Business of Design ™ | Interior Designers, Decorators, Stagers, Stylists, Architects & Landscapers
Business of Design® is the #1 trusted business training resource for design professionals around the world. Join thousands of design professional already using our field-tested project management strategies and enjoy increased confidence, improved client retention, greater profits and a business that thrives. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast
Episodes
May 30, 2023 • 32 mins
It’s just another day at the office for Kimberley who is going to randomly select three emails from her inbox and share what’s happening on projects.
In this episode we learn:
- emails often contain high stakes requests for decisions
- use updates from trades as the basis for updates to clients
- read it twice…are you sure you didn’t miss something
It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Des...
Mark as Played
May 23, 2023 • 48 mins
One of the most common operational pitfalls any design professional encounters is a scope of work that is not clearly defined. Frequently, a lack of clarity around deliverables results in an excess of work that is unpaid and a chronic lack of profitability.
In this episode we learn:
- perfectionism and lack of clarity around scope lead to overwork and overwhelm
- to avoid the tendency to over-deliver, you must clearly define t...
Mark as Played
May 16, 2023 • 37 mins
We all have fears that center on our work life. Am I marketing enough, am I charging too little, am I pushing the envelope too far, will the clients hate this, how will I manage this delay, and on and on. Facing fear is part of the job, any job, and it’s never easy. Taking a pause before reacting to triggers is one way to gain perspective before any response, says our guest, Tina Ramchandani of NYC.
In this episode we learn:
- i...
Mark as Played
May 9, 2023 • 39 mins
There are so many interesting industries that are adjacent to and compatible with the work we do as design professionals. In this episode, married partners Michelle and Brandon Burbidge share how they added a lighting manufacturing company to their already thriving design businesses.
In this episode we learn:
- custom lighting is not much more expensive than off the shelf fixtures
- having all her systems in place landed her th...
Mark as Played
May 2, 2023 • 33 mins
Jennifer Bertrand burst onto the scene as a contestant on HGTV’s Design Stars. She won season three and since then, she’s focused her talent on social responsibility, helping families in transition and those with special needs. In this episode, Jennifer shares some expert guidance for creating homes where clients can age in place and live with dignity.
In this episode we learn:
- a television show gives you a foot in the door, ...
Mark as Played
April 25, 2023 • 47 mins
All business owners must be leaders, with an ability to influence clients, trades, team members, suppliers etc. The good news is leadership skills can be learned. Listen in to this discussion about growth mindset, leadership mentality and how to operate from a position above the line.
In this episode we learn:
- anyone can be a strong leader, with the ability to influence others and take responsibility for projects
- a growth mi...
Mark as Played
April 18, 2023 • 37 mins
Profitability per project is a vital metric for the successful design professional. Whether you work on an hourly fee or flat fee basis, knowing which projects and which categories of goods are profitable, can direct sourcing options, marketing efforts, and long-term plans for success.
In this episode we learn:
- profitability per project should be looked at in two ways—product and design hours (time)
- tracking time allows you ...
Mark as Played
April 11, 2023 • 37 mins
Each of us has a belief system built up around what we understand our worth to be. Often, we tell ourselves conflicting stories about our value is and when that confusion seeps into our client relationships, it causes real damage. In this episode, we discover the three pillars of a value belief system and learn how to impact them for more positive growth.
In this episode we learn:
- your worth is a combination of three beliefs: ...
Mark as Played
April 4, 2023 • 38 mins
Ideally, every business owner wants to have a lineup of customers and always know when the next job is coming. The most successful businesses sign projects via their pipeline, not chase their pipeline when projects dry up. Lack of consistent prospecting = inconsistent results and inconsistent revenue.
In this episode we learn:
- attract an abundance of potential clients with a well-tuned pipeline
- consider marketing methods fo...
Mark as Played
March 28, 2023 • 19 mins
Learning to think on your feet is critically important for the design professional. Taking an improv class can improve your ability to engage in a positive way with clients and stay in the moment; allowing you to problem solve more effectively.
In this episode we learn:
- improv prepares you for thinking on your feet
- yes, opens doors and no, closes them
- fearlessness is increased with improv training
- don’t try to anticipat...
Mark as Played
March 21, 2023 • 31 mins
The right lighting design adds texture, depth, mood, and character to spaces. Even gorgeous fabrics and furnishings fall short of their potential with poor lighting. In this episode, BOD™ BOSS Genevieve Wild discusses why you should never leave your lighting plan up to the electrician.
In this episode we learn:
- the right lighting makes the space, it is the 'icing on the cake'
always have a considered, intentional lighting design...
Mark as Played
March 14, 2023 • 28 mins
An efficient and elevated client intake is a critical part of creating a superior client experience. Determining whether the client is ideal for you, requires your focused attention as you seek to answer the potential client’s questions and provide an overview of your firm’s unique value.
In this episode we learn:
- the principal designer should not be the first person a prospective client speaks to
- outsourcing client intake e...
Mark as Played
March 7, 2023 • 37 mins
Old habits are difficult to break, but often these are the challenges that stand between you and success. Running an organized business means putting the end goal top of mind and then building the systems, structures, habits, and behaviors required to reach the goal. BOD™ BOSS Helen Austen shares her insights into running an organized business.
In this episode we learn:
- creative people and the tendency to be disorganized.
- im...
Mark as Played
February 28, 2023 • 31 mins
There is a definite connection between emotions and productivity. To avoid overwhelm, it’s important to understand and utilize the four elements of productivity: emotion, energy, time, focus.
In this episode we learn:
- replace means goals(the things that get you what want, like $$$) with end goals(the results you want to experience)
- time management issues come from not focusing on the right goal
- lack of energy/inconsistent ...
Mark as Played
February 21, 2023 • 35 mins
Kylee Dean is a BOD™ BOSS design superstar from Las Vegas. During this episode, Kylee reveals her process for anticipating trouble on jobsites and creating process to avoid challenges and run projects more smoothly.
In this episode we learn:
- calendar the week ahead in detail
- always ask yourself… if THIS happens, what and who will be impacted
- set clear expectations
- teach your GC, installers, and trades how YOU run your ...
Mark as Played
February 10, 2023 • 45 mins
As design professionals, we are called on to do more than create beautiful spaces. We play a critical role in helping our clients make informed decisions about how to best allocate their renovating or decorating dollars. In this episode, we dive into the key considerations for advising clients on where to splurge and where to save. From the perfect sofa to the right lighting, we'll talk vendor categories and give tips and insights ...
Mark as Played
February 7, 2023 • 26 mins
Live from KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas!
From their roots as a bathtub manufacturer to building award winning golf courses, the creativity and entrepreneurial energy of Kohler and their associates has built them into one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kimberley is joined on stage by Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability and DEI Officer at Kohler, as they discuss how we use innovation and design to be responsive to...
Mark as Played
January 31, 2023 • 24 mins
January was a busy month at BOD™ with ongoing inquiries about what it takes to become a BOD™ BOSS. In this episode, Cheryl Horne and Janeen Laudenback join Kimberley to review the BOD™ BOSS process and what’s in it for you.
In this episode we learn:
- it’s not about time on the job
- it’s not about the number of people on your team
- it is about drive and ambition
It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Bu...
Mark as Played
January 24, 2023 • 25 mins
When life throws you a curve ball, like getting fired for example, what do you do? Well, according to rug designer, Julie Dasher, you pivot toward your passion. Not only was Julie able to tap into her creative side, but she was also able to channel that previously unexplored side of her personality into a lucrative business. Today, Julie and her husband work side by side with a network of female rug weavers and the intention of hel...
Mark as Played
January 17, 2023 • 30 mins
How to define what’s in this episode….hmmmmm. Kimberley and her friend, actor and comedian, Marilyn Smith discuss life—ageism, sexism, setbacks and how to survive.
In this episode we learn:
- put it in writing before you change your life for an opportunity
- journaling can help unlock the next path
- failure or a roadblock can bring the best results
It’s time to take control of your business.
Become a member of Business of Des...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
In order to tell the story of a crime, you have to turn back time. Every season, Investigative journalist Delia D'Ambra digs deep into a mind-bending mystery with the hopes of reigniting interest in a decades old homicide case.
It’s a lighthearted nightmare in here, weirdos! Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor.
Unforgettable true crime mysteries, exclusive newsmaker interviews, hard-hitting investigative reports and in-depth coverage of high profile stories.