Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn has a very special episode for you today. Amber De La Garza is back with her on the show.
Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist. She is also one of the co-authors of LuAnn’s third book coming out this fall, which is A Well Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2.
This episode is a little bit different than most, because today LuAnn and Amber are going to be talking about the work that they have accomplished, the internal stories and beliefs that Amber has helped LuAnn overcome, and the ways that they adapted strategies and worked through obstacles together, allowing LuAnn to reclaim some of her own time. They’re going to pull back the curtain on their process and the lessons that were learned along the way.
Amber is a coach, trainer, speaker, and writer, and she hosts her own podcast, Productivity Straight Talk. She helps business owners improve their time management and elevate their productivity, which in turn lets them maximize profits, reduce stress, and free up time for what matters most.
Show Highlights:
- Amber has been helping LuAnn reclaim balance in both her personal and work life.
- Amber guided LuAnn through the strategies that weren’t working for her.
- Working one on one enables you to revise and tweak a strategy until it works for you.
- LuAnn describes her startling realization that she had normalized a seven-day work week.
- The stories that we tell ourselves: How we can take back some of that time and create a new and sustainable
- LuAnn shares how she almost stopped doing her intro’s and outro’s for the show but received plenty of confirmation to continue.
- This show is her baby and LuAnn is emotionally invested in it.
- Amber explains the concept and importance of “highest value activities”.
- As your business grows, you have to outsource and delegate. And you have to be ok with accepting help!
- Amber challenged LuAnn in ways that made LuAnn question beliefs that she was so convinced were unchangeable.
- When you re-evaluate doing things that are just normalized, then you will be able to look at everything in your business with a fresh perspective.
Connect with Amber!
Amber’s Website
Amber’s Podcast
Amber’s Facebook
Amber’s Instagram
Time Management Made Simple - Amber’s 4 module program that will teach you her proven, step-by-step time management system for small business owners, to move you from stressed out and overwhelmed to fully in control and fulfilled!
Links :
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits
Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September
LuAnn University
The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson
The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang
Coming September 2020!
Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20
Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24
Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!
Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business
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
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
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My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business
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Link Previous Shows:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.
Today’s question comes from Carol Ann Hirvat. Carol worked with a client a few years ago on a $45,000 job that ultimately never went anywhere. Then out of the blue, the client reaches out with an apology and requested for a second chance. Guess what happens after Carol invests another 15 hours into the deal? Yep! So Carol would like to know her next best steps.
Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.
If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!
Show Highlights:
- LuAnn provides the details around Carol’s situation.
- Giving the benefit of the doubt to the client, consider that there might be other possible reasons for the client’s action other than an ulterior motive.
- Just because Carol gives the client the benefit of the doubt does not mean that the client is off the hook.
- The client owes an explanation, so LuAnn advises Carol to unapologetically check in with the client on a weekly, bi weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis until she gets some answers.
- Carol can still be super kind and respectful while pursuing her answer.
- LuAnn offers some thoughtful strategies regarding reaching out and following up.
- Carol should keep in mind that she can’t force a communication.
- Focus on the positive things about the client and the relationship.
- Remember: Gentle persistence!
Links :
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits
Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September
LuAnn University
The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson
The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang
Coming September 2020!
Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20
Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24
Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!
Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business
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
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
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Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is someone who made quite an impression on the audience during a LuAnn Live event by sharing her “eat, pray, love” story. Lisa Gilmore told the audience how she was in such a hard space, mismanaging money, and doing all the things incredibly wrong. Who didn’t feel a connection with this lady for her honesty and bravery? Listen in to find out how Lisa turned her business (and life!) around by owning her errors and being consistent, and just see if there’s not something in here that you can use for your own.
Lisa Gilmore, one of the Southeast’s leading luxury residential designers, is known for the customized one-of-a-kind interiors she creates for large scale homes and condos in Tampa Bay and throughout North America.
She has over a decade of experience providing luxury environments for CEO’s, attorneys, business owners, entrepreneurs, tech company executives, and other prominent clients. Her work and her unique “liveable glamour” style have been featured in online and print publications worldwide.
Lisa’s full range of design services includes everything from project management and consulting on architectural and floor plans, to specifying finishes and creating detailed hand renderings of her work.
Lisa establishes close personal relationships with her clients. Those clients use phrases like “remarkably talented”, “fantastic to work with”, and “organized, good natured and easy to communicate with” to characterize Lisa and her team, and “functional and beautiful” and “out of the box thinking” to describe her work. She is often praised for pulling people out of their comfort zone with interior design and giving her clients what they never knew could exist.
Lisa Gilmore Design is backed by a team of some of the region’s leading contractors, craftsmen, and artisans as well as an international network of vendors and suppliers.
Her clients benefit from the luxury design expertise, problem solving insights, product knowledge, and other skills she gained during her highly successful earlier career working for leading interior design firms in central Florida and Chicago. Her design work is influenced by her travels throughout North America, Europe, and Africa.
Lisa holds a degree in interior design and is a member of the International Interior Design Association. She keeps current on design trends by attending conferences, trade shows, and other industry events.
Show Highlights:
- LuAnn shares the email that she received from Lisa.
- Lisa relates something that LuAnn mentioned previously that gave her an epiphany as to the root of her problem.
- Fear held Lisa back, but she found processes and systems that turned things around. This helped her gain confidence!
- “Finance Friday”
- How LuAnn’s book helped Lisa get her business back on track.
- Lisa shares how being turned in to the state by another designer turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
- Lisa explains the business decisions and billing changes that she put into place.
- You have to be more versatile to survive through the hard times.
- How getting your finances figured out can actually bring joy!
- Here’s what Lisa is looking forward to.
Connect with Lisa!
Lisa’s Email
Lisa’s Website
Lisa’s Instagram
Lisa’s Facebook
Lisa’s Pinterest
Lisa’s Twitter
Links :
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits
Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September
LuAnn University
The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson
The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang
Coming September 2020!
Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20
Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24
Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!
Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business
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
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.
Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM
Michele Williams #115, #390
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn shares a conversation with Deb Mitchell on today’s show. You may know Deb on Instagram as DesignWriterDeb. She’s a writer specializing in serving interior designers. Did you know that your own writing style can differentiate yourself from other designers in the way it reflects your personality and your style? And that the most impactful way of writing speaks to the client? Listen in for tips on how you can make this happen, or how you can work with Deb if you’re needing a little extra help in communicating effectively with your ideal client.
Deb Mitchell’s career as a professional writer began when she responded to an ad in a local Charlotte, NC magazine seeking volunteers for a readers’ panel. On a tour of the magazine’s offices with the other selected panelists, the idea for an article came to her and when she mentioned it to the editors, they hired her on the spot as a writer. Nearly ten years and hundreds of articles later, Deb decided to blend her design feature writing experience with her pre-writing career experience in high-end retail sales to help interior designers move their businesses forward with strategic copywriting and content marketing services.
Today, Deb’s client list is ever growing with designers at nearly every stage of business. Most recently, she’s joined forces with two experts, a branding designer and a website developer, to offer designers an all-in-one option for fully custom designed and copywritten WordPress websites.
Deb has by-lined articles in publications such as Casual Living, Design Texas, Lake Norman Magazine, and Today’s Charlotte Woman, and on The Renegade Writer blog. Her ghostwriting has appeared in dozens of top shelter publications and design blogs.
Show Highlights:
- Start the writing process with getting to know your clients. What do
they care about?
- When writing, differentiate yourself by considering how you are
different from your colleague in aesthetic, processes, delivery of
services, and personality.
- Make your writing reflective of you. Don’t write a bio that’s so vanilla
we can substitute another designer’s name for yours.
- Don’t be intimidated about writing. Get your ideas out of your head
and get someone to take a look at your copy and help with editing.
- Create a “messaging” folder - it’s a living document used to hold your
core words, thoughts, and phrases. Add to it as you come up with copy that helps
define you and will resonate with your clients. Start by finishing these
statements:
- I believe my clients deserve…
- I believe my clients should experience…
- When speaking about me, someone said...
- To create consistent messaging, refer to this file when writing your
social media, creating a new web page, or preparing to speak on a
panel.
- Read your reviews to get ideas and reflect the language your clients
use.
- LuAnn and Deb cover the services that Deb offers.
Connect with Deb!
Deb’s Email
Deb’s Website - Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
Deb’s Instagram
Deb’s Facebook
Deb’s Pinterest
Websites Mentioned:
Links :
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!
Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits
Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!
Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.
Other shows mentioned to link to
#174 Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours
#125 Nicole Heymer: How to Brand Your Business
#544 Natalie Norcross: Natalie Norcross: 5 Things To Do To Get PR
#364 Janelle Photopoulos: Leading, Not Simply Running, Your Interior Design Firm
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s friend and previous guest, Cheryl Luckett, joins the show today for the next episode in the Black Lives Matter Series. Cheryl shares her experience in growing up in the deep south, her recollection of her first experience with racism, and the thoughts that went through her mind in that horrifying moment. You’ll also hear her explain how lack of inclusion and lack of resources in our own industry are racism hurdles. LuAnn and Cheryl cover many ways that you can do your part in creating inclusion and progress in our industry. Every action by each one of us matters!
With a 15-year career in Corporate America as a Registered Dietitian and Human Resources professional, Cheryl launched Dwell by Cheryl Interiors in 2012 seeking a creative outlet and an opportunity to explore her passion for design. The venture began with her blog chronicling her own home improvement projects and quickly morphed into a “side-hustle” decorating homes. After five years and a carefully executed strategic plan designed to help make the transition easier, she made the decision to leave corporate life behind. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Cheryl, and her team provide clients with a professional and seamless design experience creating homes that are classic, colorful, cultured, and cozy that allow their clients to live their fullest lives.
In 2018, she launched her first licensed collection of upholstered furniture with NC-based Sylvester Alexander called Belle by Cheryl Luckett. Her work has been published both locally and nationally appearing in Traditional Home, Country Living, and Southern Home.
Show Highlights:
- Conversations regarding racism not only need to happen, they need to be sustained.
- Cheryl shares her first recollection of racism.
- Cheryl defines the concept of “shifting”.
- A career move away from corporate and human resources led to an epiphany regarding inclusion and diversity years later.
- The racism hurdles in the design industry as seen through Cheryl’s eyes.
- Diversity training should be a part of your business strategy.
- Visibility should not be mistaken for change.
- Cheryl and LuAnn offer suggestions for making change, starting with: Speak up!
- LuAnn addresses “white privilege”.
- Racism is a deep, collective wound.
Connect with Cheryl!
(@dwellbycheryl on all platforms!)
Cheryl’s Email
Cheryl’s Facebook
Cheryl’s Instagram
Cheryl’s Twitter
Cheryl’s Pinterest
See Cheryl’s “Belle by Cheryl Luckett” Collection at: Sylvester Alexander
Read about Mitchell Parson, the owner of Sylvester Alexander:
Cheryl Recommends:
- Black Interior Designers Network
- Black Lives Matter
- Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
- So you want to talk about race
- White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
- Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America
- 13th (Netflix)
Links :
Article: Dear White People, Here Are 10 Actions You Can Take to Promote Racial Justice in the Workplace
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!
Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits
Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!
Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.
FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!
Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!
My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business
Other shows mentioned:
#291, #397 Cheryl’s previous shows
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Cynthia Collins joins LuAnn in today’s episode for a discussion on mentorship. Cynthia is going to walk us through how she finds the best young talent available and how she helps them grow and learn, often producing long-lasting employees that fit in at her firm for many years to come. Cynthia is a true servant at heart, with a mission to help and guide others whenever and wherever possible, leaving a positive impact on the world. Listen in for ideas to make your company culture rewarding and uplifting, and how you can recruit young people that will grow with you into the future!
In 1992, Cynthia Collins began Collins Interiors, a Dallas-based firm specializing in full-scale residential interior design. Throughout the years, Cynthia has been privileged to work with some of the most talented architects in the field and has been a part of projects across the United States, including Texas, North Carolina, Utah, Colorado, Florida, Georgia & California. Each detail is meticulously planned with the client in mind and chosen for its functionality, meaning, and beauty.
She lives in Dallas with her husband, Bruce Collins, and has three grown boys. She is a believer. Her neighbors are her family. She is a teacher and a mentor, an avid reader, a fantastic fisher woman, a brilliant story teller, a music enthusiast (in a BIG way!), a movie fanatic, a speedy biker, a creative chef and generous beyond measure. She has a true servant's heart in EVERYTHING she does and wants the very best experience for her team, clients, family, and friends.
Show Highlights:
- Cynthia explains the structure of her firm and the various positions therein.
- The newer employees are taught by the senior designers how to budget, how to problem-solve, and all of the other intricacies of being a lead designer.
- Cynthia discusses what she looks for in interns and employees.
- Culture is key: People should be able to enjoy walking into the office everyday without worrying about the drama prevalent in many of today’s places of work.
- Interior Designers are visual people, and first impressions and ongoing image are an important part of a designer’s reputation.
- Interns and job seekers should “do their homework” on a company before applying for a position.
- Cynthia relates some lessons that she learned from another interior design firm before she went into business for herself.
- LuAnn and Cynthia discuss how Cynthia runs her projects’ systems and processes.
- Diversification and planning for the future are critical in every business.
Connect with Cynthia!
@collins__interiors (two underscores)
@blue_print_store
Links :
Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits
Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.
When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:
Choose Monogram! Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?
Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Amanda Berlin joins LuAnn on today’s episode to chat about a holistic visibility strategy. If you’ve been considering defining or refining your vision and fresh ways to reach your goals, you’ll want to listen in for Amanda’s tips! Amanda is one of the co-authors in the next volume of The Power Talk Friday Experts.
Amanda Berlin is a Communications Consultant for Entrepreneurs. After more than a decade in the New York City public relations world, Amanda Berlin now uses her pitch powers for good. She helps entrepreneurs step into their presence, create a story that inspires others, and spread their message in the media. Amanda has created a library of template guides and trainings and works one on one with clients to guide them to strategic story-telling and media relations based on her 12 years of experience guiding strategy for major brands in the corporate world. Amanda and her clients have been featured in all types of media — from Business Insider to Entrepreneur on Fire and from WNYW Fox 5 to Bustle.com. She's the host of The Empowered Publicity Podcast and loves arming soul-powered business owners with the ideas and skill-set they need to go from hidden industry gem to recognizable trusted expert. Amanda has spoken on the topics of visibility, publicity, and entrepreneurship at BizChix Live, Style Collective Raleigh and New York City, Body Local, Hoboken Entrepreneur Group, and more.
