Ever feel like you’re not being truly heard by your clients? You’re not alone—communication can be tricky, especially when dealing with different personalities.

In today’s episode, we’re talking D with Sierra Collins! A long-time BOD™ Partner, Sierra has worked with all our Boss Groups and countless members to master the art of effective communication. Kimberley first met Sierra years ago during her own DISC assessment, and the lessons still resonate today.

Sierra breaks down how understanding DISC can transform your client interactions, including:
- Why we’re all a mix of DISC—and why that’s a good thing
- How to hire for a balanced mix of communication skills
- Why having systems and solid contracts can give you the D courage you need

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

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EP 424 | Talking D with Sierra Collins

We all want the healthiest client relationships possible, right? Well, it’s an inside job. Sure, better systems to run your business and projects will significantly improve your client relationships. Absolutely. However, in addition we may also need to address what’s going on between our ears! Long standing patterns of negative thought can morph into negative patterns of behavior, which keep us stuck. 

In this episode we learn:
- how the '10% right' principle can be used in conflict resolution
- implement a 3:1 positive ratio in your thoughts and interactions with clients to improve the relationship and get your way more often
- to consult your elder, wiser self when at an impasse or stuck on a decision
- the transformative impact of celebrating small steps and victories

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 426 | 10% Right with Janine Aurichio

Who transitions from a cushy job in the corporate Craft Brew world into running an interior design studio? Our guest, Alexis Vitale. That’s who. While the corporate world gave her structure, business knowledge, sales skills, and more, it took tremendous courage to make the switch. Find out what mattered most to this business owner during her transition.

In this episode we learn: 

•	taking a calculated risk is scary, but staying stuck in fear is worse  
•	don’t be ok, with just being ok—go for great
•	it’s all about relationships—make frequent dates with new people and grow your network

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 429 | From Beer to Design with Alexis Vitale

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

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 


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EP 445 | Risk and Reward with Park & Oak

In this episode of Business of Design®, Kimberley chats with Erin Gates, interior designer and author of Elements of Timeless Style. Erin is all about creating spaces that not only look great today but evolve beautifully over time. Whether you're designing your own forever home or creating a client home that stands the test of time, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode we learn:
- the importance of timeless design that evolves with the homeowner
- why a smooth, collaborative process is essential
- the emotional side of building a home and making sure the design reflects the story of the people who live there
- how to embrace flexibility in design—things will change, and that’s okay
- why you should invest in quality over quantity when it comes to your team and materials
- creating a space that feels like a forever home, even if you’re not sure if you’ll stay forever

EP 448 | Elements of Timeless Style with Erin Gates

In this episode, Bruce Philp joins us to explore the power of branding and how small business owners can step into a brand space with clarity and confidence. More than just a logo or tagline, your brand is the belief system your clients buy into. By understanding what truly builds trust and credibility, you can stop giving away your power and start showing up as the business clients feel confident hiring.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The three components of a healthy brand that every business needs to thrive.
- Why outsourcing your brand experience can strengthen how clients perceive your business.
- How the appearance of a corporation can instill confidence—even for small business owners.
- The three common ways entrepreneurs give away their power without realizing it.

EP450 | You are a Brand Part 1 with Bruce Philp

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 program