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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: June, 2023
Jun 30, 2023

Today With Judy Brower Fancher:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today I am joined by Judy Brower Fancher, of Brower, Miller & Cole Art Consulting. Judy is certified in interior design, and while she isn’t currently working as one, she knows that most interior designers are not trained, nor confident, in selecting art for their clients. Judy is here to help my audience understand that buying those color Xeroxes is never the answer, and some tangible tips for those unfamiliar with the art world. 

Pick It Apart

[2:32] Judy explains what she means about the difference between xerox art and real art.

[9:17]  Just explains how the budget for art should be separate from the design budget.

[20:58] Tangible benefits for an interior designer when they add art into their projects. 

[25:46] Judy lets us know where we can go to source art.

[42:12] How the relationship works between the designer and an art consultant.

LuAnn Nigara and Judy Brower Fancher's Ah-Ha Moments

“Art should be emotional. It should feel as passionate as your first kiss.” - Judy Brower

“As trusted professionals who are supplying, educating, and sourcing art for our clients, we should have some education on it and know what we are doing.” - LuAnn Nigara

“The art really adds to the luxury feel of the project and is part of showing the good taste of the home.” - Just Brower

More About Judy Brower Fancher

With two decades of experience traveling the globe to understand the art, architecture, fashion and design of various parts of the world, Judy Brower Fancher brings her own love of international cultures, mixed cultures and all things unique and remarkable to her design and storytelling skills.

Her company mission is to create the final layer on spaces that make people whole through reflecting both their current lives and their cultural heritage, while assisting clients and the interior design trade to bring fantastic original art into their lives and their interior designs.

Judy’s background includes:
Purchasing art in galleries in more than 25 countries around the globe 25-plus years working with architects, developers and interior design firms Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UCLA
Minor in Art History
Graduate of the Interior Design Institute

Attending conferences for:

Global original art
Global luxury interior design custom materials and installation global furniture and accessories
Global real estate and architecture trends

Judy believes that with a highly personalized final layer, a home or workplace can embrace more than one background and tell a compelling story to those who visit. In addition, incorporating cultural elements adds beauty that never goes out of style.

Connect with Judy Brower Fancher

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Why acquire art through an art consultant

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

AudiobookThe 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:

#755: Power Talk Friday: Liz Beaman Delman: Fine Art is an Asset, Not an Accessory

#881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business

#239: Katharine Earnhardt – How to Advise Your Clients on Art

#413: Leslie Price: Evolution of a Career in Interior Design

Jun 27, 2023

Today With Lucy Penfield:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Long-time listeners of the show will know that I rarely get into the pretty, the actual designs, or even the creative process itself. For the most part, I’m focused on the business—not what happens in the creative mind, but the systems and processes and moving parts on the outside of that. 

But every once in a while, I make an exception—and today’s episode is one of those. When you hear my guest, Lucy Penfield, speak, you’ll understand why. She’s going to share her creative insight into the design process—and why she relates it to an anthropological discovery. 

Pick It Apart

[3:50] Lucy explains why designing is like an anthropological dig. 

[13:43] Lucy shares how going back to school helped her redefine her design process

[part 2 12:55] Lucy details her six-step process and how creativity plays a role at every level

[19:23] LuAnn reflects on the authenticity in Lucy’s process

LuAnn Nigara and Lucy Penfield's Ah-Ha Moments

“We discover what is at the core, what's at the soul for our clients, and sometimes they have their ideas and their inspiration, but what's deeper than that? So I think so often we look at the top surface, the top layer, maybe the frosting, but what's really underneath it all? And so as an anthropologist, I think we uncover.” -Lucy

“I love that you said peeling away the onion, and it's almost like you could look in a room and keep discovering things in that room when you're designing at that more elevated level.” -LuAnn

“You can get up in the morning and be ho-hum, or you can show up. I think the fun is we have an opportunity to grow.” -Lucy 

More About Lucy Penfield

Lucy Penfield is a passionate, blue sky thinker whose approach to interior design is unparalleled. Her enchantment and zeal for design have followed her throughout her career as an interior designer, lifestyle product innovator, and art aficionado. Lucy loves the magic of transforming space and creating joy for her clients.