Show Highlights:
- Amanda details her philosophy on the 3 Pillars of Visibility:
- Collaborations and alliances
- Speaking and events
- Media
- Differing amounts of each one of these tactics are necessary to achieve different goals.
- It’s important to remember that the relationships that you build through collaborations are going to serve the business over time.
- Who is teaching the thing that you wished people knew before they got to you?
- Zoom is a great way to make a presentation that may feel less risky than an in-person event right now.
- Having your projects featured in major publications is great for exposure, validation, and street cred when someone visits your website, but your clients are going to hear about you through someone else the majority of the time.
- PR is not science; it’s mostly art!
- Use your expert knowledge when talking across different social media platforms, tailoring the events so that they are relevant to each audience. Re-use them as needed.
- These pillars of visibility are things that you have to focus on in your business.
- You have to constantly be widening your sphere, widening the network that you’re associated with, introducing yourself to new audiences, and being a person of service in providing something of value.
Connect with Amanda!
Amanda’s Email
Listen and Subscribe to the Empowered Publicity Podcast
Join Amanda for On-Air Coaching. Click here to apply.
Amanda is launching PITCH School, the course: Learn how to be seen, heard, fully expressed, recognized, appreciated, and contracted (i.e. PAID!!) for your unique genius.
PITCH School will teach you how to secure coverage for yourself and your business and convert those listeners and readers into fans, followers, and clients.
PLUS: Right now, buy the course, fill out her assessment and get a personalized video from Amanda on your EXACT ENTRY POINT for this work so you use the course in a way that WILL WORK for your business.
You have been working hard to grow your voice and work in the world, now let Amanda help you explode into your industry and become the sought-after expert you know you can be.
More Info: PITCH School
Links :
Closing the Sale Begins at Hello
July 29 & 30, 2020
Go to IWCE Vision to register.
Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Sales for Creatives will be back in 2020!
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
Interior Design Standard is Back!
Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry!
Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th
Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard
Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits
Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn welcomes her friend, Natasa Jones to the show to share her super-smart, super-efficient strategy for note taking. Natasa’s method will work whether you are attending a webinar, a panel discussion, a course, or a conference. If you need to brush up on your note-taking skills, you don’t want to miss out on this valuable information! You’ll also hear about some of the epiphanies that Natasa experienced at LuAnn Live last year, and there are some that are sure to be meaningful to you, as well.
Natasa Jones is the owner and principal interior designer of Natasa Jones Interiors, located in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Natasa studied interior design in Chicago and her goal was always to run her own firm. Being born and raised in Montenegro, Natasa loves incorporating European contemporary elements into her interior design projects to create her signature livable modern look.
Show Highlights:
- LuAnn shares Natasa’s take-away moments from LuAnn Live last year.
- When you’re at any type of learning event, ensure that you take notes in such a way that following through with any action is easy.
- Natasa details the 5 tabs you need for efficient note-taking:
- To do now
- To do later
- To buy or download
- Mindset
- Follow up
- Natasa relates her idea for a gift that realtors can give to their high-end clients: a free design consultation with Natasa.
- There are some benefits to charging a flat-fee rate per room.
- Natasa sings the praises of Mydoma Studio and discusses how it has helped her to streamline her processes.
- How to present your true self to your client.
- Own what you are capable of delivering.
Connect with Natasa!
Natasa’s Email
Natasa’s Website
Instagram Instagram
Natasa’s Facebook
Links :
Closing the Sale Begins at Hello
July 29 & 30, 2020
Go to IWCE Vision to register.
Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies!
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Sales for Creatives will be back in 2020!
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
Interior Design Standard is Back!
Sandra Funk is a game changer for our industry!
Enrollment: September 16th - September 28th
Interior Design Standard is a digital program that covers everything you need for running an efficient and joyful business! Interior Design Standard
Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits
Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!
My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business
Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!
Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.
Other shows mentioned for shownotes.
Corey Damen Jenkins 127, 388, 549
Kae Whitaker 26, 66, 114, 259, 274, 556
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn is joined today by Mike Peterson, an experienced marketing and brand consultant who wants to emphasize an opportunity that our community of interior designers seems to be completely missing out on, and that’s the power they hold to improve the health of their clients through health and wellness design. Yes, you heard that right! Mike is here to explain why this is no longer anecdotal.
Mike Peterson is founder of the innovative marketing and brand firm, Visionary Design Marketing. Visionary Design Marketing's goal is to help companies create tailored, strategic, and effective communications that are founded in a clear understanding of their brand. Brand development is rooted in a customers understanding of a designer's brand and includes new website, social media communications tools, and the new targeted digital tools such as geofencing, microproximity targeting, and display contextual search.
Visionary Design Marketing is currently leading a developing education in our industry... that interior designers provide much more than aesthetics..they improve the health of their clients!
Mike Peterson’s experience is rooted in years as a leading advertising executive and Publisher at Hearst Magazines, including House Beautiful and Country Living, working with leading national advertisers. Mike’s experience in the home furnishings industry includes President/CEO of LaBarge Furnishings and as Vice President of Corporate Marketing for such companies as Henredon, Lexington, Drexel Heritage, and more. Prior to Visionary Design Marketing, Mike spent 8 years as Publisher of Luxe Magazine. In this role, Mike guided LUXE Magazine into a market leader and served the design industry by helping interior designers, design centers, and luxury design firms better grow marketing strategies for their businesses.
Show Highlights:
- Designers do not get credit for improving both the physical and mental health of their clients.
- Mike wants to teach designers how to take credit for this “Design Harmony” that is not just a concept, but is now proven by studies the world over.
- Designers should start including the health benefits of design into their marketing. This will also allow them to increase their hourly rate and overall revenue.
- Mike explains the physiological changes that take place when we’re pleased with our surroundings.
- Mike provides designers with the information they need to build a better business using brand differentiation.
- Terminology that you need to know: environmental psychology, sensory design, chromotherapy, neuroaesthetics, shinrun-yoku, and biophilic design.
- Mike offers a CEU class on Design Harmony. There is also a section on how to begin marketing yourself as a health and wellness-based design firm.
- Once designers have a conviction of their real value proposition, they can then start marketing themselves with confidence using all of the correct terminology.
Connect with Mike!
Mike’s Email
Mike’s Website
Mike’s Instagram
Free PDF: Finding Your Brand Personality
Design Harmony – A Look at Design’s Influence on Health and Wellness
Interior Designers Embracing Wellness – Focused Design Opportunties
Sign up for CEU Class via Zoom August 13, 2020, only $40.00 per person!
Design Harmony: Design’s Influence on Health & Wellness
Book Mentioned:
Beauty, Neuroscience, and Architecture: Timeless Patterns and Their Impact on Our Well-Being by Donald H. Ruggles
Nature by Design: The Practice of Biophilic Design by Stephen Kellert
Links :
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?
Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!
Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!
Closing the Sale Begins at Hello
July 29 & 30, 2020
Go to IWCE Vision to register.
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:
Choose Monogram!
Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?
Other shows mentioned for shownotes:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest is LuAnn’s friend, Arianne Bellizaire. In this #blacklivesmatter episode, Arianne shares her experiences with us as a black woman and designer. Don’t be surprised when you have some self-discovery moments as Arianne takes LuAnn on a dive into the policies and systems that have been built in this country that allow us to see things differently. In addition, Arianne catches us up on what she’s been working on since she was last a guest on the show, and you don’t want to miss the details of her new video course! Please join this conversation, for you are sure to learn something new.
Award-winning, Baton Rouge-based interior designer and content creator Arianne Bellizaire is a certified True Colour Expert who inspires her design clients and readers with her warmth, positivity, and creative problem-solving talents. Among Arianne's many awards and achievements in her design career, she has been named a High Point Market Authority Style Spotter (2015), Perlick Ambassador of Cool (2017), Villeroy & Boch Color Challenge Winner (2017), Modenus Blog Tour invitee (2016 & 2019), and Modenus DesignHound (Spain and London 2016, Surfaces 2018). Her blog Inspired To Style is a two-time nominee for the Amara Interior Blog Awards (2016, 2017) and is currently listed as one of the Modenus Top 100 Influential Blogs. Her work and expertise have been featured in Rue Daily, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Business of Home, and USA Today.
Show Highlights:
- Arianne shares how she decided to have more conversations about race with her white friends through reading How To Be An Antiracist and talking about it in the Facebook group that she created for it, Courageous Conversations: Unpacking Racism.
- This Facebook group grew rapidly and within two weeks of its inception, a curriculum and format was created.
- “Part of the challenge is everybody’s perspective causes them to see the world differently.” - Arianne
- The book allows the group to see history and policies as they are layered over race.
- Do you remember the debate about the dress that people were adamant was either black and blue or white and gold? Does Arianne have an analogy for you!
- Arianne provides examples of how we all subliminally have a hierarchy in our minds regarding race, and what is “good” versus what is “bad”.
- We must look at every policy and ask ourselves if that policy is “anti-racist”.
- “Anti-racist” is anything that provides equity for all races. It does not make one race superior to another.
- When you hear someone point out inequities or discrepancies, please do not feel offended. Rather, listen to the fact that that person loves this country enough to try to make it better.
- Arianne discusses her video course, Video Like A Pro. It’s about how to do video: how to make video a story, how to write a script, how to plan for your shoots, what equipment you need, and much more!
Connect with Arianne!
Arianne’s Email
Arianne’s Instagram
Arianne’s Facebook
Arianne’s Pinterest
Arianne’s Twitter
Arianne’s video course:
Facebook Group: Courageous Conversations: Unpacking Racism
Books Mentioned:
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi
Stamped by Ibram X Kendi
Links :
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?
Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!
Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!
Closing the Sale Begins at Hello
July 29 & 30, 2020
Go to IWCE Vision.com to register.
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.
Other shows mentioned
#20 Arianne’s original appearance
Other #BLM Shows:
#549 Corey Damen Jenkins
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is her friend, Karen Wolf, and they’re going to be covering how Karen jumped into immediate action at the outset of the Covid-19 crisis. Karen’s background in marketing taught her to “double down or drown”, and she wasn’t about to drown. Listen in to hear how Karen’s decisive leadership combined with a willingness to think outside the box put her in the category of an exceptional business owner. See if you don’t have some great “A’ha” moments during this conversation!
Karen is the Principal and Owner of nationally-recognized Karen B. Wolf Interiors. She is known for her signature style—"modern elegance,” which speaks to livable luxury, balanced color usage, clean lines, and layered spaces. Prioritizing her clients’ input and preferred aesthetics, Karen leads her team of talented women to create upscale residential spaces that speak authentically to her clients’ one-of-a-kind lifestyles and interests. Karen’s enthusiasm and passion for all facets of interior design have been a driving factor in her firm’s 10+ years of success and ability to work transparently, collaboratively, and effectively with her community of loyal clients.
A triple-threat, Karen’s education in Fine Arts, Marketing and Trends Analysis offered her the knowledge and vision to build a successful design business from the ground up. With experience in product development, Karen always has her eye on what’s new and next, organically incorporating the newest and upcoming trends in ways that are warm and timeless.
Karen’s work has been featured in a number of notable regional and national publications, both print and digital, as well as on national television on NBC’s George to the Rescue. A reliable source in the design industry, Karen has participated on business and design-focused podcasts and has an engaged, consistent presence at industry trade shows and conferences around the country.
Karen believes that every project deserves a little sparkle, a little color, something natural, and lots of love.
Show Highlights:
- Karen explains her “double-down or drown” philosophy.
- Designers should be marketing themselves 25% of the time, especially during a recession or pandemic.
- Learn to identify and overcome the roadblocks and perception issues that get in the way of marketing.
- Karen describes how she decided on content creation and marketing outreach for lead generation.
- The biggest move Karen made was creating Design Pop Live, an IG series on Design Trends.
- The content generated by these talks can be broken up into mini content for Pinterest, Facebook and blog. The content can also inspire additional topics for conversations.
- “You have to step past the fear, and step out. It works! After I did it once, it was just like riding a bike, all over again.” - Karen
- Consider hiring a marketing coordinator.
- Karen details her key strategies.
- Work it! Sometime you just have to hustle to succeed, especially right now.
Connect with Karen!
Karen’s Instagram
Karen’s Facebook
Karen’s Pinterest
Karen’s Website
Links :
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Price: $2195
Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?
Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!
Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!
Closing the Sale Begins at Hello
July 29 & 30, 2020
Go to IWCE Vision to register.
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!
Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service.
Their popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture!
FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!
Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!
My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business
Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Ashley Uhl joins LuAnn on today’s show to talk about how to talk to your clients like a leader, not like a boss.
Ashley Uhl is the only client experience consultant exclusively focused on working with interior designers and decorators.
Ashley’s knowledge and expertise in client experience comes from her degree in Psychology, years of working with high net worth individuals at wealth management firm Morgan Stanley, formal training and work in human relations, sales, and presentations at top professional development company, Dale Carnegie, and from years of gleaning knowledge from five star establishments she visited during her international travel. Her knowledge of interior design, and the processes around it, came from her short stint as a designer, which then became a pivot to teaching designers about the client experience.
Ashley now shows designers how to confidently lead clients through the design process by teaching them a repeatable, systematic approach to delivering an exceptional client experience. One that results in higher fees, increased efficiency, and clients absolutely adoring you.
Ashley’s blog on the exceptional client experience is read by design professionals all over the world and has been a featured guest on podcasts such as Wingnut Social, Kimberly Seldon’s Business of Design, Kate the Socialite’s The Kate Show, and Michelle Williams’ Profit is a Choice. You can learn more about Ashley and how she works with designers at Ashley Uhl Consulting.
Show Highlights:
- You don’t want your clients to run over you, so you want to communicate with them in a very specific, client-friendly way.
- Especially in initial conversations with people, keep the focus on what you’re willing to do, not on what you’re NOT willing to do. Talk in the positive.
- Ashley shares how to redirect clients in constructive ways.
- There’s a gentle way to flip deadlines around holidays and parties.
- “You aren’t a butler; you choose to be a servant-leader. You’re setting the tone every step of the way. You’re a leader who’s actively thinking through problems that your client is going to come up against. “ - Ashley
- It’s Ok to tell your client you need some time to think on a request, but let them know when you will get back with them. Take this time to experience your fear, then come up with a solution to take to your client. This puts you back in the leadership position.
- Explaining situations with respect to your clients is the doctor’s equivalent of having a great “bedside manner”.
- Ashley has pre-recorded video courses that can be taken at any time that teaches you how you can consistently provide an exceptional client experience from beginning to end. She also provides ideas on client pampering!
Connect with Ashley!
Ashley’s Facebook
Ashley’s Instagram
Ashley’s Pinterest
Ashley’s Email
Links :
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Attend the Virtual IWCE - July 29-30, 2020
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Price: $2195
Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?
Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!
Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Instagram
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!
Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.
Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service.
Their popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture!
Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM
Claire Jefford #237, #325, #486
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.
Today’s question comes from Griffin Dorner, who is pregnant and due in October. Furthermore, she is the only one in her business so she’s looking for tips on how to prepare for maternity leave.
Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.
If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!
Show Highlights:
- LuAnn provides the details around Griffin’s situation.
- LuAnn speaks from her heart regarding making our babies our first priority.
- Griffin should consider what she will and will not do during maternity leave.
- Based on that conversation with herself and a trusted family member, friend, or peer, here are what Griffin’s next steps should be:
- Review her projects and tie out as many as she can right now to completion.
- Review and lock down her finances, including invoices and operating expenses.
- Consider what happens with deficiency phone calls.
- Consider what happens with new work inquiries.
- Consider what to do about email and phone and who will be checking it.
- If you have a social media presence, think about hiring it out!
- If you have a newsletter, maybe take the time to write your blog posts now.
- LuAnn details how Griffin may be able to put her work hat on once a week while a loved one cares for her baby as she monitors work situations.
Links :
Closing the Sale Begins at Hello
July 29 & 30, 2020
Go to IWCE Vision.com to register.
LuAnn's new course taught by Traci Connell:
Starts July 22nd!
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
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 Blog
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is Vicky Serany from Southern Studio, and you’re going to hear how Vicky’s mission, vision, and goals for her company changed over the years. Sometimes you just have to make your business fit the life you have. You’ll be inspired to learn that you can revise, recalibrate, and reinvent your business at any time ever, over your entire life - and you’re going to receive lots of insights on leadership, too, so listen in!
Vicky Serany uses fresh combinations of texture, pattern, and color to create luxury interiors that meet the needs of each client. By paying attention to every detail of a project, she is able to meticulously transform the design vision into reality. Her inspiration comes from the beauty in everyday life and travel to fascinating places. Vicky’s extensive work in residential design and new home construction has earned her awards both locally and nationally. Vicky is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and lives in Cary with her husband, Dan. This empty nest mom jumps at the opportunity to spend time with her two grown children. When she’s not creating inspired interiors, Vicky enjoys spending time at the beach, sharing a bottle of wine with close friends, and exploring new adventures on her bucket list!
Southern Studio Interior Design was founded in 2001 and has earned a reputation as an award-winning interior design firm specializing in luxury interior spaces with casual sophistication. We believe that a well-designed home is timeless and reflects the unique personalities of its owners. The mission of Southern Studio is to provide a high level of creativity, integrity, and personalized attention to every project.
Show Highlights:
- Vicky shares the dilemma she faced during the 2008 recession and the solution she found that actually went against everybody’s advice.
- Vicky and her team took advantage during coronavirus to work on “Covid-19” projects from home, learning new skills.
- “The one thing I’ve learned is that if we really focus on best business practices, we can survive and we plan for the down times.” Vicky
- LuAnn addresses the need to have a support group within the industry - mentors, business coaches, and experts in the area.
- Vicky provides an overview of the tools, processes, and systems that help her and her team to manage projects.
- Every team member is empowered to use their “Make It Right” policy.
- Learn from mistakes.
- Think about where you want to be and where you want to go so that you’re better equipped to lead your teams into the future.
- No matter where you are as a designer, you get there with a plan, taking action, and your support group.
- When things are tough, it doesn’t always mean that something is wrong.
- Don’t be paralyzed by fear!
Connect with Vicky!
Vicky’s Email
Vicky’s Website
Vicky’s Instagram
Vicky’s Blog
Links :
19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio
July 15th, 2020
Price: $129
EARLY BIRD PRICING OF $99 THROUGH JULY 14TH!!
Closing the Sale Begins at Hello
July 29 & 30, 2020
Go to IWCE Vision to register.
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Price: $2195
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!
Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!
My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business
Other shows mentioned
LuAnn Solo show: Let's Be Profitable #491
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Photographer Mike Van Tassell joins LuAnn in conversation today, and if you know anything about last year’s LuAnn Live, then you already know Mike. If you don’t, you will by the end of this show! As you listen, there will be no mistaking Mike’s commitment and passion to his profession and how he works with designers and architects. You’re in for a treat!
Born and raised in New York City, Mike always found himself surrounded by cutting edge art and stunning architecture. His passion for art was one that developed early in life and always stuck with him. While studying Graphic Arts & Architecture at the City University of New York, he discovered photography through his coursework and began diving into the medium as a hobby. That hobby soon flourished into a professional career as he discovered a way to combine his excitement for photography and architecture.
Mike spent the first 15 years of his professional career as a Photographer, Art Director and Creative Director for marketing organizations across New Jersey and New York City. Today, as an independent photographer, he is able to combine 15 years of client-facing services, along with his vision as an artist to bring a best in class customer experience to his clients.
Mike is equally devoted to delivering high-end photography, as well as an unmatched customer experience to each of his clients. Specializing in partnerships with architects, interior designers, and what sets him apart is his ability to truly partner and collaborate with his clients as fellow artists with a vision for their work. Mike takes time in his process to hear each of their unique needs and apply a trained eye to his photography, ultimately delivering stand-out images that capture his client’s artistic vision and help their business to thrive.
His partnerships span across multiple verticals including residential, commercial, academic, civic & cultural, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. His photography is used across advertising and marketing campaigns, professional portfolios, and design competitions globally.
Show Highlights:
- In LuAnn’s observation and experience, there is a vast difference between average photography and excellent photography.
- Mike’s goal is to help designers take their photos to the next level, as well as elevate their online presence.
- Mike shares how interior designers can successfully work in partnership with photographers.
- Avoid trend photography, and photograph your spaces the way you want them to appear in your portfolio.
- Once you’ve established your style and your brand, photography can complement that by getting your photos where they need to be.
- Mike explains how a good photographer will be able to adapt to a designer’s style by using supplemental lighting, natural sunlight, subtracting light, or by replicating sunlight with strobe lights, for example.
- Capture photos that take prospective clients back into that space that you designed.
- Quality photographs of your design work is a key component in marketing your business and cultivating new clients.
- Here’s what Mike wished designers knew that could make their projects better!
- LuAnn and Mike reminisce over his photography session at last year’s LuAnn Live.
- “Photographers are like pizza. Everyone thinks they have the best pizza until they have the best pizza.” - Mike
- If you’re looking at your photography and you’re not getting a visceral reaction, then it might be time to consider a different photographer.
- Photography should be factored in when rebranding your website, as the photographs will be the first thing that a prospective client will notice.
- Remember: Photography is a partnership, a collaboration between creatives.
Connect with Mike!
Mike’s Email
Mike’s Website
Mike’s Instagram
Mike’s LinkedIn
Mike’s Blog Post: How to Bring Your Interior Design Style to Life Through Photography
Links :
LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021
Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Price: $2195
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio
July 15th, 2020
Price: $129
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
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 to and to tag in SM
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Rasheeda Gray joins LuAnn in today’s #blacklivesmatter episode. Rasheeda shares her personal experiences in that we all may learn, benefit, and grow.
Rasheeda Gray is the owner and principal designer of Gray Space Interiors, a full-service design firm in the Philadelphia area. Launched in 2016, Gray Space is devoted to curating a client-focused, transformative, and seamless design experience. With over 75 residential and commercial projects completed, the Gray Space approach to design can be found at the intersection of creativity, functionality, and process.
Rasheeda's path into design begins at the tail end of a fifteen year career in Marketing and Communications with the nation's top insurance companies. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and International Business as well as a Masters of Business Administration degree (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing. Additionally, she holds a professional certificate in Interior Design from Temple University. Features include HGTV, Good Day Philadelphia, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest Pro, Designers Today, and more. Rasheeda is also the co-founder of Gray Real Estate Group, a real estate development company, along-side her husband, Jake and together they have two children, Jacob Jr., and Kennedy.
Show Highlights:
- Rasheeda shares from the heart - her experiences as a black woman, mom, wife, corporate leader, and designer.
- Here are Rasheeda’s ideas for action:
- Follow, support, and share the #sharethemic initiative, both the original movement founded by Bozoma St John and her colleagues and ingeniously brought to our industry by Albie Buabeng. Albie is on Instagram at Albie Knows so follow her for information and updates. To learn more about Albie, please go back to episode #348 when she was on this podcast.
- Vote, show up, make sure the people in government enact laws that result in real changes.
- Representation within our industry. Shelter magazines, live events, show houses, product licensing, product development, everything. Look around and speak up to the ones in charge when you do not see our black colleagues at the table.
- Donate to organizations who make it possible to make change. In the industry, Rasheeda mentioned Black Artists Design Guild and The Black Interior Design organization. Outside the industry consider the NAACP.
- And finally, do not let this be only a moment, a hashtag. Keep talking, keep learning, stay accountable, teach your friends and children so real change becomes a reality.
- Please consider where and how you will show up to support her and all of our black colleagues and friends.
Connect with Rasheeda!
Rasheeda’s Email
Rasheeda’s Website
Rasheeda’s Instagram
Rasheeda’s Facebook
Rasheeda’s Pinterest
Links :
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio
July 15th, 2020
Price: $129
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Price: $2195
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service.
Their popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture!
Other shows mentioned for shownotes, to link to and to tag in SM
Kae Whitaker #26, #114, #259, #274, #556
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today, LuAnn’s guest, Sara Hillery, shares her top tips for client retention and sound advice that you’ll be able to apply to your own business. Take notes or listen to it a second time, too, because you’re sure to hear some tidbits you missed the first time!
Sara’s approach involves incorporating the fine and rare with the utilitarian and available, creating beautiful and functional spaces. With a focus on honoring each client’s personal history, the firm excels at updating and transforming client’s interior spaces both architecturally and decoratively making previously acquired and antique pieces more relevant and practical. While Sara draws inspiration from her travels to Europe, India, and Japan, her style invariably reflects her Southern heritage and familial roots in Virginia, Texas, and New Orleans.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia in 2004, Sara turned her focus to architecture and interiors and received her MFA in Interior Environments and ASID certification at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007.
After beginning her career in interior design working for a design group in Richmond, Virginia, Sara relocated to Houston where she became a Project Designer at Lucas Eilers Design Associates. While at Lucas Eilers, Sara’s projects received numerous local awards and accolades including Best in Show, Best Vacation Home, and Best Residential Green Design, and were featured in numerous publications.
In 2011 Sara opened Sara Hillery Interior Design. As a proud working mother of 3, Sara excels at making design family friendly while still remaining creative, elegant, and timeless. RHome, New Orleans Home and Lifestyles, and Boomer Magazine have featured her work. Sara Hillery Interior Design has completed projects in Louisiana, New York, Texas, and Virginia.
Show Highlights:
- “Clients aren’t just clients, they’re a part of my life.” - Sara
- Sara has genuine interest in each client. The more she knows and understands about them, the better she can serve them.
- Sara’s detailed client questionnaire serves as a reference throughout the relationship and is updated as she gets to know the client.
- Setting up the client’s expectations at the very beginning of a project is very important, and Sara offers her strategies.
- LuAnn shares how we sometimes function out of fear, but we can learn how to operate from a place of faith that doesn’t rock us when we encounter a surprise.
- More tips from Sara regarding client retention throughout the project.
- Remember that there is a big emotional tie between the client and the work you are doing for their home.
- Don’t forget a unique, personal gift to present to your client when the project ends. Sara has a fantastic idea for you to consider!
- Bottom line in client retention: Pay attention to people, learn the things about them that matter, and act on ways you can show that you appreciate them.
Connect with Sara!
Sara’s Houzz
Sara’s Website
Sara’s Instagram
Sara’s Facebook
Sara’s Email
Links :
LuAnn’s Blogpost on Faith or Fear
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio
July 15th, 2020
Price: $129
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Price: $2195
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!
Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!
My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business
Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!
Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.
Other shows mentioned to link.
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn welcomes Brad Leavitt back to the show, and they are going to be discussing what your builder wants you to know. Don’t miss this motivating conversation, it will be like being a fly on the wall to an exclusive builder’s club!
AFT Construction is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Pella, Cambria, Elkay, and Post-it Notes. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley.
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. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability, and quality. Brad and his wife Ashley have 6 children, 5 girls, and 1 boy. Brad is active with all 6 of his children, serves in his local community, and loves all sports.
Show Highlights:
- Brad and LuAnn discuss the importance of a design book.
- The more a designer puts on paper, the more accountable the builder will be.
- As your expertise grows, so will the level of detail you deliver in your design book.
- When you provide a builder with an example of your design book, that enables him to sell your value to the client.
- Brad shares how CAD brings extra value to the design book.
- It’s important to reach out to non-competing designers through social media and other networking opportunities to find out how they’re doing things.
- Brad encourages designers to chase the next-level project. You perfect your process and refine it after each job by doing a project autopsy.
- LuAnn covers the benefits to attracting builders who want to work with you.
- Brad divulges the tips to attract the right builders to work with you.
- The bottom line is this is a relationship-driven industry!
Connect with Brad!
Brad’s Email
Brad’s Website
The AFT Construction Podcast
Brad’s Instagram (AFT_Construction)
Brad’s Pinterest (AFT_Construction)
Brad’s Facebook
Brad’s LinkedIn
Links :
Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!
With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors
Get on the Email List HERE!
19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio
July 15th, 2020
Price: $129
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895
Early Bird ends TODAY, July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
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 include in show notes:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.
Today’s question comes from Angela in Pennsylvania. Angela has 20 years of experience in design but considers herself somewhat of a baby designer since she only opened her own business two years ago. The Covid-19 event has had a huge impact on her virtual close rate, and she’s needing some guidance.
Listen in to hear more about the dilemma that Angela faces, as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.
If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!
Show Highlights:
- LuAnn shares the details of Angela’s dilemma:
- Angela has resisted switching her business model and has picked up a few clients virtually, for which she receives a small deposit.
- She presents them with a slide presentation with fabrics delivered via mail, and the clients love what they see.
- When the client sees the invoice, however, they offer various excuses to back out.
- Angela’s close rate prior to Covid-19 was about 90%; now it’s around 10%.
- Here are some of LuAnn’s suggestions for Angela:
- Think outside the box!
- It’s very helpful to have an automatic salary withdrawal for yourself every week, even if it’s small. When you know you have to make money, somehow you do it.
- Since Angela is having a hard time closing full-service projects, perhaps she should consider adjusting her business model, after all. Angela could lean into a temporary consultancy model, as there have been other designers who have had great success with this.
- Don’t mail out the presentation unless the fee is paid up front.
- A 90% close rate means prices are too low.
- Get real and examine the entire process from beginning to end with the client to discover the reason why they are backing out of their deals. What signs were missed or ignored along the way?
- In wrapping up, LuAnn encourages Angela to go back and think about her “why”. If Angela truly loves being self-employed, she should stay the course and keep perfecting her process, because this will increase her confidence which will, in turn, increase her profits.
Links :
19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio
July 15th, 2020
Price: $129
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895
Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:
Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!
Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.
Other shows mentioned:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On today’s show, LuAnn chats with Rebecca Robinson from Monarch Lane Interiors. Rebecca is one of the leading home renovation experts in Tennessee, and she’ll be sharing how she explains her value to contractors and builders and how this results in a full pipeline for her and her firm. You’ll also hear how Mydoma Studio makes this process even easier for her to pitch to contractors and easier for her to effectively manage the projects once she lands them. Don’t miss this conversation!
Monarch Lane Interiors is a Full Service Interior Design firm by Rebecca Robinson. With 20 years of experience remodeling the homes, offices, and commercial Studios of successful professionals around Nashville and surrounding counties. Rebecca is involved in every aspect of remodeling from drawing floor plans to color and selections to managing contractors and overseeing the design and construction details.
A customer relationship specialist, Rebecca has formed lasting friendships with her clients, helping some with multiple homes and projects. Her clients describe her as passionate, positive, and a problem solver.
Specializing in Kitchen and Bath Design, Rebecca holds the certification of Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer-AKBD. She knows the industry guidelines and codes to keep your home’s best interests in mind. A member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association -NKBA, the longest and largest established design organization. Also an Allied Member of ASID- American Society of Interior Designers. Rebecca graduated from O’More College of Design with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design.
Rebecca launched her design firm in 2006 after working several years managing a team of designers at a local furniture retailer. It is there that she gained the knowledge of flooring, furniture construction, and textiles, as well as managing store operations, client budgets, and organizing the delivery and warehouse team. Her experience designing Model homes also gave her the eye for staging and furniture and accessories. A long-term resident of Nashville, Rebecca knows the area, along with real estate and design trends to enhance the home’s value.
Show Highlights:
- Rebecca shares how she saw the need to work on the contractor / designer relationship.
- Here are some reasons why contractors don’t like to work with designers.
- Rebecca details a private package she ended up creating that contractors can buy as a gift to their clients.
- Mydoma Studio allows clients and contractors to log in to a project that you’re working on, and Rebecca sits down and shows them how to use the website.
- The client has the option to purchase additional design work when their initial gifted time has been used.
- LuAnn and Rebecca covers some of the ways that Mydoma Studio makes communicating and managing a project so much easier.
- How Rebecca reaches out to contractors that she does not personally know.
- “When I present to a contractor, I don’t just tell them all these things. I actually bring my laptop and show them Mydoma. Every single time.” Rebecca
- Rebecca addresses the rebranding of her business in 2019 and all the changes that accompanied it.
- Sometimes you just have to jump into your fear and go for it!
- LuAnn imparts some wise words about making mistakes.
- Business retreats are powerful and can bring great results! Do you want harmony in your business? Check out Rebecca’s Designer Notes Retreat.
Connect with Rebecca!
Rebecca’s Website
FREE Download! The Interior Designer's Guide to Working with Contractors
Links :
19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio
July 15th, 2020
Pre-Sale Price: $99 through June 30th
Full Price: $129 effective July 1st
Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895
Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
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:
Choose Monogram!
Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?
Other shows mentioned to link:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Desi Creswell joins LuAnn in a conversation today about breaking old habits and how to think about the same things in new ways. You’ll hear about how important it is to get real about your life by setting goals and expectations that serve you in totality so that you can run both your life and your business in sustainable ways. Get ready for some fantastic a-ha moments!
Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally achieve next-level success with more freedom and fulfillment. An awarding-winning interior designer who has worked for world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice, Desi is uniquely equipped to empower her clients with an essential blend of industry specific expertise and mindset coaching. Her passion is to help designers build thriving businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole.
Desi will be one of the co-authors in LuAnn’s next book, A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts, Volume II.
Show Highlights:
- Desi explains that many designers are solopreneurs and wear both the CEO and the technician hats.
- The CEO is responsible for the vision of the business.
- Many designers spend too much time as technicians and not enough time developing their capacity to run the business as CEO.
- If this happens, a designer basically becomes a glorified assistant for their own business.
- You can’t afford to NOT take the time to get intentional about where you’re headed.
- How is your business serving your life?
- Desi covers CEO tasks and questions for consideration.
- Develop a strategy and be intentional about the way you’re spending your time.
- Think about what is possible, and make sure your life goals and business goals support each other.
- “The intention of growing your business and setting big goals for yourself is not just about the results, it is about the person you get to become once that goal is realized.” - Desi
- Be aware of places you might stumble!
- Desi and LuAnn share a plethora of tips, tricks, and strategies to get you on your way to honoring commitments to yourself as you grow your life and your business by developing your CEO mindset.
Connect with Desi!
Desi’s Website
Desi’s Instagram
Desi’s Email
Schedule Mini Session HERE
The Interior Designer’s Get It Done Daily Planner - FREE Download HERE
Links :
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:
Choose Monogram!
Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?
Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!
Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.
Other shows mentioned
Sara Lynn Brennan #463, 514, 524
Kae is a Digital Marketing Strategist that specializes in helping service providers create automated marketing systems that close the gap in leads lost, enhance their sales processes, and keep customers returning bringing their friends.
Kae’s philosophy is it takes the right strategy coupled with the proper tools to execute a well thought out plan. She takes a tailored approach to helping her clients satisfy their online revenue goals, by paying attention to the unique needs, audience and capacity of each business, and creating strategies that are beneficial for not only the customers but the companies as well.
She would love the opportunity to speak with you about your digital marketing goals and how she can help. Kae offers complimentary calls to talk through your needs and see how she can best help you meet your goals.
Connect with Kae!
Kae’s Website
Kae’s Instagram
Kae’s Facebook
Kae’s Twitter
Kae’s Pinterest
Kae’s Email
Oprah Show on YouTube:
Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 1)
Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 2)
Book:
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts by LuAnn Nigara & Friends
Other shows mentioned
Kae Whitaker #26, #66, #114, #259, #274
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest on today’s show is her good friend, Sara Daniele, the founder and CEO of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio also happens to be the second-longest standing sponsor of this podcast!
Don’t miss their conversation because you’ll want to hear all of the exciting details about Mydoma Studio’s 19H The Blueprint workshop that is coming up in July. This course will help design professionals, like you, build resilience into your business, no matter what crisis comes your way.
Sarah Daniele is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio is the complete interior designer toolkit; workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. The first version of Mydoma Studio was built to fulfill a personal need. It was the encouragement of her peers that Sarah Daniele turned tech CEO and built Mydoma Studio for the interior design industry. Sarah is passionate about building tools and technology to allow interior designers to grow their businesses. Sarah has previously spoken at leading industry events and technology panels. Sarah and Mydoma Studio have also been featured in Designers Today, Home Accents Today, Editor at Large, and Kitchen, Bath Design News, and A Well Designed Business podcast.
Show Highlights:
- The 19Hours digital conference replaced High Point in April.
- The upcoming 19H The Blueprint will take place July 15th, 2020!
- You didn’t have to attend April’s conference to get benefits from the new workshop.
- Sarah shares how this newest course has come about.
- Sarah is an interior designer who happens to also run and operate a software company.
- LuAnn kicks off the workshop at 10:30am EST!
- A comprehensive recording will be sent to all attendees within 24 hours after the event.
- Sarah gives an overview of what to expect with each presentation of this 5-step methodology:
- Step 1: Learn how to target your ideal customers
- Step 2: Set your project up for success
- Step 3: Organization & Presentation
- Step 4: Checks & Balances
- Step 5: Presenting the project closeout
- There will be time dedicated after each session for Q&A.
- “This is the how. This is getting stuff done!” - Sarah
- This methodology teaches you how to build an adaptable process.
- For more information, visit 19hours The Blueprint.
Connect with Sara!
Sara’s Website: Mydoma Studio
For more Information: 19hours The Blueprint
July 15th, 2020
Pre-Sale Price: $99 through June 30th
Full Price: $129 effective July 1st
Join our designer community on Facebook! Mydoma Studio Designers
Email: sarah@mydomastudio.com
Links :
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895
Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?
Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!
Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!
Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! It’s Power Talk Friday and LuAnn is pleased to have her good friend, Traci Connell, joining her to talk about their newest venture, the Buy Wholesale for Profit program.
Listen in as they give you a sneak-peek of The 6 Steps to Making Maximum Profit through Buying Wholesale!
Traci Connell is an inviting, engaging, and approachable mentor who has overcome personal setbacks to build the business of her dreams - a multi-million dollar interior design business that she grew and scaled while navigating single-motherhood in the wake of immense tragedy. Traci is an expert in delivering unique design with ease of mind. She says: “What good is a luxurious home if you can’t actually live in it?” That philosophy drives her to provide high-end interior design that really lasts for every one of her clients. From initial to final details, each project is outlined through a state-of-the-art project management system, streamlining the process and enhancing the client experience. Over the years, Traci has been recognized with numerous local and national awards and publications in the interior design industry as well as many accolades within the business community. She recently launched her coaching and consulting business to teach other designers and female entrepreneurs how to get unstuck and scale their businesses just like she did using her proven system that she tested and developed over the past 8 years. She is really excited to share this system with others.
Show Highlights:
- Traci shares the story of how she decided to grow and scale, and how she developed this information into a proven program.
- Traci relates the benefits to designers who follow her course.
- The Buy Wholesale for Profit modules that Traci details are:
- Pivoting Your Business Mindset - The differences between consultancy and furnishings business models, the procurement timeline, and the advantages of wholesale margins vs. retail. Plus: Traci’s Furniture Revenue Forecasting Tool to project past a NET income of $100k.
- Developing a Buying Co-op - The characteristics of successful partners, the desired strengths, and red flags. Plus: Traci’s Business Formation Checklist and template to develop and organizational chart for partnership success.
- Outreach to Vendors/Manufacturers - How to develop a list of target vendors, and how to communicate your value to vendors. Plus: Traci’s cheat sheet of preferred manufacturers and tip sheet for communicating with vendors.
- Pricing Your Furnishings and Design Fees - Your pricing sweet spot, how to convince clients to buy, and how to develop a budget. Plus: Traci’s preferred method for developing a design fee and furnishings budget.
- Processes and Systems for Expansion - The tools of a successful reseller, which project management software should you use, and the timeline from presentation to installation. Plus: Traci’s Top Tip Sheet for considering a receiving warehouse and a no-fail project timeline template.
- Wrap-Up - During this module, Traci answers lingering questions, helps you put all of this information together, and helps you decide on a clear path forward.
- You still have to look at the local artisans and support the showrooms in your area!
- Please visit the website for more details and information about the deliverables built into this course, which include a private FB specifically for the attendees of the course. You can ask Traci questions between sessions and connect with each other for support and help!
- All of the sessions are recorded and you will have lifetime access to them to watch, in case you miss a session or if you want to re-visit them at any point in the future.
- “When we don’t have the confidence, it’s because we don’t have the tools behind us to lean on.” Traci Connell
Connect with Traci!
Traci’s Email
Traci’s Coaching Website
Traci’s Interiors Website
Traci’s Instagram
Traci’s Facebook
Traci’s Pinterest
Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit
KICKING OFF July 22, 2020
Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895
Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.
Links :
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
LuAnn’s Blog
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?
Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!
Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
Open Your Trade Account & Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim!
Use Code at Checkout: AWDB10
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.
Traci's original appearance on the show #525
Other shows mentioned:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.
Today’s question comes from Leslie, a designer that LuAnn happened to meet last winter in Chicago at the Power House Luxury Conference. Leslie is struggling to educate customers who walk into her hybrid full-service design firm / large retail showroom and expect free design services.
Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.
If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara!
Show Highlights:
- LuAnn shares the details surrounding Leslie’s dilemma and identifies with the consumer education stru
- It is likely that your messaging is not clear if you are constantly explaining yourself, your business, and your process to people. Once you are clear, the struggle will be over.
- LuAnn suggests that Leslie carefully analyze all of her revenue streams, using this enlightening and motivating exercise:
- What was your gross revenue last year?
- Identify all sources of revenue: design fees, product sales from the showroom, markup on outside contracted goods and services…what others do you have if any?
- What is the breakdown in gross revenue by category?
- What is the net profit margin of each category?
- What one or two revenue streams do you like doing the most?
- Are either of your favorite ways to make money also one of your top producing streams?
- If the answer is no, is there a way to increase their gross revenue capacity or their gross profit margins?
- The 2 big things to consider from this exercise:
- Step 1: Get clear on where you earn the most and then move in that direction.
- Step 2: If the competition is zigging, you need to zag.
- Have a beautiful hand-out made for the furniture salespeople, designers, and customer service reps to refer to and to give out to all potential customers that come in the store.
- LuAnn details all the information that the hand-out might hold, such as furniture services on one side of the hand-out and full service design on the other side.
- Educating the team members on the two different services is very important, so that they can present the hand-out to customers and answer questions with confidence.
Links :
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!
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 Blog
Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?
Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?
Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!
Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!
LuAnn's new course taught by Traci Connell:
Starts July 22nd!
Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?
Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.
She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!
A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:
When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:
Choose Monogram!
Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?