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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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Now displaying: 2020
Dec 29, 2020

Today with Julia Miller: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Switching careers into design and building your business from the ground up takes a great deal of planning and consideration. As your business grows and evolves, you face even more questions. On today’s episode, I chat with Julia Miller of j. millers interiors, as she shares how she tackled those questions and made the decisions that let her business evolve and thrive.

Pick it apart:

  • [12:30] Julia discusses her exit plan that laid the groundwork for her to leave her previous career and launch her design firm.
  • [20:44] LuAnn and Julia discuss the tricky question of determining your rates when you don’t have any experience.
  • [27:08] Julia shares insights onto how she manages to stay booked out almost six months in advance and communicate that timeframe to her clients. 
  • [43:51] Julia dives into how she uses Pinterest boards to keep her clients busy while they wait for their projects to start.
  • [50:39] LuAnn and Julia dig into Julia’s method for using finances to determine her project workload. 

LuAnn and Julia Miller’s Ah-Ha moments:

“I never let myself believe that I could ever make a career change until I had the personal experience and the validation from people that I didn’t know on Instagram.” -Julia

“So often, any business that we do, or any career, whether it’s interior design or whatever it is, we can fall into the trap of not placing enough value on what we’re going to charge because we’re new at it.” -LuAnn

“It was definitely a process of trying to figure out how many projects I needed at what rate and how many hours to make my ends meet financially. Part of that is knowing your worth and being able to charge for that, but also knowing how many hours it realistically takes you to do a project.” -Julia

“I think there’s a lot of scarcity mindset in this business, and I think for people who don’t have a business mindset, there’s a lot of fear.” -Julia

“When you say to me ‘I’ve never had somebody say I won’t pay you ahead of time,’ the only reason is because they haven’t been left with any questions. There’s absolutely no uncertainty in their minds what happens if they give you this money now. You’ve answered all the questions, and that comes from having that enunciated process, and having the confidence to express that process.” -LuAnn


More About Julia Miller:

j. miller interiors is a Minneapolis based residential interior design studio committed to creating carefully curated spaces with the highest level of craftsmanship. j. miller interiors focuses on developing homes that are reflections of the clients who live in them through expertly selected fixtures, finishes and furnishings. Through our collaborative, transparent process, we work with clients to create a home they love. j miller interiors serves clients locally in the Twin Cities and across the country through our signature distance design service. 

Connect with Julia Miller:

Website

Instagram 

Pinterest 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsors:

Mydoma Studio is the complete interior designer toolkit. Their workflow software keeps your design projects organized from beginning to end. They also offer a thriving design community so you’re never on your own. You can get started with Mydoma at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

At Monogram, it’s all about the details that come together to create appliances that look, feel, and perform as if they were designed for you. Their trade professionals program helps educate you on the details and nuances that you need to understand so you can bring the best to your clients and share those details effectively. Become a trade partner today at monogram.com/luann. 

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#55 Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching

#601 Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game

#267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years

#291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design

#522 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang, CPA: Taxes and the Coronavirus Relief Package Explained

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

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

#547 Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman of Hashtag Legal: 5 Steps to Sharpen Your Negotiation Skills

#454 Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal – Lawyers That Speak Designer

#149 Brittanie Elms – Founder of My Design Assistant – She Could Be Your Next Employee

#566 Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: Talk to Clients Like a Leader Not a Boss

#412 Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: How to Deliver a High-End Client Experience

 

Dec 25, 2020

Today with Jude Charles: 

We’re welcoming Jude Charles back to the show! Jude is a video storyteller and he’s showing us how he works his magic for brands by using LuAnn as his guinea pig! Don’t miss this journey through LuAnn’s heart and mind as we discover what makes LuAnn LuAnn and how the simple moments of her life inform her why.

Pick it apart:

[14:31] LuAnn gives advice on being patient and working hard while you’re finding your way

 

[29:21] LuAnn talks about when she realized her first career was more than selling blinds

 

[32:43] Jude and LuAnn talk about clients wanting to know who you really are 

 

[43:14] LuAnn tells the story about when she exhibited integrity in her Window Works business

 

[51:55] Jude sums up the value of storytelling

 

[55:23] Jude talks about what makes someone want to do business with a particular designer


LuAnn and Jude Charles’ Ah-Ha moments:

“Sometimes, you’re creating the life experiences so you’re ready to do and be the thing...just give it a minute.” —LuAnn

 

More About Jude Charles:

Jude Charles is a story-driven filmmaker, brand strategist & speaker. For over 13 years, he has been producing documentaries & videos for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He lives and breathes YOUR brand. He digs deep to find the compelling stories that no one else knows & then leverages those stories to scale your business.

 

Connect with Jude Charles

Website 

LinkedIn

 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet is a fifth generation family business that distributes top quality fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. To view their selection, visit Kravet.com and make sure to use coupon code AWDB10.

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#516

Dec 23, 2020

Today with Steve and Alyssa Terpstra of Coco & Jack: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today on the show, Luann is joined by Steve and Alyssa Terpstra of Coco & Jack. Steve and Alyssa run their firm together without any other employees, with Steve running the business and sales side, and Alyssa creating the designs. They also have a large family with four young children. Today, they’re sharing their strategies for running a growing business together while staying flexible and balanced with their family. 

 

Pick it apart:

  • [14:48] Steve dives into Coco & Jack’s pricing process
  • [19:08] LuAnn and Steve dissect how to determine the budget, even if the client is unsure or less-than-forthcoming
  • [28:07] Luann and Alyssa discuss how referring out projects is sometimes vital for growing to the next stage of business
  • [29:23] Alyssa shares how the flow of the workweek and balancing parenthood looks for them
  • [38:36] Luann and Alyssa discuss the double-edged sword of Pinterest-based design and how to maintain creativity when design examples are just a few clicks away


LuAnn, Steve and Alyssa’s Ah-Ha moments:

“It’s not just having a person who’s capable and qualified to come in and do the project management, but the trust and confidence that it’s your husband, that he’s as invested and has your back and the best interest of the company, you, and the clients in mind.” -LuAnn

 

“That process of trying to figure out where our budget numbers are going to be, comes from talking with the potential client about their lifestyle, the way they’re living now, what area they’re living in...it chances on every project we quote.” -Steve

 

“It’s a tough time. I talk to designers about making that transition from all of the projects, when we’re in that phase of ‘We have to take all the business we can because we have to get this company up and rolling,’ and then making that transition to weeding those out.” -LuAnn

 

“It’s interesting because we’re together all the time, but we still don’t know where we are until we get to that Monday morning meeting. Then we’re back on track again.” -Steve

 

“When I think back to when I first started my business, Pinterest was a lot smaller. Instagram was a lot smaller. There wasn’t as much out there. You were forced to look in more creative ways for inspiration. Now, it’s just so easy to find all these beautiful ideas, with endless amounts of it. It enables copying a lot more than going you and being authentic with design.” -Alyssa

 

More About Coco & Jack:

Coco & Jack is a full-service interior design studio run by husband and wife team Steve and Alyssa Terpstra. After years of talking about working together, they were finally able to take the leap and make the dream a possibility. Steve has a passion for business and manages everything behind the scenes, while Alyssa is all about the design, and can’t get enough of space planning and fabric samples.

Whether you are building your dream home, or just need help decorating a room, we love making houses feel more like home!

 

Connect with Coco & Jack:

Website 

Instagram  

Facebook 

Pinterest

YouTube  

 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Monogram: At Monogram, no detail gets overlooked. In fact, it’s the details that create luxury appliances that look, feel, and perform as if they were designed perfectly for your client. That’s why Monogram works to make sure that you have the right, detailed information to share with your clients. They even offer easy-to-use 3D design tools to make your job easier. Get started with their trade program at www.monogram.com/luann.

 

Kravet: You can easily shop Kravet, Lee Jofa, and Brunschwig & Fils all in one place. Introducing new and easy to use search features so you can find the latest products and collections right at your fingertips. Want more of the story behind the collection? Explore the new editorial blog, Inspired, for a behind the scenes look at everything Kravet has to offer. Use promo code AWDB10 for a 10% discount on Kravet fabric, trim, and wallcovering. 

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest

#270 Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle

#480 Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success

#474 Bria Hammel: Keys to Scaling Your Interior Design Firm

 

Dec 22, 2020

Today on A Well-Designed Business®

Have you been wondering if LuAnn Live 2021 is worth it? Well, on today’s episode I am going to address your concerns and tell you exactly why it’s worth it!

 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Dec 18, 2020

Today with Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera: 

Photography experts Charlotte Safavi and Robert Radifera join us to talk about how they create publication-ready photography that tells the story of your space. Listen in as the dynamic duo guide us through the process of preparing the space and doing whatever has to be done to get the perfect shot.


More About Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera:

Stylish Productions (photo-stylist Charlotte Safavi and photographer Robert Radifera) is a holistic, boutique business dedicated to creating editorial-quality interior and architectural photography. We also offer design clients related services, such as logo, website, branding, social media, and marketing support. Between us (me and Robert), our work has been published in many magazines, including House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Southern Home, Southern Living, Coastal Living, Cottages & Bungalows, HGTV Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.

Connect with Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera:

Website 

Instagram 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma gives you one spot for orders, invoicing, online payments, design package creation, product sourcing, time tracking, and even a client portal. You can stay on top of your design businesses and go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Dec 15, 2020

Today with Dwayne Bergmann: 

Dwayne Bergmann switched from a corporate career to launch a design firm because he loves to design. With a growing team and 40 active projects, how does he ensure he’s still doing the design work he loves? Dwayne guides us through the detailed structure, activities and deliverables he uses to allow him to manage a 13-person team while still staying close to the creative.

Pick it apart:

[21:57] Dwayne compares developing and executing business processes to the process of creating and editing a design project

[33:01] Dwayne explains how he directs his designers and oversees the design process

[49:07] Dwayne talks about how he controls the firm’s priorities

[1:02:30] Dwayne walks through the activities and deliverables of his structured design project management system

LuAnn and Dwayne Bergmann’s Ah-Ha moments:

  • “I’m managing reports, not transactions.” - Dwayne Bergman
  • “Having a detailed organizational process is what allows us to be creative.” - Dwayne Bergman
  • “The structure allows the creativing to flow uninterrupted.” - Dwayne Bergman
  • “Don’t spoon feed your team. They have to be capable of making decisions and becoming effective leaders.” - Dwayne Bergman

More About Dwayne Bergmann:

Dwayne Bergmann Interiors is a renowned design firm driven by an inherent mission to create ideal backdrops for the lives his clients want to live. Founder and principal Dwayne Bergmann and his team value discovery, creativity and human interaction, and use these three as the jumping-off point for their evolved and highly tailored designs. They connect. They listen. They then use this information to design with abandon, taking risks and tearing down the walls of what’s possible to create spaces that are as authentic and dynamic as the individuals for whom they are designing.

 

Founded in 2013 and based in South Florida, with offices in Fort Myers and Naples, Dwayne Bergmann Interiors specializes in high-end residential, commercial and hospitality projects, from architecture and interiors to full-service design-build, throughout the United States, Canada, South America and the Bahamas. His projects have enlivened the pages of countless publications, including Luxe Interiors + Design, East Coast Home + Design, Gulfshore Life, and Naples Illustrated, among others. Inspired by art, nature and the visual curiosities of both the everyday and the extraordinary, Bergmann is known for his inventive kitchen and bath concepts, as well as his custom furniture designs. His ultimate goals is to have his clients walk into their Dwayne Bergmann Interiors—designed home and feel as if they can’t believe they get to live there.

Connect with Dwayne Bergmann

Website 

Instagram  

Facebook 

LinkedIn  

 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

 Mydoma gives you one spot for orders, invoicing, online payments, design package creation, product sourcing, time tracking, and even a client portal. You can stay on top of your design businesses and go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

 

Dec 11, 2020

Today with Sal Campitello of East End Interiors : 

Today on the show I sit down with Sal Campitello of East End Interiors, a trade furniture showroom for designers. With 30 years in business, everyone at East End is dedicated not only to providing quality furnishings that designers can offer their clients, but an immersive partnership full of education, assistance, trust, and value. Tune in to hear an insider look at the design trade furniture industry and how you can get more out of it. 

More About Sal Campitello:

For over a decade, Salvatore Campitiello of East End Interiors has been a local industry leader in the interior design field.  After serving as President of the Long Island Chapter of the Interior Design Society, Sal realized the importance of investing his time in talking about effective business strategies with both existing and future interior designers.  Sal’s excellent reputation as an entrepreneur, problem solver, and business advisor has led the talented East End Interiors team to create an incomparable Designer Showroom experience, exclusively to the trade.  

Family is what makes East End Interiors special.  Founded by Rosalba Campitiello over 30 years ago, she was later joined by her husband Nick and two of their children, Enza and Sal.  Together, with a dedicated staff, designers have the support of an experienced team behind them.  This unique model is centered on the success of the interior designer. Visit eastendinteriors.com to learn more

Connect with East End Interiors

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

 

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

 

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset

#554 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit

#504 Eric Ross: Operating His Design Firm Like a Retail Store

#482 Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big

Dec 8, 2020

Today with Melissa Leclair: 

In five years, self-taught interior designer Melissa Leclair and husband Sacha have created Leclair Decor, an Ottawa-based full-service design firm with a 10,000sf showroom and an expansive e-commerce store. Melissa shares how they built their business and their team of 45 in a heavily digital environment and how important going with your gut and having a commitment to communication and constant improvement really is in the design industry.

Pick it apart:

[11:40] Melissa reviews her design team makeup

[19:27] Melissa shares how her business started as a side hustle

[32:09] Melissa and LuAnn review the business roles of Melissa and husband, Sacha

[38:00] Melissa reveals her design project onboarding process

[49:49] Melissa talks about how her team does virtual presentations

LuAnn and  Melissa Leclair’s Ah-Ha moments:

"Every time you think you have lots of space, it quickly gets eaten up—always plan for more." - Melissa Leclair

"You can never be too heavy on communication." - Melissa Leclair 

"If you want to have market share, you’ve got to get out there and get it." - Melissa Leclair 

 

“The Pretty”

Melissa Leclair- Leclair Decor

Melissa Leclair- Leclair Decor

Melissa Leclair- Leclair Decor

More About Melissa Leclair:

Leclair Decor is an Ottawa-based full service residential design firm founded and co-owned by husband and wife team Sacha and Melissa Leclair. The business (just a side hustle at first) began in 2011, after we bought and revamped our first home and started receiving inquiries from friends and family about decorating services for their spaces. 

Since then, the company has evolved into a full-fledged residential design firm, with a principal focus on high end remodels and new builds. Though we are based in Ottawa, Canada our talented design team now serves clients across North America, using industry-leading software and embracing all modern means of digital communication to work seamlessly with homeowners throughout Canada and the US. 

LD Shoppe is the retail store of Leclair Decor, a husband and wife owned residential design firm based out of Ottawa, Canada. Our decorating & design business has been rapidly growing over the past few years and to better serve our clients we decided to open a store to showcase our favourite products from our favourite manufacturers. In September 2017 we opened our first brick and mortar showroom to compliment our online offerings. In December 2018 we opened a new 4200 sq ft location at the Ottawa Trainyards. 2019 saw us expand our showroom to just under 10000 sq ft. 

Why shop with us? Think of us as your local mom and pop shop, of the internet. We're a small family owned business and we strive to provide personalized customer service. We're passionate about well designed, stylish and practical long lasting furniture, rugs, art, lighting, and decor. We use the products we showcase on this site ourselves and recommend them to clients. We're confident you'll love them too! 

Connect with Melissa LeClair

Website 

Instagram  

Facebook  

Pinterest 

YouTube 

 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

 

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods runs their wood flooring business with a commitment to continual improvement and problem solving. They’ve created a system that serves to provide designers with a 24/7 digital flooring expert. If you need advice on what woods are right for your client’s climate, lifestyle, and budget, just go do revelwoods.com/revel-wood-selector, enter your specs and they’ll provide you with filtered options that will work perfectly for your project. You’ll also want to set up your design account at revelwoods.com/pro-account to receive benefits reserved for the trade.

Dec 4, 2020

Today with Dr. Colleen Mullen: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! On today’s episode, Dr. Colleen Mullen is here to discuss ways to relate to our employees in times of chaos. Dr. Colleen is a therapist, podcaster, author, and media, guest expert. She is the founder of the Coaching Through Chaos private practice and podcast and the author of the empowering book for women, “The 60-Day Plan for Embracing Your Inner Leader.” She’s known for her unique application of chaos theory to understanding the process of change. Tune in to hear what she has to say about inspiring and leading when your employees might be struggling. 

More About Dr. Colleen Mullen:

Dr. Colleen Mullen, Psy.D, LMFT is a therapist, podcaster, author, media guest expert, as well as a popular guest blogger.   She is known for her unique application of chaos theory to understanding the process of change.  

Dr. Colleen is the founder of the Coaching Through Chaos private practice and podcast in San Diego.  

She’s the author of the empowering book for women, “The 60-Day Plan for Embracing Your Inner Leader”.  

She has been quoted or interviewed for over 200 articles or stories for magazines, podcast, radio and print outlets including Fortune, PsychCentral, Martha Stewart Weddings, NBC, Glamour, The New York Post, The Washington Post and many more.   

Connect with Dr. Colleen Mullen

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook  

Twitter 

LinkedIn

Podcast

Patreon 

Book

Listeners can download my book: The 60-Day Plan for Embracing Your Inner leader for free at 

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AuqjTBFPkHqMhZgbQgztXrKwExEE3A


What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Mydoma is your designer toolkit that keeps you organized, even through the chaos. Their workflow software helps you organize design projects from beginning to end. And with a thriving design community, you’ll never feel like you’re facing business organization on your own. You can start your free trial today to see the difference for yourself. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#588 What Would Lu Do: Leading your Business Through an Unprecedented Growth Spurt

Dec 1, 2020

Today with Jenna Gaidusek: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today, I’m diving into the world of e-design with Jenna Gaidusek. She built her online firm to generate passive income and take control of her time back. But as we all know, passive income takes planning and work. Jenna’s giving us an inside look at her system and tips for how all designers can make it work for them!

Pick it apart:

  • [7:13] Jenna talks about the approach it takes to attract clients online
  • [12:52] Jenna shares a detailed breakdown of the process she recommends for designers that want to create online income
  • [15:20] LuAnn and Jenna talk about writer’s block and a simple hack to help overcome it when writing your blog posts
  • [23:38] Jenna discusses how to get traction to your blog using online style quizzes
  • [33:17] Jenna dives into the benefits of “The E-Design Tribe,” her online community for those interested in the e-design world

LuAnn and Jenna Gaidusek’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You wanted to manage and control the time you spend, so you actively worked to put processes and systems in place to execute online design.” -LuAnn

“What we do needs to be conveyed visually for people who might not have the vision like we do in our head to be able to actually see it.” -Jenna

“I know this is a lot of work, but it’s work that gets done to a certain extent once, then re-tweaked and revised.” -LuAnn

More About Jenna Gaidusek:

Jenna Gaidusek eDesign Tribe Inc founder, eDesign U, Jenna Gaidusek Designs

Jenna founded the eDesign Tribe Facebook group in July 2018 with the goal to provide her unique virtual design experience and skills to a community of like-minded industry professionals.

Her goal was to create an encouraging space for virtual design to thrive and prosper. Though she has a Bachelors Degree in Interior Design, she believes eDesign isn’t limited to those with a list of credentials after your name but instead, how different industry members adapt their unique business to the online world.

Now with 5+ years of eDesign exclusive offerings ranging from 1:1 clients to online courses and passive income, Jenna thinks outside the box for the industry’s future and shares ALL her knowledge with the eDesign Tribe community and her students through eDesign U.

She is striving to change the stigma of remote design to show designers that eDesign (AKA electronic Design) can mean a variety of things and can be adapted to any interior design industry business model as a way to streamline processes, make extra income or produce exceptional visual presentations for clients near and far.

Connect with Jenna Gaidusek 

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

LinkedIn

 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

We are having a party! Join us for the live launch of our newest book on December 10th, at 6:30PM EST!! Did I mention It’s a FREE event? RSVP here

Luannlive.com

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

Book 3: coming soon! Join us for a free book launch party on December 10th, at 6:30PM EST! RSVP here

 

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

 

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma Studio is your complete interior designer toolkit; workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. No matter where your client or team is located, work remotely or in-person seamlessly! You can get started at signup.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#209 Savour Partnership - Why You Need to Build an Email List

#458 Power Talk Friday – Savour Partnership: Designing Wealth Into Your Business

#611 Seasonal Living: An Interior Design Virtual Showhouse Like No Other

#466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?

#418 Power Talk Friday: Sarah Durnez- Hiring an Interior Design VA Professional

Nov 27, 2020

Today with Alex and Michelle Gage:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! Today, I’m joined by Alex and Michelle Gage of Michelle Gage Interiors. When Alex saw Michelle struggling to get a clear picture of her financials, this engineer built a nice piece of software for her! Today, you’ll find out what this talented and numbers-driven interior designer was missing from her extensive Excel sheets and how it came in handy when Covid hit.

More About Alex and Michelle Gage:

Business Measurements grew alongside Michelle Gage Interiors as I watched Michelle evolve in the business to more complicated and detailed finances.  I saw her spend hours in Excel keeping tabs on the figures and knew there was a better way.  Computers are smarter than this.  I paid attention to her common inefficiencies and built Excel and internet tools to automatically do the work for her.  No more exporting data from your customer tracking software (Ivy/MyDoma) or Quickbooks.

 Once we had this baseline built there were SO many new insightful data views we had access to - projections, trends, open PO $, spend per vendor etc.  This was a little slice of big business intelligence catered to the growing interior designer.

Now Business Measurements is a subscription service with expert account setup that automatically gives the designer a day to day financial dashboard to fill the gaps between Ivy/MyDoma reporting and Quickbooks.

Connect with Alex and Michelle Gage:

Business Measurements for Designers 

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma helps you get paid, generate design packages, create proposals, and both purchase and workroom orders. That’s not all, it also helps with product sourcing, time tracking, and even has a client portal. Find out more about Sara and Tom’s amazingly helpful software by visiting https://www.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Nov 24, 2020

Today with Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business!® Today, I’m joined by two amazing ladies, Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole. When I hear Joann and Kelly talk, and I listen to the way they describe their business, the phrase “a well-oiled machine” comes to mind. But it hardly seems big enough to describe how fine-tuned every step of their process is. Today, they’re sharing some of the secrets behind their success, focusing on the onboarding process and how they carry new clients from initial interest to writing that check! 

Pick it apart:

  • [10:20] Joann and Kelly reveal their “secret weapon” for intake conversations, and share why having trusted staff members makes all the difference
  • [19:05] Kelly explains how their qualifying process allows them to approach their consultation with confidence
  • [23:40] Joann and Kelly share why their system for measuring at the consultation
  • [35:48] Joann, Kelly, and LuAnn discuss the “Client Binder” and how it allows for a smooth transition into the next steps of the process
  • [43:48] LuAnn, Joann, and Kelly discuss why it’s important to get the proposal done within three days

Ah-Ha moments from LuAnn, Joann, and Kelly:

“We’ve done enough qualifying on the front end that we do not walk in treating [the consultation] as a meet and greet. We walk in with the approach that we are now working together. You are going to hire us to move forward.” -Kelly

“The proposal is a lot about repeating everything the client said back to them.” -Kelly

“Anytime I see a designer lamenting that a client has pushed them back on their value, I just say, “You didn’t express it.” Because what you do is so difficult and so highly-detailed that if you can make it clear to a consumer what that is, how could they debate the value of it?” -LuAnn

“This is the theme that keeps emerging. You’re listening to your clients and making sure they are understood by you, and then you’re consistently creating conversations, opportunities, and presentations all through your process that keeps reinforcing, “This is what we heard you say.” -LuAnn

More About Kandrac and Kole:

Voted one of Atlanta’s Top 20 Residential Interior Designs by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole has been featured on HGTV as well as in The New York Times, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Home Magazine and many others as well as participants of the One Room Challenge Spring 2020. Kandrac & Kole has established a well known reputation for their approachable, dynamic personalities, their signature use of color and pattern and their one of a kind, custom designs. As industry experts for residential and commercial design, Joann Kandrac & Kelly Kole share upbeat and entertaining narratives regarding their design projects, travels and personal stories on their popular blog, their podcast Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole and via national speaking engagements. Joann and Kelly’s love and commitment to the power of interior design also extends towards their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.

Connect with Kandrac and Kole

Website 

Podcast

Instagram  

Facebook  

Pinterest 

Twitter

LinkedIn

Youtube 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

 

A Big THANK YOU to today’s podcast sponsor:

Mydoma Studio is the complete designer toolkit—a place for you to manage all of your projects. Mydoma Studio is bringing in a Black Friday deal that you cannot miss out on! From November 26th, all the way up to the 30th, you can get 25% off your annual subscription of Mydoma Studio - which works out to a whole 4 months free! There’s no sale bigger than this, so head on over to mydomastudio.com/blackfriday to get this steal of a deal!

 

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#482 Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big
#492 Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success

Nov 20, 2020

Today with Brad Leavitt:

Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Luann welcomes Brad Leavitt of AFT Construction back on the show today. This time, Brad is here to talk about the resistance designers might face from clients and builders in the design-build process. He’s going to teach you how to convey the value you bring to the table to overcome those objections, as well as how to price a build project. 

 

Pick it apart:

  • 23:35 Brad talks about the importance of showing the ROI to clients in hiring a designer
  • 29:57 Luann and Brad discuss why designers need to be able to “ball park” the cost of a building project from the beginning
  • 37:19 Brad gives tips on how to use social media to network and educate yourself about current market values in the build process
  • 48:20 Brad dives into how to persuade reluctant builders that you can bring market value to the table as a designer

 

More About Brad Leavitt:

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

Connect with Brad Leavitt 

Podcast is “The AFT Construction Podcast" 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

LinkedIn 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

 

A Big THANK YOU to today’s podcast sponsors:

Kravet is a reliable trade partner whether you are sourcing fabric, wallpaper, trim, rugs, furniture and of course, with Curated Kravet.com you also have lighting and accessories. If you haven't opened your trade account yet, go to Kravet.com It’s so easy to get started, go to kravet.com

 

Mydoma Studio is the complete designer toolkit—a place for you to manage all of your projects. Mydoma Studio is bringing in a Black Friday deal that you cannot miss out on! From November 26th, all the way up to the 30th, you can get 25% off your annual subscription of Mydoma Studio - which works out to a whole 4 months free! There’s no sale bigger than this, so head on over to mydomastudio.com/blackfriday to get this steal of a deal!

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#580 Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders

#560 Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book

#542 Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process

# 483 Power Talk Friday: Wendy Cohen: PowerHouse Advisors and The PowerHouse Smart Luxury Conference

Nov 17, 2020

Today with Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business!® Today, I sat down with Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas. Dennese has worked in both the residential and commercial sides of the industry, but has recently drawn a line in the sand—she’s only working with general contractors who value and respect her as a designer. But how do you get to that point? How do you build those relationships with general contractors? How do you bring your expertise to the table? How do you prove your value? That’s what we’re talking about today! 

Pick it apart:

  • [7:24] Dennese shares her story of transitioning her business during a recession, determined not to close her doors
  • [22:10] LuAnn and Dennese break down the unique challenges of the window treatment business and why you need great partners as a designer
  • [30:30] Dennese explains how she positions herself as a unique expert when dealing with general contractors
  • [40:40] Dennese highlights some of the moving parts in the commercial world that designers might not know about
  • [48:50] LuAnn and Dennese discuss the difficulties and challenges Black designers face

Ah-Ha moments from LuAnn and Dennese:

“I want to deal with general contractors who understand what I bring to the table as a designer.” -Dennese

“The other people are just trying to deliver you a product. I’m trying to use my artistic eye to make sense of what’s trying to be translated into that window.” -Dennese

“We sell people, not product. We don’t reduce ourselves to a commodity. We sell our value and what we personally bring to the table.” -LuAnn

“[When working with contractors,] most of the time, you have to be willing to carry the bank on the job...if you don’t have the operating capital to be able to tide over a $50,000 project and carry it over 60-90 days, it could bankrupt your business.” -LuAnn

“The Pretty”

Dennese Guadaloupe Rojas


Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas
Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas

Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas

More About Dennese:

Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas began her career in the design field in 1991 and holds an A.A. in Interior Design from Bauder College in Miami, Florida. Although Dennese resides in the Washington Metropolitan area, her projects have taken her from coast to coast to include the Caribbean. Her motto is consistent and simple: “Maintain authenticity in style and texture, atmosphere is everything...” She brings over twenty years of experience and versatility that comes from dealing with a diversity of projects in both commercial and residential settings. Dennese brings her sense of elegance and impeccable eye for detail to each project. She possesses both the technical and interpersonal skills needed to manage and oversee the entire scope of the design/construction process. These crucial skills make Dennese a true asset to both project and client. Due to her hands-on approach, she is always refining each design until all the details are met with the proper balance in the creative aspect of each project. She describes her relationships with each client as paramount, and her goal is to assist in creating a home that fits the client’s persona, lifestyle and values. The philosophy behind Interiors by Design is the creation of a woman- and black-owned design company that blends the individual's needs and desires with experience and talent to create a stunning home environment. Dennese offers a robust reference list with an impressive portfolio of homes in the Metropolitan area throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Dennese strongly feels that two crucial factors in the client-designer relationship are mutual respect and trust. The client needs to trust the designer, which makes him/her open to professional suggestions. In turn, the designer needs to show the respect due to a client by listening and giving full credence to their desire and goals, both of which are primary. The trust factor is always key. Her clients trust that they will be guided in the right direction, one that adheres to sound design principles while adding that touch of magic.

Connect with Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

 

A Big THANK YOU to today’s podcast sponsors:

Kirsch is at the forefront of innovation when it comes to window treatments. They’ve been an industry leader in drapery hardware for more than one hundred years, and they also have a custom window coverings program. They also provide great resources to educate the design community to help educate you about their product so that you can properly educate your clients and position yourself as the knowledgeable designer you are. Go to kirsch.com to find out more. 


Mydoma Studio is the complete designer toolkit—a place for you to manage all of your projects. Mydoma Studio is bringing in a Black Friday deal that you cannot miss out on! From November 26th, all the way up to the 30th, you can get 25% off your annual subscription of Mydoma Studio - which works out to a whole 4 months free! There’s no sale bigger than this, so head on over to mydomastudio.com/blackfriday to get this steal of a deal!

Nov 13, 2020

Today with Angela Kristen Taylor: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! On today’s episode, I talk to productivity expert Angela Kristen Taylor. Angela is an integrative productivity expert who helps ambitious entrepreneurs and sales professionals overcome their own internal chaos so they can create the life and business they want. She’s also the creator of The Limitless Collaborative, a one-of-a-kind virtual reality community for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and creators, to work together, learn together, and grow together. Tune in to hear what Angela has to say about unlocking productivity by starting with your emotions and experiences. 

 

More About Angela Kristen Taylor:

Angela Kristen Taylor is an integrative productivity expert who helps ambitious entrepreneurs and sales professionals overcome their own internal chaos so they can create the life and business they want. She’s a licensed realtor, certified spiritual healer, integrative nutrition health coach, mom to five kids (and two giant dogs), Disney cartoon & super-hero aficionado, and the creator of The Limitless Collaborative, a one-of-a-kind virtual reality community for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and creators to work together, learn together, and grow together. 

 

Connect with Angela Kristen Taylor

The Limitless Collaborative Website

Productive Souls Website

Instagram  

Facebook  

LinkedIn

YouTube

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Kravet: Have you checked out their innovative program, Kravet ICreate? It makes it easier than ever to customize your furniture. You can design chests, tables, ottomans, benches, beds, and upholstery in just a few clicks on Kravet.com. is the best software platform out there for organizing your design business. Time tracking, quick books integration, client and vendor communications. Create efficiencies and take back your time. Designed by an interior designer for interior designers. Get 20% off your 1st 3 months when you go to mydomastdudio.com/awelldesigendbusiness. 20% off your 1st 3 months!  

Monogram is committed to redefining the world of luxury appliances, which they believe comes down to every little detail. Monogram isn’t just focused on providing the best luxury appliances. They are also determined to provide the best resources to support their trade partners, with a national support team dedicated to offering assistance to designers. Learn more at monogram.com/luann 

 

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#577 Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot Seat

#385 Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: The Productivity Specialist

 

 

Nov 10, 2020

Today with Jennifer Stoner: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! Today, I sat down with interior designer Jennifer Stoner. Litigator turned interior designer? How’s that for a career change? Jennifer shows us how she uses skills she honed as a lawyer to guide her clients through their design project. She uses simple if/then logic as a powerful tool to get her clients to see how all the components of the project fit into the big picture!

More About Jennifer Stoner:

Jennifer Stoner is an award-winning interior designer specializing in creating beautiful "Conception to Completion" design projects for discerning clients.   Based in Richmond, Virginia, Jennifer’s services have now expanded to projects across the country. Whether in the process of building a new home, tackling a renovation or transforming your interiors, Jennifer and her team provide high-level services to both manage project details and effectively execute a plan of action.  Jennifer's talents have also been proven in the commercial realm, creating sophisticated and welcoming public spaces. 

Jennifer’s passion is evident in the new construction or renovation process.  She enjoys being an integral member of the client’s design-build team from the very beginning, believing that the collaborative efforts of the architect, builder and interior designer will ultimately lead to the smoothest process for her clients and the best possible finished product. Jennifer has also established a reputation for showmanship by adding jewelry in the way of sophisticated furnishings, beautiful window treatments, luxurious rugs and all of the details that elevate a home’s presence.

Jennifer’s clients have included a vast array of entrepreneurs, physicians, attorneys, developers, celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. Her work has been featured on HGTV and TLC, as well as been published in several shelter magazines such as Traditional Home Magazine, Home & Design Magazine, Richmond Magazine and R-Home Magazine, among others. She has been named as one of America's Top 100 Influencers in the Design Industry.

Connect with Jennifer Stoner

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Mydoma is the best software platform out there for organizing your design business. Time tracking, quick books integration, client and vendor communications. Create efficiencies and take back your time. Designed by an interior designer for interior designers. Get 20% off your 1st 3 months when you go to mydomastdudio.com/awelldesigendbusiness. 20% off your 1st 3 months!  

Monogram now has virtual training on their products - these are one hour product demonstrations so you can get a feel for the product, become the expert on it, and determine if it’s a good fit for your projects. Learn more by going to Monogram.com/luann.

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#594 Reena Philpot

#454, #547 Jamie Lieberman

#6 Erika Ward

#203, 330, 601 Darla Powell

#8 Barbara Ostrom

Nov 7, 2020

Today with Seasonal Living: 

Welcome to A Well Designed Business! Today, I meet with two design industry powerhouses, Gary Pettitt of Seasonal Living and Leslie Carothers of Savour Partnership. 

Seasonal Living is an award-winning Texas-based manufacturer of modern indoor/outdoor furniture, lighting, planters, and decorative accessories. Gary is also the publisher of Seasonal Living, a consumer-facing digital lifestyle magazine. 

Gary recently teamed up with Leslie, a marketing professional, to help him create the world’s first luxury virtual showhouse featuring both augmented reality and virtual reality capabilities.

You may know Leslie! She has been on the show twice before, and when she told me about this virtual showhouse, I was hooked. Listen to today’s episode to hear Gary and Leslie explain what this showhouse experience is all about and how we can get in on the fun launch party that’s coming up very soon!

More about Seasonal Living Virtual Showhouse 

Here’s the information you to join in the fun:

I will be hosting this amazing event, and I’d love to see you there too! We start at 6 pm Eastern on December 3rd, 2020. It will only be about 30-45 minutes and after this launch party, we’ll have the opportunity to tour the full virtual showhouse and see what our talented friends have been up to. See you there!

Connect with Seasonal Living

Register for Designer Virtual Showhouse

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook  

Pinterest

YouTube

Other Shows Mentioned: 

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  • #526
  • #329
  • #452

 

Nov 6, 2020

Today with Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Window Treatment Friday! In today’s episode, LuAnn and her friend and co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska, are doing something a little different. Today, LuAnn and Vita are answering listener questions. That's right, they are teaming up to bring you DOUBLE the expertise and answer window treatment questions they have been receiving from listeners!

More about Vita Vygovska

Vita is the award-winning window treatment specialist. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, is an all-encompassing fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management service 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

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

 

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Kirsch has been in business for more than 100 years! There are so many tried and true products of theirs that I still trust and choose over and over again after all these years. Go to Kirsch.com, find your local distributor, and get your catalogs and samples so you can specify Kirsch for your next project.

Article makes it easy for you to help your clients get their office, bedroom, dining room, or outdoor space looking beautiful. Sign up for your trade acct today at welldesigned.article.com  

 

 

Nov 3, 2020

Today with Lisa Haude:

Lisa Haude founded Paradigm Design Group in 2001. In 2020, Lisa rebranded her Houston six-person hospitality design firm to become PDG Studios and created a new luxury residential design division named Bella’s Studio.

Put yourself in Lisa’s shoes. You are revving up for a big rebrand, and then the unthinkable happens. You find yourself in the midst of a global pandemic! Lisa’s story is like so many designers and business owners in the year 2020. It is a story of the dedication and resilience of a business owner in the face of unexpected, and unprecedented events. You’ll want to hear what prompted her rebrand, what she did about launching her new divisions once the pandemic hit, and what guided her through it all.

More About Lisa Haude:

Lisa A. Haude founded PDG Studios (formerly Paradigm Design Group) in 2001 and continues to prove that she is one of the top industry leaders in her field. A storyteller in her own right, Lisa creates truly one-of-a-kind spaces that speak authentically to the lifestyles and cultures of the clients PDG Studios designs for, celebrating unique histories all around the US. Known for her creative and unique approach to design, as well as her admirable ability to lead her team with grace, she and her team create memorable spaces that evoke beauty, luxury and comfort, and a sense of familiarity, seamlessly bridging the gap between hospitality and home life.

Connect with Lisa Haude:

Website 

Instagram  

Facebook 

Pinterest

What's New with LuAnn Nigara:

Luannlive.com

luannnigara.com/launch

eileenbhahn.com/designers

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Mydoma Studio brings you orders, invoices and online payments, design packages, product sourcing, time tracking, and even a client portal. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to start your free trial.

Jaipur Living offers the finest handmade rugs in a variety of price points. Jaipur Living is committed to the craftsmanship and artfulness of handmade rugs, and to keeping the age-old art alive. Register here to become a design partner.

 

Oct 30, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s guest is Chris Wallace, co-founder, and President of InnerView, a marketing consulting firm that helps companies align their brand and product stories with their customer-facing teams.

Chris truly believes in providing value to your clients by meeting their needs and making their lives better, and getting all of your industry partners on board with that idea, or finding partners that already are.

Listen in to hear what Chris has to say about leveraging those industry partnerships to do that, so that the customer experience is a focus at every single level.

Chris is the Co-Founder and President of InnerView, a marketing consulting firm that helps companies align their brand and product stories with their customer-facing teams. At InnerView, Chris draws from his nearly 20 years of sales, marketing, and corporate leadership to help companies engage their frontline teams in new ways, producing improved customer experiences and better financial results. Beyond his work with clients, Chris is able to apply his passions as a teacher and thought leader. He has taught as an adjunct MBA professor at Temple’s Fox School of Business and has been published in outlets such as Harvard Business Review and Ad Age. He was also recently named to the Forbes Agency Council. Chris received a B.A. in Public Relations from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School and an MBA from Temple University. He lives outside Philadelphia with his family.

Show Highlights:

  • Chris’s passion is to get the entire value-chain, or industry, focused on the end user, which is the customer.
  • Chris illustrates his perspective with a story around his brother and sister-in-law.
  • There are two approaches to sales and marketing: the “old” product-focused way, and the  “21st Century Sales and Marketing” way, which goes beyond the product you offer and focuses on providing value to your clients by meeting their needs and making their lives better.
  • Chris addresses how designers benefit from asking for this better way of marketing from their brands.
  • Chris shares his philosophy on belief, confidence, and pride.
  • “21st Century Sales and Marketing” is about making your client’s life be easier, it’s about helping them be more successful, and it’s about understanding their needs.
  • Designers should communicate what their needs are by documenting what they’re wanting to deliver to the customer, and helping to educate their industry partners on how they can help with this process.
  • Ask for the things that are going to help make you successful!
  • Chris’s strategies on assessing the industry partners you’re doing business with.
  • Chris shares his thoughts and tips on virtual consultations, how augmented reality can be leveraged to drive better design, and other fascinating tools of the trade.
  • Old-school isn’t cutting it anymore because you can’t meet the modern customer’s needs.
  • Exciting Windows is one of LuAnn’s forward-thinking vendors.

Connect with Chris!

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Links / Resources:

Hey, window treatment friends! Learn more about Exciting Windows and tell the Steves that LuAnn sent you!

Process Leads to Profits - Kicking Off November 4, 2020!

Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan:

Processes, Partnerships, Packages, and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year!

Investment: $2195

Register HERE!

Design-Build For Profit

Coming Back Soon!

Increase Confidence, Increase Profits

Coming Back in February 2021!

The Profit Is In the Numbers

Coming Back Soon!

Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

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

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Kravet’s popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture! Get started on building your custom pieces at kravet Leejofa.

Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch

Episodes mentioned:

John Dupra #329

 

Oct 29, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Sara Brennan rejoins the show today and she’s going to be sharing how she is managing the recent influx of new clients as she scales her business, how very critical organization is to the process, and a breakdown of the services she offers. We’ll also be touching on her upcoming Process Leads to Profit course, so please join us for some great takeaway ideas to streamline your own business and to learn more about how you can really drill down into what Sara calls “the Four P’s of design: Processes, Partnerships, Packages, and Profits”, to take YOUR profits to the next level.

Sara is a co-author in the upcoming second volume of A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts.

She is an entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Sara has become the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxhaw, North Carolina, who specializes in Transitional Designs, where she and her design-build team take spaces from Bare Bones to Beautiful by utilizing her exclusive, approachable, and stress-free design process, transforming and renovating homes from start to finish.

Sara’s design work has been nationally published six times in the last year including publications such as Romantic Homes, Traditional Home, Window Fashion Vision, and Cottages and Bungalows, who recently offered her a role as a monthly columnist. She’s also been noticed as a rising star among colleagues in the design industry being invited as a guest on podcasts, as a panelist at High Point Market, and as a host and speaker at local design events and shows.

Show Highlights:

  • Sara has developed a mapped-out process that not only gets compliments from her clients, but she’s even had clients asking her to consult with THEIR clients!
  • Sara details how her clients are set up with the different levels of design services she offers, as not everyone wants or can afford full-service design.
  • A storyboard with different designs and a discussion with what the client hates or loves about them is one unique system that Sara uses.
  • Having the numbers conversation upfront is super important.
  • Sara addresses how to respond to client trust issues.
  • How to stop clients from ‘shopping’ you.
  • Sara’s business model has two sources of revenue: the design fee and the furnishings as a retailer.
  • Sara’s tips when speaking to vendors.
  • Reverse-engineering to make sure that you can be profitable with your model will instill confidence in how you speak to people and what you’re able to offer them.

Connect with Sara!

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Links :

Process Leads to Profits - Kicking Off November 4, 2020!

Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan:

Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year!

Investment: $2195

Register HERE!

Design-Build For Profit

Coming Back Soon!

Increase Confidence, Increase Profits

Coming Back in February 2021!

The Profit Is In the Numbers

Coming Back Soon!

Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

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

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other shows mentioned:

#524

#514

#463

 

Oct 27, 2020

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest is Phoebe Oldrey. Phoebe is the founder of Smartstyle Interiors based in the UK. Oftentimes, designers feel like they can’t niche down, thinking that will close the door on all the other possibilities out there.

When Phoebe reached the point in her career where she felt the desperate drive to do something different with design, she came to realize that design wasn’t just about aesthetics or creating beautiful spaces, but that it opens opportunities to create holistic, life-altering spaces for clients. So, Phoebe did the next practical thing: she niched down, rebranded, and started focusing on the projects that truly made her happy.

Let’s hear what Phoebe has to say about holistic design, niching, and following your passion in your business.

Phoebe is the founder of Smartstyle Interiors, an innovative interior design studio which takes a holistic approach. In 2017, after 15 years in the industry and tired of being asked what the next tread was, Phoebe decided to take an approach to her designs that not only balances how a space works and what it looks like, but also asks “How does it make us feel”. Believing that only when we get the balance right between Function, Aesthetics and Emotions will we create amazing places people are happy in. This led to her TEDx talk “Interior design is about more than wallpaper and bean bags” and numerous speaking opportunities where she shares her passion for putting people at the front of design.


Show Highlights:

  • Talent is a gift, but it is not something that automatically opens doors for you.
  • Phoebe discusses the skills that are needed to be successful in the industry.
  • Phoebe shares the circumstances surrounding her desire to do more profound work.
  • Biophilic design is a study of human beings’ relationship to nature.
  • Niching can be very scary, but since Phoebe wasn’t doing work that she was in love with, she decided to go in a different direction.
  • More people than ever have been interested in holistic design for their work and living spaces for the health benefits since the coronavirus event lockdowns.
  • Holistic interior design focuses on more than just the aesthetics. It also:
    • compliments a client’s lifestyle habits
    • is designed to support the circadian rhythm
    • makes the client FEEL GOOD to be in this space
  • Designers should stop being scared of what’s unique, because what’s unique is amazing!
  • Your niche should be made up of your own authentic passion and drive.
  • Everything is connected: we shape our houses, and our houses shape us.

Connect with Phoebe!

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

Phoebe's TEDx Talk

Online Course – “Finding your Confidence with Colour”  

Book Referenced by Phoebe:

Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant  by W. Kim Chan and Renée Mauborgne  

Links / Resources:

Designer Discussion: LuAnn Nigara Hosts a Conversation with Kravet Furniture

Oct 29, 2020 12:00 PM EST (United States & Canada)

Register Here

Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020!

Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan:

Processes, Partnerships, Packages, and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year!

Sign Up For Updates HERE!

Design-Build For Profit

Coming Back Soon!

Increase Confidence, Increase Profits

Coming Back in February 2021!

The Profit Is In the Numbers

Coming Back Soon!

Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

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

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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?

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 episodes mentioned:

Cheryl Janis #41

Mike Peterson #569

 

 

Oct 23, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! There are so many of us who struggle with communicating who we are and what we do, especially on our websites. Betty Marton, founder of In Your Own Words, is back with us on the show to discuss how important it is in sharing your story to show your humanity, your journey, and your vulnerability.

Betty is a lover of stories, conversation, and talking to people and hearing about their lives. She has her own separate business as a writer, copywriter, and storyteller whose passion is helping people understand their stories and bring them to life.

Think about the way that you are portraying your business with your words, and be sure to listen in as Betty imparts her expertise about storytelling and the impact it can have, both on your business and your personal life.

Writer and editor Betty Marton works with individuals, as well as large and small businesses, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to capture and share the stories they need to tell. She has reported on and written about a wide range of business practices and social change programs. In her work with individuals who want to tell their life stories, her innate curiosity and empathy often helps lead them to gain new insights and reimagine self-limiting beliefs. Betty is, as well, the liaison between her artist husband, Jerry Teters, and interior design clients for whom he creates commissioned paintings. Best known as an abstract artist, Jerry also creates intimate portraits of home, scene from his clients’ lives at home or on vacation.

Show Highlights:

  • As Betty explains, your profession doesn’t matter. Whatever your passion is, she can write about that.
  • Betty loves figuring out the layers beyond the who, what, when, why, and where: the story behind the story.
  • Everybody has a story that matters. Knowing someone’s vulnerabilities helps you connect.
  • Meaningful articles are valuable marketing tools.
  • Word-shaping written copy is one of Betty’s gifts.
  • Betty gives an overview of the different ways she works with clients.
  • In the telling of your story, Betty likes to explore the different angles that helps you see something you didn’t see before.
  • A photo story is something that anybody can do. Betty offers 16 Questions you can ask yourself to help you dig deeper into your photograph. This enables you to learn more about yourself and the person in the picture than you would have known before.
  • There’s also a link to discover your coronavirus photo story on Betty’s website!
  • Check out Jerry's art! It is a valuable resource for designers.

Connect with Betty!

Betty’s Website     

Betty’s Instagram

Betty’s Facebook

Betty's FREE 16 Questions Guide for Telling Your Own Photo Stories

Jerry’s Website

Jerry’s Instagram

Links :

Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020!

Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan:

Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year!

Sign Up For Updates HERE!

Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

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

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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.

Other shows mentioned to link

#600 Celebrating the 600th Episode, LuAnn is Interviewed!

#574 Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy

#33 Arlene Angard – Mix 1 Part Passion + 1 Part Strategy = Success!

#80 Asler Valero- Be Intentional- Design Your Business and Your Life

#32 Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development

 

Oct 22, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”! LuAnn received a request from a window treatment professional to review the “autopsy” process that LuAnn’s team does at Window Works, so this episode is dedicated to covering the review of a project once it’s completed.

Whether you are a photographer, web developer, architect, or blogger, it is essential for each and every business owner to review their projects for profitability, deficiencies, processes, and client satisfaction.

LuAnn discusses this process mostly from the perspective of a window treatment specialist, so if you are a designer, you have more work to do! But no worries, she’s got you designers covered on that, too! Get comfy, you’ll want to take notes!

Show Highlights:

  • There are 3 main objectives of a post-project “autopsy”. To learn:
    • what it is we do well
    • what it is we need to improve on and
    • what kinds of projects we make money on
  • LuAnn details the items that need to be reviewed:
    • gross dollar amount of the project
    • marketing source
    • net cost of goods on the project
    • review the completed project with installers, sales reps, and the office admin team
    • tag the client in our CRM as ‘market to’, ‘don’t market to’ and ‘request a review’
    • review what you learned
  • Steps you can add to this process as a design firm include:
    • set up debriefs with your key trades especially at the completion of larger size projects
    • ask your client how you did, in a personal, meaningful way
  • By not examining everything, you sometimes don’t learn everything. You only learn what gets caught, not what could have been avoided.
  • Growth and learning and excellence comes from reviewing what you do, how you do it, and who you do it for.

Links :

WCAA's 3x3 Virtual Learning Event

FREE Virtual Learning Event!

October 28-30, 2020

9am, 12pm, and 3pm Daily!

Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020!

Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan:

Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year!

Sign Up For Updates HERE!

Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

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

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high-end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now! Kirsch

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

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

Shows to include in show notes: #36 Susan Brunstrum

 

Oct 20, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest, Carissa Miller of CC and Mike, shares how a “completely unexpected opportunity” turned into a leap of faith for her and her husband, Mike. Carissa’s journey is so much more than that happy accident, though, as you’re going to hear. Listen in to this inspiring conversation around how an Instagram post that went viral launched her into a rapidly growing business that she never saw coming, as well as how she and her husband navigated the unique challenges that come with running a business with your spouse.

CC and Mike are a husband and wife team who make dream homes happen nation-wide, offering full-service design, build, and remodel services to their clients. Launched in May 2016, their social media and blog following have grown rapidly to include followers from all over the world who look to CC and Mike for design and building inspiration for their own homes. CC and Mike’s audience loves following their adventures as they design, flip, and renovate homes!

Show Highlights:

  • Carissa’s background and professional experience in photography led to a desire to “re-brand” her career.
  • Carissa shares how she has always designed and her husband, Mike, has always built their own homes, and a photo of her bedroom posted to her new Instagram account became an instant hit, with One Kings Lane and Pottery Barn asking for interviews and design advice. From there, she started getting requests from people to design for them.
  • Contracts, policies, and procedures have been the biggest change in their lives since designing for a client, versus designing and flipping houses for themselves.
  • Mistakes and lessons are part of the learning curve, but everybody has to start somewhere!
  • Carissa describes how scary it was to take a leap of faith.
  • Investing the time and money in a business coach or consultant brings another’s perspective and helps you to grow your business the right way.
  • Carissa addresses how she and Mike stayed in agreement during the early days. “Stay in your lane” and work inside your strengths.
  • Hiring the right employees that complement your business is critical.
  • The transition from being business partners during the day and husband and wife after hours takes some conscious effort!

Connect with Carissa!

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Blog 

Links :

Process Leads to Profits - Returning November 2020!

Learn the Four P’s of design from Sara Lynn Brennan:

Processes, Partnerships, Packages and Profits…as well as the “secret sauce” that has doubled her business in the last year!

Sign Up For Updates HERE!

Eileen B. Hahn's Interior Design Firm Hiring Toolkit

LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

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

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

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!

Mydoma 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?

#363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team

#06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

#474 Bria Hammel: Keys to Scaling Your Interior Design Firm

#480 Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success

 

 

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