Is it possible to create a balanced sales model by mixing large, medium, and small projects for financial stability? Absolutely says our guest, Daniela Furtado. She is going to answer the question, Are Small Projects Worth It? In this episode we will explore how diversifying clients boosts cash flow, fosters relationships, and drives steady growth—without losing sight of the big vision. 

In this episode we learn:
- to create a revenue mix to ensure financial stability and reduce risks if a big clients drop off
- establish a profitable base rate for smaller projects (e.g., consultations, design refreshes) to ensure they are worth your time and effort
- never discount—just adjust the scope
- use small projects for strategic growth
- market your business for high-end projects by primarily showcasing large and medium projects online
- instead of waiting months to land a big client, let small projects generate cash flow to sustain your marketing efforts, ensuring continuous outreach and visibility
- nurture and upsell larger leads

Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at 
https://businessofdesign.com/membership

Join Today

EP 427 | Too Small to Bother with Daniela Furtado

Slow season got you feeling... stuck? You're not alone. In this episode, our Advocate-in-Chief  shares 5 smart moves every interior designer can make when work slows down. From reconnecting with past clients to finally creating that operations manual, these are actionable, empowering steps to help you emerge from any lull stronger, sharper, and ready for whatever’s next. Whether you're in a rut or just need a reset, this is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode we learn:
- why former clients are your most valuable leads—and how to reconnect without being salesy
- what goes into a killer operations manual and how it can change your business
- systems you finally have time to implement that will pay off all year long
- how to use slow seasons to sharpen your skills and expand your value
- yes, it’s ok to raise your rates even when business feels slow
- how mindset shifts during slow periods can lead to powerful breakthroughs

Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at 
https://businessofdesign.com/membership

EP 431 | 5 Smart Moves when Business is Slow with Kimberley Seldon

What are Business of Design® members thinking about these days? Since Director of Operations, Cheryl Horne, speaks to members on a daily basis, she’s got answers. Cheryl and Kimberley dish about smart ways to increase current project sizes, how to determine how many jobs is the right number for you and why it’s so important to ignore your inner worrier when it comes to billing clients.  

In this episode we learn: 
•	key ways to determine which projects are most profitable
•	why it's beneficial to train new staff with BOD™ modules 
•	three profit levers to pull when your business is in a famine era
•	what happens when a client wants to shop themselves 
•	which course should you take first when you are a new employee

EP 432 | Member Qs with Cheryl Horne

Daniela Furtado is back and this time we put her on the spot by rapid firing the top marketing questions interior design professionals ask us at BOD™. As usual, she is full of insights and great suggestions.

In this episode we learn:
- what quantifies a good marketing return
- how to build a referral strategy that works
- how to manage a mix of offerings on your website
- should your prices appear on your website
- talk about money early and often

Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at 
https://businessofdesign.com/membership

EP 433 | Marketing 1-2-3 with Daniela Furtado

Our brains are wired to filter out information that is unnecessary; that’s why marketing fails so often. To get through the filter and get your client’s attention, you’ll have to do something radical—you’ll have to get different. Author and entrepreneur advocate, Michael Michalowicz shares his solution to the highly ignorable marketing trap.   

In this episode we learn:
- organize clients by revenue spent and their crush factor (how much you love working with them)
- find out where your ideal clients converge and market there
- avoid being highly ignorable, approach clients in a way that gets their attention
- perform your own R&D (rip off and duplicate)
- be the true you; lean into it
- be strategic about the mediums your market in (e.g., blog, tv, print ad, Facebook ad, etc.)
- also, be strategic about the method (e.g., gift basket of cookies vs. gift basket of tequila)
introduce keys (signifier that tells you if the marketing piece is working)

Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at 
https://businessofdesign.com/membership

EP 434 | Get Different with Mike Michalowicz

Business of Design® is in full money mode with the launch of a 6-week Financial Intensive, kicking off October 16th. In this episode, Cheryl Horne, Director of Operations, shares real-world strategies and practical advice to help you take immediate control of your business finances—no matter where you’re starting from.

Whether you’re struggling to price confidently, unsure how to track profitability, or simply tired of feeling overwhelmed by the numbers, this episode offers tools you can implement today to move your business toward long-term success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
•	Why understanding your numbers is the foundation of a thriving design business
•	Practical tips to build financial clarity and confidence
•	How setting time limits on tasks improves productivity and profitability
•	The power of tracking your billable hours—and regularly reviewing them
•	Why separating revenue streams boosts both insight and income
•	The key difference between salary and profit—and why it matters
•	How to create a system of regular financial check-ins that drive smart decisions

🎯 Ready to go deeper? Join the upcoming Financial Intensive beginning October 16th and start building the systems that will lead to lasting financial success. Register at https://businessofdesign.com


EP 438 | Full Money Mode with Cheryl Horne

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.

Get the systems you need to attract ideal clients at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

EP 440 | Handling Difficult Clients Like a 90s Action Star with Dr Ganz

Let’s talk about a topic that gives many designers the cold sweats—sales. Offering your services authentically is not pushy—it’s service. It’s not ick, it’s sales. From handling rejection to reviving client pipelines and learning how to spot subtle buying signals, this conversation is packed with real strategies that feel good and get results. Whether your projects are booming or business feels a bit slow, it’s time to reframe your mindset, reconnect with past clients, and approach sales with clarity and confidence.

In this episode we learn:
- Sales is not sleazy—it's service. You're not "convincing"; you're solving a problem your client already has.
- Reframe rejection. A "no" is often just a "not yet." It’s your job to follow up respectfully and leave the door open.
- Understand your client's “convincer strategy.” People need to see or hear something multiple times before they say yes—so follow up strategically.
- Spot buying signals. Comments, objections, or questions can all indicate interest. Learn to recognize and respond without fear.
- Don’t ignore past clients. It’s easier to earn repeat business than find new clients—reach out with genuine value and suggestions.
- Your network is gold. Happy clients will refer you—if you ask. Don’t rob them of the joy of helping you.
- Soft selling works. Ask permission to make suggestions and always offer a next step without pressure.
- Watch your email tone. Reduce “I” statements and shift to client-focused language with questions that invite engagement.

Learn more to transform your business at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

EP 441 | Sales is Service with Nikki Rausch

Yes, interior design professionals can and should partner up with landscape architects to elevate their projects and deliver even more value to clients.

Landscape architect, Steve Griggs, has more than 40 years transforming backyards into sanctuaries. He’s convinced interior designers should include his skillset on projects; integrating outdoor spaces into the design process from the start

In this episode we learn:
- when interior designers, builders, and landscape architects work together from the start, the result is always stronger
- outdoor spaces are an extension of your interior design
- charge to make a profit; clients will pay for your expertise
- if you're dealing with a blank canvas, start with the hardscape to lay a solid foundation for everything else
- sometimes it's better to postpone the project rather than rush in with an insufficient budget.

EP444 | Adding Landscape to Your SOW with Steve Griggs

Ever wonder what happens when interior design meets entrepreneurship, creativity, and a dash of audacity? In this episode, the dynamic design duo behind Park & Oak share their ten-year journey from solo ventures to a thriving design, retail, and event empire. They’ll reveal how they turned a shared passion into multiple income streams without following a traditional roadmap. If you’ve longed to embrace risk, pivot when needed, and build a brand that’s bigger than you, then this conversation is packed with real-world lessons on collaboration, scaling creatively, and making bold decisions. 

In this episode we learn: 
- why the path to your ideal business isn’t always straight
- how rewarding it can be to create multiple revenue streams to complement your design business.
- it’s ok to jump in, experiment, fail, and refine
- when you partner with people whose strengths complement yours—synergy can take a small idea and turn it into a thriving enterprise.
- why a design experience might land you your next, best clients 
- it’s ok to roll up your sleeves, learn as you go, and make mistakes 


Become a Member

EP 445 | Risk and Reward with Park & Oak

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 #design course