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What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

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

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:

Audiobook: The 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

AWDB #463 Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #514 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Investing in Your Success

AWDB #524 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Showing Up is Not Enough

AWDB #607 Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines

10-06-2023

919: Window Treatment Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: How to Sell Window Treatments in Your Full Service Interior Design Projects

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50:36

919: Window Treatment Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: How to Sell Window Treatments in Your Full Service Interior Design Projects

10-03-202302-10-2025

918: Lorna Gross: Unlock Your Potential: Reimagine and Reinvent Yourself, Over and Over

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1:17:55

918: Lorna Gross: Unlock Your Potential: Reimagine and Reinvent Yourself, Over and Over

Today With Lorna Gross:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Lorna Gross, owner of Lorna Gross Interior Design. After finishing two business degrees and leading a very successful life in corporate America, Lorna ended up disappointed and unhappy. Even as successful as she was with winning awards and being up for a promotion. It was time for her to pivot. Lorna and I discuss the art of pivoting, how to recognize when you should, and how to confidently execute it.

Pick It Apart

[2:40] Lorna starts us off with her background and growing up.

[8:00] Lorna talks about her journey to discover what she is supposed to be doing for a living.

[19:30] The importance of taking the time go sit in silence with yourself.

[28:50] Recognizing the signal of when people complement you or tell you you have a knack in something.

[50:10] Lorna’s plans including her podcast, a streaming service, book, and more all in addition to her interior design firm.

[51:30] Lorna expands on how everyone has different seasons in their lives.

[58:40] The importance of asking yourself what YOU want.

LuAnn Nigara and Lorna Gross’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I believe the universe does these things to us to get us to make a different move.” – Lorna Gross

“I am believer that everything is for a season. The key is recognizing when that season is over.” – Lorna Gross

“You have to risk failure to get to the next thing you should be doing. Sometimes it will take you several times, sometimes it will take one time. As long as you’re not stuck in the season you shouldn’t be in.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Lorna Gross

Currently based in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Lorna Gross’ Louisiana and New York roots inspired her signature blend of warmth and elegance. Her flourishing design firm, Lorna Gross Interior Design, creates homes that perfectly reflect those who dwell within. Equally comfortable hosting a five-course dinner on fine china or a raucous crawfish boil, Lorna is a consummate hostess and expert entertainer. She is adept at public speaking and easily draws in a crowd with her innate kindness and relatability.

Connect with Lorna Gross

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What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

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

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:

Audiobook: The 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

#858: Veronica Solomon: Cultivating Self-Awareness as a Superpower

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

#895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers

#909: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss

#189: Power Talk Friday – Jan Bowen: Cultivating Your Intuition is Smart for You & For Your Interior Design Business.

oday With Lorna Gross:

Pick It Apart [2:40] Lorna starts us off with her background and growing up. [8:00] Lorna talks about her journey to discover what she is supposed to be doing for a living. [19:30] The importance of taking the time go sit in silence with yourself. [28:50] Recognizing the signal of when people complement you or tell you you have a knack in something. [50:10] Lorna’s plans including her podcast, a streaming service, book, and more all in addition to her interior design firm. [51:30] Lorna expands on how everyone has different seasons in their lives. [58:40] The importance of asking yourself what YOU want. LuAnn Nigara and Lorna Gross’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I believe the universe does these things to us to get us to make a different move.” – Lorna Gross

“I am believer that everything is for a season. The key is recognizing when that season is over.” – Lorna Gross

More About Lorna Gross

Connect with Lorna Gross

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

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

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:

Audiobook: The 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

#858: Veronica Solomon: Cultivating Self-Awareness as a Superpower

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business #895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers #909: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss #189: Power Talk Friday – Jan Bowen: Cultivating Your Intuition is Smart for You & For Your Interior Design Business.

10-03-2023

918: Lorna Gross: Unlock Your Potential: Reimagine and Reinvent Yourself, Over and Over

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01:15:59

918: Lorna Gross: Unlock Your Potential: Reimagine and Reinvent Yourself, Over and Over

09-29-202302-19-2025

917: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: The Five Things All Successful People Do

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0:50:08

917: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: The Five Things All Successful People Do

Today With Fred Berns:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Fred Berns. Fred has been on the show many times, and I often refer to him when I talk about finding your Fred Berns Only. Knowing your “only” is essential.

After working in the interior design industry as a business coach, speaker, and copywriter for 35 years, Fred has spent the past five years traveling the world. He visited 33 countries on four continents, and talked to business owners everywhere he went.

Fred has studied the most successful business professionals across many industries around the globe, and he discovered they all share several traits.

Today Fred is here to explain The Five Things these people have in common, along with actionable ways we can bring these habits into our own lives and businesses.

Pick It Apart

[04:07] Fred and LuAnn discuss the first habit: Focus, especially when it comes to your financial goals.

[08:57] Fred explains the second habit: Aim high.

[14:48] Fred and LuAnn revisit the Fred Berns Only and how it relates to the third habit: The personal sale (or selling yourself).

[18:50] Fred shares the details of his coach-call program, where he gives guidance on how to apply these five things to your career and your business.

[20:05] Fred and LuAnn talk about leaving money on the table and the importance of the fourth habit: Know the next step.

[25:59] LuAnn and Fred discuss the fifth habit: Be Persistent

LuAnn Nigara and Fred Berns’s Ah-Ha Moments “What are the five things you need to do tomorrow? So that when you arrive at your office, or you start work the next day, you have a roadmap, you know what you’re doing, you know what the day calls for.” – Fred Berns “Success leaves clues.” – Fred Berns “It’s a matter of changing your focus from being afraid of not achieving your goal to figuring out how you can do it.” – Fred Berns “Think big. Aim high.” – LuAnn Nigara “Your client wants you to take them by the hand and explain to them what we do next.” – Fred Berns “Successful people reflect on what they did right, and what they need to learn from and do differently the next time.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Fred Berns

Fred Berns has traveled the world in the five years since he retired from the interior design industry, and he’s learned a lot about small business success in the process.

