Business of Design a„¢ | Interior Designers, Decorators, Stagers, Stylists, Architects & Landscapers

How do you know when the s%*&’s about to hit the fan? Are there warning signs, and if so, what are they? Kimberley shares her recent experience of being evacuated in the LA fires and relates it to preparedness when it comes to knowing your business is in trouble. In this episode we learn: - by the time your business is in trouble, the chances are you missed multiple warning signs - your P&L can act as an early warning protection system - analyzing incoming inquiries is your number one assessment tool - before it gets dire, get busy with client retention, client growth and client sourcing

In this candid conversation between two long time Business of Design® Members, Dane Austin interviews Kristen Apicerno on all topics from the importance of finding a mentor to developing your processes, and committing to regular marketing to collaboration over competition. Dane and Kristen share how they navigate business challenges and the lessons they've learned on the job. In this episode we learn: - find and learn from experienced professions who can guide you - develop a successful design process to streamline and elevate your work - commit to scheduling time for marketing and finances - set clear expectations in your contract - identify and leverage your superpowers - embrace practicality in your space, don't stress over imperfections - put yourself out there Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Join today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Maybe it’s time to make your approach to marketing stand out. How can we do that? Well, first of all, says our guest Heather Peterson, have fun. A playful and novel approach will get your client’s attention. Just make sure you know exactly which type of client you’d like to work with first. In this episode we learn: - speak to few, not many - be specific about the work you showcase and speak directly to the exact type of client you want - stay top of mind by frequent connection points - a book is a great opportunity to share recent work with past clients - sow seeds, rather than opting for a single blanket mailing - package any gifts thoughtfully, so they’ll stand out - make it easy for the client to say yes to your offer by supplying them with things they can easily share Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Join today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Just because you’ve been doing it that way for years doesn’t make it the best way. Don’t surrender to so-so, when amazing is just around the corner. In this episode we learn: - top assumptions that need replacing - when it’s time to abandon a method of working - why new systems can fast track you to new success Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Kimberley contemplates a tattoo for the new year, while sharing wisdom from the season’s best podcasts.  In this episode we learn: 1. systems don’t complicate your life, they remove friction 2. no is a complete sentence 3. let me look into that 4. design with intention, not just for attention 5. is this an insurmountable problem 6. when you are speaking to everyone, you are speaking to no one 7. the client’s wish list never aligns with the client’s budget 8. beware of toxic positivity 9. never be more concerned about your client’s money than you are about your own 10. feel awkward for 15 seconds, and see what the client says Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

At High Point Market, in partnership with Daniel House Club and Sunpan, Kimberley talks to designers about growing your relationship and profitability with key vendors. They are an extension of your brand. In this episode we learn: - Work less, by relying on the expertise of key vendors. - Grow profitability by working in harmony with vendors. Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership

At High Point Market, in partnership with Daniel House Club and Four Hands, Kimberley talks to designers about why you should ignore the client's budget, and specify better products. In this episode we learn: - Build your brand and wow your clients. - Propose the best option, not the least expensive one. - Go beyond the brief. Sometimes clients don’t know what they need.

A thoughtfully designed home can not only improve aesthetics, but it can actually facilitate a more peaceful and healing environment. Designer Sara Robinson learned this lesson in a dramatic way, after receiving her own breast cancer diagnosis. If everyone functions better when design is improved, the challenge for interior design professionals is to create the right balance regardless of style or aesthetic. In this episode we learn: -how to apply Motion + Emotion = Experience, a theory that blends a patient’s need to feel trust and calm with the staff’s need for things to move smoothly - when balance is right, we are in a better state of mind to heal - applying lean principles of studying a process, finding what is wasteful and eliminating the waste to make things much more efficient - how design supports efficiency and the human experience - reframing approaches to mundane spaces - post-occupancy evaluation and utilizing feedback to inform your next design Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership/

Let’s talk strategy. Today’s guest, Casey Chastain, helps design and architecture firms align marketing and business development with their core business objectives. By identifying growth opportunities, streamlining bid processes, and ensuring all teams are connected to the firm’s overall strategy, design firms can unlock untapped growth potential. In this episode we learn: - lowering your price does not necessarily lead to more clients - clients will hire you when they see value - develop a clear value proposition for marketing and business development - make sure new ideas align with overall business goals - implement reporting tools that show how marketing and business development efforts contribute to revenue - communicate goals with your team Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Sure, as interior design professionals we make homes look beautiful. However, to be truly successful and create clients for life, we have to dig deeper. Interior designer Kate Marker says she likes to tap into the feeling or mood her clients are hoping to live with, in order to satisfy their deepest needs. She does that by asking strategic questions and actively listening, so she can build meaningful relationships that last and last. In this episode we learn: - it takes time to know your clients and then tailor your designs to reflect their unique personalities - keeping the lines of communication open is critical, so build in regular updates and check-ins - listen actively to your clients' concerns and desires and let them know you hear them - foster collaboration but don’t be afraid to be the expert and make strong recommendations - we build trust through transparency Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast