Business of Design® | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon
Episodes
EP 172 | What to Read Now with Emma Navajas - PLUS Bonus Spanish Episode
25 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The business self-help aisle at your local bookstore (or on Amazon) is overrun with recommendations. Business of Design™ member Emma Navajas narrows...
EP 171 | Fix This Next with Mike Michalowicz
18 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest challenge a business owner frequently has, is knowing what the biggest challenge is. If you just, “trust your gut,” when it comes to t...
EP 170 | Write Your Book with Anna-Carin McNamara
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Writing a book is something many designers dream of doing but very few sit down to make it happen. Anna-Carin McNamara did write her book, and “Make...
EP 169 | Start With The End In Mind with Nicole McGuire
04 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Start with the end in mind. Isn’t that what we do, as designers? Clients come to a design professional with a vision of what they want to create—t...
EP 168 | Working Remotely with Rebecca Ward
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Silver lining alert: it’s likely, this forced slow down will help us all be more comfortable with technology and working remotely. There are distinc...
EP 167 | BOD™ Business Alert - April 23, 2020
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Rather than wait for business to return to normal, let’s accept that everything has changed and the new normal might even be an improvement. In this...
EP 166 | It's All My Fault with Christie Leu
20 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The surest sign of business maturity is the willingness to take responsibility and ownership for everything that’s happens in your business—especi...
EP 165 | BOD™ Business Alert - April 16, 2020
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Not sure what the next step is? Now is a perfect time to hit pause. Use this time of enforced slow down to reconsider all the aspects of business—th...
EP 164 | Reconsidering Expenses with Lindsay Kjellberg
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Now is the perfect time to reconsider everything in your business life. Business of Design™ member, Lindsay Kjellberg suggests a closer look at expe...
EP 163 | BOD™ Business Alert - April 9, 2020 with Kimberley Seldon
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Right now, for a limited time only, each one of us has a one-time-get-out-of-jail-free card. Use it to change anything or change everything that’s n...
EP 162 | Expert at Not Giving Up with Nikki Fisher
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been in business longer than a couple of months, you are already familiar with the proverbial ups and downs—and yes, we are going to hit...
EP 161 | BOD™ Business Alert - April 2, 2020
02 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kimberley shares some wisdom from recessions past and encourages members to avoid chasing cash and focus on profitability. Yes, even now. In this ep...
EP 160 | Talking to Clients Now with Maricke Emanoilidis
30 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we consider immediate dilemmas facing interior design professionals right now. Rather than guess at how clients are feeling, Kimberle...
EP 159 | BOD™ Business Alert - March 26, 2020 with Alexa Ralff
26 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are you determined to survive the impending recession by fine-tuning your systems and procedures? Designer Alexa Ralff is. This busy and talented desi...
EP 158 | BOD™ Business Alert - March 23, 2020 with David C. Baker
23 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Now, more than ever, your ability to survive the impending recession will depend on the quality of your business decisions today. Entrepreneurial expe...
EP 157 | BOD™ Business Alert - March 18, 2020
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Effectively immediately, BOD™ is supplementing its regularly scheduled podcasts with ongoing BOD™ Business Alert podcasts. The BOD™ Business Ale...
EP 156 | Kimberley’s Journey with Andrew Mitchell
16 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Although it wasn’t a straight path, Kimberley’s journey as an interior designer took her on an adventure that ultimately lead to Business of Desig...
EP 155 | Drinking from a Fire Hose with Kimberley Seldon
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re just discovered Business of Design™ or you’re sitting on the fence because making changes seems overwhelming, listen to Kimberley’s ...
EP 154 | Goal Setting with Andrew Mitchell
02 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re run a design business for any length of time, you know the stakes are high. There are bound to be mistakes along the way, but strategic go...
EP 153 | Architects and Designers with Ramona Albert
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It is possible for interior design professionals to develop close and meaningful relationships with architects, but it requires a greater understandin...
EP 152 | Pricing Creativity with Blair Enns - Part 2
17 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It is possible to earn the respect of clients and trades while charging what you’re worth. Possible, but rarely easy. Pricing for Creativity author,...
EP 151 | Attracting Clients Through Social Media with Kate the Socialite
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Time spent on social media, provided there’s a targeted sales method in place, can attract ideal clients who want to buy the services you provide. I...
EP 150 | Pricing Creativity with Blair Enns - Part 1
03 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It is possible to earn the respect of clients and trades while charging what you’re worth. Possible, but rarely easy. Pricing for Creativity author,...
EP 149 | BOD™ Conference Take Aways with Kimberley Seldon
29 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kimberley shares insights from Business of Design™ Conference | Las Vegas. In this episode we learn: - why an operations manual is right for you ...
EP 148 | Designing for the Senses with Andrew Richmond
20 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
To create a fully satisfying client experience with each design project, consider all five senses. In this episode we learn: - sight—colours, pat...
EP 147 | Plan For Your Business with Bob Minhas
13 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There are benefits to creating a business plan—even if you’re already in business for yourself. Consider these five checkpoints to creating a robu...
EP 146 | KS Why Be The Boss REPEAT
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Too many go into business with an idealized or romantic view of what it’s going to be like to “be the boss”. If you’ve been talking about the ...
EP 145 | I've Got Questions with Marylou Sobel - Part 2
30 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What makes an ideal client, how t0 charge for the “magic” we provide, and a fabulous way to stay connected or reconnect with clients. Award winnin...
EP 144 | I've Got Questions with Marylou Sobel - Part 1
23 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Hourly fees vs. flat fees and how to handle the generalist within. Award winning Australian designer, Marylou Sobel, was more confused than ever afte...
EP 143 | Creative Boost with Donald M. Rattner
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s possible to boost the creative talents of designers—and the clients they work—by tapping into scientific triggers for creativity. Architect...
EP 142 | Working ON Your Business with Annie Elliott
09 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
To run a successful business, it’s vitally important to make time to work ON the systems and protocols that keep ensure projects run efficiently and...
EP 141 | Yes, You Can with Kimberley Seldon
02 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us will do anything to avoid change, even if it means staying stuck or staying miserable. Sometimes we are so invested in staying the course, ...
EP 140 | Journey To Entrepreneurship with Sakina Khawaja
25 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The journey to entrepreneurship is not always a straight path. Sakina Khawaja shares lessons from her own journey, 17 years in the making. In this e...
EP 139 | Why I Love Scope Creep with Kimberley Seldon - Repeat
18 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Every designer who’s worked on a flat fee basis has experienced the monster that is scope creep. Although the vast majority of freelancers consider ...
EP 138 | The Me Factor with Dr. Ganz Ferrance
11 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Back by popular demand, Dr. Ganz Ferrance shares an inventory process from his new book, The Me Factor that will help you spot the signs of burnout be...
EP 137 | Make It Magnetic with Valerie Foley
04 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Making your business magnetic is the surest way to attract clients, but it starts as an inside job. As a service industry provider, you are the busine...
EP 136 | Hiring, Firing and Performance Reviews with Aysun Kuck
28 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Although hiring, firing and performance reviews are rarely the stuff entrepreneurial dreams are made of, they are elements that come into play as your...
EP 135 | Time Tracking vs. Value Based Fees with Tim Williams - Part 2
21 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Flat fees vs. hourly fees—we could have this debate forever. While no system is perfect, Tim Williams, a professional marketing expert, believes val...
EP 134 | Confessions of an Organized Designer with Kimberley Seldon
14 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo podcast, Kimberley shares insights from her journey to reorganize her business and her life—paving the way for Business of Design™. S...
EP 133 | Time Tracking vs. Value Based Fees with Tim Williams - Part 1
07 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Flat fees vs. hourly fees—we could have this debate forever. While no system is perfect, Tim Williams, a professional marketing expert, believes val...
EP 132 | Sales and Shopping Channels with Alli Mang
30 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve dreamed of being on television (and so many design professionals have) than you’ll love hearing from guest expert Alli Mang. She is a mu...
EP 131 | Cool Girl's Guide to High Point with Marisa Wilson
23 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
12,000,000 square feet of showrooms. Yup. 12 million. 180 buildings, 2,000 showrooms and 75,000 people—that’s what you’ll find when you get to H...
EP 130 | Install Week - Part 2 with Kimberley Seldon
16 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Business of Design™ provides independent designers, decorators, architects, stagers and landscapers with a systematic approach to client satisfactio...
EP 129 | A Partnership for Your Design Business with Smith and Ragsdale
09 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a solopreneur, chances are you’ve fantasized about finding a partner who would take on all the challenges of running a business. For the...
EP 128 | Install Week - Part 1 with Kimberley Seldon
02 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Business of Design™ provides independent designers, decorators, architects, stagers and landscapers with a systematic approach to client satisfactio...
EP 127 | A Partnership for Your Design Business with Toledo Geller
26 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a solopreneur, chances are you’ve fantasized about finding a partner who would take on all the challenges of running a business. For the...
EP 126 | Building In Wellness with Allan Lopes - Part 2
19 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We all know design matters and in this two part series with Healthy Building expert, Allan Lopes we’ll discuss key issues that differentiate your se...
EP 125 | What Logging Hours (carefully) Reveals with Nathan Vanags
12 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
BOD™ member and interior design professional Nathan Vanags shares his insights after logging his hours for the first time. Yes, logging hours can ma...
EP 124 | Design Intervention BOD™ Is 15 with Kimberley Seldon
06 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Business of Design™ is turning 15! Since 2004 we’ve been educating, motivating and inspiring interior design professionals just like you. In honor...
EP 123 | Building in Wellness with Allan Lopes - Part 1
29 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We all know design matters and in this two-part series with healthy building expert, Allan Lopes we’ll discuss key issues that differentiate your se...
EP 122 | Earning and Keeping a Client's Trust with Alex Gourlay
22 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Trust is the elusive ingredient that creates a strong bond between the design professional and his/her client. Clearly defined boundaries and impeccab...
EP 121 | Custom, But Not The Way We've Always Done It with Frank Eybsen and Heather Zeilman
15 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Business of Design™ knows the success formula for creative professionals is 80% business + 20% creative. Once you get the 80% streamlined (hint: you...
EP 120 | Growing on Your Own with Jaime Galapo
08 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If being the boss doesn’t give you perks, then why be the boss? Listen to south Florida designer Jaime Galapo who talks about her transition from bi...
EP 119 | Networking for Interior Design Pros with Tania Bell
02 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the design industry it’s paramount to have a quality team of suppliers, trades, manufacturers and makers behind you, to make you look good. In ad...
EP 118 | How TV and Media Portray the Interior Design Professional with Kimberley Seldon
24 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Interior design professionals are frequently lauded in the media for the results we achieve. Too often though, how we achieve those results is relegat...
EP 117 | Never Give Your Power Away with Weston and Cristy Blankenship
17 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, you can be a creative and a powerful business owner. Take it from creatives Weston and Cristy Blankenship. They lost everything (we’re talking ...
EP 116 | Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride with Eric Gorges
10 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The only way to hear the still small voice is to slow down. Of course, that’s easier said then done, like most worthy goals. In this episode we talk...
EP 115 | The Never Open Bag with Lori Steeves
03 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Clients hire an interior design professional for a variety of reasons, but certainly they are looking for direction and guidance. Too often, designers...
EP 114 | Mindfulness for the Interior Design Professional with Kimberley Seldon
27 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Kimberley explores her personal search for mindfulness. Is this a tool that can be used to keep you focused on tasks, and therefore m...
EP 113 | A Super Mom Powers Her Interior Design Business with Lindsay Kjellberg
20 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Many people think being a parent is the toughest job there is—even tougher than running a design firm! In this episode, Kimberley asks interior desi...
EP 112 | What Not To Do with Layers and Layers
13 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our suppliers and trusted resource providers can offer a wealth of insight into how to run our businesses more efficiently and profitably. Seeking the...
EP 111 | Hiring To Scale Your Business With Toledo Geller
06 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Although we learned a lot in design school, many of us felt unprepared to run a business. It’s never too late to reengineer your business into what ...
EP 110 | What They Don't Teach You In Design School with Sarah Vermunt
29 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Although we learned a lot in design school, many of us felt unprepared to run a business. It’s never too late to reengineer your business into what ...
EP 109 | Random Thoughts and No Place to Park Them
23 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Occasionally we have snippets of great conversation which don’t make it past the editor to air on a podcast. Why waste great information? In this ep...
EP 108 | Living in Place with Erik Listou
15 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
No one needs to be reminded that they are aging or have limitations. Our role as designers is to create functional, beautiful and safe environments fo...
EP 107 | Lessons I Learned From My First Interior Design Client with Kimberley Seldon
08 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Although we don’t always learn the lessons when they first present themselves, in hindsight, they were there. Kimberley discusses her very first des...
EP 106 | 5 Fast-Track Tactics To Use In Your Interior Design Business with Sara Malek Barney
01 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Starting from ground zero with no clients and no formal training, we learn how one entrepreneur launched her design business using tactics she picked ...
EP 105 | Cooperative Work Spaces - Part 2 with LeAnne Bunnell and Swati Goorha
25 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
For some designers, a work space outside the home is a stamp of legitimacy. But a collective can offer so much more. It’s a safe place to discuss on...
EP 104 | 5-Year Plan With Stephanie Poore
18 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How one designer’s five-year plan guided her to success. It’s never too late to create one for yourself. In this episode we learn: - sound lega...
EP 103 | Your Vibe is Your Tribe with Darla Powell
11 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Trying to be all things to all people is the surest way to confuse your ideal customer. Be authentic and see how quickly your best-fit clients will fi...
EP 102 | Cooperative Work Spaces - Part 1 with Tawni Peterson, Martha Rosellini and Carly Nemtean
04 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Community over competition—that’s the spirit behind cooperative work spaces created specifically for designers. In this compilation episode we he...
EP 101 | One Less Problem Without Ya
25 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode Kimberley shares a recent experience where breaking her own rules turned out to be the worst possible choice. A choice that resul...
EP 100 | Adam Scougall's Journey To Full-Time Designer
18 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sydney designer Adam Scougall did what so many budding designers have dreamed about—he made the transition from the corporate world into a full-time...
EP 099 | Transition To Flat Fees
11 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It seems like everyone is switching from hourly fees to flat fees. Is it as easy as it sounds? Listen to Business Design member Jamie Ivey, who recent...
EP 098 | Sales For Your Non - Selly Self
04 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
To sustain the work we do as creatives, we must learn to sell ourselves and our services. That isn’t always easy for us “non-selly” types. Fortu...
EP 097 | If It Isn't Working, Change It Up
28 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes the most difficult habits to break become a super power when you turn them around. If you’ve ever had to bust through a habit that wasn’...
EP 096 | Before Business of Design's 15 STEP Project Management Strategy
21 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What was it like to work for Kimberley Seldon before she had her systems and procedures in place? In this courageous episode, Kimberley interviews a d...
EP 095 | How To Fix A Broken Brand
14 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If your potential client is not converting to a paid customer, it’s possible your brand is broken. Fortunately, a brand audit, to identify weak spot...
EP 094 | Instagram As A Marketing Platform
07 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re like most designers (Kimberley admits to being guilty of this) you have been thinking about Instagram as a place to socialize with others ...
EP 093 | Staging Strategies
31 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Although staging professionals have a unique skill set homeowners and real estate agents benefit from, there are many intersections between their work...
EP 092 | Kimberley's 10 Best Business Practices - REPEAT
24 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
For too long, many of us have acted as if the purpose of our life is to fuel our business, when in fact, it’s just the opposite. Your business shoul...
EP 091 | Advocating Skills To Use In Your Interior Design Business
17 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The path to a successful interior design firm is not always linear. Many approach a design career after working successfully in another field. Some ta...
EP 090 | Barriers To Success
10 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Any barrier to your success is most likely self-imposed. Are you ready and willing to push through to a new level? Are you ready to take responsibilit...
EP 089 | Balance Is Better
03 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Balance can seem like an unattainable ideal. However, developing the habit of self-assessment and being willing to ask for help can put you into great...
EP 088 | Holiday Gift Giving
26 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Design is a competitive industry filled with thousands of designers who create jaw dropping designs. To stand out, it’s vital to create a spectacula...
EP 087 | Google Ads
19 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ever thought about placing a Google ad to attract the right clients? Seattle interior designer Faith Sheridan did more than that—she placed the ad…...
EP 086 | Speaking Gigs with Juliette Palarea - Part 2
12 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Stepping in front of an audience to talk about design can be thrilling and terrifying. It can also be a total waste of time if you don’t prepare you...
EP 085 | How To Apologize
05 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
When it’s time to say, “I’m sorry,” to a client, there are strategic ways to make it count. Own it, express regret and take responsibility. ...
EP 084 | The Power Of Woo Woo
29 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The formula for success is still 80% business + 20% creative. However, there’s room for some woo woo attributes within the 80%. In this episode we e...
EP 083 | More Money For Me - Part 2
22 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
You are master of your own destiny. You are a business owner. Yes, there are risks to making this choice, but there are also rewards. In the second pa...
EP 082 | Client Talks - Keep In Touch
15 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Hear what a client has to say about keeping in touch, building a relationship, and the heartbreak that comes from working with a designer whose integr...
EP 081 | Impetus To Change - Part 1
08 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Heart and soul. That’s what the typical interior design professional puts into the job. However, what happens when the payoff doesn’t match all th...
EP 080 | More Money For Me - Part 1
01 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
You are master of your own destiny. You are a business owner. Yes, there are risks to making this choice, but there are also rewards. In the first of ...
EP 079 | Careergasm
24 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Are you happy in your career? Most of us don’t take time to even ask this important question. The bills have to be paid and we’re so busy already,...
EP 078 | Role Play, KS On The Spot
17 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Role-playing is one of the most effective tools for increasing your confidence. By having rote answers that you’ve rehearsed and memorized, you can ...
EP 077 | More Mistakes - Part Two
10 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
More mistakes? Yup. We’ve all made them. In this episode, a continuation of EP 070, we are going to hear from another Business of Design member on m...
EP 076 | Defining “Designer” And How To Educate Clients
03 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible for the professional designer to control the conversation when it comes to our skill set? What precisely separates the professional fro...
EP 075 | Considering Cruelty-Free Design
27 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Sustainability has been a buzzword in the design world for years and it makes sense that we want to offer our clients options that are earth friendly....
EP 074 | How Committed Are You
20 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How committed are you? We usually think of commitment as a great quality, but what if you are committed to things/systems/procedures/behaviors that ar...
EP 073 | You Do You
14 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Not every designer loves the idea of working with trades or carrying the responsibility of a large renovation. There are lots of ways, as the owner of...