? I share how to figure out what your needs are and what type of hire you need to make first!

[18:30] I walk you through the types of employees vs contractors and why you may want to hire each type, the pros and cons, and all of your options.

[22:15]] My challenge to you this week: Write your job description of the role you want to hire first or next. Define the skill sets they need to have, describe the environment, what kind of experience they need to possess.

I find it’s better to guide the client to the service type that you think is the best fit, versus laying out all the options and making your client decide. 

Years ago, I had a wonderful Discovery Call with a photographer who I was interviewing for a project.  When we wrapped up, she sent me a drop-dead gorgeous PDF that showcased her work and also broke down her process and all of the investment details. 

She offered premium services and it was a huge investment for me. I wasn’t ready to commit over the phone; however, after spending time reviewing the guide she sent, I decided to proceed and guess what…she got the job. 

It was at this point, I decided, I needed to create my own  guide, which I call the “Services & Investment Guide.”  And let me tell you my friend, it has been a game changer in my business. I convert more potential leads into happily paying clients faster and with greater ease. 

 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How does your Design Services and Investment Guide work with a Discovery Call?
2. What are 3 Things the guide helps you achieve in terms of potential clients?
3. What’s Inside  the Guide? If you already have a services guide, keep listening b/c you may have some important information missing that you might want to add. 

 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:05] We discuss how I use the guide in my Discovery Call to complement what we discuss and what may be ideal for their project.

[06:30] I share 3 things the Design Services and Investment Guide helps you achieve in your business.

[09:50] I start answering some of the commonly asked questions like “isn’t this info already on my website?” and why this guide is necessary to help present the right information at the right time.

[11:50] How is the Design Service and Investment Guide different than your Welcome Guide? I share a few reasons why I use both and how they differ.

[13:52] I jump into what is included, how to create, and how to grab a template if you don’t want to start from scratch!

[24:58] My Challenge for you this week! If you don’t already have a Services and Investment guide for your business, get started on that this week!

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• BLOG - 4 Ways to get photos for your interior design business 
• BLOG - Why your business needs a services and investment guide

SHOP - Design Services and Investment Guide Template

In order to know your profitability at the end of a project, it’s helpful to see what you estimated in the first place. Just like a budget for money, we need to budget our time. 

 

Today’s topic is one of the most asked questions that I get about building your interior design business and that’s how to price your projects and come up with your service fees and feel more confident in your proposals when you send them out.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do you decide what type of pricing strategy (or a few of them) that work best for your business?
2. Do you need to base fees on square footage?
3. How do you estimate your time?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[05:22] Do you need to track your time? Is this important regardless of your fee and pricing method?

[06:37] I share what 2 factors your fees should be based on no matter what the project scope entails. How to continue to price projects well even as you and your team become more efficient at project management.

[07:45] I share a few other methods on how to charge  that may play a factor in how you charge for a project. I share how charging by the square footage or overall project cost are used by some interior designers (personally, this is not what I use and I share why!)

[11:50] I discuss how to charge for your projects based on time and the value that you bring to the project.

[16:45] I jump into the 3 types of pricing - hourly, flat fee, and hybrid. I share the pros and cons for each type and how we use them in our business.

[28:50] I share my challenge to you for the week!

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Freebie - Design Process Asana Template 
• Harvest for time keeping (Affiliate) 
• Blog Post - How to Use Pricing Options in your Design Proposals
• Blog Post - How to Easily Track Time for Interior Design Projects   
• Shop - Interior Design Client Agreement

Shop - Interior Design Client Proposal

We schedule trades so that there is some overlap between related trades. This allows for the best ideas to flow and they can discuss what they need from each other. 

 

One of the most important steps in the Interior Design Process is “Trade Day” especially on those small to mid-scale projects or cosmetic projects. 

“Trade Day” is the day that you arrange for your vendors or trades to walk your interior design project so you can discuss their scope of work and they can collect whatever photos/measurements they might need to provide you with a thorough bid. 

 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What are 3 ways that a trade day makes a more successful project?
2. When is the best time to schedule trade day in the process?
3. Who to invite, sequencing and prioritizing trades?
4. Other common challenges and how to get around them

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[06:25] Why is a trade day so important? We cover 3 main reasons why I believe that trade day is a critically important part of the design process.

[08:10] I share a case study where I involved several trades in a very small portion of a larger project and each one had to be sequenced at the right time. 

[12:12] When is the best time to schedule a trade day in the design process? I share my opinions on what has worked best for us!

[13:45 ] I answer how we go about setting up a trade day and coordinating that process.

[19:08] What should you bring to trade day? I share what we bring and prepare in order to have a successful trade day.

[20:15] I jump into the steps to follow up after trade day and we schedule and work on those tasks.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• “Trade Day” Blog
• FREEsources

Think about what your clients are experiencing. Hint - Your clients will give you these words Look in their clients intake form and use their words.

This episode focuses on all things involving the welcome packet that you deliver to your clients. We will talk about how to create a professional, beautifully designed welcome packet and how to use it best as well as dive into some of the specifics of what pages to include. We will also talk about a few misconceptions surrounding the welcome packet. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What is the welcome packet? What is it’s purpose?
2. When should the welcome packet be delivered?
3. What must be included in the welcome packet?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:00] How the welcome package sets the stage for what it will be like working with you and gets your clients really excited for what’s to come.

[03:54] I share with you 2 common misconceptions about the welcome packet. (Hint: when should it be delivered and the purpose of the welcome packet)

[07:40] I break down what’s included in the welcome packet and how to use each piece.

[26:30] I share about my favorite ways to print and source for my welcome packets so that you can print the best product for your client facing packets!

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Canva Templates - www.designersoasis.com/shop 
• Favorite Client-facing Printer Paper (Affiliate) 
• Paper Source (Affiliate) 
• Zazzle Folders  (Affiliate) 

 Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

Having clearly defined design services is paramount to running an efficient and organized business.

 

It not only helps you get clear on the details such as the deliverables, the investment, and the timeline, but it also helps you to talk about your services to your clients with clarity and confidence. 

 

And let’s be honest, confidence is what we’re after here right? 

 

You can also use the details to help you put together those very important client deliverables such as your Services & Investment Guide or your welcome package. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. Have you ever struggled to explain the differences in your interior design services to potential new clients? 
2. Do you have a clear picture of the benefits and results of each service and what type of client might be the best fit? 
3. Do you sometimes wonder if you have enough offerings? Or - more likely - offer too many services? 
4. Does everyone on your team know and understand the differences in your services? 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:00] I dive into the importance of documenting and organizing the details of the services you offer and why it’s important that everyone on your team has a clear way to access and use this information.

[05:05] How to name your service (quick tip: keep it simple!)

[06:40] I talk about how to describe each service, what it entails, and how to clearly define what you are offering. I also discuss how to lay out what is NOT included, how you will communicate with your client and how you will make sure this is all clear from the start.

[13:20] I share how to plan out timelines for each project and set up timeframes for the design services you will be offering. 

[16:13] How to set up your terms for your different offerings. Minimum fees, travel times,  and how to book your services.

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Free Guide - Define Your Interior Design Services Worksheet
• Episode #2 - 5 Types of Interior Design Services to Consider Offering

 

• Canva Templates - www.designersoasis.com/shop
• Dubsado - 20% off First Month or Year with code designersoasis20  (Affiliate)

 Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

Being boutique is about delighting your client EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. 

Today we are going to talk about what it means to “Be Boutique” in your business. Being boutique doesn’t have anything to do with being small. It has everything to do with how you show up and serve your clients - and when done well,  experiencing the natural benefits such as being able to charge more and cherry pick the clients and projects you want to work on. SOunds pretty good right?  

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do we take that incredible responsibility or being given the keys to someone’s home and be good stewards to our clients? 
2. How can we afford to take on fewer clients and charge a premium?
3. How do you serve your clients so they become natural evangelists for your work?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:20] I discuss what it means to actually “Be Boutique” and how we take the incredible responsibility of being given the keys to our clients spaces and provide that top-notch service.

[05:00] I dive into how to delight your clients by doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.

[16:45] I share how I prepare your clients for the inevitable mishaps that will occur so that they feel supported!

[21:50] I share how to stay connected during a project so that you are always top of mind to your clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Client Questionnaire
• Client Consultation Worksheet Bundle
• Client Intake Cheat Sheet
• 3 Binder System Toolkit

You don’t need to do it all! Think about your personality and what is a good fit for YOU and your clients!  

When it comes to design services and the different options that we, as interior designers, have when it comes to what we each offer, I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. In many cases, designers today don’t want to do procurement due to lead times, construction costs and delays, etc. Many of you may want to have a menu of options for clients. In this episode, I share what I feel are the 5 types of interior design services that you should consider offering, what they are, what the pros and cons are, and who they are ideal for. 

 

I will throw out one caveat. In this episode I am talking about generally accepted practices in interior design. Will there be exceptions? Absolutely. This is intended to provide a framework for how to think about the different types of services you might offer and decide which ones are in alignment with the types of clients you want and the kind of design career you want. 

 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What design services you may consider offering to your clients.
2. What are the pros and cons of each type of design service?
3. What kind of design career do you want?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[3:00] Why I don’t feel like an interior designer should offer all types of services, but rather choose what interior design services are best for their business. Why offering a ladder of services may be a better fit.

[5:20] We dive into what full-service design includes and involves, how the project management may work, and the pros and cons.

[10:30] I share how I use design only services in my business, the pros and cons as well as who this is ideal for.

[18:05] Consultation only services and how you can set these by offering advice and design direction only, without drawings or detailed specifications. 

[21:50] Offering services remotely via E-Design services - when they can work, who they work best for, and all of the pros and cons.

[29:45] One of my favorite services to offer, Designer for a Day - how much can you achieve in a day, how do you charge, what is really possible?

[35:27] Wrapping up with a few thought-provoking questions to get you on the right track! 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• E-Design Masterclass www.designersoasis.com/learn 
• Is E-Design Finally Having it’s Moment?
• E-Design: How to Develop your Pitch, Process and Price
• Sidedoor https://www.onsidedoor.com/ 

“You don’t have to get it right. You just have to get it going.” – Mike Litman

 

So first let’s talk about why I want to go from blogging → podcasting. Over the past few years I have been sharing my content through the Designer’s Oasis website (and fun little fact - there are over 78 blog posts you can still find there!). Recently I decided to switch over to providing content via podcasting because I’m more of a podcast listener myself. I figured if my audience is kinda like me, you like to learn on the go as well…… so podcasting just makes sense!

 

In this FIRST episode I share:

 

• A little about me 
• Share some of the early struggles I experienced 
• But also how I was able to overcome them and turn my little baby designer business into one that thrived and supported me and my family 
• 3 core truths I believe can help you grow in business and accomplish your biggest dreams  

 

Here’s a Glance at this Episode:

 

[1:40] Why podcasting? I share how if you’re anything like me, you listen on the go, fitting in during kids’ practices/lessons/pickups or while doing laundry, cleaning the house or a million other things. You’re a busy guy or gal!

 

[3:20] A little background on me. I’m just a regular old girl! I share my background while living in Austin. I share how I was running out of time to decide what I wanted to major in. Then I learned that there was an “Intro to Interior Design'' summer course at my local community college. I instantly knew that would be my path. I share my early life with my “weekend designer” single mom and how we moved alot - I mean - a lot 18x’s in 18 years.

 

[6:00} I share about my internship with a high - end designer in Austin. We even did a $1M Boat Dock and how I then found my way to Denver working for OZ Architecture. It was a dream. Great team, Energy, buzz, Imagine scenes from The Intern - set designed by Nancy Myers.

 

[7:20] I had my first baby and returned to work - severely sleep deprived! - and people started to notice. I thought I was going to get fired.  At this point my husband suggested maybe I should go to work for myself - I didn’t see that potential in myself. But he did. 

[8:30] I did it! I went to work for myself. I share what I didn’t have going for me and then what I DID have going for me! Where did I start? What problems did I encounter? How and why did it “click”?

 

[10:00] My business was growing but I was getting burnt out! The running a business part of the design business along with the client work was exhausting. So I had to figure out what to do to “fix” this. I needed to charge more and I knew I provided great service. 

 

[12:15}  I will tell you what I did (not all at once) but I will share the top 3 things that I did to transform my business. Spoiler: I share much of what I learned inside my Designer’s Oasis Membership.

 

[17:42] This is what I want you to know. These are 3 very simple truths I will stand behind until the day that I die. If you can get behind these ideas too, the sky's the limit for you. 

 

[18:00] Core Truth #1 - You don’t need to have it all figured out. You will never have all your ducks in a row, so you just need to get going!

 

[20:15] Core Truth #2 : There is No one-size fits all for running your design business. Design the business that works within what YOU want. That may be full-home design, specific room design, designer for a day, or agency work - it’s up to you!

 

[22:00] Core Truth #3 - Everyone (including you) has a unique set of skills, background, expertise that adds a unique twist to your design POV. It's up to you to uncover this and tell that story. Listen in as I share examples of members inside the Designer’s Oasis Membership and their unique backgrounds. What is your story?

[24:48] Recap of the core truths

1. You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started 
2. There is no one-size fits all approach to running your business 
3. Your story matters and helps shape your POV as a designer. 

 

I hope you enjoyed this inaugural podcast episode. I can’t wait to bring you more, and to bring on guests so we can learn from them too. 

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

 

• Designer’s Oasis 
• @designersoasis
• Luanne Nigara Podcast Episode 
• Book: Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth 

 

Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

How do I build an interior design business? How do I get portfolio-worthy projects? Do I “have to” offer full-service interior design? How do I charge for my services? What if I want to do things differently with my interior design business? How do I take my design business to the next level? 

 

Feeling overwhelmed? I got you friend.

 

Welcome to the Designer’s Oasis Podcast. Consider this your place for a fresh drink of water for the inspired, creative, ambitious, and let’s admit it, occasionally overwhelmed interior designer. Whether you are just starting your interior design business or you’re looking to grow or scale, here you’ll find actionable, real-world, and above all SIMPLE ways to launch, establish, and scale your interior design business with confidence. 

 

Introducing your host, Kate Bendewald of Kate Bendewald Interior Design, real-life interior designer, mama, and CEO who grew her 6-figure interior design business on word-of-mouth referrals. Kate doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to running your business. Instead, she offers authentic, approachable advice to help you start where you are.