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808: Hailey Kolbe: How to Vet Inquiries, Spot Red Flags, and Attract Your Ideal Client

Today With Hailey Kolbe:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I am joined by Hailey Kolbe, the founder and principal designer of her referral-based design firm, Hailey Kolbe Design, which specializes in full-service design for new builds and remodels. Do you know the value of a thorough client work-up? Today, Hailey and I discuss the importance of a thorough evaluation of your client inquiry forms, how to spot red flags, and set expectations with your clients so you set yourself, and your client, up for success. Tune in today to hear how these critical steps can ultimately help you attract your ideal client and be more profitable.

More About Hailey Kolbe:

Hailey Kolbe Design is a referral-based design firm ran by founder and lead designer Hailey Kolbe. HK Design specializes in full-service design for new builds and remodels. At the heart of the business is Hailey’s devotion to serving others and creating a unique design experience tailored to each client project. Through developing long lasting relationships with her clients, Hailey and her team create spaces reflective of each homeowner’s personality and lifestyle.

HK Design cultivates a client experience through a comprehensive materials presentation, the provision of on-site support throughout the construction process and concludes with the furnishing installation. It is Hailey’s priority to curate beautiful, yet functional spaces and a bespoke experience for each of her clients to enjoy while bringing the custom design to fruition.

A native Texan and Texas A&M graduate, Hailey began working as a Registered Nurse before her creative abilities, driven spirit, and deep faith transformed her profession in 2015 into a flourishing interior design career. She spent many years designing homes at a full-service design firm and furniture showroom where she gained experience in design, project management, retail and merchandising. Hailey’s design experience highlights full service residential remodels, new construction, and furnishings. Her work can be seen in Texas living Publications and Luxe Interior Design Magazine. Over the years, Hailey has honed her skills by growing resources and relationships to provide the best products and qualified contractors for each individual project.

Hailey also offers mentorship to fellow designers called “Mentorship by Hailey.” She has experienced many wonderful mentors throughout her career as a designer and recognizes mentorship is indispensable for the success of Hailey Kolbe Design. She knows firsthand the importance of having one person to trust with the details of your business, to help guide you through decisions and provide encouragement to take the next step in order for your business to grow. This mentorship is designed to support you and your business in a unique way as she is currently in the midst of running her own business, navigating hard decisions, seeking to grow and serve her clients in a way that provides the very best experience.

Connect with Hailey Kolbe

Website

Instagram

Hailey’s Project Inquiry Form

Hailey’s Design Process

To apply for Business Mentorship with Hailey Kolbe

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

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

A Big Thank You to Today’s Sponsor:

Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

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807: Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Interior Design Boss Academy. Why Trust & Experience Matter in Creating a Profitable Business

Claire Jefford

Today with Claire Jefford:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. In today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Claire Jefford—a seasoned designer, a business coach, and one of my trusted Power Talk Friday experts.

Claire knows that the foundation of a successful business is trust and experience—and she’s formed the Interior Design Boss Academy to teach you how to build those two vital pieces for your business.

Pick It Apart

[13:38] Claire discusses why trust matters so much in business and how to build it from the very first touchpoint with a client.

[23:25] Claire and LuAnn talk about the importance of the client experience.

[30:51] Claire breaks down the modules of her course and how they help designers build a strong foundation for their business.

[45:25] Claire shares what you get when you join the Interior Design Boss Academy.

LuAnn Nigara and Claire Jefford’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“The quicker you can build trust, the faster clients will hand over the reins to you and not micromanage. You’ll just see a big shift.” -Claire Jefford

“I have coached designers who have said that in their welcome emails they start talking about discounts. Who are you attracting there right now? You are attracting people who are counting their dollars. We don’t hire people in our business because they’re the cheapest. We hire because they’re the best.” -Claire Jefford

“This industry is a luxury. We as designers or business owners can’t forget that whether you’re selling somebody something a $250 service or a $50,000 design fee, they’re coming to you for the experience.” -LuAnn Nigara

More About Claire Jefford:

Claire Jefford began her award-winning Interior Decorating firm in 2011 & quickly grew her business, boasting the highest reviewed design professional in the Toronto area with over 100 reviews. In 2017, Claire started a second business as a Business Coach.

With a background in Human Resources, Claire is passionate about having organized processes, marketing & she also loves creating videos. Audiences love Claire for her authentic personality, her helpful, straight-up advice & cheeky sense of humour.

Voted Top Influencer 3 years running by Modenus, Claire does speaking engagements, panel discussions & live video broadcasts from various events across North America. She also runs a highly active Facebook group, Interior Design Business Strategies, with over 5500 design professionals from around the world.

Connect with Claire Jefford

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

Other Shows Mentioned:

#237 Claire Jefford: How To Get More Clients With Video Content

#325 Claire Jefford: Create Valuable Content to Sell Through Your Website

#485 Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Rock the Consult

A big thank you to today’s sponsor:

Today’s show is sponsored by Claire Jefford and The Interior Design Boss Academy. Check out all the details of her upcoming course, the “Interior Designer Boss Academy”.

Enroll here: https://www.interiordesignbossacademy.com/

Watch Claire’s feature in LuAnn’s new 3-part docuseries:

Watch the full 3-part Docuseries here. See behind the scenes of what it took to build A Well-Designed Business® podcast.

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806: Rebecca Hay: The Power of the Process




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Today With Rebecca Hay:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Rebecca Hay, CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs. Through her podcast Resilient by Design and her course Power of Process, Rebecca is tapping into her experience with running her own business. She is sharing how she has learned to have a clear, organized, and thorough process of services resulting in success in every design project.

Of course, it wasn’t always ‘success’ with Rebecca’s business. She had some eye-opening experiences, including what she calls a “lemon job” which, along with A Well-Designed Business and her peers, really opened her eyes to put proper focus on building a process of services.

Listen in as Rebecca and I discuss processes and how through trial and error and the knowledge that process is constantly evolving she has managed to confidently run her business.

LuAnn Nigara and Rebecca Hay’s Ah-Ha Moments

“No matter what the situation is, you have to rewind it back to where you think the mistake took place because that’s where the lesson is.” – LuAnn Nigara

“If you never ask your clients those questions, you could go on for years having the same process that hasn’t worked the best for your clients.” – LuAnn Nigara

“If the new processes aren’t updated in writing, then when the next project rolls around it’s not there to follow. Process is constantly evolving.” – Rebecca Hay

More About Rebecca Hay:

Rebecca Hay is CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs, podcast host, international speaker, and business coach. She helps driven interior designers who are frustrated, time-strapped and spinning their wheels to eliminate the chaos of running a design business so that they can achieve focus and clarity. She helps them implement systems and strategies to inspire their confidence and streamline their business, taking them from chaos to coordinated. Her methods and experience prove that anyone can uplevel their business without working around the clock & missing out on precious family time.

She’s built her own seven-figure interior design business through trial and error and has eliminated the chaos giving her the freedom now to focus only on the parts that she enjoys most.

Her goal is to disrupt the traditional elitism and secrecy that has been a cornerstone of the Interior Design industry for far too long. Rebecca believes in collaboration over competition and given the right tools & truly authentic marketing, any designer can be successful.

Connect with Rebecca Hay

Website

Instagram

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#489: Power Talk Friday: Brad Clinard: Intentional Planning for Abundant Living

#777: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Leading from Your Future Self

#698: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Tactics to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm

#557: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset

#475: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time

#02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

#585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems

#36: Susan Brunstrum: Practical Advice for Project Management

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

A Big Thank You to Today’s Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Brad Clinard, the Director of Financial Design at High Point Financial Design. Brad and his team are not your average financial planners. Their mission is abundance for everyone, especially their clients and they believe it is their responsibility as Financial Designers to help people improve their lives, make better choices concerning their money, and positively impact their financial wellness. This is their one, extraordinary, and obsessive focus.

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805: Power Talk Friday: Jeannie Andresen: Turning Down Interior Design Business

Jeannie Andresen Headshot

Today With Jeannie Andresen:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I often hear from designers who struggle to turn down undesirable businesses. That makes sense—it can be hard to say no to the wrong fit. It takes work on your own mindset to learn how to do that. Today, business coach Jeannie Andresen joins me to guide you through a straightforward process to determine your own worth, charge accordingly, and turn away the business that doesn’t align with it.

Pick It Apart

[7:52] Jeannie breaks down the art of the 10-minute phone call for crisis communication.

[19:47] Jeannie explains why removing emotion makes business decisions easier. 

[38:22] LuAnn and Jeannie discuss why undercharging hurts both you and the client. 

[45:18] Jeannie shares how to overcome feeling bad about saying no.

LuAnn Nigara and Jeannie Andresen’s Ah-Ha Moments

“If you’re going to convince yourself of a story, why don’t we just try a different story? Let’s say that if you say $6,000 then they thought it was going to be $10,000 and they are thrilled. Because that is just as likely as the story that they were expecting $3,000 and $6,000 is too much. We made them both up.” -LuAnn

“You have to remember that in the tough conversations, the other person just wants to hear sometimes that you know a mistake was made. You don’t have to take it as a personal hit.” -LuAnn

“The worse feeling is when you give a quote and they say yes to it quickly and you just crumble because you think you should have charged more. How does that allow you to show up moving forward with that client?” -Jeannie

More About Jeannie Andresen:

Jeannie is a former corporate director turned life and business coach who specializes in helping interior designers become confident in both business and leadership.

Jeannie’s background includes a decade of experience in corporate America, running a recruiting business inside a Fortune 100 finance firm. Her role included directly managing a team of six, indirectly managing a team of thirty, and onboarding, training, and coaching sales professionals to develop habits of success to reach their business goals.

Jeannie now focuses her business on teaching interior designers the processes of running an organized, successful, and efficient business, so they can finally become confident in their business abilities and make the money they deserve.

Connect with Jeannie Andresen

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

#710 Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Get Paid What You are Worth. Sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021

A Big Thank You to Today’s Sponsor:

Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. products are in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in-stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet’s exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at https://www.kravet.com.

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804: Sherry Schmidt: Closing the Sale in Commercial Interior Design

Today With Sherry Schmidt:

Today I am joined by Sherry Schmidt, owner of Form and Function. With 20 years of experience in the industry, Sherry offers individualized one-stop residential and commercial design services.

Today we are covering all things commercial design. Sherry puts all of her sales staff through a step by step training to teach them the art of conversation with clients. Whether you do commercial design, residential design and thinking about adding commercial, residential only, or you just think sales in general are scary, this episode will provide you with a ton of takeaways. You will also learn about Sherry’s course, the Consumer Centered Sales Method for Design Professionals, that will take sales training even farther giving you the confidence to close each and every sale.

Pick It Apart

[6:15] Sherry breaks down what she will be covering in our conversation about commercial design.

[15:00] Sherry explains what territorial restrictions refer to in commercial design.

[17:30] Being prepared with a list of questions about the project scope, budget and quality

[29:20] Tips on using what you know about your competition during the initial interview.

[49:59] What Sherry suggests designers watch out for in terms of budgeting.

LuAnn Nigara and Sherry Schmidt’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Every situation is different. There are no problems, just solutions.” – Sherry Schmidt

“How do I value engineering and still get the look for less?” – Sherry Schmidt

“A huge takeaway is do not underestimate the interview, if we can’t wow them during this step then we’re just wasting our time.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Sherry Schmidt:

Sherry Schmidt’s studies in art and psychology spawned her interest in interior design. With 20 years of experience in the industry, she offers individualized one-stop residential and commercial design services. Her client-inspired designs incorporate distinctive elements sourced from global artisans and suppliers to create exclusively tailored spaces. Sherry is dedicated to building trusted relationships and to providing superior service to clients throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Connect with Sherry Schmidt

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#683: Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience is #1 in Design

A Big Thank You to Today’s Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by LuAnn University.

This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries

We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

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803: Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: Productivity is Personal – How to Create Systems that Will Work for You!

More About Amber De La Garza:

Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist! Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, host of the Productivity Straight Talk podcast, and creator of Leverage Lab. She helps business owners improve their time management and elevate their productivity to maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most!

Connect with Amber De La Garza

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Listen to Amber’s podcast!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

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

A Big Thank You to Today’s Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by LuAnn University.

This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries

We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

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802: Gillian Segal: How and Where to Build a Professional Community

Today With Gillian Segal:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am sitting down with Gillian Segal, owner of Gillian Segal Design and HUGE supporter of relationships. But that’s not Gillian’s only passion. Gillian’s skill of sourcing has also contributed to her company’s success. Tune in to learn how strong relationships in all aspects of her business and how growing her ‘black book’ of vendors has made Gillian’s firm successful in six years.

Pick It Apart

[3:00] Gillian starts us right off on what developing community means to her.

[7:38] How Gillian develops her supportive and collaborative team.

[26:36] Gillian brings the same principles in strengthening relationships with her clients.

[33:23] What comes to mind for Gillian in terms of the community with vendors and peers.

LuAnn Nigara and Gillian Segal’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Design is a team sport because it definitely takes a village.” – Gillian Segal

“Some things are out of our control, but what is in our control is how we conduct ourselves with our partners.” – Gillian Segal

“The things that got you to your first $500,000 won’t be the things that will get you to your first million to your second million, and so on.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Gillian Segal:

Gillian believes that design can have a profoundly positive impact on quality of life and has always had a passion for interior design and its influence on the way we feel day-to-day. At a young age, Gillian watched her parents build their first family home, and from that experience, she always knew that she wanted to change people’s lives through design.

After completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Gillian pursued her love for design by attending B.C.I.T’s Interior Design program and graduated magna cum laude. From there, she earned her CID and began working with some of Vancouver’s top design studios, which catapulted the start of her eponymous design firm. Now servicing major cities, including Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, and beyond, Gillian works with clients around the globe to create highly personalized spaces that speak authentically to their lifestyles.

With an emphasis on playful, modern, and eclectic glamour, Gillian’s work is ever-evolving and frequently inspired by her travels and love for shifting styles throughout the decades. Gillian prioritizes the blending of old and new design aesthetics in order to continuously produce one-of-a-kind timeless spaces for her clients.

Passionate about collaborative initiatives, Gillian continues to expand her endeavors in the product development market. She is the co-founder of Saint Lunette, which focuses on servicing developers, and most recently has curated a product design and wallpaper collection with Drop It Modern.

Gillian has also shared her expertise as an interior design contributor and writer for marthastewart.com and Gray Malin.

In between site checks and design appointments, she loves spending time with her family and raising her young children. When she’s not working, Gillian is passionate about giving back and often participates in volunteer work around her community. Gillian is excited to expand her reach and bring her tailored design approach to more of her favorite cities around the world.

Connect with Gillian Segal

Website 

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#64– Laura Umansky- Plan Your Career with Intention and Purpose

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

#492– Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success

A Big Thank You to Today’s Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by LuAnn University.

This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries

We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

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801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation

Today’s Show Sponsored by the “Interior Design Standard.”

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share all the details of her upcoming course, the “Interior Design Standard”.

I’m so excited to share Sandra Funk’s business program, the “Interior Design Standard”, with you because I know it will be the best investment for your business.

Enroll here:  https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann

Today with Sandra Funk:

Sandra’s back on the show today, and we are talking all about growth and change. Mistakes and obstacles can lead to growth and transformation. Find out why Sandra never asks a client for their budget, and what she does instead.

This is one you don’t want to miss! This will also be your exclusive invitation to sign up for the Interior Design Standard, so you can achieve the same transformation as Sandra’s design firm, without having to make all the mistakes yourself.

More About Sandra Funk:

Sandra Funk is the CEO and Principal Designer of House of Funk, a greater New York area design firm working wherever great clients need us.

This is interior design with a soul and a sense of place; reflecting your desires, personality, and style.

House of Funk creates thoughtful homes with an emphasis on clean lines and soulful touches, all rooted in tradition.

Sandra is an Accredited Professional for the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

Sandra’s award-winning design work has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor, House Beautiful, The Huffington Post, Apartment Therapy, Aspire Design & Home, and Luxe Interiors + Design.

With almost two decades in the interior design industry, Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020 – a template for designers to utilize her streamlined processes and business structure to bring joy and profit to their own design business.

Connect with Sandra Funk

Website

Instagram

Facebook 

Pinterest

How to Start an Interior Design Business

Interior Design Pricing

Watch Sandra Funk’s feature in LuAnn’s new 3-part docuseries:

Watch the full 3-part Docuseries here. See behind the scenes of what it took to build A Well-Designed Business® podcast.

Other Shows Mentioned:

#753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business

#660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”

#585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems

#520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!

