It’s one thing to design a kitchen. It’s an entirely different matter to cook in one. If you are an interior design professional who renovates or designs these important spaces, you’ll love getting advice from a professional who has cooked in a hundred different homes. 

In this episode we learn:
- questions to ask clients before you begin their kitchen renovation
- tips for designing a kitchen that functions well
- pet peeves to avoid
- why it’s important to say yes and follow the opportunity
- how to stay motivated with your social media efforts

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Become a Member

EP 372 | Kitchen Aid with Chef Maddy Goldberg

Could you start over? Let’s say you’ve been in business a few years, or more. You’ve given it your all, but you still aren’t where you dreamed you’d be by now. Would you just keep plugging away, or would you be willing to try something new? Would you be willing to adopt the BOD™ systems? In this episode, designer Holli Appelquist shares how she joined BOD™ and transformed her company, her profitability, and her life, in one year. 

In this episode we learn: 
- you can actively target the profitability you want 
- establish a company mission and define your values, then live by them
- look for new hires adjacent to your interior design firm 
- employees love how easy it is to train with systems in place
- adding systems allows you to take on more projects and work less
- systems give you confidence

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 373 | Rebuild with BOD™ with the Holli Appelquist Team

Two years ago, when designer Holli Appelquist joined Business of Design® and began to implement the systems. She anticipated improvements to her projects, but she was blown away by the positive changes in her life. She finally enjoyed the work-life balance that previously eluded her. She had more time to work on the tasks she loved doing. More time off during the work week and more time off for holidays. She was able to delegate to staff and their satisfaction improved. Profits soared. Today, Holli is the confident business owner she always wanted to be. 

In this episode we learn: 
- establish a company mission and define your values, then live by them
- integrity matters, define it and honor it 
- adding systems allows you to take more time off, to have more breathing space in your week

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 374 | Systems and the Solution with Holli Appelquist

The journey to a dream career is frequently a winding path. That’s true for many of us, and it certainly describes the journey of designer Denean Jackson. Hear how she launched her business as a staging professional and then followed her heart to a niche in kitchen and bath design. Every year gets better, and there are big plans ahead for Denean.  

In this episode we learn: 
- self-assessment is an important tool
- reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and areas of expertise
- identify what sets you apart from others in the industry 
- explore the current trends, demands, and gaps in the design market
- understand the needs and preferences of your target audience 
- gather feedback from past clients to understand what they appreciated most about your services 
- don’t be afraid to experiment and try out various specializations within interior design 
- continue to learn through workshops, courses, and industry publications

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 377 | The Journey to Niche with Denean Jackson

Why does it seem like you’re either drowning in opportunity or getting hit from behind by closing doors? Design professional, and BOD™ devotee, Jameelah Watkins-Mallett says there is an art to getting abundance in your life. And, it’s important to be discerning about what you will say yes to. 

In this episode we learn: 
- how small yeses turn into the big yes
- when it’s time to say no
- why it’s important to stand in your power, from your first project
- consider setting a minimum for your design fees

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 378 | Stand In Your Power with Jameelah Watkins - Mallett

Many design business owners dislike accounting so much, they avoid it. But this avoidance negatively impacts your ability to perform at your best. By reimagining how financial data is communicated and simplifying the tasks, you can make accounting engaging and accessible. You can be more profitable with very little extra effort. 

In this episode we learn: 
- partner with an accounting/finance resource that engages on your level
- know (and I mean really know) what is the thing that is most important thing you want to achieve in your life, and how is your business going to help you achieve it
- 3-5 KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) can tell you the health of your business 
- stop (solely) relying on your gut and intuition to run your business 
- data driven decision making increases the likelihood of an improved outcome by 3x

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 382 | Key Metrics with Nolan Bradbury

Sure, as interior design professionals we make homes look beautiful. However, to be truly successful and create clients for life, we have to dig deeper. Interior designer Kate Marker says she likes to tap into the feeling or mood her clients are hoping to live with, in order to satisfy their deepest needs. She does that by asking strategic questions and actively listening, so she can build meaningful relationships that last and last. 

In this episode we learn:
- it takes time to know your clients and then tailor your designs to reflect their unique personalities 
- keeping the lines of communication open is critical, so build in regular updates and check-ins 
- listen actively to your clients' concerns and desires and let them know you hear them  
- foster collaboration but don’t be afraid to be the expert and make strong recommendations  
- we build trust through transparency

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 403 | Love of Home with Kate Marker

Let’s talk strategy. Today’s guest, Casey Chastain, helps design and architecture firms align marketing and business development with their core business objectives. By identifying growth opportunities, streamlining bid processes, and ensuring all teams are connected to the firm’s overall strategy, design firms can unlock untapped growth potential.

In this episode we learn: 
- lowering your price does not necessarily lead to more clients
- clients will hire you when they see value
- develop a clear value proposition for marketing and business development
- make sure new ideas align with overall business goals
- implement reporting tools that show how marketing and business development efforts contribute to revenue
- communicate goals with your team

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

EP 404 | Growth Strategies with Casey Chastain

At High Point Market, in partnership with Daniel House Club and Sunpan, Kimberley talks to designers about growing your relationship and profitability with key vendors. They are an extension of your brand.

In this episode we learn:
- Work less, by relying on the expertise of key vendors.
- Grow profitability by working in harmony with vendors.

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/membership

EP 407 | Growing Profitability with Vendors live at High Point Market

Kimberley contemplates a tattoo for the new year, while sharing wisdom from the season’s best podcasts. 

In this episode we learn:
1. systems don’t complicate your life, they remove friction
2. no is a complete sentence
3. let me look into that
4. design with intention, not just for attention
5. is this an insurmountable problem
6. when you are speaking to everyone, you are speaking to no one
7. the client’s wish list never aligns with the client’s budget
8. beware of toxic positivity
9. never be more concerned about your client’s money than you are about your own
10. feel awkward for 15 seconds, and see what the client says

Success is not an accident. It's a strategy.
Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today.
https://businessofdesign.com/membership

EP 408 | My Next Tattoo with Kimberley Seldon

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

New tracks tagged #Business Systems