929: Power Talk Friday: Christina Frei: Learn How to Market From Your Specific Strengths

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Today With Christina Frei:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Christina Frei, owner of Innate Marketing Genius, a boutique marketing practice where she helps solo business owners own their voice, market to their strengths, and get the right clients consistently. Christina takes a holistic approach to marketing, and helps us discover how to market from our strengths by identifying our marketing archetype.  In this conversation, we dig into what it means to be a Nurturer, Adventure Guide, Door Opener, Steady Presence, and Celebrator, and how this can help you show up better in your business.

Pick It Apart

[2:38] Christina defines marketing archetypes as different ways to help other people that bring you fulfillment, then shares the 5 different archetypes.

[11:47] Christina breaks down what it means to be an adventure guide, one of LuAnn’s archetypes.

[16:39] LuAnn and Christina discuss that building self-awareness and finding our true voice takes time.

[24:46] Christina explains the celebrator archetype, also LuAnn.

[30:11] LuAnn and Christina explore the combination of her two archetypes and how she exhibits them.

[37:37] LuAnn asks Christina what we should do after we find out what our marketing archetype is.

LuAnn Nigara & Christina Frei’s Ah-Ha Moments

“What I noticed is that when people operate from that deep ‘why’—that fulfilling, helping other humans kind of thing, then it’s magnetic.” – Christina Frei

“The way that you [show the person that you are reaching out to that you care] is to honor who you are first, and then come from that place.” – Christina Frei

“When a celebrator steps back and really appreciates other people or their work…it just moves mountains. It just changes something and it up-levels the entire game.” – Christina Frei

“So much starts with being self-aware… If you have self-awareness, you can show up in your blog posts, in your marketing, in your consultations, and in your design” – LuAnn Nigara

“It’s so lovely to just validate that every human, I would say, on the entire planet has a natural capacity to want to help other people…the desire to me is miraculous.” – Christina Frei

More About Christina Frei

Christina runs a boutique marketing practice called Innate Marketing Genius, where she helps solo business owners own their voice, market to their strengths, and get the right clients consistently. Her holistic marketing approach grew out of a lonely, chaotic time, when she moved to Boston all on her own—and discovered her own way to really connect with people.

Personally, she’s on a mission to live more sustainably; she is obsessed with thrift shopping and is a new convert to plant-based eating. In between, she chases her dog around with a stuffed animal snake, meditates on a pink couch, cold plunges like Wim Hof all year long, and obsesses over the perfect cup of green tea, all in a seaside town just north of Boston.

Connect with Christina Frei

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Book

Free Assessment

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 #363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team

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

AWDB #892 Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes

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

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

928: What Would Lu Do?: 3 Beliefs Holding Back Your Interior Design Business (and How to Avoid Them)

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Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a solo show and we’ll be talking about charging. We’ll go over the three common beliefs that hold us back from achieving our full potential: that our clients only want the biggest discount, that we deliver a shoppable product, and that we are competing with everyone else.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

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

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

Pre-Order 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

927: Power Talk Friday: Bernadette Smith: Her ARC Framework to Create an Inclusive 350 Interior Design Business

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Today With Bernadette Smith:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Bernadette Smith, Founder and CEO of the Equality Institute, a boutique diversity, equity, and inclusion firm whose mission embed equity and inclusion into organizational systems and culture, enhancing outcomes for employees and customers. When we are afraid of offending someone, we tend to say nothing. We get so comfortable in our lanes, that we dont do much to move diversity forward. Bernadette and I discuss how to have the courage to address diversity. She talks about her ARC Method that helps people become open and actionable, and much more!

Pick It Apart

[5:28] Bernadette explains how her experience with DEI derived from the wedding industry.

[13:22] Bernadette shares actionable strategies that anyone, from any size company, can put to use.

[20:38] Both Bernadette and LuAnn relating to fear of saying the wrong thing in the past.

[24:00] Determining your personal role in all of this.

[29:58] What designers can do in their own businesses.

