Damn Good Interior Designer

Social proof from your clients is important for building trust and credibility in a business. Reviews and testimonials from happy clients, while also being mindful of how and when, can be used to showcase the success and unique offerings of your business. This not only helps attract the right clients, but also addresses common pain points and frequently asked questions. Reviews can also serve as a helpful tool for evaluating and honing in on your strengths, showcasing your value, and even areas for improvement. We share our tips--and even what Liz wrote a client just this week--about how to...

You can't lead clients from survival mode---well you can, but not well and not for extended periods of time. how How you feel directly impacts how you lead, sell, and scale. The mindset shift I have to use is to keep my business steady is the "attitude of gratitude."

This "Asked and Answered" topic this week is slightly more personal but a question I get asked often when I am balancing all the moving parts of running a business. By redirecting negative energy into gratitude and giving back to others in some way, rather than staying focused...

This week we are answering questions from our audience--first up is one of my FAVORITE hills to die on and what I consider one of the most damaging things you can do for your business.

It is not a smart business practice to sell blocks of time as a designer because this is not an effective way to market and value creative brilliance. Selling based on the end product or creative vision is a better approach for setting yourself apart from competition. By selling transformational spaces and having confidence in your pricing will show your clients you...

Sometimes the simplest of truths is what is going to move the needle and this begins with understanding who you are and your own weaknesses.

We all have them right??

If you have a team, or even if you are a solopreneur, you are still consistently working with others and there are always going to be challenges of working together. However, being able to understand their strengths and weaknesses is going to make you a better business owner.

It is important for you and those that you work with to be honest and...

Your marketing dollars are important. There are many elements to successful marketing and it starts with becoming part of the DNA of your business. This week we met with Denise Grothouse, the founder and CEO of Perfect Six Marketing, a company specializing in marketing strategies for the kitchen and bath design industry. In this episode we discuss the importance of having a strong brand voice and understanding your target clientele when it comes to marketing while also optimizing your #1 marketing tool--your website. You cannot be putting all your eggs in one marketing basket--but instead diversifying and leveraging where your...

Optics matter. Client's trusting you know how to manage money--matters. Understanding there is no free lunch--matters.

Here is the drum roll take away.

It takes money to make money. Ta da!

Professional designers understand that it costs money to travel to market to learn about the products they specify ( and usually sell for a profit) -- or how important it is to pay for a good attorney in your state to develop a contract to suit your needs--or to get a CPA help to know when to become an S corp. -- Yes...

I am PASSIONATE--and if you have gotten my weekly newsletter the past two weeks then you would know all those years ago in college my young professor's advice stuck. So we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes and trying to reignite the flame in those that may feel it dwindling!

Are you giving clients the yearning for more? Showing passion is one of the most important things you can do as a business to demonstrate to your clients what it is that you are bringing to the table.

Passion for my work is...

Happy New Year! What better way to start off the year than with my top 5 marketing strategies for small business owners grow their businesses.

Marketing is a mindset and not just an activity, and it takes time and effort to see results. This is not simply a standalone entity, it is ingrained in the essence of any business. Every interaction, from the moment a potential lead first encounters your brand, contributes to your marketing efforts.

To build a brand that resonates and connects, you need to define who you are and who you aim to...

The process of procurement in a busy design firm is NO joke. You are not running popsicle stand, you are running a firm with various moving parts and you have to be able to have a way to track what is coming and going through your business. This is where checks and balances come into play to avoid costly mistakes and keep the firm running smoothly.

We know discussing purchase orders can be a little bit boring but by practicing a proper purchasing process and using purchase orders can make or break your interior design business.

Cheryl is going solo this week while Liz takes a well-deserved little vacation. Cheryl is discussing managing client expectations and making sure you are not keeping them in the dark--you need them to trust the process! There is a level of professionalism that comes with the importance of managing clients' expectations during their project.

Setting clear expectations with clients from the beginning, communicating clearly, defining project timelines, and always guiding the client through the process will manage the client's needs and manage the potential risks in the project. By creating a plan and forecasting future steps in a...

How can you be team player without giving up your own rights? Working with contractors can be a tricky relationship when they want you to stay in your lane--BUT it doesn't have to be. Creating a team approach with positioning in your marketing, the copy that you use, the verbiage that you talk about, and how you talk about it with other people, all of that is so important. We discuss how important positioning to the client about it being win-win-win and how to sell this to the client and they actually need both components of this is because we...

Who doesn't love an install day!? Sure, it can be hectic and exhausting but this is where you get to see the fruit of your labor come together. Cheryl went solo this week talking about In Detail's top tips for a successful install day!

Having a team in place for installation that understands the logistics and are able to convey it to your movers AND your client is one of the keys to success. A strong install day is the icing on the cake for clients, so it's important to plan ahead and communicate clearly with your...

How important is project management in interior design?

Bottom line: Very.

Because it saves your client money in the long run! This starts with having a clear and cogent scope of work to be able to refer back to when issues arise within the project. Project management, how it is handled and why you do it can make or break a project. This means being able to handle a client's question without running for the hills and not only reminding them but also affirming their decision in why they hired you. This will allow you...

Have you ever stopped to think where your time is spent vs your energy output? The truth is we could be sabotaging ourselves and our capacity to work if we are not managing our energy.

We all have relentless demands and unexpected challenges we deal with on the daily and we all tend to slip into negative emotions—the fight-or-flight mode—often multiple times in a day.

We must take little and simple steps to recharge to recognize the costs of energy-depleting behavior and actions and then take responsibility for changing them, regardless of the circ...

This week was a bit of a whirlwind coming home from High Point! We had the pleasure of having Jude Charles as a guest and we got to meet in person while we were attending Market.

Jude Charles is a filmmaker and for over 18 years and has been producing documentaries for entrepreneurs. He has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, LuAnn Nigara, Rick Campos, and dozens of visionary CEOs. He is also the author of Dramatic Demonstration. This book is a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no one else...

How good of a partner are you to your vendors?

Strong vendor relationships are a secret to success! Many designers do not think about their vendors until there is a problem. This approach does not allow to maximize the partnership. Getting to know your reps, your customer service people, and marketing team can enhance your bottom line and the customer experience you provide to your own clients.

Learn Liz and Cheryl's eight best tips for getting the information you need from your vendors and not getting just want you need but how to make it...

Cheryl and Liz are exploring five key roadblocks to bringing a new client on board and signing that contract. By showing your expertise to the client earlier than later, you remove many difficulties from the sale itself and you set yourself up for being able to deliver your best work. You cannot rely on the lead to peruse every detail of your website. Take the time to understand your leads, who you are selling to and put yourself in their shoes in how you would want to be treated.

Have a question--click here to ask us.

Are your clients receiving and perceiving what you say to them properly? What you say, how you say it, and why you say it is vital to communicate the value and professionalism your firm offers through strategic and consistent positioning. This means understanding and committing to your target audience, being aware of how you position your firm, and not trying to appeal to everyone. Why?

Positioning is incredibly important for attracting and retaining clients who truly appreciate your work--the key to successful client relationships! Learn how Cheryl uses strategic positioning in her every aspect of her business...

If you have known me for a while you may have heard my "Top 12 Truths for Being a Shopkeep" and one of my faves that I stand by is "Retail is not for sissies!" And I know that our special guest, Christina Van Blake of Home Design Dover feels the exact same way.

Christina, or as some call her Christi, is the own and prominent designer serving the Maine and NH Seacoast area for over 22 years. Her specialties in color, pattern and texture come from 3 generations of designing women which you will learn from listening. Christina truly...

Listen up folks--we all have a love-hate relationship with social media right?

Yes we do! It is a changing animal, and if you don't keep up with it you may be missing out on amazing leads because you are not staying relevant in our industry. Liz is off handling projects and Cheryl seized the opportunity to speak with a pro podcaster and social media guru, Darla Powell of Wingnut Social. Darla was a police officer, turned interior designer, to now founder and director of her social media agency. Being well-versed in the design industry, Darla saw a...

What should you do when a client starts sending you items to evaluate? In this episode we discuss handling changes that the client initiates in design projects and the importance of respectfully evaluating items that the client provides to ensure they fit the design plan and overall project goals.

We recently had a similar client experience (yes, we are in the trenches with you!) and share how we approached this client who wanted to save money by selecting a less expensive item for their project. Communication is key and we must, as professionals, assess these items, even...

What is the #1 marketing asset of your business?

Your website! It is a living breathing entity of our firm. Join us with our special guest Victoria Marcouillier, owner of Brandwell and host of the Branding Business School podcast, as we discuss the importance of branding, the value of marketing throughout the client relationship lifecycle why your the website's role is a crucial marketing asset. Learn how there are strategic aspects of design that are not merely about aesthetics but also about influencing client perceptions and behaviors. Your branding should combine creativity with strategy, aiming to boost your...

Are your clients receiving and perceiving what you say to them properly? What you say, how you say it, and why you say it is vital to communicate the value and professionalism your firm offers through strategic and consistent positioning. This means understanding and committing to your target audience, being aware of how you position your firm, and not trying to appeal to everyone. Why?

Positioning is crucial for attracting and retaining clients who truly appreciate your work--the key to successful client relationships! Learn how Cheryl uses strategic positioning in her every aspect of her business and...

It is never too late to start over. This week we have a wonderful special guest from New York! I have known and coached Diane Bianchini of Dream Interiors NY for a number of year and she is here to talk with us this week about her path to becoming a designer with a background in Aeronautical engineering--talk about weathering the seasons of change (see what I did there?!) We discuss the importance of resilience and adaptability throughout her careers and how her varied experiences have enriched her approach to design.

My team and I have loved...

Cheryl is going solo this week while Liz takes a well-deserved little vacation. This week in our private podcast we discuss managing client expectations and making sure you are not keeping them in the dark--you need them to trust the process! There is a level of professionalism that comes with the importance of managing clients' expectations during their project. Setting clear expectations with clients from the beginning, communicating clearly, defining project timelines, and always guiding the client through the process will manage the client's needs and manage the potential risks in the project. By creating a plan and forecasting f...

Are you hiring too late? What I have found is that most designers do not hire soon enough! Hiring a team challenges and helps elevate your business to a level where sustainable growth and scalability are achievable. When we look to hire we are looking to cater to some bonus projects and also the way that our current team is developing in terms upward mobility for other team members. This is where we need the extra support to help push that along. Learn our top tips in determining when to know it is the right time to hire for...

Are you facing new challenges or going through a season of change? We are--yes we are in the trenches with you, really! Weathering the seasons of change is unpredictable and it is in these moments where we find out how resilient and adaptable we are. If you are not not prepared, then one of these events such as maternity leave, death in the family or a career change can disrupt your business to a point you cannot recover.

How are you going to be prepared and how can you tackle this when these seasons fall into your...

Prioritizing, managing the alligators closest to the boat, and effective communication are critical to managing your business and your team (if you have one!). When you are redesigning a home for a remodel and NOT starting from scratch--we can't simply start over completely but must work within constraints, similar to how we must manage our time. Understanding the value of our time can lead to better decision-making and business efficiency. We all have the same 24 hours in a day--we must be utilizing them in a way that benefits us AND our clients!

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The legal aspects of a business are super important to me as a business owner. We will always face project delays, especially in the last couple years, and we must be thinking about how we can protect ourselves. In my world, clients have to recognize the delays in executing are unrelated to our performance and we must get new bids/pricing or get the job up and running again after potential delays, and most importantly keep the client on the books despite pricing increases or the workload capacity being impacted.

This week we are chatting with Attorney...

Have you ever stopped to think where your time is spent vs your energy output? The truth is we could be sabotaging ourselves and our capacity to work if we are not managing our energy. We all have relentless demands and unexpected challenges we deal with on the daily and we all tend to slip into negative emotions—the fight-or-flight mode—often multiple times in a day. We must take little and simple steps to recharge to recognize the costs of energy-depleting behavior and actions and then take responsibility for changing them, regardless of the circumstances or excuses. Our ener...

Cheryl is passionate about what she does and loves seeing other small business owners and creative entrepreneurs succeed. We often get to hear success stories and want to be able to share this with others while also focusing on the unique market, business and experience other designers have around the country. This week we are starting a "DESIGNER FEATURE" series where once a month we will introduce you to designers Cheryl has met and coached in the last six years.

Michele Doyle and Jay Volz, designer and architect, created a partnership and business called Bluefoot Architecture & Design...

We are hitting a hot button this week and it is definitely too juicy for public consumption. Charging hourly is dead - yes, we said it. We are seeing too many coaches out there appealing to the low hanging fruit, NOT BELIEVING IN YOU or thinking you can handle flat fee pricing. We are here to tell you, you can! We are here to help you shift your mindset, helping you believe in your business model so your clients will also. We want to make you a better business owner and this is your first step in doing so!<...

We're trying something new this week and Cheryl is in the hot seat while Liz interviews her about her process for initial consultations, also known as "The Cheryl Show." Cheryl goal is simply to get to know the potential clients and see if her firm can help them. She doesn't worry about being overly prepared for these meetings because they are organic--this is IMPORTANT! You must find the balance between being the designer that discusses the process, emphasizes the need to establish oneself as an expert AND build a relationship with the client. You must use the initial consultation...

In this episode, we discuss the significance of project pricing and minimum spend requirements for achieving profitability in your design firm. But what exactly do these terms mean, and how can you integrate them into your design business? Today, they will discuss the strategy of implementing this business model  and explain why this can be a major win/win for both you–and your clients if you are going about it with intention. 

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Click here to listen to our EXCLUSIVE podcast on "The Ultimate Win Win"...

Are your clients dragging their feet, hemming and hawing after the presentation and maybe even ghosting you--what do you do? In this episode we discuss five considerations when a client is not making decisions and how to handle them. Designers need to ask themselves certain questions to help determine exactly where the problem lies and if the indecision rooted in something deeper than uncertainty. There may be more than meets the eye and it is up to us, as the expert, to come up with a solution rather than blaming a client's indecision.

Have a question--click here...

What exactly is a visual scope of work? Cheryl and Liz discuss how theirs has become a game changer not only for In Detail but many other designers Cheryl has coached over the years. In this episode they dive into strategies for creating a successful scope of work and how it can be a powerful marketing tool for your business, how useful they are in setting expectations with clients, showcases the services offered by the design firm, and how this serves as a guide for both the client and the designer, ensuring that everyone is on the same page...

How can you be team player without giving up your own rights?

Working with contractors can be a tricky relationship when they want you to stay in your lane--BUT it doesn't have to be. Creating a team approach with positioning in your marketing, the copy that you use, the verbiage that you talk about, and how you talk about it with other people, all of that is so important. We discuss how important positioning to the client about it being win-win-win and how to sell this to the client and they actually need both components of this...

Our firm, In Detail Interiors, gets a lot of leads and I am grateful for every single one of them. However, that doesn't mean we take on every job of every size and every type--and neither can you. You must have guidelines (NOT A SCRIPT PLEASE RUN FROM THOSE WHO WANT YOU TO HAVE A SCRIPT! ) on how you determine what will work for your set up of your firm, your bandwidth and your resource capacity. Learn how we focus on asking the lead questions, listening to their needs, and finding the key talking point to help us qualify...

Going to High Point Market and learning about what you sell is the BEST investment you can make for your business! After 29 markets Cheryl had the honor of talking with Tammy Nagem, CEO of High Point Market authority, to tell you why market is still one of the best business investments you can make. Learn how Tammy and her team help optimize the experience for designers and why it is important for all of you to attend. We discuss vendor relationships, the experience, the events, and how networking is important in this industry. Hear how Tammy and her team...

In the way of the word today you need to be able to stay competitive and take into consideration allowing clients to use credit cards. Cheryl and Liz discuss the importance of this for anyone who sell products if you want to grow.

Are you analyzing your costs effectively with the cost of doing business? You should be--here we deep dive into the cost of making the sale and creating a reasonable profit.

Some episodes are too bold for public consumption!

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