Designer's Oasis – Details, episodes & analysis

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I walk interior designers through why I believe that a paid waitlist is a good idea when you have that ideal client you want to work with but you just aren't able to take them on immediately. By creating a paid waitlist opportunity, you offer both yourself and the client the ability to commit to working together. I have found that clients who are willing to be put on a waitlist, are going to naturally prioritize design over a timeline, which is exactly who I want to work with. I use a paid waitlist anytime I can't start on a project for at least 4 - 6 weeks.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share the benefits of building a paid waitlist for both yourself and your clients.
• I discuss the steps I would take to implement a paid waitlist and how to share with clients.
• I dive into how and why to charge for a waitlist project.
• I share how I support clients while they are waiting for their project to begin.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-create-a-paid-waitlist-for-interior-design-clients

  Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   "Pivoting is a sign of growth"   In today's episode, I share why we sometimes need to pivot in business and then dive into how we can pivot. Often, when it comes to our own business, we find that we get stuck doing the same things repeatedly even if they aren't working anymore.   Just a few scenarios where this may happen include being unrealistic with client budgets, timelines, and expectations or our systems for creating and developing proposals and presentations. When we take some time to reflect on how we are doing specific tasks in our business, we find that they aren't as effective as they may have once been and it's time to pivot. This may include small micro-changes or it may involve big sweeping changes.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share how to be objective when deciding what may be working and what may not be working for your business when looking to pivot.
• I discuss how to get comfortable with being different in the interior design business and how you offer or deliver services to client in your own way.
• I share how to allow your core values to guide your decisions to pivot in business.
• I talk about ways to apply creativity to problem-solving in your business while including your team in the brainstorming process.

Remember, pivoting is a sign of growth. It's acknowledging that something has an opportunity to improve, and it means you have your ear to the ground with clients, your team, and yourself, which is a huge part of creating a long-standing successful interior design business.   Mentioned in this episode:

• Join us at the A-List for Interior Designer's Summit on September 5 - 6, 2024!
• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• BOOK: Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-pivot-in-business

  Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I am answering a listener question for our #dearkate entries! This question comes from Melissa, who wants to know about starting their own business? Melissa says: "Interior design has been a part of my life for decades. But I haven't worked in this field professionally. After graduating from an interior design program, I'm considering going right for it and opening my own design firm. I feel confident in my ability to design for clients. However, I feel uneasy not having any real world professional experience. I want to do right by my clients and enjoy my second career as much as possible. What do you think I need to know before deciding to go for it? PS thank you so much for sharing valuable specific insights on the podcast. I have learned so much from you. And I'm so grateful."     Here’s a glance at this episode…

• I share why I think it's always a good idea to start working for someone else as you are getting started and learning.
• I discuss the 9 traits that are necessary to build a successful interior design business.
• I jump into the first steps to take to start building your interior design business.
• I share how to learn from your mistakes and avoid comparing your start to someone else's middle or end of their business journey.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Episode # 37: 7 Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

    🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/what-you-need-to-know-before-starting-an-interior-design-business    

Think about what your clients are experiencing. Hint - Your clients will give you these words Look in their clients intake form and use their words.

This episode focuses on all things involving the welcome packet that you deliver to your clients. We will talk about how to create a professional, beautifully designed welcome packet and how to use it best as well as dive into some of the specifics of what pages to include. We will also talk about a few misconceptions surrounding the welcome packet. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What is the welcome packet? What is it’s purpose?
2. When should the welcome packet be delivered?
3. What must be included in the welcome packet?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:00] How the welcome package sets the stage for what it will be like working with you and gets your clients really excited for what’s to come.

[03:54] I share with you 2 common misconceptions about the welcome packet. (Hint: when should it be delivered and the purpose of the welcome packet)

[07:40] I break down what’s included in the welcome packet and how to use each piece.

[26:30] I share about my favorite ways to print and source for my welcome packets so that you can print the best product for your client facing packets!

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Canva Templates - www.designersoasis.com/shop 
• Favorite Client-facing Printer Paper (Affiliate) 
• Paper Source (Affiliate) 
• Zazzle Folders  (Affiliate) 

 Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

Having clearly defined design services is paramount to running an efficient and organized business.

 

It not only helps you get clear on the details such as the deliverables, the investment, and the timeline, but it also helps you to talk about your services to your clients with clarity and confidence. 

 

And let’s be honest, confidence is what we’re after here right? 

 

You can also use the details to help you put together those very important client deliverables such as your Services & Investment Guide or your welcome package. 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. Have you ever struggled to explain the differences in your interior design services to potential new clients? 
2. Do you have a clear picture of the benefits and results of each service and what type of client might be the best fit? 
3. Do you sometimes wonder if you have enough offerings? Or - more likely - offer too many services? 
4. Does everyone on your team know and understand the differences in your services? 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:00] I dive into the importance of documenting and organizing the details of the services you offer and why it’s important that everyone on your team has a clear way to access and use this information.

[05:05] How to name your service (quick tip: keep it simple!)

[06:40] I talk about how to describe each service, what it entails, and how to clearly define what you are offering. I also discuss how to lay out what is NOT included, how you will communicate with your client and how you will make sure this is all clear from the start.

[13:20] I share how to plan out timelines for each project and set up timeframes for the design services you will be offering. 

[16:13] How to set up your terms for your different offerings. Minimum fees, travel times,  and how to book your services.

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Free Guide - Define Your Interior Design Services Worksheet
• Episode #2 - 5 Types of Interior Design Services to Consider Offering

 

• Canva Templates - www.designersoasis.com/shop
• Dubsado - 20% off First Month or Year with code designersoasis20  (Affiliate)

 Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

Being boutique is about delighting your client EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. 

Today we are going to talk about what it means to “Be Boutique” in your business. Being boutique doesn’t have anything to do with being small. It has everything to do with how you show up and serve your clients - and when done well,  experiencing the natural benefits such as being able to charge more and cherry pick the clients and projects you want to work on. SOunds pretty good right?  

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. How do we take that incredible responsibility or being given the keys to someone’s home and be good stewards to our clients? 
2. How can we afford to take on fewer clients and charge a premium?
3. How do you serve your clients so they become natural evangelists for your work?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[03:20] I discuss what it means to actually “Be Boutique” and how we take the incredible responsibility of being given the keys to our clients spaces and provide that top-notch service.

[05:00] I dive into how to delight your clients by doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.

[16:45] I share how I prepare your clients for the inevitable mishaps that will occur so that they feel supported!

[21:50] I share how to stay connected during a project so that you are always top of mind to your clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Client Questionnaire
• Client Consultation Worksheet Bundle
• Client Intake Cheat Sheet
• 3 Binder System Toolkit

You don’t need to do it all! Think about your personality and what is a good fit for YOU and your clients!  

When it comes to design services and the different options that we, as interior designers, have when it comes to what we each offer, I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. In many cases, designers today don’t want to do procurement due to lead times, construction costs and delays, etc. Many of you may want to have a menu of options for clients. In this episode, I share what I feel are the 5 types of interior design services that you should consider offering, what they are, what the pros and cons are, and who they are ideal for. 

 

I will throw out one caveat. In this episode I am talking about generally accepted practices in interior design. Will there be exceptions? Absolutely. This is intended to provide a framework for how to think about the different types of services you might offer and decide which ones are in alignment with the types of clients you want and the kind of design career you want. 

 

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What design services you may consider offering to your clients.
2. What are the pros and cons of each type of design service?
3. What kind of design career do you want?

Here’s a glance at this episode…

[3:00] Why I don’t feel like an interior designer should offer all types of services, but rather choose what interior design services are best for their business. Why offering a ladder of services may be a better fit.

[5:20] We dive into what full-service design includes and involves, how the project management may work, and the pros and cons.

[10:30] I share how I use design only services in my business, the pros and cons as well as who this is ideal for.

[18:05] Consultation only services and how you can set these by offering advice and design direction only, without drawings or detailed specifications. 

[21:50] Offering services remotely via E-Design services - when they can work, who they work best for, and all of the pros and cons.

[29:45] One of my favorite services to offer, Designer for a Day - how much can you achieve in a day, how do you charge, what is really possible?

[35:27] Wrapping up with a few thought-provoking questions to get you on the right track! 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• E-Design Masterclass www.designersoasis.com/learn 
• Is E-Design Finally Having it’s Moment?
• E-Design: How to Develop your Pitch, Process and Price
• Sidedoor https://www.onsidedoor.com/ 

“You don’t have to get it right. You just have to get it going.” – Mike Litman

 

So first let’s talk about why I want to go from blogging → podcasting. Over the past few years I have been sharing my content through the Designer’s Oasis website (and fun little fact - there are over 78 blog posts you can still find there!). Recently I decided to switch over to providing content via podcasting because I’m more of a podcast listener myself. I figured if my audience is kinda like me, you like to learn on the go as well…… so podcasting just makes sense!

 

In this FIRST episode I share:

 

• A little about me 
• Share some of the early struggles I experienced 
• But also how I was able to overcome them and turn my little baby designer business into one that thrived and supported me and my family 
• 3 core truths I believe can help you grow in business and accomplish your biggest dreams  

 

Here’s a Glance at this Episode:

 

[1:40] Why podcasting? I share how if you’re anything like me, you listen on the go, fitting in during kids’ practices/lessons/pickups or while doing laundry, cleaning the house or a million other things. You’re a busy guy or gal!