#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm

#02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

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800: Richelle Plett: How to Sell Upholstery Without a Sit Test

Today With Richelle Plett:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, with Richelle Plett, seasoned interior designer, and expert in upholstered furniture. We talk about her proprietary course, Upholstery Uncovered, which is accompanied by her, literally beautiful, book by the same name. We also talk about her exciting new 3-hour intensive course available through LuAnn University starting fall 2022, called “Close more upholstered furniture sales: No sit test required!”. This episode and her courses are for you if you have ever struggled to sell upholstered pieces to your clients without a “sit test”. When you know the ergonomics of upholstered pieces and the construction of them, you can confidently specify comfortable, beautiful upholstered furniture without the stress and anxiety of “will they like it”? Be the expert and learn how to confidently sell upholstered furniture even when your client cannot try it themselves.

LuAnn Nigara and Richelle Plett’s Ah-Ha Moments

“From a sales standpoint, anytime I can understand exactly what I am talking about it’s so much easier to sell.” – LuAnn Nigara

“As a designer, you need to be able to read the frame, look at it and notice that this particular fabric, whether I’m reupholstering it or selecting a custom fabric and recognize how that is going to look.” – Richelle Plett

“Once you have a good understanding about what your client’s needs are for the upholstered piece in that space, it basically designs itself.” Richelle Plett

More About Richelle Plett:

Craving a way to confidently source custom upholstery and meet your client’s needs without resorting to crowdsourcing social media for the answer? Then you should know Richelle Plett.

In addition to being a “seasoned” interior designer, Richelle has developed a course called UPHOLSTERY UNCVOVERED that teaches design professionals how to identify and analyze upholstery construction materials and methods so they can make informed decisions on their client’s behalf.

Having previously owned an upholstery studio that specialized in the restoration of vintage seating, Richelle has had the unique opportunity to observe how various materials and construction methods wear in real life.

In UPHOLSTERY UNCOVERED, she presents the information in an unbiased manner diving deep into frames, foundations, springs, cushions, fabrics, and custom fabric application, and empowers students to confidently specify custom upholstery WITHOUT clients insisting on sitting on it first!

When not geeking out over the pros and cons of 8-way hand-tied coils springs, Richelle can be found on her own sofa with her dog streaming a documentary and devouring black jellybeans.

Connect with Richelle Plett

Website 

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

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

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A Big Thank You to Today’s Sponsor:

Today’s episode is sponsored by LuAnn University.

This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries

We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

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799: Power Talk Friday: Jamie Van Cuyk: What You Need to Consider When Making Your Next Hire

Jamie Van Cuyk Headshot

Today With Jamie Van Cuyk:

It seems like everywhere I turn, businesses in our industry are hiring. And yet, just as many of them are struggling to find the right way to hire and onboard for long-term success. Today, Jamie Van Cuyk of Growing Your Business joins me to discuss the ins and outs of hiring the best fit employee for your team.

Pick It Apart

[2:14] Jamie discusses why hiring has changed so drastically in the last year and what it means for businesses looking to hire. 

[20:05] Jamie shares her insights on the interview process, beginning with the job description.

[34:55] Jamie and LuAnn discuss the importance of the onboarding process.

[52:30] Jamie breaks down the importance of flexibility in work schedules for the modern workforce.

LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Van Cuyk’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Just like in our design projects, the more clarity we can have upfront and the more we can create that in the job description and the job posting and the interview, the better match we’re going to ultimately end up with.” -LuAnn

“The main thing about onboarding is teaching your expectations so you are happy with their performance. If you don’t teach them your expectations, they’re going to make up their own expectations.” -Jamie

More About Jamie Van Cuyk:

Jamie Van Cuyk, the owner and lead strategist of Growing Your Team, is an expert in hiring and onboarding teams within small businesses. 

Drawing from over 15 years of leadership experience, Jamie teaches her clients how to hire their early team members, including employees and long-term contractors. By learning the dynamics of each company and their specific needs, she helps them and their perfect, long-lasting team members and avoids the hiring and ring cycle. 

On a personal side, Jamie lives in St Petersburg, FL, with her husband and two daughters, is a hobby winemaker, loves to travel, and enjoys exercise that takes her feet off the ground, including rock climbing and aerial dance.

Connect with Jamie Van Cuyk

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

LinkedIn

Listen to Jamie’s podcast

Free gift for listeners! 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

#634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire

Other Resources Mentioned:

Link to Hiring & Team Management Collection on website : https://luannnigara.com/category/hiring-team-management/

A Big Thank You to Today’s Sponsor:

Before we dive into today’s episode, let’s take a moment to thank our show sponsor, Revelwoods, your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.