As an award-winning interior designer, Lucy is recognized nationally for her sophisticat- ed design style, passion for color, and client-centric methodologies. Her custom, six-step approach to bespoike interiors is anthropological and digs further to uncover true meaning for her clients. With degrees in art history, interior design, and design thinking, Lucy is a dynamic, progressive thought leader. She encourages her clients and team to push the bounds of their realms. From sketching textile and wallcovering collec- tions to designing custom homes, lakeside cottages, and city condos, Lucy garners inspiration from the diverstiy in her work and conquering new challenges.

Lucy has great love for her community and is actively involved with non-profit organiza- tions. Beyond her design ventures, she finds joy in cooking exotic dishes, throwing fabulous dinner parties, traveling with her family and exploring new adventures.

Lucy's design style is radiant, art-infused, and dazzling.

Connect with Lucy Penfield

Website

Instagram

Houzz

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

AudiobookThe 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:

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

#703 Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity

Jun 23, 2023

Today With Cathy Heflin:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that Pinterest is a valuable tool for designers. But how you use it matters. It’s about so much more than just tossing up pretty pictures like on Instagram—in fact, in many ways, it seems like it’s more of a search engine than another social media platform. 

We have so many marketing tools that we can add to our toolbox. Today, my guest, Cathy Heflin, is here to teach more about how Pinterest can help businesses grow, and how to put it to work for your business. 

Pick It Apart

[2:46] Cathy and LuAnn discuss how Pinterest offers more opportunities for businesses than other social media platforms. 

[10:16] Cathy shares how Pinterest helps drive traffic to your website. 

[25:50] Cathy describes how to get started with Pinterest.

[31:29] Cathy explains why using a scheduler can help you invest less time and still make the most of Pinterest. 

[40:09] Cathy shares how to find the best SEO keywords on Pinterest. 

LuAnn Nigara and Cathy Heflin's Ah-Ha Moments

“We have to view Pinterest as a search engine like Google and YouTube, which automatically puts it into way more valuable real estate for our brains, our energy, our money, and our advertising or marketing dollars.” -LuAnn

“Done is better than perfect. Get that content up so that you can start to have something to pin to and have places to send your clients.” -Cathy

More About Cathy Heflin

Cathy Heflin is a Pinterest Marketing Consultant and Strategist. She launched her Pinterest consulting business after personally experiencing how powerful Pinterest was as a driver of traffic to her own blog and online home decor shop. She offers organic and paid ad Pinterest Marketing strategies to help brands grow brand awareness, increase website traffic, increase sales, and grow their email list subscribers.

Connect with Cathy Heflin

Website

Instagram

Pinterest

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

AudiobookThe 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:

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

#750 Power Talk Friday: Erin Harding: Paid Pinterest Campaigns for Interior Designers

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

#487 Power Talk Friday: Vanessa Shepherd: Pinterest Strategies to Grow Your Interior Design Business

#331 Power Talk Friday: Kate Ahl: Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm

#292 Power Talk Friday: Summer Tannhauser – How to Leverage Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm

#223 Allison Fannin – Pinterest Tips for your Interior Design Firm

Jun 20, 2023

Today With Brittany Steptoe-Wright:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Brittany Steptoe-Wright, owner of BSW Design. BSW Design is a certified Vegan Design Firm. Brittany holds design, animals, and the environment near and dear to her heart, so everything they source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. BSW Design also focuses on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or highly recycled content, Brittany’s aim is to bring ethically sound products into her client’s home. Tune in to learn more about this important and ever-growing topic, so join in and make our world a better place one client at a time.

Pick It Apart

[1:00] Brittany gets right into what inspired her to take Deborah Resenberg’s course.

