The McClain Method | Business Tools For Interior Designers

Latest Episodes:

12: Celebrating My Book & Revealing My Design Process! Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

Happy Bookiversary to Me!
It's the one year anniversary of my book, The Designer Within, but for this anniversary, the gifts are for YOU!
On this podcast episode, I am pulling back the curtain to why I wrote my book, what's inside it, and diving deep into the first portion of my book, which is my actual design process!
In this episode, you will learn:

My Detailed 6 Step Design Process
How To Determine Your Own Design Style
The One Component You Can Never Leave Out of a Design Plan
How I Wrote My Book & Who Inspired Me To Do So
How You Can Win Your Own Free Copy of My Book!

10 lucky winners will receive a signed copy of my book, The Designer Within, and one grand prize winner will receive The Designer Within Grand Prize Box! Giveaway runs 9/7/23-11/3/23.
CLICK HERE & FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!
Sign up for my free 40 min training: The 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming an Interior Designer https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin
Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

11: How To Create A "How We Work" Document For Your Business Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Transparency and Clarity are the building blocks for a successful working relationship between creatives and clients, and the "How We Work" document is a crucial component. Today, I want to share with you my exact How We Work document and the components inside it that create a better working relationship with our clients and my team.
In this episode, we will discuss:

What a How We Work document is
Why You Need A How We Work Document
What You Should Include in Yours
What I Include In Mine

Here are categories you could consider including in your document:
Overview of Your Design Process
Project Timeline
Project Budget/Fees/Procurement/Payment Methods
Communication (Methods and Timeliness)
Revisions & Scope/Scope Creep
Collaboration Methods
Contractual Information
Here are the categories I include in my How We Work document:
Welcome Page
Design Phases Page
Detailed Design Process (Project Journey) Page
Headings:
Communication (How & When)
Project Management System
Project Timeline
The Emotional Design Coaster page (detailing the emotional ups and downs of a project)
Thank you Page
Whatever categories you include, use this as your opportunity to say what you might be apprehensive to say in person and set the tone for each and every client relationship.
Start today and create your own "How We Work" document and set your projects off on the right path with super clear communication and mutual understanding between your clients and you!

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

10: How Dreaming Big In Your Business Brings Big Rewards Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

Dreaming is crucial to the success of any entrepreneur. It is not lazy, on the contrary, it is actually proactive...but proactive in a very special way. In almost an autopilot kind of way.
Dreaming has been a huge part of the success of many business owners and public figures in the course of history, including me. Today, I'm going to share with you how making time to dream is a crucial part of your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goal setting. I will also share some specific ways in which dreaming has led to successful outcomes for me personally.
In this episode you will learn:
☁️What are the benefits of allowing your mind to dream without interruptions?
☁️What is the difference between dreaming and brainstorming?
☁️How to effectively dream on a regular basis
☁️How dreaming fuels your passions
☁️How changing my own title within John McClain Design has allowed me to dream more
☁️How to turn your dreams into goals
Now relax my friend. You have full permission...FULL permission to find that special space and dream big.

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

9: How To Take A Vacation (While Your Business Still Operates) Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

Sounds simple enough, right? Book a trip...Take a trip...
Not so easy when you are a business owner!
There are so many things to consider: current clients, potential clients, vendors, trades, existing orders, new orders, and so much more.
Well fret no more my friend. It's time to finally take that vacation and avoid burnout before you burn totally out.
In this episode you will learn:
🌴The fact that you're probably hearing this episode while I'm on a cruise in Spain ;) and how that's happening
🌴The importance of setting up Standard Operating Procedures
🌴Technology is your friend when it comes to time away from your company
🌴How to properly delegate your tasks while you are out of the office
🌴The best timing to let your clients and colleagues know you will be on vacation.

You deserve time away from work! It will allow you to dream bigger and your company to flourish when you return. Inspiration abounds when you free your mind. Now exhale and start planning that getaway!

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

8: Setting Expectations Around Timelines & Responsibilities Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

Today we're delving into a crucial aspect of interior design projects that can make or break the entire experience: setting clear expectations around timelines and responsibilities for all parties involved, from the inception of an idea to the final reveal.
The timeline is truly the heartbeat of a quality interior design project, without a realistic timeline, nothing gets accomplished.
In this episode, you will learn:

The exact point in a project journey to begin setting timeline expectations
When and how to establish each party's responsibilities of a project
Communication and its relationship to timeline expectations
The very last step you need to do in your timeline expectation setting planning

My goal is for you to gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal role that setting expectations around timelines and responsibilities plays in the world of interior design. Remember, it's more than just creating beautiful spaces; it's about orchestrating a symphony of creativity, collaboration, and effective communication.

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7: How To Set Pricing Expectations With Your Clients Aug 02, 2023

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Pricing is not always the most fun topic in any discussion, but we are running a business, so it's 100% necessary! The easiest way to prevent issues around pricing conversations is to set very clear expectations for your clients.
In this episode Setting Pricing Expectations, which is Part 2 in my 3 Part series on Setting Expectations, I'm spilling the tea on all the specific ways that I set expectations around pricing for my own clients and how they have helped my business grow.
In this episode you will learn:
💲The exact point of when you should start conversations about price
💲Specific ways to introduce pricing into your everyday business activities to make it easier for your client and you to avoid misunderstandings
💲How I use my own Designer Calculator to effectively calculate design fees
💲What I include in my Menu of Services and Investment Guide
💲How I structure my presentations for complete clarity in pricing
💲Simple ways to overcome your fear of discussing price

Put that fear of pricing aside and learn these easy to begin techniques to start setting your client's expectations for price right away! You'll gain a more profitable business and more trusting, long lasting clients.

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

6: The Importance Of Setting Expectations In Your Business Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Expectations can make or break a business. More specifically, CLEAR and OBTAINABLE expectations lay the groundwork for client, vendor, and overall business success.
In this episode, we begin PART 1 in a 3 PART SERIES: "The Importance of Setting Expectations."
This episode will lay the foundation for better understanding the what and why of clear expectation setting, why we are sometimes fearful of setting expectations, and a definitive roadmap to start setting expectations TODAY.
In this episode you will learn:

How to recognize the difference between Realistic Expectations and Unrealistic Expectations
How to recognize the fears we have around setting expectations and how to overcome those
Specific ways to set expectations as Interior Designers & Creatives

Enjoy this first episode in a three part series on setting expectations, and come back for the next two episodes as we continue to dive deeper into setting expectations around pricing and timeframe and the responsibilities surrounding both.

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5: How To Create YOUR OWN Success Path Jul 20, 2023

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SUCCESS! Not a long word, but possibly a long definition. In this episode, we will discuss YOUR definition of success and how to break free from what society tells you success should be. It could be a tough question to answer, but I'm going to give you a guide map to follow to set your goals to achieve true success catered just for you. I'll share my own journey to personal success and how I too redefined my own success.
Here's the highlights of this episode:

How to begin defining your own definition of success and climb your own ladder
How to recognize unhealthy comparisons with society's "success"
The S.M.A.R.T. Method of goal setting
How do your values and principles play a role in your success?
When to pivot and adjust your ladder of success

Now get started and build that success ladder on your own terms!

Free Workbook: Defining Your Own Success: DOWNLOAD HERE: https://tinyurl.com/3r7c3hjz

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

4: My Top 5 Marketing & Sales Tips For Any Business Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

I. LOVE. MARKETING! (It's more powerful if read in your best Oprah voice). But the fact is true! I DO love marketing and sales, but only on my terms. How is that even possible you ask? Well let me tell you.
In this episode of The Designer Within, I have whittled down my favorite Marketing & Sales methods and techniques to my top 5 tips. By using these simple and easy to follow methods, you too can market and sell like second nature.
Let's face it, everything we do is sales and marketing in some way or another, so why not embrace it and enjoy it?!
In this episode you will learn:

How to believe in yourself and what you are marketing
Why and how to separate your ego from sales and marketing
The value in knowing who you are marketing and selling to
The importance of staying up to date on the latest marketing techniques
My specific favorite marketing methods that always work for me
What Dolly Parton says about marketing ;)

Now get out there and spread the good word about yourself and your company!

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

3: Discovering & Blending Your Authentic Self With Your Business Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

As entrepreneurs or anyone working in a client facing business, we often find ourselves balancing our personal and business lives, and authenticity is the key to success in both areas. Authenticity is about being true to yourself and your values, expressing your genuine thoughts and emotions, and aligning your actions with your beliefs, motives, and personality. In the context of business, it means presenting your brand, products, and services in a clear and transparent manner, while selectively infusing your personal values.
In this podcast, we will discuss more about what authenticity is and what is is not, and my 10 steps to become more authentic in your personal and professional life:
1) Define Your Core Values
2) Love Who You Are
3) Tell Your Story
4) Build Real Customer Connections
5) Work In The Transparency Model
6) Lead Your Team
7) Be Authentic on Social Media
8) Love What You Do/Believe What You Sell
9) Stay True To Your Purpose
10) Embody Consistency

If you struggle with clearly defining your authentic self and showing it to the world, this episode is for you!
FREE DOWNLOAD: Discovering Your Personal & Company Values Workbook

Text Me a Message!

FREE VIDEO TRAINING DIRECT FROM JOHN:

Design feels natural.

The business side doesn’t.

Join this free 39-minute training for interior designers and learn the 3 secrets to building a profitable, stress-free design business without burnout or chaos.

👉 Watch the free training: https://learn.mcclainmethod.com/dsa_webinar_registration

Support the show

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