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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 the Interior Design Business Academy 2021 Summit, which is happening Wednesday, November 3rd through to Friday, November 5, 2021. Overhaul Your Interior Design Business in 3 Days to Finally Get Paid What You are Worth Event dates:Nov 3-5 2021 This event will run from 10:00 am EST to 6:00 pm and it is entirely virtual. This is an intimate group to maximize the attention given to each and every attendee. Day 1: Wednesday, November 3rd, 11AM - 7PM ET  Day 2: Thursday, November 4th, 11AM - 7PM ET Day 3: Friday November 5th, 11AM - 7PM ET  In today’s conversation, Terri Taylor not only shares all the details of the outstanding Summit she has planned for you, but she shares valuable tips for running your firm. The summit is open to all interior design business owners, not just IDBA coaching members, so be sure to check it out at Interio

Today with Jenny and Ben Slingerland Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors share the growing pains of their luxury design firm, how they run their team, and how they fill the gaps in expertise. Jenny also details what her Design for Build course involves and how it helps her students expand their business and get the respect of builders. Pick it apart: [25:22] Ben explains what their new hire, a client experience coordinator, manages [27:24] Jenny explains how she provides initial design guidance on a project to her design staff and has designers handle client communication [38:49] Jenny shares the coaches she and Ben have hired to enhance and grow their business [44:01] Jenny explains how her class can help designers gain an additional revenue stream and how to talk to clients about the furniture stage [47:41] Jenny explains how her LuAnn University course will help designers [1:07:58] Jenny shares real advice for designers just getting their fee

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Ever wonder how Vita Vygovska of Vitalia Inc. Window Treatments & Awnings has been able to scale her business and maintain a family life at the same time? Her passion for spreadsheets has helped her design and build a digitized Project Management system that streamlined her business process and serves as her center of truth. Listen now as she outlines the 10 must-have elements that every Project Management System needs. Pick It Apart:  [18:35] Vita explains show a PMS gives you the options and checklists to make sure nothing is forgotten or falls through the cracks.    [36:33] Vita shows how to use the reports from your digital project management system to evaluate your business   [39:11] Vita shares about how she has worked very hard to consistently refine the systems and processes of her business and the benefits that brings to her personal life.   [40:50] Vita shares how she got a business coach.   [43:07] Vita reviews the need for a

Today with Rachel Moriarty Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about visibility and authenticity. So many of us are bought into the idea that niching is the right way to go. But when we go to sit down and think about what we do that’s special, we can’t figure it out. For my guest today, Rachel Moriarty, the answer came from tapping into her own existing strengths and experiences. Now, she’s sharing those insights with us! Pick it apart: [8:45] Rachel shares her biggest challenge with visibility and how she managed to overcome it.  [14:40] Rachel and LuAnn discuss how your background and strengths can play into your success as a designer—even if they aren’t related on the surface.  [36:30] Rachel talks about her own challenge with wrestling with herself and how she finally pushed through.  [44:00] LuAnn and Rachel reflect on Rachel’s ability to stand in her own light and bring her authentic self to the table. LuAnn and Rachel Moriarty’s Ah-Ha moments: “There’s no competition bec

Today with Bethany Wrede Peterson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Bethany Wrede Peterson, an interior designer, host of Arrived podcast, and business coach who specializes in helping designers find their unique voice.  Bethany and I are talking today about a topic that isn’t new to the podcast—unlocking your unique voice, your niche, the thing that you do that nobody else does that makes you the obvious, only choice. But Bethany manages to frame it in a way that opened my eyes, despite the fact that I have been having these conversations for the last five years.  Pick it apart: [3:55] Bethany shares the common trait she has seen in interior designers that holds them back from niching.  [9:10] Bethany discusses tips for finding your voice even when it’s not easy to filter down and discover it.  [21:43] Bethany talks about how to overcome the mindset blocks surrounding your voice. [42:11] LuAnn and Bethany discuss how to conduct a post-mortem following a project and turn eve

