Page 68 – LuAnn Nigara

07-17-202007-18-2025

566: Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: Talk to Clients Like a Leader Not a Boss

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0:55:42

566: Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: Talk to Clients Like a Leader Not a Boss

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Ashley Uhl joins LuAnn on today’s show to talk about how to talk to your clients like a leader, not like a boss.

Ashley Uhl is the only client experience consultant exclusively focused on working with interior designers and decorators.

Ashley’s knowledge and expertise in client experience comes from her degree in Psychology, years of working with high net worth individuals at wealth management firm Morgan Stanley, formal training and work in human relations, sales, and presentations at top professional development company, Dale Carnegie, and from years of gleaning knowledge from five star establishments she visited during her international travel. Her knowledge of interior design, and the processes around it, came from her short stint as a designer, which then became a pivot to teaching designers about the client experience.

Ashley now shows designers how to confidently lead clients through the design process by teaching them a repeatable, systematic approach to delivering an exceptional client experience. One that results in higher fees, increased efficiency, and clients absolutely adoring you.

Ashley’s blog on the exceptional client experience is read by design professionals all over the world and has been a featured guest on podcasts such as Wingnut Social, Kimberly Seldon’s Business of Design, Kate the Socialite’s The Kate Show, and Michelle Williams’ Profit is a Choice. You can learn more about Ashley and how she works with designers at Ashley Uhl Consulting.

Show Highlights:

You don’t want your clients to run over you, so you want to communicate with them in a very specific, client-friendly way.
Especially in initial conversations with people, keep the focus on what you’re willing to do, not on what you’re NOT willing to do. Talk in the positive.
Ashley shares how to redirect clients in constructive ways.
There’s a gentle way to flip deadlines around holidays and parties.
“You aren’t a butler; you choose to be a servant-leader. You’re setting the tone every step of the way. You’re a leader who’s actively thinking through problems that your client is going to come up against. “ – Ashley
It’s Ok to tell your client you need some time to think on a request, but let them know when you will get back with them. Take this time to experience your fear, then come up with a solution to take to your client. This puts you back in the leadership position.
Explaining situations with respect to your clients is the doctor’s equivalent of having a great “bedside manner”.
Ashley has pre-recorded video courses that can be taken at any time that teaches you how you can consistently provide an exceptional client experience from beginning to end. She also provides ideas on client pampering!

Connect with Ashley!

Ashley’s Facebook

Ashley’s Instagram

Ashley’s Pinterest

Ashley’s Email

Links :

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Attend the Virtual IWCE – July 29-30, 2020

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Price: $2195

Are you a #babydesigner, #risingdesigner, or a #seasoneddesigner?

Take the “What Level is Your Design Firm” Quiz and Find Out!

Get a list of things to do that day, by the end of the week and by the end of the month, in addition to the best podcast episodes to listen to appropriate to where you are in your business journey!

Design-Build For Profit – Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

LuAnn Live – Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Instagram

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service.

Their popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture!

Kravet

Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM

Wendy Woloshchuk #316, #527

Claire Jefford #237, #325, #486

Sandra Funk #2, 145, 520

07-16-202010-03-2024

565: What Would Lu Do: How Do I Prepare My Solo Interior Design Business for Maternity Leave?

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0:24:55

565: What Would Lu Do: How Do I Prepare My Solo Interior Design Business for Maternity Leave?

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s question comes from Griffin Dorner, who is pregnant and due in October. Furthermore, she is the only one in her business so she’s looking for tips on how to prepare for maternity leave.

Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!

Show Highlights:

LuAnn provides the details around Griffin’s situation.
LuAnn speaks from her heart regarding making our babies our first priority.
Griffin should consider what she will and will not do during maternity leave.
Based on that conversation with herself and a trusted family member, friend, or peer, here are what Griffin’s next steps should be:
Review her projects and tie out as many as she can right now to completion.
Review and lock down her finances, including invoices and operating expenses.
Consider what happens with deficiency phone calls.
Consider what happens with new work inquiries.
Consider what to do about email and phone and who will be checking it.
If you have a social media presence, think about hiring it out!
If you have a newsletter, maybe take the time to write your blog posts now.
LuAnn details how Griffin may be able to put her work hat on once a week while a loved one cares for her baby as she monitors work situations.

