Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. By now, we all know that sales isn’t about convincing someone to buy what they don’t need or want. You care about your clients and their happiness. You want to make a sale that gives you the profits you want and provides your clients with something that will bring them happiness. Today, I’m talking with Michelle Butt, Master Coach and creator of Facial Intelligence, to talk about how using visual cues and facial features can help you relate to your clients in a stronger way, making the sales process even more of a win/win.
“We all do unconsciously read faces, and most of the time we read faces for expressions because there are universal expressions that we can mirror and match and understand. And we do unconsciously to some degree read features to understand what they mean, but most of us don’t consciously do that.” -Michelle Butt
“We tend to think, ‘Oh well if I like this, then all I have to do is tell people all the reasons why I like it, and then they’ll like it too and they’ll want to buy it,’ but really people want to be treated the way they want to be treated.” -Michelle Butt
“Sales is a win/win. Sales isn’t about convincing you to have something you don’t want or need. Sales is my responsibility to figure out what’s the best and most wonderful thing that will complete whatever it is you’re trying to do. So every tool that we can utilize in order to illuminate what it is that you want, need, and drives you, and will help you become more successful in connecting with that sales target or potential client—I love it.” -LuAnn Nigara
Michelle Butt holds an Honours BA in Linguistics from The University of Toronto, is a Master Coach and a Facial Intelligence Expert.
After more than 10 years of studying human communication and creating the Facial Intelligence™ body of work, Michelle has come to know a thing or two about how and what drives people to believe in someone else enough to buy from them.
She’s built an understanding of how coaches, consultants and mentors need to show up to that crucial sales call in order to get that “yes” and truly begin the process of changing someone else’s life (and their own in the process).
By creating and implementing the F.A.S.T Method (Facial Acuity Sales Tactics), she has helped herself and many other coaches and consultants to use the face of others as the blueprint and catalyst for gaining a client and increasing their business’s success and revenue.
Michelle has been featured at TedXToronto, Reinvention Radio and OMTimes Magazine.
All her research and results have shown that the face is the starting place of any transformational journey and leveraging the information you see in a face is the key to changing the results you are getting in your sales process.
FAST Guide download link: www.michellebutt.com/fastguide
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
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Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kirsch: Kirsch recently unveiled their new Briza Motorization, allowing your clients to control their draperies in an instant from anywhere. It’s simple to install, quiet, and easily integrate with third-party systems. It’s even available on most of their most popular rods. Visit kirsch.com today to learn more!
Kravet: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That's why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Visit kravet.com today to explore it for yourself.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. This week, I’m joined by Genevieve Trousdale. After coming from working in two large firms, Genevieve launched her own firm. She grew her business to serve luxury clients and tackle high-income projects. But unlike most other designers on her level, Genevieve chooses to keep some things simple, running her business on her own and taking on just a few projects per year. Today, we’re talking about how she manages it, why she chooses it, and the importance of staying true to your values in your business.
[7:18] Genevieve talks about the experience of working under great influences and what she learned along the way.
[11:58] Genevieve shares why she chooses not to expand her firm and bring on other designers.
[20:44] Genevieve reveals what she looks for in others when she does need to outsource work.
[25:03] LuAnn and Genevieve talk about the expectations in the design world and how to stick true to who you are.
[33:51] Genevieve explains how she created a resource for other designers to get questions answered and form a community.
“This is amazing to me...it’s unusual that you’ve reached that level of design client but you’ve maintained the solo firm and you’re making money.” -LuAnn Nigara
“The pretty part, I can take care of. I like to take care of that. So I’m looking for someone with street smarts.” -Genevieve Trousdale
“There are pressures of ‘Why aren’t you scaling your company and searching for the next best thing.’ I am—but I’m doing it my own way.” -Genevieve Trousdale
More About Genevieve Trousdale:
Steeped in Southern tradition and influenced by sophisticated French style, Genevieve’s finely-honed design sense was originally fostered by two generations of discerning familial role models with exquisite taste. On assignment designing homes, chalets, and estates throughout Europe, the Middle East, and America, Genevieve developed inspired and inventive ideas for each client’s passions and desire for the very best.
Highly regarded for sophisticated design, meticulous attention to detail, creative sourcing of one-of-a-kind pieces, and the ability to manage thousands of special details at once – Genevieve has earned the respect and admiration of the most thoughtful and discriminating clients, worldwide.
Ms. Trousdale, a Louisiana-born designer, boasts a stunning repertoire of world-class projects from American ski chalets, a Parisian flat to a luxurious Middle Eastern palace. Working alongside top AD 100 industry icons, Genevieve is one of the nation’s most accomplished designers.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kirsch: your leaders in drapery hardware. Kirsch recently unveiled their new Briza Motorization, allowing your clients to control their draperies in an instant from anywhere. It’s simple to install, quiet, and easily integrates with third party systems. It’s even available on most of their most popular rods. Visit kirsch.com today to learn more!
Mydoma:
The free industry-leading event for designers is back! This April 13th and 14th, get ready for the return of 19 Hours, a virtual design conference by Mydoma and A Well Designed Business.
We all know by now that the world has changed, and while 2020 was very much about insulating yourself, and your business from what comes next, this year, it's time to learn the lessons that the industry has learned the hard way this past year, and set yourself up for success. It's time to make 2021 your year, with a number of panels, presentations, and talks from some amazing industry partners and experts.
So what are you waiting for? It's a free event, so you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain! Register for 19 Hours at mydomastudio.com/19hours. I'll see you there!
Other Shows Mentioned:
#433 Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet
#91 Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. When someone asks you what you do, how clear are you? Are you able to communicate what you do, the value you bring to the table, who you help, and what sets you apart? Or do you struggle to define what message you’re trying to put out with your business? The truth is that so many of us have trouble getting clear on our message, our differentiators, and our business. But until you gain that clarity, you’re going to hit roadblock after roadblock. Today, I chat with Dolores Hirschmann, a strategist and coach who helps her clients get that clarity in their message so they can start impacting the world.
“If people can’t ‘get’ what we do, if people cannot understand how we’re going to help them, it’s almost impossible for them to hire us.” -Dolores Hirschmann
“It is a rare time when you talk to someone and you say to them, ‘what do you do?’ and you get a straight-line answer. So often we talk in a circle.” -LuAnn Nigara
“What gets in the way of clarity is not more knowledge or sexy words—it’s our emotional state of being and our belief system.” -Dolores Hirschmann
“That’s the purpose of the proprietary system. Each of the designers listening to this podcast is unique in the way they approach the project. Each of them is unique in the way they interact with the client, in the way they go about the whole process. So there’s value in understanding your uniqueness because that’s your secret recipe.” -Dolores Hirschmann
Dolores is an internationally recognized STRATEGIST & COACH and has been a remote employee and virtual business owner for over 20 years. She helps clients clarify their “idea worth sharing”, design their communication strategies, and implement business growth systems. Her clients become speakers and authors and take their message to larger audiences like TEDx and beyond. She works through group coaching, workshops, one-on-one coaching, as well as public speaking. Dolores is a writer, TEDx Organizer, and CTI certified and ICF accredited coach with a business degree from the Universidad de San Andres, Argentina. Originally from Buenos Aires, Dolores speaks fluent Spanish, English, and French and lives in Dartmouth, MA with her husband and four children.
Free gift: The TED Way to Raise Visibility & Get More Clients eBook https://www.we.mastersinclarity.com/standout-podcast
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Mydoma Studio: Mark your Calendars! You’re invited to the 2nd annual 19 Hours Interior Design Conference. Join us for 2 days, with 10 presentations on April 13-14th19
Register now, and you'll also be signed up to receive the recordings once the event finishes, as well as a digital workbook we'll send a few days ahead of the event!
RSVP now - We’ll see you at the conference!
Kravet: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That's why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet's new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself!
Other Shows Mentioned:
#466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?
#317 Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen
#125 Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!
#174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. April Jensen of St. Louis-based ADJ Interiors was in business for 25 years before she created an onboarding doc for her high-end interior design business. April and LuAnn walk step-by-step through her onboarding doc as April lets us in on how it has helped her handle client expectations and sticky situations.
[16:13] April shares her response to a client who is unsure of their budget
[22:44] Why mutual respect with clients is necessary for a successful project
[27:40] April advises how to respond to a client who is worried about a single product
[36:33] April and LuAnn share their mutual frustration with clients who text
[42:55] LuAnn and April chat about how to handle clients who don’t pay
“I’m a designer, and it’s okay to be a business person too.” - April Jensen
“You asked for a burger and a coke. If you want fries, it’s more money.” - LuAnn Nigara
“You have to put the whole picture together before you judge.” - April Jensen
More About April Jensen:
Prior to founding ADJ Interiors in 1994, April Jensen worked for interior design firms in Chicago and St. Louis. She works equally as hard to create seamless and enjoyable design experiences for her clients as she does to foster a fun, collaborative, and creative work culture. April received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design and a certificate of Art History from Michigan State University. She is a Professional Member of ASID and is NCIDQ Certified, having completed specialized courses, necessary experience, and a rigorous examination. Under April’s leadership, ADJ Interiors has been featured in several publications and has received a plethora of design awards. For more, please visit www.adjinteriors.com
April Jensen of ADJ Interiors was originally scheduled for an interview on September 15th of last year but had to reschedule to the 24th of February due to Covid.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Mydoma’s 2nd annual 19 Hours Interior Design Conference is almost here! Join us for 2 days, with 10 presentations on April 13-14th19
Register now, and you’ll also be signed up to receive the recordings once the event finishes, as well as a digital workbook we’ll send a few days ahead of the event!
RSVP now – We’ll see you at the conference!
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Single mom to a toddler and suddenly laid off when Covid started, Theresa Gresham moved into a 200ft studio to save on rent. Theresa shares her journey of building a Virtual Design Assistant business from scratch and learning the importance of self-care and hiring help.
[14:30] Theresa shares her story about starting her business after getting laid off due to Covid.
[19:32] Theresa tells LuAnn how a parenting coach helped her flip her mindset about self-care.
[23:20] Theresa shares how things changed when she limited her office hours
[27:41] Theresa shares about motherhood during Covid and the importance of asking for help
[35:43] Theresa tells Luann about how she started her e-design business
[41:30] Theresa gives an overview of the services she offers interior designers
“Everything wonderful in life is scary at first.” — Theresa Gresham
“You just keep going - and that little face smiling back at you is all the why you need.” — Theresa Gresham
Meet Theresa Gresham, a toddler mommy, a business owner, a virtual design assistant, and an educator, in that order. A truly well-rounded design professional, Theresa has worn many hats in the interior design industry. Her favorite aspect of the design world, however, is creating stunning presentation content, such as 3D renderings, and teaching her skills to other interior designers. Born and raised in sunny South Florida, her passion for interior design began at a young age when her mother gave her free rein to design her room. She loved using her creativity to up-cycle furniture and paint murals on her walls. Creativity runs deep through Theresa’s soul and she is living the dream by letting her creative juices flow in her career. Prior to opening her own virtual design business in 2020, Theresa attended California State University, Northridge, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design in 2009. She then went on to work for various firms that specialized in everything from luxury yachts and aircraft to high-end homes and restaurants. Theresa’s formal interior design training and varied experience in the field allows her to work seamlessly on a virtual level with interior designers across the country. Theresa’s passion is helping interior designers de-stress and enhance their business with stunning presentation content. She not only creates design visuals, such as CAD drawings, 3D renderings, and concept boards, for her interior design clients across the US, but she also offers 1:1 virtual training to interior designers who want to bring their own presentation skills to the next level. In Addition, Theresa teaches Digital Design to interior design students at Istituto Marangoni in the Miami Design District. When Theresa is not behind the computer immersed in a 3D rendering or in the classroom, you will likely find her dancing in the living room with her beautiful daughter, Leilani, or sipping on an iced latte while soaking up some warm South Florida sun.
7 Perks of Hiring a VDA with Formal Interior Design Training: https://theresagdesign.com/gift/
Virtual Design Mentor: https://www.virtualdesignmentor.com/online-learning
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
IDS:
The IDS annual conference is coming up, May 6th, 2021 and I will be keynoting for this. So, please join us, all kinds of sessions and the chance to meet new colleagues and be introduced to a fantastic organization. Go to interiordesignsociety.org/conference
Mydoma’s 2nd annual 19 Hours Interior Design Conference is almost here! Join us for 2 days, with 10 presentations on April 13-14th19
Register now, and you’ll also be signed up to receive the recordings once the event finishes, as well as a digital workbook we’ll send a few days ahead of the event!
RSVP now – We’ll see you at the conference!
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. As business owners, we face many difficult situations, including how to balance personal life with business ownership. Maternity leave is one of those situations that can change the course of your business. But my guest today, Jenny Madden, has navigated the difficult territory of maternity leave five separate times, both in her own leave and in the leaves of her employees. She believes that planning can make the situation more smooth on all sides. Today, we’re discussing the tricky waters of maternity leave, and how you can make decisions now that will impact it in the future.
“I like what you’re saying about thinking now about what you want to do. If you don’t have any employees now, or you don’t have any that are pregnant, think about how you want to handle it.” -LuAnn Nigara
“As a business owner, I had no idea that offering an unpaid maternity leave meant I was still paying. I’m still paying a significant chunk of their healthcare and I’m still paying taxes on the checks they’re getting from the state. I’m happy to do it, but I do think it’s helpful to understand what you’re in for.” -Jenny Madden
“If you want to try to maintain your same productivity at the firm through their leave, then obviously you have to hire someone.” -Jenny Madden
“You have to put one foot in front of the other with the information you have at hand. You cannot predict everything...make a plan for yourself and your business and try not to get too worried about the ‘what-ifs.’” -Jenny Madden
Jenny Madden Design has been in business designing beautiful spaces since 2011. Prior to founding Jenny Madden Design, Jenny acquired formal training from top-tier programs in both Architecture (BA, Columbia University) and Interior Design (MS, Drexel University). She then gained invaluable professional experience across multiple facets of the industry, including construction management, architecture, furniture sales and interior design. The years she spent working for a general contractor, managing large-scale construction projects, are particularly unique within the interior design industry. This breadth of experience places Jenny Madden Design in the distinctive position to not only design beautiful interiors but to successfully manage projects through to completion. Jenny is able to speak the language of the broader industry and build successful partnerships with architects, builders, and vendors. She understands that a smooth, professional project experience is as important to her busy clients as an excellent aesthetic design.
Jenny built out her team to ensure she has the right mix of talent to enhance and support your project. Stefania and Maggie support the design and drafting phases, while Greg keeps operations and budgets tightly controlled. Our goal as a firm is to maintain boutique customization while providing the systems and support typically reserved for firms with a larger headcount.
At the end of the day, we believe our portfolio speaks for itself. We love that our work has been recognized in local and national publications, both in print and online. But we take the most pride in our ever-growing list of happy clients.
Jenny Madden Design offers luxury interior design services in the greater New York City area, based out of our Hoboken, NJ office. Whether you are embarking on a new construction project, a gut renovation or looking to furnish your existing space, our interior design team will guide you through the design process and into your dream home.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kravet: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That's why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Visit www.kravet.com today to explore it for yourself.
Mydoma's 2nd annual 19 Hours Interior Design Conference is almost here! Join us for 2 days, with 10 presentations on April 13-14th19
Register now, and you'll also be signed up to receive the recordings once the event finishes, as well as a digital workbook we'll send a few days ahead of the event!
RSVP now - We’ll see you at the conference!
#332 Jenny Madden Design: Husband & Wife Series
#346 Do Not Let Us Design: Taylor Dieterich & Yashlie Negron
#149 Brittanie Elms – Founder of My Design Assistant – She Could Be Your Next Employee
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s WTF— Window Treatment Friday, Vita and I are talking about rising from the ashes of the fire that destroyed her workroom. It's every business owners nightmare. Fortunately for Vita's diligent dedication to the processes and systems within her business, Vita was able to literally rise from the ashes over night, and continue to keep her business running.
Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. We spend a lot of time talking about starting your business, growing your business, and implementing the basics that lead you to success. Today, we’re talking about what happens when that success is threatened. Recessions, disasters, and unforeseeable circumstances can threaten your business. But the way you respond to those situations shows your grit, determination, and ultimately determines your success as a business owner.
That’s what Stacy Garcia is talking to us about today. When the pandemic hit, the hospitality industry was hit hard. But Stacy figured out how to pivot, make changes, and grow a new portion of her business to meet the people’s needs and keep her business strong.
LuAnn and Stacy Garcia’s Ah-Ha moments:
“Being brutally aware of the reality of your situation is goal #1.” -Stacy
“When people are in pain, there’s not a better opportunity to solve people’s problems, and when you solve people’s problems, you bring value to the table, and when you bring value to the table, the money will follow.” -Stacy
“The reason that the first recession we went through at Window Works, back in 91-92, was so difficult was because we did not face it soon enough.” -LuAnn
“When you’re the owner, you have to take a long-term investor’s approach, and so there may be years where the business just doesn’t produce for you personally. But the goal becomes keep it alive, because that’s how you can grow it back when the economy turns around.” -Stacy
An established leader in the world of design, Stacy Garcia is a successful creative entrepreneur and founder of multiple business enterprises: LebaTex, Inc., a distinctive textile supplier and Stacy Garcia, Inc., a licensing firm and design house. With brands like Stacy Garcia Commercial, Stacy Garcia | New York, Stacy Garcia Home, and Stay by Stacy Garcia, this internationally renowned designer and forecasting expert has partnered with some of the world’s leading manufacturers to create products that span from floor to ceiling for resorts and homes all over the world. She was voted one of the 10 leading voices in the hospitality industry and honored by ASID for Design Excellence. Her work has been featured in Interior Design, Boutique Design, New York Spaces, LUXE, Rue Daily and Architectural Digest.
Stacy has an established reputation as a preeminent forecaster of color and design trends, and is a Chairholder of Color Marketing Group, the premiere international color forecasting association. Stacy is also a dynamic public speaker with experience hosting panels, workshops and keynotes.
Connect with Stacy Garcia:
https://shopstacygarcia.com/blogs/blog
https://www.instagram.com/stacygarciainc/
https://www.instagram.com/stacygarciatrade/
https://www.facebook.com/stacygarciainc
https://www.facebook.com/stacygarciatrade
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacygarcia/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stacy-garcia-inc
https://twitter.com/StacyGarciaInc
https://www.pinterest.com/stacygarciainc
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kirsch: Kirsch is the solution for all your custom drapery hardware and window covering needs. Kirsch just unveiled their new Briza Motorization that allows your clients to control their drapery from anywhere. It’s easy to install, easy to integrate to existing smart home systems, and available on their most popular tracks. Visit www.kirsch.com today to learn more.
Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is the designer toolkit. Their seamless workflow software organizes your design project from beginning to end, saving you time, money, and keeping everything in one place. You can get 20% off your first three months today by signing up at www.mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#21 Stacy Garcia- A Thoughtful Conversation with a Design Visionary
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Rachael is an international keynote speaker and thought leadership coach helping female entrepreneurs in the lifestyle space build personal brands. She joins LuAnn to share a practical plan for positioning your brand, honing your activities, and attracting your ideal client.
[17:05] Rachael tell about how she started her first business from her dorm room
[26:55] Rachael shares exactly how her client process works
[28:26] Rachael explains why press is so important to building trust
[37:42] LuAnn and Rachael chat about the strategy Rachael would use for a sample client
[50:48] Rachael shares about how she typically works with seasoned designers
[52:14] Rachael talks about what it takes for a client to execute her strategy
[55:47] Rachael shares how she stays connected and pitches herself
“To be paid for your work, you need to have the credibility.” - Rachael Bozsik
“If we can surround you with stamps of approval, it becomes easier for your ideal client to say yes.” - Rachael Bozsik
“If you want your ideal opportunities, you have to pitch yourself for them.” - Rachael Bozsik
Rachael Bozsik is an international keynote speaker and Thought Leadership Coach for female entrepreneurs within the creative field.
It is Rachael's mission to empower entrepreneurial women to position themselves as world-class thought leaders and public figures in their niche via the press, paid speaking, and partnerships. Think - a feature in Arch Digest, mic at High Point Market, and Partnership with Loloi. Rachael's clients include award-winning interior designers, HGTV personalities, and internationally recognized creatives.
Rachael has been applauded for her work in numerous international publications as a top-tier expert in elite brand positioning in 40 national outlets including Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider etc.. Through her work as a professional speaker, she has empowered close to 100,000+ women on stages including Harvard Business School, Design Influencers Conference, (ASID) American Society of Interior Designers NYC, IIDA, Cornell, Bermuda's SBA, SPANX HQ just to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to partner with incredible brands including Oprah's Leadership Academy, Loreal, Sephora, Kendra Scott etc.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
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Mydoma Studio is one of those companies you just know you can trust. They built their business around making you look good to your client. From client and vendor communications to mood board and package creation to getting your invoices paid, Mydoma studio is the best place for you to easily manage your projects efficiently and professionally. Go to Mydoma studio.com/awelldesignedbusiness today.
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Design is a second career for Sara Malek Barney. Sara was an executive in the entertainment and sports industries before she became the Founder and Principal Designer of Bandd Interiors in Austin, Texas. With plenty of business savvy under her belt, when she launched her design firm, Sara knew to concentrate on two tactics to create and grow her digital footprint. She’s also sharing her advice on how to expand your own business knowledge and deal with those unhappy clients.
[12:05] Sara details how she got started with her SEO vendor
[24:47] Sara provides commentary on what’s lacking in the coursework for interior design degree programs
[31:33] Sara describes the scope of her design projects
[37:11] LuAnn and Sara discuss the nuance of saying yes to smaller projects
[49:17] Sara explains why she isn’t big on detailed renderings
[53:40] Sara reviews the makeup of her team
[1:06:24] Sara give advice on reacting to unhappy clients
“I’m very big on hiring out. I’m not an expert in everything.” - Sara Malek Barney
“We don’t just quit our job and hope it works. We have a plan.” - LuAnn Nigara
“It’s never just black and white. There’s always a decision process through it.” - LuAnn Nigara
Sara is the mastermind behind the design. Prior to launching BANDD DESIGN, she spent the first phase of her professional career working in the fast-paced entertainment and sports industries, as an executive at companies such as SXSW, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her past experience helps her deliver timeless, unique designs for her clients. She believes the design process should be highly collaborative and feel authentic to each individual.
An Austin-native (a rare breed!), Sara spent nearly a decade in sunny Los Angeles, California, where she met her writer husband, Dana, while they were both chasing the Hollywood dream. Now back on home turf, Sara and Dana enjoy endless amounts of breakfast tacos and college football (hook ’em!) with their two daughters.
Sara, a University of Texas alum, has degrees in Corporate Communication and Interior Design. She was named one of Fortune Magazine‘s Most Powerful Women {Next Gen}, one of Austin Monthly‘s Women to Watch, and is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Female Founder Collective.
When not designing, you can find Sara wearing sequins, learning a hip hop dance routine, watching Seinfeld (yes, still), trying to be a cool mom, or daydreaming about Napa.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
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Kravet: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That’s why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet’s new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com and explore the new site for yourself today!
Today with Brad Leavitt:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I welcome Brad Leavitt back for his fifth time on the show! Brad is here once again to share share his expert insight to help you better understand and navigate the design-build process. In today’s show Brad tells us what the process is like through the eyes of the builder. When you understand the builder's perspective, you will see how important it is for you as the designer to bring you’re A Game. So, let’s see what this looks like from the builder side, shall we?
More About Brad Leavitt:
Brad Leavitt is President of A Finer Touch Construction, LLC, a luxury residential and commercial builder located in Scottsdale, AZ. His Podcast, “The AFT Construction Podcast”, is focused on bringing value to its listeners, no matter their industry. The topics are focused on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, organization, building science and construction. Brad is an ambassador for many national brands and an energetic public speaker.
Brad was born and raised in San Diego, CA as the oldest of 6 children. He grew up in the Construction industry and worked as an electrician throughout High School for Grove Electric with his 2 uncles. They did remodels and new home builds all over San Diego, but mostly on Coronado Island and in Rancho Santa Fe. Upon HS Graduation, he was accepted to Brigham Young University where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction Management.
Brad accepted an offer in 2005 with Trend Homes, a local production home builder in Phoenix, AZ. He worked 1 year as a superintendent before accepting a dream job building custom homes. Rowland Luxury Homes hired Brad in 2006 and immediately he was assigned to be a Project Manager at the 350MM Omni Montelucia Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, AZ. Brad oversaw the construction and completion of 34 Custom homes that ranged between 2-4MM each. After completion of the 34 custom homes, he then assisted with the completion of the hotel guest rooms, arrival zone, lodge and spa. After Montelucia was complete, Brad worked on numerous other residential and commercial projects in the greater Phoenix Area.