Today with Jessica Mann-Amato Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Jessica Mann-Amato of Mancini Duffy, a New York architectural firm specializing in commercial and hospitality projects shares the innovative design software her firm uses to help clients visualize their project, iterate in real-time, and confidently add their stamp of approval. Pick it apart: [6:18] Jessica walks through her paperless process  [18:45] Jessica shares how they introduce 360 process to a legacy client [22:49] Jessica explains how Covid forced them to develop the firm’s 360 system further [24:49] Jessica explains her company’s R&D department [40:18] Jessica talks about the state of her commercial firm in this semi post-pandemic climate and how her clients are adapting their spaces [52:10] LuAnn talks about how designers can help local businesses set up a Zoom room [53:53] Jessica talk about how to purchase the ToolBelt software LuAnn and Jessica Mann-Amato’s Ah-Ha moments: “This environment allows everyone to

Today with George Oliphant: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! George Oliphant from NBC’s George to the Rescue shares how the show (now in the 12th season) came about, how he chooses designers to help him, and why relationships matter. New Jersey designer, Campbell Minister, was chosen as the featured designer (who then chose Window Works to supply the window treatments!). Pick it apart: [14:43] George shares how he got the George to the Rescue opportunity   [38:42] LuAnn asks George how a designer can put themselves up to be a designer on the show   [45:33] LuAnn explains the connection between relationships and opportunities LuAnn and George Oliphant’s Ah-Ha moments: “It all comes down to relationships. Who have you taken the time to know? Who have you taken the time to help along the way?” - LuAnn   “I wanted to be part of the helping.” - George Oliphant   “People really like to help other people - and if they can, they will.” - George Oliphant More About George Olip

Today with Leyden Lewis Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We talk a lot about the business side of design—from niching to raising your rates to processes and systems. But today, we’re talking about the root of design—creativity. Bringing creativity and innovation to your design not only establishes you as a designer, it also levels up the value you bring to your clients. My guest today, Leyden Lewis, is certainly an innovator and a visionary. He’s sharing his insights into designing from the heart, creating irreplicable work, and drawing inspiration from the world.   Pick it apart: [3:47] LuAnn and Leyden reminisce on their friendship and working relationship.  [18:00] Leyden highlights what he has learned in hindsight from his career.  [34:15] LuAnn and Leyden discuss how creativity and innovation play such a vital role in design.  [42:45] Leyden shares how finding the Black Artists + Designers Guild reignited his career.  [55:08] Leyden gives his input on the shift in opportunities for designers

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Vita Vygovska of Vitalia Inc. is back for Window Treatment Friday and this time we’re talking digitizing your systems. Why go digital? Go paperless to take back your time and alleviate that frustrating back and forth with your vendors and installers. Dread the client making a change to the estimate? With Vita’s digital system, you’ll fret no more! Pick It Apart:  [10:37] Vita shares what she’s hearing is the biggest struggle of window treatment pros   [12:25] Vita describes a digital time-saving solution for repetitive processes   [17:26] Vita shares the second step to automating your backend systems   [20:19] Vita shares the third iteration the original estimate receives - becoming a PO for the vendor   [21:20] Vita shares how the original estimate is turned into notes for the installer   [28:29] Vita advises listeners how to think about a big change   [37:09] Vita tells why posting your documents to the cloud will simplify your lif

Today with Kristen Rivoli Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Many designers are interested in expanding their business, whether that involves bringing a product to the market, tapping into a new niche, or building up passive income. My guest today, Kristen Rivoli, brings interesting insight into this idea. She recently rebranded and added a passive income stream to her business, built on selling curated designs to those who love the idea of design but don’t have the budget for it. She’s sharing her insights with us in today’s episode! Pick it apart: [2:14] LuAnn and Kristen discuss the changes to the design world post-pandemic and how the industry has shifted over time.  [14:41] Kristen discusses the importance of data, organization, and processes.  [21:00] Kristen shares her new passive revenue stream and how she started it.  [30:23] Kristen highlights how she branded her passive income stream without taking away from her luxury design brand.  [1:01:07] Kristen emphasizes how she leaned on experts

