A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

Latest Episodes:

561: Sara Hillery: Client Retention Strategies Jul 07, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today, LuAnn’s guest, Sara Hillery, shares her top tips for client retention and sound advice that you’ll be able to apply to your own business. Take notes or listen to it a second time, too, because you’re sure to hear some tidbits you missed the first time!

Sara’s approach involves incorporating the fine and rare with the utilitarian and available, creating beautiful and functional spaces. With a focus on honoring each client’s personal history, the firm excels at updating and transforming client’s interior spaces both architecturally and decoratively making previously acquired and antique pieces more relevant and practical. While Sara draws inspiration from her travels to Europe, India, and Japan, her style invariably reflects her Southern heritage and familial roots in Virginia, Texas, and New Orleans.

Upon graduating from the University of Virginia in 2004, Sara turned her focus to architecture and interiors and received her MFA in Interior Environments and ASID certification at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007.

After beginning her career in interior design working for a design group in Richmond, Virginia, Sara relocated to Houston where she became a Project Designer at Lucas Eilers Design Associates. While at Lucas Eilers, Sara’s projects received numerous local awards and accolades including Best in Show, Best Vacation Home, and Best Residential Green Design, and were featured in numerous publications.

In 2011 Sara opened Sara Hillery Interior Design. As a proud working mother of 3, Sara excels at making design family friendly while still remaining creative, elegant, and timeless. RHome, New Orleans Home and Lifestyles, and Boomer Magazine have featured her work. Sara Hillery Interior Design has completed projects in Louisiana, New York, Texas, and Virginia.

Show Highlights:

“Clients aren’t just clients, they’re a part of my life.” - Sara
Sara has genuine interest in each client. The more she knows and understands about them, the better she can serve them.
Sara’s detailed client questionnaire serves as a reference throughout the relationship and is updated as she gets to know the client.
Setting up the client’s expectations at the very beginning of a project is very important, and Sara offers her strategies.
LuAnn shares how we sometimes function out of fear, but we can learn how to operate from a place of faith that doesn’t rock us when we encounter a surprise.
More tips from Sara regarding client retention throughout the project.
Remember that there is a big emotional tie between the client and the work you are doing for their home.
Don’t forget a unique, personal gift to present to your client when the project ends. Sara has a fantastic idea for you to consider!
Bottom line in client retention: Pay attention to people, learn the things about them that matter, and act on ways you can show that you appreciate them.

Connect with Sara!

Sara’s Houzz

Sara’s Website

Sara’s Instagram

Sara’s Facebook

Sara’s Email

Links :

LuAnn’s Blogpost on Faith or Fear

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Price: $2195

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Other shows mentioned to link.

Candy Scott #279

Wendy Woloshchuk #316, #527

Ellie Mroz #374

560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book Jul 03, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn welcomes Brad Leavitt back to the show, and they are going to be discussing what your builder wants you to know. Don’t miss this motivating conversation, it will be like being a fly on the wall to an exclusive builder’s club!

AFT Construction is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Pella, Cambria, Elkay, and Post-it Notes. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley.

His Podcast, “The AFT Construction Podcast”, is focused on bringing value to its listeners, no matter their industry. The topics are focused on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, organization, building science, and construction. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability, and quality. Brad and his wife Ashley have 6 children, 5 girls, and 1 boy. Brad is active with all 6 of his children, serves in his local community, and loves all sports.

Show Highlights:

Brad and LuAnn discuss the importance of a design book.
The more a designer puts on paper, the more accountable the builder will be.
As your expertise grows, so will the level of detail you deliver in your design book.
When you provide a builder with an example of your design book, that enables him to sell your value to the client.
Brad shares how CAD brings extra value to the design book.
It’s important to reach out to non-competing designers through social media and other networking opportunities to find out how they’re doing things.
Brad encourages designers to chase the next-level project. You perfect your process and refine it after each job by doing a project autopsy.
LuAnn covers the benefits to attracting builders who want to work with you.
Brad divulges the tips to attract the right builders to work with you.
The bottom line is this is a relationship-driven industry!

Connect with Brad!

Brad’s Email

Brad’s Website

The AFT Construction Podcast

Brad’s Instagram (AFT_Construction)

Brad’s Pinterest (AFT_Construction)

Brad’s Facebook

Brad’s LinkedIn

Links :

Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends TODAY, July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Other shows mentioned to include in show notes:

Brad’s other show: #542

559: What Would Lu Do? Adjusting to Changes & Lost Business Due to Covid-19 Jul 02, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s question comes from Angela in Pennsylvania. Angela has 20 years of experience in design but considers herself somewhat of a baby designer since she only opened her own business two years ago. The Covid-19 event has had a huge impact on her virtual close rate, and she’s needing some guidance.

Listen in to hear more about the dilemma that Angela faces, as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!

Show Highlights:

LuAnn shares the details of Angela’s dilemma:
Angela has resisted switching her business model and has picked up a few clients virtually, for which she receives a small deposit.
She presents them with a slide presentation with fabrics delivered via mail, and the clients love what they see.
When the client sees the invoice, however, they offer various excuses to back out.
Angela’s close rate prior to Covid-19 was about 90%; now it’s around 10%.
Here are some of LuAnn’s suggestions for Angela:
Think outside the box!
It’s very helpful to have an automatic salary withdrawal for yourself every week, even if it’s small. When you know you have to make money, somehow you do it.
Since Angela is having a hard time closing full-service projects, perhaps she should consider adjusting her business model, after all. Angela could lean into a temporary consultancy model, as there have been other designers who have had great success with this.
Don’t mail out the presentation unless the fee is paid up front.
A 90% close rate means prices are too low.
Get real and examine the entire process from beginning to end with the client to discover the reason why they are backing out of their deals. What signs were missed or ignored along the way?
In wrapping up, LuAnn encourages Angela to go back and think about her “why”. If Angela truly loves being self-employed, she should stay the course and keep perfecting her process, because this will increase her confidence which will, in turn, increase her profits.

Links :

19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Other shows mentioned:

Duncan Blair #301

WWLD #541

558: Rebecca Robinson: Provide Value & Create Relationships with Contractors Jun 30, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On today’s show, LuAnn chats with Rebecca Robinson from Monarch Lane Interiors. Rebecca is one of the leading home renovation experts in Tennessee, and she’ll be sharing how she explains her value to contractors and builders and how this results in a full pipeline for her and her firm. You’ll also hear how Mydoma Studio makes this process even easier for her to pitch to contractors and easier for her to effectively manage the projects once she lands them. Don’t miss this conversation!

Monarch Lane Interiors is a Full Service Interior Design firm by Rebecca Robinson. With 20 years of experience remodeling the homes, offices, and commercial Studios of successful professionals around Nashville and surrounding counties. Rebecca is involved in every aspect of remodeling from drawing floor plans to color and selections to managing contractors and overseeing the design and construction details.

A customer relationship specialist, Rebecca has formed lasting friendships with her clients, helping some with multiple homes and projects. Her clients describe her as passionate, positive, and a problem solver.

Specializing in Kitchen and Bath Design, Rebecca holds the certification of Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer-AKBD. She knows the industry guidelines and codes to keep your home’s best interests in mind. A member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association -NKBA, the longest and largest established design organization. Also an Allied Member of ASID- American Society of Interior Designers. Rebecca graduated from O’More College of Design with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design.

Rebecca launched her design firm in 2006 after working several years managing a team of designers at a local furniture retailer. It is there that she gained the knowledge of flooring, furniture construction, and textiles, as well as managing store operations, client budgets, and organizing the delivery and warehouse team. Her experience designing Model homes also gave her the eye for staging and furniture and accessories. A long-term resident of Nashville, Rebecca knows the area, along with real estate and design trends to enhance the home’s value.

