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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful interior design business. Design school doesn't always teach you the critical business skills to be sure your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well Designed Business is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 35 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices.
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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
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Now displaying: August, 2020
Aug 28, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn’s guest today is Mitch Hahn, the CEO of Nordens, a large, established accounting firm in Central London. Mitch is not new to the struggles and successes that accompany accounting for home designers. Simply put, Mitch doesn’t just look at home design from an accountant’s perspective; he sees accounting from a home designer’s perspective, too, so he truly speaks creatives’ language. Listen in for what Mitch has to say about what to look for in an accountant and how accountants can better serve designer clients. 

The CEO of an established accounting firm - like, over-3000-clients-established - at only 31, Mitch Hahn is versed in starting a company from scratch at a young age. And he’s not too bad at helping a variety of other businesses do the same, either. 

Plus, with a variety of home design businesses included within that scope, Mitch is not new to the struggles and successes that accompany accounting for home designers. It’s that “struggle” bit that he knows all too well! 

Show Highlights:

  • Mitch’s firm, Nordens, differentiates itself from other accounting firms by focusing on relationships.
  • Most creatives tend to not want to work with numbers.
  • Designers should have a good working knowledge of their finances.
  • Knowledge is power, and knowledge enables you to make better decisions.
  • Mitch’s tips on how to find the right accountant.
  • Benefits of working with an accountant on a close basis.
  • Consistency and accountability are key to avoiding mistakes once you have your system down.
  • Mitch is a “closer” and he makes things happen.
  • Nordens is based in the UK but has many business consulting clients in the US.
  • Mitch details his “Interactive Acceleration Program” that can help you achieve your goals. Location does not matter! Email Mitch directly at mitch@nordens.co.uk for more information.

Connect with Mitch!

Nordens Website [The firm Mitch is CEO of]

@MitchelHahn [personal twitter handle]

@NordensAccounts [Accounting firm handle]

Mitch’s LinkedIn

Nordens YouTube

To sign up for the Interactive Acceleration Program, just email Mitch directly at mitch@nordens.co.uk

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895

Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th

Register Now!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020!

With Desi Creswell

Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895

Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th

Register Now!

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM

#464 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner

#349 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA

 

Aug 27, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s dilemma comes from Virginia, a self-described #babydesigner. Virginia had a good working relationship with a contractor on commercial projects, and he brought her into one of his residential deals. Everything went great. She returned the favor by inviting him into one of her residential projects. The contractor ended up sending the client a proposal behind Virginia’s back, before she even had the design work presentation ready. This confused the client and made her look bad. Virginia is looking for the best way to handle this situation.

Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!

Show Highlights:

  • LuAnn provides the details around Virginia’s situation.
  • Kudos to Virginia for:
  • not throwing the contractor under the bus with the client.
  • recognizing that she is the one that hired him for the project.
  • taking a hard look at where she might have gone wrong.
  • Why and how we should pay attention to our intuition.
  • Part of the process for Virginia’s anger is to get it out and let it go.
  • The contractor probably has no idea how “in the wrong” he is.
  • Virginia should wait to speak with the contractor until the words she says are reflected in her tone of voice.
  • Consider: In the interim between writing LuAnn the note and the airing of this show, does it still feel necessary to talk to the contractor about this? Does it feel like it will be productive to have this conversation with him now?
  • If things feel fine now, let it go for the duration of the project.
  • If things don’t feel fine, LuAnn has some thoughts on that direction, too!
  • Suggestions for proposing and leading a constructive, post-project “autopsy” meeting with the contractor.

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Kicking Off September 23, 2020!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895

Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th

Register Now!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits - Kicking Off September 23, 2020!

With Desi Creswell

Register NOW & Get Early Bird Pricing $1895

Regular Price: $2195 after September 4th

Register Now!

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen.

Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?

 

Aug 25, 2020

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest is the Paloma Contreras - the Elle A-list, Forbes recognized, shop-owning, fabulously talented design influencer. You know, the Paloma Contreras that has163,000 Instagram followers? This lady is one amazing powerhouse! Keep listening, though, because it wasn’t always that way. She is a lady who cried on Sundays because she dreaded her work week so much, then went on to find her niche, love her job, and become that Elle Decor A-Lister.