“Success Shortcuts” has been a key topic of his conversations with entrepreneurs during his travels to 33 countries on four continents.

His international travels mark the latest chapter in a career that included more than 35 years as a business coach, copy writer and speaker in the interior design industry.

During that span, he trained design professionals on how to dramatically increase sales by promoting themselves more effectively. He spoke at design industry events around the world, and coached and wrote bios, website copy and other promotional materials for design professionals from Dallas to Dubai.

At the same time, he published a blog and newsletter that reached thousands of design professionals around the world, and he created a collection of books, videos and other business building resources for the interior design industry.

Connect with Fred Berns

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

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

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:

Audiobook: The 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

Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #22: Fred Berns – How to Create a Killer Bio AWDB #48: Power Talk Friday with Fred Berns AWDB #96: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns – Selling Methods of the Masters AWDB #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours AWDB #226: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns – 5 Keys to a Fabulous Fall AWDB # 289: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: 7 Habits of Luxury Interior Designers AWDB #337: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Set and Get Higher Fees AWDB #393: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: 12 Ways Interior Designers Sabotage Their Business AWDB #460: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: How to Strengthen and Rekindle Client Relationships WTFP #196 Sara Lynn Brennan: Why Window Treatments are a Non-Negotiable in Our Interior Design Process Other Resources Mentioned:

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

Freds’ Coach Call is a one-hour personalized, customized consultation session in which I help design professionals apply The Five Things to their businesses and careers.

The session can also include suggestions on how to upgrade and update their bios and website copy.

Investment: $159.Details: Contact Fred Berns at FredTalks @gmail.com, or 303-589-3013.

09-29-2023

917: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: The Five Things All Successful People Do

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48:12

917: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: The Five Things All Successful People Do

09-26-202309-26-2024

916: Marilyn Watson-LaVergne: Clients Don’t Buy What We Do, They Buy What We Believe

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0:57:30

916: Marilyn Watson-LaVergne: Clients Don’t Buy What We Do, They Buy What We Believe

Today With Marilyn Watson-LaVergne:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined Marilyn Watson-LaVergne. In her first career, Marilyn worked in marketing and public relations in New York City, witnessing the progression of branding for products and creative services, including interior design. Now a seasoned designer and owner of Marilyn LaVergne Interiors, Marilyn is teaching us that we can’t be all the things to all the people—and what to do instead. It all starts with identifying what you believe and finding your point of differentiation, because clients don’t buy what we do. They buy what we believe. Listen now to my chat with Marilyn to learn how to take this first step and where it will lead you.

Pick It Apart

[4:50] Marilyn explains the nuances and expertise that go into interior design.

[10:11] Marilyn talks about how she became passionate about design and transitioned out of marketing to become a designer.

[14:39] LuAnn and Marilyn discuss the impact a designer can have on their clients’ homes and lives, and what opportunities will bring the best outcomes.

[21:01] Marilyn suggests once you find your “only,” narrow your focus and seek customers who need that specific trait.

[27:35] Marilyn emphasizes that designers are not a commodity.

[39:00] Marilyn and LuAnn discuss the challenges of working in a creative industry, but understanding that what you offer will solve a problem or create an opportunity for your clients will benefit you both.

LuAnn Nigara and Marilyn Watson-LaVergne’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Clients don’t buy what we do, they buy what we believe.” – Marilyn Watson-LaVergne (quoting Simon Sinek)

“You have a specialized service [as a] designer. That means you have a specialized client.” – Marilyn Watson-LaVergne

“If we mean everything to everybody, then we actually mean nothing to anybody.” – Marilyn Watson-LaVergne

“You have something. You may not see it. And it might be because it’s so close to what you do that you don’t realize how valuable it is.” – LuAnn Nigara

“You have to know that what you’re offering is a solution to a really big problem or you’re capturing an opportunity. But either way, you are leaving your client in a better position than they were before the two of you met.” – Marilyn Watson-LaVergne

More About Marilyn Watson-LaVergne

Marilyn designs residential and boutique commercial interiors for clients seeking to enjoy spaces that showcase their values and amplify their aspirations. Her work features modern lines punched up with aesthetic elements from African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Indigenous cultures. She begins each project listening to understand clients’ vision, then collaborates to create exceptional living environments. “Design is about my clients’ future,” Marilyn observes, “So, we aim to transform their highest dreams into living reality. We delivery original spaces filled with inspiration, comfort and pleasure.” Before design, Marilyn was a New York City publicist — working, at times, in the interior design industry. Later, she collaborated with architects coordinating façade improvements to downtown buildings. She earned the Certificate of Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in New York. Then opened Sepia Home, an interior design showroom and art gallery in Montclair, NJ. Later she joined Cabinets to Go, a leading cabinetry retailer, where she designed 100’s of kitchens and bathrooms for clients in the greater New York City area. In 2019, She launched Marilyn LaVergne Interiors, a full-service interior design studio, to serve clients ready to step into living spaces that magnify their imagination!

10 Marilyn FACTS:

She’s evangelical about collecting fine art
Believes she smiles way too much
Takes Comfort in candle light
Holds intense disdain for fluorescent lighting
Plays guitar, sings the blues … but is shy about performing
Would kill for a private tour of Prince’s closet
Thinks the word “amazing” is over-used
Once hated Vegas so much she cried
Loves her curls
Adheres to a design principle that involves Diana Ross – ask her!

Connect with Marilyn Watson-LaVergne

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

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

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:

Audiobook: The 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