design

Business of Design

If you don’t get the consultation right, the project will never get off the ground. How to own the process—from first phone call, to onsite performance and signing the letter of agreement.

In this episode we learn:
- how charging a higher rate leads to more than just profit.
- the perfect response to those who question charging for the consultation.
- to offer a different service, of lower value, rather than take no for an answer.

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Become a Member

EP 001 | The Consultation with Veronica Solomon

Want to handle difficult clients and challenging situations with total authority? Well then, channel your inner 90’s action star (think Steven Segal)! Using a simple and effective technique, you can diffuse any challenging situation and turn an uncomfortable exchange into an affirming and positive step forward in your relationship. The bonus: this technique works with friends and family too. 

In this episode we learn: 
- how to diffuse a bad situation that is escalating.
- stress-reducing strategies that will keep you in top-shape for the challenging work you do. 
- why hiring a coaching and/or psychologist is a sign of strength.
- 5 reasons you absolutely should charge more money.

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 002 | Handling Difficult Clients like a 90's Action Hero

As interior design professionals, most of us have big ideas, and frequently we can visualize those concepts long before they are realized. However, clients aren’t typically able to do that. To sell our design ideas and concepts to clients we must be able to show them what we’re thinking. A solid drawing package does just that.

In this episode we learn:
- what elements make up a thorough drawing package
- how a disclaimer can protect you and your business
- what clients do and don’t need to see
- who decides what drawings are required
- why billable hours for drawings are worthwhile
- why negotiating fees with clients is a very bad idea

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 005 | Inside the Drawing Package

Terrible, awful, bad and inferior. These are the adjectives that best describe the three most popular methods for calculating flat fee proposals. Yes, most popular! In this one-on-one episode with Kimberley, you’ll hear first-hand, why the most popular methods don’t work. We want to clear the path for you to make lasting change in your business (and your life) and you won’t be able to do that until you abandon methods that are no longer serving you.

In this episode we learn:
- why guesstimating is a losing proposition; and, clients always “hold you to it”
- how to increase your success rate in procuring new projects by 50%
- how room-by-room methods for calculating come up short
- why percentage of overall budget is not the best choice

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 006 | 3 Lousy Methods for Calculating Flat Fees

Talent isn’t enough to get you noticed. You’ve got to work at making your own breaks too. Especially if you want the wide-exposure gained through big media—television, print, radio. Cultivating a “yes” personality, going with the flow and persistently chasing your dreams will open doors.  
  
In this episode we learn: 
- why a “yes” first approach is best when it comes to media 
- the value of expanding your brand into television and print
- tips on getting published and landing your first TV gig 
- why local promotion is sometimes the best
- what traits are required to create a dynamic career
- how Karl Lohnes finally got to work with one of his design idols, Martha 
Stewart
- the 30-minute rule for engaging with TV hosts

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 008 | Navigating the Home Decor Media Market

Just because you’ve been doing it that way for years doesn’t make it the best way. Don’t surrender to so-so, when amazing is just around the corner.

In this episode we learn:
- top assumptions that need replacing
- when it’s time to abandon a method of working
- why new systems can fast track you to new success

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 009 | Stuff you Think you Know

You love getting paid without a hassle from your clients, but you hate logging hours. You have a real dilemma. It’s time to resolve this once and for all. 

In this episode we learn: 
- why effectively logging hours means fewer questions from clients
- how to track time
- why you need to log hours for hourly fee contracts and flat fee contracts

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 012 | Tracking your Hours

“People don’t buy our product. They buy the belief that we can create and deliver the product. They buy our brand.” Bruce Philp, author Consumer Republic.

Having a brand, and filling a particular brand space gives consumers the confidence to hire you.

In this episode we learn:
- 3 components of a healthy brand
- why outsourcing your brand experience makes sense
- how corporation (or the appearance of one) gives a client confidence
- three ways small business owners give away their power

Take Aways

Three conditions that need to be met in order to build a viable brand:

Purpose. Consumers need to believe that the people they hire are motivated by a higher purpose, otherwise they’ll assume it’s opportunism.

Positioning. Commit to a particular type of project that you’re great at and an ideal client, or you’ll never excel

Character. Sharing your value and personality allows your customer to buy into you as a brand.

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 023 | You are a brand. Whether you like it or not - Part 1

Although we don’t always learn the lessons when they first present themselves, in hindsight, they were there. Kimberley discusses her very first design client and what she learned (or could have learned) back in 1991.

In this episode we learn: 
- you determine your value and clients will oblige  
- clients value your expertise when you do
- clients care about two things and you should care about those same things
- professional hours look professional
- the boss makes the rules

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 107 | Lessons I Learned From My First Interior Design Client with Kimberley Seldon

Our suppliers and trusted resource providers can offer a wealth of insight into how to run our businesses more efficiently and profitably. Seeking their advice can save you from making costly mistakes and position you to succeed. 

In this episode we learn: 
- present the whole project (renovation and fixtures and furniture) to clients at one time 
- give clients an opportunity to know luxury—don’t deprive them
- hold your opinion, even if a client is balking at the suggestion
- systems, period
- rely on specialists to know all the things you don’t (and can’t possibly) know
- you don’t have to know everything; you just have to know who to ask

It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 112 | What Not To Do with Layers and Layers

Business of Design® is the #1 trusted business training resource for design professionals around the world. Join thousands of design professional already using our field-tested project management strategies and enjoy increased confidence, improved client retention, greater profits and a business that thrives.

It’s time to take control of your business. 
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast