Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today's question comes to us from a designer in a tough situation between a builder and a homeowner. Tune in to hear the designer's story and how I would handle the situation if I was in their shoes.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Windowworksnj.com
Shop38east.com
Comfortex.com
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy and specifically, Terri's The Real Deal workshop.
More about The Real Deal:
Get PAID What You Are Worth
The industry’s premier event for serious interior designers who want to bring consistent high-profit remodeling jobs into their business
Once a year Terri offers this very special training once a year that deep dives into how to run extremely profitable remodeling jobs
This 3-day workshop is designed for IDBA clients but Terri is opening a few seats to the design community at large.
3 full days of training this May 4,5 & 6
Go to InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com to learn more
Connect with Terri:
More about Terri Taylor:
Terri has over 32 years in the interior design and construction business. She holds both residential and commercial general remodeling Arizona Contractors Licenses, and qualified for her NCIDQ certification in 1991. Terri is a professional member of ASID, IDS and NCIDQ.
Her Tucson-based design studio, Taylor Design Group, was a diversified design practice working in the areas of high-end residential design and remodeling, model home merchandising, hospitality and medical and professional offices. Her studio has been the recipient of ASID Arizona South Chapter Design Excellence Awards every year since 1986 and she received the ASID National Design Excellence Award in 2000. Terri’s design work has been published in regional and national design journals, including ASID ICON and Wall St. Journal. Terri retired from her studio practice in 2015.
In 2009, Ms. Taylor created Design Biz Blueprint (now Interior Design Business Academy); an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of design business strategies and systems, and powerful positive mindset to help interior designers create meaningful success. She’s inspired thousands of interior design entrepreneurs through her speaking engagements, seminars, on-line education and coaching.
Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation.
The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
Episode 548
Episode 602
Episode 710
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business.
Today we’re talking with Laura Martin Bovard, founder of LMD Interiors and Divine Hustler. After realizing how easily triggered she would get from certain employee types or certain things that happen in business, Laura decided to train herself to work from soul, rather than ego, which is commonly how we approach things.
I think that this episode is very relatable and after listening, you will be inspired to learn how to work more from soul too! You will hear how Laura’s life has become more light, her business more successful, and how she was able to surround herself with like-minded, positive people. Laura really is a light herself and listening to her will give you hope for any challenges you may have.
Pick it apart:
[:55 part 1] Laura picks apart what she means by running your business from your soul, rather than your ego.
[12:55 part 1] The turning point for Laura that wasn’t necessarily just one moment.
[4:15 part 2] Laura shares what she did to get into alignment with her soul.
[10:13 part 2] Things Laura has done to create a happy environment in her design firm.
[15:35 part 2] Laura tells us about her side hustle, Divine Hustler.
LuAnn and Laura Martin Bovard’s Ah-Ha moments:
“When we love ourselves deeply, we give great service and great creativity to our clients.” - Laura Martin Bovard
“When you find that project or client that you identify with and that feels good in every way, you start to attract more of that to you.” - LuAnn Nigara
“We find who and what aligns with us and we know that when we feel lighter.” - Laura Martin Bovard
More about Laura Martin Bovard:
My name is Laura Martin Bovard and I am the principal of LMB Interiors. Through my two-decades strong interior design practice, I’ve been privileged to hold space for my clients at times of transformation. Over the years I’ve witnessed the magic that happens when people realize that having a beautiful home is more than creating something visually pleasing; it’s about building a home for your people: family, friends, community; while also creating a vision for and manifesting a personalized space that nourishes your soul’s growth. I am wild about transformation. I create beauty wherever I go. I cannot not do this. My greatest joy is when I create an environment that is even better than what the client had imagined for themselves. I design in every style: Modern, Contemporary, Traditional, Spanish, Mediterranean, Craftsman, and more. I bring a warm, classic, and timeless approach to the aesthetic style that matches your heart, your community, and your space. I love to be of service, giving to others through my work and via philanthropy. When I am not designing homes and restaurants, I enjoy engaging in energy-rich life experiences, including cooking and entertaining and practicing the art of self-care with focused intention. I started LMB Interiors in 2002 when I was pregnant with my first child. The one-woman firm that began in my dining room has grown to include a team of top interior designers, all of whom are talented, dynamic, soulful, and share my values of authenticity, warmth, and a livable approach to interior design. As a group, we complement one another’s contributions to the whole with a deep appreciation for our individuality while inspiring each other to thrive in a culture of collaboration and graciousness. We conceive beautiful environments where love, family, and community flourish. At LMB Interiors, we prioritize sustainable design. For us, that means working with local artisans and contractors, as well as using eco-friendly, earth-conscious materials and practices. As the company has expanded, so has my office space. Today, we are based in the elegant, urban-chic, and historic White Building in downtown Oakland.
Connect with Laura Martin Bovard
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
The way you handle your systems and processes makes all the difference in your business success. Time tracking, communication, product approvals—you don’t have time to get bogged down in dealing with looking back and checking over these aspects of your business. When you automate with Mydoma, you increase your productivity and get to focus on the parts of your business you need to be focusing on—like sales. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness
Today with Vita Vygovska
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 2 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer.
Vita and I understand the challenges with pricing, that it isn’t cutthroat and that there are so many variables that go into a window treatment. Tune in to learn the general pricing guidelines for a designer, and also how you can uplevel your conversations with your client by knowing how to ballpark the price within minutes of the consultation.
Pick It Apart:
Ah-Ha Moments with LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska:
“When someone in your world understands that what you sell a product affects the financial health and viability of your business, that's what creates a sustainable business.” - LuAnn Nigara
“The highest chance of you getting an order is if you can ball park the customer’s investment together on that first visit.” - Vita Vygovska
“You are accustomed as the designer and have the ability to know the numbers for what is “good, better, and best” and accurately come up with investment ranges on the discovery call before running in circles.” -LuAnn Nigara
When you show a pictorial presentation to a client of different budgets, it’s no longer just about the money. It’s about what they like, what the room will look like and how they will feel in that room.” - Vita Vygovska
More About Vita Vygovska
Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives.
Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at vita@vitaliainc.com
Connect with Vita Vygovska:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A BIG Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#548- Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees and Budgets
#741- Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: Understanding Margin vs. Markup
#607- Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about my favorite thing—sales. And I can think of nobody better to help me talk through sales than my colleague, Jessica Harling. She is walking us through the proven 7-Step Sales Process from Exciting Windows—the same process that she covers in her course at LuAnn University. You’re going to get a high-level look at every step along the way, its purpose, and how it folds into a successful sale.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Jessica Harling’s Ah-Ha moments:
“Doing all these seven steps ahead of time, before you start to show samples, get into the design details, or even get into detailed quoting, all of these seven steps upfront are what set up the next section for success.” -Jessica Harling
“That is the Achilles’ heel of an undisciplined salesperson—to get sucked into the rabbit holes and the windy roads of whatever someone wants to talk to instead of leading the conversation.” -LuAnn Nigara
More about Jessica Harling:
Jessica Harling is a 4th Generation Window Treatment Specialist, founder of Behind the Design, and leading expert in employee and process development for design organizations. Her specialty in recruiting, training and change management drives innovative and high-producing results while keeping your team inspired. Behind the Design offers recruiting, onsite and online training, and operations development consulting for design organization to streamline costs, increase productivity, and develop rockstar employees to take the company to the next level.
Connect with Jessica Harling
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#548 Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
The way you handle your systems and processes makes all the difference in your business success. Time tracking, communication, product approvals—you don’t have time to get bogged down in dealing with looking back and checking over these aspects of your business. When you automate with Mydoma, you increase your productivity and get to focus on the parts of your business you need to be focusing on—like sales. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness
In addition to working with myself, Rachael has worked with many leaders in the industry including Sandra Funk, Michele Williams, and many up-and-comers. I encourage you to listen to find out how you can work with Rachael, and also how she has used her marketing strategy of the 4 P’s (positioning, press, paid speaking, and partnerships) to gain luxury clients and be seen as the “go-to” in your industry.
Pick it apart:
[15:45] Rachael shares with us her process when she starts a new Luxe Day client.
[23:47] Rachael explains using partnerships as a “pipeline filler” rather than a public partnership.
[32:00] Rachael tells us about the application and process to work with her.
[43:55] Another successful example of a past client, Emily, that listeners can relate to.
[1:04:00]: Information on how to work with Rachael, how she works with her clients, and pricing.
More about Rachael Bozsik
Rachael Bozsik is an international keynote speaker and Thought Leadership Coach for female entrepreneurs within the creative field.
It is Rachael’s mission to empower entrepreneurial women to position themselves as world-class thought leaders and public figures in their niche via the press, paid speaking, and partnerships. Think – a feature in Arch Digest, mic at High Point Market, and Partnership with Loloi. Rachael’s clients include award-winning interior designers, HGTV personalities, and internationally recognized creatives.
Rachael has been applauded for her work in numerous international publications as a top-tier expert in elite brand positioning in 40 national outlets including Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider etc.. Through her work as a professional speaker, she has empowered close to 100,000+ women on stages including Harvard Business School, Design Influencers Conference, (ASID) American Society of Interior Designers NYC, IIDA, Cornell, Bermuda’s SBA, SPANX HQ just to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to partner with incredible brands including Oprah’s Leadership Academy, Loreal, Sephora, Kendra Scott etc.
Connect with Rachael Bozsik
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#2- The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy
#20- Arianne Bellizaire: Could Your Hobby or Hidden Talent Be Your Marketing Platform?
#137- Michele Williams: Scarlet Thread Consulting- Actionable Tips for Time Management
#145- Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded Her 10-Year-Old Firm
#180- PTF: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why It Matters to You
#190- Kathy Kuo: How Kathy Kuo Home, The Online Boutique, Can Assist Your Interior Design Firm
#395- PTF: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist For Your Interior Design Business
#520- PTF: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard Is Here!
#568- Arianne Bellizaire: “A Reluctant and Accidental Leader in #BLM.”
#651- Power Talk Friday: Rachael Boszik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design
#683- Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience is #1 in Design
#709- Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors: The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Revel Woods wants you to add more profits to your projects by teaching you how to recommend and sell hardwood flooring. Revel Woods will be there for our PTF Tour this April 1st, 2022 so if you are planning to join us in HP, you will meet John Dupra, the CEO of Revelwoods. Until then, head over to revelwoods.com/pro-account.
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I have said for some time that our business is only as strong as the relationships we build. Our relationships with vendors, partners, clients, and employees all play a hand in our success. But the relationships we have with fellow business owners, fellow designers or fellow window treatment professionals, can be extremely valuable as well. My guest today, Sallie Lord, knows that other professionals don’t have to be your competition. In fact, they can be collaborative partners and help empower your business.
Pick it apart:
[2:48] Sallie shares the story of how she and a group of local designers created a collaborative pod that helps each other’s businesses grow.
[7:37] LuAnn and Sallie discuss how crucial community relationships can be to your business.
[19:36] Sallie and LuAnn talk about how to create collaborative relationships with fellow designers.
[23:47] Sallie shares the way she builds the sense of collaboration within her own firm as well.
[33:58] Sallie discusses the client experience GreyHunt Interiors is committed to providing.
LuAnn and Sallie Lord’s Ah-Ha moments:
“It is so healthy for us, for our businesses, and for our relationships. I love the opportunity for us to help one another. We all bring something to the table.” -Sallie Lord
“These are your friends that you lean on, but there is also a practical level. When you have a group that you know and trust, you can actually say, “How do you manage an hourly project? How do you incentivize your project manager to work in a timely manner…” You get to ask the important questions, not just have wine and massages. You get to grow your business acumen through these other people.” -LuAnn Nigara
“Is it really successful to climb to the top by yourself? Is that really the way the journey is supposed to go? That’s not the way it’s meant to be. We’re supposed to be in a community.” -Sallie Lord
More about Sallie Lord:
Sallie Lord is the award-winning designer and founder behind GreyHunt Interiors. A graduate of Marymount University, Sallie has worked in the interiors business for over two decades. She has amassed a loyal following of almost 75K people on her social media channels with a passion for design and an eye for up-and-coming trends.
This native Virginian spends her time between her home in Northern Virginia — where her business is flourishing and her new home in Indianapolis, which she shares with her husband, and two boys.
You can catch Sallie daily on her Instagram page, where she shares her latest designs, interior tips, and everything and anything that inspires her, including uplifting women in business!
Connect with Sallie Lord:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#484 Laurence Carr: Design Your Business Plan
#291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design
#267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. Their website allows you to quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. Their advanced color search even lets you create the exact custom color you’re looking for, making it easier than ever to find the results you need. Visit kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order.
Today with Nitesh Chaudhary:
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today, we bring you a sponsored show with Jaipur Living. Jaipur is not your average hand-woven rug company. They have a long-standing commitment to empowering their artisans, ensuring ethical and fair practices, and sustainability. Their latest initiative—the Manchaha was built on a history of those commitments. The story behind these rugs will move you. To learn more, go to Jaipurliving.com/luann
Pick it apart:
More About Nitesh Chaudhary:
Nitesh Chaudhary is the youngest child of Chaudhary Family of Brands founder N.K. Chaudhary. As director of innovation, supply chain & innovation, Nitesh brings over seven years of cross-functional experience in strategically building start-ups and growing companies to Jaipur Living, where he works alongside sisters Asha (CEO) and Archana (COO). Nitesh has a strong passion for identifying and resolving business challenges using technology and human capital to reach business goals.
Connect with Jaipur Living
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#526 Jaipur Living, CEO Asha Chaudhary
Today with Claudia Ricciardone:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Claudia Ricciardone, founder of Claudia Josephine Design.
Claudia and I discuss those stubborn pain points that we face in starting a business. Coming from a psychology background, Claudia teaches us that pain is what actually causes us to grow in that it forces us to find a solution. Listen in as Claudia shares her own solutions as she navigated turning her hobby into a business. I don’t know about you, but when a psychologist offers business advice, I am going to listen.
Pick it apart:
[6:10] Claudia begins her discussion about some of the pain points she experienced while starting her interior design business.
[16:44] Claudia tells us how she transitioned from hobby to business.
[23:40] Claudia needed a team and she tells us who she knew she needed to hire first.
[33:15] Advice on making an investment for your business.
[51:00] LuAnn and Claudia discuss having those, sometimes hard, discussions about money with potential clients.
LuAnn and Claudia Ricciardone’s Ah-Ha moments:
“When there is a pain point, ask yourself what quality you need to develop to move past that pain point.”- Claudia Ricciardone
“In addition to the content I provide for my promotional offerings, you just never know who you are going to meet that could be a colleague that you can learn from, and they learn from you, and improve your business.” - LuAnn Nigara.
“Hire the best photographer you can afford. Hiring a great photographer is what got me published in my first magazine, LUX Lifestyle Magazine.” - Claudia Ricciardone.
“Wherever you are in the business, you can see your goals clearly, but you can still have fear. The difference is taking the plunge or not. If you are running a business there is no getting around making an investment.” - LuAnn Nigara
“When the student is ready the teacher will come. The right guides will come.” - Claudia Ricciardone
More about Claudia Ricciardone:
Claudia Ricciardone is a luxury residential interior designer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Claudia provides full-service interior design services with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly furnishings and décor through the company she founded, Claudia Josephine Design.
Claudia is a certified GREEN Accredited Professional (AP), member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), and Maria Killam Certified True Colour Expert. She served as the interior design columnist at LUX Lifestyle Magazine, where her work was published and distributed internationally. Claudia’s designs were also recently featured in Southpark Magazine.
Connect with Claudia Ricciardone:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#50- Veronica Solomon: Powerful Marketing For Your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook
#58- Maria Killam: Color- When You Can Own It As An Expertise, You Can Charge Higher Fees
#752- PTF- Kelsey Kurtis: Connection-Based Branding For Success
Today with Liz Beaman Delman:
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. I love today’s conversation because we are diving a little into the art world. How many of us designers have intimidation or lack of knowledge into having that conversation with our clients to incorporate fine art into their project? I see you in the back with your hand raised. Well we're in luck because today we are chatting with Liz Beaman Delman, founder of Above the Sofa, an art advisory firm. Liz aims to bring confidence to designers to have those “artsy” conversations with their clients and to incorporate fine art into their projects. You know that we love anything that will help a designer be more profitable. Enjoy!
Pick it apart:
[1:36] Liz explains her reasoning behind wanting to empower designers to bring more fine art into their projects.
[8:48] Liz tells us the process in which she works with the designer, whether they have some experience working with the art world or have zero experience.
[33:05] More business benefits for designers who open their clients’ eyes to fine art.
[37:30] Liz’s experience working with showhouses and that process.
More About Liz Beaman Delman:
Liz Beaman Delman is a twenty-year veteran of the art world and is a foremost expert in American Art. Liz honed her expertise during two decades as a Specialist at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, where she was a Senior Vice President and ran the American Art department.
Art is in Liz’s DNA. Her paternal grandfather was an abstract artist and the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Art at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Her maternal grandparents began collecting then avant-garde Contemporary Art in the 1970s and continued to do so until their passing. Inspired by the creativity of her grandfather’s work and the beautiful way in which her grandparents chose to live with their collection, Liz began to pursue a career in the arts beginning in high school. Twenty-five years later Liz still cites their influence as the guiding principle behind her work.
In addition to founding Above the Sofa, Liz runs an art advisory firm, Beaman Delman Fine Arts, focused on secondary market sales and all aspects of art advisory and collection management. Liz splits her time between New York and Los Angeles and has held volunteer leadership roles in both cities. She has been on the board of the Archives of American Art, a member of the Director’s Council at the Guggenheim, a member of the Director’s Circle at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, and three affinity groups at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art including the Collector’s Committee. Liz is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Connect with Liz Beaman Delman
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#413- Leslie Price: Evolution of a Career in Interior Design
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Revel Woods wants you to add more profits to your projects by teaching you how to recommend and sell hardwood flooring. Revel Woods will be there for our PTF Tour this April 1st, 2022 so if you are planning to join us in HP, you will meet John Dupra, the CEO of Revelwoods. Until then, head over to revelwoods.com/pro-account.
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! Managing our businesses over the last 2 years of the pandemic has been hard. It has been especially hard on those of you who own and manage bigger businesses. This revenue growth is absolutely something to be grateful for, but it has also been extremely challenging.
So today I am talking to you about The Power Talk Friday Tour next month at High Point Market. If your business finished last year with gross revenues between 2 million and 5 million or between 5 million and 10 million, this PTF Tour is for you.
I know you need to be in a room with other leaders, other CEO’s who are going through what you are going through. Listen to today's show for all the details and I hope to see you there.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Windowworksnj.com
Shop38east.com
Comfortex.com
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today's sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share insight on growing not just a luxury design firm - but a thriving luxury design firm. She'll share everything from the why, to the how, and everything in between.
I am thrilled that Sandra will also be sharing the latest news about her business program, the "Interior Design Standard". I know it will be the best investment for your business.
Enroll here: https://
Registration opens March 23rd!
Designers who have implemented the Standard in their businesses:
“A rising tide will raise all ships - and man, is Sandra bringing in the tide! The Interior Design Standard is incredible. I feel so lucky to have stumbled into Sandra’s circle of light. To say it is ‘exactly what I needed’ is the understatement of the year!”