Today with Mickie Kennedy: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For Power Talk Friday, small business PR pro Mickie Kennedy joins us to share a unique angle we can use to help get the attention of publications. Learn how to reverse engineer an effective press release that starts with ditching everything we know about design, allows us to gather feedback from consumers, and positions us as a thought leader in the industry. Pick it apart: [2:38] Mickie talks about why focusing on PR strategy matters [8:03] LuAnn summarizes how HARO and proactive PR differs [16:50] LuAnn and Mickie talk about a PR strategy schedule  [22:52] Mickie shares how to do “newsjacking” properly [27:50] Mickie suggests his take on the suggested number of survey respondents [32:08] Mickie offers his opinion about why PR helps your business LuAnn and Mickie Kennedy’s Ah-Ha moments: “Having those “as featured on” sections on your website convey expertise and is an implied endorsement.” - Mickie Kennedy More About Mickie

Today with Lane McNab: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I’m joined by Lane McNab. Lane runs a successful interior design business, Lane McNab Interiors, but, like so many of you, she found herself wanting to diversify. That desire eventually led to the birth of Guild by LMI, Lane’s furniture line.  Starting a furniture line, or adding any facet of the business, takes a lot of work. Today, Lane is sharing a spotlight on the challenges she faced and how she overcame them along the way. Pick it apart: [1:41] Lane shares what drove her to start her line and how her core values guided her in her endeavor.  [20:08] Lane discusses how she navigated production for her line, and how that has changed as the line has started to thrive.  [27:45] Lane details how to balance a commitment to sustainability and high-quality.  [32:02] Lane shares insights into the process of working in showrooms and the lessons she had to learn as she navigated that world.  [48:27] LuAnn and Lane discuss the nitty-gritty de

Today with Desi Creswell: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business.  Desi Creswell, interior design coach and mindset guru shares the common signs of overwhelm and what can be done to combat the overwork that quietly sneaks into our lives when we take our eyes off our work/life vision and start telling ourselves all sorts of stories about why we must stack our day so high it starts to spill over. Pick it apart: [9:51] Desi covers the first few signs of overwhelm: buffering, daydreaming about quitting, and not being excited about your wins.   [16:26] Desi walks through the final signs of overwhelm: not feeling creative and not having fun anymore.   [27:05] Desi addresses how we can prevent overwhelm.   [43:01] Desi offers approaches to saying no to a project.   [51:19] Desi shares how working on our mindset allows us to process through negative emotions. LuAnn and Desi Creswell's Ah-Ha moments: “We’re overworking because we’re trying to get somewhere, but that ends up slowing us down - and might result

Today with Barry Lantz: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In his twenties, Barry Lantz worked retail before starting his own full-service interior design business. Then, instead of retiring, he switched gears to begin a successful encore career in art. Learn what advice this seasoned pro has for young designers and the words his mother told him that he’ll never forget. Pick it apart: [7:09] Barry talks about his first job before starting his own business.   [11:15] Barry shares his story about pitching to Kravet.   [17:41] Barry talks about his unique approach to client presentations.   [26:35] Barry shares advice for designers.   [30:36] Barry talks about the need for designers to have confidence. LuAnn and Barry Lantz’s Ah-Ha moments: “For me, selling is the rush. I just love to sell!” - Barry Lantz   “Two of the biggest words for success are selling and presentation.” - Barry Lantz “I never think anything. I’ve never said that to a client.” - Barry Lantz More about Barry Lantz: Known

