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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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Feb 22, 2017

Welcome back to another Well-Designed Business! If you are a first-time listener and just now finding our show thank you so much for tuning in! On the show, today Sarah Wilson is with me. Sarah is an interior designer located in Redlands, California. She has just hit her two-year anniversary in business. She is a designer with a degree from the designer institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.

Today you are going to learn why and how Sarah left a career as a software quality engineer to pursue her passion in interior design. While she was attending FDIN she participated in different chairing styles where she created a chairing style that she intends to one day bring to market. Color is one of Sarah’s passions and encourages clients to use bold colors in their spaces.

Show Notes:

  • What are some of the skill sets that Sarah brought to her business?
  • What other degrees does Sarah have?
  • What would she like to tell all the people starting their new interior design businesses?
  • Where and how did she get her first client for her business?
  • How did she start up her business?
  • What is BNI?
  • What were some things that she thought would be challenging but were surprisingly easy?
  • How important is networking for your business?
  • What are some mistakes that Sarah encountered during her first two years in business?
  • What are some big victories that she has accomplished in her first two years?
  • How did she come to the decision to raise her prices for her services?
  • What goals has Sarah set for herself for 2017?
  • What process did she use to bring in interns?
  • How does Sarah organize her Instagram and use it to show off her work?

Resources:

www.chairish.com/trade

www.instagram.com/chansaeraedesigns

www.chansaeraedesigns.com

Feb 20, 2017

Glen Peloso will be joining me today on A Well-Designed Business. Glen is one-half of the Glen and Jamie of the Peloso Alexander Interiors. Each Glen and Jamie are successful interior designers some twenty plus years each and in 2013 these two respected designers came together to co-found Peloso Alexander Interiors in Toronto.

Following their merger, they launched their brand “Glen and Jamie Designer Collection” which is an upholstery line that is now available in stores nationwide. They have both appeared in both print and television in North America and internationally, HGTV and Food Network. They are regulars as design experts for the Merrel and Dennis Show, Global Morning Show, Breakfast Television Toronto and CHCH Morning.

They are also regular design columnists for national papers like the Toronto Star and are national contributors to a variety of national and international magazines. Glen and Jamie serve as design directors at Toronto’s largest attended festival, Buscar Fest. They were recently honored by being appointed ambassadors to the peer project, a non-profit organization that assists youth mentored by youth. They maintain two boutique locations and somehow, they run a full-time interior design firm with a staff of ten!

Show Notes:

  • How did Glen and Jamie come to want to found a business together?
  • What are some skill sets that Glen has that compliment Peloso Alexander Interiors that are different from Jamie’s skillsets?
  • How did the two stores come to be?
  • What is the difference in the two stores?
  • What is the idea for “the basement”?
  • How did the media part of the business get started?
  • When did Glen have his start in television?
  • What advice does Glen give to people who want to be on television and be famous?
  • What are the design tours that Glen Jamie do together?
  • How can someone join a tour that is being held by Glen and Jamie?
  • How do you most effectively use the resources given to you?

Resources:

www.businessofdesign.com   

www.pelosoalexander.com

Feb 17, 2017

It’s another episode of power talk Friday! I have Jim Riviello with me today! Jim is the founder of Leadership X University, LXU. He is a speaker, team development coach as well as the author of “There Must be a Better Way”. His latest book is called “Rivelations for Business Professionals”. Jim and his team provide business leadership and growth tools to help you accelerate yourself as an individual, a team leader, home owner and team development. He comes from his own experience and has been in our shoes. He shares his own personal stories and this one of the reasons I was attracted to Jim and his team.

Show Notes:

  • What is “be do have not have do be”?
  • Where should you be looking first if you are not successful?
  • When should you plan your work week?
  • How should you or what are some ways to plan your work week?
  • How can you use Monday to plan for the rest of the week?
  • What is a power day and how often should you have them?
  • What is the golden rule for having to reschedule a meeting?
  • Why is it so important to just keep moving the “needle”?
  • What is the importance of three steps?
  • What does the phrase catch first mean?
  • What kind of programs does Jim and his team offer?

Resources:

www.lxu.training

There Must be a Better Way

Rivelations for Business Professionals

Feb 15, 2017

Today is the one year birthday for A Well Design Business! IT’s been quite a journey with so many challenges and victories along the way. It’s like the best roller coaster you have ever been on. For the one year birthday show I have been thinking “what should I do?” I wanted it to be different from regular scheduling. I remembered what I did for the 6 month show and for the 100th episode and I decided I can’t do what I did on those shows again.

