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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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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
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Now displaying: Page 18
May 26, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Last year at LuAnn Live, LuAnn gifted each of the VIP Attendees with the headset which she requires when you do an interview with her, then challenged her attendees to take action in their business and come onto the show and share about it. Today’s guest is Laurel Smith, the principal of Farrington Avenue and she is doing just that!

Laurel will be sharing the ups and downs and the stops and starts of her entrepreneurial journey that will seem so familiar to many of us. She discusses some of the assumptions she made about owning a business, some of the mistakes she made in starting up, and how she finally came to exactly what she knows she was meant to do with her professional life.

Listen in as Laurel describes the key to how her growth really began, the things that catapulted once she got real, and see if some of her story sparks something that just might be inside of you, too!

Show Highlights:

  • Laurel shares her work and educational background and how listening to the podcast helped in to her decision to go in another direction to pursue her dream.
  • Laurel has built her brand around everything she learned in occupational therapy and about how humans interact with their environment. When you can’t perform tasks, that impacts your sense of self, quality of life, and well-being.
  • Her mission and vision for her company is built around the idea of creating wellness through design and making the home a happy and healthy place.
  • LuAnn shares her “business mid-life crisis”, how she worked through it, and the wisdom that came out of it.
  • Don’t map out your story of success using someone else’s narrative.
  • Laurel details all of the work that she has been doing to transform her business.
  • There’s power in the words we speak!
  • LuAnn addresses confidence and how it comes out of understanding and growth.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara: COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Connect with Laurel!

Laurel’s Instagram

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service!

Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative:

Kravet

Other shows mentioned:

Shauna Lynn Simon #76, 84,102, 499

Taylor Spellman 106, 390

Amber Lewis 169, 184

Sara Lynn Brennan 463, 524, 514

Michele Williams 137, 180, 395, 424

Wendy Woloshchuk 316, 527

 

May 22, 2020

Welcome to, A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn’s guest today is Natalie Norcross, who has a specific road map for how she teaches you how to do your own PR. Public relations is so valuable, and more now than ever, due to the current coronavirus event.

If you’re looking to not only survive but thrive during this economic crisis, you’ll want to keep marketing your firm and learn how to do your own PR.  Natalie offers so many good tips, you’re not going to want to miss this!

Natalie is the CEO and Founder of A Design Partnership. Natalie Norcross has over 19 years experience working for Interior Designers, Architects, Builders, Developers, Hotel, and Home Brands and her firm has a demonstrated track record of driving exposure and placements through the PR they produce.

Natalie has appeared on the show in episodes #162 and #506. In episode #506, LuAnn and Natalie talked about the four areas to pay attention to when you are going after press for your design firm. Please go back and listen to both episodes where you will not only pick up some outstanding business advice, but you will also learn a bit more about Natalie and her career.

Show Highlights:

  • Natalie details each of the five things you need to do to get published:
  1. Be specific! Know your niche.
  2. Be the face of your brand and be the expert.
  3. Partner with big names.
  4. Build a good relationship with the journalists.
  5. Timing is everything.
  • Natalie explains her personality questionnaire that helps you to determine your niche.
  • You don’t need an expensive publicist to get published, you just need the tools, the know-how, and who to contact.
  • Natalie recommends to her PR members blocking out on their calendars 2-3 hours twice a month on Fridays. This is all the time they will need to spend putting together their pitches, sending them off to editors, and following up.
  • LuAnn cautions knowing who you’re pitching to and making sure that your pitch matches their themes. Media NEEDS your content.
  • Natalie shares some of the tools that members of her DIY PR Membership Program receive to assist them in getting more exposure.
  • Tips and strategies on project organization, partnering, building relationships, and more!
  • Media NEEDS your content.
  • Natalie is a great resource of information and offers both DIY and a full-service PR firm.

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Connect with Natalie!

Promo Code for Interior Design PR: Luann

DIY PR Membership Program

For 20% off your 1st month of membership use Promo Code: luann

For Your Personality Questionnaire That Natalie Mentioned, Please Email:

Hello@interiordesignpr.com

Natalie’s Full-Service PR Company: A Design Partnership

Download Your FREE e-Books HERE

Blog Post: 5 Things You Can Do To Get Yourself Published Today

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:

Choose Monogram! Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?

 

May 19, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Krystle Pickens joins LuAnn in today’s conversation about not just growing a business, but growing a business fast, smart, and intentionally. 

Listen in for real strategies that can help you set up your own business for success and profit! 

Krystle Pickens is passionate about working with clients to create spaces that are beautiful and evoke that special feeling of home, while also meeting the individual client’s needs. We apply our four core values: Sustainability, Feeling, Functionality, and Community to every project, big or small.

Krystle has a degree in Interior Design and has worked in the design industry since 2012, getting her start in Kitchen and Bath Design. 

She is based in Jersey City and really feels rooted there, however being raised in Seattle, Krystle feels a responsibility and bond to the environment and incorporates sustainability in all of her projects-she even studied Environmental Science briefly.

Show Highlights:

  • Krystle describes how she is in her fourth year of business, and has come a long way since her first year, when she pulled in $13,001. 
  • She set a goal for her second year of $26,002, and ended the year with $27,100.
  • It was at this time that Krystle started listening to “A Well-Designed Business” podcasts. She realized that she was serious about what she loved to do and decided to think of it as a business instead of a hobby.
  • For her third year, which was 2019, Krystle set 19 goals and wrote them down.
  • About halfway through her third year, Krystle decided to hire a business coach who pushed her to shoot for more than her $81,300 goal. She ended up exceeding her goal.
  • Krystle learned at LuAnn Live how important it was to run a business autopsy. This is critical, because you must know where you are before you can plan where you are going.
  • For 2020, Krystle assigned a specific goal to each month and is finding this very powerful.
  • One of her goals this year is to get each and every policy and procedure locked down in a handbook before she takes maternity leave.
  • The Process Leads to Profits class is packed with every tool, idea, and process you could imagine, specifically so that you have a road map to get your back-end organized. There will probably be another class late summer or fall, so if you want help with this, get on the email list to be notified. It’s worth every dime!
  • Being coached on the concept of scaling and the concept of hiring were two of Krystle’s biggest lessons.
  • Hiring a business coach is essential for accountability, advice, and helping you to see the bigger picture.
  • Krystle shares some strategies on how she continues to grow her business and some client communication tips.

Links:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? 

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Connect with Krystle!

Krystle’s Website   

Krystle’s Instagram

Krystle’s Facebook

Krystle’s Pinterest

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Previous Shows Mentioned:

Alinda Morris #429

Do Not Let Us Design For You #346

Nancy Ganzekaufer #15, #159, #256, #389

Amber De La Garza #385

Sandra Funk #02, #145, #520

Madeleine MacRae #283, #315

Amanda Berlin #420

Jenny Madden #332

Jamie Lieberman #454

Dane Austin #457

 

 

May 15, 2020

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Are you in for a treat today! Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors contacted LuAnn to let her know about her experiences working with Brad Leavitt, President and Founder of AFT Construction in Arizona. Brad has the AFT Construction Podcast, and he and LuAnn have been guests on each other’s podcasts before, so it’s easy to see why Jenny gives him such high praise for being a great builder to work with.

You’re sure to be impressed by Brad’s message and outlook on business, as well his obvious love and respect for interior designers. Listen in as he explains from the builder perspective all the reasons he knows that you make his projects more beautiful, more efficient, and more profitable.

AFT Construction is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Pella, Cambria, Elkay and Post-it Notes. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley.

His Podcast, “The AFT Construction Podcast”, is focused on bringing value to its listeners, no matter their industry. The topics are focused on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, organization, building science and construction. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability, and quality. Brad and his wife Ashley have 6 children, 5 girls, and 1 boy. Brad is active with all 6 of his children, serves in his local community, and loves all sports.

Show Highlights:

  • Brad’s company will not build a home for a client that does not have an interior designer on the project.
  • Many companies have disregard for architects and interior designers, but the architects and designers actually bring expertise and a lot of benefits to the table.
  • Brad shares the reasons why he does not have any in-house architects or designers.
  • It’s important to get the client onboard with understanding the importance and value of a designer.
  • Selling points to take note of when pitching to a potential builder:
  • Having a designer involved helps a builder be more efficient, often saving as much as 2-3 months on a project. This can represent thousands of dollars in the builder’s pocket.
  • Having a designer involved improves a builder’s relationship with his clients. A builder can get information from the designer without having to interrupt the client’s day and this avoids the frustration of arranging meetings while a job is stopped.
  • A huge benefit for the builder is getting published. Having a room or outdoor area styled makes a huge difference!
  • The referral relationship is a valuable component.
  • Businesses are built on reciprocity.
  • Brad offers some great suggestions on how to meet builders: builder organizations, supply showrooms, networking events, and on social media.
  • Building relationships and trust are necessary before beginning to work together.
  • Brad has already been invited back for additional guest appearances on A Well-Designed Business! Future episodes will include a list of the Things Your Builder Wants You to Know and a list of his pet peeves. You don’t want to miss these!
  • Stay tuned for something else you don’t want to miss: more information will be forthcoming in the next couple of months regarding a new course being taught by Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors called “Design Build for Profit”. To be notified of open registration, put your name on the list at Design Build For Profit.

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara: COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Connect with Brad!

Brad’s Email

Brad’s Website 

The AFT Construction Podcast

Brad’s Instagram (AFT_Construction)

Brad’s Pinterest(AFT_Construction)

Brad’s Facebook

Brad’s LinkedIn

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

When Your Client Wants the Finest in Luxury Appliances for Their Kitchen:

Choose Monogram!

Set Up Your Design Trade Account Today!

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Other shows mentioned to include in show notes:

Brittany Simon #490

Circle Design Studio #380

Denise Wenacur #513

 

 

May 14, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s question comes from listener Amanda, who has lost a couple of jobs due to the costs of freight and taxes outside of a client’s budget.

Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to luannnigara.com/wwld!

Show Highlights:

  • LuAnn shares listener Amanda’s detailed email.
  • Nearly the exact same thing happened to Sara Brennan last year.
  • You must remember that you are the professional in the room.
  • Ask clarifying questions and provide your client with the information on how your business is run so that they can make a truly informed decision.
  • LuAnn provides an example of how to manage future budget discussions.
  • It’s all about the clarity and agreements upfront, when no emotion is attached.
  • LuAnn goes into more details about Sara Brennan’s similar experience.
  • This doesn’t have to be hard, and it doesn’t have to be adversarial, but it does have to be discussed and agreed upon before you get to invoicing. Remember, no surprises and you’ll be fine!

 

 

 

Links / Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

 

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

 

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? 

www.luannnigara.com/cob

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

 

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

 

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

May 12, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest is Robin Baron, who first joined LuAnn in episode #32. Robin is a #smartlady with an incredible body of work which includes being a celebrity interior designer, lifestyle expert, and a luxury home-furnishings designer. Based in NYC, Robin always brings a striking sense of fashion and style to everything she does as a successful interior designer. Robin knows that flexibility is important, so customization is available in almost every piece in her collections.

Celebrating 30 years in business Robin could have spoken on several topics but chose her strategy for designing and bringing a product to market. If you have ever dreamt about designing your own product, please, get a pen and paper for this show. Robin truly shares every aspect that you must consider before you set out on this path. Her advice is well earned and it is easy to hear the depth and breadth of her experience as a thoughtful business woman!

Robin thrives on creating homes that are unique and fabulous while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. Reflecting her motto that “Confidence Begins at Home™”, she prides herself on her ability to capture her clients’ individual personalities and bring positivity into their homes.

Robin has significant experience on TV, video, and radio including appearing on HGTV, Bravo, and NBC and has been featured in many print and online publications. Robin is the Brand Ambassador for the NY NOW show, and also tours the country as a spokesperson, speaking to audiences at events both within the industry as well as to the public. She enjoys providing lifestyle and design tips through her award-winning blog “Simplifying Fabulous!™” and her multi-platform social media presence.

Show Highlights:

  • There are five categories of products that Robin has brought to market:
  1. Hardware
  2. Case Goods
  3. Upholstery
  4. Rugs
  5. Lighting
  • You have to set your macro goal, and then from there, set your micro goals, which are the goals that will get you to the bigger goal.
  • Robin addresses licensing and how it needs to be a part of your overall marketing plan because it doesn’t really make you money, initially.
  • Robin shares some tangible advice regarding bringing a product to a market:
  1. First, analyze the need in the market for your product idea. Have you looked around to see if anyone else is providing it?
  2. Next, are you the one to fill this need? Do you have the solution?
  3. Do you have the pockets deep enough to fund your idea and take it across the finish line?
  4. Does it fit into your overall goals for yourself and your business?
  • A ‘Robin-ism’: If you don’t take a chance, you don’t get one!
  • You don’t have to be an extrovert to be successful, you just have to know who you are.
  • You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. You have to have support.

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Window Works - Facebook - Please Follow!

LuAnn’s Window Works - Instagram - Please Follow!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Connect with Robin!

Robin’s Website

Robin’s Instagram

Robin’s Facebook

Robin’s Twitter

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service!

Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative:

Kravet

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Previous Episodes:

Robin Baron #32

 

May 8, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska, joins her today to chat about some of the things that interior designers can be thinking about in relation to window treatments during this time of quarantine.

Whether you’re settling nicely into virtual consultations or you can’t wait for the brick-and-mortars to open back up, you’ll want to listen in to this conversation to learn how important window treatments are to your business!

Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast. 

Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers. 

Show Highlights:

  • Vita gives shout-outs to the #maskAmerica initiative and to local designer, Michele Plachter, who gave a wonderful gift to her industry partners.
  • Remember that your window treatment specialist is your partner in this. LuAnn covers the different reasons why window treatments are important ANY time.
  • Window treatments are:
  • money-makers!
  • an essential part of an interior design project!
  • beautiful!
  • Vita suggests that it’s time to lean into your workrooms and window treatment specialists and she shares the ways that a specialist can support an interior designer:
  • They can provide product knowledge.
  • They can do renderings on your pictures.
  • They can give you a ballpark budget.
  • Window treatment specialists: Consider offering up your services and asking your designers how you can be of value to them.
  • Here are some great ways thats you can still incorporate window treatments into your 2020 projects:
  • virtual consultations
  • when presenting mood boards, remember the windows
  • clients can take their own rough measurements
  • #WTF Live!! Vita and Kim will be discussing drapery pleats!! Friday, May 8th at 12 PM, EST on LuAnn’s Window Works - Facebook.
  • If you are not happy with your resources, now is the time to expand your reach and look for additional or alternative resources, in window treatments, or otherwise.
  • This podcast and past episodes are excellent sources of information and resources.
  • Vita has some encouraging words from the heart regarding our low points.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Window Works - Facebook - Please Follow!

LuAnn’s Window Works - Instagram - Please Follow!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

#WTF Live!! Vita and Kim will be discussing drapery pleats!! Friday, May 8th at 12 PM, EST on Window Works - Facebook.

To learn more about working with Window Works

To receive a free subscription to Window Fashion Vision Magazine

To attend the virtual IWCE where LuAnn

To learn about the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) 

To learn about Exciting Windows

To learn about working with Vita: Vitalia Inc

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now!

Kirsch

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

#448

 

May 7, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s questions come from listener Christina, who struggles with expanding her prospects beyond client referrals. Christina is asking for tips on finding a space where she won’t be competing with architecture firms with in-house designers, and would like LuAnn’s opinion on the best social media platform.

Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!

Show Highlights:

  • LuAnn shares listener Christina’s detailed email.
  • Lean into the referral business because these are the best clients you can have.
  • Look for ways to keep you referral clients engaged with you.
  • Even when you do a fantastic job it may not be enough to make them remember you.
  • Proudly build your referral pipeline!
  • For more tips on how to build referrals, check out Episodes #93 and #426 with Stacey Brown Randall. Stacey is also one of the co-authors of LuAnn’s second book, A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts. Stacy’s chapter is about leveraging those A-list clients and maximizing the great work you have already delivered to them, so check it out!
  • You may need to work smarter to grow a design firm in a rural location.
  • Unfortunately, many architecture firms, builders, and kitchen showrooms may be laying off their in-staff designers during this economic downturn due to the coronavirus event. However, this may open the door for some freelance work and give you the chance to make an impression.
  • Look for the local people there that can refer you to boutique commercial work. Check into organizations that have architects, property developers, builders, and commercial realtors, call each one and introduce yourself.
  • You may need to join an organization in a larger nearby city.
  • LuAnn suggests some additional episodes that will help Christina learn how to work with architects and builders and how to build a hospitality commercial firm. These shows are linked below.
  • LuAnn provides a detailed overview of a potential social media strategy. For additional tips and social media strategies involving LinkedIn, please see the episodes referenced below.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Monogram - Work with Us!

Monogram

Other Shows Mentioned:

Stacey Brown Randall #426 & #93

Susan Yeley #208

Anita Dawson #281  

Judi Kieffer #276 

Angela Harris #245

AJ Wilcox #219

Sara #438

Welcome, Monogram #536

 

May 5, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Just wait until you meet today’s guest, Nicole McGuire. Every word of her bio is expressed in every word of her conversation, and in LuAnn’s eyes, that makes Nicole one #smartlady. If you don’t epitomize your written bio, this conversation will make you rethink yours!

Listen in, as Nicole has some great tips and lessons for us all. You’ll notice right away that she is clearly a business woman running a design firm.

Passion and drive define Nicole.  These traits have been foundational to her success in the highly intense and competitive building market.  She is a visionary leader and disrupter of the status quo. Nicole is a gifted conceptual thinker with strengths in strategic planning, team leadership, mentoring, and community outreach.  She has actively worked to create space for women to be empowered and given leadership opportunities within the design and construction industry.

Nicole was raised in a home building family, but she has never been one to rest on legacy.  After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Nicole partnered with her father, the late Jeff McGuire, to begin a new venture, building spec homes, and eventually creating unmatched custom homes and personally curated design pieces, all available within the McGuire Homes Collection.  Nicole has continued to dive deeper into best practices for the industry, even studying Sustainable Business Strategy at Harvard University- expanding her business through social and environmental sustainability standards.

Show Highlights:

  • A custom home-building company, McGuire Homes, is the foundation of all of their businesses.
  • Nicole’s passions are in design and bringing women into construction leadership roles.
  • She started Nicole McGuire Design Studio as another revenue stream, giving her the opportunity to sell all of the products, the finished materials, that go into a new construction home or a remodel, back to themselves. This includes cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and furniture.
  • McGuire Development Group is a company that holds homes that are hire-in leases to professionals. The homes come furnished, unfurnished, or a full executive rental, as well.
  • Nicole shares a mistake they made in 2019 and how they have been correcting it. Stay focused on your core business, she suggests.
  • Nicole details her marketing philosophy.
  • All about Around the House with Nicole McGuire. Nicole provides advice about how to get your own show!
  • Communication between her clients, her design team, her build team and herself is extremely important, and Nicole does it all within project management software.
  • Nicole describes the three different mood boards that clients get, and why.
  • Getting clients on board with “important” vs. “urgent”.
  • One of the biggest challenges is managing client expectations.
  • If you have a question that you’d like LuAnn to answer- go to wwld and she’ll answer yours on air in the coming weeks.
  • There’s a new episode of WTF this week with Vita! Also on Friday at 12:00 noon, EST Vita and Kim will be going live on LuAnn’s Window Works FB, talking tips, and design for custom window treatments. Please follow Window Works too, both on FB and IG, and be sure to join WTF Live every Friday on FB.

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Luann Live

LuAnn Nigara WWLD

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Connect with Nicole!

Nicole’s Website  

Nicole’s Instagram  #mymcguire

Nicole’s Facebook

Nicole’s Pinterest

See Nicole’s tips here! Around the House with Nicole McGuire

Nicole has also given talks at University of Illinois and women’s groups on the subjects of construction, design, and business.

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Open Your Trade Account & Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim!

Use Code at Checkout: awdb10

Kravet

 

May 1, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guests today are Robert Koller and Alexandra Skobel with Monogram, a new sponsor of the podcast. Monogram was also a valued sponsor of the recent 19hours virtual event sponsored by Mydoma Studio.

You’re going to love the energy that comes out of Monogram and its team members, so listen in meet Rob and Alex and learn more about what Monogram has to offer you!

Rob is the Senior Brand Manager for Monogram and Alex is the Senior Manager of the Monogram Design Center.

Show Highlights:

  • Alex shares the company mission.
  • Monogram is the luxury line of appliances for GE and has been in the business for more than 33 years.
  • Monogram launched two new collections earlier this year: Their Minimalist collection and their Statement
  • The appliances offered include built-ins, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, wall ovens, and 48-inch ranges.
  • A “built-in” means that an appliance is built into the cabinetry around it. A built-in often has custom exterior panels, which gives an integrated, seamless look to your kitchen.
  • In 1987, Monogram was the first luxury brand to create a full built-in package for their clients.
  • Rob shares his background in Food and Beverage, and what excites him about the time he’s spent at Monogram.
  • Monogram performed extensive research before putting pen to paper on their latest designs. After careful consideration, they developed three main pillars to support their new look and feel: Materials, Performance, and Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and their ongoing relationships with designers and consumers. Through these pillars and their new collections, they've created a luxury brand experience that you can see and feel for yourself.  
  • “Social Currency” - Something to talk about with your friends!
  • Monogram has a couple of programs specifically set up for the designer community to educate them on the Monogram products.
  • Resellers (and there are over 1,100!) have updated displays and presentations. You can see, touch, and feel!
  • The flagship showroom in Chicago is open to the public Monday through Saturday.
  • The showroom does not sell the products, but directs the inquiries to the local Monogram sales manager if it’s outside of Chicago.
  • If a designer is registered for Monogram’s Rewards Program, they get to extend preferred-builder pricing to the client, which is a great discount.
  • If a designer is NOT registered for Monogram’s Rewards Program, then the client would be using the rebate. There are 3 tiers where the clients qualify for free items with certain purchases.
  • Engineering details make all the difference in the design and ease-of-use of the appliances for the consumer.
  • “Monogram Talks” - a webinar series that will be launching the first week of May!
  • Different technologies are incorporated into the Monogram appliances.
  • Designers, when you introduce luxury items into your projects it benefits your profitability!

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn Live

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Connect with Monogram!

Monogram’s Website   

Monogram’s Instagram 

Monogram’s YouTube

A Big THANK YOU to The Podcast Sponsor:

Monogram - Work with Us!

 

 

Apr 30, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s questions come from listener Samantha, who would like some suggestions on how to find income when your projects have been put on hold during this COVID-19 event, the top ten recommended processes and systems to be putting in place, and the best practices for social media presence when you have no active projects.

Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara: WWLD!

Show Highlights:

  • LuAnn shares listener Sam’s detailed email.
  • Sam’s professional focus is mostly on hospitality design (9) but also residential (1). All ten projects are on hold, and she’s looking for suggestions on how to pull in income.
  • LuAnn’s advice is to weather the storm for the time being and offers lots of great ideas that Sam can work on right now to successfully position herself for when things open up.
  • Sam would like to know the top ten processes and systems that she needs to put in place.
  • LuAnn offers 3 prerequisites and promises the other 7 when the first 3 are firmly in place.
  • The first 3 are: bookkeeping, reviewing or creating a solid contract, and designing a thorough work flow.
  • What level of social media presence is appropriate during Sam’s work lull?
  • Recycle old pics with a new spin or a new caption, but avoid stating that it’s from an old project or that you’re not currently working on a project.
  • Definitely post on SM to drum up business while not busy.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Suggested Podcast:

Darla Powell’s podcast, Wingnut Social

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Kirsch’s motorized Briza collection is the perfect answer to high-end drapery treatments. Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now!

Kirsch

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Other Shows Mentioned:

#292 Summer Tannhauser

#331 Kate Ahl

#487 Vanessa Shepherd

#20 Arianne Bellizaire

#201 Dorien Morin van Dam,

#237 Claire Jefford

#516 Jude Charles

#514 Sara Brennan

#470 Christine Lin

 

Apr 28, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Are you in for a treat today! LuAnn welcomes

Stephanie Castillo, the principal of Rumble Interiors, back to the show. Stephanie was a guest on Episode #391, as well, and is joined by Renee Fyall of D. Marie Interiors and Sam Mikel of Nest Design Studio. These ladies are all interior designers, doing business in the city of Ellensburg, Washington. Ellensburg is a rather small city of just 20,000 people and sort of between Portland and Seattle. Wait until you learn what these 3 #smartladies have created!

Listen in to hear how these three interior designers chose to be open-minded, innovative entrepreneurs rather than wary competitors. Together, they form what’s known as Collective Interiors. You’re going to find their story fascinating!

Stephanie Castillo: Rumble Interiors

Communicator, observer, entrepreneur and creative...... Stephanie has been in a creative field her whole working career. Stephanie started Rumble Interiors as an extension of her success as a hair designer.

Design, balance and harmony are built into everything Rumble Interiors embodies. Stephanie's ability to design a space comes naturally and her passion lives in her strength to envision a space for the people who live in it.

Rumble Interiors specializes in taking your home or room from uninspired to a unique, inviting warm space that speaks to the people who live in it. Whether it's a Re-Style which is taking what you already have and Re-thinking, Re-imagining and Re-vamping your space; or a complete home decoration with results that reflect your world refined. Stephanie's special talent comes in the form of helping people define their design style, the consultation technique is one of her favorite parts of the process.

Renee Fyall: D. Marie Interiors

When it comes to Interior Design Renee joins function with aesthetics seamlessly on projects both big and small. With over 10 years’ experience, much of her career has been focused on project management. With an eye for quality, superior sense of style, Renee assures the space functionality is forefront, including the project running smoothly and on budget while still creating a beautiful and inviting space.

Kitchen design and kitchen remodeling have become a large part of Renee’s focus and priority throughout her time as a Designer. She possesses an innate desire to create and design Interiors that exceed clients’ expectations. As many of us spend a large amount of our time in the kitchen, it’s important to Renee? that she delivers? a return on the investment as the kitchen is the best place in the house to add value, both in design and function.

Sam Mikel: Nest Design Studio

Design is a bastion of individuality and creativity.  However, as with other creative endeavors, the gap between one’s inner vision and its ultimate expression can be vast.  The function of the professional designer is to help you bridge that chasm.  By asking questions and listening attentively, a good designer can help you explore your needs and wishes and define and create the possibilities in your heart and mind.  As a wise man once noted, “limitations live only in our minds.  But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."  Sam’s goal as a designer is simply to help you make the best use of your imagination.

Open communication throughout the design process helps develop trust and a comfortable, working relationship.  Building on your input, Sam’s job is to guide your consideration of such elements as your home’s existing features, the sources of light, and the function required of each space to best define and create your individual style. 

Working collaboratively with her clients, she strives to create warm and inspired rooms—unique spaces that tell your own personal story in a timeless way.  Managing every detail from conception to completion, Sam’s aim is always to create an ambiance that reflects your taste and unique lifestyle.

In every project she undertakes, she strives to be budget-conscious.  Also, whenever possible, she tries to incorporate eco-friendly green products and materials.

Show Highlights:

  • Stephanie shares how she met Renee and Sam, how the three of them worked over the idea of sharing a collective space, and their result.
  • “Glorified space sharing” is their business model: Collective Interiors is a building, and inside of this are their three businesses.
  • Stephanie and Renee share an office, and Sam has her own office. Sam is also the main leaseholder and she has retail space there. Collective Interiors is a interior design / decor / full-scale store.
  • Renee relates the reaction she had to Stephanie’s request for coffee and mentorship, and how she appreciates directness.
  • Sam describes her passion for her retail store and her love for people.
  • Ways they make their collaboration successful.
  • Mutual trust helps to make this business model work.
  • Re-evaluation, as they grow and learn, is necessary.
  • How their lives have been enriched since the inception of Collective Interiors.
  • Guidance for others that might be interested in the same kind of business model.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Connect with Stephanie Castillo!

Rumble Interiors Website

Connect with Renee Fyall!

  1. Marie Interiors Website

Connect with Sam!

Nest Design Studio Website

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service!

Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative:

Kravet

Jaipur Living - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Other Shows Mentioned:

Stephanie Castillo / Rumble Interiors #391

Lori Paranjape # 344

 

Apr 24, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! It’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn’s guest today is Katie Krimitsos, Creator of the Women’s Meditation Network. The last time that Katie was featured on A Well-Designed Business on episode 253, she was the fearless leader of the Biz Women Rock community.

Listen in to catch up with all that’s been going on with Katie since her newest endeavor. She truly has a passion to help you become your best you, and if this current Corona Virus event has left you a bit more fearful than usual, you’ll want to hear about guided meditations that can help you feel more centered in this anxiety-ridden environment.

Katie Krimitsos is Creator of the Women’s Meditation Network. She is also a mom, wife, adventurer, podcaster, seeker, and change maker.  She's committed to brightening the light of women around the world through the Women’s Meditation Network, which provides guided meditations and related resources specifically created with the special journey of women in mind. She’s passionate about giving women the tools, strategies, and inspiration to live lives they truly love. She loves the water, the sound of her two girls laughing with each other, and is constantly evolving to make her life and the lives of others as magical as possible. 

Show Highlights:

  • Katie shares her compelling story of how the Women’s Meditation Network came about.
  • Women naturally have a beautiful light but they are often dimmed by self-doubt or comparison.
  • Katie is not a meditation teacher, but she does give women the TOOL of meditation to help them learn more about themselves and learn how to deal with life’s troubling moments.
  • Meditation doesn’t mean having a blank mind. It’s about managing your thoughts, which is crucial to master in both your personal and business lives.
  • Meditation helps you to distinguish between, “What’s the noise?” versus “What’s the voice?”.
  • Stop and set aside the fear of what is and what could be. Then reflect on what you can do or how you can help. How are you uniquely qualified to help your clients right now?
  • What you choose to do and how you choose to show up right now might not pay “right now”, but if you lead with love and do the right thing, it will pay a thousand-fold in the future.
  • Katie describes the ease of using her 5-20 minute, guided meditations and she also has a sleep bundle.
  • LuAnn points out that research backs up the physiological benefits of meditation.
  • It’s so important to tap in and understand what’s really best for us at this moment and how we can best serve others.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Connect with Katie!

Katie’s Website

Subscribe HERE to get FREE weekly meditations!

Start the 7 Day Meditation ChallengeHERE!

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account:

Kravet

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Mentioned Episodes:

Katie's other appearance on the show #253

 

Apr 23, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Did you miss the amazing “19 Hours” free virtual business summit that ran the week of April 6th through April 9th, 2020? If so, LuAnn will be filling you in on the industry’s answer to the COVID-19 crisis that contains all of the incredible presentations and panel discussions that was originally planned for High Point Market Spring 2020.

Today’s show is a replay of the solo presentation that LuAnn did on Thursday, April 9th, on “How to Lead Your Business Through the COVID-19 Crisis”. She has some perspective here that is sure to interest you, whether you run a virtual team or a brick-and-mortar one because LuAnn has weathered several significant economic downturns during her career and came out stronger on the other side of it.

19 Hours was hosted by Mydoma Studio and sponsored by Kravet, Article, Jaipur Living, Monogram, Summer Classics,Gabby Home, Interior Design Society, and Revel Woods.

There were an average of 800 designers and business owners watching each and every live session! If you missed it, you can still get the video recordings. For the next couple of weeks, Mydoma Studio will graciously email you the entire video conference if you contact them here: My Doma Studio: 19Hours.

Just wait until you hear the presentations by some of the industry’s top business leaders. There were 14 presentations and each one was stellar!

Show Highlights:

  • In LuAnn’s first book, The Making of a Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action, she emphasizes the importance of knowing your mission and your core values, and it’s never been more important than now so you can be laser-focused in crisis.
    • LuAnn details the three areas that you should focus on:
    1. Mitigate the losses.
    2. Focus on sales and marketing.
    3. Gratitude
  • There’s wisdom in the saying, “The time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining.”
  • Don’t overreact but don’t not act.
  • LuAnn describes the #1 mistake she made in the early ‘90s.
  • Think very carefully about the problems you are experiencing with the way you are living through the COVID-19 crisis, and how might you solve this for people in your circle who are experiencing the same things?
  • Be creative, be empathetic.
  • This is a good time to look inward. It is also a good opportunity to make sure you have your systems locked down.
  • If you could wave a magic wand, what would your business look like?
  • Look inward and be listening for what your lesson is in this. It could be personal or business, big or small.
  • Everyday there is something to be grateful for.
  • Share and show grace with each other.
  • If you need to unplug, then unplug and own that.
  • It will take some ingenuity and intention to get through this, but you can do if!

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

To Receive the Entire 19Hours Video Conference, Please Visit:

My Doma Studio: 19Hours

Book Mentioned:

The Making of a Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action by LuAnn Nigara

Mentioned Episodes:

LuAnn’s Solo #519

Kim Merlitti #442

 

Apr 21, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On today’s show, LuAnn is joined by industry-icon, Kendall Wilkinson. They’ll be chatting about Kendall’s perspective on her experience in growing an esteemed and successful firm. They discuss budgets to clients to discovery-call practices to Kendall’s experience in the 2008 recession where she had to use guerilla-style marketing strategies to build a pipeline.

Whether you are already a Kendall Wilkinson fan or this is the first time learning about her, you are going to love this conversation. Kendall is a #smartlady who runs a major enterprise which includes her famous San Francisco design firm, her textile collections for Fabricut, as well as being a sought-after speaker for industry events all over the nation.

Kendall’s work has been on the pages of Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Wall Street Journal, to name a few. Along with participating in numerous showcases over the years including the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, Elle Decor Showhouse, and LUXE Magazine’s Maison de Luxe Showhouse, Kendall has also she served on the prestigious Board of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art.

Show Highlights:

  • Kendall has been in business for 27 years and employs a staff of 30.
  • Kendall believes that a combination of creative excellence and business acumen are responsible for her success.
  • It’s important to mentor once you have the experience in.
  • Kendall explains her business structure: She has four teams of principals who have their own firms. Within each team is a senior designer, a design associate, a design assistant, and a project manager. They each run 3-5 projects. Kendall also has a back office, which includes the expediters, controllers, accountants, and administrators.
  • This structure has allowed her to be more creative because of the confidence she in her principals and their abilities.
  • LuAnn and Kendall discuss clients, budgets, variables, and the non-negotiables.
  • Kendall shares how she came through the 2008 recession without having to lay off any employees.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting Wednesday, April 22!

