Today with Marianna Zimmerman
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Marianna Zimmerman, owner of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS, LLC.
"Your current situation doesn't have to be your final destination." This quote from Marianna gives you a little clue of what we’re discussing today. For years Marianna was working in administration at a hospital. She questioned if she was able to do what she REALLY wanted to do, own her own design business. With the support of her husband and her decision to believe in herself, she has successfully owned her firm for 12 years. If you have any doubt or fear or questions about your abilities, know that this episode will give you the kick in the pants you need.
Pick it apart:
[7:00] After 20-30 years, Marianna tells us how she got into design.
[19:15] Marianna tells us about the makeup of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC.
[21:25] Marianna explains her fee structure and advice on how to charge clients.
[45:00] Advice on taking the leap to starting your business.
LuAnn and Marianna Zimmerman’s Ah-Ha moments:
“I didn’t want to feel like I was playing catchup, but I had to realize that it’s not about playing catch up or competing. It's more about sharing my gift and what I can offer to the world.” - Marianna Zimmerman
“Not every project is photo worthy. The reason you do what you do is to make the client happy. In the end, a happy client is the goal, not the professional shot.” - Marianna Zimmerman
“You have to be the one to do it. Whether you have the emotional, physical or financial support of someone or you're on your own with no support, ultimately you have to be the one to do it. You have to decide to be excellent and make the decision to execute.” - LuAnn Nigara
More about Marianna Zimmerman:
Marianna Zimmerman, Brooklyn NY Native lived many years in Boston Ma until eventually settling down 9 yrs ago in good ole Dallas Texas. After Graduating from QC Design school 2001, She became a Certified Interior Designer and then a ASP Home Stager in 2009. With over 20 years of experience and helping friends and family design their homes part time while always working 2 jobs as a single mom, She moved to Texas and her husband encouraged her to use her gift & venture into her own business.
She launched The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC in 2011.
Marianna believes "great design is about creating a beautiful space that you feel comfortable coming home to." She is devoted to designing with luxury and style that is affordable. She has always believed in the motto "your current situation doesn't have to be your final destination"... The Best is yet to come!
While specializing in Modern aesthetics, she has traveled all over helping clients with a variety of different styles and genres. She is a self proclaimed decor fanatic and always finds that "one unique piece" that she incorporates & leaves her stamp in the project.
She believes being an East Coast girl, living in a Texas world is what separates her from other local Interior Designers- Her modern, edgy, "think outside the box" flare combined with her passionate work ethic & outgoing friendly personality makes it natural for her to work with each client's specific style and needs.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
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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
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A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Mydoma:
Hit the reset button and shake up your mindset and processes to reach those big goals on your vision board. Register now for the Mydoma Studio’s 19H, a one-day seminar to set you on the path to the success you’re dreaming of. There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains – no matter how well you’ve weathered the storm, no doubt you’ve felt the effects somehow. Fresh, actionable advice. Bold ideas. Helpful tools and templates. In short, everything you need in one action packed day to have the best 2022 possible. To get your ticket head on over to mydomastudio.com/19hluann/ – and just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event.
Other Shows Mentioned:
# 167 Kelsey Grose- Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017
# 203 Darla Powell- How to Launch an Interior Design Firm
# 455 Megan Molten- Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business
# 631 Ariella Horowitz- Success for Design-Build Firms is in the Details
# 677 Megan Molten- To Succeed, Focus on Your Why
Today with Beth Bender:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Beth Bender, principal and co-founder of The Dove Agency where Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions.
With 20 years of design experience, Beth decided she wanted to start something that would help those in the design industry with the back end of their businesses. Supporting both the financial and marketing aspects of the design business, Beth and I discuss The Dove Agency, how it works, benefits of working with the agency, and the fact that if you don’t run your operations smoothly, no matter how talented you are as a designer, it could mean the end of your business.
Pick it apart:
[13:58] Beth offers her advice on marketing your business and how it should be an ongoing process.
[21:05] Beth and LuAnn discuss the importance of having a financial foundation in place for your business goals.
[42:30] In addition to The Dove Agency’s services Beth explains the additional ways they help design firms.
[53:00] Beth talks about Designer Discovery to connect designers and smaller brands, and how it works.
LuAnn and Beth Bender’s Ah-Ha moments:
“One of your premises is that interior designers should invest in the back end, operations end of the business. You’re talking my language because the whole premise of my podcast is that yes, you need talent to be successful, but your talent isn't going to be the reason that you are successful. You can get some attraction and some clients, but to create a long lived sustainable profitable business you have to learn how to efficiently run the back end.” - LuAnn Nigara
“We feel that for a design form to be able to have sustained growth you have to have a two-pronged approach. You have to be able to identify both your marketing needs and your financial needs and they have to be in step.” - Beth Bender
“At the end of the day, it really should come down to counting every penny because there are tight margins. Regardless of whether you are charging by the hour, or a set fee you still have to know, How much time did I spend on that project? What was the monetary value of that time?” - Beth Bender
More About Beth Bender:
Principal and Co-Founder Beth Bender specializes in new client and strategic partner acquisitions for The Dove Agency. Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. Additionally, Beth oversees human and organizational development services and she also manages strategic growth strategies at The Dove Agency.
Beth earned her degree in human and organization development from Vanderbilt University, and she brings more than 20 years of design experience to her work, enabling her to advise and assist clients with uniquely informed perspectives as she helps them maximize their time, resources, and profitability.
Combining their impeccable expertise, proficient knowledge, and well-versed viewpoints, Beth and her co-founder, Kenda, together developed services that streamline administrative processes, giving interior design professionals the time to do what they do best—design. These processes are the foundation and hallmark of The Dove Agency today.
Beth works closely with the marketing team to strategically position each designer with the tools necessary for calculated growth, increased influence, and measurable success.
Connect with Beth Bender:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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:
Kravet Inc. has been here since the very beginning, helping me help you is a pretty incredible thing. If you have not opened your trade account with Krravet, yet, please go to kravet.com. No minimums per order or per year. Go to kravet.com today and use the code awdb10 to get 10% off any one order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim.
Other Shows Mentioned
#575
WTF Episodes: #653, #645 , #610 , #586 , #551 , #539
Sara Lynn Brennan: #607 , #524 , #514 , #463
Today on A Well-Designed Business:
Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is a follow-up to last week’s show where I suggested a framework for setting meaningful goals for your business. If you missed it, go ahead and listen to Episode 735 for all the background details of the DTBE goal-setting framework. In today's episode, I am going to share a story and a lesson based on the first step of the DTBE goal-setting framework— The D for Design.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
WWLD #735
What We Talked About:
Self-Care with S.A.S.S. 5-Day Challenge!
The Job You Were Born For by Eileen Hahn
Today's Sponsor:
Mydoma:
Hit the reset button and shake up your mindset and processes to reach those big goals on your vision board. Register now for the Mydoma Studio's 19H, a one-day seminar to set you on the path to the success you're dreaming of.
There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains - no matter how well you've weathered the storm, no doubt you've felt the effects somehow.
Fresh, actionable advice. Bold ideas. Helpful tools and templates. In short, everything you need in one action packed day to have the best 2022 possible.
To get your ticket head on over to mydomastudio.com/19hluann/ - and just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event.
Today with Frank Eybsen:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we speak with Frank Eybsen, founder of Buildlane. Buildlane’s mantra is to make custom easy for designers. We all know how daunting the custom process can be. Whether you are near or far, seasoned or new, Buildlane provides an experienced team and talented builders to carry out your specific custom furniture needs. Tune in to learn how to join the Buildlane platform and all of its wonderful benefits. Hint: Your Buildlane experience will leave you with an unexpected custom education.
Pick it apart:
easy for interior designers.
[14:45] Frank explains all of the different opportunities to specify custom furniture through Buildlane.
[29:28] Frank tells us the criteria for someone to be a part of Buildlane and also how a designer is given the opportunity to meet and get to know their builder.
[35:45] Frank explains the benefits of their templates program and how to use it.
[43:48] We learn the difference between 8 way hand tied versus springs.
[47:33] LuAnn and Frank discuss how Buildlane has come at the right time, in terms of being eco friendly they can make it happen, especially with the help of Carla Pile.
[54:53] Frank tells us how designers can get signed up for a trade account with Buildlane.
LuAnn and Frank Eybsen's Ah-Ha moments:
“Working with Buildlane you will have an extension of your own design team that is entirely in charge of managing your production.” - Frank Eybsen
“From designers who are really green to experienced designers from big firms, everybody comes in with some knowledge gaps. The amazing thing that's happened with Buildland is that we’re educating people throughout the process. They learn that the mistakes that could have happened, didn't happen.” - Frank Eybsen
“I love the transparency of being able to see the piece of furniture all through the process.” - LuAnn Nigara
“With the sit test for those who can’t test the quality of the furniture before they order, we like to say to designers to have your client sit in something and tell us what it is that they loved, and we’ll be able to reproduce that. We know what everybody is building with and what materials they are using.” - Frank Eybsen
“Truly I think the biggest thing with pricing has to do with the workforce behind the work. You can tell when you look at the details in the craftsmanship.” - Frank Eybsen
Connect with Frank Eybsen
More About Frank Eybsen:
Frank Eybsen is an entrepreneur in the home industry from Los Angeles, California. While originally a fixture in the LA Tech Startup, his love for building things and manufacturing led him to the heart of furniture production in California - South Los Angeles. It was here that he received a hands-on education in upholstery and case good construction. This experience led to the founding of Buildlane - a platform where the country’s best craftspeople come together with the country’s most creative designers to create custom furniture.
What's new with LuAnn Nigara
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:
Thank you to Buildlane for sponsoring this show!
Today on A Well-Designed Business:
Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is the first show of the new year, so let's work together and make sure 2022 is a productive and profitable year! In this episode, I will be talking about goal setting and strategies that can help us all tackle the year ahead.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
Sara Brennan: #463, #514, #524, #607.
Shea McGee: #236, #270
Amber Lewis: #169, #184
Jacklyn Marie: #515
Demetrious Robinson: #687
Cheryl Luckett: #292, #397, #573
The Vogue Room Foundation and The Vogue Room Interior Foundation started by Ebony Staten of The Vogue Room