Then I was listening to Natalie Eckdahls BizChix Podcast. It’s a great show! It has lots of insight on how to run a business. While Natalie is a great business coach for anyone on any level she seems to really speak to “solos” and the struggles of solos. Natalie just celebrated her 3rd year on air and for that episode, she invited someone to interview her. I love that idea! So, I snagged and copied the idea.

Today I have invited Carol Cox to be my interviewer. Carol is the creator of “Speaking your Brand” which provides mission-driven entrepreneurs and organizations with communications and media training. She helps them excavate their stories and core messages and create a breakthrough brand and signature talk that grows their business and influence. Carol also teaches business and marketing at a university and during election seasons she serves as a political analyst on TV news.

Show Notes:

  • How did the podcast “A Well-Designed Business” come about?
  • What was it that Luann saw that designers were struggling with and that her podcast could help?
  • Why do people like Luann’s podcast: A Well Design Business?
  • How does she find the guests for her podcast?
  • What is the criteria for a guest that Luann would pick?
  • Why did she come up with power talk Friday for her podcast?
  • Is there some advice that Luann has heard in several of the episodes over and over?
  • How did Luann learn to trust her intuition?
  • Why did Luann decide to hire a speaking coach?
  • Why didn’t she go to college?
  • What kind of thinker do you need to be to be a good designer?
  • What has she gotten the most of doing the podcast?
  • When is, her book coming out and what is it about?
  • What’s next for the podcast?

Resources:

www.chairish.com

A Making of a Well-Designed Business

 

https://www.speakingyourbrand.com
 
http://bizchix.com
 
https://www.silvamethod.com
Feb 13, 2017

I have two dynamos in the marketing and PR world, Ann Feldstein and Jennifer Powell Tumpowsky of Moxie Marketing and Communications. We are going to talk today about how to be prepared to work with a PR marketing firm and what you can expect them to help you with if you do hire one.

But first a little background on these two accomplished women. Moxie Marketing and Communications is a New York-based public relations marketing firm representing interior designers, architects, manufacturers and brands in the interior design industry. Founder and President, Ann Feldstein and her partner, Jennifer Powell Tumpowsky have twenty plus combined years of industry specific experience. Ann, throughout her career, has worked on high-end brands and for fifteen years she was the Vice President of Communications at Kravet Inc. At Kravet, she focused on B2B marketing and PR, media and event planning and was a part owner of CrossFit Sanctuary.

Jennifer is a native of High Point, North Carolina and her passion for the design industry and deep understanding of marketing makes her a valuable asset to their clients. Jennifer joined Moxie in April of 2016 after she also spent time at Kravet Inc. Jennifer was at Kravet for seven years and was the Director of Communications and oversaw the development of strategy, implementation of social media, copyrighting, public relations and assisted with events, product launching and media planning. Jennifer has visited every major design center in the country. She speaks to designers large and small about the power of social media and the importance of marketing in the interior design industry.

 

Show Notes:

  • What is it like to be a client at Moxie Marketing and Communications?
  • Does their business work with interior designers that don’t know what their goals are?
  • What is a brand presence?
  • What is the purpose of going to different events?
  • What does it mean to have a good social media presence?
  • What are some principles for good social media campaign?
  • How many social platforms should a business be on?
  • Are there certain things that someone should have ready before deciding to work with a PR firm?
  • How important is communication for your business?
  • How should you capture your work?
  • What is something that you need to make sure is very clear on your website or page?

Resources:

www.businessofdesign.com

www.moxiemarketingny.com

Feb 10, 2017

We’re back with another power talk Friday! I’m happy to announce that I have Charlotte Safavi with me today. Charlotte is a London born, Oxford University-educated writer and stylist. She has written for national shelter magazines such as Better Home and Gardens, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, HGTV magazine, Southern Living, New York Cottages and Gardens, Lux Interiors and Design, Southern Home and many more. 

I am looking at this list that Charlotte has been published in and think of how many times I have read those same lists for each of the interior design guests we have had on the show. Today we are going to look at it from the other side, the writer side.

Show Notes:

  • What makes Charlotte’s niche different than other stylists for magazines?
  • Why did she decide on this niche?
  • What does she do in her scouting for a shoot?
  • What might be some suggestions that Charlotte would give the designer or photographer?
  • When should a designer use a team like Charlotte’s team for their projects?
  • What are some ways that Charlotte approaches a project when scouting?
  • Why is it important to have a narrative or thread to a project?
  • How can a designer keep the narrative or thread going through a photo shoot?
  • What are some ways to stage a project to attract that client you want?

