Interior Design Business

Networking doesn’t work, it’s just a waste of time. Not true! Sorry if the title got your hopes up, but stick with me! Networking is not as hard as you think it is, it’s actually pretty fun, and I’m here to walk you through it. I’m going to turn networking from something you dread into something you look forward to. Don’t believe me? Tune in to this episode of Interior Design Business. Topics covered in this episode include:How to make networking fun The value of building relationships in your everyday lifeWhy you shouldn’t make a business pitch as soon as you meet someone How to get more referrals If you want to learn how to make networking simple, repeatable, and fun, this is for you. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Are you charging enough for your product purchasing services?I talk a lot about design fees and prices here on the Interior Design Business podcast, but in this episode, I want to discuss the product sales side of things. I’m teaching you why you should separate your design services from your product sales, how to change your mindset around product sales, and how to profit from your product sales. Topics covered in this episode include:A good rule to follow when it comes to product sales Why your mindset is getting you in trouble How to be good with a client’s budget without being cheapIf you want my help figuring out whether you’re charging enough for product purchasing, tune in!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Do you feel like you’re always busy and yet you can never seem to get ahead?The truth is that staying crazy busy isn’t helping you as much as you think it is and in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m exploring why. Successful business owners have teams of different people to do different jobs, leaving them with more time to work on the things that pay the big bucks. When you’re always busy working in your business, it’s impossible to find time to work on it, and that work is really important. I’m going to help you stop measuring your worth based on how busy you are so that you can let go of some of the everyday tasks you’re holding on to and free up your time to work on things that get you paid. Topics covered in this episode include:Where the most profit lies in your businessThe value of outsourcing small tasks Why staying crazy busy doesn’t work If you’re exhausted from being busy all the time, don’t miss this episode. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Do you want to create more freedom in your life? What if I told you I know a simple and effective way to achieve that?The answer lies in systems, which is what we’re covering in this episode of Interior Design Business. I’m teaching you how to shift into a systems mindset so that you can simplify and streamline any area of your life. I’m sharing examples of systems in your day-to-day life, how to make time to set up systems in your business, and what systems can help you get done. Topics covered in this episode include:How systems save you time and energyMindset issues that get in the way of creating systems Making time to create systems If you want to get back hours of your time and create a life of freedom, don’t miss this episode. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Are you using templates to create your letters of agreement?If you are, it’s really important that you hear this episode! Templates can be helpful, but they aren’t the be-all-end-all of letters of agreement (otherwise known as contracts). If you use a template without thoroughly reading it through or making any changes, you’re going to end up in a world of hurt. The problem is that a template is never going to be able to cover the boundaries that you need in place for your unique business and every unique job that you do. In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re going through how to use templates appropriately, the problems with relying on templates for your letters of agreement, and how to communicate your boundaries effectively to every client. Topics covered in this episode include:Things to look for in a template Common mistakes designers make in their letters of agreement The importance of setting boundaries in your letter of agreementIf you’ve been relying on templates to write your letters of agreement until now, don’t miss this episode. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Do you feel like you’re in control of your financial situation?Growing up and even into early adulthood, I always thought that my financial situation was something that just happened to me. I didn’t have control and I had to make do with what I had. When someone told me that I was the creator of my situation and I could control what happened, it changed my life. If you feel like you’re always struggling and never making enough money, you’re not alone. You are the product of how you’ve been taught to think about money, but what if we could change all that?In this episode of Interior Design Business, I want to show you how to take total responsibility for your financial situation and set yourself up for financial success moving forward. Together, we’ll look at ways you’re losing money, how to set up boundaries to protect your finances, and the importance of knowing your worth. Topics covered in this episode include:How everything changes when you realize you have control over your financial situation Where scarcity is coming from in your businessHow to create abundance If you want to end the struggle and always feel like you have enough, tune in. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Let’s talk about selling. Don’t freak out! I know a lot of people hate this topic. There’s a lot of bad energy and negative stories around selling, but most of them aren’t actually true, so we’re going to unpack them in this episode of Interior Design Business. I promise you do not have to be like a sleazy car salesman in order to sell. I’m here to teach you how to build a relationship with your potential client, create an offer that they want to say yes to, and set up the golden moment to make your sale. In this scenario, everyone wins! Your client is happy, you’re happy, and no one feels sleazy or taken advantage of. Topics covered in this episode include:Creating an offer that’s easy to say yes to How to leverage the golden moment A simple way to close a sale without feeling sleazy How to make selling easy If you want to learn how to use the golden moment in your sales process, tune in.I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Hands up if this sounds familiar: your cash flow goes up and down like a rollercoaster, you’re struggling to attract clients and even then they can’t make any decisions on their $5,000 budget, and you’re afraid to tell your friends or family how much you made last year because they’ll tell you to get a real job.If your hand’s in the air, you’re not alone, but it doesn’t have to be that way. What you’re looking for is actually right in front of you, but it’s hard to get out of your own way long enough to see it. In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re talking about some of the biggest ways we get in our own way as designers and I’m sharing some small steps you can take to start getting out of your own way. Topics covered in this episode include:Why you might be playing too small Saying yes to things that scare or challenge you Stepping into an abundant mindset I’m going to help you get out of your own way so that you can make all your design business dreams come true. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Could you be leaving money on the table?We’d all like to hope that we’re not, but it happens all the time, so how can you make sure it’s not happening to you? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m taking you through the most common ways design businesses leak money so that you can look at each of these areas in your business and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.A profitable design business doesn’t happen by accident, it’s something that you grow with intention, consistency, and the right strategies. Tune in for actionable tips that you can apply directly to your design business to start making more money right away. Topics covered in this episode include:How to make your design business more profitableCommon ways design businesses lose money Why hourly billing is limiting youDon’t miss this opportunity to make easy money just by checking on some areas of your business. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Are you setting boundaries around money in your design business?Every designer I’ve ever met (including me) struggles with boundaries because we’re all people pleasers. You’re in this business because you want to serve people and make them happy, but you’ve still got to be paid for it. I’m here to make sure you’re not short-changing yourself. If you have a hard time creating and sticking to boundaries, listen up. In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m walking you through how to create boundaries, communicate them to your clients, and hold your shape when someone challenges them. I’m going to help you get your money boundaries in place so that you can stop worrying about being underpaid. Topics covered in this episode include:What happens when you don’t set boundaries How to handle a client who wants you to lower your pricesGetting comfortable communicating your boundaries Tune in to find out how to use boundaries to get paid what you’re worth. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What do you do when you get into a design job and discover that you don't want to put your name on it because the client's taste is so bad?You won’t be in the design industry long before one of these situations comes up, so it’s important that you know how to handle it. In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m sharing three ethical solutions to working with a client with bad taste. All of these options will protect you and your reputation as a designer while also treating your clients fairly, so you can use whichever solution feels best to you or try out all three over time! Topics covered in this episode include:What to do when your client is standing by design choices that you don’t agree with How to say no to something you don’t want to put your name on How to avoid bad client design choices reflecting on you When and how to back out of a job I know we’re in the business of people-pleasing, but remember that people-pleasing won’t always serve you. If that’s something you struggle with, don’t miss this episode. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What do you say when a client asks you for your resources? Their questions might sound something like this:“Where did you get the bar stools for my kitchen? My friend wants to buy them!”“What’s the number of your painter? I need to get my daughter’s bedroom painted!”Take a deep breath and remember they’re not trying to steal from you, they just don’t understand how your business works or how to ask for what they need. The good news is, you can educate them on that and you’ll probably end up with more business. Everyone wins! In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m teaching you what to say to clients who ask you to share your resources. It’s actually really simple when you know how to handle it properly—let me help! Topics covered in this episode include:How to clearly and calmly answer a question about your resources Things about resources  to include in your letter of agreement The importance of having clear agreements with your contractors and subcontractorsTune in to learn an easy way to handle clients asking for your resources!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Is my design fee enough? This is a very common question to have, especially when you’re making the transition from hourly rates to design fees. It’s hard to figure out what your fee should be, right? You want to ensure you’re getting paid for all your time and making a profit but you might feel like no one will pay for your services if you price them too high. I can help. Your design fee won’t be perfect when you’re getting started, no one’s is, but if you work on it, you’ll start to find the sweet spot. That’s what I’m going to help you with in this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast. I’m sharing five simple things for you to remember when you’re working out your perfect design fee. Topics covered in this episode include:Things to consider when developing your design feeHow to get paid for all your time when you’re not charging hourly Why giving away your time won’t make clients like you moreHow to know if your design fee is high enoughWhether you’re new to design fees or you’ve been working with them for a while, this episode has something for you. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

How do you turn prospective clients into paying clients?Let’s talk about the magic question you should always ask a prospective client on an initial discovery call. This question will tell you everything you need to know about whether they will become a paying client or not. In this replay of a favorite Interior Design Business Podcast episode, you’ll learn how to structure your discovery call, what to charge for it, what to include, and so much more. You’ll be bringing in new paying clients in no time. I know it can be disheartening when you hop on a call and the first question your prospective client asks is, “What’s your hourly rate?” but don’t be discouraged! I’m also teaching you how to redirect the conversation to get them talking about their project and learning about you before you start talking money. Topics covered in this episode include:How to structure a discovery call Establishing your value from the beginning of a client relationshipWhy there should never be homework for you after a first appointment Tune in to find out what the magic question is and why it’s so effective. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

So, you’ve got a good design practice, a steady stream of ideal clients, and your jobs are consistently profitable. What’s the problem? You have absolutely no time for yourself. In fact, you spend most of your time putting out fires. Does that sound familiar?It’s hard to grow your business when you’re spending all your time fixing things. Do you want to know the solution to the chaos? Systems and processes. When you have repeatable systems and processes in place, your problems will start to solve themselves. This episode is a replay of one of our greatest episodes about systems and processes, so if you could use a refresher, you’re in luck! I talk about the systems strategy you need to know and teach you how to start getting systems set up in your business so that you can reclaim some of your time. Topics covered in this episode include:The value of systems and processes Why you need to write your systems and processes down Identifying what tasks create the most money If you’re ready to stop spending all your time putting out fires and start spending it on what you do best, tune in. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Where does the most potential for profit lie in design jobs? Purchasing. If you’re not sure how to get your purchasing profits up, you’re in luck. Let me introduce you to our guest for this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Heather McManus. Heather is the creator and CEO of The Designers Collaborative and she knows pretty much everything there is to know about profitable purchasing in the design world. In this episode, you’ll learn how to find vendors you want to work with, spend less time trying to find the perfect pieces for your designs, and make a higher profit on your purchases. You’ll also find out how a buying collaborative works and why I think it’s the thing that’s been missing from the design industry. Topics covered in this episode include:Why purchasing is the most profitable part of a design job What a buying collective is How to start learning about the purchasing process as a designerTune into this episode to find out more about the key to profitable purchasing. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Have you been wondering how to start a design business? Maybe you’ve even started already but you’re not sure what to do next. I’m bringing back one of the most popular episodes of the Interior Design Business Podcast all about starting a design business. If you’ve been scouring the internet for information about starting your own design business, you’ve made it to the right place. In this episode, I’m taking you through a list of everything you need to get set up to start your business. From networking and building a team to setting up software and marketing, I’ve got you covered. If you’ve already started your business, think of this episode as a checklist for you to go through, and if you haven’t, you can use this episode as a framework to move forward with.Topics covered in this episode include:Everything you need to know to start a design businessHow to make important connections Who you need on your team Why marketing is so importantI’m so excited for you to start this journey and I can’t wait to see where it takes you!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What do you do when you have a client you feel you can’t say no to?This usually happens when it’s a client who put you on the map or helped your career in some way. You feel like you owe them, but they just keep calling with more and more design questions that you’re not getting paid to answer. Are you obligated to help this client? Coach Marsha Sewdass is answering all your questions in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast. We’re talking about what it means to hold your shape, how to change the story you’re telling yourself about obligation, and what they don’t teach you about this in design school. Topics covered in this episode include:When your obligation to a client ends The importance of sticking to your boundaries Things that diminish your value as a designer Why relationships based on obligation are not good for you Ready to learn how to hold your shape? Let’s get started. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

“I hate my business.”“This isn’t what I signed up for.”“I’m overwhelmed.”Does this sound like your inner dialogue right now? Have you reached a place where you’re feeling resentful toward your business?Let’s talk about what happened, how you got here, and what it means for the future of your business. I want you to know that it’s normal to reach this point, so don’t feel bad about it. This feeling is telling you something about how to move forward in your business, and in this episode, I’m teaching you how to lean into that feeling and use it to take you to the next level. Topics covered in this episode include:Signs that you’ve started to resent your business How to turn your resentment into something productive Ways to make your business more self-sustaining so you can get your life back You have put so much work into building your business from the ground up, so don’t let feelings of resentment convince you to throw it all away. Tune in to this episode to find out how to channel those feelings into creating the life and business of your dreams!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

I want to talk about my favorite thing to do: remodeling jobs. They might be fun, but they can easily turn into money leaks if you’re not careful, because let’s be honest, they take a lot of time to do and you still need to get paid for all that time. It took me a long time to figure out how to make remodeling jobs profitable, but now that I’ve got it figured out, I want to share the process with you. This episode of the Interior Design Business podcast will walk you through how to have a successful and profitable remodeling job that is enjoyable for everyone the whole way through. If that sounds like your dream, tune in!Topics covered in this episode include:Why you need to see yourself as the leader of your jobs Key mistakes to avoid in remodeling jobs How to avoid budgeting problems with your clients Creating a win-win situation for you and the contractor If you’re like me and you love remodeling jobs but you’ve always struggled to make them profitable, you’ve come to the right place. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up