Show Highlights:

Rebecca shares how she saw the need to work on the contractor / designer relationship.
Here are some reasons why contractors don’t like to work with designers.
Rebecca details a private package she ended up creating that contractors can buy as a gift to their clients.
Mydoma Studio allows clients and contractors to log in to a project that you’re working on, and Rebecca sits down and shows them how to use the website.
The client has the option to purchase additional design work when their initial gifted time has been used.
LuAnn and Rebecca covers some of the ways that Mydoma Studio makes communicating and managing a project so much easier.
How Rebecca reaches out to contractors that she does not personally know.
“When I present to a contractor, I don’t just tell them all these things. I actually bring my laptop and show them Mydoma. Every single time.” Rebecca
Rebecca addresses the rebranding of her business in 2019 and all the changes that accompanied it.
Sometimes you just have to jump into your fear and go for it!
LuAnn imparts some wise words about making mistakes.
Business retreats are powerful and can bring great results! Do you want harmony in your business? Check out Rebecca’s Designer Notes Retreat.

Connect with Rebecca!

Rebecca’s Website

FREE Download! The Interior Designer's Guide to Working with Contractors

Designer Notes Retreat

Links :

19hours The Blueprint - Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Pre-Sale Price: $99 through June 30th

Full Price: $129 effective July 1st

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

Mydoma Studio A Well Designed Business

When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:

Choose Monogram!

Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?

Other shows mentioned to link:

Brad Leavitt #542

John Dupra Revel Woods #329

Allie Finkel #452

Sarah Daniele #91, #177, #555

Fred Berns #337, #393, #460

557: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset Jun 26, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Desi Creswell joins LuAnn in a conversation today about breaking old habits and how to think about the same things in new ways. You’ll hear about how important it is to get real about your life by setting goals and expectations that serve you in totality so that you can run both your life and your business in sustainable ways. Get ready for some fantastic a-ha moments!

Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally achieve next-level success with more freedom and fulfillment. An awarding-winning interior designer who has worked for world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice, Desi is uniquely equipped to empower her clients with an essential blend of industry specific expertise and mindset coaching. Her passion is to help designers build thriving businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole.

Desi will be one of the co-authors in LuAnn’s next book, A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts, Volume II.

Show Highlights:

Desi explains that many designers are solopreneurs and wear both the CEO and the technician hats.
The CEO is responsible for the vision of the business.
Many designers spend too much time as technicians and not enough time developing their capacity to run the business as CEO.
If this happens, a designer basically becomes a glorified assistant for their own business.
You can’t afford to NOT take the time to get intentional about where you’re headed.
How is your business serving your life?
Desi covers CEO tasks and questions for consideration.
Develop a strategy and be intentional about the way you’re spending your time.
Think about what is possible, and make sure your life goals and business goals support each other.
“The intention of growing your business and setting big goals for yourself is not just about the results, it is about the person you get to become once that goal is realized.” - Desi
Be aware of places you might stumble!
Desi and LuAnn share a plethora of tips, tricks, and strategies to get you on your way to honoring commitments to yourself as you grow your life and your business by developing your CEO mindset.

Connect with Desi!

Desi’sWebsite

Desi’sInstagram

Desi’s Email

Schedule Mini SessionHERE

The Interior Designer’s Get It Done Daily Planner - FREE Download HERE

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:

Choose Monogram!

Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Other shows mentioned

Desi Creswell #475

Madeleine MacRae #315, 283

Amber Dawn #478

Krystle Pickens #543

Nicole Cole #509

Amber De La Garza #385

Sara Lynn Brennan #463, 514, 524

Duncan Blair #301

556: Kae Whitaker: #BLM Grace For Lack Of Understanding, Grace for Anger Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

Kae is a Digital Marketing Strategist that specializes in helping service providers create automated marketing systems that close the gap in leads lost, enhance their sales processes, and keep customers returning bringing their friends.