- Jenn O'Brien, Jenn O'Brien Interiors
"The Standard is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Sandra "speaks my language" - she's relatable, quick and to the point, yet thorough enough for me to understand. I’ve been in other programs. This is the best one.”
- Taylor Johnson, Taylor Johnson Interiors
Share this with someone who deserves joy and efficiency in their business just as much as you do. It’s time for our entire industry to rise together.
What We Talked About:
Furniture Lighting & Decor Article
Other Episodes Mentioned:
EPISODE 660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”
EPISODE 585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems
EPISODE 520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!
EPISODE 145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm
EPISODE 02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and we’re talking-branding! This is for everyone. Kelsey Kurtis, author of The Connection Method and professional lifestyle branding photographer, shares her principles to create an impactful brand through the power of connection.
Pick it apart:
[16:17] Kelsey shares with us the steps from her book that she encourages people to take when defining their brand.
[23:00] Kelsey and LuAnn discuss the importance of having three non-negotiables when having those hard discussions.
[26:20] Kelsey tells us about everyone’s favorite chapter in The Connection Method.
[39:00] We learn the three steps of Kelsey’s branding and marketing cycle.
[49:27] Kelsey shares the three value elements for a balanced social media and marketing plan.
More About Kelsey Kurtis:
Kelsey is a branding educator, lifestyle branding photographer, author, energetic speaker, and unapologetic cheerleader for leaders in business. She is the author of The Connection Method® and creator of Connection-Based Branding.
Kelsey has over ten years of experience as a professional photographer and working with business owners and leaders. She is passionate about educating and equipping leaders with the tools they need to genuinely connect with both themselves and their audience in order to stand confidently in who they are and what they offer.
Connect with Kelsey Kurtis
Link to buy The Connection Method (paperback)
Link to buy The Connection Method (hardback)
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#125- Nicole Heymer: How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!
#248- Marina Umali: How Feng Shui and Interior Design Meet
#26 Kae Whitaker Branding Your Business, Finally I Understand It!
Today with Sandra Vlock
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I have the pleasure of talking with Sandra Vlock, founder of Studio Vlock. Sandra worked as an architect in her own firm for 30 years before shifting into, what she likes to refer to as, functional fine art. If that’s not impressive, wait until you see her illuminating, evocative sculptures. Let this episode serve as an inspiration for you to make that big move to change your life and success, like Sandra did.
Pick it apart:
[1:30] Sandra begins by explaining her concept of “functional art.”
[6:05] Sandra tells us some of the ways that she leveraged being an architect into working as an artist.
[12:00] Sandra and LuAnn discuss transferable skills and how important asking questions is.
[25:00] Sandra explains how luxury can be defined as a creative experience and how she executes that.
[45:50] Sandra ends with some great advice that she learned from owning her architecture firm and beginning a new business.
LuAnn and Sandra Vlock’s Ah-Ha moments:
“It’s not just finding opportunities for more pieces, it’s understanding what your skill set may be that could increase the scope of the work.” - Sandra Vlock
“On our show, we have discussed the standpoint of the Erika Ward transferable skills many times and in many different ways. Your past impacts what you're doing, just how you're expressing how your 30+ year career as an architect is impacting the way you create functional art.” - LuAnn Nigara
“Clients are craving a unique experience that can be shared.” - Sandra Vlock
“I guess people like what I do artistically, but I think it’s because I am willing to be such an avid listener to every detail and it shows up in the work that I produce.” - Sandra Vlock
More about Sandra Vlock:
As an architect of contemporary architectural design, who is now working as an artist, Sandra Vlock's focus is to engage people in a shared experience; capturing an authentic sense of place, context and narrative. Vlock views the integration of fine art and architectural elements as a natural evolution of that vision; one that enables Vlock to design evocative steel sculptures that inspire memorable experiences and create unique environments for social gathering, quiet reflection, and visual delight. Find out more about her work by visiting STUDIO VLOCK.
Connect with Sandra Vlock:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A BIG THANK YOU to today's sponsor:
I want to thank Kravet Inc for sponsoring the podcast. If you have not visited Kravet.com yet to check out their complete line of fabric, wallpaper, trim, rugs, furniture, lighting and accessories, Please do it today. While you are there, set up your trade account. No minimum purchases, one uyard one sofa one rug. Go to kravet.com today.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#6- Identifying Your Transferable Skills With Erika Ward.
#2- The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy.
#145- Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Rebranded her 10 Year Old Firm.
#278- Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd.
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Social media marketing is a valuable tool for interior designers. Pinterest in particular is an excellent platform to leverage the beautiful visuals of your business in order to grow your audience and expand your reach. We’ve heard about the organic side of Pinterest from Simple Pin Media before. Today, Erin Harding of Simple Pin joins us to dive into the paid advertising side.
Pick it apart:
More About Erin Harding:
Erin Harding is the Director of Promoted Pins Management at Simple Pin Media. In her five years with Simple Pin, she has worked with a variety of businesses and brands, helping them to grow their business on Pinterest, both organically and paid. Erin believes in the power of Pinterest and hopes that through her teachings, others will as well.