Don’t miss LuAnn’s and Paloma’s inspiring conversation about trusting your gut, taking action even when you’re afraid or unsure, and going for the big dream in your head and making it reality.

Based in Houston, Texas, Paloma has honed her eye for style over more than a decade in the design industry. She has developed a reputation for designing beautiful interiors in a broad range of styles which are executed in a manner that is polished, refined, and effortless. 

Paloma has repeatedly been named on the prestigious ELLE Decor “A-List” of the top interior designers in the world. She’s been recognized as a “Next Wave” interior designer by House Beautiful and has been named to LUXE Magazine’s “Gold List”. 

Paloma was named #4 on the Forbes list of the Top Social Media Influencers in the Home category and according to ELLE Decor, is one of the Top 10 interior design Instagram accounts to follow.

She recently debuted a licensed collection with Williams Sonoma Home and has done special projects with many major brands including One Kings Lane, Bravo Television, American Express, KitchenAid, Kohler, Auberge du Soleil, and Peninsula Hotels. 

Paloma has a book named Dream Design Live and a curated retail shop, Paloma & Co. And last but not least - she’s a lady after my own heart - she just launched The Style Files Podcast.

When she gets a free second, Paloma enjoys traveling with her husband, Fabian, and spending time with their sweet dog, Tate.

Show Highlights:

  • Paloma credits her success to her passion, tenacity, and the ability to recognize opportunities.
  • Consistency is necessary when you’re trying to build an audience, a brand, or a name for yourself.
  • How Paloma went from being a bored high school Spanish teacher to starting a design blog as a creative writing outlet.
  • Paloma shares the opportunities that enabled her to hone a different set of skills and her new design career that followed.
  • Just because you’re seeing “xyz” in your social media feed because everyone is doing “xyz” doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for you.
  • Things that you need to have in place before hiring a publicist.
  • What it takes to be recognized by the press.
  • Success can take years of hard work, sacrifice, and even some failures.
  • "Make it a pleasure to work with you!” - Paloma Contreras
  • Paloma addresses being an Elle Decor A-Lister.

Connect with Paloma!

Paloma’s Website

Paloma’s Instagram

Paloma’s Blog

Paloma’s Podcast:The Style Files Podcast

Paloma’s Email 

Order Your Copy of Paloma’s Book, Dream Design Live!

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service!

Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative:

Kravet

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business

Other shows mentioned to link to  and to tag in SM

Visual Comfort #408

Amber Lewis #169, #184

Robin Baron #32 #540 

Shea McGee #236 #270

 

Aug 21, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn welcomes Brad Leavitt of A.F.T. Construction back on the show today. Brad is here to talk with us about the “B” word - budgets! And the other “B” word - builders! Taking charge of the money for our projects is vital. In fact, it’s absolutely necessary if you want to build amazing client relationships and get the respect you deserve from your builders - and really anyone you interact with in your business. Brad is going to get into that with us today. Plus, LuAnn has been saving a question from one of her designers for him, so listen in to hear that question and see how Brad responds.

Brad Leavitt is President of A Finer Touch Construction, LLC, a luxury residential and commercial builder located in Scottsdale, AZ. His Podcast, “The AFT Construction Podcast”, is focused on bringing value to its listeners, no matter their industry. The topics are focused on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, organization, building science, and construction. Brad is an ambassador for many national brands and an energetic public speaker.

Brad was born and raised in San Diego, CA as the oldest of 6 children.  He grew up in the Construction industry and worked as an electrician throughout High School for Grove Electric with his 2 uncles. They did remodels and new home builds all over San Diego, but mostly on Coronado Island and in Rancho Santa Fe.  Upon HS Graduation, he was accepted to Brigham Young University where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction Management.  

Brad accepted an offer in 2005 with Trend Homes, a local production home builder in Phoenix, AZ. He worked 1 year as a superintendent before accepting a dream job building custom homes. Rowland Luxury Homes hired Brad in 2006 and immediately he was assigned to be a Project Manager at the 350MM Omni Montelucia Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, AZ. Brad oversaw the construction and completion of 34 Custom homes that ranged between 2-4MM each.  After completion of the 34 custom homes, he then assisted with the completion of the hotel guest rooms, arrival zone, lodge, and spa. After Montelucia was complete, Brad worked on numerous other residential and commercial projects in the greater Phoenix Area.