LuAnn Nigara & Bernadette Smith’s Ah-Ha Moments

“My approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion is that we are all in this together and can learn from each other.” – Bernadette Smith

“I have a lot of privilege. Some of it I’ve earned like my master’s degree, but a lot I didn’t earn, so I feel like I have a responsibility and a sense of purpose to know how much power I have by accident,” Bernadette Smith

“A positive ROI of creating meaningful conversations among your team, is that they will become better equipped to have meaningful conversations with their clients.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Bernadette Smith

Bernadette is Founder and CEO of the Equality Institute, a boutique diversity, equity, and inclusion firm whose mission embed equity and inclusion into organizational systems and culture, enhancing outcomes for employees and customers. She’s an award-winning author of four books, including her latest, the bestseller Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization.

Bernadette is frequently requested as a keynote speaker to help promote an inclusive work environment and celebrate diversity. She is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and has presented to a variety of audiences, including CEOs, leadership teams, human resource and diversity leaders, sales and marketing professionals and more.

Because of her insight and impact as a change agent, she has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Fast Company. Her media exposure includes appearing on CNN, the Today Show, the BBC, and National Public Radio. Bernadette has been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Connect with Bernadette Smith

Website 

Website 

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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: #908: Jessica Bantom: How to Be a Culturally Competent Design Activist & Why You Want to Be One (Part 1)

AWDB: #912: Jessica Bantom Continued: Take Action With the Six Habits of Culturally Competent Designers

926: Emmy Marek: Building a Business While Building a Life

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Today With Emmy Marek:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Emmy Marek of Emmy Couture Designs, an award-winning full-service interior design firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and serving clients nationwide. In 2016, after working for both an architectural design firm and a luxury design-build firm, where she became fluent in creating custom homes, Emmy decided to go into business for herself, opening Emmy Couture when she was only 26 years old. Since then she has spent her time growing her luxury design firm and growing her family.  Now, with two children under the age of five and projects all over the country, Emmy is a study in balance, efficiency, and organization. But she won’t take all the credit. She says it takes having a good team at home and at work is key to making it all happen. Emmy and I are discussing how she manages everything, how she finds time for herself and the relationships that mean the most to her, and why she is driven to do it all.

Pick It Apart

[2:01] Emmy talks about being a young entrepreneur—starting Emmy Couture when she was only 26 years old and having two children within the next five years.

[6:22] LuAnn asks Emmy what drives her to want to build this luxury design firm during this season of her life with young kids. 

[16:29] Emmy speaks about her business growing organically and mainly through referrals, but LuAnn reminds her and everyone listening not to neglect the importance of intentional marketing.

[20:35] Emmy tells LuAnn about her design philosophy and how it crosses many aesthetics according to her individual client’s tastes.

[27:32] LuAnn and Emmy discuss the importance of staying organized and the systems Emmy uses in her business, including how she uses Mydoma.

[33:22] Emmy shares some of the ways she takes care of herself and her relationships.

[42:05] LuAnn and Emmy discuss the importance of knowing your worth and how that ties into the way you run your business.

LuAnn Nigara and Emmy Marek’s Ah-Ha Moments

 “Your dreams can always happen if you have a good team. So whether your team is inside your business, or your team is at home, it takes both to be successful.” – Emmy Marek

“You must be intentionally marketing, especially the machine and the empire that you’re building. And don’t overlook it and don’t take it for granted.” – LuAnn Nigara

“It is a struggle of staying organized and staying on top of things. And so you really have to be in your organized niche—keeping everything on track.” – Emmy Marek

“There are ways that we can show appreciation and give value and support the people that work for us. Because, by the way, we need them.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Emmy Marek