If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits.

Connect with Kendall!

Kendall’s Website

Kendall’s LinkedIn

Kendall’s Twitter  - @KWilkinsonSF

Kendall Wilkinson Design’sInstagram - @KendallWilkinsonDesign

Kendall Wilkinson Design’sFacebook

Kendall Wilkinson Design’s LinkedIn

Kendall Wilkinson Design’sPinterest

DesignClass: Interior Design With Kendall Wilkinson

Be sure to check out Kendall’s textile line atFabricut!

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

 

Apr 17, 2020

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Nancy Lane, CEO of Nancy Lane Interiors in Houston, Texas, joins LuAnn today and you’ll be learning all about the Process Leads to Profits course that Nancy took last winter and the tangible benefits she has received from it.

You’ll also hear how Nancy utilized Mydoma Studio to define her services for her prospective clients and how she now invoices and receives payments for her services through Mydoma Studio.

Join LuAnn and Nancy in this engaging and informational conversation, and to learn more about signing up for the next Process Leads to Profits with Sara Lynn Brennan’s LIVE course, which starts NEXT WEEK!

Nancy Lane’s idea of home has been informed by all the places she's lived, and perhaps most of all by the one she lost. As a child, her home burned to the ground, displacing her family in the process. Nancy and her family found themselves building their new home together and establishing the true meaning of that word at the same time. 

Her love for interior design grew through the years, both through her own personal projects and as she shared her passion by helping friends and neighbors with their design projects for more than a decade. In 2016, she opened her residential interior design consulting business, Nancy Lane Interiors and turned that passion into a livelihood. Nancy helps clients solve their design dilemmas and turn houses into homes in and around Houston, Texas, where she resides with her husband and three sons.

 

Show Highlights:

  • Nancy’s first career was as a chemist! She is a perpetual learner and was already running a successful business when she signed up for classes because she loves to learn new and better processes.
  • Clearly defined processes are everything. You can define your process to make it concrete and repeatable BUT just know it's still really fluid. It will always be a work in process.
  • Nancy details the steps she’s implemented since completing the Process Leads to Profits course.
  • Automate, automate, automate! Automation is important in delivering consistent service.
  • Mindset is key. Most of the issues we have all start right between our ears!
  • In light of COVID-19, Nancy discusses the ways that she’s been taking advantage of being at home.
  • Is the Process Leads to Profits class right for you? If 6 weeks from now you would like to know you are well on your way and well-armed with the information and strategies to once and for all organize your “you” into a repeatable, duplicatable process (AKA, a “business”!), then YES! Sign up HERE!

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

LuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22!

If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits.

Connect with Nancy!

Nancy’s Websites: Nancy Lane Interiors &The Decor Detective

Nancy’sInstagram

Nancy’sFacebook

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Previous shows mentioned:

Nicole Cole #509

Sara Lynn Brennan:#463, #514, #524

 

Apr 16, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for an episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s question comes from listener Jane, who would like to know how to handle a client who is refusing to pay a bill.

Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolution.

If you have a burning issue that you need some insight on, please send your question to LuAnn Nigara!

Show Highlights:

  • LuAnn shares Jane’s detailed email.
  • The red-flag phrase in the listener’s email that got LuAnn’s attention: “Even when I could see the project going south.”
  • Why LuAnn thinks that the client somehow feels wronged.
  • LuAnn’s take-action steps:
  • The listener should think back to when she first felt things going south.
  • She needs to identify the event and ask herself these questions:
  1. What one thing could you have done at the time to have avoided the project going south?
  2. Can you fix the problem even though it is late?
  • Even if it costs you money, you have to fix it.
  • Get ready for the hard conversation. Call her, acknowledge the problem, give a genuine apology for the past offense and offer the solution you are going to take.
  • Once you’ve agreed on a solution, THEN you can ask for the payment, but there’s a particular way you need to frame the request!
  • The client needs that moment of contrition and the solution to get past the problem.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

LuAnn Live

LuAnn Nigara- Email LuAnn Your Questions!

LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22!

If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits.

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account & Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim!

Use Code at Checkout: AWDB10

Kravet

Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now!

Kirsch

 

Apr 14, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn gets to chat with Krista Watterworth Alterman, CEO of Krista Home in Palm Beach, Florida, about company mission and vision, how important it is to lift others up, and very timely advice on how to face fear.

Krista leads her company with purpose and clarity. She is the kind of CEO that has taken the time to figure these things out for herself and as you listen, you will hear how it guides every decision she makes, from client interaction to creating, training and leading her team. You don’t want to miss this engaging conversation!

Krista is the CEO of Krista Home located in Palm Beach Florida. Originally from Connecticut and trained in NY at Parsons School of Interior Design with a masters of Fine Arts from the New School, NYC, Krista is known for her highly acclaimed HGTV shows Save My Bath and Splurge & Save. She's also been featured on The Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible and DIY's The Vanilla Ice Project for seven seasons.

Selected as one of the designers for the prestigious Kips Bay Show House in 2019 Krista has also won two 2018 American Society of Interior Designers Crystal Awards, a 2018 LUXE Residential Excellence Award and three 2017 American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Awards.

Krista was one of the selected designers for the prestigious Kips Bay Show House in 2019. She won two 2018 American Society of Interior Designers Crystal Awards, a 2018 LUXE Residential Excellence Award and three 2017 American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Awards.

Her work is regularly featured in many publications including Architectural Digest, Decor, Luxe Interiors & Design, Florida Design, Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, Southern Style At Home and Cottages & Bungalows.

Show Highlights:

  • When an employee hasn’t risen to exceptional status, it can sometimes be because we haven’t empowered them to properly do their job when they don’t have a clear understanding of their job description.
  • Streamlining her business helped Krista and her team figure out who was responsible for providing different services, and how they could do it in a way that was fun and empowering for everybody so they loved coming to work.
  • In doing this, she wanted to discover people’s natural talents and expertise.
  • Krista wants her company to be able to function without her presence.
  • Employees need clarity on their roles but they also need clarity on your company’s mission and vision.
  • Service is Krista’s mission and she shares the relevance of saying, “Yes, And”.
  • LuAnn emphasizes the importance of words.
  • “A Design Lab” rather than a “Design Presentation”: Krista describes her plan to make everything fun for her clients when they come in to finalize the work product.
  • When you feel fearful or anxious about something, it’s time for action. You need to do something to propel yourself forward.
  • What you’re naturally good at is what you grow your passion around. Krista describes her employees’ job descriptions and how each of their strengths complement their positions.
  • Having a philosophy in life that brings you great happiness and carrying that over to your work life is a win/win situation.

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

LuAnn Live

LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22!

If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits.

Connect with Krista!

Krista’s Website

Krista’s Facebook

Krista’s Instagram

Books Mentioned:

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts by LuAnn Nigara & Friends

3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And!by Travis L. Thomas

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

*Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

*Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Previous Show Mentioned:

#526 featuring Asha Chaudhary

 

Apr 10, 2020

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! And today LuAnn will be doing a ‘Where Are They Now’ episode with Wendy Woloshchuk, who last made her appearance on A Well-Designed Business about two years ago. 

 

What a difference those two years have made! Wendy is here to share the invaluable information she has learned from LuAnn Live and The Power Talk Friday Tour, the implementations to her business that resulted from that, and the profound impact it has had on her life.

 

You don’t want to miss this conversation! Get ready for some takeaways from this!

 

Wendy Woloshchuk believes that great interior design can change your everyday life. It’s about more than just beauty and function. It’s about creating a home that feels like a warm hug when you walk in after a long day. The details of your home create that feeling of comfort. She believes that interior design should be approachable, not intimidating! Her goal is not to make your house a showpiece, but to create a beautiful, comforting space and to see you enjoying it with friends and family. Wendy has been an interior designer and decorating enthusiast for as long as she can remember, and has been getting paid to do it since 2007, when she received her Interior Design Certification from Bay Path University. She is a frequent speaker and panelist at design events. She’s spoken for Facebook, been on multiple panels at High Point Market, was an invited guest at The Designer Experience, and was on the designhounds Influencer tour of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS).

 

Wendy is a Houzz influencer, has won multiple Houzz Service Awards, and is a Maria Killam Certified True Colour Expert. She was also a Las Vegas Market Red Carpet Tour attendee. She has done multiple projects with the Make a Wish Foundation, and she’s a certified member of The Interior Design Society (IDS).

 

Wendy loves sharing interior design advice and ideas. She coaches interior designers from around the world and teaches both local and online workshops to interior designers, decorators and home stagers on the business of interior design, and offer free tips on design on her Facebook live show, The Daily Details!

She’s been quoted and/or seen in:

  • Designers Today Magazine
  • The Sunday Republican
  • The Palmer Journal
  • Mydoma.com
  • Window Fashion Vision magazine

…and heard on:

  • A Well-Designed Business podcast with LuAnn Nigara
  • Home Stagers and Designers on Fire podcast with Marianne Cherico

 

 

When she’s not working on other people’s houses – or on the beach in Aruba – she’s in her own home in the woods, listening to podcasts or country music; cheering for the New England Patriots; or spending time with her husband, Mike (Wally), and their schnug, Ozzy.

 

Show Highlights:

 

  • As Wendy explains, she had a process, but it was inconsistent. Once she hired an assistant, she knew she had to have a better process in place.
  • Wendy took the time to document her processes in a “Standards of Excellence Manual”, an idea she got from Ashley Uhl. 
  • Wendy asked her assistant to write down her own documented processes as she experienced them after a month of being hired, then they compared notes. This allowed them to fine-tune the manual.
  • Another idea she got from Ashley Uhl was sending a simple hand-written thank you note after a consult. 
  • LuAnn loved the idea Wendy shared of sending “Happy Birthday to Your Room” cards to her clients after their first anniversary of doing business together. After year 5 and year 10, Wendy sends a card offering to refresh their room design.
  • Wendy hired Nancy Ganzekaufer as a coach and worked with her for most of last year. One of the big areas in which Nancy helped was with Wendy’s numbers, so she increased both her hourly rates and her consults rates, and started charging her clients retail for product, which substantially increased her profits.
  • All clients get a weekly update email very Friday updating them on their project and exactly what was accomplished over the past week.
  • Nicole Heymer’s branding course helped Wendy to websites, social media. what she wanted from her website, so last year, Wendy worked with a copywriter to redesign her website, making it more relaxed and fun.
  • Based on conversations over lunch with Debbe Daley and Marianne Cherico last year, Wendy, Debbe, and Marianne started the Design for Today Collaborative. They do in-person workshops at the Boston Design Center and other venues around New England. It’s a way to keep designers up to date on technology, websites, and social media but has grown to include staging coaching.
  • LuAnn points out that Wendy’s success story is a great example of never being afraid of seeking help and knowledge from others, and taking that information you learn and putting it into practice.

 

 

Links / Resources:

 

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

Sara’s Blog post on LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday 

Luannlive.com

 

LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22!

If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to www.processleadstoprofits.com.

 

Connect with Wendy!

Wendy’s YouTube

Wendy’s Pinterest

Wendy’s Facebook

Wendy’s Instagram

Wendy’s LinkedIn

Wendy’s Website

Design For Today Collaborative Facebook Page

 

Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors:

 

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

 

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

https://www.article.com

 

Previous Show Mentioned:

Ashley Uhl #412

Nancy Ganzekaufer: #15, #159, #256, #389

Eileen Hahn #363

Kae Whitaker #26, #66, #114, #259, #274

Sarah Daniele #91, #177

Nicole Heymer #125, #317, #466

Debbe Daley #431

Marianne Cherico #123

Kimberly Merlitti #361, #442

Sally Williams #496

Claire Jefford #237, #325, #485

Sara Brennan #463, #524

Wendy Woloshchuk #316

Apr 9, 2020

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! LuAnn is so excited to finally be able to introduce this new sponsor to the show by chatting with none other than the CEO of Jaipur Living, Asha Chaudhary!

In this episode, you’ll be learning about Jaipur’s beauty, value, and social responsibility, as well as their customer-centric trade partner program and their easier-than-ever to browse website with stunning images.

Listen in to the conversation and please welcome Jaipur Living to the family!

As president and CEO of Jaipur Living, Inc., Asha Chaudhary brings a personal perspective to the rug industry: “I grew up around rugs all my life; it’s a part of me.”

From a childhood spent observing weavers and designers, Chaudhary has grown into a powerful design force within the industry. As the rare female CEO, Chaudhary has built a thriving business across rug constructions and textile accessories. Chaudhary’s father NK founded Jaipur Rugs, India’s largest manufacturer of hand-knotted rugs. She watched as he took the company from nine weavers in the family home to a global presence that employs more than 40,000 artisans. 

Chaudhary came to the U.S. in 1997 to attend Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating in 2001 as a Dean’s List scholar with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a concentration in Finance. Chaudhary just graduated with a certificate from the Owner/ President Management program at Harvard Business School. She is also an active member of the Entrepreneurs Organization, Young Presidents Organization, Nest and ASID. 

After taking over leadership of the company’s U.S. operations in 2005, Chaudhary set out to expand on her father’s original vision to create beautiful lives through great design and respect for artisans. Today, she has broadened the company’s range of products and its customer base. 

Chaudhary has overseen new product launches of pillows, poufs, and throws, and a major restructuring and re-branding of the company to Jaipur Living, Inc. Jaipur Living’s customer base has expanded to include a broad mix of retailers, e-commerce dealers, and a sizable, loyal interior design following. 

Looking towards the future, Chaudhary wants to help bridge the world of handmade artistry with the end consumer. “I’d like them to understand and appreciate the harmony of the design process and their part in it - with the first spark of an idea, through the hands of an artisan, and ultimately into their home. And always with the intent to create beautiful lives.”.

Show Highlights:

  • Asha shares the compelling story of her childhood and her incredibly visionary parents.
  • Jaipur Living is a family enterprise and Asha’s Father is known as “the Ghandi of the rug business”.
  • Jaipur Living has a handmade, custom line of rugs and has award-winning designs and team: they were the winner of the last 2 Dallas ARTS Awards and 3 design awards in 2020 at Domotex in Germany.
  • 95% of interior designers rate Jaipur Living as better than other rug companies when it comes to products and customer service.
  • Asha praises the 40,000 artisans in more than 600 villages in India for the beautiful work that they do. These artisans earn a sustainable wage that far surpasses the industry average, and also receive access to healthcare, education, and social development opportunities, in partnership with the Jaipur Rugs Foundation.
  • Asha’s personal favorite features on their newly-designed WEBSITE includes real-time inventory, Pantone color matching, instant quotes, and the ability to customize the size and shape of more than 600 rugs.
  • Jaipur Living has a comprehensive swatch program: free swatches are available on every single product that they offer. Touch and feel, and share with your customers!
  • They have THOUSANDS of products in stock and ready to ship, and orders ship within 4-6 hours of receipt of order.
  • Jaipur Living works hard to design beautiful things across all price points, and they are proud of their dedicated customer service!
  • Creating beautiful lives is the mission of Jaipur Living, and they strive to keep the art of weaving alive. The art of weaving is passed down from generation to generation.
  • Asha shares how each and every rug has a story behind it.
  • LuAnn addresses the designers listening to the show regarding the value and practical reasons that it makes sense to work with Jaipur Living.
  • In future episodes, LuAnn will be sharing more about the value, features, and benefits of working with Jaipur Living, so stay tuned!
  • Thank you, Asha and Jaipur Living, for sponsoring this podcast!

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

Luann Live

LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22!

If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits.

Please Extend A Warm Welcome to Our New Sponsor By Visiting Their Links!

Jaipur’s Purpose Is To Create Beautiful Lives! Get Started Creating Yours, Now!

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship!

Jaipur Living’s Instagram: #jaipurliving

Jaipur Living’s Facebook

Jaipur Living’s Pinterest

Book Mentioned:

The Healing Organization: Awakening the Conscience of Business to Help Save the World  by Raj Sisodia and Michael J. Gelb

 

Apr 7, 2020

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Today is a special episode because it features a #smartlady that LuAnn has come to know over the last several months and has been impressed by how thoughtfully and purposefully she runs her interior design firm. Traci Connell joins LuAnn and weaves in info not only about how she designs, but how she delivers the design process to her clients.

You’re going to learn how Traci reflected, analyzed, and documented what she did, how she did it, and what worked and what didn’t, all in the face of tremendous anguish and hardship.

Traci is the combination of a sweet, southern lady with the grit and fortitude it takes to not only survive but to thrive and to provide for herself, her family and her staff.

Traci Connell is an award-winning creative entrepreneur whose business sense and design skills are combined with a passion for delivering interiors that are at the heart of livable style. Her well-edited spaces feature functionality for a distinctive aesthetic she calls Ease of Glamour. She gives you luxury you can live in along with an innovative customer service experience that saves you time and money. High-end design, business savvy and a simplicity-driven approach — that’s what makes Traci one of leading interior designers in Dallas and the surrounding areas. Traci’s projects have been featured on the cover of Luxe Interiors and Design as well as projects showcased in Traditional Home, among numerous other publications. She has been named D Home Best Designer of 2018, 2019, and 2020 and was included in the 2018 Gold List by Luxe Interiors and Design.

Her latest endeavor is her consulting business to teach other designers how to get unstuck and scale their business just like she did using her proven system that she tested and developed over the past 8 years. She is really excited to share this system with others. Check out her website Traci Connell for more details.

Show Highlights:

  • Traci shares her story and describes how she was trying to up-level her business during a trying time but couldn’t get any straight answers to the questions she had.
  • This experience gave her the desire to help other designers who are experiencing setbacks to get unstuck.
  • Remember that you have a choice!
  • Get vulnerable and accept help from coaches, mentors, or whoever it takes. There’s no reason to go it alone.
  • Put your business under a magnifying glass and take a hard look at your finances, margins, and revenue streams. Evaluate your pipeline and run your projections for the year.
  • Create processes and systems for your business. As Traci explains, this is KEY in being able to confidently deliver an excellent client experience, to be able to scale, and to be able to take time off from your business when you need it to take care of yourself, especially if you may be in crisis like she was as she built her business.
  • It is critical to build the right team. You must surround yourself with a team that can execute and help grow and run your firm profitably.
  • Traci shares her concept of “Ease of Glamour”, which is livable luxury, and tips on how she streamlined her own personal life.
  • The confidence behind finding your niche is super-important.
  • Always deliver more than what is expected. This communicates value to the client.
  • Traci is coaching and teaching other designers like you to go from setbacks to success using her proven system that she has tested and developed over the past 8 years. For more info go to Traci Connell.

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

LIVE CLASS with Sara Lynn Brennan, Starting April 22!

If you need help with your processes, in getting your business systemized so you can scale, you can hire, you can finally be confident in your projects, Process Leads to Profits is back! To find out all about this live class, taught over 6 consecutive weeks starting April 22, go to Process Leads To Profits.

Is Chairman of the Board Right for Your Business?

LuAnn Nigara

Connect with Traci!

Traci’sEmail 

Traci’s Coaching Website

Traci’s Interiors Website

Traci’s Instagram

Traci’s Facebook

Traci’s Pinterest

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

If you are listening in real-time, we are on the 2nd day of our epic online summit hosted by Mydoma Studio. It is called 19Hours.

A huge thanks to Mydoma Studio as well as our other sponsors: Kravet, Article, Kirsch, Jaipur Living, Monogram, IDS, Revelwoods, Summer Classics, and Gaby Home.

Traci will be on LuAnn’s panel Thursday, April 9th, along with Sandra Funk, Monica Wilcox, and Tobi Fairley. Don’t miss it!!

  • Event: 19hours
  • Hosted by: Mydoma Studio
  • Monday, April 6th - Thursday, April 9th
  • This is a FREE VIRTUAL EVENT!
  • Presentations Each Day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm EST.
  • It will be recorded for later viewing.
  • This Is The Industry’s Answer to Covid-19 and Contains Much of the Content That Was Planned for HP Market.
  • DON’T MISS the Solo Presentations by Some of the Industry’s Top Business Leaders and Panel Discussions with Some of the Industry’s Top Designers!
  • To Sign Up, Go to 19hours

Thank You to This Podcast Sponsor:

Connect with Your Local Kirsch Distributor Now!

Kirsch

Other Shows Mentioned:

LuAnn #491 Chairman of the Board Opportunity

Nancy Ganzekaufer #15, #159, #256, #389

Nicole Cole #509

Kim Merlitti #361, #442

Michele Williams #137, #180, #395, #424

Denise Wenacur #513

For conversation about the importance of reciprocal mentoring and paid coaching, go to Rasheeda Gray #267, Christina Bruce #486, Laurence Carr #484 and Laura Umansky #492

For a good conversation about taking a hard look at your finances, go back and re-listen to Cheryl Clendenon’s show #482 as well as Kimberly Merlitti #442.

Conversations about creating processes and systems for your business include: Sara Brennan #463, Darci Hether #220 and Christine Lin #470.

For shows about building the right teams, go to Eileen Hahn #363, Janelle Photopoulus #364, Rebecca Richardson #303, and Chad James #68.

 

Apr 3, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Sara Lynn Brennan joins  LuAnn to chat about faith or fear. Earlier this year, Sara wrote a blogpost titled, “Are You Operating Your Design Business Out of Faith or Fear?” and in the midst of the current pandemic, it seems like a great time to re-visit her reflections. Although her original intent had nothing to do with the Corona Virus, there are lessons in the article that are certainly timely and applicable to our current situation.

Sara is an entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Sara has become the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxhaw, North Carolina, who specializes in Transitional Designs, where she and her design-build team take spaces from Bare Bones to Beautiful by utilizing her exclusive, approachable, and stress-free design process, transforming and renovating homes from start to finish.

Sara’s design work has been nationally published six times in the last year including publications such as Romantic Homes, Traditional Home, Window Fashion Vision, and Cottages and Bungalows, who recently offered her a role as a monthly columnist. She’s also been noticed as a rising star among colleagues in the design industry being invited as a guest on podcasts, as a panelist at High Point Market and as a host and speaker at local design events and shows.

Show Highlights:

  • LuAnn’s interview with Candy Scott in Episode 279 was the inspiration behind Sara’s blogpost, “Are You Operating Your Design Business Out of Faith or Fear?”.
  • A lot of drama stems from fear, and this was Sara’s epiphany that even the design experts have the same doubts as everybody.
  • Be prepared for problems, but having the right processes in place will give you confidence that you’ve covered all of your bases. Problems that might occur will not be because you weren’t following through.
  • Drama in projects can stem from lack of communication, expectations, mistakes, personalities, etc. How you handle it is what makes all of the difference. Look for common ground where your clients feel heard and happy.
  • If you’re working from home during this outbreak, explain upfront to your client that your kids are home and there may be some interruptions during a phone call.
  • Conversely, if you’re talking with a client and their kids are home and interrupting, don’t roll your eyes or express frustration. Let them know it’s ok because you’re both in the situation together. Offer to reschedule if that is better for them.
  • This quarantine is slowing us all down and giving us common ground, and opening up opportunities to have hard conversations.
  • LuAnn addresses fear and the ways it can impact our business relationships.
  • Sara offers ideas to make things happen during this downtime. Know your worth!
  • Doing your best isn’t just what you showed up that day, doing. Doing your best is being prepared to do your best and doing extra.
  • Gather your best resources, and spend your time sourcing so that you have the opportunity to provide your finest services.
  • Showing up with a plan, some knowledge, and a background will separate you from the others who are just showing up. This is what Sara means when she says, “Showing up is not enough.”
  • Are you going to be the person who deflects and doesn’t want to look bad? Or are you going to be the person that owns it because you can see where it went wrong and you’re going to make it better?
  • Take this time to re-organize and streamline your business.
  • The more informed the client is, the further along you can get with them, faster.
  • Clarity is key and comes from preparation.

Links: 

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog

Power Talk Friday

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

  • Event: 19hours
  • Hosted by: Mydoma Studio
  • Monday, April 6th - Thursday, April 9th
  • This is a FREE VIRTUAL EVENT!
  • Presentations Each Day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm EST.
  • It will be recorded for later viewing.
  • This Is The Industry’s Answer to Covid-19 and Contains Much of the Content That Was Planned for HP Market.
  • DON’T MISS the Solo Presentations by Some of the Industry’s Top Business Leaders and Panel Discussions with Some of the Industry’s Top Designers!
  • To Sign Up, Go to 19hours

Interior Design Standard

IWCE 2020

Connect with Sara!

Sara’s Website

Sara’sInstagram

Process Leads to Profits- Starts April 22nd! Get Your Early Bird Pricing Now!

Sara’s Blog post onLuAnn’sBlog

Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Monogram - Work with Us

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.comHere!

Article

Previous Shows Mentioned:

Nancy Ganzekaufer: 15, 159, 256, 389

Nicole Heymer: 125, 317, 466

Candy Scott: 227

Sandra Funk: 02, 145

Sara Lynn Brennan: 463, 514

 

Mar 31, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn brings you a very special conversation today, one that may hit very close to home for many of us; mental illness. Bearing that in mind, I must also say that this show was recorded months ago before the word COVID 19 was even legitimately on our radar. Even though the topic of mental illness can be sensitive, it’s important to talk about it.  Whether mental illness affects us personally or affects one of our loved ones, you’re not going to want to miss this intimate talk.

LuAnn’s guest is Leah M. Meyer Perez, and Leah will be sharing how she overcame her own internal struggles while trying to run a business. She wants to share her story and bring it out in the open so that we as a community don’t have to feel embarrassed about asking for help. She encourages an environment of support and care for each other.