Today with Lisa Princic: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. We talk a lot about niching on the show. But today we’re talking about a different aspect of getting clear on what you do—your value proposition. Don’t let the marketing jargon fool you: your value proposition is something you already have, whether you’ve defined it or not. Today, business strategist Lisa Princic is sharing her insights on what a value proposition is, why it matters, and how to gain clarity around yours.  Pick it apart: [0:53] Lisa highlights what a value proposition is and how it helps you think about your business like a business.  [5:15] Lisa shares her story of entrepreneurship and how she realized that she needed to define her value proposition. [11:12] LuAnn and Lisa discuss the emotional transformation designers offer their clients and how they can distinguish that from others.  [23:48] LuAnn and Lisa talk about why it’s worth taking the time to get clear on your messaging. [31:05] Lisa discusses why targeting your m

Today with Kate Rasmussen: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about how to take on new projects—specifically projects that you don’t have experience or expertise in. It can seem almost impossible to break into new avenues in your business. But with the right strategy in place, you can find and land new projects, even without the specific expertise in that area. I’m joined by Kate Rasmussen of Wade Weissmann Architecture, who has quite a bit of experience doing just that! Pick it apart: [1:16] Kate talks about putting together pricing and proposals when jumping into brand new types of projects. [9:50] LuAnn and Kate discuss how to successfully manage new projects without having the systems and processes in place.  [18:07] LuAnn and Kate talk about the importance of designing with your client’s budget in mind.  [32:25] Kate shares how to find growth opportunities for your firm.  [45:55] Kate gives her insight on how to develop relationships with architects. LuAnn and Amy Ly

On Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Flashback Friday is back and we dug up another favorite from the podcast archives.  Christine Lin of San Francisco’s Form and Field walks through how she went from working for a designer part-time to starting her own thriving business. A podcast listener, Christine implemented much of what she heard, but she also experienced some bumps along the way. Listen in to learn what tripped her up and what she’s doing so it doesn’t happen again. Pick it apart: [6:33] Christine talks about how she got her business systems set up [15:50] Christine tells how she works with friends who are also clients  [23:03] Christine talk about mistakes she made with hiring  [29:20] Christine shares her experience with hiring and managing a bookkeeper [39:41] Christine tells how she got fired from one of her projects [46:34] LuAnn asks Christine what went wrong when charging a flat fee [58:10] Christine shares the mantra that has helped makes her business

Today with Amy Lynn Allard: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Looking for advice on systems to turbo-charge your business? Amy Lynn Allard of Boston’s Amy Lynn Interiors learned to thrive using well-crafted, meticulous systems. She is big on time blocking, but that’s not all. Amy walks through two of her most powerful systems, the team agenda and an invaluable spreadsheet she uses to create a multiple-project timeline. Pick it apart: [17:53] Amy explains her approach to adding specs to elevations. [25:47] Amy walks through how she creates her agenda. [42:14] Amy explains her Monday morning overview meeting. [45:22] Amy shares how she creates a schedule for new client work. [46:42] LuAnn recaps Amy’s new client schedule creation process. [53:52] Amy shares about her business coach. LuAnn and Amy Lynn Allard’s Ah-Ha moments: “Hire and fire off your core values.” - Amy Lynn Allard Connect with Amy Lynn Allard: Website Instagram  Pinterest  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity

Today with Fiona Mostyn: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Many designers know that a blog can be a valuable marketing tool. But are you using your blog to its fullest potential? Or are you making the mistake that many designers make of not beginning with your goal in mind?  Today, I’m joined by Fiona Mostyn of My Deco Marketing, a blog service for interior designers. Fiona is sharing her insight into how you can leverage your blog to grow your business and help it thrive. Pick it apart: [2:30] Fiona shares why beginning your blog with your goal in mind is vital to its success. [10:18] LuAnn and Fiona discuss how to prioritize your purpose within your blog posts.  [22:34] Fiona talks about repurposing your blog content to help grow your social media presence.  [28:40] Fiona gives the latest advice on blogging best practices. [38:09] LuAnn and Fiona discuss the importance of SEO and how big of a process it is. LuAnn and Fiona Mostyn’s Ah-Ha moments: “If you want to elevate your business to get t

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today’s listener question comes to us from a designer whose vendor left them high and dry. Join me today and I break down this listener's dilemma from start to finish.  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: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast