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 joined BOD™ and transformed her company, her profitability, and her life, in one year. In this episode we learn: - you can actively target the...

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 kitchen renovation - tips for designing a kitchen that functions well - pet peeves to avoid - why it’s important to say yes and follow the...

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 course in media Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member,...

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, and generally solve most of your problems. Sound about right? In this episode we learn: - make a list of the tasks you love doing and the tasks...

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, repeatable systems that support your business and life goals. In this episode we learn: - I am the expert I am the prize. - I am on a mission to...

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 home or to your clients - think of the foyer or entrance as a portal into the space, a portal into what’s to come as you enter the rest of the...

The Humorous Side of Design Insert 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 designers who have beautifully navigated and showcased the power of creativity in this unpredictable world of design business. Success is not an...

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 deepest wishes - your client’s physical environment affects their well-being and productivity - strategies for dealing with professional...

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 cope with feast-to-famine. In this episode we learn: - managing cash flow is part of successfully navigating the feast/famine cycles - don’t put...

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 suck at hiring. Why? 4. What is the hardest thing about delegating? 5. What is the best part about delegating? 6. Can you list the pros and...

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 is new to systems? 3. What is the most common way that designers leave money on the table? 4. Can you share your most recent aha moment? 5....

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 you’ve tried, but would not recommend? 4. What is the most underrated step in the BOD15? 5. What is the most common question you get about the...

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 client expectations at the start of the project? 3. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to tell a client? 4. What is the best or most...

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 appropriate fees and generate profit year after year. From the position of expert, you can confidently offer your talents and skills to the clients...

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, you must also think about accountability - an effective leadership team is accountable for outcomes, not just tasks - look for repeatable tasks...

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 this episode we learn: - don't ask the client what she needs or is looking for, instead tell her what you think she needs based on her project...

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. - implement one step at a time - have a clear and documented system...

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 - sometimes our job is to say no, early in the project - the surest way to destroy project success is to allow clients to take the lead Success...

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: - be honest with yourself and let go of procedures or habits that aren’t working - map out the client facing side of your business, by...

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 for his clients. In this episode we learn: - reframe the discussion from eco-conscious to one of sustainability and what that means on a human...

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 projects to your clients, and keep your sanity.  In this episode we learn: - take time to meet with your representative to better understand the...

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 with books, YouTube, podcasts—never stop learning - when implementing a design, theory doesn’t cut it, pick up the phone and ask your contractor...

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right. Henry Ford In 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’ resolutions

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, once solved, turn into new business opportunities. Are you an innovator? In this episode we learn: - if someone else is capable of doing it,...