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The Productive Designer

Author: Crystal Collinson

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This podcast pulls back the covers on being an independent interior design professional. We look at what it really takes to be successful, and how your definition of success is the only one that matters.We dig deep into systems & processes needed to manage this complex business. Not only will we dig deep into the business process, we will explore the mindset it takes to run a business.Through this podcast we hope to educate, collaborate and support you to intentionally design your life and your interior design business.
73 Episodes
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Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews the Director of Design and Founder of Perpetuum Designs, Cristiana Crin.Cristiana was born and raised in Transylvania, traveled the world to find a place that felt comfortable for her to do something different. It took her a few years, but now it’s reality. Perpetuum Design is based in Chicago & London, designing spaces without geographical borders.Being organized and systematic creates an assurance from a customer’s standpoint that everything is well taken care of.Your level of service and project management is essential in the design industry.Communication is a significant factor in determining the success of any project.Networking is key to bringing in more businesses.Referrals and repeat clients provide you with the assurance that few can match your unique service.Knowing who to consult with is essential for a designer, as Designer’s we know a little about a lot of things.Having a construction schedule saves so many headaches on a project.So, join Crystal and Cristiana as they discuss her hospitality interior design business.Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and start thinking of unique ways to network in order to grow your business.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Cristiana:Website: perpetuumdesigns.com    I     Facebook: PerpetuumdesignsInstagram: perpetuumdesignsRecommended book:Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the owner of KMM Consulting, Kimberly Merlitti.Kimberly has 20 years of experience working in accounting for companies such as Swinerton Builders, WRNS Studio and Martin Group. Her clientele includes a diverse group of service-based companies, with a focus on small interior design, construction, and architectural firms. She is also one of Luann Nigara’s Expert Resource, the leader of the Project Profitability 101 course offered through Luann University.People will see that you enjoy what you do when you are passionate about what you do and talk.The number one mistake designers make is not billing all the time they are spending on their jobs.To make your business profitable, you need to bill your rate (not a discounted rate) and you need and track your time.As a CFO, Kimberly takes out the mystery in accounting making it easier to understand.To achieve your desired business results, it requires a two-way effort. A CFO's recommendations can help you increase your business's profitability, but in order to do this you must apply the recommendations and take action.Most Designers find accounting intimidatingKimberly’s goal is to help businesses understand their finances better, and to listen without judgment.A business balance sheet tells you a lot about your business.Be proactive with your business financesDo not ignore money problems, they will only get worse.So, join Crystal and Kimberly as they discuss how to make a business profitable.Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and don’t be intimidated by accounting.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Kimberly:Website: kmmsf.com    I     Facebook: kimberly.merlittiInstagram: Kmmconsulting     I    Assistant email: lexxi@kmmsanfforing.comRecommended podcasts/book:Book - Why nations failPodcast: Unlocking us     I     PoliticologyResources mentioned: Project Profitability 101
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the Principal Designer and Creative Director of BryCo. Interiors, Jami Sparling.Jami officially turned her lifelong passion for interior design and decorating into a career when she founded BryCo. Interiors in 2019, leaving an 11 year career as a Paramedic, behind. Jami now operates BryCo Interiors alongside her husband Brad, and offers full-Service Interior Design & Decorating in London, ON and surrounding areas. BryCo. Interiors is a heart-centered business with a focus on relationship building.Prioritizing client relationships is essential.Deep dive into what interests you.Social Media is an essential tool in growing a business but authenticity plays a significant role in connecting to real people.Consistency in learning and growing are keys to scaling your business to the next level. You have to have a bigger vision of your business than yourself.Build a brand that encourages people to connect to support. Show authenticity, not just focusing on algorithms and marketing.Show you’re vulnerable and that you are a real human behind your projects. Real things connect to real people.So, join Crystal and Jamie as they chat about her journey on building her heart-centered interior design business.Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and listen this episode to gain insight on how consistency & authenticity can help you grow your interior design businessIf you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Jamie:Website: brycointeriors.netInstagram: @bryco.interiorsRecommended podcasts:Resilient by DesignAFT ConstructionThe lifestyled companyResources mentioned:Coaching: bryco.coaching
