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

Today with Susan Inglis: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. When you hear the phrase “sustainable furnishings,” what comes to mind? Is it something you already know about, something you are bringing forth to your clients on a regular basis? Is it something you vaguely know about but aren’t sure of all the ins and outs? Or is it something that isn’t quite on your radar yet? No matter which category you fall into, today’s conversation is relevant for you. Susan Inglis, Executive Director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, is sharing with us why sustainable furnishings matter, the power that designers hold when it comes to the future, and how you can embrace these ideals in your business. Pick it apart: [8:10] Susan and LuAnn discuss the power that interior designers hold when it comes to sustainability issues.  [11:12] Susan breaks down what the Sustainable Furnishings Council is and what it offers for designers.  [21:39] Susan gives us insight into the research behind sustainable furnishings and co

Today with Kelly Collier: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by a guest who knows all about balance in her business—Kelly Collier of Plot Twist Design in Philadelphia. Like many designers, Kelly started her business on the side, while working a full-time corporate career. Two years later, her business has grown and thrived to a full-service design business. But she’s also maintaining her full-time job. To top it all off, she is also a realtor and a podcaster.  Balancing it all isn’t easy. It takes deliberation, commitment, planning, and dedication. Today, Kelly’s sharing her tips for balancing it all and building the business, along with maintaining her career responsibilities.  Pick it apart: [6:40] Kelly shares how she manages to identify her multiple facets in her social media presence. [11:40] Kelly dives into time blocking and how she lays out her day so that nothing falls through the cracks. [18:32] LuAnn and Kelly talk about the importance of transparency and setting out expecta

Today with Marlo Thomas: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Marlo Thomas of the hit show, That Girl, shares the story of how her father’s diligence shaped her path to success and how her mother’s graciousness inspired her own product line with Williams Sonoma. She also shares her moment of self-doubt on her way to wild success in show business and how to lead with conviction so you can make a difference. Pick it apart: [11:15] Marlo shares her advice to young people   [14:50] Marlo talks about how her father was her example of what it took to be successful    [21:00] Marlo shares how she came to call the shots for the storyline of That Girl   [27:00] LuAnn and Marlo chat about getting started with her women’s charity   [32:00] Marlo shares about Free to Be You   [40:03] Marlo tells about when she first met her husband   [44:00] Marlo shares what inspired her William Sonoma collection LuAnn and Marlo Thomas’s Ah-Ha moments: “Everybody gets a first chance but not everybody gets a second chance -

Today with Mark Weaver: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Mark Weaver, an industry veteran launched his full-service LA-based design firm, Mark Weaver & Associates over thirty years ago. He’s a design expert, travel lover, and also a lecturer in the business of design at UCLA. Learn what his design students are so eager to learn and how he’s used travel to elevate his palette and create connections with his clients. Pick it apart: [21:24] Mark shares his advice to young designers entering the job market   [31:30] Mark shares who his own mentors in design, business, and personal life   [35:14] LuAnn and Mark discuss how travel informs design   [42:35] LuAnn and Mark talk about travel experience as a means of making your client comfortable with you   [47:57] Mark explains his philosophy on continual learning    [50:33] Mark shares the importance of gaining experience as a designer LuAnn and Mark Weaver’s Ah-Ha moments: “Ignorance is not an asset, intelligence is.” - Mark Weaver   “Surround your

  Today on A Well-Designed Business®: Today is a What Would Lu Do Show where I bring you listener questions, and....you guessed it, tell you what I would do! Today's listener question comes to us from a designer who is in a difficult spot with a client. It just goes to show, no matter how long you have been in business, there are always those projects that teach us a thing or two about ourselves, our business, and where we can do better the next time.  What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob 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 Websit

Today with Cathy Maready: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Cathy Maready shares a special piece of relationship-building wisdom she’s gained from running her North Carolina interior design business called Elephant Ears, since 1990. She also has a clever way to take the ick-factor out of your budget conversation with clients. She’s stacked several key skills to produce a successful business and thrilled clients. Pick it apart: [19:22] LuAnn recaps the importance of integrating a client’s passion and story into their design [35:52] Cathy shares how she has the budget conversation with clients [42:07] LuAnn and Cathy review the angle they use when talking about budget [48:03] Cathy share about how she handles potential clients who don’t have sufficient budget LuAnn and Cathy Maready’s Ah-Ha moments: “You got personality, budget and expectations. There has to be a beautiful balance before you’ve got a beautiful project.” - Cathy Maready   “Not all projects are photo worthy.” - Cathy Maready Mo

Today with Michael Schneider Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Michael Schneider founded BDNY and now he’s in the business of connecting interior designers and suppliers in a whole new way with Next Virtual Meetings. Using the speed dating concept, Michael offers designers an easy way to source new products and build vendor relationships right from your living room. Pick it apart: [8:03] Michael review what happens at the Next Virtual Meetings 30-minute session   [15:34] Michael shares the process an interior designer uses to sign up for his service   [19:40] LuAnn asks Michael why he pays designers to attend meetings   [24:13] Michael share about his “land cruise” speed dating type event for designers and suppliers   [31:57] Michael reviews how suppliers can participate in his event   [35:00] LuAnn reviews Michael’s opportunities for designers LuAnn and Michael Schneider’s Ah-Ha moments: “You have to be nimble. You have to be willing to pivot and figure out where the opportunities are—because