 Emmy Couture Designs is an award-winning full-service interior design firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and serving clients nationwide. We specialize in custom homes and whole-home renovations that blend fashion-forward style with unique creativity and livable luxuries. With a strong background in architectural interior design and construction management, our team ensures that your complete design experience is rooted in confidence and destined for drop-dead gorgeous results. Emily is the lead creative visionary at Emmy Couture Designs. With over 10 years of experience in the luxury residential and boutique commercial design industry, her in-depth knowledge and expertise lead clients on a beautiful design journey. After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Interior Design from Northern Arizona University, Emily spent many years at an architectural design firm and a luxury design-build firm, where she became fluent in creating custom homes. In 2016, Emily decided to channel her experience and impressive portfolio into a firm of her own: Emmy Couture Designs. In addition to her fashion – forward style, she stands out in the industry for her extensive experience designing interior architecture and managing large construction projects. This translates to award-winning interiors where every detail is polished, elevated, and contributes to an incredible daily experience.

Connect with Emmy Marek

Website 

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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 #451: Elissa Grayer: Starting From the Ground Up, After 19 Years AWDB #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life AWDB #879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation AWDB #885: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall: Generate Business Referrals Without Asking AWDB #906: Katie Wick: My Path in Interior Design; My Choice to Be an Employee

 

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

925: Power Talk Friday: Monica Sharma-Patnekar: Your REAL Audience Vs. Your IDEAL Audience; How To Find Them and Keep Them

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Today With Monica Sharma-Patnekar:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Monica Sharma-Patnekar, Marketing Strategist and Fractional CMO and owner of Business with Monica. We are deep-diving into how to attract your REAL audience, the ones who actually respond to your brand messaging and marketing. Monika explains how to find out what attracted your clients to you. What it was that made them choose you over your competition, what resonated with them in your messaging, and how to keep doing it to get even more clients.

Pick It Apart

[10:26] LuAnn and Monica discuss the importance of even as things change in the market, the key is always knowing who you are reaching out to.

[12:30] The multiple ways that you can determine who your “real” customers are over your “ideal” customers.

[17:00] How designers can ask their clients to have conversations about their business after their service.

[23:03] What to do with our marketing once we know how we obtain our “real” clients.

[25:30] Monica gives us a concrete example of one of her client’s success.

[32:43] Monica runs through her four D’s; Desires over Demographics Framework.

LuAnn Nigara & Monica Sharma-Patnekar’s Ah-Ha Moments

“When talking about customer interviews, remember that people love helping people. They appreciate being seen and heard.” – Monica Sharma-Patnekar

“The key is finding out how you serve your ‘real’ clients at every touchpoint.” – Monica Sharma-Patnekar

“A brand is a feeling and how you make your customers feel at every step of their journey.”  – Monica Sharma-Patnekar

More About Monica Sharma-Patnekar

Monica is Brand & Marketing Strategist and Fractional CMO, helping you to elevate your brand. As a customer-centric marketing strategist Monica gives high-touch mentorship for creative business owners who want a clearer, more focused, vision for their brand. To communicate & connect with their REAL audience, without spinning their wheels on messaging, content, ads & tactics that don’t convert. So that they can impact even more people’s lives with their products and services – and feel like they have control over their own.

For Conscious business owners who care about the 5 “P”s (Product, Purpose, People, Planet, & Profit).

Monica has over 18 years of experience building brands. From her masters in business with a major in Marketing, to working with Fortune500 companies, across Brand Management, Strategy Consulting & Global Marketing, being hired by Google to coach their premium partners and now working with both larger conscious scale-ups and her passion, coaching creative entrepreneurs.

Monica is Dutch by birth.⁠ Indian by heritage. Global by choice & education.⁠⁠⁠ An intuitive, creative & analytical thinker. A dancer.⁠ A chai-fanatic. Raised by a single mom in a country that she made her own. A mom of 2 girls.

She brings a diverse & inclusive perspective to the work she does. From having worked with big corporates, scale & start-ups to small businesses, across regions & sectors, to her own very multicultural upbringing.

Connect with Monica Sharma-Patnekar

Website 

Business with Monica

Instagram

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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 #36: Susan Brunstrum- Practical Advice for Project Management

AWDB: #125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!

AWDB: #317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen

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