[8:42] How Brittany believes what you put into your home promotes a certain energy and karma.

[19:15] How Brittany navigates when pieces that are cruelty-free aren’t sustainable as well. 

[27:00] Lessons that Brittany discusses on her podcast, The CEO Podcast.

[32:50] How Brittany’s construction firm and design firm work together. 

[43:35] What Brittany does if a client comes to them thinking they don’t need a designer. 

LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Steptoe-Wright's Ah-Ha Moments

“You don’t have to use animal by-products in your home design. You can eat meat, but it doesn't have to be black and white. You can have a cruelty-free home and not be vegan.” - Brittany Steptoe-Wright

“This is the essence of creating the core of a highly successful business because you are living and breathing what you believe.” - LuAnn Nigara

“When the luxury consumer pushes the designer or builder back and says that they don’t need a designer in the middle, explain why you think they do need one and then let them make the decision.” - LuAnn Nigara 

More About Brittany Steptoe-Wright

As a designer, I feel my job is first and foremost to make the home a better place for living. I always start the design process from a place of function and lifestyle before moving into aesthetics. Our motto, Consciously Curated Interiors, encompasses both our attention to the family’s lifestyle, as well as our personal commitment to the environmental impact of everything we do. My love for design, animals, and the environment has fostered a unique sense of purpose in my business. We are a certified Vegan Design firm, meaning that everything we source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. We also put a large focus on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or a high recycled content, we attempt to bring ethically sound products into the home for the families we work with. Knowing that the pieces you surround yourself with have a story that is supportive of humanity, animals, and the environment brings a loving and high vibe energy into the home, which makes it all the more magical to live in.

Connect with Brittany Steptoe-Wright

Website

Carpentry Website

Instagram

Pinterest

Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

AudiobookThe 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:

AWDB:

#82: Deborah Rosenberg: Tailoring Your Interior Design Firm to Your Core Beliefs

#117: Power Talk Friday: Deborah Rosenberg: Cruelty Free Design Certification is Here

#137: Michele Williams- Scarlet Thread Consulting- Actionable Tips for Time Management

#180: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matter to You  

#218: Marketing & Resources for Cruelty Free Design

#395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business

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

#615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process

#649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

#809: Power Talk Friday: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Turning Eco-Friendly Design into a “Green” Bottom Line

WTFP:

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska: An Easy Tool to Increase Your Productivity

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska: You Are the Leader in the Room

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska:Entrepreneurship is Hard: Do this to Make it Easier

Jun 16, 2023

Today With Renee Bush:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s common for business owners to feel burnt out, lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to go next. Today, Renee Bush of Tandem is sharing her insights on how to reignite the spark when you just don’t know how to move forward. 

Pick It Apart

[14:21] Renee shares why creative businesses are so different from other industries, and why inspiration matters to us. 

[26:33] Renee discusses the value of having a “north star” guiding you in your business. 

[30:59] Renee breaks down the three pillars of taking control of how your brand is perceived. 

[35:40] Renee and LuAnn discuss how to attract clients that align with your values. 

LuAnn Nigara and Renee Bush’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I started figuring out that we need to solve all of this first and create a North Star that then we can use to make decisions. That really set me on a path of helping designers figure out their North Star. Who am I? What do I want? Why do I do what I do? How do I do it? What's my superpower? Who am I trying to work with? All these key things that then become that Northstar business framework that then we use to make decisions.” -Renee

“When we have the right client, who is excited to follow our process because they see our value, that brings profitability. They go through the process the way we ask because they get it.” -Renee

More About Renee Bush

Tandem designs premium brands and solves strategic business problems for interior designers. Everything they do is centered on a strategy to help differentiate you in the market and to define and serve your ideal client. Their goal is to help you identify and define who you are as a business and to give you all the tools and resources you need to manage your premium brand effectively.

Working in the design industry for the last decade, Renee initially ran and managed a multi-disciplinary graphic design studio and helped build it from the ground up. From there she began working at Studio McGee as the Director of Design Operations where she worked to build out and refine all of the design operations and processes. It was there that Renee found her love for the Interior Design industry and her driving purpose of helping creative entrepreneurs succeed using quality branding, strategic thinking, and streamlined processes. 

Renee has worked with dozens of interior design entrepreneurs to strategize, problem-solve, and refine their brands and business operations. Some of her clients include Boxwood Avenue, High Street Homes, Light & Dwell Interiors, Susannah Holmberg Interiors, and more. With her experience in the design world and a Master's in Business Administration, Renee excels at getting straight to the heart of any issue and always has a creative solution up her sleeve. 

Connect with Renee Bush 

Website

Instagram 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

Audiobook: 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:

#236 Shea McGee of Studio McGee Joins Me Today!!!!

#606 Phoebe Oldrey: How a Niche Can Give New Life to Your Business

#720 Flash Back Friday: Cheryl Janis: Defining and Owning Your Niche

 #849 Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design

Jun 13, 2023

Today With Victoria Larson:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by textile and wallpaper designer Victoria Larson. After creating gorgeous hand-screen-printed textile collections and dreamy wallpaper patterns for more than a decade, Victoria made a plan to leave the textiles behind (but in good hands) and focus solely on the wallpaper, which allowed her to reenergize her brand and grow with intention.

Good businesses are grown strategically, and believe it or not, sometimes, we have to shrink in order to grow. In this episode, Victoria shares her story. We talk about finding creative solutions, leaving a legacy, and gaining creativity by crunching numbers, and so much more. 

Pick It Apart

[0:51] Victoria explains how she scaled back the fabric side of her business in order to focus on her wallpapers

[11:43] LuAnn and Victoria discuss the importance of relationships, especially with licensing partners.

[19:35] Victoria speaks about how she got into the money mindset and how that has helped her have more time to be creative.

[33:49] LuAnn asks Victoria to elaborate on some of the lessons learned through her transition.

[37:50] LuAnn and Victoria talk about SOPs and why they should always be changing.

[39:26] Victoria and LuAnn discuss how to make a solopreneur business sellable.

LuAnn Nigara and Victoria Larson's Ah-Ha Moments

“One thing I've learned is you have to, for the most part, take emotion out of running a business, and you have to look at it more like a CEO.” – Victoria Larson

“I support the business, but the business has to support me.” – Victoria Larson

“If you don't mind the systems and the money, you're going to quickly find you can't afford to do what you love anymore.” – Victoria Larson

“There's the payoff every day of the week for paying attention to the system and process, because every day of the week you make more money, you have more joy, you have a better outcome, your client experiences better your product delivery is better. So there's all the payoff all the way along, but then there's also, ‘Hey, I have options at the end of this line.’” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Victoria Larson

Victoria is a creator and weaver of tales through textile and pattern design. She works through the lens of the beauty and soul of the sea; art for art’s sake; fine materials and craftsmen; and the uplifting effect of design on the human spirit.

After choosing to stay home with her twin girls, Victoria fell back in love with painting and block printing and eventually launched her first collection of hand-screen-printed fabrics in 2010.  Later she added wallpaper and printed grasscloth. The collection is a fusion of a life-long love of painting, art, and design.

Raised on and around the Chesapeake Bay, it’s no surprise many of Victoria’s designs are inspired by the water light. Later, she accompanied her professional Sailor husband to coastal towns all over the world, her sketchbook in hand. Her designs capture the joy of childhood summer days, the soul of the sea, and the simple beauty of natural patterns.

Victoria also licenses designs for fabric company, Stout Textiles, and home brand, Cailini Coastal. In addition, she has licensed white-label designs to tabletop and swimwear companies.

As VLT’s CEO, she does more than just make pretty things. With a business degree from U of MD, College Park, and a certificate from The MD Institute College of Art, she’s obsessed with how to marry design and business.

Most days you will find her in the coastal town of Annapolis with her husband and rescue doodle. The girls have grown and flown.

Connect with Victoria Larson

Website

Instagram 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

Audiobook: 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:

AWDB #173 Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc

AWDB #360 David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited

AWDB #388: Corey Damen Jenkins: Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman AWDB #404: Sue Firestone: The Malibu Collection with Kravet Inc
AWDB #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet
AWDB #465: Jan Showers: A Glamorous Career
AWDB #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years
AWDB #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life

Jun 9, 2023

Today With Stacey Brown Randall:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Stacey Brown Randall, a business referral whiz who is here to help us understand referral marketing strategies and to share her methods of generating referrals naturally—without manipulating, incentivizing, or even asking. 

Stacey is the host of the Roadmap to Referrals Podcast and the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, as well as my co-author in A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts (volume 1).

In this episode we talk about systems and strategies, the client experience, and how to find key referral moments throughout your interactions that will make you the designer your clients refer over-and-over again.

Pick It Apart

[3:40] Stacey explains her approach to getting fabulous referrals and how it’s different then what most of us were taught.

[11:56] Stacey speaks to the referral ecosystem and why having a process and a strategy works.

[18:55] Stacey and LuAnn discuss the importance of seeing things from the client’s perspective as they move from new to active to alumni.

[28:37] Stacey advises to create an expectation map to guide everyone through the client experience.

[35:00] LuAnn talks about the vortex phase of a project that is full of pain points for the client and Stacey’s role in helping to remedy that with her advice. 

[43:27] Stacey talks about how following her process led one of her coaching clients to both of their largest referrals to date.

LuAnn Nigara and Stacey Brown Randall’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I want referrals to, just as much as the next person, but I don't want to feel awkward and uncomfortable, and feel like I'm off brand by trying to generate them.” – Stacey Brown Randall

“‘Natural’ doesn’t mean no work.” – LuAnn Nigara

“You have to understand what's going through the mind of your client in each of the stages as they move from new to active to alumni.” – Stacey Brown Randall

“I believe you deserve referrals. But you aren't owed them.” – Stacey Brown Randall

“Just like you can design a room, you can design a business that generates referrals.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Stacey Brown Randall

Stacey Brown Randall is the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast and national speaker.

Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally… without manipulating, incentivizing or even asking.   

She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, and more. She is also the co-author of Luann Nigara’s book, A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts (volume 1).

She received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids.

Connect with Stacey Brown Randall 

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

Roadmap to Referrals Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

Audiobook: 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

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Power Talk Friday

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Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #69: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall – Take Control Of Your Business – Employee Management

AWDB #93: Power Talk Friday- Stacey Brown Randall- How To Create an Awesome Client Experience!

AWDB #364: Janelle Photopoulos: Leading, Not Simply Running, Your Interior Design Firm

AWDB #426: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall: Generating Business Referrals…Without Asking

AWDB #867: Power Talk Friday: Casey Gromer: Do You Need a Fractional Integrator?

Jun 6, 2023

Today With Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Running a business is hard. Running one through economic downturns and recessions is tougher. My guests today, Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller of Toledo Geller, have been running their firm together for 17 years. They’ve seen ups and downs in the financial climate—and through it all, they’ve pivoted, built up their network, and come out stronger than before. Today, they’re sharing what you can do in your business to come through even the toughest of economic climates.

Pick It Apart

[3:58] Jessica and Virginia share what they’re most proud of in their business over the years. 

[17:03] Jessica and Virginia discuss how they’ve always ensured they had a strong pipeline of clients.

[26:40] Jessica, Virginia, and LuAnn talk about the importance of flexibility in business. 

[43:28] Jessica and Virginia share their onboarding process for their operations manager.

 LuAnn Nigara, Virginia Toledo, and Jessica Geller’s Ah-Ha Moments

“If you have a business model that you are looking to scale and you have a staff, you feel responsible to keep employed and fed at the end of the day as well as your own family.” -Virginia 

“It's clear in observing you all these years, that there is a bond and there is respect and admiration. You couldn't have survived all these years, you couldn't build a team of eight women behind you without it.” -LuAnn

“It shows the importance of flexibility. If we just said that we were one thing, and we followed one path, and that was it, we probably would never have made it this far.” -Jessica

More About Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller

Toledo Geller is a boutique firm that excels at delivering turn-key, custom residences for singles, couples and families who value exceptional design.

Virginia and Jessica’s approach begins with a deep dive into how each client dreams of living. Getting to know their clients intimately, thoroughly understanding their wish lists and worries, allows Toledo Geller to create a unique, luxury living space that truly reflects who they are—and what they love.

With their mastery of both the design and construction process, Toledo Geller partners with architects and builders from the blueprint stage to completion, providing project management and development oversight. The team works tirelessly to ensure the integrity of each project from start to finish—intent on not just meeting, but exceeding, clients’ expectations.

Toledo Geller was founded over a decade ago and they have been declared House Beautiful’s “Next Wave,” and have been finalists in Innovations in Interior Design, “Ones to Watch” and “Rising Stars” by industry magazines and associations.

VIRGINIA TOLEDO:

Virginia founded Toledo Geller in 2006 after recognizing a need in the luxury residential market for a firm with specialized knowledge in both the design and construction process. Formally trained in interior design, she also gained invaluable experience working along side her father, a general contractor, on construction sites.

A native of Brooklyn, Virginia is a mother who loves historical fiction and entertaining in her 1920’s Craftsman style New Jersey home, which she is constantly updating.

JESSICA GELLER:

The experience of renovating a children’s hospital playroom sparked Jessica’s decision to switch careers from social work to interior design. Her intuitive design sensibility is both innate and learned from experience in the field, and she gravitates towards the perfectly imperfect—such as introducing a color that seems “off” but magically completes the design.

A mother of three, Jessica moved to Essex Fells within a year of renovating her 1850s Hoboken townhouse to embark on transforming a 1920s center hall colonial into the perfect cozy home for spending time with her family.

Connect with Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

Audiobook: 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:

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

#395 Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business

#634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire

#663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business

Jun 2, 2023

Today With Aubre Fox:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Aubre Fox we answer everything you’ve ever wondered about working with Revel Woods. As the first point of contact and an interior designer herself, Aubre takes us through all of the steps and benefits to getting your flooring through Revel Woods. She also talks about their new showroom packages, which she is very passionate about. 

Pick It Apart

[1:24] Aubre starts us off talking a little about herself and how she got into Revel Woods. 

[6:10] What is the process when a designer wants to work with Revel Woods?

[26:34] How the backend works with how you get your commission.

[28:28] Aubre breaks down the types of products Revel Woods offers. 

[44:37] Aubre tells us about Revel Woods new showroom package.

LuAnn Nigara and Aubre Fox's Ah-Ha Moments

“As designers when you are working with any person in their technical realm, you have to understand when you’re having a technical conversation, there is no one helping to decide if this is aesthetically a good idea.” - LuAnn Nigara

“I love working with designers because it gives me the opportunity to educate them.” - Aubre Fox

“That’s how a well designed business runs, it looks at all the different revenue streams that are available to that particular business that makes sense for that business model.” - LuAnn Nigara 

More About Aubre Fox

Aubre Fox is an Interior Designer and CEO of A Fox Interiors. Aubre has been committed to creating a space where other women can collaborate, inspire and empower one another. Being in the Design world for over 13 years she has used her creativity and “business building spirit” to inspire and encourage other women to chase their dreams.

Connect with Aubre Fox

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Other Shows Mentioned:

#329: Power Talk Friday: John Dupra: Revel Woods Launches New To The Trade Program

#452: Power Talk Friday: Revel Woods & American OEM: A Hardwood Flooring Company With Heart 

#865: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Real Deal When Working With Contractors On A Remodel

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