Today with Andrea Hysmith: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Goal-setting isn’t always easy. Sometimes, we write a list of goals and never take any steps to get there. Other times, we become so obsessed with the goals that we develop tunnel vision and fail to see when we need to adapt. All too often, unexpected situations derail our goals entirely.  My guest today, Andrea Hysmith, has found the balance between flexibility and structure that allows her to pivot when the unexpected happens, maintaining a commitment to strong client experiences and to her business values. Today, she’s sharing her insights on how to do that, no matter what comes your way. Pick it apart: [5:50] Andrea shares her part-organic, part-structured process to goal-setting. [11:10] Andrea breaks down the steps she takes to bring in a steady stream of referrals and network-based clients. [16:12] Andrea discusses her unique process to building relationships with her clients. [36:25] Andrea shares the journey she took to open her br

Today with Terri Taylor: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Terri Taylor of Interior Design Business Academy is back on the show to share her design business expertise and help you step into your space, confidently manage your projects, and pick up all the opportunities for profit. She’s also reviewing her truly golden Letter of Agreement that will change the way you approach your remodeling projects. To learn more about Terri's new class and get your ticket, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/ LuAnn and Terri Taylor's Ah-Ha moments: “Designers are the heart and soul of the projects.” - Terri Taylor   “You need to think of your fee as insurance to the client that the money is going to be spent is spent well and adds value at the end.” - Terri Taylor   “You don’t have to finish the project to get paid - you have to finish the design to get paid.” - Terri Taylor More About Terri Taylor: Terri Taylor is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at design conferences and showrooms throughout the count

  Today with Lucy Harris: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. This week, I’m joined by New York City designer Lucy Harris. Lucy shares her top five “musts” for new interior design firms. This nine-year high-end design firm veteran has learned a thing or two about the non-negotiables when starting out on your own. Learn what Lucy did to get to where she is today! Pick it apart: [13:25] Lucy explains the need for community, the first of five musts when starting an interior design firm [17:57] Lucy shares her take on the importance of photography and photo styling [27:41] Lucy talks about how she approached outsourcing [36:14] Lucy and LuAnn share why creating an online presence is vital [48:35] Lucy shares the three reasons to consider taking a project LuAnn and Lucy Harris’ Ah-Ha moments: "People want to believe that you’re an amazing interior designer. And all it takes is one or two good enough projects to give people that confidence." - Lucy Harris "Starting a business is about making baby steps."

 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 all the details of her upcoming course, the "Interior Design Standard". I’m so excited to share Sandra Funk’s business program, the "Interior Design Standard", with you because I know it will be the best investment for your business. Enroll here: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann Here’s what you need to know: The Interior Design Standard is composed of modules that outline Sandra’s entire business. Within each module are resources that you can start using right away. She walks you through how to implement all of these templates via videos along the way. Program highlights include: Design fee calculator - confidently calculate flat design fees in moments Design agreement, that both clients and designers love The exact process that each interior design project follows, from the first potential client contact to pitching the photos to press   Important da

    Today with Michelle Butt Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. By now, we all know that sales isn’t about convincing someone to buy what they don’t need or want. You care about your clients and their happiness. You want to make a sale that gives you the profits you want and provides your clients with something that will bring them happiness. Today, I’m talking with Michelle Butt, Master Coach and creator of Facial Intelligence, to talk about how using visual cues and facial features can help you relate to your clients in a stronger way, making the sales process even more of a win/win. Pick it apart: [1:37] Michelle defines what facial intelligence is and why a conscious understanding of faces is helpful for business owners. [13:50] Michelle gives us insight into the 5 Facial Archetypes and how to use them to relate to sales targets. [20:00] LuAnn and Michelle discuss the importance of understanding yourself before you can truly understand others.  [32:09] Michelle provides a key takeaway that can

Today with Genevieve Trousdale: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. This week, I’m joined by Genevieve Trousdale. After coming from working in two large firms, Genevieve launched her own firm. She grew her business to serve luxury clients and tackle high-income projects. But unlike most other designers on her level, Genevieve chooses to keep some things simple, running her business on her own and taking on just a few projects per year. Today, we’re talking about how she manages it, why she chooses it, and the importance of staying true to your values in your business. Pick it apart: [7:18] Genevieve talks about the experience of working under great influences and what she learned along the way. [11:58] Genevieve shares why she chooses not to expand her firm and bring on other designers.  [20:44] Genevieve reveals what she looks for in others when she does need to outsource work. [25:03] LuAnn and Genevieve talk about the expectations in the design world and how to stick true to who you are. [33:51] Gen

Today with Dolores Hirschmann Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. When someone asks you what you do, how clear are you? Are you able to communicate what you do, the value you bring to the table, who you help, and what sets you apart? Or do you struggle to define what message you’re trying to put out with your business? The truth is that so many of us have trouble getting clear on our message, our differentiators, and our business. But until you gain that clarity, you’re going to hit roadblock after roadblock. Today, I chat with Dolores Hirschmann, a strategist and coach who helps her clients get that clarity in their message so they can start impacting the world. Pick it apart: [2:16] Dolores and LuAnn share why it’s so important to get clear about our message and how we communicate it.  [6:08] Dolores unpacks the way our belief systems impact our clarity. [22:28] Dolores breaks down her “9 Layers of Clarity” and how she uses the framework to help her clients. [41:28] LuAnn and Dolores dive into the pr

  Today with April Jensen Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. April Jensen of St. Louis-based ADJ Interiors was in business for 25 years before she created an onboarding doc for her high-end interior design business. April and LuAnn walk step-by-step through her onboarding doc as April lets us in on how it has helped her handle client expectations and sticky situations. Pick it apart: [16:13] April shares her response to a client who is unsure of their budget   [22:44] Why mutual respect with clients is necessary for a successful project    [27:40] April advises how to respond to a client who is worried about a single product   [36:33] April and LuAnn share their mutual frustration with clients who text   [42:55] LuAnn and April chat about how to handle clients who don’t pay LuAnn and April Jensen’s Ah-Ha moments: “I’m a designer, and it’s okay to be a business person too.” - April Jensen   “You asked for a burger and a coke. If you want fries, it’s more money.” - LuAnn Nigara   “You have to

Today with Theresa Gresham Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Single mom to a toddler and suddenly laid off when Covid started, Theresa Gresham moved into a 200ft studio to save on rent. Theresa shares her journey of building a Virtual Design Assistant business from scratch and learning the importance of self-care and hiring help. Pick it apart: [14:30] Theresa shares her story about starting her business after getting laid off due to Covid. [19:32] Theresa tells LuAnn how a parenting coach helped her flip her mindset about self-care. [23:20] Theresa shares how things changed when she limited her office hours [27:41] Theresa shares about motherhood during Covid and the importance of asking for help [35:43] Theresa tells Luann about how she started her e-design business [41:30] Theresa gives an overview of the services she offers interior designers LuAnn and Theresa Gresham’s Ah-Ha moments:   “Everything wonderful in life is scary at first.” — Theresa Gresham   “You just keep go

Today with Jenny Madden Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. As business owners, we face many difficult situations, including how to balance personal life with business ownership. Maternity leave is one of those situations that can change the course of your business. But my guest today, Jenny Madden, has navigated the difficult territory of maternity leave five separate times, both in her own leave and in the leaves of her employees. She believes that planning can make the situation more smooth on all sides. Today, we’re discussing the tricky waters of maternity leave, and how you can make decisions now that will impact it in the future. Pick it apart: [1:40] Jenny and LuAnn discuss the emotional aspect of maternity leave from both an individual side and a business owner perspective. [10:26] Jenny shares insights into the financial implications of maternity leave and your responsibilities as a business owner. [22:57] LuAnn and Jenny talk about distributing the workload during maternity leave.  [34:41] Je

    Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s WTF— Window Treatment Friday, Vita and I are talking about rising from the ashes of the fire that destroyed her workroom. It's every business owners nightmare. Fortunately for Vita's diligent dedication to the processes and systems within her business, Vita was able to literally rise from the ashes over night, and continue to keep her business running.  More About Vita Vygovska 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.  In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication.  Most importantly, they take off the stress, sa

Today with Stacy Garcia Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. We spend a lot of time talking about starting your business, growing your business, and implementing the basics that lead you to success. Today, we’re talking about what happens when that success is threatened. Recessions, disasters, and unforeseeable circumstances can threaten your business. But the way you respond to those situations shows your grit, determination, and ultimately determines your success as a business owner.  That’s what Stacy Garcia is talking to us about today. When the pandemic hit, the hospitality industry was hit hard. But Stacy figured out how to pivot, make changes, and grow a new portion of her business to meet the people’s needs and keep her business strong. Pick it apart: [9:16] Stacy and LuAnn discuss the difference in starting your business and the challenges that come later on. [17:03] Stacy gives her insight into how the hospitality industry was impacted by COVID. [28:03] Stacy shares how she transitioned into t

Today with Rachael Bozsik: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Rachael is an international keynote speaker and thought leadership coach helping female entrepreneurs in the lifestyle space build personal brands. She joins LuAnn to share a practical plan for positioning your brand, honing your activities, and attracting your ideal client. Pick it apart: [17:05] Rachael tell about how she started her first business from her dorm room   [26:55] Rachael shares exactly how her client process works   [28:26] Rachael explains why press is so important to building trust   [37:42] LuAnn and Rachael chat about the strategy Rachael would use for a sample client   [50:48] Rachael shares about how she typically works with seasoned designers   [52:14] Rachael talks about what it takes for a client to execute her strategy   [55:47] Rachael shares how she stays connected and pitches herself LuAnn and Rachael Bozsik’s Ah-Ha moments: “To be paid for your work, you need to have the credibility.” - Rachael Bozsik   “If