Leah M. Meyer Perez is the CEO/Principal Designer of Leah May Interior Design. Like so many of you, from an early age Leah was creative and had a natural talent for interiors. From her artistic flair in art class to tinkering in the garage with her Father, Leah’s path was destined for design.

Leah has earned an extensive knowledge of fabrics and furniture by working for several boutique interior firms including a custom furniture workshop and drapery workroom.

In 2014, taking a leap of faith, Leah opened her residential interior design firm and as you will learn today, Leah has had to overcome more than simply understanding marketing, bookkeeping, and pipeline building in order to be successful.

If you are listening and you are struggling with serious thoughts of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, or isolation, there is no podcast for that. Please reach out, and have a friend help you find qualified help. You deserve to be happy and fulfilled and like Leah, with true professional therapy, it IS possible.

Show Highlights:

  • First: It’s Ok to have fears and insecurities. You just have to find the courage to talk to somebody about them and work through them.
  • Leah shares how her symptoms of mental illness manifested in her personal and business lives.
  • Understand self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors by learning to be self-aware.
  • Therapy can help you discover the heart of the issues.
  • Learning that she was a negative person and realizing that she had to start being grateful was a turning point in Leah’s life.
  • Appreciate all of the things you’re good at doing.
  • Leah strives to push past the fear of talking about mental illness.
  • What other people think of you does NOT define you.
  • You must be open to help.
  • You cannot change another person, but you can learn to change how you respond to a person.
  • You never know what another person is going through.
  • Share a high-five with someone who you think could use it, and if you’re inclined, tell someone you talk with today something nice so that they have a positive thought in their head when you part.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

The Power Talk Friday Tour

LuAnn Live

WCAA

Exciting Windows

IWCE-Vision

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Connect with Leah!

Leah’s Website

Leah’s Facebook

Leah’s Instagram

Thank You to This Podcast Sponsor:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Other shows mentioned to link to and tag in Social Media

Alex Gourlay # 447

Wendy Glaister # 386

Desi Creswell # 475

 

 

Mar 27, 2020

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Peter Lang joins LuAnn on today’s show to discuss accounting that is specific to design firms. Peter is a CPA that works exclusively with interior designers, and he will be covering the nuances of the industry. He is also a co-author of LuAnn’s latest book, A Well-Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts.

If you’re a business owner and concerned about how this current COVID-19 pandemic will impact your taxes, you will not want to miss this episode!

Peter Lang is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  He is the founder of The Designer CPA, a CPA firm that works exclusively with business owners in the design industry.  He has worked in public accounting since graduating from Providence College in 2002.  After working for several larger size firms in Boston and Rhode Island, Peter realized his true passion was to start a firm that specifically focused on designers.  

Peter currently resides in Rhode Island with his wife Carmen and their identical twin boys, William and Matthew.  He enjoys running and golfing outside of work.

Show Highlights:

  • The IRS expects you to file your 2019 income tax return by April 15th, or apply for an extension.
  • If you have a Federal or state tax payment that is due, they expect that by the April 15th deadline.
  • Technically you are responsible for Q1 2020 estimated payments by April 15th, as well.
  • HOWEVER, due to the pandemic, the IRS has reset all of the April 15th deadlines to July 15th for the 2019 filing year.
  • This gives everyone an additional 90 days to get all of your information to them.
  • The IRS has NOT changed the Q2 2020 estimated payments deadline of June 15th, so this WILL still be due.
  • Peter addresses which deadline might be better to consider, and why; HSA’s, and sales tax.
  • Peter and LuAnn discuss the stimulus package, how much we might expect to receive, and when it will be sent.
  • What you need to know if you’re receiving unemployment compensation and receive a stimulus payment.
  • Your business may be eligible for relief in the form of a relaxed-rules small business loan. Listen for details!
  • Payroll tax credits, deferments, and managing your cash flow.
  • Things you can do now to be ready in the event another disaster strikes:
  • Get your books in order.
  • Make sure you understand your numbers.
  • Set aside cash for quarterly tax payments.
  • Don’t mingle sales tax collected from customers with your operating cash.
  • Build a reserve of three months fixed operating expenses in a savings account.

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

  • Event: 19hours
  • Hosted by: Mydoma Studio
  • Monday, April 6th - Thursday, April 9th
  • This is a FREE VIRTUAL EVENT!
  • Presentations Each Day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm EST.
  • It will be recorded for later viewing.
  • This Is The Industry’s Answer to Covid-19 and Contains Much of the Content That Was Planned for HP Market.
  • DON’T MISS the Solo Presentations by Some of the Industry’s Top Business Leaders and Panel Discussions with Some of the Industry’s Top Designers!
  • To Sign Up, Go to 19hours

Connect with Peter!

Peter’s Website

Book Mentioned:

A Well-Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts by LuAnn Nigara & Friends

Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors:

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Sponsors You’ll Be Learning More About in the Future:

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Shows Mentioned:

Michele Williams - Certified Profit First Coach #180

Peter Lang previous episodes: #349, #464

#519 finances at Window Works

 

Mar 24, 2020

Welcome to this episode of A Well-Designed Business! Gabriela Gargano joins LuAnn in this episode to caution us as entrepreneurs about being careful not to apply reasons and rationale to decisions that we are facing because we are reluctant to take the risk.

Gaby also shares some very specific strategies that she is employing as the CEO of her design firm in light of the Corona Virus, which you will likely find very smart and useful! You are going to love these ideas!

After graduating from college with degrees in Art History, Hispanic Studies, and Business Economics, Gaby spent more than a decade at Goldman Sachs, as a sales trader and relationship manager. She simultaneously grew her passion for interior design through real estate investing, renovation, and staging of her properties in Manhattan.

In 2016, she decided to leave finance and establish Grisoro Designs, a full-service interior design firm located in New York City. Gaby’s style blends clean lines with rich textures and eclectic pieces, referencing art, and vintage design. The team's process is anchored in a deep understanding of each client's design goals, functional needs, and lifestyle.

By implementing a transparent process, clear communication, and active project and budget management, they can provide a seamless experience, resulting in a beautiful and functional space that truly feels like home. 

Grisoro Designs has been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Domino, and several other publications. Services offered include interior design, full-scale renovations, project management, budget management, art curation, and real estate advisory. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

  • Event: 19hours
  • Hosted by: Mydoma Studio
  • Monday, April 6th - Thursday, April 9th
  • This is a FREE VIRTUAL EVENT!
  • Presentations Each Day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm EST.
  • It will be recorded for later viewing.
  • This Is The Industry’s Answer to Covid-19 and Contains Much of the Content That Was Planned for HP Market.
  • DON’T MISS the Solo Presentations by Some of the Industry’s Top Business Leaders and Panel Discussions with Some of the Industry’s Top Designers!
  • To Sign Up, Go to 19 Hours

Show Highlights:

  • Gaby was at Goldman Sachs during the 2008 recession.
  • Decide what you want your business to look like.
  • The indicators that Gaby used to evaluate when it was time to grow:
  • Assessing her past, current, and projected pipeline. She made sure that she was attracting the type of clients that will take her into the future.
  • She recognized that she was so fatigued that she was jeopardizing her ability to deliver her creative best to her clients.
  • She realized that she and the employees she had on board were consistently being pushed to their limits, and this was leaving a lot of room for errors.
  • Working from home is fine, but getting space brings an elevated sense in having your own studio. You’re able to have your full-time employees there, bring on an intern, and have your vendors and clients meet you there.
  • Remember that this Covid-19 crisis isn’t forever.
  • Take this time to learn to work better remotely.
  • Find more ways to be collaborative and keep the lines of communication open.
  • As entrepreneurs, we have to figure out a way to work through this.
  • Focus on business planning in greater detail, such as business expenses, hurdles, goals, targets, etc.
  • Most importantly, do not delay in responding and looking at what changes you need to make in order to protect your cash flow.
  • Make rational, unemotional decisions when you are calm. Make decisions based on thoughtful evaluation with your CFO or whoever helps you with your finances in your business.
  • Commit to taking the actions that you make a decision on.
  • This planning and effort will help to provide you with a peace of mind, which is very important subconsciously for your team. When you’re calm and positive, your team will feel that.
  • Don’t overreact. But don’t NOT act!

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

Connect with Gaby!

Design Firm: Grisoro Designs

Principal: Gabriela Gargano

Gaby’s Instagram

Gaby’s Website

Do YOU Need Help with Your Past, Current, or Projected Pipeline?

Michele Williams: Scarlet Thread Consulting

Kim Merlitti:  KMM Consulting

Thank You to These Podcast Sponsors:

Kravet

For 10% off any Kravet Wallpaper, Fabric, or Trim Enter at Checkout This Promo Code: awdb10

Kirsch

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Mentioned Episodes

#519

 

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