Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On this Power Talk Friday, I am joined by Janine Aurichio, Certified Life Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, Speaker, and Founder of YES2YUM Life Styling. Janine coaches design professionals on The Inside JobTM which creates the mindset and mental fitness needed to run their business with clarity, purpose, and ease.
We are discussing something we all have in common, no matter where we come from; inner voices, or what she calls your inner Sage and Saboteur. It’s a battle. And Janine is here to guide us on how to do the inner work to intercept our negative Saboteur voice.
[6:40] Does our environment add to the intensity of our negative thoughts, or Saboteur?”
[9:09] Why do we focus on the negative thoughts and stories we tell ourselves?
[14:00] How the impact of the inner Saboteur impacts everything.
[20:48] Janine talks about the Positive Intelligence Framework and the exercises we can do to shift out of the negative mindset, or Saboteur.
[36:25] Janine tells us about the free Saboteur assessment she offers.
“If you want to reach your highest levels of performance with lasting peace of mind, you have to deal with the inside stuff.” - Janine Aurichio
“The stories in our head are made up, so why do we put so much emphasis on it?” - LuAnn Nigara
“The Saboteur is indulging itself in emotion and reacting. The Sage empathizes, thinks, and taps into the positive.” LuAnn Nigara
Janine Aurichio, MBA, WPCC, MIM, is a Certified Life Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, Speaker, and Founder of YES2YUM Life Styling. A former designer and recovering perfectionist, Janine coaches design professionals on The Inside JobTM of creating the mindset and mental fitness to run their business with clarity, purpose and ease. Using her signature Life Styling approach, her clients go from stress and overwhelm to calm, clear and creative. Her 35-year journey from type-A executive to type-Me coach informs her work with stressed entrepreneurs, and helps them achieve peak performance with maximum peace-of-mind and heart. With Beauty as her #1 core value, Janine’s purpose is to be part of the healing of the world by supporting the Beauty-makers. She is an avid hiker and scuba diver, and a native New Yorker living in northern California with her rescue dog and cat.
Schedule a free 30-Minute Saboteur Consultation
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
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business.
Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On this Power Talk Friday, I am joined by Janine Aurichio, Certified Life Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, Speaker, and Founder of YES2YUM Life Styling. Janine coaches design professionals on The Inside JobTM which creates the mindset and mental fitness needed to run their business with clarity, purpose, and ease.
We are discussing something we all have in common, no matter where we come from; inner voices, or what she calls your inner Sage and Saboteur. It’s a battle. And Janine is here to guide us on how to do the inner work to intercept our negative Saboteur voice.
[6:40] Does our environment add to the intensity of our negative thoughts, or Saboteur?”
[9:09] Why do we focus on the negative thoughts and stories we tell ourselves?
[14:00] How the impact of the inner Saboteur impacts everything.
[20:48] Janine talks about the Positive Intelligence Framework and the exercises we can do to shift out of the negative mindset, or Saboteur.
[36:25] Janine tells us about the free Saboteur assessment she offers.
“If you want to reach your highest levels of performance with lasting peace of mind, you have to deal with the inside stuff.” - Janine Aurichio
“The stories in our head are made up, so why do we put so much emphasis on it?” - LuAnn Nigara
“The Saboteur is indulging itself in emotion and reacting. The Sage empathizes, thinks, and taps into the positive.” LuAnn Nigara
Janine Aurichio, MBA, WPCC, MIM, is a Certified Life Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, Speaker, and Founder of YES2YUM Life Styling. A former designer and recovering perfectionist, Janine coaches design professionals on The Inside JobTM of creating the mindset and mental fitness to run their business with clarity, purpose and ease. Using her signature Life Styling approach, her clients go from stress and overwhelm to calm, clear and creative. Her 35-year journey from type-A executive to type-Me coach informs her work with stressed entrepreneurs, and helps them achieve peak performance with maximum peace-of-mind and heart. With Beauty as her #1 core value, Janine’s purpose is to be part of the healing of the world by supporting the Beauty-makers. She is an avid hiker and scuba diver, and a native New Yorker living in northern California with her rescue dog and cat.
Schedule a free 30-Minute Saboteur Consultation
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
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business.
Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined once again by Jillian Lare, a trained engineer, experienced college lecturer, and award-winning interior designer. A few years ago, Jillian partnered with her friend and fellow designer to start Morris Lare Interiors in Des Moines, Iowa, and it has been a growing success. Jillian credits a lot of her success and smooth business operations to the technology she implements. She is sharing what is working well in her business, along with suggestions on where to get started integrating technology into your businesses as well. She’s also got a great prompt if you want ChatGPT to create a great Spotify playlist just for you.
[4:12] Jillian explains how she uses various project management software platforms in her firm.
[19:04] Jillian shares how her team does a daily check in each morning on Slack to stay up to date on their priorities without having to meet in person.
[27:20] LuAnn and Jillian discuss tracking time and expenses within the project management systems and by using the app Harvest.
[30:07] Jillian talks about how she is using Milanote.
[44:03] LuAnn shares her thoughts on naming conventions and how these need to be thought through at the beginning so they are easily searchable.
[48:33] Jillian explains why she uses DesignSpec to keep a record of all of their specs in one database.
[54:16] LuAnn and Jillian discuss using AI for idea generation, making a great Spotify playlist, and prompting Midjourney.
“I'm about just get something that works. And email is not the answer.” – LuAnn Nigara
“f it's not easy to do, it doesn't matter how good it is. It's not going to get done.” – LuAnn Nigara
“I just want everything to be accessible wherever I am. The minute it's like not accessible is when I'm kind of like start to lose interest in it, because we're just out and about so much.” – Jillian Lare
“Every time you enter the same information in multiple places, that's an opportunity to get it wrong.” – Jillian Lare
Jillian Lare is a native of northeastern Pennsylvania. She achieved a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and spent her early career with Intel Corporation. During her time as an engineer, she honed the invaluable skills of critical thinking, project management, leadership, and effective communication, which she applies every day as an interior designer and entrepreneur.
Jillian made the switch from engineering to design in 2007 when she apprenticed with a local designer. Upon relocating to Des Moines, she enrolled in the MA of Interior Design program at Iowa State and graduated in 2013. She joined the faculty shortly after and served as an instructor for five years, specializing in residential design and visual and graphic communication. While teaching, she continued to design for clients. After the birth of her son in 2017, she launched Jillian Lare Interior Design, her eponymous firm focused on residential new construction and remodeling.
Jillian enjoys working on a variety of residential projects including new construction, kitchen remodels, decorating, and furnishings throughout the Des Moines area and with clients coast to coast. She resides in West Des Moines with her husband Keegan, a registered landscape architect, their son Ashton, and two dogs Booker and Arlo.
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
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
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
#162: Power Talk Friday – Natalie Norcross – The Dynamic Leader of A Design Partnership
#506: Power Talk Friday: Natalie Norcross: A Design Partnership
#544: Power Talk Friday: Natalie Norcross: 5 Things To Do To Get PR
#864: Hilaire Pickett Martin: Lesson From an Interior Design Operations Manager
#870: Jillian Lare: Processes to Know Your Numbers
#879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation
#895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers
Asana
InDesign
Basecamp
Dropbox
Slack
Voxer
Harvest
Studio Designer
MyDoma Studio
Milanote
Canva
Google Suite
Chief Architect
Calendly
Type Form
Design Spec
ChatGPT
Midjourney
Books:
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Adrien Cotton, menopause expert, transformational concierge wellness coach, and founder of Alexandria Wellness. Adrien’s luxury services and holistic approach bring beauty and confidence to her clients. Like many interior designers, Adrien operates a very personal pursuit that can impact every facet of an individual or family’s life and well-being.
Driven by systems, efficiency, and meaningful connections, Adrien is here to share effective business insights that will move the needle in any industry. We talk about qualifying clients, building a solid team, the importance of systems and consistency, and the value of human connection.
[5:45] Adrien explains her intake process and how she has refined it to make sure her clients are committed.
[12:03] LuAnn and Adrien discuss the back end of her business and how her team supports all of her business efforts.
[17:29] Adrien explains how she pivoted into concierge wellness and established her brand. LuAnn relates that to how many designers come into the industry as a second career.
[21:02] Adrien talks about the importance of knowing your numbers in accounting and data, as well as the importance of systems.
[26:51] Adrien explains her system for an editorial calendar throughout the year.
[30:34] LuAnn tells Adrien how she uses ChatGPT for rough drafts and idea generation, but explains that the human element is still necessary.
[39:29] Adrien and LuAnn discuss the value of human connection and how concierge wellness and luxury interior design are both rooted in that connection because you can’t just Google them or use AI for them and get a personalized answer.
[45:37] Adrien mentions her master menopause course and walks through how her concierge small groups work.