 

[3:20] A little background on me. I’m just a regular old girl! I share my background while living in Austin. I share how I was running out of time to decide what I wanted to major in. Then I learned that there was an “Intro to Interior Design'' summer course at my local community college. I instantly knew that would be my path. I share my early life with my “weekend designer” single mom and how we moved alot - I mean - a lot 18x’s in 18 years.

 

[6:00} I share about my internship with a high - end designer in Austin. We even did a $1M Boat Dock and how I then found my way to Denver working for OZ Architecture. It was a dream. Great team, Energy, buzz, Imagine scenes from The Intern - set designed by Nancy Myers.

 

[7:20] I had my first baby and returned to work - severely sleep deprived! - and people started to notice. I thought I was going to get fired.  At this point my husband suggested maybe I should go to work for myself - I didn’t see that potential in myself. But he did. 

[8:30] I did it! I went to work for myself. I share what I didn’t have going for me and then what I DID have going for me! Where did I start? What problems did I encounter? How and why did it “click”?

 

[10:00] My business was growing but I was getting burnt out! The running a business part of the design business along with the client work was exhausting. So I had to figure out what to do to “fix” this. I needed to charge more and I knew I provided great service. 

 

[12:15}  I will tell you what I did (not all at once) but I will share the top 3 things that I did to transform my business. Spoiler: I share much of what I learned inside my Designer’s Oasis Membership.

 

[17:42] This is what I want you to know. These are 3 very simple truths I will stand behind until the day that I die. If you can get behind these ideas too, the sky's the limit for you. 

 

[18:00] Core Truth #1 - You don’t need to have it all figured out. You will never have all your ducks in a row, so you just need to get going!

 

[20:15] Core Truth #2 : There is No one-size fits all for running your design business. Design the business that works within what YOU want. That may be full-home design, specific room design, designer for a day, or agency work - it’s up to you!

 

[22:00] Core Truth #3 - Everyone (including you) has a unique set of skills, background, expertise that adds a unique twist to your design POV. It's up to you to uncover this and tell that story. Listen in as I share examples of members inside the Designer’s Oasis Membership and their unique backgrounds. What is your story?

[24:48] Recap of the core truths

1. You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started 
2. There is no one-size fits all approach to running your business 
3. Your story matters and helps shape your POV as a designer. 

 

I hope you enjoyed this inaugural podcast episode. I can’t wait to bring you more, and to bring on guests so we can learn from them too. 

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

 

• Designer’s Oasis 
• @designersoasis
• Luanne Nigara Podcast Episode 
• Book: Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth 

 

Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

How do I build an interior design business? How do I get portfolio-worthy projects? Do I “have to” offer full-service interior design? How do I charge for my services? What if I want to do things differently with my interior design business? How do I take my design business to the next level? 

 

Feeling overwhelmed? I got you friend.

 

Welcome to the Designer’s Oasis Podcast. Consider this your place for a fresh drink of water for the inspired, creative, ambitious, and let’s admit it, occasionally overwhelmed interior designer. Whether you are just starting your interior design business or you’re looking to grow or scale, here you’ll find actionable, real-world, and above all SIMPLE ways to launch, establish, and scale your interior design business with confidence. 

 

Introducing your host, Kate Bendewald of Kate Bendewald Interior Design, real-life interior designer, mama, and CEO who grew her 6-figure interior design business on word-of-mouth referrals. Kate doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to running your business. Instead, she offers authentic, approachable advice to help you start where you are. 

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I chat with Selena Soo and Sharon Stokes. Selena Soo is a publicity and marketing strategist for visionary entrepreneurs and experts who has helped clients and students get featured in places like Domino, The Oprah Magazine, Forbes and Inc, and land interviews on popular podcasts and national television. Joining her today is Sharon Stokes, her head of publicity programs and senior media coach who has served as a TV producer for close to 20 years, producing interviews with notable personalities, including Oprah, Richard Branson, Marie Forleo, and Gabrielle Bernstein.   I have personally worked with Sharon and Selena and my very first publicity pitch after working with them was accepted, and featured in Domino! In today's episode we chat all about the best ways to get featured and gain the publicity you want for your interior design business.   Here’s a glance at this episode…

• We discuss all of the factors that come into play with publicity including what types of publicity are best.
• We share about the fear that comes with putting your work and your story out into the world and the fear of visibility that comes with that.
• We discuss the mistakes that are often made when it comes to publicity and marketing with interior designers.
• We dive into how to look for a find help with publicity including what to look for, what you need, and how that may look.

  Mentioned in this episode: 

• JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!
• Book a Call with a Publicity Strategist
• Impacting Millions
• Selena's Website

  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/publicity-and-marketing-strategies-for-interior-designers-with-selena-soo