Links :

Closing the Sale Begins at Hello

July 29 & 30, 2020

Go to IWCE Vision.com to register.

LuAnn’s new course taught by Traci Connell:

Buy Wholesale For Profit

Starts July 22nd!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

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

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

Jaipur Living’s Website – Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

07-14-202009-03-2025

564: Vicky Serany, Southern Studio: Thriving Despite Covid 19

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0:53:02

564: Vicky Serany, Southern Studio: Thriving Despite Covid 19

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s guest today is Vicky Serany from Southern Studio, and you’re going to hear how Vicky’s mission, vision, and goals for her company changed over the years. Sometimes you just have to make your business fit the life you have. You’ll be inspired to learn that you can revise, recalibrate, and reinvent your business at any time ever, over your entire life – and you’re going to receive lots of insights on leadership, too, so listen in!

Vicky Serany uses fresh combinations of texture, pattern, and color to create luxury interiors that meet the needs of each client. By paying attention to every detail of a project, she is able to meticulously transform the design vision into reality. Her inspiration comes from the beauty in everyday life and travel to fascinating places. Vicky’s extensive work in residential design and new home construction has earned her awards both locally and nationally. Vicky is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and lives in Cary with her husband, Dan. This empty nest mom jumps at the opportunity to spend time with her two grown children. When she’s not creating inspired interiors, Vicky enjoys spending time at the beach, sharing a bottle of wine with close friends, and exploring new adventures on her bucket list!

Southern Studio Interior Design was founded in 2001 and has earned a reputation as an award-winning interior design firm specializing in luxury interior spaces with casual sophistication. We believe that a well-designed home is timeless and reflects the unique personalities of its owners. The mission of Southern Studio is to provide a high level of creativity, integrity, and personalized attention to every project.

Show Highlights:

Vicky shares the dilemma she faced during the 2008 recession and the solution she found that actually went against everybody’s advice.
Vicky and her team took advantage during coronavirus to work on “Covid-19” projects from home, learning new skills.
“The one thing I’ve learned is that if we really focus on best business practices, we can survive and we plan for the down times.” Vicky
LuAnn addresses the need to have a support group within the industry – mentors, business coaches, and experts in the area.
Vicky provides an overview of the tools, processes, and systems that help her and her team to manage projects.
Every team member is empowered to use their “Make It Right” policy.
Learn from mistakes.
Think about where you want to be and where you want to go so that you’re better equipped to lead your teams into the future.
No matter where you are as a designer, you get there with a plan, taking action, and your support group.
When things are tough, it doesn’t always mean that something is wrong.
Don’t be paralyzed by fear!

Connect with Vicky!

Vicky’s Email

Vicky’s Website

Vicky’s Instagram

Vicky’s Blog

Links :

19hours The Blueprint – Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

EARLY BIRD PRICING OF $99 THROUGH JULY 14TH!!

Closing the Sale Begins at Hello

July 29 & 30, 2020

Go to IWCE Vision to register.

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn Live – Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Price: $2195

Design-Build For Profit – Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio: A Well Designed Business

Other shows mentioned

Eileen Hahn #363

LuAnn Solo show: Let’s Be Profitable #491

Laura Umansky #492

07-10-202009-03-2025

563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography

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0:54:46

563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Photographer Mike Van Tassell joins LuAnn in conversation today, and if you know anything about last year’s LuAnn Live, then you already know Mike. If you don’t, you will by the end of this show! As you listen, there will be no mistaking Mike’s commitment and passion to his profession and how he works with designers and architects. You’re in for a treat!

Born and raised in New York City, Mike always found himself surrounded by cutting edge art and stunning architecture. His passion for art was one that developed early in life and always stuck with him. While studying Graphic Arts & Architecture at the City University of New York, he discovered photography through his coursework and began diving into the medium as a hobby. That hobby soon flourished into a professional career as he discovered a way to combine his excitement for photography and architecture.

Mike spent the first 15 years of his professional career as a Photographer, Art Director and Creative Director for marketing organizations across New Jersey and New York City. Today, as an independent photographer, he is able to combine 15 years of client-facing services, along with his vision as an artist to bring a best in class customer experience to his clients.

Mike is equally devoted to delivering high-end photography, as well as an unmatched customer experience to each of his clients. Specializing in partnerships with architects, interior designers, and what sets him apart is his ability to truly partner and collaborate with his clients as fellow artists with a vision for their work. Mike takes time in his process to hear each of their unique needs and apply a trained eye to his photography, ultimately delivering stand-out images that capture his client’s artistic vision and help their business to thrive.

His partnerships span across multiple verticals including residential, commercial, academic, civic & cultural, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. His photography is used across advertising and marketing campaigns, professional portfolios, and design competitions globally.

Show Highlights:

In LuAnn’s observation and experience, there is a vast difference between average photography and excellent photography.
Mike’s goal is to help designers take their photos to the next level, as well as elevate their online presence.
Mike shares how interior designers can successfully work in partnership with photographers.
Avoid trend photography, and photograph your spaces the way you want them to appear in your portfolio.
Once you’ve established your style and your brand, photography can complement that by getting your photos where they need to be.
Mike explains how a good photographer will be able to adapt to a designer’s style by using supplemental lighting, natural sunlight, subtracting light, or by replicating sunlight with strobe lights, for example.
Capture photos that take prospective clients back into that space that you designed.
Quality photographs of your design work is a key component in marketing your business and cultivating new clients.
Here’s what Mike wished designers knew that could make their projects better!
LuAnn and Mike reminisce over his photography session at last year’s LuAnn Live.
“Photographers are like pizza. Everyone thinks they have the best pizza until they have the best pizza.” – Mike
If you’re looking at your photography and you’re not getting a visceral reaction, then it might be time to consider a different photographer.
Photography should be factored in when rebranding your website, as the photographs will be the first thing that a prospective client will notice.
Remember: Photography is a partnership, a collaboration between creatives.

Connect with Mike!

Mike’s Email

Mike’s Website

Mike’s Instagram

Mike’s LinkedIn

Mike’s Blog Post: How to Bring Your Interior Design Style to Life Through Photography

Links :

LuAnn Live – Coming February 2021

Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates!

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Price: $2195

Design-Build For Profit – Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

19hours The Blueprint – Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Jaipur Living’s Website – Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Other shows mentioned to link to and to tag in SM

Sarah Winchester #444

Laurel Smith #545

Nicole Heymer #466

Nancy Ganzekaufer #256

Kae Whitaker #26

Raquel Langworthy #343

Stephen Karlisch #369

David Livingston #51

Sara Brennan #524, #514, #463

07-09-202009-03-2025

562: Rasheeda Gray: #BLM 2020 The Year of Vision

0:00

1:12:21

562: Rasheeda Gray: #BLM 2020 The Year of Vision

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Rasheeda Gray joins LuAnn in today’s #blacklivesmatter episode. Rasheeda shares her personal experiences in that we all may learn, benefit, and grow.

Rasheeda Gray is the owner and principal designer of Gray Space Interiors, a full-service design firm in the Philadelphia area. Launched in 2016, Gray Space is devoted to curating a client-focused, transformative, and seamless design experience. With over 75 residential and commercial projects completed, the Gray Space approach to design can be found at the intersection of creativity, functionality, and process.

Rasheeda’s path into design begins at the tail end of a fifteen year career in Marketing and Communications with the nation’s top insurance companies. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and International Business as well as a Masters of Business Administration degree (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing. Additionally, she holds a professional certificate in Interior Design from Temple University. Features include HGTV, Good Day Philadelphia, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest Pro, Designers Today, and more. Rasheeda is also the co-founder of Gray Real Estate Group, a real estate development company, along-side her husband, Jake and together they have two children, Jacob Jr., and Kennedy.

Show Highlights:

Rasheeda shares from the heart – her experiences as a black woman, mom, wife, corporate leader, and designer.
Here are Rasheeda’s ideas for action:
Follow, support, and share the #sharethemic initiative, both the original movement founded by Bozoma St John and her colleagues and ingeniously brought to our industry by Albie Buabeng. Albie is on Instagram at Albie Knows so follow her for information and updates. To learn more about Albie, please go back to episode #348 when she was on this podcast.
Vote, show up, make sure the people in government enact laws that result in real changes.
Representation within our industry. Shelter magazines, live events, show houses, product licensing, product development, everything. Look around and speak up to the ones in charge when you do not see our black colleagues at the table.
Donate to organizations who make it possible to make change. In the industry, Rasheeda mentioned Black Artists Design Guild and The Black Interior Design organization. Outside the industry consider the NAACP.
And finally, do not let this be only a moment, a hashtag. Keep talking, keep learning, stay accountable, teach your friends and children so real change becomes a reality.
Please consider where and how you will show up to support her and all of our black colleagues and friends.

Connect with Rasheeda!

Rasheeda’s Email

Rasheeda’s Website

Rasheeda’s Instagram

Rasheeda’s Facebook

Rasheeda’s Pinterest

Links :

Share the Mic Now

albieknows

Design-Build For Profit – Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

19hours The Blueprint – Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Price: $2195

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to This Podcast Sponsor:

Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service.

Their popular visualization tool is now available on Lee Jofa Workroom furniture!

Kravet

Other shows mentioned for shownotes, to link to and to tag in SM

Kae Whitaker #26, #114, #259, #274, #556

Amy Flurry #323, #108

Nicole McGuire #537

Fred Berns #174

07-07-202003-03-2025

561: Sara Hillery: Client Retention Strategies

0:00

1:1:03

561: Sara Hillery: Client Retention Strategies

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today, LuAnn’s guest, Sara Hillery, shares her top tips for client retention and sound advice that you’ll be able to apply to your own business. Take notes or listen to it a second time, too, because you’re sure to hear some tidbits you missed the first time!

Sara’s approach involves incorporating the fine and rare with the utilitarian and available, creating beautiful and functional spaces. With a focus on honoring each client’s personal history, the firm excels at updating and transforming client’s interior spaces both architecturally and decoratively making previously acquired and antique pieces more relevant and practical. While Sara draws inspiration from her travels to Europe, India, and Japan, her style invariably reflects her Southern heritage and familial roots in Virginia, Texas, and New Orleans.

Upon graduating from the University of Virginia in 2004, Sara turned her focus to architecture and interiors and received her MFA in Interior Environments and ASID certification at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007.

After beginning her career in interior design working for a design group in Richmond, Virginia, Sara relocated to Houston where she became a Project Designer at Lucas Eilers Design Associates. While at Lucas Eilers, Sara’s projects received numerous local awards and accolades including Best in Show, Best Vacation Home, and Best Residential Green Design, and were featured in numerous publications.

In 2011 Sara opened Sara Hillery Interior Design. As a proud working mother of 3, Sara excels at making design family friendly while still remaining creative, elegant, and timeless. RHome, New Orleans Home and Lifestyles, and Boomer Magazine have featured her work. Sara Hillery Interior Design has completed projects in Louisiana, New York, Texas, and Virginia.

Show Highlights:

“Clients aren’t just clients, they’re a part of my life.” – Sara
Sara has genuine interest in each client. The more she knows and understands about them, the better she can serve them.
Sara’s detailed client questionnaire serves as a reference throughout the relationship and is updated as she gets to know the client.
Setting up the client’s expectations at the very beginning of a project is very important, and Sara offers her strategies.
LuAnn shares how we sometimes function out of fear, but we can learn how to operate from a place of faith that doesn’t rock us when we encounter a surprise.
More tips from Sara regarding client retention throughout the project.
Remember that there is a big emotional tie between the client and the work you are doing for their home.
Don’t forget a unique, personal gift to present to your client when the project ends. Sara has a fantastic idea for you to consider!
Bottom line in client retention: Pay attention to people, learn the things about them that matter, and act on ways you can show that you appreciate them.

Connect with Sara!

Sara’s Houzz

Sara’s Website

Sara’s Instagram

Sara’s Facebook

Sara’s Email

Links :

LuAnn’s Blogpost on Faith or Fear

Design-Build For Profit – Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

19hours The Blueprint – Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Price: $2195

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized!

Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features!

My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business

Open Your Trade Account with ARTICLE.com Here!

Be the hero for your clients, and be the solution they need right now with Article.

560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book

0:00

0:52:45

560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn welcomes Brad Leavitt back to the show, and they are going to be discussing what your builder wants you to know. Don’t miss this motivating conversation, it will be like being a fly on the wall to an exclusive builder’s club!

AFT Construction is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Pella, Cambria, Elkay, and Post-it Notes. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley.

His Podcast, “The AFT Construction Podcast”, is focused on bringing value to its listeners, no matter their industry. The topics are focused on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, organization, building science, and construction. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability, and quality. Brad and his wife Ashley have 6 children, 5 girls, and 1 boy. Brad is active with all 6 of his children, serves in his local community, and loves all sports.

Show Highlights:

Brad and LuAnn discuss the importance of a design book.
The more a designer puts on paper, the more accountable the builder will be.
As your expertise grows, so will the level of detail you deliver in your design book.
When you provide a builder with an example of your design book, that enables him to sell your value to the client.
Brad shares how CAD brings extra value to the design book.
It’s important to reach out to non-competing designers through social media and other networking opportunities to find out how they’re doing things.
Brad encourages designers to chase the next-level project. You perfect your process and refine it after each job by doing a project autopsy.
LuAnn covers the benefits to attracting builders who want to work with you.
Brad divulges the tips to attract the right builders to work with you.
The bottom line is this is a relationship-driven industry!

Connect with Brad!

Brad’s Email

Brad’s Website

The AFT Construction Podcast

Brad’s Instagram (AFT_Construction)

Brad’s Pinterest (AFT_Construction)

Brad’s Facebook

Brad’s LinkedIn

Links :

Design-Build For Profit – Coming Late Summer / Early Fall!

With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors

Get on the Email List HERE!

19hours The Blueprint – Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends TODAY, July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

Jaipur Living’s Website – Easy to Browse, Custom Calculator, Products Ready to Ship! Open Your Trade Account to Begin Your Relationship with This Admirable Company.

Other shows mentioned to include in show notes:

Brad’s other show: #542

07-02-202010-03-2024

559: What Would Lu Do? Adjusting to Changes & Lost Business Due to Covid-19

0:00

0:28:24

559: What Would Lu Do? Adjusting to Changes & Lost Business Due to Covid-19

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers.

Today’s question comes from Angela in Pennsylvania. Angela has 20 years of experience in design but considers herself somewhat of a baby designer since she only opened her own business two years ago. The Covid-19 event has had a huge impact on her virtual close rate, and she’s needing some guidance.

Listen in to hear more about the dilemma that Angela faces, as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions.

Show Highlights:

LuAnn shares the details of Angela’s dilemma:
Angela has resisted switching her business model and has picked up a few clients virtually, for which she receives a small deposit.
She presents them with a slide presentation with fabrics delivered via mail, and the clients love what they see.
When the client sees the invoice, however, they offer various excuses to back out.
Angela’s close rate prior to Covid-19 was about 90%; now it’s around 10%.
Here are some of LuAnn’s suggestions for Angela:
Think outside the box!
It’s very helpful to have an automatic salary withdrawal for yourself every week, even if it’s small. When you know you have to make money, somehow you do it.
Since Angela is having a hard time closing full-service projects, perhaps she should consider adjusting her business model, after all. Angela could lean into a temporary consultancy model, as there have been other designers who have had great success with this.
Don’t mail out the presentation unless the fee is paid up front.
A 90% close rate means prices are too low.
Get real and examine the entire process from beginning to end with the client to discover the reason why they are backing out of their deals. What signs were missed or ignored along the way?
In wrapping up, LuAnn encourages Angela to go back and think about her “why”. If Angela truly loves being self-employed, she should stay the course and keep perfecting her process, because this will increase her confidence which will, in turn, increase her profits.

Links:

19hours The Blueprint – Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Price: $129

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

Are You Interested in a 2 Million Plus Mastermind with LuAnn?

Email her at info@luannnigara.com and put “mastermind” in the subject line.

She’ll set up a call and see if it’s a good fit for you!

The first of 6 monthly meetings start in August, and there are 3 spots open!

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

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Other shows mentioned:

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06-30-202003-03-2025

558: Rebecca Robinson: Provide Value & Create Relationships with Contractors

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1:5:55

558: Rebecca Robinson: Provide Value & Create Relationships with Contractors

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On today’s show, LuAnn chats with Rebecca Robinson from Monarch Lane Interiors. Rebecca is one of the leading home renovation experts in Tennessee, and she’ll be sharing how she explains her value to contractors and builders and how this results in a full pipeline for her and her firm. You’ll also hear how Mydoma Studio makes this process even easier for her to pitch to contractors and easier for her to effectively manage the projects once she lands them. Don’t miss this conversation!

