944: Susan Lizan-Immerman: Lessons from a Seasoned Interior Design Veteran

Susan Lizan Immerman

Today With Susan Lizan-Immerman:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Susan Lizan-Immerman, founder and CEO of MDesign Home Decor, 25+ year veteran businesswoman, and all-around #smartlady.  Susan started her business journey in the garment industry when it was very much a man’s world—but she didn’t let that stop her. Through valuable relationships and connections, as well as a real CEO mindset, that we should all aspire to, Susan grew multiple thriving businesses and created a longstanding career.  I am so excited to share with you my guest today, Susan Lizan-Immerman. Susan is a true seasoned veteran businesswoman.  Today, she’s sharing how she did it, and how you can cultivate that CEO mindset and create a successful interior design business.

Pick It Apart

[5:16] Susan shares her journey and how she learned that connections and networking are everything.

[11:42] LuAnn and Susan discuss the importance of joining organizations and building communities, no matter what level.

[15:35] Susan talks about the importance of mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee.

[19:52] Susan breaks down her latest venture, MDesign, and how it can benefit interior designers.

[36:10] Susan talks about what it takes to be an effective CEO.

LuAnn Nigara and Susan Lizan-Immerman’s Ah-Ha Moments

“It took telling myself, how do I feel comfortable being uncomfortable? As soon as I start feeling uncomfortable, I have to submerge myself in that in order to feel comfortable.” -Susan

“You have to be prepared to get lucky. You’re constantly preparing, you’re doing all of the right things. You’re making all of the best decisions you can each moment that you can, and then all of a sudden, something happens.” -LuAnn

More About Susan Lizan-Immerman

Conceiving, developing and executing the strategies and initiatives that drive revenue, growth, competitive market positioning, profits and shareholder value is what I do best. Throughout my career in senior executive and entrepreneurial roles with leaders in the apparel and home industry, I’ve earned a track record of success in achieving exceptional rather than expected results. I’m recognized as one who possesses the experience, capabilities and judgment for taking a business to its next level of success or resolving the deficiencies that impede its ability to grow. My management style can be described as “hands on” and decisive yet flexible. I value and reward creative thinking, initiative, teamwork, commitment and performance.

Connect with Susan Lizan-Immerman

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

YouTube

TikTok

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

Watch the Docuseries!

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

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

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

#831 Nate Berkus: The Importance of Creating An Exceptional Client Experience

943: Power Talk Friday: The Top Ten Listened to Episodes of 2023!

1082 What Would Lu Do The Big Shift What S Changing On A Well Designed Business And Why Thumbnail.png

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Join me on the last show of 2023 to do a quick recap of the best episodes we had this year! From inspiring events like LuAnn Live 2023 to the launch of our docuseries, “The Making of A Well-Designed Business,” it has been a journey of growth and connection. 2023 brought valuable lessons, including the importance of self-care. Stay tuned as we recap the top 10 most listened episodes of the year!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

Watch the Docuseries!

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

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

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB

840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life

842: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity

847: Flashback Friday: Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success

844: John McClain: Turn Failure into Success

841: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind

843: Power Talk Friday: Carla Titus: Think Like a CEO By Outsourcing Your Numbers

848: Amy Youngblood: Why Your Contact Form is Critical in Identifying Your Ideal Interior Design Client

849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design

846: Kellie Burke: If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Risking

845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating

TIE

179. Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Navigating Conflicting Messages About Money

181: Sandra Funk: A Million Dollar Mindset for Setting Boundaries and Standing in Your Space

177: Katie McDonald: Gaining a Competitive Edge Through Self-Care

180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness

196: Rachael Bozsik-Johanson: The Luxury Shift: Align Your Desires and Elevate Your Brand to the Top 3% of Your Niche

182: Amber de la Garza: The Power of Prioritization: Reimagining Productivity and Embracing Balance

183: Claire Jefford: Content is Queen: Leverage Video Content That is True To You

178: Eileen Hahn: Unlocking Your Joy: Strategies for Personal and Professional Fulfillment

WTFP 

161: Lynn Eastergard: Qualify Your Clients By Charging Consultation and Retainer Fees

167: Nicole Heymer: How to Find and Highlight Why Someone Should Buy From You

134: Deb Barrett: Why Textiles Matter

122: Jill Ballew: Her System for Chasing Post Installation Issues

137: Richard Bernath: Networking for a More Profitable Window Treatment Business

169: Lori Ann Jones: Broke to Stoked! Building a Profitable Window Treatment Business, the Lean Way

164: Julie Wood: Let Passion and Enthusiasm Be Your Guide

Other Resources Mentioned:

The “3 Fives” Routine: 15- Minutes A Day To Uplevel Your Whole Life by Joshua Smith

 

Interior Design Standard

 

Profit Insiders Academy with Nancy Ganzekaufer

 

The Designer Within Book by John McClain

942: Delyse Berry: The Execution of the Design Project is as Important as the Design Result

Delyse Berry

Today With Delyse Berry:

Today, I am joined by Delyse Berry, owner of Upstate Down, an interior design studio and real estate brokerage, with also a home decor store. Delyse uses a process built around a holistic approach which entails a clear formula for clients to understand what they do, their vision , and the best execution process. This framework delivers an incredible experience for clients, a streamline process for them, and has grown their business faster and more effortlessly. Listen in to get the details!

Pick It Apart

[3:07] How Delyse shares the process with clients without overwhelming them.

[10:30] Trusting yourself so others can trust you.

[12:36]  Delyse breaks down what is on the spreadsheet that clients see, and the spreadsheet that only she and her team see.

[17:00] Backing up all of your documents.

[24:03] How Delyse built momentum in her business in such a short period of time.

[:55] Since they charge hourly, Delyse shares how they track the hours and how they invoice.

LuAnn Nigara and Delyse Berry’s Ah-Ha Moments

 “The execution process is as important as the end result.” – Delyse Berry 

“I think the industry needs to look at the way in which it is executed. If a client isn’t happy about something, we need to look at how we contribute and deliver the news to them.” – Delyse Berry

“Laying out as much up front as you can during your initial conversation with a client is very important.” – Delyse Berry

“A beautiful outcome can’t come from a crappy process.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Delyse Berry

CEO & Principal Broker. Rhinebeck resident by way of New Jersey and Brooklyn. Interior Designer and Principal Broker with 10+ years experience in high end Real Estate in the Hudson Valley. Holiday enthusiast, treasure collector, and proud mama. Is secretly re-designing every room she enters.

Connect with Delyse Berry

Website

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

Watch the Docuseries!

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

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

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?

 

AWDB #930: April Gandy: The Key to Managing a Successful Renovation Project

 

AWDB #936: Heather Vitti Pruett: Resilience and Relationships: Keys to Success in Her Interior Design Business

941: Power Talk Friday: Erin Moore: A Personal Approach to Sales in the Design Industry

Erin Moore(1)

Today With Erin Moore:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Erin Moore. After more than a decade of experience as a sales leader in the often male-dominated tech, Erin developed a female-focused approach that she wasn’t finding in traditional sales books. Now, she passionately teaches women how to sell in an authentic and personal way through her business, A Sales Conversation. Erin is here with actionable steps on how we can open our minds, expand our skill sets, and practice the art of effective selling by navigating through the three modes of selling: transactional, neutral, and emotive.

Pick It Apart

[1:38] LuAnn asks Erin about her philosophy on sales.

[10:42] Erin talks about the importance of being able to pivot between sales modes based on the conversation.

[15:18] Erin defines relational, transactional, and neutral as sales mode terms. 

[20:51] LuAnn and Erin discuss how to move forward with this mindset and the importance of being in community with others and taking care of ourselves.

[28:48] Erin speaks to the importance of building skills, getting coached, and practicing.

[37:23] Erin shares how knowing and owning your strengths is directly related to your pricing and value.

[42:17] LuAnn and Erin discuss the practice of deregulating the nervous system.

LuAnn Nigara and Erin Moore’s Ah-Ha Moments

 “Don’t lose that person that’s compassionate and passionate and wants to help and so please, but just expand and then open your mind that there are skill sets that you can learn and one of them is sales. So you can still be you, but you actually have skills.” – LuAnn Nigara   “I want to let every woman know your whole self is also clear, direct, firm sets boundaries, says no.” – Erin Moore   “The difference between somebody who’s skilled and somebody who isn’t skilled in relationship to sales is you know how to pivot in and out of those three things of transaction of neutral, and emotive.” – Erin Moore   “When we’re inside the bottle, we can’t see the label.” – Erin Moore   “It’s not one size fits all, it’s helping and trying to identify where our strengths are. And then, to [Erin’s] point, expanding to include the other skill sets.” – LuAnn Nigara   “Perfect practice makes great play.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Erin Moore

Erin Moore has been a sales leader in the tech industry for over a decade. She has acted as a powerful force for the companies she has worked for such as Marquam and Centerspan, bringing a strategic mindset and technical skillset to directing their sales teams. While working in this male-dominated field, she began to develop a female-focused sales mindset approach that she wasn’t finding in traditional sales books. Now, Erin is passionate about teaching women how to sell in an authentic and personal way. Company: A Sales Conversation.

Connect with Erin Moore

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

Watch the Docuseries!

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

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

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals

 

AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business

 

AWDB #913: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth

940: Christine Vroom: An Honest Conversation about Mental Health and the Interior Design Industry

Nok3ciqcsb2wetm4ums5 Christine Vroom

Today With Christine Vroom:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors in Los Angeles, California. Christine spaces focus on enhancing mental health, along with physical and spiritual well-being, and that’s by design. Through her own mental health journey, Christine has learned how to better take care of herself, surrounded herself with a supportive team, and translated her own difficult times into compassion and understanding toward her clients.  Just as our systems and processes play a role in our business, so does our mental and physical health. Christine has put a lot of time, thought, and effort into finding the best ways to care for herself in order to show up better as a business owner. But it’s a journey. Today, she is sharing her story and some of the wisdom she has learned along the way.

Pick It Apart

[2:34] Christine and LuAnn discuss the importance of open, honest conversations about mental health, especially as it pertains to the interior design industry.

[5:18] Christine expands on the pressure of perfectionism in this industry and shares her strategies on how to take care of ourselves and our mental health within those expectations.

[10:10] Christine tells the story of her struggle to recover from an eating disorder—which is actually an anxiety disorder. 

[19:06] LuAnn asks Christine what triggers her now and how she puts safeguards up to protect her mental health.

[26:12] Christine speaks about evolving with her mental health and why she considers it a blessing in disguise.

[39:21] Christine and LuAnn chat about how taking care of our own mental health can give us more compassion toward others and how that can especially serve us in our businesses.

LuAnn Nigara and Christine Vroom’s Ah-Ha Moments

 “We do have to have that level of perfectionism [in the interior design industry]. But the question is, how do we take care of ourselves?” – Christine Vroom   “We’re beyond that. We’re beyond the ruminating. We’re beyond the mental obsessions. We’re beyond really caring if somebody thinks that you didn’t do what you know you did. We gotta let it go.” – Christine Vroom   “I don’t need to ride on your roller coaster.” – Christine Vroom   “When you’re evolved, and you do know yourself well enough to know that you have anxiety or ‘fill in the blank’ then the tactic now is to actively protect your own psyche through that roller coaster ride.” – LuAnn Nigara   “If we picked out our best, best, best trait, it is also our Achilles heel.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Christine Vroom

Christine Vroom Interiors is a full service interior and exterior design firm in Los Angeles, California, founded by senior designer Christine Vroom. Bringing together her love of timeless design with a fashion-forward attention to detail, Christine has made an impression on homeowners, developers, architects, and business owners alike. Guided by the philosophy of ‘beauty meets function,’ Christine creates liveable luxury through inviting, well designed spaces that directly enhance mental health, physical and spiritual well-being.

Connect with Christine Vroom

Website 

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

Watch the Docuseries!

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

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

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business

 

AWDB #899: Power Talk Friday: Janine Aurichio: The Inside Job: 3 Keys to Calm, Clear, and Joyful Creativity

TIE #180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness

940: Christine Vroom: An Honest Conversation about Mental Health and the Interior Design Industry

940 Christine Vroom An Honest Conversation About Mental Health And The Interior Design Industry Thumbnail.png

Today With Christine Vroom:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors in Los Angeles, California. Christine spaces focus on enhancing mental health, along with physical and spiritual well-being, and that’s by design. Through her own mental health journey, Christine has learned how to better take care of herself, surrounded herself with a supportive team, and translated her own difficult times into compassion and understanding toward her clients.  Just as our systems and processes play a role in our business, so does our mental and physical health. Christine has put a lot of time, thought, and effort into finding the best ways to care for herself in order to show up better as a business owner. But it’s a journey. Today, she is sharing her story and some of the wisdom she has learned along the way.

Pick It Apart

[2:34] Christine and LuAnn discuss the importance of open, honest conversations about mental health, especially as it pertains to the interior design industry.

[5:18] Christine expands on the pressure of perfectionism in this industry and shares her strategies on how to take care of ourselves and our mental health within those expectations.

[10:10] Christine tells the story of her struggle to recover from an eating disorder—which is actually an anxiety disorder. 

[19:06] LuAnn asks Christine what triggers her now and how she puts safeguards up to protect her mental health.

[26:12] Christine speaks about evolving with her mental health and why she considers it a blessing in disguise.

[39:21] Christine and LuAnn chat about how taking care of our own mental health can give us more compassion toward others and how that can especially serve us in our businesses.

LuAnn Nigara and Christine Vroom’s Ah-Ha Moments

 “We do have to have that level of perfectionism [in the interior design industry]. But the question is, how do we take care of ourselves?” – Christine Vroom   “We’re beyond that. We’re beyond the ruminating. We’re beyond the mental obsessions. We’re beyond really caring if somebody thinks that you didn’t do what you know you did. We gotta let it go.” – Christine Vroom   “I don’t need to ride on your roller coaster.” – Christine Vroom   “When you’re evolved, and you do know yourself well enough to know that you have anxiety or ‘fill in the blank’ then the tactic now is to actively protect your own psyche through that roller coaster ride.” – LuAnn Nigara   “If we picked out our best, best, best trait, it is also our Achilles heel.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Christine Vroom

Christine Vroom Interiors is a full service interior and exterior design firm in Los Angeles, California, founded by senior designer Christine Vroom. Bringing together her love of timeless design with a fashion-forward attention to detail, Christine has made an impression on homeowners, developers, architects, and business owners alike. Guided by the philosophy of ‘beauty meets function,’ Christine creates liveable luxury through inviting, well designed spaces that directly enhance mental health, physical and spiritual well-being.

Connect with Christine Vroom

Website 

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

Watch the Docuseries!

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

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

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business

 

AWDB #899: Power Talk Friday: Janine Aurichio: The Inside Job: 3 Keys to Calm, Clear, and Joyful Creativity

TIE #180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness