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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful interior design business. Design school doesn't always teach you the critical business skills to be sure your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well Designed Business is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 35 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices.
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Now displaying: December, 2021
Dec 31, 2021

Today with Chelsie Butler: 

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Today I am joined by Chelsie Butler. Chelsie is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.

I think we can all agree that to be featured in a magazine would be amazing! Today, Chelsie explains not only the benefits of being published in a trade magazine, but also the best practices on how to approach a trade magazine. I think you’ll be excited to learn all of the opportunities available to designers that Kitchen & Bath Business offers. From the KBB Person of the Year to being a guest on the podcast to being a judge at their awards program, Kitchen & Bath Business is much more accessible than you would think, to market your business. 

Pick it apart:

[1:55] Chelsie explains to LuAnn the criteria and qualifications of how someone can become KBB’s Person of the Year.

 

[9:20] This is where Chelsie and LuAnn start to pick apart all of the benefits of being published in a trade magazine.

 

[18:40] Chelsie explains how the case is not always KBB finding the designer and doing a Q&A, but that a designer can pitch themselves, a topic, AND write the article.

 

[28:45] Chelsie and LuAnn offer information and reassurance about nominating yourself for an awards program or Person of the Year.

 

[35:15] Chelsie talks about the editorial advisory board and how you can be involved in that.


LuAnn and Chelsie Butler’s Ah-Ha moments:

“In terms of being published in a trade magazine, you’re able to elevate yourself among your peers.” - Chelsie Butler

 

“When you submit yourself for the magazine, it’s not just the end result of being selected, which is exciting, but it’s also the creation of the relationships with the editors, writers, other designers etc. Sometimes the benefit is truly the building of the relationship because you can trace back so many other benefits that result from the relationship.” - LuAnn Nigara

 

“We want to show the pretty projects and pictures, but we want the audience to come away learning something. The more information we can get from the designers, the more likely we will be able to feature your project.” - Chelsie Butler

 

“We’re open to the designer actually writing the article and then I will edit it. We’ve worked with designers where there has been a lot of editing, and then after several more articles there is minimal editing. We’ve worked with designers where there is minimal editing right off the bat.” - Chelsie Butler

 

“As a content creator, you are putting a magazine out, you are putting the podcast out, you are putting the webinar out, you are probably spending 60% of your week looking for people and ideas. So anybody that puts their hand up and expresses interest, that is a win win. It’s an opportunity for the person and less research that you have to do.” - LuAnn Nigara

 

“When submitting your project, professional photos are what we are looking for if you have that.” - Chelsie Butler

Connect with Chelsie Butler

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter 

LinkedIn

More About Chelsie Butler:

Chelsie Butler is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. She has been an editor for various trade magazines in the Atlanta area since graduating from the University of Florida with a journalism degree in 1993. Titles relevant to her current position have included Atlanta Home Improvement, Commercial Construction, Hospitality Construction and Commercial Kitchens magazines, as well as Design:Retail, a KBB sister publication. She has participated in panels at multiple industry events, including Coverings, KBIS and ICFF, and during her time in her current position, the magazine has won two prestigious Azbee awards and one from Trade Association Business Publications International. Besides her career, another of Chelsie’s passions is volunteering at local animal rescue shelters, which she has been involved with for 10 years.

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

 

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

 

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma:

There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains - no matter how well you've weathered the storm, no doubt you've felt the effects somehow.

But instead of continuing to run up-hill, it's time to pause, and join me, and Mydoma, for 19H: The Re-think on January 19th, 2022.

This one-day seminar put on by Mydoma Studio will have you rethink your mindset, rethink your business model, and rethink your marketing with a number of presentations that come with fresh, actionable advice, and helpful tools and templates.

Just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event. Get your ticket at:
http://mydomastudio.com/19hluann

Dec 28, 2021

Today with Ippolita Rostagno

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Ippolita Rostagno, founder of her eponymous 20 year-old jewelry brand, and co-founder of the luxury e-tailer, Artemest.com.

While taking a leave of absence from her jewelry company, Ippolita learned to trust her professional intuition through all of her challenges, from people saying “no,” to certain technological challenges.  

Ippolita and I discussed the, “Come to Jesus” moments she faced with her jewelry business and while building Artemest.com. We discuss the importance of recognizing “failure,” to fail quickly, and to listen to your intuition. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to temporarily leave IPPOLITA Jewelry. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to buy back her jewelry company, grow it, while also growing Artemest from 60 artisans to 2000. This is a good one, folks!

Pick it apart:

 

  • [9:15] Ippolita explains how she gained the trust of the artisans in Italy who had resistance to sell online in addition to questioning how the beauty and detail of their craft could be portrayed.
  • [17:50] Ippolita talks about how instinct and knowledge let her know that there are potential customers for these artisans and where there is demand. 
  • [21:57] Surprising lessons that Ippolita has learned along the way.
  •  [31:00] Ippolita and LuAnn discuss how not giving up, reflecting, and being persistent will lead to success, with examples.
  • [42:00] Ippolita explains how Artemest works.

LuAnn and Ippolita Rostagno’s Ah-Ha moments:

“If you just start to research your industry, you can make choices along the way that really inform your path.” - Ippolita Rostagno

 

“Execution is everything!” - Ippolita Rostagno

 

“We say all the time, if you’re not making any mistakes then you’re just playing it too safe and you really aren’t stretching yourself in any way, shape or form. But it’s easy to forget that all of us make mistakes, no matter how amazing, we look at Artemest and think how everything must have been so easy.” - LuAnn Nigara

 

“Living a life that is full of love and satisfaction is very important and I think it looks different for everyone. You can't be motivated by money, you have to be motivated by your passion. It's all going to take a lot of work. Being an entrepreneur means that you have a certain kind of courage to not align yourself to any one process; that you're willing to find a solution. Put your money where your mouth is, devoting your time, energy, and resources to making your dream come true.” - Ippolita Rostagno

 

“It’s a good reminder that when we look at two of your businesses, how lucky they are, but there was a lot of intentional strategizing to make them happen. We can take those lessons to our own businesses; interior design firms, architecture firms, photography firms….” - LuAnn Nigara

More about Ippolita Rostagno:

Born and raised in the hills of Florence, Ippolita has always been inspired by the richness and simplicity of Italian culture. As a young girl, she discovered her love for jewelry in the shops and stalls of Ponte Vecchio. An artist first and a designer second, Ippolita studied sculpture and ceramics for five years at the Istituto D’Arte in Florence. After working in bronze and stone on large-scale works, Ippolita was inspired to apply her aesthetic to the world of adornment when she launched her eponymous jewelry collection in 1999 in New York with Bergdorf Goodman. A reverence for women and the female body has informed her style and her design vocabulary from the start. Her highly personal approach to fine jewelry is expressed in the sculptural nature of the organic shapes of her precious metals. A proprietary blend of 18K Gold and other precious metals creates a distinctive “green” hue, flattering to all skin types while her 925 Silver is a color with a brilliance all its own. The stone cuts Ippolita uses are characterized by their artfully random, larger-than-normal facets that conspire to create plays of light and shadow against the skin. Ippolita’s jewelry is an encounter with beauty. That beauty is an experience shared – between seller and buyer, wearer and creator, lover and loved one, devotee and neophyte. It is generous, participatory, outward-facing, welcoming, and open to all. “Beauty in our everyday lives brings joy to the human experience and fosters a culture of care.” 

 

“Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”

 

“I want to sculpt feminine ease using shape and form in organic unity. Celebrating raw materials while also revealing evidence of the maker’s hand. All the while investing in wearable certainty.”

 

“Wear the mark of the maker. Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”

Connect with Ippolita Rostagno:

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

# 40 Meryl Santopietro- How to Re-invent, Revitalize Your Firm, Even After 20 Years. 

 

# 540 Robin Baron- Strategic Thinking on Product Development

Dec 24, 2021

Today with Erica Courdae: 

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Erica Courdae, diversity and inclusion coach, is packed with simple, actionable advice ensuring our conversations and workplaces reflect a sense of kindness and inclusion. She also shares what to do when we get it all wrong as we continue to learn and grow alongside our fellow humans.

Pick it apart:

[10:10] Erica explains simultaneous realities

[13:38] Erica explains what true conversation is

[15:31] LuAnn covers a critical sales mistake

[24:44] Erica shares how she works with businesses

[39:10] Erica advises about how to communicate DEI efforts with a new, diverse hire

[44:28] Erica explains what she means by “operating on demographics without psychographics doesn’t work”


LuAnn and Erica Courdae’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You’re not expected to know it all or have access to everything. You just have to be willing to stay in action.” - Erica Courdae

 

“We are all processing through our own lens. There has to be a space of understanding.” - Erica Courdae

 

“It’s not okay to assume that somebody wants to be a part of something that you didn’t give them the opportunity to opt-out of.” - Erica Courdae

 

“There are learning opportunities in being less than perfect. If you get it all right, you’re not continuing to grow.” - Erica Courdae

Connect with Erica Courdae

Website

Facebook

Podcast

Instagram

Pause on the Play Podcast Community

Salon Instagram

LinkedIn

Salon Website

Erica’s FREE Imperfect Ally's Evaluation Checklist

More About Erica Courdae:

Erica Courdae has dedicated her life to expanding how others interact with the world through powerful conversations. As an entrepreneur and certified coach, her work is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), imperfect allyship, and imposter syndrome. This work has taken her into communities and onto national stages as a speaker and educator at noteworthy industry events like AltSummit, ShePodcasts Live, and Being Boss.

Erica is also the owner of an inclusive beauty salon, Silver Immersion, and the host of Pause on the Play, a podcast that features open dialogue on topics like company culture, visibility, and mindset. She lives in Maryland with her two children.

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

 

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

 

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet: Window Works has been having quality conversations with Kravet since the beginning. Their people know how to listen and how to deliver a premium experience and premium fabrics for both their buyer and for the end customer. For 10% off, go to kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10

 

Dec 21, 2021

Today with Chloe Mackintosh

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m chatting with Chloe Mackintosh, the principal designer and creator of Boxwood Avenue. 

Chloe and I discuss her journey from owning an Etsy shop in college, to developing a thriving blog, e-commerce / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. Moving to a town of 99 people, Chloe explains how she built a team of 12 people to help her conduct her business and formulate a proper “system and process.”

Pick it apart:

 

  • [8:06] Chloe talks about how she shut down The Shop for one year and, while she is very grateful for the business that she received at the time, it’s ok to follow your intuition and put the ball down so you can put things in order and work on your other goals. 

 

  • [28:07] Chloe discusses the importance of setting clear business and financial goals and how to strategize and budget in order to achieve those goals. 
  • [39:47] Chloe and LuAnn discuss systems and processes and how digital platforms like Asana, along with their team, have been key in organizing their businesses and systems and processes. Examples and Chloe’s daily business routine included. 
  • [48:36] Chloe shares her who, when and what in terms of her content creation process for Boxwood Avenue.
  • [57:30] Chloe admits how assistance with systems and processes has made her more confident in conducting her business and how, “Not passing on discounts” is important as a designer.

LuAnn and Chloe Mackintosh’s Ah-Ha moments:

“ That’s so sweet that you’ve noticed my belief of: If not you, then who? I would agree with you. It has helped me power through many things over the years as well. If you’re not going to do it, somebody else is? What trait, skill, asset...do they have that you don’t have? Figure it out. You can get what you need to have, to do it.” -LuAnn  Nigara

 

“ To build a business out at the size that you built it out, it’s again recognizing that different things are not your superpower. Surround yourself with people who understand those things respect you as you respect them back and also share your goals.” -LuAnn Nigara

 

“Going above and beyond is important because one referral can lead to 5 referrals, that can lead to a really incredible project. Our biggest project came from Facebook, so don’t be afraid to showcase work that you are proud of, but also remember that focusing on the client’s experience and doing the best that you can do will grow your business.” -Chloe Mackintosh

 

“The confidence that having great systems and processes and Renee’s help with our deliverables allows me to present myself better to clients and vendors. The confidence has been a big turn-around.” -Chloe Mackintosh

More about Chloe Mackintosh:

Chloe Mackintosh is the founder and creative director of Boxwood Avenue. She is a designer, shop owner, and blogger. She began her journey at 17 years old with an Etsy shop and has since built her business into a thriving blog, e-com / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. With a growing social footprint of over 10 million impressions per month and 250,000 followers across social platforms, Chloe now leads a team of 12, all from a town with a population of 99. 

Chloe has been featured by many publications including Domino and Country Living, she is a Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker and former contributor to Martha Stewart. In addition, she leads retreats for small business owners each in Sonoma, CA at the Boxwood Avenue Creative Business Retreat and is a speaker at The Haven List Workshop for Interior Designers. With clients spanning from coast to coast, she has worked hard to develop a solid foundation of systems and processes. Today she will share how she went from not knowing what a “system or process” was to leaning on them to scale her business.

Connect with Chloe Mackintosh:

Boxwood Avenue Website

Shop Boxwood Avenue

Boxwood Avenue Design

Instagram

Facebook 

YouTube

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.

Dec 17, 2021

Today with Corinne Bentzen: 

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today is a sponsored show with The Company Store, a premier source of luxury down bedding and home products. Corinne Bentzen, CEO of The Company Store, shares the company history, their commitment to quality, focus on responsible manufacturing, and understanding that the customer comes first.

Pick it apart:

  • [9:54] Corinne share the mission of The Company Store


    [13:22] Corinne tells about her suppliers and responsibly created products


    [17:48] Corinne tells about how the pandemic has affected the company


    [22:22] Corinne advises designers on helping clients understand the quality of The Company Store products


    [25:00] Corinne shares how The Company Store works with the trade


    [30:43] Corinne speaks about how designers can set up a trade account


LuAnn and Corinne Bentzen’s Ah-Ha moments:

“We have a responsibility to make great choices for our customers.” - Corinne Bentzen

 

“Your home has never mattered more than now.” - Corinne Bentzen

“There’s no better gift than leaving the client with a great night’s sleep.” - Corinne Bentzen

Connect with Corinne Bentzen

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

Twitter

More About Corinne Bentzen:

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Corinne Bentzen began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she built brand identity for premium brands before taking the leap across the pond to join Tiffany & Co. in New York. There she put her strategic thinking, strong decision making, and leadership skills to work, ultimately leading her to The Company Store where she breathed new life into the 110-year-old home goods retailer acquired by The Home Depot in 2018. Not one to shy from a challenge, Corinne most recently took over the leadership of Home Depot’s HD Home, in addition to her leadership role at The Company Store. An avid skier and cyclist, Corinne lives in Connecticut where she enjoys an active family life with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog Rosie.

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

 

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

 

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Thank you to The Company Store for sponsoring this show!

 

Dec 14, 2021

Today with Erica Reiner

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Erica Reiner of Eco Method Interiors niched down and rebranded after a few years in business. Learn what prompted her big change, what she does when the scarcity mindset strikes, and how her business has changed since she stopped trying to be everything to everyone.

Pick it apart:

[4:04] Erica shares what prompted her rebrand

[10:15] Erica shares her struggle with her scarcity mindset

[24:50] Erica advises about sourcing green products

[34:28] Erica tells about variable standards for green products

[42:50] Erica shares her thoughts about the link between environmental and social justice

[49:42] Erica and LuAnn speak about niching and overcoming the scarcity mindset

LuAnn and Erica Reiner’s Ah-Ha moments:

“Set up expectations early and often.” - Erica Reiner

“You have to figure out what is important to you and what is going to motivate you when it gets tricky and tough”. - Erica Reiner

“If you do something from your heart and explain your reasons why, no one can compete with that.”  - LuAnn Nigara

More about Erica Reiner:

Erica Reiner is the owner / principal designer of Eco Method Interiors, where her company helps people transform their space, health, and the planet. As an inspired interior designer specializing in cleaner and greener spaces, Erica truly can’t decide if she likes working best in residential, commercial or short-term rental sectors with all the fun that comes with each. Erica and her team are hired by clients for full service interior design, online E-design, and event styling. Since 2015, Erica has helped clients create more joy, expression, health and wellbeing through transformational design that goes deeper than aesthetics using the “Eco Method” way. Erica loves sharing her knowledge and has been featured in Better homes and Gardens, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, Reader's digest and more. Looking forward, Erica is working towards leading the home decor and design industry into a greener, cleaner place. In her spare time, she's hanging with her husband Reed and rescue mutt, Hank.

Connect with Erica Reiner:

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point 

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

I’ve been doing business with Kravet through Window Works for decades so I wanted to share their statement on their furniture sustainability: At Kravet Inc. we are committed to providing quality product with limited environmental impact, pairing beauty and heirloom quality materials with sustainability to support both the planet and our future generations. The Kravet Inc. legacy is impenetrably bound to environmental awareness. 

 

On their website, at kravet.com/furniture-sustainability, they list all their sustainability efforts. Here’s a quick sampling: 

 

  • Nearly all waste products are sustainably recycled at Kravet Furniture factories.
  • Greater than 80% of the metal upholstery springs in Kravet Furniture come from recycled metal products.
  • The foam padding in Kravet Furniture contains the highest possible content of soy in an effort to reduce petroleum-based substances. 

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

Susan Inglis: episode 670

Mike Peterson: episode 569

Deborah Rosenberg, Dimare Design: episodes 82, 117, 212, 218

Lane McNab: episodes 205, 699

Asha Jaipur Living: episode 526

Dec 10, 2021

Today with Danielle Hayden: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting takes us through what she’s learned from years of helping female entrepreneurs understand their money, heal from damaging money mindsets and make smart business decisions. Learn what financial considerations to pay special attention to at each stage of your growing business.

Pick it apart:

[9:38] Danielle explains her mission of helping business owners understand their numbers

[14:31] Danielle shares what CFO tasks are

[18:37] Danielle explains how deeply her team understands her clients

[23:44] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 100k in revenue

[33:11] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 250k in revenue

[35:53] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 500k in revenue

[39:11] Danielle talks about options for a managing the business while staying close to design

[42:15] Danielle talk about planning at the 2 million gross revenue level

[45:11] Danielle shares her monthly give back event where individual staff members bring ideas and causes 

[48:41] Danielle shares about her system for unbiased/inclusive hiring

[56:45] Danielle talks about her Five Day Bootcamp

 

LuAnn and Danielle Hayden’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You cannot get to a million dollars working in your business five days a week.” - Danielle Hayden

More About Danielle Hayden:

Danielle Hayden is a reformed corporate CFO (chief financial officer) who is on a mission to help rule-breaking female entrepreneurs understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to create sustainable profits. After spending 10+ years in the boardroom as a corporate finance officer, Danielle is now in her sweet spot as the co-owner of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. where she helps business owners with bookkeeping, financial analysis, and education and as the author of the Profit Planner book series. When Danielle isn’t crunching numbers on her clients’ behalf or crafting the next iteration of the Profit Planner, you can find her hanging with her two kids as she inspires them to lead their fullest lives or doing any, and almost every fitness-related activity ranging from Spartan races to pilates.

Connect with Danielle Hayden

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

 

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

 

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

 

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A BIG Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Mydoma Studio: Mydoma’s workflow software helps you keep your projects organized from beginning to end, and also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

Episode 622

 

 

Dec 7, 2021

Today on A Well-Designed Business:

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! We are continuing the year-end review mini-series! During this series, I will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year-end.

To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on. 

In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today I am going to encourage you to review your technology, subscriptions and memberships, and insurances. 

You know what the Vin Man says, sometimes it’s not what you make, it’s what you don’t spend. So, let’s see if we can save you from some unnecessary spending in 2022, shall we?

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

Episode 719

Episode 721

Episode 723

Episode 725

Dec 3, 2021

Today with Tanya Dalton: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Tanya Dalton, best-selling author, speaker, productivity expert, and growth strategist for female leaders is here to share a helpful goal framework that leaves space for life’s ups and downs, celebrates progress, and prevents you from getting discouraged and quitting.

Pick it apart:

[4:16] Tanya shares the mindfulness exercise she uses during her commute

[9:27] Tanya summarizes her new book

[11:58] Tanya walks through her IMPACT goal framework

[25:05] Tanya shares her email-checking system

[31:05] Tanya details her customer service system that includes auto-FAQs and using templated responses/multiple inboxes

[38:30] LuAnn explains Sara Brennan’s calendar hack for new client consultations

[43:58] Tanya covers quick tips on implementing habit stacking

 

LuAnn and Tanya Dalton’ Ah-Ha moments:

“It’s a choice to have an extraordinary life.” - Tanya Dalton

 

“The goal isn’t the goal. Goals are the vehicle to get you the life you want.” - Tanya Dalton

 

More About Tanya Dalton:

Tanya Dalton is a best-selling author, speaker, nationally recognized productivity expert, and serves as a growth strategist for female leaders.

In addition to her first book, The Joy of Missing Out, being named one of the Top 10 Business Books of the year by Fortune Magazine, Tanya’s podcast, The Intentional Advantage has received millions of downloads from listeners around the world.

She is also a featured expert on several networks including NBC and Fox and is a VIP contributor for Entrepreneur.com. Tanya has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications including Forbes, Inc, Fast Company,and Real Simple. She has been awarded the elite Enterprising Women Award and has been named the Female Entrepreneur to Watch for the state of North Carolina.

Tanya is also the founder + CEO of inkWELL Press Productivity Co. a multi-million dollar company providing tools that work as a catalyst in helping women do less while achieving maximum success.

Connect with Tanya Dalton

Website 

Instagram  

Facebook 

LinkedIn

Twitter

Buy Tanya’s Book

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

 

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

 

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

 

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

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

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