Resources:

www.instagram.com/charlottesafavi

www.facebook.com/charlottesafavi

www.charlottesafavi.com

Feb 8, 2017

Today on the show I have yet another fabulous business coach who specializes in our industry! Michele Williams is with me! Michele is the founder of Scarlet Thread and Consulting in Atlanta, Georgia. Today we will learn about Michele’s background which includes the financial software industry as well as a business in soft window treatment fabricator. She also has a BS in business administration, a diploma in Christian life coaching and she is one of the few certified profit first coaches in the United States. 

Michele was also the communication director and editor in chief of the Drapery and Designs Professional Magazine from 2009 to 2012. She is a member of The Design Collective in Atlanta, the Designers Work Club Council and the Window Covering Association of America. After talking to Michele I realized that there are so many things I could talk with her about but after we talk about her background a little bit we are going to pull apart work scheduling and chunking our day to have more productivity.

Show Notes:

  • What is her background in the financial software industry?
  • When did she decide to start her window treatment business?
  • Did she start with a business plan?
  • How did she start to make her business bigger?
  • What is the Design Collective in Atlanta?
  • What is a round table discussion and how is it helpful?
  • How is the Window Coverings Association helpful to Michele and her business?
  • What are some of things that you can expect Michele to talk about the expo IWCE in Charlotte?
  • Why is it important to listen to different people say the same things?
  • Why is important to be able to chunk your time for productivity?
  • Is it better to be proactive or reactive?
  • How should you plan your calendar?

Resources:

www.chairish.com 

www.designcollectiveatl.com 

www.scarletthreadconsulting.com

Feb 6, 2017

On the show, today it is kind of a departure for the podcast because I am going to be speaking with an interior design student: Ashleigh Esprit. Ashleigh is a student Gwinnett Technical College in Atlanta, Georgia and she is working on her associates degree in interior design. She will complete her associates degree in the spring of 2017 and then attend Brunel University in the fall to get her masters in interior design. She has had great success in her internships and working with a great company, Sherwin Williams. She is very passionate about design and very passionate about her colleagues. She has started a blog, The Life of an Interior Design Student. In the interview, you will learn how Ashleigh and I came to know each other and what I have learned about her to make me respect her. 

Show Notes:

  • Why did Ashleigh start a blog for interior design students?
  • What are some of the struggles that she has experienced that other students have as well?
  • How does Ashleigh overcome her times when she is having trouble staying inspired?
  • What made Ashleigh want to be involved in the interior design business and study more about interior design?
  • Are there any classes that Ashleigh thinks are more beneficial than others?
  • Does Ashleigh think internships are important?
  • Is there anything that she thinks should be included in the interior design curriculum that isn’t explained well enough already?
  • Is Ashleigh a part of ASID?
  • What are Ashleigh’s goals for her career in interior design?
  • What are some other blogs that she has connected with?
  • Has Ashleigh learned anything from doing her blog: The Life of an Interior Design Student?

Resources:

The Life of an Interior Design Student

www.lifeofanidstudent.blogspot.com

Feb 3, 2017

On this power talk Friday I am happy to say that I have Heather Ann Havenwood! Heather Ann Havenwood is the CEO of Havenwood Worldwide. She is the head chief sexy boss, she is an entrepreneur and a top authority in internet marketing, business strategies, and marketing.

What I found that is very interesting about Heather is that she started her first online business in 1999. If you think about that in 1999 nobody really had computers in their homes. In 2006, she took a company that she developed and grew it to an online marketing, publishing company from ground zero to over one million dollars in sales in under twelve months!

Show Notes:

  • What is Heather’s nitch?
  • What should you promote first for your business?
  • What are some of the differences between men and women’s approaches when it comes to getting what they want in business?
  • When or should you become friends with clients?
  • Why are consistency and commitment important?
  • What is H2H and why is it important?
  • Why is it important to google your name every occasionally?
  • Why does everyone fail to succeed?
  • Why did she write her book: Sexy Boss: How the Empowerment of Women is Changing the Rule Book of Sex, Money, and Business?
  • Why are testimonials important to your business?
  • How do you get testimonials?
  • What is Heather’s podcast about?

Resources:

Sexy boss: How the Empowerment of Women is Changing the Rule Book of Sex, Money, and Success

The Win with Heather Havenwood

www.heatherhavenwood.com

Feb 1, 2017

I have Paula Grace with me today! Paula Grace comes to interior design as a second career. Before coming to interior design, she earned master degrees in clinical social work and business administration. She held a directorship in a large behavioral health program and was a senior instructor at the graduate level in a prestigious university medical center. This is exactly why I was so intrigued to bring Paula on the show! In addition to designing interiors, she also designs furniture and area rugs which are available to the trade. Paula Grace also consults and shares her knowledge with us her design colleagues on how to build strong professional relationships with clients, staff and vendors.

Show Notes:

  • What are the steps that an interior designer should start out with when trying to build a good relationship with clients?
  • What should a designer talk about in the first meeting with a client?
  • Why is it so important to stick to your original plan?
  • What are some clues that you as a designer have not explained clearly enough what you are about? 
  • What are the four “c”s?
  • How can designers reinforce to their clients that they made the right decision?
  • How can you stay out of the “friend zone”?
  • How can you deal with a person’s bad experience from a previous project?
  • How can you as a leader decide if your staff members are happy in their work environment?
  • What is the organization culture assessment instrument?
  • What is the reveal and heal process?
  • How do the relationships with your clients relate to your relationships with your staff members?
  • How can you keep a great designer happy at a small firm?
  • How open should you be when owning your own business?

Resources: 

www.paulagracedesigns.com 

www.windowworks-nj.com/podcast-birthday-party 

www.chairish.com

Jan 30, 2017

Gillian Rose is a Canadian transplant whose New York-based interior design and color consultancy firm draws on several years of professional experience in design practice, as well as formal training from Parcel School of Design. As a color scientist, Gillian works to ensure the positive integration of people and their environments. Her consultation process includes supporting the function of space, avoiding the over and under-stimulating spaces based on personality, and avoiding negative emotional and physiological response to the built environment. Gillian is an accredited member of the association of Color Associates of North America and she uses the psychological and physiological impact of color on the human experience to bring exceptional creativity and tailored edge to her design projects.

Show Notes:

  • What are the names that Gillian and fellow color scientists refer to themselves as?
  • How many businesses does Gillian have?
  • How does her business The Science of Color help businesses?
  • What does Gillian mean that color is part of our DNA?
  • In what ways does color affect introverts and extroverts?
  • Does instinct play a role in picking colors?
  • Is it possible for people to be living in the wrong colors?
  • When should you create different spaces when colors are not working all the same?
  • Is there such a thing as a general color reaction?
  • Are there certain colors that appeal to our libido?
  • Are the colors that appeal to women and men different?
  • What is the color assessment test?
  • Where should you look to decide what color to use for a space?
  • Who was Gillian’s mentor?
  • What and where is the association of paint color collection?
  • What are clear colors?

Resources:

www.gillianrosedesign.com 

www.thescienceofcolor.com 

www.finepaintsofeurope.com

Jan 27, 2017

Today I have Cathi Hargaden on this power talk Friday! Interestingly enough for you interior designers, she is a feng shui expert. She has been practicing and teaching this for over twenty years.  She has taught this at workshops, universities, demonstrations at retail stores, hospitals, homes etc. She has traveled to several countries doing this for small businesses. I know you are all thinking we already know about feng shui and how to teach this. What we are going to talk to Cathi about is how feng shui relates to our business and success.

Show Notes:

  • What ways can you bring tenacity to your business?
  • What is so important about what “sits behind you”?
  • What should be in front of you at your workspace?
  • How can you make your environment project what kind of person you are?
  • How should your desk be arranged in your workplace?
  • How can plants help your work environment?
  • How can you put power into your workspace?
  • In what way, should an interior designer’s layout their personal space?
  • What sort of help or tools does Cathi have to declutter?
  • How do you identify what elements you need more of?
  • What does water flow represent?
  • What is the power of signs?
  • How does space clearing relate to safety?
  • How many different kinds of feng shui are there?

Resources:

www.wealthyspaces.com

www.facebook.com/wealthyspaces

Jan 25, 2017

Welcome back! On the show today I have Barbara Sallick! She is the Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Design for Waterworks, and Author of ‘The Perfect Bath’. In 1978, Barbara and her husband Robert Sallick founded Waterworks, a luxury kitchen and bath brand in Danbury, Connecticut.

The two are dedicated to bringing the European style to the American bath market. In the years to follow Waterworks has transformed the kitchen and bath market. Barbara has applied her education and lifelong love for art, antiques, travel and the principles for architecture and decoration to educate those around her and to elevate the bath to a room that is as beautiful, personal, inviting as it is practical.

Today on the show Barbara is going to share with us the steps to confidentially design and execute a perfect bath project.

Show Notes:

  • What sort of things does Waterworks help a person do?
  • When should you have experts help you with your bathroom?
  • Who do you need to have on your team when starting on a bathroom project?
  • What is an architecture trim?
  • Why is important to work with the right sales consultant for you?
  • Why should you not be intimidated when walking into Waterworks?
  • When should you bring your client to the showroom?
  • How much homework should you do before you bring a client to the showroom?
  • What sort of lingo should you have when coming to Waterworks?
  • What sort of customer service does Waterworks have?
  • When should you call the client service department when working with Waterworks?
  • When did Barbara and her husband pivot their business, Waterworks?
  • Why was this pivot such an important decision for more success for the business?
  • What is her new book, The Perfect Bath about?

Resources:

www.waterworks.com

www.windowworks-nj.com/barbara

The Perfect Bath

Waterworks: Inventing Bath Style

Jan 23, 2017

On the show, today I have Kate O’ Hara of Martha O’ Hara Interiors. She is another guest that has been requested by a listener! Kate O’ Hara is the director of business and marketing development at the Minneapolis, Minnesota and Austin, Texas-based interior design firm Martha O’ Hara Interiors.

After pioneering the local firms’ expansion to national markets and international clientele. Kate was named one of Minnesota’s the top thirty-two under thirty-two marketing professionals. She has played a leading role growing and refining Martha O’ Hara marketing strategy and social media presence.

You will hear Kate talk about how they have over 200000 followers on Facebook and how they rated as a top industry expert on houzz.com. These things happened under Kate’s leadership. Her mother Martha runs their award winning interior design team which has been featured in local and national media.

Show Notes:

  • How did Martha O’ Hara Interiors get started?
  • What are some things that have made Martha O’ Hara Interiors successful?
  • What should be on the hiring criteria?
  • What is the interview all about?
  • How many times should you “meet” someone before hiring them?
  • What is the most important investment for the business?
  • How does the hiring process work through Martha O’ Hara Interiors?
  • How does the Houzz.com platform work for promoting business?
  • How can you get more reviews on Houzz.com?
  • What are some things you can do to get more followers?
  • How does Martha O’Hara Interiors prepare for the questions going to be asked on Houzz.com?
  • Any response is better than no response!
  • How does different social media platforms work together for a better presence?

Resources:

www.houzz.com

www.oharainteriors.com

www.instagram.com/oharainteriorsofficial

www.facebook.com 

Jan 20, 2017

On this power talk Friday I am happy to say that I have finally brought a lawyer to you! I have been thinking about it for a while and I have Kwame Christian with us today! Kwame is part of the American Negotiation Institute and a fellow podcaster. He is the host of negotiation of entrepreneurs and he is very passionate about teaching business professionals like us to negotiate and be more persuasive. I love negotiation almost as much as I love sales! Kwame has a lot of great advice and tips you don’t want to miss out on.

Show Notes:

  • What is Kwame’s definition of negotiation?
  • Who do we negotiate with the most?
  • What is a “date test” and why is it important?
  • How can negotiation help be a better communicator?
  • How can persuasion help you be a better business person?
  • What are the three things you need to be a good negotiator?
  • What is the difference between an open-ended and a close ended question?
  • When should you find out someone’s push points?
  • Where do you as a business person need to find confidence first?
  • What is the first step for negotiation?
  • How has society shaped women on how to get what they want?
  • What is the art of concession?
  • When and how should you say yes and no?
  • Why should you say no?
  • What is a no sandwich?

Resources:

www.americannegotiationinstitute.com 

www.linkedin.com

www.kchristianlaw.com

Kwame's Podcast:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negotiation-for-entrepreneurs/id1101679010?mt=2
 
About Kwame:
http://americannegotiationinstitute.com/about/
Jan 18, 2017

Today on the show we have Grace McNamara. Grace has owned and produced window fashion Vision magazine since 1986. Vision is the business publication for the window covering industry in North America. I can certainly attest to this, we have subscribed to this magazine since the very beginning of our business! It is always full from cover to cover of useful information. In addition, Grace also produces the international window coverings expo, the industries national trade show and educational conference. Also, in 1990 Grace developed the window fashion certified professionals program. The longest ongoing training for window coverings professionals. Grace is a member of the international furnishings and design association and a press member of ASID and IIDA.

Show Notes:

  • What two areas has Grace niched her business in?
  • Why did Grace choose window treatments?
  • Is there anyone else that addresses this market the way that Grace does?
  • How did she come across the cake design business?
  • What was the practical and emotional situations when deciding to buy a business?
  • Why is confidence so important when running a business?
  • What is IWCE (International Window Coverings Expo)?
  • Where is, the IWCE going to be held?
  • What is going to be offered at IWCE that would be helpful to businesses?
  • Who are some of the speakers that will be at IWCE?
  • How many seminars does Grace have available for the Expo?
  • How does she come up with the topics for the Expo?
  • How do you register for the Expo seminars?
  • Why did Grace decide to have the Expo in Charlotte this year?
  • How many attendees are there generally at the expos?

Resources:

www.iwce-vision.com

www.wf-vision.com

http://windowworks-nj.com/join-luann-nigara-for-opening-ceremonies-iwce-2017/

Jan 16, 2017

I have another outstanding show for you today! Corey Damen Jenkins is with me today and he is no exception to the amazing people I have been meeting. What you will learn from Corey Damen is that he is one of the good guys. He is the kind of person that everyone would agree is very open, sincere, humble and giving. What you may or may not know about Corey is that he is the principal of Corey Damen Jenkins Associates which is located in Birmingham, Michigan. 

In 2011, television audiences voted him the winning design star of HGTV’s Show House Showdown. Since then it has been a whirlwind of accomplishments! Today we are going to talk about how his lifelong dream came true in 2016 with his launch of his first couture collection of furniture, Corey Damen Jenkins exclusively for Leathercraft. This collection was nominated for the prestigious 2017 Arts Award for the Best Product Design. Once you start to listen to this episode it will be no surprise to you that Corey Damen believes in giving back to the design community. His firm generously donates to several charities.

Show Notes:

  • What was the process like to get Corey Damen to decide to get on HGTV’s Show House Showdown?
  • What were the reasons that Corey Damen was cast for HGTV’s Show House Showdown?
  • How has Corey Damen learned to deal with his past insecurities and reconstruct the way he deals with things?
  • How does he get the most out of his projects?
  • Does he use PR firms?
  • When working with a PR firm how should a design firm behave and be organized?
  • How did Corey Damen decide to design his furniture through Leathercraft?
  • What is Leathercraft?
  • How did Corey Damen decide what fabrics to use on his furniture collection?
  • Who did Corey Damen name a piece of his furniture in his new collection after?
  • How does he come up with his designs for his furniture?

Resources:

His website:

http://coreydamenjenkins.com

 

His Leathercraft Furniture line:

http://coreydamenjenkins.com/collections/

 

The Kate Spade Collection for Kravet which was mentioned in the episode:

http://www.kravet.com/products/collections/kate-spade-new-york/

 

Jan 13, 2017

On this power talk Friday I am excited to say that Kimberley Seldon with me again on the show. If you remember she was just on the show about a month ago, and she has her interior design business but she also has Business of Design where she teaches interior designers how to run their businesses more effectively and more profitably. Kimberley’s Business of Design is one of our happy sponsors here!

Show Notes:

  • How long did it take Kimberley to write her third book?
  • When does her third book come out?
  • Does Kimberley like flat fees?
  • What are the steps to turning your business’s business model around?
  • What systems should be in place when you decide to “try”?
  • Should the fees or the client wish list change?
  • Make sure to document!
  • Does a designer have to track everything even though they have a flat fee?
  • Are there projects that have no deficiencies?
  • How should a designer expect to be paid?
  • How can you make yourself sound professional and confident when talking about money?
  • How can you tell when you have a mature pier?
  • What happens when a client misses payments?
  • How many times should you talk or ask about money?
  • How should you deal with a change in a project?
  • How should the client be billed when something does change in a project?
  • When is Kimberley’s newest webinar?
  • Is Kimberley’s Webinar free?

Resources:

Volume One: Have the Professional Life You’ve Always Wanted
http://businessofdesign.com/product/business-of-design-volume-1/

Volume Two: Make Every Project Satisfying for Both you and your Client
http://businessofdesign.com/product/business-of-design-volume-2/


How to Win the Flat Fee Game
http://businessofdesign.com/events/win-the-flat-fee-game/

 
Kimberley's website:

www.kimberleyseldon.com

www.businessofdesign.com

"Join today and start to turn your business in the right direction. And a reminder Basic membership is free and you'll receive a free download of Kimberley's book 10 Profit Drivers for signing up."
 
 
The new book coming 1/31/17
 
Jan 11, 2017

On the show today I am so excited to introduce you all to Nicole Heymer! Nicole is the owner of Curio Electro Boutique Web Design Agency that specializes in branding, content strategy and web design and development for interior design firms and other innovative businesses. She has been helping more interior designers bring in more leads and increase their visibility online since 2011! I know we have talked about branding on the show more than a couple times, but this is such an important aspect of your business in this age of social media. I promise there is more to learn about branding.

Show Notes:

  • Why is branding so important for interior designers?
  • How does Nicole divide the ways to look at branding?
  • What are the benefits of having a brand?
  • How can you let people know what you really want or enjoy to design?
  • Can you have too much “language” on your about me page?
  • Give the reasons why!
  • How does a client determine “your worth” and what to pay an interior designer?
  • How should you pick your colors?
  • Why are colors and what they mean so important?
  • How do you figure out your message?
  • What is the bare minimum you can do when starting out?
  • Why is font important?
  • What should be included in your branding guidelines?
  • Is it worth it to hire a photographer if possible?
  • What can you do to let people know you can do what they want, even when you have no projects yet?
  • How can a designer “beef up” their website when starting out?
  • How can a designer use blogging to express their brand?
  • When should and shouldn’t a designer use a blog?
  • What else could be used for good website content?
  • What makes you different?

Resources:

www.curioelectro.com

http://curioelectro.com/interior-design-branding

 
Jan 9, 2017

Today one the show I am talking with Michelle Nussbaumer. Michelle is an interior designer, textile and furniture designer, an author and owns a beautiful shop: Ceylon et Cie located in the Dallas design district. Michelle’s journey includes a husband and four children and it starts in west Texas. She goes from New York, Rome, Los Angeles and all the way back to Texas. Recently her book for Rizzoli, Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home was released and it includes thirty years of interior design as well as her travels. Today Michelle and I talk about her career, her opinions on the business and her globetrotting lifestyle.

Show Notes:

  • How does Michelle keep up with everything she has going on?
  • Does Michelle have different teams or organizations for each project?
  • Where did Michelle just sign a licensing agreement?
  • How are her schedules set up and what system(s) does she use?
  • Is her business a family business?
  • How big is her team and who does what?
  • How does she try to make all of her home designs feel?
  • What is Michelle’s business model for designs?
  • What advice would Michelle give to a brand-new designer fresh out of school?
  • What has her experience been with interns?
  • Can a person do a trial run to decide if you want to work at a design firm?
  • How did she decide to write a book?
  • How did she decide what her book, Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home would be about?
  • How did Michelle find her agent for her book?
  • What is the process like when writing a book?
  • What about her fabric business?
  • Will her fabrics be in showrooms?

Resources:

www.ceylonetcie.com

To purchase Michelle's book:
 
http://www.rizzoliusa.com/book.php?isbn=9780847848911

Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home

Jan 6, 2017

Welcome back to another power talk Friday! I’m happy to let you know I have Marianne Cherico back with me! If you remember episode 75 Marianne and I talked about her philosophy on asking “what would the CEO do?” in order to get yourself organized daily, weekly and yearly.

Just to give you a reminder of who Marianne is and what she does she has owned and operated a successful home staging business since 2005. She also spent 27 years in the real estate business and 17 of those years she was part of a top producing New England real estate team.

Marianne has coached many home stagers all over the country on how to up-level their business by developing both mindset skills and strategy. She helps home stagers own their magnificent and create their life and a business that sets their souls on fire.

Show Notes:

  • What do home stagers, in particular, seem to struggle with?
  • What is the inner and outer game?
  • How is the outer game affected by the inner game?
  • How does she decide how and what a client needs to do to prioritize?
  • What does she suggest clients do to get more business?
  • What is Marianne’s tele summit: your home staging business on fire going to be about?
  • Who are some of the speakers that will be on the tele summit and what are some of the topics will they be discussing?
  • How does it work to be a part of tele summit?
  • Is it free to be a part of tele summit?
  • Who should listen to the tele summit?

Resources:

www.windowworks-nj.com 

www.coachingbymarianne.com

http://tinyurl.com/stagingsummit-luann

Jan 4, 2017

I am happy to tell you all that I have Barclay Butera on the show today! Barclay Butera is the creative force behind the Barclay Butera design firm and the showrooms located in New Port Beach, California, West Hollywood, California, Corona Del Moore, California and Park City Utah. Butera is renowned for his approachable elegance and glamorous coastal chic interiors. His passion for interior design began two decades ago! You will learn today how it has grown into an impressive lifestyle enterprise that in addition to his interior design business he also has licensing with some of the industries most respected partners including Kravet, Bradburn Gallery Home, Eastern Ascents, Highland House Furniture, Left Bank Art and several others. Not to mention he has five coffee table books.

Show Notes:

  • When did Barclay realize that he wanted to be in the interior design business?
  • How old was Barclay when he started his first business?
  • Was Barclay organized enough that his second location was as successful as his first?
  • How many designers does he have working for him?
  • How is the company set up?
  • Is there a management program or does Barclay oversee everything?
  • How does he handle things at corporate if he is not present at the corporate office?
  • Who handles the licensing for his business: Barclay Butera Interior Design?
  • What is it like to work with Kravet?
  • What happens at the different showrooms?
  • How many projects does Barclay Butera Interior Design company do a year?
  • What kind of system does he have to work up the ranks?
  • When does Barclay have time to write five coffee table books?
  • Why did Barclay decide to write a book?
  • What would be his advice be to someone who wanted to accomplish as much in business as he has?
  • What would he say is something that he has seen that prevents a company from running well?

Resources:

www.kravet.com

www.barclaybutera.com

Jan 2, 2017

Today on the show I am happy to welcome Charrisse Johnston, chair of ASID National! She is also the principal and the firm-wide practice leader of Steinberg Architects. Steinberg Architects has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Shanghai. Charrisse was previously the senior associate and studio operations leader at Gensler where she managed and designed K-12, higher education, and workplace projects. Before that, she was Vice President of corporate planning for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter where she oversaw the companies consolidated financial and strategic planning efforts. Today we talk about all kinds of things including her career path which also includes both behavioral psychology and a successful wedding planning business. We will also talk about how she was introduced to ASID as a student in California. Charrisse is smart, down to earth and an inspiring leader.

Show Notes:

  • Would Charrisse say that entrepreneurs have a better start out with a financial background?
  • What is Charrisse’s niche in Steinberg Architects?
  • How old is the Steinberg Architects business?
  • How does design work for an “after the fact” work?
  • Has Steinberg started a trend for architectural firms to start offering architectural design as well interior design?
  • What is evidence-based design?
  • Where can you find more information on evidence-based designs?
  • Why did the position names change?
  • How successful was Charrisse’s student chapter when she was president?
  • How did she gain her position as chair of ASID national?
  • What are some programs and benefits that ASID National has to offer for new designers and for seasoned designers?
  • How is ASID National using health and wellness in design?
  • How is ASID helping designers with designs for people who have to leave their home and move to an assisted living home?
  • What new events are coming out in 2017 at ASID National?
  • What are some government issues that ASID is trying to work on?

Resources:

www.steinbergarchitects.com 

www.gensler.com 

www.informedesign.org 

www.asid.org

Dec 30, 2016

Guess what? This is our six month anniversary! I have two very special shows for you this week. The first show we are going to meet one of the masterminds behind the fabulous curatedkravet.com platform. Curatedkravet.com is celebrating a few milestones of its own. This spring marked the one year anniversary of the hugely successful curatedkravet.com!

Our special guest today is Will Hunt Lewis, Senior Director of Merchandising of curatedkravet.com! In this position, he oversees all business done with merchandising and product development for all product category. Today Will Hunt and I are going to talk all curatedkravet.com from quality, delivering times, to the designers that curate the rooms.

Show Notes:

  • How long has Will Hunt been with Kravet?
  • What were the vision/goals for curatedkravet.com?
  • What are some of the best features of curatedkravet.com?
  • What kind of products are on the website?
  • How are the products sourced?
  • What does he love best about the website?
  • How is customer service handled?
  • How are designers found for the website?
  • What is a “magalog”?

Resources:
www.curatedkravet.com
Code for 10% off: ckpodcast
www.facebook.com/windowworksnj

 

Dec 28, 2016

On the show today you are going to meet Sarah Daniele! Sarah was recommended to me by a previous guest and my friend, Rachel Moriarty. So, who is Sarah Daniele? She is a very smart, take- the- bull- by- the- horns type person, interior designer and also happens to be the co-founder and CEO of Mydoma Studio!  Sarah has a degree in interior design, has worked for others and then eventually started her own business, Mydoma Studio. Her business focuses on residential renovations, add-ons, kitchen, and bath. Today she is going to share with us a little about her career.

Show Notes:

  • When did Sarah start her new software?
  • What were her guidelines for her new software system?
  • Was her software originally for other designers?
  • When did she decide to let other designers use her program?
  • What changes were made to her software program to fit other designers?
  • How did she know that other designers would need a different program than herself?
  • How did she build her beta team to test the new product?
  • Is Mydoma Studio an accounting software?
  • Where did the name Mydoma Studio come from?
  • How did she decide the “look” of her website?
  • What is the usability of Mydoma  Studio?
  • What is Mydoma Studio and what can it help designers do with clients?
  • What is the process to sign up for Sarah’s program on Mydoma Studio?
  • What is a product catalog builder?
  • What does it mean when the product catalog builder is global?
  • How does a designer get the client on board using Mydoma Studio?
  • Would the client still have access to their studio after the project is finished?
  • How are the invoices incorporated in the program?
  • Is there a way for the designer to view the project like they are the client?
  • What is the targeted audience for Mydoma Studio?
  • How are the fees decided?

For the rest of the show notes, please visit our resource center: Window Works 

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