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with brand and website designer, Katie O’Brien.Katie is an expert problem-solver, and a seasoned entrepreneur. After running a successful coaching business for 4 years, Katie discovered her superpower and passion: building digital presences that support interior designers’ business and lifestyle goals.Niching down is a smart move to hone your marketing skills. Having great photos with inadequate copies is a common mistake of an interior design website.An effective interior design website should look as if they’re taking you on a house tour.Ensure that your website is talking to your target customers. Should you have a privacy policy and terms and conditions on your website? Implementing lead magnets is highly recommended to grow and warm up your email list. Simplicity and strategy are essential in building your website. Always be of service. So, join Crystal and Katie as they chat about must haves for your interior design website.Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and make sure you website is working for you and not against.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Katie:Website: katieobrien.com IG: @katieobrienwebdesignRecommended podcasts:Profit is a choiceTalk Copy to MeGo Pitch yourself
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with co-owner and Director of Designer + Trade for CF Interiors Allison Andrew-Harris.Allison is no stranger to the furniture game. In 1979, her father opened a furniture store on the South Granville slope, where Allison found herself working in her early teens alongside her two brothers. Allison now oversees the Design + Trade Division of the company, ensuring interior designers across the country have all the tools they need to make furniture and lighting sourcing as easy as possible.Be confident in a male-dominated industry. Focus on your area of expertise. Making furniture buying for designers easy and more appealing..Interior Design is 20% creative and 80% administrative.Looking for international furniture suppliers?There are so many more opportunities that have opened up with the acceptance and frequent ways of working virtually Traveling alone helps you build confidence.Love what you do.So, join Crystal and Allison as they chat about how Allison manages their furniture business in a male-dominated industry.Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and visit Allison's website that will provide a one-stop shop for every designer’s trade and logistics needs.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Allison:Website:  cfinteriors.ca ↔ IG: @allisonandrewharrisRecommended podcasts : Business of Design ↔ In the House ↔ Second LifeRecommended Books : Where the Crawdad Sing by Delia OwensThe Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the author, award-winning Producer and Strategist, Kim Kuhteubl.Kim founded MeByDesign, an idea boutique for the home industry a decade ago, and has worked with design entrepreneurs in the United States, Europe, and Canada. Her clients have been featured in publications like Architectural Digest, New York Times, Elle Decor, House & Garden (UK), and featured on network and cable television. Visibility is not all about having a great website and a brand logo. It means having an intangible aspect of being available. Expand your reach, consider collaborations with other designers. With experience, you will be able to hone in on what you like to do, this will help you focus in and niche downYour particular type of leadership style, structures your business and influences how you interact with the people around you.Critical point in visibility strategy for designers is to choose psychographic instead of demographic only. You need to know who your ideal client is and where they get to know you. You focus on clients that you love to work with.So, join Crystal and Kim as they discuss visibility strategy to sustain your business and start building your legacy.Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and get Kim’s latest digital offering, to strategically structure your business to earn more.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Kim:Website: mebydesign.com  ↔   Instagram: @mebydesigntvRecommended podcasts :On being  ↔  99 percent invisible  ↔  Voice LessonsResources mentioned:Designer Smartcuts - 30 days of transformation designed to help interior designers strategically structure their business to earn more
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the owner and lead strategist of Growing Your Team, Jamie Van Cuyk.Jamie is an expert in hiring and onboarding teams within small businesses. Drawing from over ten years of leadership experience, Jamie teaches her clients how to hire their first team members, including employees and long-term contractors.Having the right support is crucial to growing your businessJamie’s HIRE Framework. H - hiring details, I - initiating the advertising process, R - reviewing the candidate, and E - expectations and evaluations for success.Setting clear roles and responsibilities, be honest & realistic about your expectationsHiring process and finding the right candidate takes time.As the leader, you must guide & lead in order for your hire to be successfulSo join Crystal and Jamie as they discuss hiring process and finding the perfect hire. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and clearly define the job role in order to have a successful hire. If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Jamie:Website: growingyourteam.comFacebook: GrowingYourTeamInstagram: growingyourteamLinkedIn: -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamievancuyk/Recommended podcast/book:Your Sales Maden podcastQuiet by Susan CainTurn the Ship Around by Daid MarquetResources mentioned:The hiring checklist
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with Realtor, Owner and Creative Designer at House of Huck Interiors, Meredith Huck.Meredith and her husband live in coastal Connecticut with their two young children. She is also a licensed real estate agent in the state of Connecticut. And enjoys supporting her clients to turn average houses into spectacular homes.Crystal and Meredith discuss transitioning from a corporate job to her passion project. Watching her colleague succeed with his interior design inspired Meredith to scale up her passion into an interior design business. Meredith shares that starting your own business can be challenging, it requires you to learn as you go and keep on learning. Meredith mentions that being organized and having a plan are essential in keeping your business processes. A to-do list will also help you visualize where you want to go, as well as keeping all your projects on track. And constant communication with your Clients keeps them updated on the project as well as demonstrating your professionalism.Meredith continuously networks with other Designers and reaches out to potential customers. Building a portfolio is a significant factor in getting your first client. You can also do pro-bono design projects for friends. It is a great way to showcase your skills when you are still building your business. In addition, you can post on social media to build awareness of your design skills. And with the hopes of reaching your target customers.So join Crystal and Meredith as Meredith shares her transition from corporate job to doing what she loves most. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and follow your passion.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Meredith:Website : houseofhuck.com     I     IG : houseofhuckRecommended podcast/books:Design Biz Survival Guide podcast I Well Designed Business podcast I Homebody by Joanna Gaines
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with fellow interior designers and founders of EA Home Design, Kevin Kamali and Ali Meshksar.Kevin and Ali quickly found a growing need for their services as the home renovation space began to evolve. Offering bespoke design solutions to homeowners that want to take their interiors to the next level, the two entrepreneurs have become leaders in their field, creating transformational designs including kitchens and bathrooms that have luxurious finishes.They share that excellent customer service is one secret ingredient in growing your business. In a congested industry like home renovations, how you treat your customers impacts client retention and business growth. Kevin and Ali ensure that they're able to be transparent with customers. Knowing what your customers want and having consistent communication are essential to making your project run smoothly.Kevin and Ali continued to discuss another thing that's relevant to any business's success which  is leveraging the power of social media. They emphasized that building your social media presence is vital to attracting potential clients and engaging with them. In turn, potential customers will get to know and trust you. And, when the time comes that they'll need your service, they will remember you as a figure of authority.They have also created a system where customers can set their consultation schedules online. Providing them with project estimates will determine if they're interested in proceeding or not. You have to set specific criteria on what type of clients you are willing to work with. Kevin and Ali also assure us that they may not be the cheapest home renovation in the area, but they're the best price for the quality of work.So join Crystal, Kevin and Ali as they discuss how they grew their multi-million dollar home renovation company. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. And level up your customer service skills in order to retain and attract new clients.How to reach Kevin and Ali:Website : eahomedesign.com/     I     IG : ea_home_design     I     YouTube: EAHomeDesignNEED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES for your interior design business? Get it in the show notes of Crystal’s episode Why you need SOP’s in your Interior Design business.
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with fellow interior designer, Racheal Hageness.Racheal is a creative professional with proven success in high-end residential design and hospitality design. Daughter of a successful construction business owner and a wildly creative mother. This proud Midwesterner has been around construction and interior design all of her life. Racheal continues this family tradition with nearly two-decades of award winning luxury environment design under her belt.She started out in this industry in hospitality interior design, then she shifted to high-end residential design. This switch has helped her to become a well-rounded interior designer by ensuring that the property is aesthetically beautiful, and personalizing each individual residence she works on.Racheal’s states that the goal of hospitality is to make everyone feel at home. Her business emphasizes the importance of providing a high level of service. Involving the homeowners in the planning and the operations will ensure that your design complements their way of living without compromising the functionality of every custom piece in their homes.Her business model has always been to empathize with clients' individual needs. She wants to assure them that their homes are not someone else's but their own. Though Racheal has a team supporting her, she wants to be the main person of contact with her Clients. Building solid client relationships is her top priority which is facilitated through her exemplary level of service. So join Crystal and Racheal as they discuss her journey from hospitality design to a residential design. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and put a little more time into building your Client relationships. If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Racheal:Website : aspenjamesdesign.com     I     IG : aspenjamesdesignVideo podcast : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doNXgRzVdpARelated episode : Creating Emotional Homes and Retail EnvironmentsRecommended podcast/book: Think and Grow Rich book   I   Productivity Straight Talk podcast   I   Armchair Expert podcastNEED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE for your interior design business? Get it in the show notes of Crystal’s episode Why you need SOP’s in your Interior Design business.
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews entrepreneur Richard Schnitzel.Richard owns and operates a done-for-you automation company helping 6 figure entrepreneurs build the automation they need to scale their business to 7 figures and beyond. In his previous career as a Mechanical Engineer he worked across all aspects of business from sales and estimating to project management and high-end design. He believes automation doesn’t have to be a dirty word and created the concept of “Authencious” Automation to help entrepreneurs level up their business through the power of technology. Crystal and Richard talked about leveraging your business with automation. Richard emphasizes the importance of understanding your primary business operations, and the workflows it entails. He helps business owners figure out what type of work they want to free themselves from doing. From there, it enables him to translate what kind of automation is fit for their business and explain to them the full scope of why automation is necessary.Richard shares that improving efficiency and efficacy are the two main goals of business automation. The process should make workflows and processes more organized, streamlined, and less stressful. He also does not guarantee that during the primary stages it will be smooth-sailing. It is like adjusting to new habits, taking detours, reassessing the effectiveness of your procedures towards achieving your desired outcome.So join Crystal and Richard as they discuss business automation and how it will help to leverage your business operations. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and try automating at least one thing in your business.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Richard:Website : richardschnitzel.com Recommended podcast/books:Tim Ferris podcastWooden on Leadership book by John Wooden
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the Productivity Specialist, Amber De La Garza.Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, host of the Productivity Straight Talk podcast, and creator of the S.T.O.P. Leverage Formula. She helps business owners improve their time management and increase your productivity to maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most!Crystal and Amber talk about productivity as a business owner. Amber explains that entrepreneurs need to know how to lead people and make decisions. She shares her S.T.O.P. framework which are the four pillars that every business owner should focus on to move and grow faster with less stress.Amber mentions that the most valuable asset in your business is yourself. She also emphasizes that productivity is a continuous learning process, and it is not something that we learn in school. As you grow in your journey as a business owner, you’ll learn how to adjust when met with challenges & obstacles , especially when you are feeling unproductive. Reminding yourself of the goals that you have set,  will help you to focus on getting the important things done. So join Crystal and Amber as they chat about how to increase your productivity and how you can use it to streamline your systems and business processes. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for and listen in to learn about Amber’s S.T.O.P. leverage formula.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Amber:Website : amberdelagarza.com     I     Instagram : amber_delagarzaPodcast : Productivity Straight Talk Recommended podcast/books:Grace and Grits, Profit Boss Radio, Speaking Your Brand
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the CEO and co-founder of DesignFiles, Sheilah MacSporran DesignFiles is an all-in-one interior design platform that empowers thousands of designers to grow their businesses with easy-to-use design and project management tools. With over ten years of experience in building interior design software, Sheilah remains committed to helping designers find a faster and easier path to success through the use of technology. Sheilah is living proof that failure is not the end of growing your dreams. Before Design Files, she and her husband had their share of failed projects and failed business approaches. Learning from your experiences will lead you to get better at approaching business success. First, you need to test out various samples and intensive research on your chosen niche to better position your product in the market. She also mentioned the importance of reaching out to your potential markets. Then, getting to know what they’re struggling with and how your product or service can solve their problems and challenges. In the Interior Design industry, designers have many tools to use to visualize their creativity. Hopping from one tool to another could mean additional hours to your workflows. Which means lesser efficiency which made her to create an interior design software.She emphasizes the need to adapt and respond to changing market demands. As a result, Design Files continuously improve their features. Along with integration to companion software such as Quickbooks. As a business owner, you need to have a growth mindset where you use your failures to grow, improve and adapt to your customers needs. So join Crystal and Sheilah as they chat about Sheilah’s journey and the challenges she faced designing an interior design software. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” by listening to this conversation. And heading over to the link below to claim their 50% off Design Files subscription promotion available to listeners of The Productive Designer podcast.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Sheilah:Website: designfiles.co     Resources mentioned:50% promotion - this is an affiliate link which means I will receive a small affiliate commission for anyone who signs up at no cost to you.