Kae’s philosophy is it takes the right strategy coupled with the proper tools to execute a well thought out plan. She takes a tailored approach to helping her clients satisfy their online revenue goals, by paying attention to the unique needs, audience and capacity of each business, and creating strategies that are beneficial for not only the customers but the companies as well.

She would love the opportunity to speak with you about your digital marketing goals and how she can help. Kae offers complimentary calls to talk through your needs and see how she can best help you meet your goals.

Connect with Kae!

Kae’s Website

Kae’s Instagram

Kae’s Facebook

Kae’s Twitter

Kae’s Pinterest

Kae’s Email

Oprah Show on YouTube:

Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 1)

Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 2)

Book:

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts by LuAnn Nigara & Friends

Other shows mentioned

Corey Damen Jenkins #549

Kae Whitaker #26, #66, #114, #259, #274

555: Sarah Daniele: 19H The Blueprint, Create Resiliency in Your Business Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest on today’s show is her good friend, Sara Daniele, the founder and CEO of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio also happens to be the second-longest standing sponsor of this podcast!

Don’t miss their conversation because you’ll want to hear all of the exciting details about Mydoma Studio’s 19H The Blueprint workshop that is coming up in July. This course will help design professionals, like you, build resilience into your business, no matter what crisis comes your way.

Sarah Daniele is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio is the complete interior designer toolkit; workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. The first version of Mydoma Studio was built to fulfill a personal need. It was the encouragement of her peers that Sarah Daniele turned tech CEO and built Mydoma Studio for the interior design industry. Sarah is passionate about building tools and technology to allow interior designers to grow their businesses. Sarah has previously spoken at leading industry events and technology panels. Sarah and Mydoma Studio have also been featured in Designers Today, Home Accents Today, Editor at Large, and Kitchen, Bath Design News, and A Well Designed Business podcast.

Show Highlights:

The 19Hours digital conference replaced High Point in April.
The upcoming 19H The Blueprint will take place July 15th, 2020!
You didn’t have to attend April’s conference to get benefits from the new workshop.
Sarah shares how this newest course has come about.
Sarah is an interior designer who happens to also run and operate a software company.
LuAnn kicks off the workshop at 10:30am EST!
A comprehensive recording will be sent to all attendees within 24 hours after the event.
Sarah gives an overview of what to expect with each presentation of this 5-step methodology:
Step 1: Learn how to target your ideal customers
Step 2: Set your project up for success
Step 3: Organization & Presentation
Step 4: Checks & Balances
Step 5: Presenting the project closeout
There will be time dedicated after each session for Q&A.
“This is the how. This is getting stuff done!” - Sarah
This methodology teaches you how to build an adaptable process.
For more information, visit 19hours The Blueprint.

Connect with Sara!

Sara’s Website: Mydoma Studio

For more Information: 19hours The Blueprint

July 15th, 2020

Pre-Sale Price: $99 through June 30th

Full Price: $129 effective July 1st

Join our designer community on Facebook! Mydoma Studio Designers

Email: sarah@mydomastudio.com

Links :

Buy Wholesale For Profit

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM

Sarah Daniele #91, #177

Janelle Photopoulos #364

Wendy Woloshchuk #527

Stacey Brown Randall #93

Ashley Uhl #412

Susan Brunstrum #36

554: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit Jun 19, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! It’s Power Talk Friday and LuAnn is pleased to have her good friend, Traci Connell, joining her to talk about their newest venture, the Buy Wholesale for Profit program.

Listen in as they give you a sneak-peek of The 6 Steps to Making Maximum Profit through Buying Wholesale!

Traci Connell is an inviting, engaging, and approachable mentor who has overcome personal setbacks to build the business of her dreams - a multi-million dollar interior design business that she grew and scaled while navigating single-motherhood in the wake of immense tragedy. Traci is an expert in delivering unique design with ease of mind. She says: “What good is a luxurious home if you can’t actually live in it?” That philosophy drives her to provide high-end interior design that really lasts for every one of her clients. From initial to final details, each project is outlined through a state-of-the-art project management system, streamlining the process and enhancing the client experience. Over the years, Traci has been recognized with numerous local and national awards and publications in the interior design industry as well as many accolades within the business community. She recently launched her coaching and consulting business to teach other designers and female entrepreneurs how to get unstuck and scale their businesses just like she did using her proven system that she tested and developed over the past 8 years. She is really excited to share this system with others.

Show Highlights:

Traci shares the story of how she decided to grow and scale, and how she developed this information into a proven program.
Traci relates the benefits to designers who follow her course.
The Buy Wholesale for Profit modules that Traci details are:
Pivoting Your Business Mindset - The differences between consultancy and furnishings business models, the procurement timeline, and the advantages of wholesale margins vs. retail. Plus: Traci’s Furniture Revenue Forecasting Tool to project past a NET income of $100k.
Developing a Buying Co-op - The characteristics of successful partners, the desired strengths, and red flags. Plus: Traci’s Business Formation Checklist and template to develop and organizational chart for partnership success.
Outreach to Vendors/Manufacturers - How to develop a list of target vendors, and how to communicate your value to vendors. Plus: Traci’s cheat sheet of preferred manufacturers and tip sheet for communicating with vendors.
Pricing Your Furnishings and Design Fees - Your pricing sweet spot, how to convince clients to buy, and how to develop a budget. Plus: Traci’s preferred method for developing a design fee and furnishings budget.
Processes and Systems for Expansion - The tools of a successful reseller, which project management software should you use, and the timeline from presentation to installation. Plus: Traci’s Top Tip Sheet for considering a receiving warehouse and a no-fail project timeline template.
Wrap-Up - During this module, Traci answers lingering questions, helps you put all of this information together, and helps you decide on a clear path forward.
You still have to look at the local artisans and support the showrooms in your area!
Please visit the website for more details and information about the deliverables built into this course, which include a private FB specifically for the attendees of the course. You can ask Traci questions between sessions and connect with each other for support and help!
All of the sessions are recorded and you will have lifetime access to them to watch, in case you miss a session or if you want to re-visit them at any point in the future.
“When we don’t have the confidence, it’s because we don’t have the tools behind us to lean on.” Traci Connell

Connect with Traci!

Traci’s Email

Traci’s Coaching Website

Traci’s Interiors Website

Traci’s Instagram

Traci’s Facebook

Traci’s Pinterest

Buy Wholesale For Profit

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

Open Your Trade Account & Get 10% Off Any One Purchase of Kravet Fabric, Wallpaper, or Trim!

Use Code at Checkout: AWDB10

Kravet

Jaipur Living’s Website - Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Traci's original appearance on the show #525

Other shows mentioned:

Terri Taylor #548

Dina Holland #354

553: What Would Lu Do? When Clients Don't Understand the Value of Full Service Design Jun 18, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s question comes from Leslie, a designer that LuAnn happened to meet last winter in Chicago at the Power House Luxury Conference. Leslie is struggling to educate customers who walk into her hybrid full-service design firm / large retail showroom and expect free design services.

Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

Show Highlights:

LuAnn shares the details surrounding Leslie’s dilemma and identifies with the consumer education stru
It is likely that your messaging is not clear if you are constantly explaining yourself, your business, and your process to people. Once you are clear, the struggle will be over.
LuAnn suggests that Leslie carefully analyze all of her revenue streams, using this enlightening and motivating exercise:
What was your gross revenue last year?
Identify all sources of revenue: design fees, product sales from the showroom, markup on outside contracted goods and services…what others do you have if any?
What is the breakdown in gross revenue by category?
What is the net profit margin of each category?
What one or two revenue streams do you like doing the most?
Are either of your favorite ways to make money also one of your top producing streams?
If the answer is no, is there a way to increase their gross revenue capacity or their gross profit margins?
The 2 big things to consider from this exercise:
Step 1: Get clear on where you earn the most and then move in that direction.
Step 2: If the competition is zigging, you need to zag.
Have a beautiful hand-out made for the furniture salespeople, designers, and customer service reps to refer to and to give out to all potential customers that come in the store.
LuAnn details all the information that the hand-out might hold, such as furniture services on one side of the hand-out and full service design on the other side.
Educating the team members on the two different services is very important, so that they can present the hand-out to customers and answer questions with confidence.

Links :

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

LuAnn's new course taught by Traci Connell:

Buy Wholesale For Profit

Starts July 22nd!

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

When your client wants the finest in luxury appliances for their kitchen:

Choose Monogram!

Are You Set Up with Monogram's Design Partner Trade Program?

552: Shirry Dolgin: I Have a CPA so I'm Good, Right? Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is Shirry Dolgin. Hold on to your seat as Shirry humorously recounts her long-ago experience with a sales tax audit that was the furthest thing from funny at the time. You just might identify with the gamut of emotions that she experienced during this period and hopefully learn from her ordeal!

Shirry Dolgin is a rising star in the southern California interior design community. Having established her firm, ASD Interiors INC. in 2004, Shirry has an impressive portfolio of projects, and has been featured in a variety of media outlets including multiple TV appearances. Specializing in large scale residential and commercial projects and an industry expert in construction, she has built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable renovations interior designers in the industry.

A native of Los Angeles and the daughter of the owner of a construction company, Shirry was exposed to the world of design at an early age. She went on to study performing arts in Boston as a dancer, then attended the prestigious Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising in L.A., first in the visual communication department, then transferring to interior design.

Shirry’s on-screen career began in 2006, when she was asked to participate in a renovation project for television. Given her background in performing arts, she was a natural. Her TV credits include a design and remodel segment on the KTLA morning show, an appearance on HGTV’s Selling L.A. and a feature of her live/work office on You Live in What? for HGTV. She has participated in several episodes of House Hunters Renovation and was a two-time winner on HGTV’s design competition show, Design Wars. ASD Interiors projects have been featured in Traditional Home and Apartment Therapy, and published in the Kitchen Bible. ASD has received the “Best of HOUZZ” in service and design for the past nine years.

Show Highlights:

Shirry shares the backstory that led up to the letter from the State Board of Equalization requesting a sales tax audit.
Shirry was working with a CPA that didn’t reconcile her account on a monthly basis.
The audit covers a 3-year period.
The CPA requested that Shirry gather all of her documents, which was bewildering to an unprepared Shirry.
The CPA submitted all of the information that they were able to gather.
The State Board of Equalization determined that Shirry was not properly collecting sales tax and demanded a very large sum of money, which Shirry did not have.
Shirry requested an appointment with the State Board of Equalization’s superior manager in order to understand how they arrived at their figures.
The State Board of Equalization’s response to Shirry stunned her!
You don’t know what you don’t know.
Shirry shares what she learned from this meeting.
“I learned more going through that audit than I did in three years of college to get a design degree.” - Shirry
How do you pay back $43,000 that you do not have?
LuAnn explains the “Red Pen System” that she uses at Window Works.
Find out if the CPA found redemption in Shirry’s eyes post-audit!
Learn to speak up when something doesn’t seem right.
Your action item:
Download the handbook of equalization for your particular state (.gov address).
Shirry:
Collects 35% across the board for Residential work.
Has this “procurement fee” conversation with her clients.
Shirry and LuAnn offer additional tips on collecting sales tax.

Links :

Shirry’s Email

Shirry’s Website

Shirry’s Instagram

Shirry’s Facebook

Shirry’s Pinterest

Buy Wholesale For Profit

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

The Making of A Well - Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

Other shows mentioned:

Cheryl Clendenon #482