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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
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When you blend aesthetic beauty with emotional wellness, you can create an immersive space that will nurture your clients and keep them coming back for more. By designing holistically—considering how a space looks, feels, smells, sounds, and even tastes—designer Marie Cloud creates emotionally impactful spaces that satisfy the soul. In this episode…
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Yes, it is possible to generate high quality leads that convert to sales. By carefully tracking your return on investment and working in tandem with your marketing partner, you can see real results. Start by knowing the key questions you should be asking any marketing partner. In this episode we learn: - marketing that’s generic doesn’t work, find …
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Before you commit to making the trip to High Point Market, let’s talk about how that investment will pay off in the future. In this episode, High Point Market Authority CEO, Tammy Covington Nagem talks about the 3-legged stool of ROI—products, education, and networking. In this episode we learn: - let the High Point Market travel concierge help you…
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Something's gone wrong on the project. Of course something's gone wrong on the project. It's a project, so you can rely on errors, omission and upsets. Don't let it throw you. Deficiencies are part of the business of design.In this episode we learn:- deficiencies are 100% guaranteed to happen- it is impossible to prevent most deficiencies from occu…
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My expertise is having an eye for amazing use of wall coverings in projects. Spaces I love to renovation and design most are powder rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms (in this order). Why? I believe people typically neglect these spaces most in their homes. My superpowers are being a multi-hyphenated entrepreneur, consistently showing up authentically …
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It can be challenging to think broadly into the future while responding to what is happening in the moment. Don’t worry. It’s ok not to know what’s going to happen next. You don’t have to have everything figured out in advance. Trust that your journey is big and powerful and you’ll figure out how to take the next, right step.In this episode we lear…
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Struggled with a scarcity mindset? Terrified of asking for a raise or a higher fee? You are not alone. Learn how Kimberley’s former editor from Style at Home magazine, prompted her to face her own negative money mindset. Today, Angela Lawrence describes herself as a money warrior and tells you how you can become one too. In this episode we learn: -…
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What do you do when you find yourself with clients who want you to provide everything on their wish list for a fixed amount? They have a budget in mind, and it seems reasonable to them that you should be able to stretch their budget to include everything. Hmmmmm. Let’s hear how Kimberley solved this issue on a recent project. In this episode we lea…
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As business owners we spend a great deal of time talking about our fees, and these conversations may prompt potential clients to say something like, ohhhh, that's more than I thought it would cost. When the conversation leads there, your bottom line depends on your ability to negotiate with confidence.In this episode we learn: - 70% of your effort …
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Many design business owners dislike accounting so much, they avoid it. But this avoidance negatively impacts your ability to perform at your best. By reimagining how financial data is communicated and simplifying the tasks, you can make accounting engaging and accessible. You can be more profitable with very little extra effort. In this episode we …
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Kimberley shares some random thoughts from recent coaching calls and client projects. See if you can relate. In this episode we learn: - be like Taylor and make a bold change- good stands in the way of great - no contract will protect you if you don’t follow the rules- you are the expert, direct clients to spend money in a way that will bring them …
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The principles of storytelling, staying creative, and coming up with ideas are universal and can be applied across various domains, including marketing for interior design professionals. In this episode we learn:- storytelling can help you sell your projects and market your services - marketing, at its core, is storytelling- creatives must offer cl…
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Designing for the future takes a multi layered approach that includes not just sustainability, but also circular and regenerative design principles. At every stage of the project, it’s worthwhile to consider how you can honor the planet and stay in alignment with your own values. In this episode we learn:- choose products that give back to the eart…
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Why does it seem like you’re either drowning in opportunity or getting hit from behind by closing doors? Design professional, and BOD™ devotee, Jameelah Watkins-Mallett says there is an art to getting abundance in your life. And, it’s important to be discerning about what you will say yes to. In this episode we learn: - how small yeses turn into th…
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The journey to a dream career is frequently a winding path. That’s true for many of us, and it certainly describes the journey of designer Denean Jackson. Hear how she launched her business as a staging professional and then followed her heart to a niche in kitchen and bath design. Every year gets better, and there are big plans ahead for Denean. I…
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Could you take 1% of any revenue you earn and tuck it away, out of sight, safe in a savings plan? Yes, you can. Although 1% doesn’t sound like a lot, it might surprise you to see how fast your 1% asset will accumulate. Saving is a muscle, like any other. Taking 1% off the top may push you to get more creative with purchasing and expenses. Try it. I…
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There are so many joys and benefits of working on projects in different locations, but there are an equal number of challenges. Working on distant projects will force you to be extremely efficient and strategic with your time, benefiting all of your other projects in the long run.In this episode we learn:- How to manage projects in different time z…
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Two years ago, when designer Holli Appelquist joined Business of Design® and began to implement the systems. She anticipated improvements to her projects, but she was blown away by the positive changes in her life. She finally enjoyed the work-life balance that previously eluded her. She had more time to work on the tasks she loved doing. More time…
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Could you start over? Let’s say you’ve been in business a few years, or more. You’ve given it your all, but you still aren’t where you dreamed you’d be by now. Would you just keep plugging away, or would you be willing to try something new? Would you be willing to adopt the BOD™ systems? In this episode, designer Holli Appelquist shares how she joi…
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It’s one thing to design a kitchen. It’s an entirely different matter to cook in one. If you are an interior design professional who renovates or designs these important spaces, you’ll love getting advice from a professional who has cooked in a hundred different homes. In this episode we learn:- questions to ask clients before you begin their kitch…
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Yes, it can be scary to face an audience and stand in the spotlight. However, there are simple techniques you can use to harness your energy and transform it into excitement, rather than fear. In this episode we learn: - an instant technique to combat nerves and fear- what to practice before speaking or doing a presentation- a one-minute crash cour…
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When someone asks you about your fantasy life, do you immediately think of your Hollywood crush or, are you so deep in the weeds that an assistant is where your mind goes? Ah yes. An assistant. A magical, mythical creature who can do all the tasks you don’t have time to do, plus keep you organized, answer your emails, deal with client headaches, an…
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It's not how many years you've been in business. It's not how many clients you’ve serviced. It's not even about always knowing what to say to your clients or trades or staff. Being an expert begins with mindset. If you develop the mindset of an expert, you will become an expert. How do you develop an expert’s mindset? By relying on written, repeata…
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Show your clients how to live like a VIP in their own homes by using those amazing hotel experiences to elevate the lifestyle you incorporate into your design projects.In this episode we learn:- play concierge for yourself and your design clients to elevate daily rituals- excavate your vacations and hotel experiences to find elements worth bringing…
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The Humorous Side of DesignInsert laughter, smirks, and relatable cringing in your day during this entertaining, engaging panel discussion. Join Kimberley on the KBIS stage for a candid exploration of the humorous moments, horror stories, unconventional client requests and unexpected twists. The result? Invaluable lessons learned by seasoned design…
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How to transform without ‘doing’ anything and how shifting your attention and awareness can change everything in your life. In this episode we learn:- what you think about grows- continually assess where your attention is going when you want to improve something in your business- actively listening to clients gets you closer to satisfying their dee…
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Managing fluctuating client cycles of feast-to-famine can produce anxiety in even the most seasoned professionals. Anticipating annual trends where business slows down such as holiday time or the height of summer can help. But navigating longer ebbs and flows is part of any business owners journey. Let’s talk about the essential skills required to …
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In this 4-part series, Kimberley will answer 24 questions in honour of 2024. We’ve broken it down into categories that focus on clients, projects, business, and staff.In this final episode, Cheryl will ask Kimberley 6 questions about staff.1. Did you ever have trouble keeping staff?2. What’s the secret to retaining staff?3. We’ve heard you say you …
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In this 4-part series, Kimberley will answer 24 questions in honour of 2024. We’ve broken it down into categories that focus on clients, projects, business, and staff.In this episode, Cheryl will ask Kimberley 6 questions about business.1. What is your favorite line in your contract?2. What is the first change you would recommend to a designer who …
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In this 4-part series, Kimberley will answer 24 questions in honour of 2024. We’ve broken it down into categories that focus on clients, projects, business, and staff. In the episode, Cheryl will ask Kimberley 6 questions about projects.1. What is your favorite part of any project?2. What is the newest system you’ve implemented?3. What’s a system y…
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In this 4-part series, Kimberley will answer 24 questions in honour of 2024. We’ve broken it down into categories that focus on clients, projects, business, and staff. In the first episode, Cheryl will ask Kimberley 6 questions about clients.1. What is your go-to line when it comes to working with clients?2. What is a go-to example you use to set c…
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In this episode, recorded live at IDS Toronto 20204, Business of Design® Advocate in Chief, Kimberley Seldon, spoke to a sold-out crowd on being the expert. Confidence in your expertise is the first step in creating the successful interior design business you deserve and desire. By building confidence, you’ll be able to honor your value, charge app…
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Too many interior designers struggle with delegating. Why? Well, for one thing, says our guest, we too often ask for someone to complete a task rather than provide the outcome we want. It’s time to create a high performing, self-managed team. In this episode we learn: - take a GSD staycation (get stuff done)- if you’re thinking about delegating, yo…