In March 2013, Brad was ready to begin his own company and officially started A Finer Touch Construction, also known throughout social media as AFT Construction. AFT has continued their rapid growth this past 7 years and has been fortunate to win numerous build awards for its work. AFT Construction offers a wide variety of services including: Multi family, commercial, residential, tenant improvement, retail and medical. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability and quality.
Connect with Brad Leavitt:
Podcast is “The AFT Construction Podcast"
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#615
#580
#560
#542
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today, I’m thrilled to have Marie Flanigan back on the show. Marie has more than a decade of experience as a thriving designer, one whose list of accolades goes on for days. In today’s episode, Marie is answering questions from listeners about how to make big decisions in your business— how to attract the clients and projects you truly desire, how to strategically market, how to handle client expectations, and more!
“I think it’s so important to just live out doing the best you can— be the best at whatever you’re doing in the moment. That’s what builds the relationships, that’s what provides the contacts, that’s what gives you the 10,000 hours to become the expert and really grow into the area you want to be in.” -Marie Flanigan
“You do want to turn away the business that sucks the energy out of you or that takes too much of your time away, because when the right projects come along you need to be open for that.”
-Marie Flanigan
“Gut instinct is very important, but you should also go on data.”
-Marie Flanigan
“It isn’t just about putting an ad in a newspaper— it’s all the little things that you do across your business.” -LuAnn Nigara
Originally trained as an architect, Marie Flanigan seamlessly unites structure with style, unlocking a unique level of depth through her mutual consideration of an interior and its framework. For more than a decade, Marie has crafted well-articulated spaces that expertly reflect the stories of those who dwell and work within. Her trademark signature of innovative simplicity is evident through the sophisticated use of color, texture, and light. Marie’s projects span the country, from luxury residences to high-end commercial showrooms, each one exhibiting her firm’s commitment to exceptional design and extraordinary service.
Marie’s work and expertise have been featured by premier publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, House Beautiful, Southern Living, Domino, Traditional Home, Elegant Homes, Southern Home, and Luxe Magazine. She regularly shares her design and lifestyle advice with TV audiences, including her role on HGTV’s internationally broadcast series, Property Brothers: Brother vs. Brother.
In addition to Marie’s design work, she has now launched collections with some of the industry’s top manufacturers including Visual Comfort and Aria Stone. Her debut book, The Beauty of Home, is now available for purchase.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kravet: Kravet is always finding ways to make shopping easier for you. That's why they refreshed their website to help your experience be even simpler. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders and more. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet's new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com and explore the new site for yourself today!
Revel Woods: With Revel Woods, you’re getting premium hardwood and resilient flooring curated for your design and lifestyle needs. They are dedicated to helping you help your clients find the right flooring for their needs. You can use the industry expertise at Revel Woods to help your clients feel that wow factor. Visit www.revelwoods.com today to find out more!
#89 Marie Flanigan – How Marketing Strategies Helped Her Grow Her Firm
#50 Veronica Solomon – Powerful Marketing for your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook
#06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward
Today's show is a different kind of episode. This week, I had several meaningful conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, that made me take a few steps back, put the regularly scheduled programming on hold, and have a good old fashion sit down.
In life, and business, it is important to utilize our strengths and identify our weaknesses. Everyone has their unique superpower. It is what makes us the powerhouses that we are in our particular area of expertise. But we cannot be experts in everything. We cannot be all things to all people.
Today, I am here to remind you how you can take those feelings of overwhelm, and turn them into an action plan. Give yourself some grace on this journey. One step at a time, one goal at a time, keep showing up for yourself. That is how we decide to be excellent!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
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Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Aymee and Molly of Light and Dwell, an Oregon based full service and virtual design firm were friends before they were business partners. They’re sharing what they’ve learned about themselves, about each other, and about how to mesh opposites together to grow a business from nothing to something amazing in just five short years.
[24:55] LuAnn recaps the tactics Aymee and Molly used to get their first clients
[30:09] Aymee and Molly share how they figured out how to work together when each have very different personalities
[37:17] LuAnn recaps business partnership tips and explains how the Window Works partnership works
[41:55] Aymee describes how they worked through her maternity leave
[49:19] LuAnn goes deep into how partnerships can work when there’s a disagreement
“She’s good at anything you can see.” - Aymee about Molly
“Whoever’s area of strength it is has the final say.” - LuAnn Nigara
“You both bring to the table what the other person needs.” LuAnn Nigara
Molly is married to Brad, and together they are raising three children [Karis, Krew + Karoline]. She enjoys being outdoors, drinking coffee, gluten-free cooking, and all sorts of design. She loves being creative and always has her hands in someone's flower arrangements, home decor or closet. Molly started Light and Dwell with Aymee 5 years ago, and now leads all the creative content and design for the business.
Molly Kidd • molly@lightanddwell.com
Aymee and her husband Jim have three young adult children. She has a passion for hospitality and creating a welcoming space for others. She enjoys a good cup of black coffee, baking, and traveling with her family. She runs the behind the scenes operations of Light and Dwell and loves anything under the subject area of systems and people!
Aymee Kuhlman • aymee.lightanddwell@gmail.com
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Mydoma Studio:
Are you having trouble with keeping track of your orders, your project management, your books, your proposals - all those backend things we love to hate? I want you to do some research and see if Mydoma would help you. It’s workflow software that manages your projects from beginning to end. As a listener, you can try it for 20% off for three months. To see if Mydoma is right for you, go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business®. On today’s WTF— Window Treatment Friday, Vita and I are talking about scaling to your first million-dollar year. As most of you probably know, scaling is not an easy task. It takes hard work and lots of blood, sweat, and tears. But when you can learn from someone who has already done it, it cuts the time and effort down and makes scaling attainable far before you thought it was possible. Today, Vita shares with us her five core pillars for scaling your business and how her course in LuAnn University, Scale Your Window Treatment Business to Your 1st Million Dollar Year, can help you get there faster.
“Hiring people carries with it so much responsibility and that responsibility carries with it a great deal of fear.” -Vita Vygovska
“There is no better foundation for anything in your business than an actual written out system and process.” -Vita Vygovska
“That’s what I know to be true of you—not only do you have the experience, but I know that you documented it. That’s what enables the teaching to be significant and of value.” -LuAnn Nigara
Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kravet: Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in-stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com
#589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million
#363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team
#634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire
#448 Window Treatment Friday: A New Series featuring Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara
#456 Window Treatment Friday: Custom-Made vs Ready-Made Window Treatments
#462 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 1
#471 Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 2
#481 Window Treatment Friday: Overview of Hard and Soft Window Treatments
#493 Window Treatment Friday: Vitalia Vygovska: A Mindset for Success
#512 Window Treatment Friday: Drapery Hardware
#518 Communication Between the Designer and the Window Treatment Professional
#539 Window Treatment Friday: Look to Your Window Treatment Partner to Sell Remotely
#551 Window Treatment Friday: Exploring Awnings as an Additional Revenue Stream
#586 Window Treatment Friday: Tips for Selling Window Treatments
#610 Window Treatment Friday: Listener Questions
Today with Kathleen Anderson:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Kat Anderson of Material Design, an interior design business specializing in design-build projects, shares her experience as a recently-graduated interior design student struggling to find her way in the design world. You’ll hear Kat tell how she succeeded by growing her skillset in more than just design. Kat also walks through the classes she teaches at LuAnn University.
Pick it apart:
[12:45] Kat shares why having a good understanding of your bookkeeping also helps with job costing
[17:40] Kat explains why her class benefits both beginner and mature business owners
[31:43] LuAnn explains the difference between the LuAnn University class Design Build 101 and 201
[35:08] Kat shares how she developed the curriculum for Design Build 201
[45:30] Kat shares about how awful her two years in business were
[50:05] LuAnn shares about how she coached Sara Lynn Brennan to develop processes
[53:26] Kat speaks to the designer who wants to establish a process, but has a variety of different projects
LuAnn and Kathleen Anderson’s Ah-Ha moments:
“Your finances are the heartbeat of your business.” - Kathleen Anderson
“It’s the difference between having a life that you love and feeling like when is Starbucks hiring.” - Kathleen Anderson
“An expert in their field is the one who’s made all the mistakes.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Kathleen Anderson
Kathleen Anderson is a designer and entrepreneur delivering full-service interiors, design-build projects, window treatments, and more. With a BA in Interior Design and a Masters Degree in Architecture, she knows first-hand that business knowledge is what completes the trifecta needed to build and run a successful design firm.
Connect with Kathleen Anderson
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Revel Woods: This is one of those vendors you’ll be so happy you took the time to set up an account with. They understand interior designers which makes it so refreshing to work with them to spec amazing wood flooring for your projects. They have a huge selection and are dedicated to helping you become an expert on wood floors. Go to revelwoods.com to learn more about how you can partner with Revel Woods to give your clients beautiful flooring and add profit to your projects.
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Nathan Brookshire and Paul Davidge of Design: Agency & Management share how they help creatives develop a financially sound path to achieve their goals and run their business in such a way that they have the freedom to focus on their zone of genius.
[12:51] LuAnn and guests discuss the criteria to work with Design: Agency and Management
[32:45] Nathan reveals the challenge all his design clients share
[37:27] Nathan shares how he helped a designer negotiate their fee with her client
[39:51] LuAnn recaps DAM’s monthly management/representation service
[44:15] Nathan shares how a designer would introduce DAM and explain their role to their client
“The design industry has not been as successful as some other industries in articulating their value to their client.” - Paul Davidge
“You really need to hone your negotiation skills.” - LuAnn Nigara
“You’ve got to be able to stand up and play the chess game with them.” - LuAnn Nigara
Nathan Brookshire began his career in the finance industry, working as a financier to the Arts & Entertainment industries in Los Angeles upon graduation from Stanford University. As a banker, Nathan structured financing solutions for complex transactions, including fine art acquisitions, TV and film production, and real estate development projects. His banking experience led Nathan’s introduction to the art and design community in Los Angeles, and gave him a strong foundation in understanding the unique business, operating, and financial capital needs of creative companies.
Nathan continued to sharpen his business acumen at such blue chip companies as Barclays Capital, Warner Bros., and Netflix, working in mergers and acquisitions and leading corporate strategic decisions. Having forged deep connections within the art and design space, Nathan left the corporate world to bring institutional-grade financial and strategic advisory services to smaller, creative companies in need of analytical rigor and general business management.
In 2018 Nathan co-founded D:AM to formally represent and manage design talent. Nathan holds a BA from Stanford University and a MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
Paul Davidge is the co-founder of D:AM as well as the owner of Not So General, a gallery for contemporary design in Los Angeles. Paul has an extensive business and operational background, first having worked as a finance attorney for Sidley Austin law firm working on $1bn+ transactions and then as a business development and strategy executive in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
Whilst in entertainment, Paul helped Relativity Media grow in size from less than 15 employees to over 300 in under 5 years. He also worked as Chief Operating Officer for Exclusive Media responsible for the international division of the company. Paul has also advised other production companies as well as high net worth individuals on business development, strategy and growth.
In an environment when creatives are taking responsibility for the own destinies, Paul co-founded D:AM in order to apply his experience to help them manage and grow their own companies and enable them to focus on doing what they love most - creating.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Have you signed up for your trade account with Kravet yet? No minimums on anything. One sofa, one rug, 1 yard of fabric, whatever you need, when you need it. Go to kravet.com and get started. Don't forget to use your one time code at checkout for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order. AWDB10 at checkout
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Thom Sweeney’s unconventional path to interior design started after a 30-year career in advertising. Thom shares what brought him to design and how he lost his design business before rising again to build something even greater. He also has great advice on salesmanship and how to build meaningful relationships with clients.
[22:45] Thom and LuAnn discuss the importance of design that matches the client’s expectations
[34:18] Thom and LuAnn both shares their respective experiences navigating a failing business
[43:20] LuAnn suggest how to debrief after a failure
[46:49] Thom shares how critical sales skills are to a design business
[51:34] LuAnn shares her advice on sales
“Nothing comes out of the huge failure if we don’t stand up again.” - LuAnn Nigara
“Are there any real, true failures?” - LuAnn Nigara
“Sales is creating a win-win.” - LuAnn NIgara
“Diversity in your client list is critical.” - Thom Sweeney
“You can never take that day you closed your doors and say, ‘I’m done’.” Thom Sweeney
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Mydoma Studio is the place to manage, run and grow your interior design business. Features include - Project Management, a Branded Portal, so when your clients log in, it looks and feels like they are logging into your business, invoicing, Purchase Orders, and Credit Card Payments, Product Management and QB integration and so much more. Start your trial today and see for yourself how much easier it could be to run your design firm. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today, we are celebrating the show's 5th Birthday! It is hard to believe that there have been five years of outstanding guests, infinite ah-ha moments, and countless businesses changed. Thank you for coming along for the ride.
As a way to show my gratitude, this episode is all about reflecting on the bigger picture, and ways we can give back, center ourselves, and enrich our minds. Thank you all for choosing to spend your time with me every week.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
The Black Artists and Designer’s Guild
NAMI- NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH
5 Books to consider:
The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
What I know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey
As Man Thinketh by James Allen
The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
Today with Ashley Connell:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today we’re going to talk about one of those key things you have to do in your business if you want to grow—outsourcing. We all know we need to do it, but finding the right fit is a major challenge. Ashley Connell of Prowess runs a business that matches you with your perfect fit business manager or employee. She’s sharing with us how she makes those perfect fits and the impact it can have on your business.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Ashley Connell’s Ah-Ha moments:
“When a designer wants to stay in his/her land of creativity, there’s a need for that other person that’s paying attention to everything that happens under the operations umbrella as opposed to being the executor of the operations umbrella.” -LuAnn Nigara
“We’re not just matching based on the skills you need, but also your behavior styles, your communication style, and your personality.” -Ashley Connell
“I believe that it is very hard to effectively manage a 2-3 million dollar firm without a strong business manager.” -LuAnn Nigara
“By staying in your lane you’re more efficient. It has been proven that if you outsource, you increase your productivity by between 10-100 percent.” -Ashley Connell
More About Ashley Connell:
Ashley Connell, CEO and Founder of Prowess, is one part fearless entrepreneur, one part fearless women’s advocate. For the first 15 years of her career, she was an award-winning tech marketer in both Austin and London. Ashley’s unstoppable drive to have both a career and time for family motivated her to start Prowess. Her commitment to changing the lives of overloaded employers, women seeking rewarding work, and those affected by the gender pay gap, has landed her thought leadership pieces in Forbes, Built in Austin and at SXSW. In her pretty much non-existent spare time she enjoys yoga, walks with her bulldog, cheering on her beloved Longhorns, and spaghetti and meatballs.
Connect with Ashley Connell:
What's new with LuAnn Nigara
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Kirsch has just unveiled their new Briza Motorization feature to give your clients control of their draperies from anywhere. They’re easy to install and compatible with third-party home systems, and they are available on all of Kirsch’s most popular drapery tracks. Visit Kirsch.com today to learn more.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#525 Traci Connell: Take Your Business from Setback to Success
#554 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit
#450 Power Talk Friday: Bethany Mabee: Outsource the 80% Business and Do the 20% Interior Design
#363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team
#589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million
Today with Mina Duque:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Can you imagine starting your firm in a foreign city—one where you have no connections, no network, and where you haven’t even visited? That’s exactly what Mina Duque ended up doing. Today, she’s sharing her story of how she started her business in Tulum, the unique challenges presented by working in a major melting pot, and how she grew her business even without a community and network.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Mina Duque’s Ah-Ha moments:
“We do that all the time in business...we say to our vendors, ‘Just give it to me straight, I need to know.’ But you’re saying as a culture, that’s not likely to happen. It’s so deeply engrained...and to them, there’s a level of respect in not saying a boldfaced no.” -LuAnn Nigara
“I always tell my vendors, I so prefer that if you think that something is going to take two weeks, tell me it’s going to take four weeks, because if you deliver sooner, I’m happy, but if you deliver later, I’m not happy.” -Mina Duque
“We get really good at visualizing, but that’s not everyone’s forte. So something that sounds really good or looks good on paper, when you see it in real life, you’re like, ‘I’m not really crazy about that.’” -Mina Duque
“It builds so much more trust and confidence in my client when I can show them everything in advance before they start spending money.” -Mina Duque
More About Mina Duque:
Mina, the principal designer at Interiors Tulum, founded the firm in early 2019. Her style is influenced by her unique background growing up between Casablanca, Morocco and Los Angeles, California. Mina grew up between Casablanca, Morocco and Los Angeles, California. Her degree from USC, along with her world travels and experience as a property manager for Airbnb’s, influence her design and decision-making process every step of the way. Her Moroccan background adds a unique accent to her designs blended with the relaxed, Caribbean bohemian vibe that she works with so often. She is an ambitious, driven woman, enjoys research, suffers little risk adversity, and celebrates exploring new cultures and ideas. Now with her business expanding she has a few employees and is striving to create a company culture that reflects her values of honesty, reliability, authenticity, and passion. Working with people from different backgrounds and celebrating their cultures energizes Mina as she loves to learn about their history and discover ways that she can help them enhance their lifestyle by designing relaxing and luxurious living spaces. Currently based in Tulum, Mexico, Mina lives with her husband, Fernando, and their high-energy rescue pup, Lulu.
Connect with Mina Duque:
What's new with LuAnn Nigara
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Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
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A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Revel Woods: Revel Woods is dedicated to providing premium hardwood and resilient flooring curated for your design and needs. They offer a wide range of perks for perks we offer interior designers, contractors, & industry professionals. Visit revelwoods.com today to get started.
Kravet: Kravet is the industry leader in to the trade home furnishings. You can easily shop Kravet, Lee Jofa, and Brunschwig & Fils all in one place. Introducing new and easy to use search features so you can find the latest products and collections right at your fingertips. Use promo code AWDB10 for a 10% discount on Kravet fabric, trim, and wallcoverings.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design
#267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years
Today with LuAnn:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the difficult questions and LuAnn gives the expert answers you’ve been wanting.
Today, LuAnn gives her expert advise on what to do when a client won't pay. Is there something more you can do to protect yourself?
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kirsch is reliable, dependable and innovative so think of them when you need to specify drapery hardware. From the motorized Briza collection, to the recently updated Buckingham collection to the tried and true architectural collections, go to Kirsch.com to find a dealer near you.
Jamie Lieberman: #547 and #454
Today with Carley Page Summers:
Carley Page Summers shares her journey to interior design that began only after she first built a robust photography business catering to the design trade. 184k Instagram followers strong, Carley chronicles how just nine years ago, she pulled herself out of a dark place, found hope, and is now on a mission to inspire hope in others.
Pick it apart:
[2:49] Carley shares her journey from photographer to designer
[7:34] Carley shares her philosophy about the attraction to natural settings
[11:50] Carley shares how she started her virtual design business
[18:53] Carley shares her Instagram strategy
[42:56] Charley shares her mission statement
LuAnn and Carley Page Summers' Ah-Ha moments:
“Lift as you climb.” - Carley Page Summers
“The world would say I’m a failure...but it goes to show that you can set your mind to something and hope and grow.” - Carley Page Summers
“It is useless to look back on your path and feel shame. Instead, see the accomplishment and joy you have created.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Carley Page Summers:
Photography has been a passion of mine since a young age and is not just my career path but is also part of my soul. During an especially difficult time in my life, while living & volunteering in Haiti, I was inspired by the culture and all the people around me and was able to use photography as a way to help narrate their stories. After returning home, I studied art and graduated with a fine arts degree with a focus in photography and painting. Interiors and design became an interest turned passion and naturally there was a union of the two things that inspired me, photography and interiors.
With interior photography, I am able to help clients and brands narrate their stories. Clients have the benefit of being able to choose full-service options with my packages because they include creative, styling and photography all in one.
Additionally with interiors, I love helping create a truly sacred space for clients and their loved ones to enjoy. I love a mixture of curated textiles, clean whites, and of course plants to make a space feel peaceful yet full of life. With my interior styling services, I hope to not only style a space but also to document it for others to see so they can also be inspired.
Connect with Carley Page Summers
What's new with LuAnn Nigara
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
At Mydoma Studio they are always iterating to continually serve you better, and more intuitively. Mydoma Studio is the best place to manage your interior design projects easily and efficiently. Everything from mood board creation, invoicing, QuickBooks integration, and vendor and client communication within the specific project the communication. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbuisness for the special offers they have for you as a listener of this podcast.
Today with Vita Vygovska
For Window Treatment Friday, LuAnn and Vita conduct a live coaching session around a big issue that so many businesses encounter when they scale—clients wanting you on their project, not your staff. Listen to see how LuAnn advises Vita and prepares her to eliminate her problem with confidence and some carefully chosen words.
LuAnn and Vita's Aha-Moments
“Having the combination of a virtual hug and a little bit of a whip is very unique.” - Vita Vygovska
“If you only get comfort, then you don’t learn how to avoid that the next time.” - LuAnn Nigara
“If I don’t press you and urge you to find the place where only you could have changed the outcome, you’re destined to repeat it.” - LuAnn Nigara
“We can go back and own the moment.” - LuAnn Nigara
Picking It Apart
[11:34] LuAnn shares why we could all benefit from coaching
[16:13] Vita shares the struggle she is having in her business
[19:17] LuAnn gives an example of how she solves the same problem at Window Works
[26:02] Vita asks LuAnn to help her solve a nuance of her original struggle
[30:08] Vita asks LuAnn to help her solve a second nuance of her original struggle
[38:37] LuAnn shares a funny story about what happened when she didn’t take her own advice
Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Kirsch is a reliable go to resource for all of your drapery hardware needs. Have you heard about all of the features Kirsch has built into their motorized Briza rod? Let me tell you a few:
Motor mounts to the back of the track which allows a seamless look if you have motorized and cord or baton traverse rods in the same room.
The Drapery fabrication specs do not need to change between cord or baton controlled draperies and motorized draperies-- this is nice- cuts down on errors--- ask me how I know--lol
No additional returns or any special instructions-- also very nice feature
Limits are set automatically after installation
Remote control is radio frequency and easily pairs with the motor
Tug feature; when drapery is pulled the motor will traverse the drapery
New Neo Smart Controller allows for easy integration with third party home systems.
So go to Kirsch.com today, find the dealer in your area and learn how Kirsch can help you on your next window treatment project.
Today with Beth Diana Smith
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, we welcome Beth Diana Smith back to the show! Beth was last on the show over a year ago, and since then she’s made some major changes to her processes and her business. She’s going to take us through those changes, the way she revamped her processes, and what she’s looking to do in the future. We’re also diving into diversity and inclusivity in the industry, and what all of us can do to contribute and be better allies.
Pick it apart
LuAnn and Beth Diana Smith's “Ah-Ha” Moments
“I’m always saying to all the designers I work with and coach, and my own team, ‘Ok, so this stinks, this went wrong, but where can you personally wind this back where you could have changed the outcome.’ And there’s always a place, even if 15 other people along the way also made a mistake or dropped the ball.” -LuAnn Nigara
“I always want to make sure that my client feels excited because that’s how I want them to feel throughout the process.” -Beth Diana Smith
“That moment where I was able to transform something so drastically and people were able to see it throughout the entire house—it was great content.” -Beth Diana Smith
“I want people to realize that your silence is just as bad as the person that is the racist, because you are enabling their behavior.” -Beth Diana Smith
More About Beth Diana Smith
After more than a decade in accounting and finance at companies like Viacom and Johnson & Johnson, Beth Diana Smith left the corporate world to launch her own interior design firm. Her eye for aesthetics paired with her project management experience culminates in a truly unique approach to design. Her signature style is modern and eclectic with luxurious finishes and custom furnishings. Each vignette is a functioning art installation in its own right. Above all, her work is client-centric as she helps each homeowner hone in on their own style and create a space that inspires them and enhances their lifestyle. Beth’s goal for each project is to elevate the lives of her clients by first elevating their daily environment.
Beth holds a MBA and a degree from the New York School of Interior Design. She is a member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild, the House Beautiful Advisory Council, and the New York School of Interior Design Task Force on Diversity. And Beth’s work has been on NBC and HGTV, and featured in various outlets including House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Real Simple, Lonny Magazine, and the Business of Home.
Connect with Beth Diana Smith
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor
Mydoma Studio is the complete designer toolkit—a place for you to manage all of your projects, from time tracking to communication to product approvals. Mydoma can help you free your time up to focus on your business and serve your clients. You can get 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#439 Beth Diana Smith: Client Expectations, Contracts, and Hard Conversations
#184 Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm
#06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward
#573 Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something