Connect with Erin Harding
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Revel Woods: Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.
Other Shows Mentioned
#331 Power Talk Friday: Kate Ahl: Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm
#618 Jenna Gaidusek: How to Build an Online Business in Interior Design
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Window treatment pro, Peggy Morgans shares the experts she hired and the work she did to prepare her business for a sale. Previously doing 90% of the work herself, Peggy set a goal of taking herself out of the business and broke the action items into a checklist of just three simple to-dos to achieve her goal.
Pick it apart:
[13:07] Peg shares how she felt about the process documentation when work is so custom
[22:54] Peggy details how she hired out some of her marketing
[26:31] Peggy and LuAnn talk about lunch and learns
[33:33] Peggy and LuAnn discuss the hiring learning curve
[44:36] Peggy tells how she upgraded her systems to allow for process improvement
[52:32] LuAnn and Peggy talk about the advantages of coaching and Chairman of the Board
LuAnn and Peggy Morgans’ Ah-Ha moments:
“You have a business, not a you.” - LuAnn Nigara
We want to make this business so that the person who buys it doesn’t have to know anything about window treatments. - LuAnn Nigara
There’s nothing wrong with the personality. But that personality doesn’t align with what you want. - LuAnn Nigara
Part of what my role is is empowering you to listen to your own inner voice. - LuAnn Nigara
More about Peggy Morgans:
Peggy Morgans is the owner of Parkway Window Works, an award winning custom drapery workroom serving interior designers in the greater Rochester and Upstate New York area. Parkway Window Works started as a home based, solo operation 20 years ago and was built from Peggy’s background as a former chemical engineer and MBA. Streamlined systems and a problem solving approach are the cornerstones of the company. Today, Peggy is leading a team of 8 located in 2700 square feet of commercial space to house our designer consultation space and state of the art workroom. Parkway offers design professionals a one-stop-shop with unparalleled technical expertise and a hassle-free process that takes care of it all from measure to installation and everything in between.
Connect with Peggy Morgans:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s WTF—Window Treatment Friday—is part 1 of a new three-part series on pricing window treatments. We’re breaking down margin vs. markup, how to do each, and why you need to know.
You’re going to get the math and the formulas you need, but we’re also diving into what the numbers mean, so you can price window treatments with confidence and knowledge.
Pick It Apart:
Ah-Ha Moments with LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska:
“The bottom line of this is that we care about these numbers because they are the drivers. They show us how financially free we are, how financially independent we are, how financially sustainable we are in terms of our business. And ultimately, our business then translates to our personal lives. That’s why we should care. It improves the quality of our lives—at least on a financial level.” -Vita Vygovska
“There are people who are math whizzes and numbers geeks who will totally say ‘Oh, now I’m understanding all of the background on this and how to come up with numbers that will earn me a profitable markup so that I can run a profitable business.’ But then there’s a lot of people like me who will say ‘If you tell me the multiplier to run a healthy business is 2.5, that’s what I’m going to go for.’” -LuAnn Nigara
More About Vita Vygovska
Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done.
Connect with Vita Vygovska:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A BIG Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million
#363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team
#634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire
#448 Window Treatment Friday: A New Series featuring Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara
#456 Window Treatment Friday: Custom-Made vs Ready-Made Window Treatments
#462 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 1
#471 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 2
#481 Window Treatment Friday: Overview of Hard and Soft Window Treatments
#493 Window Treatment Friday: Vitalia Vygovska: A Mindset for Success
#512 Window Treatment Friday: Drapery Hardware
#518 Communication Between the Designer and the Window Treatment Professional
#539 Window Treatment Friday: Look to Your Window Treatment Partner to Sell Remotely
#551 Window Treatment Friday: Exploring Awnings as an Additional Revenue Stream
#586 Window Treatment Friday: Tips for Selling Window Treatments
#610 Window Treatment Friday: Listener Questions
#645 Window Treatment Friday: Scaling to Your First Million Dollar Year
#653 Window Treatment Friday: Rising from the Ashes
Today on A Well-Designed Business:
A Well-Designed Business® is 6 years old today! Can you believe it? I can't tell you what it means to me to have you on this journey with me. So really, while I am celebrating this milestone for the podcast, I'm also celebrating YOU.
I've been reflecting on all that's happened between February 15th, 2016 and today, and I'm blown away by the education I've received from all the incredible guests and sponsors I have had the privilege to work with throughout the years.
Today I will be sharing some of the big lessons I've learned from my three featured sponsors: @kravetinc , @mydoma , and @windowworks
Give the episode a listen, and tell me: What are the biggest #ahamoments you've experienced?
Thank you for coming along for the ride and choosing to spend your time with me each week.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Windowworksnj.com
Shop38east.com
Comfortex.com
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Today with Daniela Furtado:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Daniela Furtado, the Toronto-based managing director of Findable Digital Marketing specializes in SEO for the design industry. She covers what to look for when hiring an SEO specialist and how to DIY it without wasting your time. Daniela’s case study recommendation comes with a Goodie Doc checklist found by signing up at https://luannnigara.com/goodies/.
Pick it apart:
[11:26] Daniela shares how to optimize your portfolio
[17:31] Daniela explains the structure of her case studies
[21:11] Daniela gives an example of a designer she helped with SEO
[24:35] LuAnn recaps Sara Barney’s SEO success
[27:27] Daniela explains what to look for in a reputable SEO provider
[33:01] Daniela suggests a process to solicit reviews from clients
[37:46] Daniela shares how she works with clients
[43:02] Daniela explains how Google Ads works
[46:29] Daniela explains Google Search Console
More About Daniela Furtado:
Daniela Furtado is the managing director of Findable Digital Marketing, a boutique SEO agency that specializes in architects and interior designers.
She’s based in Toronto, Canada.
Connect with Daniela Furtado
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Today on A Well-Designed Business:
Today is a What Would Lu Do episode!
"Let's meet for drinks", says an innocent email from a potential client. Or is it less than innocent?
Today's episode was a great question, a very important question, from an anonymous listener, who found themselves in an uncomfortable situation with a client.
How do you respond when a potential client extends an invitation for a meeting outside business hours?
Join me for today's What Would Lu Do episode as I pick this situation apart, and we discuss the importance of listening to your intuition.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Windowworksnj.com
Shop38east.com
Comfortex.com
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Today with Meredith Kallaher:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Once a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Meredith Kallaher took her love of numbers and fondness for small businesses and became a certified paid ad specialist. Learn the strategy Meredith uses for her clients to grow their social following and advertise on social despite increasingly restricted targeting options.
Pick it apart:
[8:35] Meredith recaps the iOS 14 update of April 2021
[13:25] Meredith explains a sample ad campaign creation
[16:58] Meredith advises how to set up your social profile section
[18:38] Meredith explains how to set up a social ad campaign
[38:57] LuAnn shares a tactic for time blocking
More About Meredith Kallaher:
Meredith Kallaher helps entrepreneurs develop and implement marketing strategies that optimize for profit and meet their customers where they are with social media advertising (i.e. Facebook and Instagram ads) and conversion copy writing.
Her 6 years of experience as a CPA with PricewaterhouseCoopers combined with her ownership of The Scout Guide Miami franchise where she developed an extensive advertising and social media marketing expertise has uniquely prepared Meredith to help businesses execute and implement successful social media advertising campaigns.
Connect with Meredith Kallaher
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Today with Chanae Richards
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. The journey to building a well-designed business isn’t always linear. Sometimes designers come from the most unlikely of careers. That’s something we have heard many times on the show. But today Chanae Richards shares the story of how she founded her firm Oloro Interiors. Not only did she come into the space as a second career, but she even built her interior design business in an unusual and unexpected way. She has made some very unique decisions along the way that have led to her success.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Chanae Richard’s Ah-Ha moments:
“There’s the confidence, and there’s the know-how behind that confidence. It’s not just the showy ‘I know it all,’ but it’s why you know it and how you know it and having them believe that you understand the guts to it.” -Chanae Richards
“What’s interesting about this is that when you think about if somebody hypothetically said, ‘I want to be an interior designer…I have my education and my internships and I have my chops and I’m ready to go, but I don’t have clients yet. Should I start focusing on a rental space while I try to build my design business?’ You could line up ten business coaches and more than 50% of them would say, ‘No, don’t divert your attention.’ But you did it because you didn’t ask anyone’s permission, and that’s sometimes the best thing in the world. And it worked for you.” -LuAnn Nigara
“I’m able to do all that I do, simply because I have hired and cultivated great teams, both at the firm and the Center. I have a number of people who are simply brilliant and I mean that. I hire great people and empower them to do great teams both inside and outside the firm.” -Chanae Richards
More about Chane Richards:
Chanae Richards is the CEO & Principal Designer of ọlọrọ interiors, an interior design firm with offices in Philadelphia and New York. Her curated spaces and design expertise have been featured in ELLE Décor, Business of Home, Philadelphia Magazine, and Apartment Therapy as well as on national syndicates including MSNBC, National Geographic, Vice, CNN, and The Travel Channel. An inaugural Philadelphia Mural Arts Fellow, Chanae also serves as the Managing Director of Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Entrepreneurial Resource Center, a groundbreaking initiative providing residents with free business resources and support for community innovation.
Chanae received her BA from Temple University and MA and MPA from Rutgers University. She is also an alumna of Bank of America Women’s Institute at Cornell University and a member of the Black Interior Designer’s Network.
Connect with Chanae Richards:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward
#711 Christine Platt: The Afrominimalist
Today with Renee Gurganus:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking to Renee Gurganus, Executive Director of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA).
I’m so happy to finally have Renee on our show. The WCAA is an association that I have been a board member of for two and a half years and I am so proud of everything they have done for the window coverings industry to provide education, networking opportunities, collaboration and so much more! Please check out this episode to learn the value that the WCAA could bring to your life, even if you aren’t in the window industry.
Pick it apart:
[12:00] Renee tells us about WCAA’s WISP program and how it highlights the members and links them to other members.
[13:00] Renee talks about partnering with LIG to offer members insurance options.
[22:00] Renee tells us about all of the different chapters WCAA has throughout the U.S. and also virtually.
[32:40] Renee informs us about the Jill Robson Scholarship offered through the WCAA.
LuAnn and Renee Gurganus’ Ah-Ha moments:
“One of the really important things that our association does is that it really listens to our members. We get requests and survey feedback and we look at it as a team and talk about how we can implement those requests.” - Renee Gurganus
“I want to emphasize that WCAA is an association and has really great benefits, but the greatest benefit is that we care so much about each other. We are a community that really helps each other.” - Renee Gurganus
“There is a different feeling at a WCAA meeting. It feels like you’re coming to be with your friends as opposed to a networking situation.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Renee Gurganus:
Seasoned, dedicated, and multifaceted professional with 20 years of leadership experience in nonand for-profit organizations. I am currently the Executive Director of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA). Known for my talent in Strategic Planning and re-branding of nonprofit organizations. Armed with proven record of success in spearheading initiatives to drive resolutions of problems and improve productivity. Equipped with excellent decision-making capabilities, along with keen attention to detail and organizational skills to monitor and document pertinent information to create reports accurately. Recognized for strong verbal and written communication as well as interpersonal abilities in establishing rapport with clients and key stakeholders.
Renee lives in Wilmington, NC with her husband Mark and their two German Shepards – Sig & Heidi.
She enjoys reading and enjoying time on their boats almost year around.
Connect with WCAA:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
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Pick it apart:
[13:46] Leia tells about her first real staging gig a luxury property
[19:16] Leia shares how she got images for her website
[23:16] LuAnn recaps Leia’s smart business choices
[26:17] Leia tells how she creates a strategic plan
[30:06] Leia tells how she visualizes future memoring
[41:00] Leia tells how she learned the money side of the business
[49:39] Leia shares about the Profit First method she used
LuAnn and Leia Ward’s Ah-Ha moments:
There’s value in being strategic. Take time to think “how do I want to be received?” - and then you work backward from there.” - Leia Ward
“The number one thing is, don’t worry about what anyone else is doing.” - Leia Ward
“It’s the true desire connected to the gratitude and the action that makes it happen.” - LuAnn Nigara
“If you’re going to dream, dream big.” - Leia Ward
More about Leia Ward:
LTW Design is an award-winning staging design firm specializing in
exclusive luxury properties. Named one of the ‘Top 10 Luxury Stagers’
in the country, the firm’s expertise is limitless. With an expansive
inventory of furniture, accessories and artwork, their strategic interior
marketing approach helps to sell homes swiftly and at top market
Value. Founder & Principal Leia T. Ward is a one-of-a kind uniquely qualified
leader in the real estate staging industry. Professionally trained and
using the most innovative marketing techniques, Leia & her team have
staged the most exclusive homes in the Northeast ranging from $1M-
$20M, including the residence of Bruce Willis + Emma Hemming.
Known for her attention to detail and forever inspired by her world
travels, Leia has remarkable talent for blending textures, natural light
and clean lines in every project. The LTW brand has a signature style
of casual sophistication, creating calm and beautifully balanced
spaces.
Clients today benefit from her exceptional communication, project
management and problem solving skills mastered during her 10 years
working in the television and magazine industries in New York City.
She has developed a unique ability to understand her client’s needs
— which has been a key part of LTW Design’s success.
Her trademark aesthetic of clean lines, bold neutrals and layered
textures has been featured in magazines and websites including
House Beautiful, Town & Country, CTC&G, New England Living,
PureWow, Serendipity, Access Hollywood and more.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Mydoma Studio, a software that helps you get paid faster, save time on admin work and manage your projects more efficiently. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to learn more.
Other Shows Mentioned:
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[18:32] Laurence speaks about the sustainability mission for her business
[21:37] Laurence tells about how her eBook magazine supports her email list
[22:57] Laurence explains how her previous job influenced her own business
[29:07] Laurence explains how she works with freelance designers
[35:18] Laurence explains how she hires freelance designers
[42:12] Laurence shares about her online affiliate brand marketing
[55:22] Laurence talks about her quarterly strategy meetings
“We talk about designing rooms, environments, space - but we have to know how to design a strategy as well.” - Laurence Carr
“Design the career you want to have.” - LuAnn Nigara
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kravet has been a pillar vendor since the beginning of Window Works. They are also an original show sponsor. I just want to say thank you to Kravet for believing in this design community and for helping the show become a reality. Explore the entire library of guaranteed in-stock fabrics at kravet.com. And get 10% off using coupon code AWDB10.