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Today with Erin Harding: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Social media marketing is a valuable tool for interior designers. Pinterest in particular is an excellent platform to leverage the beautiful visuals of your business in order to grow your audience and expand your reach. We’ve heard about the organic side of Pinterest from Simple Pin Media before. Today, Erin Harding of Simple Pin joins us to dive into the paid advertising side.   Pick it apart: 1:50 Erin shares why Pinterest is so valuable to interior designers 11:54 Erin talks about the nitty-gritty of how to prepare for a paid ad campaign 28:18 Erin dives into how to make your ad successful with strong photos 34:25 Erin shares why now is the best time to dive into paid Pinterest campaigns 39:10 Erin covers what Simple Pin offers and how you can work with them 1:50 Erin shares why Pinterest is so valuable to interior designers 11:54 Erin talks about the nitty-gritty of how to prepare for a paid ad campaign 28:18 Erin dives into how to m

Today with Peggy Morgans Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Window treatment pro, Peggy Morgans shares the experts she hired and the work she did to prepare her business for a sale. Previously doing 90% of the work herself, Peggy set a goal of taking herself out of the business and broke the action items into a checklist of just three simple to-dos to achieve her goal. Pick it apart: [13:07] Peg shares how she felt about the process documentation when work is so custom [22:54] Peggy details how she hired out some of her marketing  [26:31] Peggy and LuAnn talk about lunch and learns [33:33] Peggy and LuAnn discuss the hiring learning curve [44:36] Peggy tells how she upgraded her systems to allow for process improvement [52:32] LuAnn and Peggy talk about the advantages of coaching and Chairman of the Board LuAnn and Peggy Morgans’ Ah-Ha moments: “You have a business, not a you.” - LuAnn Nigara   We want to make this business so that the person who buys it doesn’t have to know anything about w

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s WTF—Window Treatment Friday—is part 1 of a new three-part series on pricing window treatments. We’re breaking down margin vs. markup, how to do each, and why you need to know.  You’re going to get the math and the formulas you need, but we’re also diving into what the numbers mean, so you can price window treatments with confidence and knowledge. 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 window treatment professional can both come away with profit.   Ah-Ha Moments with LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska: “The bottom line of this is that we care about these numbers because they are the driv

Today on A Well-Designed Business: A Well-Designed Business® is 6 years old today!  Can you believe it? I can't tell you what it means to me to have you on this journey with me. So really, while I am celebrating this milestone for the podcast, I'm also celebrating YOU.  I've been reflecting on all that's happened between February 15th, 2016 and today, and I'm blown away by the education I've received from all the incredible guests and sponsors I have had the privilege to work with throughout the years.  Today I will be sharing some of the big lessons I've learned from my three featured sponsors: @kravetinc , @mydoma , and @windowworks Give the episode a listen, and tell me: What are the biggest #ahamoments you've experienced? Thank you for coming along for the ride and choosing to spend your time with me each week.  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 Sho

Today with Daniela Furtado: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Daniela Furtado, the Toronto-based managing director of Findable Digital Marketing specializes in SEO for the design industry. She covers what to look for when hiring an SEO specialist and how to DIY it without wasting your time. Daniela’s case study recommendation comes with a Goodie Doc checklist found by signing up at https://luannnigara.com/goodies/.   Pick it apart:   [11:26] Daniela shares how to optimize your portfolio [17:31] Daniela explains the structure of her case studies [21:11] Daniela gives an example of a designer she helped with SEO [24:35] LuAnn recaps Sara Barney’s SEO success [27:27] Daniela explains what to look for in a reputable SEO provider  [33:01] Daniela suggests a process to solicit reviews from clients [37:46] Daniela shares how she works with clients [43:02] Daniela explains how Google Ads works [46:29] Daniela explains Google Search Console More About Daniela Furtado: Daniela Furtado is the manag

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! "Let's meet for drinks", says an innocent email from a potential client. Or is it less than innocent? Today's episode was a great question, a very important question, from an anonymous listener, who found themselves in an uncomfortable situation with a client. How do you respond when a potential client extends an invitation for a meeting outside business hours? Join me for today's What Would Lu Do episode as I pick this situation apart, and we discuss the importance of listening to your intuition. 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

Today with Meredith Kallaher: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Once a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Meredith Kallaher took her love of numbers and fondness for small businesses and became a certified paid ad specialist. Learn the strategy Meredith uses for her clients to grow their social following and advertise on social despite increasingly restricted targeting options.   Pick it apart: [8:35] Meredith recaps the iOS 14 update of April 2021   [13:25] Meredith explains a sample ad campaign creation   [16:58] Meredith advises how to set up your social profile section   [18:38] Meredith explains how to set up a social ad campaign   [38:57] LuAnn shares a tactic for time blocking   More About Meredith Kallaher: Meredith Kallaher helps entrepreneurs develop and implement marketing strategies that optimize for profit and meet their customers where they are with social media advertising (i.e. Facebook and Instagram ads) and conversion copy writing.   Her 6 years of experience as a CPA wi

Today with Chanae Richards  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. The journey to building a well-designed business isn’t always linear. Sometimes designers come from the most unlikely of careers. That’s something we have heard many times on the show. But today Chanae Richards shares the story of how she founded her firm Oloro Interiors. Not only did she come into the space as a second career, but she even built her interior design business in an unusual and unexpected way. She has made some very unique decisions along the way that have led to her success. Pick it apart: [22:24] Chanae shares her unconventional story, which started in finance and then included Peer Space rentals before design.  [29:37] Chanae and LuAnn dive into how she secured 500 rental bookings in two years, laying the foundation for her design referral base.  [36:50] Chanae discusses how seeing another successful Black designer fueled her decision to leave her career and start her business. [44:55] Chanae reflects on her decision to

Today with Renee Gurganus: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking to Renee Gurganus, Executive Director of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA). I’m so happy to finally have Renee on our show. The WCAA is an association that I have been a board member of for two and a half years and I am so proud of everything they have done for the window coverings industry to provide education, networking opportunities, collaboration and so much more! Please check out this episode to learn the value that the WCAA could bring to your life, even if you aren’t in the window industry.   Pick it apart: [12:00] Renee tells us about WCAA’s WISP program and how it highlights the members and links them to other members. [13:00] Renee talks about partnering with LIG to offer members insurance options.  [22:00] Renee tells us about all of the different chapters WCAA has throughout the U.S. and also virtually.  [32:40] Renee informs us about the Jill Robson Scholarship offered through the WCAA.

Today with Leia Ward Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. New York-based luxury stager, Leia Ward, took her dad’s suggestion to start a staging business and ran with it. She learned the business, wore every hat, and pushed out of her comfort zone to build an amazing business. Learn how she handles her finances, where she got her business knowledge, and what she tells herself every day. Pick it apart: [13:46] Leia tells about her first real staging gig a luxury property [19:16] Leia shares how she got images for her website [23:16] LuAnn recaps Leia’s smart business choices [26:17] Leia tells how she creates a strategic plan  [30:06] Leia tells how she visualizes future memoring [41:00] Leia tells how she learned the money side of the business [49:39] Leia shares about the Profit First method she used LuAnn and Leia Ward’s Ah-Ha moments: There’s value in being strategic. Take time to think “how do I want to be received?” - and then you work backward from there.” - Leia Ward   “The number one thing

On Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Flashback episode, we’re revisiting with Laurence Carr, a Manhattan-based designer who had two careers before settling on design. Learn why she formed an advisory council to coach her new business and why sticking to her core business strategy has led to her rapid success. Pick it apart: [6:52] Laurence speaks about how her advisory board works.   [18:32] Laurence speaks about the sustainability mission for her business   [21:37] Laurence tells about how her eBook magazine supports her email list   [22:57] Laurence explains how her previous job influenced her own business   [29:07] Laurence explains how she works with freelance designers    [35:18] Laurence explains how she hires freelance designers   [42:12] Laurence shares about her online affiliate brand marketing   [55:22] Laurence talks about her quarterly strategy meetings LuAnn and Laurence Carr's Ah-Ha moments: “We talk about designing rooms, environments, space - but we have

Today with Marianna Zimmerman Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Marianna Zimmerman, owner of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS, LLC.  "Your current situation doesn't have to be your final destination." This quote from Marianna gives you a little clue of what we’re discussing today. For years Marianna was working in administration at a hospital. She questioned if she was able to do what she REALLY wanted to do, own her own design business. With the support of her husband and her decision to believe in herself, she has successfully owned her firm for 12 years. If you have any doubt or fear or questions about your abilities, know that this episode will give you the kick in the pants you need. Pick it apart:   [7:00] After 20-30 years, Marianna tells us how she got into design. [19:15] Marianna tells us about the makeup of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC. [21:25] Marianna explains her fee structure and advice on how to charge clients.   [45:00] Advice on taking the leap to s

Today with Beth Bender: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Beth Bender, principal and co-founder of The Dove Agency where Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. With 20 years of design experience, Beth decided she wanted to start something that would help those in the design industry with the back end of their businesses. Supporting both the financial and marketing aspects of the design business, Beth and I discuss The Dove Agency, how it works, benefits of working with the agency, and the fact that if you don’t run your operations smoothly, no matter how talented you are as a designer, it could mean the end of your business. More About Beth Bender: Principal and Co-Founder Beth Bender specializes in new client and strategic partner acquisitions for The Dove Agency. Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for inter

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is a follow-up to last week’s show where I suggested a framework for setting meaningful goals for your business. If you missed it, go ahead and listen to Episode 735 for all the background details of the DTBE goal-setting framework. In today's episode, I am going to share a story and a lesson based on the first step of the DTBE goal-setting framework— The D for Design. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara 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 Po

Today with Frank Eybsen:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we speak with Frank Eybsen, founder of Buildlane. Buildlane’s mantra is to make custom easy for designers. We all know how daunting the custom process can be. Whether you are near or far, seasoned or new, Buildlane provides an experienced team and talented builders to carry out your specific custom furniture needs. Tune in to learn how to join the Buildlane platform and all of its wonderful benefits. Hint: Your Buildlane experience will leave you with an unexpected custom education.   Pick it apart: easy for interior designers.    [14:45] Frank explains all of the different opportunities to specify custom furniture through Buildlane.    [29:28] Frank tells us the criteria for someone to be a part of Buildlane and also how a designer is given the opportunity to meet and get to know their builder.   [35:45] Frank explains the benefits of their templates program and how to use it.    [43:48] We learn the difference between 8 way ha

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is the first show of the new year, so let's work together and make sure 2022 is a productive and profitable year! In this episode, I will be talking about goal setting and strategies that can help us all tackle the year ahead.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara 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: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twi

Today with Chelsie Butler:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Today I am joined by Chelsie Butler. Chelsie is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. I think we can all agree that to be featured in a magazine would be amazing! Today, Chelsie explains not only the benefits of being published in a trade magazine, but also the best practices on how to approach a trade magazine. I think you’ll be excited to learn all of the opportunities available to designers that Kitchen & Bath Business offers. From the KBB Person of the Year to being a guest on the podcast to being a judge at their awards program, Kitchen & Bath Business is much more accessible than you would think, to market your business.  Pick it apart: [1:55] Chelsie explains to LuAnn the criteria and qualifications of how someone can become KBB’s Person of the Year.   [9:20] This is where Chelsie and LuAnn

Today with Ippolita Rostagno Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Ippolita Rostagno, founder of her eponymous 20 year-old jewelry brand, and co-founder of the luxury e-tailer, Artemest.com. While taking a leave of absence from her jewelry company, Ippolita learned to trust her professional intuition through all of her challenges, from people saying “no,” to certain technological challenges.   Ippolita and I discussed the, “Come to Jesus” moments she faced with her jewelry business and while building Artemest.com. We discuss the importance of recognizing “failure,” to fail quickly, and to listen to your intuition. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to temporarily leave IPPOLITA Jewelry. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to buy back her jewelry company, grow it, while also growing Artemest from 60 artisans to 2000. This is a good one, folks! Pick it apart:   [9:15] Ippolita explains how she gained the trust of the artisans in Italy who had resistance to sell online in a

Today with Erica Courdae:  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Erica Courdae, diversity and inclusion coach, is packed with simple, actionable advice ensuring our conversations and workplaces reflect a sense of kindness and inclusion. She also shares what to do when we get it all wrong as we continue to learn and grow alongside our fellow humans. Pick it apart: [10:10] Erica explains simultaneous realities [13:38] Erica explains what true conversation is [15:31] LuAnn covers a critical sales mistake [24:44] Erica shares how she works with businesses [39:10] Erica advises about how to communicate DEI efforts with a new, diverse hire [44:28] Erica explains what she means by “operating on demographics without psychographics doesn’t work” LuAnn and Erica Courdae’s Ah-Ha moments: “You’re not expected to know it all or have access to everything. You just have to be willing to stay in action.” - Erica Courdae   “We are all processing through our own lens. There has to be a space

Today with Chloe Mackintosh Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m chatting with Chloe Mackintosh, the principal designer and creator of Boxwood Avenue.  Chloe and I discuss her journey from owning an Etsy shop in college, to developing a thriving blog, e-commerce / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. Moving to a town of 99 people, Chloe explains how she built a team of 12 people to help her conduct her business and formulate a proper “system and process.” Pick it apart:   [8:06] Chloe talks about how she shut down The Shop for one year and, while she is very grateful for the business that she received at the time, it’s ok to follow your intuition and put the ball down so you can put things in order and work on your other goals.    [28:07] Chloe discusses the importance of setting clear business and financial goals and how to strategize and budget in order to achieve those goals.  [39:47] Chloe and LuAnn discuss systems and processes and how digital platforms like Asana, along with the