Design Business Freedom

Latest Episodes:

052: What To Do When Inquiries Aren't Coming In Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

In many parts of the country, we are seeing a downturn in business. The kneejerk response for many designers is panic mode–and that might be your reaction as well if you are dealing with the uncertainty of losing your steady stream of client inquiries. Economic uncertainties are bound to happen, but they shouldn't dictate the trajectory of your creative business. It's easy to panic and worry when inquiries aren't pouring in, but remember - what you focus on expands, what you think about you bring about.

Listen In → www.melissagalt.com/ac052

Mastering your business numbers and marketing strategies is crucial, especially in tough economic times. Are you familiar with your break-even number? Do you understand your overhead expenses? Do you have an emergency fund in place? We discuss all of this and more in today's episode, including insights on strategic team and payroll reductions, client incentivization, and getting ahead of the curve by ordering before price increases.

We'll also shed light on the importance of networking and due diligence when venturing into new territories. Whether you're struggling with financial management, grappling with marketing strategies, or seeking ways to attract your ideal client in a dry spell, harnessing the power of a positive mindset and masterful business strategies will help you overcome these hurdles. Don't let economic uncertainty deter you! Instead, let's turn it into an opportunity to redefine and revolutionize your creative practice.

In this episode, you will hear:

Recommended strategies to help you maintain a positive mindset as a creative in uncertain times
How knowing your exact overhead numbers can help you stay afloat in a pinch
Tips on finding the right agents, builders, and other professionals when moving your business into a new neighborhood
The importance of having a clear, client-targeted website and marketing strategy that reflects your unique personality when attracting ideal clients

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
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If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

051: Your Clients Aren't Qualified, Take the Lead Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered why some client interactions leave you feeling frustrated and undervalued? The answer may lie in how you manage the design process for your clients. On today's episode, we're all about taking command and elevating your client interactions to streamline your design process. I'll share insights from my decades of design experience to help remind you why you should be the one in control of the project, not your clients.

First, we delve into leading our clients as affluent creatives. We discuss the importance of taking charge of the discovery process and not allowing your clients to steamroll the project out of your creative direction. I share strategies for standing your ground, reinforcing your expertise, and leading the project to successful completion. We'll also focus on streamlining selections, procurements, and installations, and how to combat decision-making fatigue.

Listen in today for my actionable advice on how to navigate client relationships with grace and confidence, leading them to their desired interior destination and beyond. This episode is packed with value, and I can't wait for you to listen in!

In this episode, you will hear:

Why you need to take the lead in the discovery process
How standing your ground in agreement negotiations can reinforce your expertise and pave the way to successful project completion
Ways to streamline your design process
Smart strategies that you can use to more effectively manage the delivery and placement of your clients' pieces

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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050: Where Your Focus Goes, Finances Grow Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

If you're anything like the many designers I coach, you may feel like your focus is pulled in so many directions that it is hard to clear a path forward to higher profits. Something that I have found is true of most of these designers, however, is that they are often focusing too much on the wrong things.

When you give our attention too frequently to small, low-dollar tasks, you are not helping your business move forward. Those small tasks are taking your focus away from the high-dollar tasks that can truly make an impact on your profits. But how can you determine what tasks in your business are high-dollar versus low-dollar priorities? And what should you be doing to narrow your focus in order to better serve your bottom line?

In this episode of The Affluent Creative, we are diving into my specially curated list of designated high and low-dollar tasks to help you figure out where you should be shifting your focus in order to grow your profits. Together, we will comb through every single task in your business and categorize them into low-dollar or high-dollar, allowing you to identify your zones of genius: those activities that light you up, come naturally to you and bring you joy to focus on. These are the tasks that you should be sinking your teeth into, the ones that you alone can solve. Stop giving away your genius for pennies and start making your business work for you!

In this episode, you will hear:

Strategies to help you categorize business tasks into low-dollar or high-dollar
Insights on how to identify your zone of genius
The crucial role of lead generation and marketing in tightening your focus and growing your profits
Tips on presenting your design agreement to clients in a high-dollar way

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach
Success Guide Download
SEO Execution Guide

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049: Get Your Team to Get More Done Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

When did you last professionally check in with your team members? Have you ever tried utilizing a third party to collect self-evaluation answers from your team members rather than relying on skewed answers from bringing these questions up during evaluations?

Today's episode of The Affluent Creative is one you won't want to miss, whether your team is local, remote, or maybe not even yet existent. Chances are, even if you don't yet have a team working for your design business, you will eventually need to hire one. And, even if it seems like your team is working out well, there may be issues you aren't aware of that are getting in the way of maximizing your design business' profits and your team's satisfaction. You might even find yourself wanting to self-reflect on your own employee happiness and contributions within your own business.