In March 2013, Brad was ready to begin his own company and officially started A Finer Touch Construction, also known throughout social media as AFT Construction. AFT has continued their rapid growth this past 7 years and has been fortunate to win numerous build awards for its work. AFT Construction offers a wide variety of services including: Multi family, commercial, residential, tenant improvement, retail and medical. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability, and quality.

Brad is married to Ashley Leavitt. Together, they have 6 children, 5 girls, and 1 boy.  Brad is active with all 6 of his children, serves in his local community, and loves all sports

Show Highlights:

  • What designers can do to make sure their design matches the client’s budget.
  • How conversations between the designer and builder should go.
  • Builders should set designers up for success by letting the designer know the budget early on.
  • Brad answers a question that LuAnn shares from her friend, Jillian, concerning Jillian asking a builder to give the client a quote based on the deliverables that the client wanted. This request caused a major problem between the builder and the designer.
  • One of the common mistakes we make is jumping to conclusions about what we think our clients want to hear.
  • Network with builders in your area and network with designers outside your area to find out how they’re working with budgets.
  • The most successful designers have a good idea of pricing, even outside their scope of design.
  • Do your resourcing homework on your own time. Invest a certain amount of time each week or each month where you’re on your own clock.
  • Many builders today are open to a working relationship with designers and architects.

Connect with Brad!

Brad’s Website 

Brad’s Instagram

Brad’s Facebook

Brad’s Pinterest

Brad’sLinkedIn

All of Brad’s social media handles are “AFT_Construction”.

Brad’s podcast is “The AFT Construction Podcast”.

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Other shows mentioned to include in show notes:

Brad’s other show: #542 & #560

 

 

Aug 20, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, and welcome to another conversation in our Black Lives Matter series! Albie Buabeng, a specialist in e-design, joins LuAnn to share the internal struggle she had when she first began her design firm, and her desire to be part of the change in our world so that her daughter’s generation reaps the benefits. This is one #smartlady who walks the talk. Albie also shares some valuable resources, so don’t miss this!

As both interior designer and content creator, Albie's passion for decoding spaces is the culmination of nearly a decade of retail visual merchandising and freelance marketing, sprinkled with a lifetime of experiences. Using her background of space design and storytelling, Albie took her real-life lessons and launched an online interior design service. Her love of design has since evolved into a destination for inspiration centered around her blog, video content, social media, podcast, and self-published book, in addition to her current role as the marketing coordinator for a Seattle-based interior design firm.

Show Highlights:

  • The impact of Albie’s initiative with #sharethemicnowhomeedition
  • Albie’s deeper exploration into the accessibility of beautifully designed homes
  • How our reactions are being internalized by our audiences that are watching us
  • Albie relates her experience with her first black client
  • “Brown girls aren’t ballerinas” - Albie shares a conversation with her daughter
  • A gut-punch moment: Going into a profession that is so personal only to find out that the black community felt completely disconnected and neglected from it
  • The importance of normalizing these hard conversations
  • No matter how small your part may seem, it still matters.

Connect with Albie!

Albie’s Instagram

Albie’s YouTube

Albie’s Website

Albie’s Email 

Albie’s Book, which just celebrated its first anniversary!

The Design Influence podcast resumes this fall!

#sharethemicnowhomeedition

A Special Note from Albie:

  • First and foremost, I urge everyone to look up their local (city) NAACP chapter, BLM, and bond fund. National contributions are amazing, but there's so much we can do within our own zip codes, especially to help people already doing the work. 
  • Secondly, as creatives, find your local creative institutions to support and/or work with. We do not always know how to step into the arena of activism because we believe it has to be some grand gesture like a large donation and/or protesting, but that just isn't the case. For example, here in Washington, we have the Northwest African American Museum. In southern New Jersey, there's the African American Heritage Museum.  Keeping the culture and history alive for current and upcoming generations is as important as dismantling broken systems. 
  • Lastly, on my blog I compiled two separate lists of books on diversity & racism -- one for adults and one for kids

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM

Albie’s original appearance # 348

Cheryl Luckett #291, #397, 573

Beth Diana Smith #439 

Veronica Solomon #50 

 

Aug 18, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Lori Morris, one of the most passionate and driven people LuAnn has ever come across, joins the show today to share what it takes to grow your business to the level of attracting luxury clients and delivering the level of service and design that they expect. 