“I'm not a trend and I'm not a fad. I'm not a cleanse, I'm not a diet. I'm a lifestyle.” - Adrien Cotton
“If any designer thinks [AI] is replacing the interior design industry, then they're not really fully in touch with what their actual intellectual property is.” – LuAnn Nigara
“The human brain thrives on connection with another human being. And so a designer or a wellness expert—we're connecting with someone who's going to trust us to make their life a little bit more beautiful.” – Adrien Cotton
“I'm serving them in a way that they can't Google. And I will work just as hard as they do.” – Adrien Cotton
“You want to get up every day and live in your ‘why’ and do what you do. Because…when you can do that and make money at it, you can do that and support your family or yourself…then that is the day that you're not working.” – LuAnn Nigara
Adrien Cotton believes that the greatest gift you can give to yourself is the gift of wellness. She is an accomplished speaker, entrepreneur, corporate wellness educator, menopause expert and transformational wellness coach with proven success in designing and implementing innovative workforce wellness programs. Her effectiveness as a facilitative leader, motivational speaker, writer and coach is rooted in a strong set of guiding principles for growth and mirrors her own personal wellness journey.
Since founding her wellness enterprise, Adrien has leveraged her fitness and wellness background to move women from a place of “giving up” to one of proactive self-care. Her work goes beyond nutrition and exercise and focuses on an individual’s lifestyle and key high-impact areas including stress resilience, sleep, calendar management, mindfulness, and menopause. She excels in shifting mindsets and helping her clients leverage small habits that yield lasting results.
Whereas the market is saturated with wellness professionals, Adrien brings a breadth of corporate experience, a proprietary methodology, and a unique client-centric perspective. After serving in high-leverage professional roles, Adrien pivoted her career focus to helping clients capture their strength in all areas of life.
She is also the creator of the MASTER Menopause NOW! Wellness Program. This course is the culmination of 20 years of research and many years of working with perimenopausal and menopausal women. She has discovered what works, with real women, every day.
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
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#86: Andrea Schumacher – Strategies for Client Management
#852: Nicole Salceda: You Don’t Need to Have All the Superpowers
#854: Lindye Galloway: Connect Your Why to Your Interior Design Business, the Success Will Follow
#861: Power Talk Friday: Darla Powell: Instagram for Interior Designers
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business today. I am very excited to welcome to the show a long-time listener, Cleo Poli.
Cleo is from Paris, but traveled abroad, living several different places around the globe. She worked in interior design in London, but moved back home to Paris when she found out she was expecting a baby. It was there that she discovered her niche—her Fred Berns only—serving English-speaking clients in France.
Today, she’s here to share what she has learned embarking on an interior design career in Paris, establishing and developing her niche, and serving an unfulfilled need for English-speaking clients.
[4:00] Cleo shares her journey and how she ended up back home in Paris serving English-speaking clients.
[9:04] LuAnn and Cleo discuss how Cleo’s niche took shape and the importance of niching.
[14:54] Cleo explains how interior design is fundamentally different in Paris.
[31:16] Cleo shares how and why she uses a pricing structure that’s unusual to the area.
[41:21] Cleo reflects on her insights from the show and building her firm.
“It's important to know yourself first, right? Know yourself first, figure out your why and then move. And it doesn't matter if it's the same or different than anybody else's—it just matters that it's true to you, that you know that you're doing what you really want the way you want to do it.” -LuAnn
Cléophée was born and raised in Paris and has spent the best part of the last decade living overseas (Malawi, Australia, England and now Paris again) with her Australian partner. This time abroad heightened her understanding of the need to have a home away from home as well as the chance to discover many different cultures and their affiliated designs.
Her father is an antiques and collectables merchant and her mother a multidisciplinary artist.
Growing up surrounded by art and vintage decor magazines, Cléo developed an eye for design from a very young age. Since she was a child, she scouted Parisian flea markets, museums and collector shows across Europe and the US. Design became a staple in her everyday life.
Her appreciation for good design and the arts has allowed her to tailor a very particular service offering, Kids’ Artwork, for her English-speaking expatriate clientèle based in Paris.
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
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
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
#169 Amber Lewis- Keynote Speaker at Design Blogger’s Conference
#174 Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours
#670 Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know.
#759 Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that thriving in business takes a specific mindset. But what is the millionaire mindset, really? How can we break out of fear mode and start doing what it takes today to take our business where we want to be?
In today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to chat about the Interior Design Standard and the millionaire mindset for designers.
[7:54] Sandra and LuAnn discuss why waiting for the “right time” hurts designers.
[21:26] Sandra and LuAnn talk about the importance of investing in your business.
[40:07] Sandra and LuAnn share the value of setting expectations with your clients.
[45:44] Sandra shares how important it is to have a process for estimates—and to stick to it.
[49:36] Sandra shares details about the upcoming session of the Interior Design Standard.
“When we're not process driven, and we don't have it documented, then we are making up the conversation.” -LuAnn
“There are so many designers who are doing this designer discount and charging 10% or 20%, or even 30% markup. I tracked it people—that is break-even. 35% markup is break-even.” -Sandra
Sandra Funk is a trusted advisor and the celebrated design leader who built the boutique firm, House of Funk and her proven process, the Interior Design Standard. Over 30 national press outlets - Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, to name a few - have recognized Sandra for her award-winning designs and innate entrepreneurial spirit.
Despite her business degree, a background in business process consulting and a design education from Parsons, it took Sandra over a decade - and the help of several experts - to develop and fine-tune her business model for a thriving interior design firm.
Today, Sandra is deeply rooted in empowering and educating design entrepreneurs. With her turnkey approach, she welcomes designers into her inner circle, sharing her proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm.
#845 Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating
#801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation
#753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business
#585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems
#520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!
#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm
#02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Jessica Duce, principal designer at both JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers is back on to talk about her Vacation Rental Design Summit she held in spring 2023 at High Point. We talk about the importance of noticing gaps in the industry and how she used them to her, and everyone’s benefit, in more ways than one. We also learn about the membership program she and her partners started, and everything else Jessica has been up to since she was last on!
[1:45] Jessica fills us in on why she was so passionate to create the Vacation rental Design Summit.
[5:00] Jessica explains that there are, in fact, differences between vacation rental design and regular design.
[13:09] Jessica shares what the new summit consisted of for both new and old vacation rental designers.
[24:20] Jessica talks about the membership program her and her partners launched at the summit.
[36: Jessica tells us about the evolution of Vacation Rental Designers since she was last on the podcast.
“People want to stay somewhere that doesn't look like their home.” - Jessica Duce
“Brands want to be apart of a rental, so guests or designers that they bring in can experience these brands there instead of in a showhouse.” - Jessica Duce
In business for almost 20 years, interior designer Jessica Duce brings her creativity and expertise to both residential and commercial projects. With Houston as homebase, she works with clients across the country which she says affords a unique perspective on regional design trends and needs. The principal designer at both JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers, she saw the latter as a much-needed niche service bringing value to short-term rental property homeowners who require a unique mix of budget and modern style. Together with business partner and real estate consultant Julia Harmon, they are creating new opportunities for designers and owners in that space.
As an accomplished speaker and presenter, Jessica has appeared on numerous panels and podcasts, and she has been featured in community lifestyle publications as well as trade magazines including Business of Home, Furniture Today, Designers Today and KBIS magazine. Most recently, she announced her role as key strategist in the inaugural Vacation Rental Design Summit to be held in conjunction with High Point Market in April 2023. Jessica is the incoming President for IDS Houston as well as National IDS membership. Additionally, Jessica is proud of her ongoing relationship with Modenus and its Design Hounds Influencer program.
Vacation Rental Designers
Vacation Rental Design Summit
Jessica Duce
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
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
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
#305: Elizabeth Scruggs- The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business®
#368: Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design
#540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development
Today on A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday. I am sitting down with Michelle Clayton, the Brand Strategist, and Designer behind Let Her Fly, a studio for successful women who are ready to level up and look like the pro they are. Michelle wanted to come on and first of all, give us some great actionable branding tips, but also to debunk the misconception that using Fiverr or Pinterest for your logo is a good idea. Spoiler alert, it’s not. Michelle will explain why and what you should be doing for your brand.
[3:25] Michelle tells us the first place we should turn to when considering a rebrand.
[14:58] Michelle explains the difference between your brand logo made from someone on Fiverr compared to a professionally made logo.
[30:45] Michelle and LuAnn discuss brand consistency among all of your platforms.
[39:49] Additional actions you should skip when formulating your brand.
[46:20] Michelle explains that re-branding or tweaking your current brand doesn’t mean changing yourself.
“If you present your brand one way on Instagram, and a completely different, or old, way on your website and they just don’t line up, it’s a hard no for me.” - LuAnn Nigara
“People need that consistency in their brand across all platforms, whatever that is for your business.” - Michelle Clayton
“You need to make it easy for people when they are checking you out, and give them the path of least resistance.” - Michelle Clayton
“Everyone has a brand and the beauty is you can love and keep developing the one you have or if it isn’t working for you anymore, you can always change it.” - Michelle Clayton
Michelle Clayton is the Brand Strategist and Designer behind Let Her Fly, a studio for successful women who are ready to level up and look like the pro they are. She captures their personality and expertise in a clear, cohesive brand that feels just like them and attracts more ideal clients, so they can confidently go after their next big thing.
With a design degree and 30 years in the industry, Michelle’s experience ranges from in-house art departments to non-profits to two of Calgary’s largest advertising agencies. Through, Let Her Fly, she now brings that same level of expertise and eye for detail to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Michelle loves helping women create a brand that looks as professional as they are—one that fits like their favorite t-shirt and attracts more ideal clients. She knows first-hand the insecurity that comes from outgrowing your brand, and the positive impact the right one has on your confidence and your bottom line.
Through strategic design, insightful articles, guest interviews, and online and in-person workshops, she breaks down the mystery of great design, the difference it makes, and how everyone can build a brand that feels good and delights their audience.
In 1995, Michelle traded Southern sweet tea and lightning bugs for true love in the Great White North. She speaks fluent American and Canadian, accurately using “toboggan” in either context. Home is in Calgary with her husband, two teen daughters, a hairy rescue pup, and a bottomless London Fog.
Spotify playlist of guest episodes on podcasts
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
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
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
#06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward
#125: Nicole Heymer: How to Brand Your Business, Yes Again. Do Not Miss This One!
#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm
#466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?
#492: Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success
#609: Lisa Haude: Rebranding to Express Who You Really Are
#882: Bria Hammel: Doing Fewer Interior Design Projects and Increasing Your Profitability
Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Sharon L. Sherman, founder of Thyme and Place Design. Sharon has been practicing award-winning kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years, is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers, New Jersey chapter, and was named 2022 Innovator of the Year by Kitchen Bath Design News magazine. She has worked with every personality out there and is here to discuss personality traits.
We delve into the four personality types she categorizes: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. We talk about their traits, how to recognize them, and how to work with each one best for successful outcomes every time.
[2:09] Sharon explains that everyone has a different idea of what a difficult client is, but by understanding our own personality traits we can better understand and work with all types of clients.
[9:30] Sharon introduces the four personality types she has defined: fire, air, earth and water.
[11:28] LuAnn and Sharon discuss the traits of the fire personality and how to handle them.
[19:26] Sharon describes the air personality as expressive, friendly, and appreciative, but also need to be appreciated.
[25:56] Sharon explains that those with the earth personality are stable and grounded and comfortable like your favorite pair of jeans.
[29:56] Sharon and LuAnn talk about the water personality, which tends to be analytical and organized.
[38:36] Sharon and LuAnn how to determine personality types and work with each one better.
“There's really no such thing as a difficult client. It just sounds like a match that's not well matched.” – LuAnn Nigara
“To resolve a problem—that's when we have to step out and detach and start to observe and see and to, quite frankly, employ those sales skills.” – LuAnn Nigara
“Clients make our world go round. Without them, we're no longer in business..” – Sharon L. Sherman
“If you understand how to speak to your clients, and how to ask them questions, and listen to what they're saying…you start to see who that person is going to be.” – Sharon L. Sherman
“If anybody right now has a recent interaction with any client that went negatively—just now think about the different personalities and try and identify what personality they are. Probably, you handled it from your personality. And if that ends up being true, then that is really a very foundational reason why the problem escalates—because you're handling something from your perspective as opposed to the way they need it handled, not because it was an unsolvable problem.” – LuAnn Nigara
“I didn't let fear overcome my love for what I'm doing.” - Sharon L. Sherman
Sharon is the founder of Thyme and Place Design, headquartered in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She’s been practicing kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years and is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers – New Jersey chapter.
Her award-winning designs and editorial comments have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Design Milk, Bergen NJ magazine, Kitchen & Bath Design News, Woman’s Day, Country Decorating, Design NJ, New Jersey Home Magazine, 201 Magazine, The Best of Bergen, as well as several books.
Her blog “Tips from the Trade” appears in digital form on DesignNJ.com and KBBonline.com. She has also appeared on HGTV’s My Big Amazing Renovation and episodes of House Smarts with Lou Manfredini. In 2022, she was a featured *Voices From The Industry* speaker at the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s international convention and is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Kitchen Bath & Business magazine and has received the 2022 Innovator of the Year award from Kitchen Bath Design News magazine.
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
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
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#762: Laura Martin Bovard: Do You Run Your Interior Design Business From Ego or Soul?
#808: Hailey Kolbe: How to Vet Inquiries, Spot Red Flags, and Attract Your Ideal Client
#842: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity
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