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As a left-brained creative, having a process and set of procedures is instrumental for success, says Robin McLendon. Robin is not an interior design professional. Instead, she’s a client and she has lots to say about working with professionals who do not have a system like the BOD™ 15, which allows them to run projects in an orderly fashion. In thi…
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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 …
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The journey to running a mature, profitable design firm is rarely an easy one. In this episode, Advocate-in-Chief, Kimberley Seldon shares some anecdotes on the path to success.In this episode we learn:- clients will follow whatever rules you give them, so don’t give them lousy rules- years on the job does not guarantee success or even progress- so…
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Uncovering operational gaps within a business is easy, right? Every time something goes wrong, you’ve found another one. Implementing frameworks to support workflow is the only solution. It works. But it takes time to make the changes that will provide you with a business that supports the lifestyle you deserve and desire. In this episode we learn:…
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As the design world faces the challenge of addressing wastefulness, it may be surprising to learn, the key to creating beautiful design while remaining eco-conscious lies in our very own backyards. A Los Angeles-based designer, Patrick Ediger has a formula that harnesses hyper-local practices to craft sustainable, timeless, and functional design fo…
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The work you do as an interior design professional is challenging and complex, and so important. No one should trudge this path alone. One of your best sources for partnership and collaboration is your trusted Sales Rep. In this episode, we're going to talk about how to take advantage of this A-Team member to make your job easier, deliver better pr…
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Is there an ideal balance for the design professional; a median point that relies equally on creativity and process? In this episode, Alexandra Crevier shares her experience melding a background in civil engineering and construction management with the somewhat less rigid world of residential design. In this episode we learn: - educate yourself wit…
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Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right. Henry FordIn this episode we learn: - what’s holding you back is within your power to change- you don’t have to make every mistake yourself- change it now, don’t wait for new years’ resolutionsKimberley Seldon
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Innovators see challenges as opportunities. That’s what our guest today, designer Joanne Swisterski tells us. When there is a problem that can't be solved, she does a deep dive and sets out to create solutions or at least, workarounds. These solutions can range from small daily tasks that can be MacGyver-ed into submission, to huge challenges that,…
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If you want to feel truly empowered and liberated in your business, then accept responsibility for everything. Once you do that, when problems arise, you have agency to fix them. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by an A-Team that has your back at all times. Yes, there's risk, but there’s also risk when you allow others to take the lead on the project. Ow…
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Marketing is a struggle for many interior design firms. In this episode, SEO expert Daniela Furtado shares specific tools to understand how search works and what to do to get your firm found.In this episode we learn:- narrow your position to target your ideal client- use bottom of the funnel key words to attract your ideal client- assess the traffi…
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If you are working in or working towards delivering a luxury experience to clients, then think carefully before asking them to complete some task on your behalf? Measure the mattress, pick up tiles, receive deliveries…all of these tasks are better left to professionals and not your clients, so says Kimberley. And by the way, she has a lot of opinio…
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What happens when you lose everything? Well, if you can embrace adaptability and reinvent yourself, says Ami McKay, you can emerge more powerful than ever before. If you need a new beginning, then this episode is for you.In this episode we learn:- embrace adaptability and reinvention- build a supportive and positive team and internal network- draw …
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If you've ever thought of a brand extension, this is your episode. From building a social media following to raising venture capital, Nicole Gibbons shares first-hand knowledge of her own path to business success. In this episode we learn:- decide what kind of business you’re want to build and test the desirability of prototypes- decide how much ca…
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Interior design business owners are frequently focused on client facing experience, and that’s important, but your team is having an experience working with you too. Setting a healthy culture for everyone in your business orbit is within your power. However, if you are constantly focused on the next task and ignoring sustainable process, it’s a rec…
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So many design professionals dream of hiring an office manager to, well, manage the office day-to-day. What’s that like? What are the benefits and challenges of adding this person to your team? What should you pay for the service? Should this person be a designer? In this episode, non-designer Hilaire Martin, answers all these questions and more.In…
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In this solo episode, Kimberley shares a current job frustration. She asks the question, how complicated can it be to make over a set of stairs. The answer may surprise you.In this episode we learn: - there's no such thing as an easy job- working with a reliable team of professional trades is the best way to ensure projects run smoothlySuccess is n…
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