Even as Lori’s business has grown so large, she maintains creative control and has a hand in every project they tackle. If you want to attract those luxury clients, if you want to work on these magnificent homes, if you want to offer that truly above and beyond level of service, then stay tuned to LuAnn and Lori’s conversation for takeaways that you can apply to your business to help reach your goals. 

Not one to merely dip her toe in the water, Lori Morris is an ‘all or nothing’ designer whose artistry is rooted in tradition, unconventional ideas and fearless execution of perfection. Reinventing the standard of design since 1987, her work can be found in some of the most high-end properties across Canada and North America, including Miami, Dallas, St. Louis and San Francisco, with each project delivering a unique, timeless look with an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort and style.

Leading an extensive team of professionals in-house and abroad, Lori Morris is a full-service firm offering a complete design and build turnkey solution for any project. Lori’s ‘no rules’ design philosophy has evolved into her own signature LMD style, which she coins “Sexy French.” In every space, you’ll find a seamless melding of sensory, form and function, with materials sourced from artisans across the world that provide intricate molding, artful flooring, and walls that use some of the most exotic and rare marbles. Leading by way of example for strength and confidence, Lori continues to be revered as one of the most coveted designers in the interior design world, empowering others by embracing her role as a role model for all women entrepreneurs.

Lori is an “all or nothing” designer who works on high-end properties across Canada and North America. She delivers an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort, and style with every project. Lori is a true artist who prides herself on creating a unique feeling for every one of her clients. Tune in to learn about her ‘no rules’ design philosophy, which has evolved into her own signature style, and her advice on attracting luxury clients and scaling your business toward high-end projects. 

Show Highlights:

  • Lori explains the unique purpose of her “LMC” (Lori Morris Concierge) service.
  • Lori details why the Design Build Books that she delivers to architects can be 1,000 page documents.
  • “Sexy French” is a collaboration and a marriage between the modern design that Lori loves and the French design that she loves.
  • Every house is treated like an original painting.
  • The moment that Lori decided to get the kind of clients to perform the kind of magic that she wanted to perform.
  • Learn from your mistakes: It’s not a mistake if you have the experience once. It’s only a mistake if you do the same thing twice.
  • Lessons working with the luxury client: Lori shares her insights.
  • The importance of a mutually respectful relationship.
  • Don’t confuse “red flags” with something that you just don’t want to do.
  • It is key to manage your client’s expectations.
  • There’s always a solution to a problem!

Connect with Lori!

Lori’s Website

Lori’s Instagram

Lori’s Twitter

Lori’s Facebook

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen.

Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

 

Aug 14, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn has a very special episode for you today. Amber De La Garza is back with her on the show.

Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist. She is also one of the co-authors of LuAnn’s third book coming out this fall, which is A Well Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

This episode is a little bit different than most, because today LuAnn and Amber are going to be talking about the work that they have accomplished, the internal stories and beliefs that Amber has helped LuAnn overcome, and the ways that they adapted strategies and worked through obstacles together, allowing LuAnn to reclaim some of her own time. They’re going to pull back the curtain on their process and the lessons that were learned along the way. 

Amber is a coach, trainer, speaker, and writer, and she hosts her own podcast, Productivity Straight Talk. She helps business owners improve their time management and elevate their productivity, which in turn lets them maximize profits, reduce stress, and free up time for what matters most. 

Show Highlights:

  • Amber has been helping LuAnn reclaim balance in both her personal and work life.
  • Amber guided LuAnn through the strategies that weren’t working for her.
  • Working one on one enables you to revise and tweak a strategy until it works for you.
  • LuAnn describes her startling realization that she had normalized a seven-day work week.
  • The stories that we tell ourselves: How we can take back some of that time and create a new and sustainable
  • LuAnn shares how she almost stopped doing her intro’s and outro’s for the show but received plenty of confirmation to continue.
  • This show is her baby and LuAnn is emotionally invested in it.
  • Amber explains the concept and importance of “highest value activities”.
  • As your business grows, you have to outsource and delegate. And you have to be ok with accepting help!
  • Amber challenged LuAnn in ways that made LuAnn question beliefs that she was so convinced were unchangeable. 
  • When you re-evaluate doing things that are just normalized, then you will be able to look at everything in your business with a fresh perspective.

Connect with Amber!

Amber’s Website

Amber’s Podcast

Amber’s Facebook

Amber’s Instagram

Time Management Made Simple - Amber’s 4 module program that will teach you her proven, step-by-step time management system for small business owners, to move you from stressed out and overwhelmed to fully in control and fulfilled!

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business

When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen!

Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?

Link Previous Shows:

Amber De La Garza #385 
Madeleine MacRae #283, #315 
Design Writer Deb #573 

 

Aug 13, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s question comes from Carol Ann Hirvat. Carol worked with a client a few years ago on a $45,000 job that ultimately never went anywhere. Then out of the blue, the client reaches out with an apology and requested for a second chance. Guess what happens after Carol invests another 15 hours into the deal? Yep! So Carol would like to know her next best steps.

Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!

Show Highlights:

  • LuAnn provides the details around Carol’s situation.
  • Giving the benefit of the doubt to the client, consider that there might be other possible reasons for the client’s action other than an ulterior motive.
  • Just because Carol gives the client the benefit of the doubt does not mean that the client is off the hook.
  • The client owes an explanation, so LuAnn advises Carol to unapologetically check in with the client on a weekly, bi weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis until she gets some answers. 
  • Carol can still be super kind and respectful while pursuing her answer.
  • LuAnn offers some thoughtful strategies regarding reaching out and following up.
  • Carol should keep in mind that she can’t force a communication.
  • Focus on the positive things about the client and the relationship.
  • Remember: Gentle persistence!

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service!

Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim!

Use Code at Checkout: awdb10

Kravet

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now.

For quality furniture that can be delivered, fast, easy, and direct to your client:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

 

Aug 11, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is someone who made quite an impression on the audience during a LuAnn Live event by sharing her “eat, pray, love” story. Lisa Gilmore told the audience how she was in such a hard space, mismanaging money, and doing all the things incredibly wrong. Who didn’t feel a connection with this lady for her honesty and bravery? Listen in to find out how Lisa turned her business (and life!) around by owning her errors and being consistent, and just see if there’s not something in here that you can use for your own.

Lisa Gilmore, one of the Southeast’s leading luxury residential designers, is known for the customized one-of-a-kind interiors she creates for large scale homes and condos in Tampa Bay and throughout North America.

She has over a decade of experience providing luxury environments for CEO’s, attorneys, business owners, entrepreneurs, tech company executives, and other prominent clients. Her work and her unique “liveable glamour” style have been featured in online and print publications worldwide.

Lisa’s full range of design services includes everything from project management and consulting on architectural and floor plans, to specifying finishes and creating detailed hand renderings of her work.

Lisa establishes close personal relationships with her clients. Those clients use phrases like “remarkably talented”, “fantastic to work with”, and “organized, good natured and easy to communicate with” to characterize Lisa and her team, and “functional and beautiful” and “out of the box thinking” to describe her work. She is often praised for pulling people out of their comfort zone with interior design and giving her clients what they never knew could exist.

Lisa Gilmore Design is backed by a team of some of the region’s leading contractors, craftsmen, and artisans as well as an international network of vendors and suppliers. 

Her clients benefit from the luxury design expertise, problem solving insights, product knowledge, and other skills she gained during her highly successful earlier career working for leading interior design firms in central Florida and Chicago. Her design work is influenced by her travels throughout North America, Europe, and Africa.

Lisa holds a degree in interior design and is a member of the International Interior Design Association. She keeps current on design trends by attending conferences, trade shows, and other industry events. 

Show Highlights:

  • LuAnn shares the email that she received from Lisa.
  • Lisa relates something that LuAnn mentioned previously that gave her an epiphany as to the root of her problem.
  • Fear held Lisa back, but she found processes and systems that turned things around. This helped her gain confidence!
  • “Finance Friday”
  • How LuAnn’s book helped Lisa get her business back on track.
  • Lisa shares how being turned in to the state by another designer turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
  • Lisa explains the business decisions and billing changes that she put into place.
  • You have to be more versatile to survive through the hard times.
  • How getting your finances figured out can actually bring joy!
  • Here’s what Lisa is looking forward to.

Connect with Lisa!

Lisa’s Email

Lisa’s Website

Lisa’s Instagram

Lisa’s Facebook

Lisa’s Pinterest

Lisa’s Twitter 

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

LuAnn University

The Profit Is In The Numbers

The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson

The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang

Coming September 2020!

Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20

Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Other shows mentioned to link to  and to tag in SM

Peter Lang #349, 464

Michele Williams #115, #390

 

Aug 7, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn shares a conversation with Deb Mitchell on today’s show. You may know Deb on Instagram as DesignWriterDeb. She’s a writer specializing in serving interior designers. Did you know that your own writing style can differentiate yourself from other designers in the way it reflects your personality and your style? And that the most impactful way of writing speaks to the client? Listen in for tips on how you can make this happen, or how you can work with Deb if you’re needing a little extra help in communicating effectively with your ideal client.

Deb Mitchell’s career as a professional writer began when she responded to an ad in a local Charlotte, NC magazine seeking volunteers for a readers’ panel. On a tour of the magazine’s offices with the other selected panelists, the idea for an article came to her and when she mentioned it to the editors, they hired her on the spot as a writer. Nearly ten years and hundreds of articles later, Deb decided to blend her design feature writing experience with her pre-writing career experience in high-end retail sales to help interior designers move their businesses forward with strategic copywriting and content marketing services.

Today, Deb’s client list is ever growing with designers at nearly every stage of business. Most recently, she’s joined forces with two experts, a branding designer and a website developer, to offer designers an all-in-one option for fully custom designed and copywritten WordPress websites.

Deb has by-lined articles in publications such as Casual Living, Design Texas, Lake Norman Magazine, and Today’s Charlotte Woman, and on The Renegade Writer blog. Her ghostwriting has appeared in dozens of top shelter publications and design blogs.

Show Highlights:

  • Start the writing process with getting to know your clients. What do

they care about?

  • When writing, differentiate yourself by considering how you are

different from your colleague in aesthetic, processes, delivery of

services, and personality.

  • Make your writing reflective of you. Don’t write a bio that’s so vanilla

we can substitute another designer’s name for yours.

  • Don’t be intimidated about writing. Get your ideas out of your head

and get someone to take a look at your copy and help with editing.

  • Create a “messaging” folder - it’s a living document used to hold your

core words, thoughts, and phrases. Add to it as you come up with copy that helps

define you and will resonate with your clients. Start by finishing these

statements:

  • I believe my clients deserve…
  • I believe my clients should experience…
  • When speaking about me, someone said...
  • To create consistent messaging, refer to this file when writing your

social media, creating a new web page, or preparing to speak on a

panel.

  • Read your reviews to get ideas and reflect the language your clients

use.

  • LuAnn and Deb cover the services that Deb offers.

Connect with Deb!

Deb’s Email

Deb’s Website - Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Deb’s Instagram

Deb’s Facebook

Deb’s Pinterest

Websites Mentioned:

Blakely Interiordesign

Victoria At Home

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Other shows mentioned to link to

#174 Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours

#125 Nicole Heymer: How to Brand Your Business

#544 Natalie Norcross: Natalie Norcross: 5 Things To Do To Get PR

#364 Janelle Photopoulos: Leading, Not Simply Running, Your Interior Design Firm

 

Aug 6, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s friend and previous guest, Cheryl Luckett, joins the show today for the next episode in the Black Lives Matter Series. Cheryl shares her experience in growing up in the deep south, her recollection of her first experience with racism, and the thoughts that went through her mind in that horrifying moment. You’ll also hear her explain how lack of inclusion and lack of resources in our own industry are racism hurdles. LuAnn and Cheryl cover many ways that you can do your part in creating inclusion and progress in our industry. Every action by each one of us matters!

With a 15-year career in Corporate America as a Registered Dietitian and Human Resources professional, Cheryl launched Dwell by Cheryl Interiors in 2012 seeking a creative outlet and an opportunity to explore her passion for design. The venture began with her blog chronicling her own home improvement projects and quickly morphed into a “side-hustle” decorating homes. After five years and a carefully executed strategic plan designed to help make the transition easier, she made the decision to leave corporate life behind. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Cheryl, and her team provide clients with a professional and seamless design experience creating homes that are classic, colorful, cultured, and cozy that allow their clients to live their fullest lives. 

In 2018, she launched her first licensed collection of upholstered furniture with NC-based Sylvester Alexander called Belle by Cheryl Luckett. Her work has been published both locally and nationally appearing in Traditional Home, Country Living, and Southern Home.  

Show Highlights:

  • Conversations regarding racism not only need to happen, they need to be sustained.
  • Cheryl shares her first recollection of racism.
  • Cheryl defines the concept of “shifting”.
  • A career move away from corporate and human resources led to an epiphany regarding inclusion and diversity years later.
  • The racism hurdles in the design industry as seen through Cheryl’s eyes.
  • Diversity training should be a part of your business strategy.
  • Visibility should not be mistaken for change.
  • Cheryl and LuAnn offer suggestions for making change, starting with: Speak up!
  • LuAnn addresses “white privilege”.
  • Racism is a deep, collective wound.

Connect with Cheryl!

(@dwellbycheryl on all platforms!)

Cheryl’s Email

Cheryl’s Facebook

Cheryl’s Instagram

Cheryl’s Twitter

Cheryl’s Pinterest

See Cheryl’s “Belle by Cheryl Luckett” Collection at: Sylvester Alexander

Read about Mitchell Parson, the owner of Sylvester Alexander:

Sylvester Alexander

Cheryl Recommends:

Links :

Article: Dear White People, Here Are 10 Actions You Can Take to Promote Racial Justice in the Workplace

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

Luann Nigara COB

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business

Other shows mentioned: 

#291, #397 Cheryl’s previous shows

#562 Rasheeda Gray

Kae Whitaker: #556 

Corey Damen Jenkins #388

 

Aug 4, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Cynthia Collins joins LuAnn in today’s episode for a discussion on mentorship. Cynthia is going to walk us through how she finds the best young talent available and how she helps them grow and learn, often producing long-lasting employees that fit in at her firm for many years to come. Cynthia is a true servant at heart, with a mission to help and guide others whenever and wherever possible, leaving a positive impact on the world. Listen in for ideas to make your company culture rewarding and uplifting, and how you can recruit young people that will grow with you into the future!

In 1992, Cynthia Collins began Collins Interiors, a Dallas-based firm specializing in full-scale residential interior design. Throughout the years, Cynthia has been privileged to work with some of the most talented architects in the field and has been a part of projects across the United States, including Texas, North Carolina, Utah, Colorado, Florida, Georgia & California. Each detail is meticulously planned with the client in mind and chosen for its functionality, meaning, and beauty.  

She lives in Dallas with her husband, Bruce Collins, and has three grown boys. She is a believer. Her neighbors are her family. She is a teacher and a mentor, an avid reader, a fantastic fisher woman, a brilliant story teller, a music enthusiast (in a BIG way!), a movie fanatic, a speedy biker, a creative chef and generous beyond measure. She has a true servant's heart in EVERYTHING she does and wants the very best experience for her team, clients, family, and friends.

Show Highlights:

  • Cynthia explains the structure of her firm and the various positions therein.
  • The newer employees are taught by the senior designers how to budget, how to problem-solve, and all of the other intricacies of being a lead designer.
  • Cynthia discusses what she looks for in interns and employees.
  • Culture is key: People should be able to enjoy walking into the office everyday without worrying about the drama prevalent in many of today’s places of work.
  • Interior Designers are visual people, and first impressions and ongoing image are an important part of a designer’s reputation.
  • Interns and job seekers should “do their homework” on a company before applying for a position.
  • Cynthia relates some lessons that she learned from another interior design firm before she went into business for herself.
  • LuAnn and Cynthia discuss how Cynthia runs her projects’ systems and processes.
  • Diversification and planning for the future are critical in every business.

Connect with Cynthia!

Collins Interiors

@collins__interiors (two underscores)

Blue Print Store

@blue_print_store

Links :

Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business

LuAnn’s Favorite Resources

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits

Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action   

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:

Choose Monogram! Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program? 

Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM

Chad James #68 

Eileen Hahn #363 

 

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