A Well-designed Business® | Interior Design | Designers | Business |interior Design Success

Today with Tiffany Cassidy: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Tiffany Cassidy, co-founder and principal designer of Lagnappe Custom Interiors. Tiffany and I discuss the fear some have about niching down your business and how Tiffany powered through her own fear. Every guest that has been on the show that has chosen a niche has said that it was the best decision they made for their business. Tiffany couldn't agree more and she has done such a wonderful job at combining her past experiences with what she’s learned from coach Tobi Fairley to niche into her luxury vacation rental design business. Please join us to learn about Tiffany’s niching journey and the versatile services that Lagnappe Custom Interiors has to offer.    Pick it apart: [6:13] Tiffany starts to tell us about when she decided to niche her design firm down and how she went about it. [16:30] Tiffany explains her initial resistance in niching down.  [20:15] Additional services that Lagnappe Interiors offers, also for

Today with Leah Neaderthal: Welcome to A Well Designed Business.  As you probably know, I am as extroverted as they come—a trait which I believe plays into my sales success. But extroversion isn’t necessary to be a good salesperson. In fact, my guest today, Leah Neaderthal, would say that introverts possess several qualities that make them natural sales superstars—if they know how to tap into them and use them. She’s sharing how to do just that, teaching introverts how to sell with strength and confidence.   Pick it apart: [2:00] Leah shares why being an introvert is actually a sales superpower.  [5:39] LuAnn and Leah discuss the importance of tapping into what your client is saying, even if they aren’t actually saying it.  [7:39] Leah talks about diving deep into the value you are bringing to your clients.  [18:02] Leah and LuAnn discuss the strength of saying no.  [25:46] Leah points out ways that we unknowingly get clients to say no.  [35:07] Leah shares two mindset shifts for selling to mid-size

Today with Kate Lester: Welcome to A Well Designed Business.  On today’s sponsored show with Kate Lester Interiors, we’re taking a look at the Harman collection—a line of beautiful vintage reproduction rugs, inspired by Kate’s travels and passions. In collaboration with Jaipur Living, Kate launched the Harman collection to bring the beauty of one-of-a-kind elaborate vintage rugs to modern designs for all levels of clients.   Pick it apart: [1:29] Kate shares the story of how she and Jaipur Living came together to launch the Harman collection. [7:33] Kate gives insight into what reproductive vintage pieces are and why they are desirable.  [13:03] Kate discusses her vision for the collection and how it came to fruition. [18:50] Kate tells LuAnn about the Turkish roots of the collection’s name and its symbolism for the project.  [24:03] Kate discusses the inspiration and design process used for the rugs.  [32:38] Kate shares how her background in marketing helps her stand stronger in her business.   Mo

Today with Monica Froese: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Over the last few years, more and more designers have started finding ways to build passive income streams into their businesses, through e-design options, curated shoppable lists, and more. Today, we’re talking more about this idea—how you can create digital products to help solve problems for your clients, attract new ones, and add an income stream to your business.   Pick it apart: [1:28] Monica shares her journey, from corporate marketer to mom blogger to digital product aficionado.  [19:15] Monica gives insight into how interior designers can use digital products to solve problems for their clients.  [36:31] LuAnn and Monica discuss how to create a pillar of content to help your clients along the buyer journey, without investing all of your time into content creation.  [42:48] LuAnn shares her biggest takeaway from the conversation. LuAnn and Monica Froese's Ah-Ha Moments “I am great at teaching people how to read their numbers to ge

Today with Lesley Myrick: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. E-design has certainly grown in popularity in recent years. My guest today, Lesley Myrick has gone that route as well. But she missed the connection aspect of creating designs specifically for clients. So she forged her own service, the Design Master Plan, that offers a high-level customer experience, with everything but the procurement. Today, Lesley talks about finding the pieces of business she values the most and letting everything else go. Pick it apart: [3:56] Lesley gives an overview of the Design Master Plan and why she chose to create the service.  [14:24] Lesley discusses how a conversation with a coach helped her hone in on what she valued most in her business. [20:26] LuAnn and Lesley talk about how to put an end to scope creep with Lesley’s model.  [26:07] Lesley shares the value of 3D renderings.  [37:18] Lesley reiterates why connection is so important in her business. LuAnn and Lesley Myrick’s Ah-Ha moments: “You are sea

Today with Connie Vanderzand: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today I am talking with Connie Vanderzanden, who has developed the Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System. This interview is not only with a professional financial coach whose superpower is money, but it’s with someone who has financially hit rock bottom herself in her previous bookkeeping business, only to rise back up and take control of her finances and her money story. Now she’s here to share how she did it and to offer additional tips, support, and hope towards our finances.  If you want to change your emotions about money, feel empowered by it, and take full control of your financial situation in your business, this episode is where it’s at. Enjoy!   Pick it apart: [3:57] Connie tells us about the business she used to be in and what made her open her eyes. [7:40] Connie explains how she got into her financial situation and debt that caused her to change. [13:00] We learn the tangible obstacles that may keep us from being open

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today's question comes to us from a designer in a tough situation between a builder and a homeowner. Tune in to hear the designer's story and how I would handle the situation if I was in their shoes.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Fa

Today With Terri Taylor: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy and specifically, Terri's The Real Deal workshop.  More about The Real Deal: Get PAID What You Are Worth The industry’s premier event for serious interior designers who want to bring consistent high-profit remodeling jobs into their business Once a year Terri offers this very special training once a year that deep dives into how to run extremely profitable remodeling jobs This 3-day workshop is designed for IDBA clients but Terri is opening a few seats to the design community at large. 3 full days of training this May 4,5 & 6 Go to InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com to learn more Connect with Terri: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Website   More about Terri Taylor: Terri has over 32 years in the interior design and construction business. She holds both residential and commercial general remodeling Arizona Contractors Licenses, and qualified

Today with Laura Martin Bovard: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we’re talking with Laura Martin Bovard, founder of LMD Interiors and Divine Hustler. After realizing how easily triggered she would get from certain employee types or certain things that happen in business, Laura decided to train herself to work from soul, rather than ego, which is commonly how we approach things.  I think that this episode is very relatable and after listening, you will be inspired to learn how to work more from soul too! You will hear how Laura’s life has become more light, her business more successful, and how she was able to surround herself with like-minded, positive people. Laura really is a light herself and listening to her will give you hope for any challenges you may have. Pick it apart: [:55 part 1] Laura picks apart what she means by running your business from your soul, rather than your ego. [12:55 part 1] The turning point for Laura that wasn’t necessarily just one moment.  [4:15 part 2] Laura sha

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 2 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer.  Vita and I understand the challenges with pricing, that it isn’t cutthroat and that there are so many variables that go into a window treatment. Tune in to learn the general pricing guidelines for a designer, and also how you can uplevel your conversations with your client by knowing how to ballpark the price within minutes of the consultation. Pick It Apart:  [5:59] Vita and LuAnn reflect on why you as a designer need to understand the numbers behind the formulas. [11:30] Vita breaks down what markup is and how to calculate yours.  [17:36] Vita shares insight on the multiplier—an often misunderstood part of the equation. [27:50] Vita walks us through margins and the formula behind them.  [38:40] LuAnn highlights how you and the wi

Today with Jessica Harling: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about my favorite thing—sales. And I can think of nobody better to help me talk through sales than my colleague, Jessica Harling. She is walking us through the proven 7-Step Sales Process from Exciting Windows—the same process that she covers in her course at LuAnn University. You’re going to get a high-level look at every step along the way, its purpose, and how it folds into a successful sale. Pick it apart: [10:50] LuAnn and Jessica dive into the inquiry call and how it plays into the overall sale.  [19:16] Jessica highlights how the preparation for the appointment lays the foundation for success. [21:01] Jessica and Lu discuss the meet and greet and home tour, and why taking control is crucial. [34:16] Jessica shares the importance of the recap and review to make sure you and the client are on the same page.  [44:59] LuAnn and Jessica discuss the eyeball estimate and how to leverage the trial close to move the sal

Today with Rachael Bozsik: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today we have Rachael Bozsik, International Keynote Speaker and top elite branding coach. This is the second time we have had Rachael on and I cannot wait to share with you what she has been up to since last on the show.  In addition to working with myself, Rachael has worked with many leaders in the industry including Sandra Funk, Michele Williams, and many up-and-comers. I encourage you to listen to find out how you can work with Rachael, and also how she has used her marketing strategy of the 4 P’s (positioning, press, paid speaking, and partnerships) to gain luxury clients and be seen as the “go-to” in your industry.    Pick it apart: [15:45] Rachael shares with us her process when she starts a new Luxe Day client.  [23:47] Rachael explains using partnerships as a “pipeline filler” rather than a public partnership. [32:00] Rachael tells us about the application and process to work with her.  [43:55] Another successful example of a past

Today with Sallie Lord: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I have said for some time that our business is only as strong as the relationships we build. Our relationships with vendors, partners, clients, and employees all play a hand in our success. But the relationships we have with fellow business owners, fellow designers or fellow window treatment professionals, can be extremely valuable as well. My guest today, Sallie Lord, knows that other professionals don’t have to be your competition. In fact, they can be collaborative partners and help empower your business. Pick it apart: [2:48] Sallie shares the story of how she and a group of local designers created a collaborative pod that helps each other’s businesses grow.  [7:37] LuAnn and Sallie discuss how crucial community relationships can be to your business. [19:36] Sallie and LuAnn talk about how to create collaborative relationships with fellow designers.  [23:47] Sallie shares the way she builds the sense of collaboration within her own firm as

Today with Nitesh Chaudhary: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today, we bring you a sponsored show with Jaipur Living. Jaipur is not your average hand-woven rug company. They have a long-standing commitment to empowering their artisans, ensuring ethical and fair practices, and sustainability. Their latest initiative—the Manchaha was built on a history of those commitments. The story behind these rugs will move you. To learn more, go to Jaipurliving.com/luann   Pick it apart: [2:55] Nitesh shares the origins of the Manchaha collection and the way it has turned weavers into artists.  [10:45] Nitesh explains the power the program has brought into the lives of the artisans.  [22:05] Nitesh dives into how artisans are chosen and the process for making the Manchaha rugs.  [31:40] Nitesh and LuAnn discuss the ripple effect Jaipur is having on the lives of women in India.  [37:14] Nitesh explains why investing in a Manchaha rug is worth it. More About Nitesh Chaudhary: Nitesh Chaudhary is the

Today with Claudia Ricciardone: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Claudia Ricciardone, founder of Claudia Josephine Design.  Claudia and I discuss those stubborn pain points that we face in starting a business. Coming from a psychology background, Claudia teaches us that pain is what actually causes us to grow in that it forces us to find a solution. Listen in as Claudia shares her own solutions as she navigated turning her hobby into a business.  I don’t know about you, but when a psychologist offers business advice, I am going to listen.  Pick it apart: [6:10] Claudia begins her discussion about some of the pain points she experienced while starting her interior design business. [16:44] Claudia tells us how she transitioned from hobby to business. [23:40] Claudia needed a team and she tells us who she knew she needed to hire first.  [33:15] Advice on making an investment for your business. [51:00] LuAnn and Claudia discuss having those, sometimes hard, discussions about

Today with Liz Beaman Delman: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. I love today’s conversation because we are diving a little into the art world. How many of us designers have intimidation or lack of knowledge into having that conversation with our clients to incorporate fine art into their project? I see you in the back with your hand raised. Well we're in luck because today we are chatting with Liz Beaman Delman, founder of Above the Sofa, an art advisory firm. Liz aims to bring confidence to designers to have those “artsy” conversations with their clients and to incorporate fine art into their projects. You know that we love anything that will help a designer be more profitable. Enjoy!    Pick it apart: [1:36] Liz explains her reasoning behind wanting to empower designers to bring more fine art into their projects.  [8:48] Liz tells us the process in which she works with the designer, whether they have some experience working with the art world or have zero experience. [33:05] More business benefit

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®! Managing our businesses over the last 2 years of the pandemic has been hard. It has been especially hard on those of you who own and manage bigger businesses. This revenue growth is absolutely something to be grateful for, but it has also been extremely challenging.  So today I am talking to you about The Power Talk Friday Tour next month at High Point Market. If your business finished last year with gross revenues between 2 million and 5 million or between 5 million and 10 million, this PTF Tour is for you. I know you need to be in a room with other leaders, other CEO’s who are going through what you are going through. Listen to today's show for all the details and I hope to see you there. Save your seat here! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.co

Today's Show Sponsored by the "Interior Design Standard."  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today's sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share insight on growing not just a luxury design firm - but a thriving luxury design firm. She'll share everything from the why, to the how, and everything in between. I am thrilled that Sandra will also be sharing the latest news about her business program, the "Interior Design Standard".  I know it will be the best investment for your business. Enroll here: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann Registration opens March 23rd! Designers who have implemented the Standard in their businesses: “A rising tide will raise all ships - and man, is Sandra bringing in the tide!  The Interior Design Standard is incredible.  I feel so lucky to have stumbled into Sandra’s circle of light. To say it is ‘exactly what I needed’ is the understatement of the year!” - Jenn O'Brien, Jenn O'Brien Interiors    "The Standard is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Sandra "spea

Today with Kelsey Kurtis: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and we’re talking-branding! This is for everyone. Kelsey Kurtis, author of The Connection Method and professional lifestyle branding photographer, shares her principles to create an impactful brand through the power of connection.   Pick it apart: [16:17] Kelsey shares with us the steps from her book that she encourages people to take when defining their brand. [23:00] Kelsey and LuAnn discuss the importance of having three non-negotiables when having those hard discussions. [26:20] Kelsey tells us about everyone’s favorite chapter in The Connection Method.  [39:00] We learn the three steps of Kelsey’s branding and marketing cycle.  [49:27] Kelsey shares the three value elements for a balanced social media and marketing plan. More About Kelsey Kurtis: Kelsey is a branding educator, lifestyle branding photographer, author, energetic speaker, and unapologetic cheerleader for leaders in business. She is the au

Today with Sandra Vlock Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I have the pleasure of talking with Sandra Vlock, founder of Studio Vlock. Sandra worked as an architect in her own firm for 30 years before shifting into, what she likes to refer to as, functional fine art. If that’s not impressive, wait until you see her illuminating, evocative sculptures. Let this episode serve as an inspiration for you to make that big move to change your life and success, like Sandra did. Pick it apart: [1:30] Sandra begins by explaining her concept of “functional art.” [6:05] Sandra tells us some of the ways that she leveraged being an architect into working as an artist. [12:00] Sandra and LuAnn discuss transferable skills and how important asking questions is.  [25:00] Sandra explains how luxury can be defined as a creative experience and how she executes that.  [45:50] Sandra ends with some great advice that she learned from owning her architecture firm and beginning a new business.   LuAnn and Sandra Vlo