Today, we are talking about the ways to get your team to get more done. I have so many tips and strategies to share with you that will help you to get the most out of your team, by getting their honest views on their workload, making them feel valued, and delegating tasks as needed to share the workload respectfully. The key is getting your team to take ownership of their role in the business so that they will be able to perform at higher levels. I'll help you to shine a spotlight on the hidden talents within your team and guide you on how to motivate your team to align with your company's mission and goals.

In this episode, you will hear:

The importance of having a self-evaluation for team members, especially when distributed through a third-party system
Strategies to maximize team members' effectiveness by uncovering hidden talents and delegating tasks appropriately.
How to build a culture of ownership and engagement within a team, including creating a shared vision
Why transparency is so important in a creative business

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Resources: Get Your Team to Get More Done Books Referenced:

The Third Door The Comfort Crisis

Episode Credits

048: Your Permission Slip to Play (for More Profit) Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

When was the last time that you invested and treated yourself to some quality self-care time? Is self-care something that you allow for yourself regularly or do you find yourself putting it off until you're less busy? The way that you view self-care is directly connected to the path of burnout. And though it may sound daunting at first, it is very possible to build a successful creative practice without compromising your well-being. You just need to give yourself permission.

Today's episode aims to give you just that: the permission to figure out your ticks, your expectations, and your preferences, and allow yourself to indulge in them from time to time, gifting yourself the kind of self-care that you deserve. We're talking all about that critical ingredient of balance within your business so that you can step off the path to burnout.

I will share with you my strategies for managing a busy creative career, family time, and rest in such a manner that one aspect doesn't undermine the others. Together, we'll explore strategies and solutions, including treating yourself to some luxury, blocking off personal time on your calendar months ahead, and checking in with your own expectations of what play looks like for you.

In this episode, you will hear:

Tips on achieving a harmonious work-life balance and avoiding burnout
The crucial role of setting clear expectations and standards, especially when traveling with others
The necessity of being aware of one's triggers and how to manage them effectively

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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047: The Ultimate Sourcing System for More Profit Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

High Point Market is only two months away! Can you believe it? If you haven't already signed up to join me on my VIP tour of the best sourcing sites you've never heard of, you can head to www.melissasviphpmkttour.com to secure yourself the exclusive treatment of being shown to all of my favorite outlying sources at High Point. And for those of you who aren't able to make it this time, or that just want to get your hands on some stellar sourcing resources right now, I've got you covered in the meanwhile with today's episode.

Sourcing makes up 30 to 50% of your business, so you want to ensure you do it as efficiently as possible. Today we are delving into the art of crafting the ultimate sourcing system. Transitioning from shopping to sourcing can be a game-changer in your design business. By creating a sourcing system, you can not only save time and money but also discover hidden gems that will enhance your projects and boost your profits.

I'll share how to use social media to maximize your reach and build a team of trade partners and vendors, and how to identify the 20 types of trade team members you should have on your side. Plus, I'll guide you through my world of sourcing unique pieces in interior design and how to create an irresistible story to sell your pieces, secure publication rights, and boost your social media presence. Tune in to elevate your interior design business, make it stand out, and get published!

In this episode, you will hear:

How to leverage trade partners and vendor teams to maximize your social media reach and get published
My advice on building a quality trade team and identifying new vendors for unique pieces
Tips on getting trade pricing, securing an accommodation order, and the importance of getting paid upfront

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

Your Exclusive Seat on the VIP HPMKT Tour of Irresistible Resources You Didn't Know Existed and Now Can't Live Without!

Success Guide Download Remember as a designer, you do NOT shop or buy, that's what your clients do. Declare your expertise by upleveling your language in conversation, on social media, and on your website. Instead you: Source Resource Specify Select Curate Design Create Procure Purchase

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046: When You Break Your Process, You Break Your Profit Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

How faithful are you to your process? Do you find yourself sometimes skipping over, ignoring, or avoiding steps? Maybe they make you uncomfortable or just don't seem important enough at the time.

However, whether accidentally or intentionally, when you break your process, you break your profit. Your design process needs to be followed tightly because it will lead you to more profit, save you time, and increase your productivity. Having a process takes you out of winging it and puts you into winning it; sticking to your process removes random and delivers revenue.

Today, I'm your guide on a deep dive into process management and client relationships, two key areas that could make or break your design business. I'll share with you some practical tips on how to spot red flags and protect your practice from potential pitfalls by identifying poor-fit clients from the get-go. We'll discuss the importance of having open conversations about your client's design investment early on, as well as how to conquer that uncomfortable feeling when discussing numbers.

But it's not all doom and gloom! I've got some top tips on how to secure your ideal client and craft an offer that's too good for them to resist, ensuring your bottom line stays healthy while you attract clients that are a perfect fit for you. Staying true to your process will help you grow your profits in the long run, so tune in to fine-tune those details now so you can stick to them later.

In this episode, you will hear:

The importance of effective process management in maximizing profits in design practices.
Strategies to identify and weed out poor fit clients, including recognizing warning signs and managing client expectations
Ways to navigate the discomfort associated with talking numbers with your clients
How to protect your practice from potential pitfalls, such as unrealistic timelines and indecisive decision-makers

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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045: 10 Secrets to Get Yourself out of the Comparison Trap Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

Comparison can be a destructive force, leading us to undermine our confidence and personal success. Today, I'm sharing ten secrets to escape this trap and claim your success, focusing on recognizing your unique blend of education, experience, expertise, talent, personality, hobbies, and interests.

First, we'll explore the all-too-common problem of falling into the comparison trap. Together, we delve into understanding the triggers that lead us to destructive comparisons, often exacerbated by the role of social media. I share strategies to tackle these triggers and remind you that you are unique, with a combination of education, experience, and talent that sets you apart. I'm also sharing some insights from Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan, authors of The Gap and The Gain, who offer guidance on how to stay in the 'gain' space for optimal well-being.

Throughout this episode, we explore a variety of tools and tactics to build confidence and avoid the pitfall of comparison. We delve into the importance of celebrating victories, no matter how small, and discuss the concept of a confidence kit or brag book. By the end of this episode, you will be equipped with the tools to escape the comparison trap and focus on your personal journey to success.

Join us on this enlightening journey as we escape the comparison trap and focus on our path to success. You are you, and that is your superpower.

In this episode, you will hear:

How to identify and reduce triggers that lead to destructive comparisons
Why minimizing time spent on social media can help you avoid harmful comparisons
Insights from authors Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan about staying in the 'gain' space for improved wellness
The importance of gratitude in maintaining a healthy perspective and boosting self-confidence

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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044: Your Creative Business Wouldn't Exist Without This, Take Care Of It! Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

When was the last time you took care of yourself? Really take care of yourself? Not just eating healthy and getting enough sleep, but doing something that made you feel good, something that made you happy, or made your creative genius shine?

If you can't remember, or if it's been a while, it's time to make some changes. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it's essential! When you're taking care of yourself, you're better able to take care of others, especially your business. You're more productive in your work, you're more patient with family, friends, and clients, and you're just happier overall.

There are areas in your life that are probably taking a toll on you which you probably aren't paying enough attention to. As creatives, our well-being is something that we often don't think about enough because we just naturally presume that we will always be the ones to take care of it all. It's how we're wired! But I really want you to change that, for the good of your business and most importantly, yourself.

In today's episode, I'm exploring the importance of self-care for creative professionals, to help you remember that you're so much more than just a designer! We'll dive into the necessity of self-care in its many unique forms, dispelling the myth that self-care is selfish or weak. I also have some ideas to share with you for how you can implement self-care into your routine in ways that make sense for you and benefit your whole self. Remember, your business thrives when you do. Join me as we debunk misconceptions and redefine what self-care can look like for you.

In this episode, you will hear:

Why it is more selfish to neglect your self-care
The importance of prioritizing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing when implementing self-care practices into your routine
How you can help see yourself as a client worthy of your own attention as well
Ways you might consider implementing self-care in a way that works for you

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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043: How Perfectionism is Killing Your Profits and What to Do About It Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

I'm willing to bet that if you are about to tune into this show, there is a 90% chance that you are a perfectionist. I can confidently make that claim because I have yet to meet a creative who wasn't!

As creatives, we often fall into the trap of postponing opportunities and stalling our business progress in the name of achieving that "perfect" standard. We may laugh it off or even try to turn it into a strength, but this bad habit can harm our business profits. In today's episode, we're having a crucial conversation about perfectionism and how it is sabotaging your business success.

First, we'll explore the 10 hotspots where perfectionism might lurk in your business, from logo design to your website, business cards, and photography. Then, we'll discuss the three different types of perfectionism and the two dimensions of perfectionism, all of which could be costing you time, money, and opportunities. I'll also share my best strategies for beating perfectionism and unlocking the true potential of your business.

Remember, perfectionism is not a strength but a self-imposed standard that often stands in the way of progress. Let's beat perfectionism together so you can maintain your business momentum!

In this episode, you will hear:

The most common areas within your business that perfectionism is disrupting and how to overcome these tendencies
How setting realistic and flexible goals can help you beat perfectionism
The importance of allowing yourself to be bad at something until you get good at it
How to embrace imperfections and harness the gifts they offer

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Supporting Resources:

For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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