Monarch Lane Interiors is a Full Service Interior Design firm by Rebecca Robinson. With 20 years of experience remodeling the homes, offices, and commercial Studios of successful professionals around Nashville and surrounding counties. Rebecca is involved in every aspect of remodeling from drawing floor plans to color and selections to managing contractors and overseeing the design and construction details.

A customer relationship specialist, Rebecca has formed lasting friendships with her clients, helping some with multiple homes and projects. Her clients describe her as passionate, positive, and a problem solver.

Specializing in Kitchen and Bath Design, Rebecca holds the certification of Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer-AKBD. She knows the industry guidelines and codes to keep your home’s best interests in mind. A member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association -NKBA, the longest and largest established design organization. Also an Allied Member of ASID- American Society of Interior Designers. Rebecca graduated from O’More College of Design with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design.

Rebecca launched her design firm in 2006 after working several years managing a team of designers at a local furniture retailer. It is there that she gained the knowledge of flooring, furniture construction, and textiles, as well as managing store operations, client budgets, and organizing the delivery and warehouse team. Her experience designing Model homes also gave her the eye for staging and furniture and accessories. A long-term resident of Nashville, Rebecca knows the area, along with real estate and design trends to enhance the home’s value.

Show Highlights:

Rebecca shares how she saw the need to work on the contractor / designer relationship.
Here are some reasons why contractors don’t like to work with designers.
Rebecca details a private package she ended up creating that contractors can buy as a gift to their clients.
Mydoma Studio allows clients and contractors to log in to a project that you’re working on, and Rebecca sits down and shows them how to use the website.
The client has the option to purchase additional design work when their initial gifted time has been used.
LuAnn and Rebecca covers some of the ways that Mydoma Studio makes communicating and managing a project so much easier.
How Rebecca reaches out to contractors that she does not personally know.
“When I present to a contractor, I don’t just tell them all these things. I actually bring my laptop and show them Mydoma. Every single time.” Rebecca
Rebecca addresses the rebranding of her business in 2019 and all the changes that accompanied it.
Sometimes you just have to jump into your fear and go for it!
LuAnn imparts some wise words about making mistakes.
Business retreats are powerful and can bring great results! Do you want harmony in your business? Check out Rebecca’s Designer Notes Retreat.

Connect with Rebecca!

Rebecca’s Website

FREE Download! The Interior Designer’s Guide to Working with Contractors

Designer Notes Retreat

Links :

19hours The Blueprint – Mydoma Studio

July 15th, 2020

Pre-Sale Price: $99 through June 30th

Full Price: $129 effective July 1st

Buy Wholesale For Profit with Traci Connell

Stop Buying Retail and Start Making Maximum Profit

KICKING OFF July 22, 2020

Early Bird Pricing! Register Now: $1895

Early Bird ends July 3rd! Pricing goes up to $2195.

Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business?

LuAnn Nigara COB

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors:

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Mydoma Studio A Well Designed Business

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

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1:14:22

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

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Desi Creswell joins LuAnn in a conversation today about breaking old habits and how to think about the same things in new ways. You’ll hear about how important it is to get real about your life by setting goals and expectations that serve you in totality so that you can run both your life and your business in sustainable ways. Get ready for some fantastic a-ha moments!

Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally achieve next-level success with more freedom and fulfillment. An awarding-winning interior designer who has worked for world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice, Desi is uniquely equipped to empower her clients with an essential blend of industry specific expertise and mindset coaching. Her passion is to help designers build thriving businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole.

Desi will be one of the co-authors in LuAnn’s next book, A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts, Volume II.

Show Highlights:

Desi explains that many designers are solopreneurs and wear both the CEO and the technician hats.
The CEO is responsible for the vision of the business.
Many designers spend too much time as technicians and not enough time developing their capacity to run the business as CEO.
If this happens, a designer basically becomes a glorified assistant for their own business.
You can’t afford to NOT take the time to get intentional about where you’re headed.
How is your business serving your life?
Desi covers CEO tasks and questions for consideration.
Develop a strategy and be intentional about the way you’re spending your time.
Think about what is possible, and make sure your life goals and business goals support each other.
“The intention of growing your business and setting big goals for yourself is not just about the results, it is about the person you get to become once that goal is realized.” – Desi
Be aware of places you might stumble!
Desi and LuAnn share a plethora of tips, tricks, and strategies to get you on your way to honoring commitments to yourself as you grow your life and your business by developing your CEO mindset.