Featured in this week’s episode ofThe Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with fellow designer. Maia Roffey.Maia is a graduate of McMasters multi-disciplinary Arts & Science program in Hamilton Ontario. She took a brief detour into law school on the West coast before finding her niche in design. She graduated with honours from Ryerson’s School of Interior Design. Completed her BCIN, LEED AP, and NCIDQ designations before founding Black Sheep Interior Design.Crystal and Maia take a detour from their original topic, to chat about the supply chain collaboration and other issues we are all currently facing. Maia refers to lifting up a rock in the garden, and seeing all the ants working away. The COVID pandemic has revealed the inner workings of the supply chain. When one or two of the links in the chain breaks, the entire system is affected.To avoid the stress in the procurement process for any design project, Maia recommends documenting everything. And to be as transparent as possible with the process to your client. During the last 2 years of the pandemic, no matter where you purchase from, you will meet exhausted people along the way and oversight and mistakes still happen. Patience and kindness plays an essential factor in understanding and building a great network of people to rely on and work with.From the moment we signed in on the contract to the right end of the project, we must be responsible to our clients and to our collaborators. Be transparent with the documentation of the process so clients can have proper expectations. Communication is key to the successful supply chain collaboration, project management, and procurement of any design project.So join Crystal and Maia as they talk about supply chain collaboration and the effect of Covid in the supply-chain. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. Listen to this conversation and also consider supporting Eva’s Initiatives Charity.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Maia:Website: blacksheepinteriordesign.com      I      Instagram: @blacksheepid Facebook: Black Sheep Interior DesignRecommended podcasts:Bunga Bunga I i-Weigh I Momgasm
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews brand consultant and psychologist, Mohammed Abdelghfar.Crystal and Mo talk about brand strategy for interior designers and how to effectively position your interior design firm in the customers' minds. What questions you need to ask in order to gain clarity and focus to build your dream interior design brand. What it is that you do, that will ensure you build a long-lasting emotional relationship with customers that turns them into loyal ever advocating fans.Mo believes that branding begins with basic human design rather than seeing how to make money. Giving value to your clients on the human level enables you to resonate with them and help them efficiently. You need to build great client relationships to produce loyal fans and create more referrals as a service-based business.He emphasizes the significance of figuring out who you want to serve, and why you want to. Mo advises to focus more on the intrinsic motivators than seeing people as transactions or figures. Since business is a game of trust, you need to ask yourself what makes you different from your competitors and valuable to your clients?The transaction is just the start of building client relationships. Mo mentioned the need to leave them with an excellent first impression and continually nurture them even after the project is complete. People liked to be asked their opinions, for example asking them for feedback after the project is done. You want your client to remember the interaction in addition to the product itself.So join Crystal and Mo as they talk about branding and brand strategy. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”.How to reach Mo:Instagram - @moinsightsRecommended podcast/YouTube:Gary VeeChris DoValuetainment YouTube Channel
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews fellow designer and founder of Business of Design, Kimberley Seldon.Kimberley is also a broadcaster and writer who advocates for spaces that celebrate the people who live in them. Based in Toronto and Los Angeles, the award-winning Kimberley Seldon Design Group today creates exceptional living spaces for exceptional people throughout North America. She founded Business of Design to share what she’s learned about how professionalism powers creativity.Kimberley is a firm believer of having a process in place, enabling you to streamline your operations. Track your tasks and time, gathering this data is crucial to running a profitable business.As a new Interior Design professional you need to be discerning in who you work for. Learning from a design firm that has structured business practices will influence your future work habits and operations if you plan to eventually run your own design business. Kimberley also stresses transparency with your clients from planning, negotiation, and pricing. Show your clients their wishlist and provide them with the actual price. It is up to your client to decide on what they would like to spend their money on-not yours. So join Crystal and Kimberley as they talk about her  journey in starting her coaching business, implementing systems to streamline her operations and managing her projects and clients. Then “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. After you listen to this podcast, check out The Business of Design podcast to learn more about Kimberely Seldon and The Business Design coaching program. If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Kimberley:Website: businessofdesign.com     Facebook: businessofdesign    I     Instagram: business_of_design     Recommended podcast / book:Political Gabfest podcastCommonwealth by Ann Patchett
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson interviews former Assistant Dean for Mentoring & Executive Director of the Mentoring Academy at Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Ruth Gotian.She has been hailed by the journal Nature and Columbia University as an expert in mentoring and leadership development. She is currently a contributor to Forbes and Psychology Today where she writes about ‘optimizing success’. In 2021, she was one of 30 people worldwide named to the Thinkers50 Radar List, dubbed the Oscars of management thinking. Also, she's a semi-finalist for the Forbes 50 Over 50 list.Ruth’s  research is about the mindset and skill set of peak performers, including Nobel laureates, astronauts and Olympic champions. Her book, The Success Factor, shares the stories of extreme high achievers and unlocks the path to success.Crystal and Dr. Ruth discuss the success factor - traits & characteristics of high achievers and the four elements of success. Ruth believes that everybody wants to be successful they just don’t know how. She believes that success consists of a skill set that can be taught. Also, discovered that what works for one person may not work for another. And an individual approach is needed. Ruth explains that these are not habits but a mindset shift.So join Crystal and Dr. Ruth as they talk about the success factor and her insights about mentorship. “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”. And order Dr. Ruth’s book now, available January 2022.If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Dr. Ruth:Website: ruthgotian.com I Podcast: The Mentor Project I LinkedIn: rgotianRecommended podcast/book:Adam Grant, The Women’s NetworkA Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm book by Robert LefkowitzThe Long Game book by Dorie ClarkResources mentioned:  The Success Factor bookPassion AuditMentoring Team
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson talks about her recent experience on firing a client. We never go into a project thinking about how and when we would need to fire a client. Join Crystal in this solo episode as she discusses her recent experience firing a client and the lessons learned. Crystal emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear direction and set of rules that can make your collaboration successful from the start right to the end. She shares that if your client is unsure of their goal, we must guide them in order to clarify the end objective. As obvious as this may be, clarifying the desired end goal upfront is so crucial, as it puts you both on the same page from the beginning.Some clients just do not communicate effectively. Their communication style may be by bombarding you with many requests that you need to complete immediately-everything is an emergency. Others do not know what they want and are unable to articulate it clearly. It is the responsibility of the project leader, to get this information out of the Client’s heads and into a clear scope of work.  There is a saying “we teach people how to treat us”. This method not only sets the boundaries for the Designer and the project scope of work, but it’s also the best way to meet the Client’s needs and expectations. Clearly communicating a detailed process and workflow will help clients understand how the project will progress. Learning the type of client that you should or shouldn't work with, will help to hone in on the early warning signs and to know if the partnership will be a good fit or not.  The role of the business owner, you must be careful in choosing the right clients, not only for you but for your team as well. The wrong client puts a drain on time but company morale as well. Ideally, we want to address creative differences early. Firing clients should be a last resort. Establish a defined direction, set specific boundaries and deliverables upfront. So join Crystal as she shares how she’s dealing with difficult client situations like to fire a client that drains your energy and motivation. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and set a process for managing your clients and your boundaries.Resource mentioned:The Wonderful World of Difficult Clients [Infographic]
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson, interviews award-winning interior designer and certified Life and Business Coach, Desi Creswell.Desi has worked at world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice. Her personal experience with burnout and the competing interests of work and home led her to transform her own life. She then used this new knowledge to provide support to the interior design community. Her training as a life coach aims to help interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally build profitable, fulfilling businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole. Crystal and Desi discuss how consistency in business is crucial in all areas of our life and business. We need to be kind to ourselves when it comes to implementing consistent practices. We have to give ourselves grace and not “should” all over ourselves. Bringing awareness to our slip-ups is the first step, then with this awareness, we can begin to be more consistent in habits we want to make.Any type of habitual change starts with a mindset and setting realistic goals that are actually attainable. There is no use in setting unrealistic goals that one would have a hard time completing or committing to. Start small and build on your wins. These wins build over time, and eventually, the habit/change becomes routine.So join in as Crystal and Desi as they chat about Desi’s journey on being a life and business coach to the interior design community and having the right mindset when it comes to consistency in business. Then, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and get Desi’s planner and attend their upcoming workshop. If you enjoyed the episode, show your support by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/TPDpodcastHow to reach Desi:Website - desicreswell.com I Instagram - @desicreswellResources mentioned:Interior Designers Get It Done Daily Planner (Free)Goal Setting For Busy Interior DesignersFriday, December 3 at 11 am central
Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer, host Crystal Collinson chats with the host of the Simplifying Entrepreneurship podcast, and a Business Made Simple Certified coach, Peter Mohr.Peter is a serial entrepreneur, owning several businesses, he is also a business broker helping people buy and sell businesses. Peter uses his entrepreneur background by helping other business owners create turn-key businesses so that they can enjoy the entrepreneur freedom and have the majority of their time working "on" their businesses, not "in" it.Crystal & Peter discuss in order to have a successful business and enjoy entrepreneur freedom,  you need the four P’s of business, Product, Process, People, and Profit. Stating how important it is to understand the problem you're solving and by showing your customer how life will be “after” your product or service. As a Business Made Simple Certified Coach, a framework Peter developed. He has simplified entrepreneurship. Depending on where you are and what you need, he can best suggest the best framework to help you in your business. So, join Crystal and Peter as they chat about Peter’s coaching business and how to gain entrepreneur freedom in your business. Check out Peter’s website for a free business assessment test which will take 15-20 minutes to complete. However, you will get a very detailed 50-60 page PDF document. Outlining what you're doing really well with your business and what you need to work on. So, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for” and take Peter’s assessment test.How to reach Peter:Website: simplifyingentrepreneurship.comLinkedIn: petermohr     I     Facebook: SimplifyingEntrepreneurshipRecommended podcast: Huberman Lab, Genius NetworkRecommended books: Business Made Simple by Donald MillerResources mentioned: Assessment Test
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