The McClain Method – Details, episodes & analysis

In the concluding episode of Season 1, John McClain celebrates the one-year anniversary of 'The Designer Within' podcast and shares exciting plans for Season 2.  

John then dives into part two of his insightful interview with Brittany Farinas. Brittany emphasizes the importance of maintaining direct client communication, effective project intake processes, client expectation management, and the integration of custom furniture. They also discuss business scaling strategies, outsourcing procurement, and the critical role of client vetting to ensure the right match between designer and client. Brittany shares how she remains hands-on with initial client interactions and her philosophy on balancing systematic processes with fluid client experiences. The conversation highlights the significance of transparent communication and how to manage and delegate tasks efficiently within a design business.

01:22 Celebrating One Year of Podcasting

01:55 Season Two Announcements

04:01 Part Two of the Interview with Brittany Farinas

04:25 Maintaining Client Communication

05:56 Handling Project Hiccups

09:40 Balancing Systematic and Fluid Processes

12:25 Customizing Client Experiences

17:35 Team Dynamics and Client Matching

20:34 Finding the Right Clients

23:24 Client Communication and Delegation

23:41 Hiring and Team Strengths

24:24 Procurement Process and Outsourcing

26:57 Financial Management in Procurement

33:22 Business Perception and Social Media

35:46 Future Plans & Custom Furniture

41:40 Finding & Working with Vendors

More On Brittany:
House of 1 Website: https://www.houseof1.com/
House of 1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofone_/
Brittany Farinas Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/brittanyalexa_/

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

In this engaging episode (Part 1 of 2) of the Designer Within Podcast, host John McClain welcomes Brittany Farinas, CEO, and Creative Director of House of One, to discuss her journey in the interior design world. Together, they delve into Brittany's early career challenges, the importance of professional branding, and key business strategies that have propelled her to success. Highlights include insights into Brittany's investment in PR, the dual role of personal and professional life in her brand, and practical tips on custom furniture, client onboarding, and much more. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about merging passion with business acumen.

00:00 I'll see you in Las Vegas Market!

01:16 Introduction to Today's Episode

02:00 Welcome to The Designer Within Podcast

03:12 Interview begins with Brittany Farinas: Part 1

06:50 Brittany's Journey into Interior Design

11:37 Building a Brand and Business

17:56 The Importance of Professional Image

30:41 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

35:43 Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2

36:26 Final Thoughts and Resources

House of 1 Website: https://www.houseof1.com/
House of 1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofone_/
Brittany Farinas Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/brittanyalexa_/

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

As I head to High Point Market Spring 2024, I thought I would play some of a seminar that I taught LIVE at the fabulous Universal Furniture Learning Center about a year and a half ago. The information STILL stands trust me. It's all about Essential Systems and Processes, what those are and how to set them up.

It's actually a portion of a course that I teach within my Design Success Academy! So you're getting a bit of a course for free! We all need processes defined, but do we really take the time do so? I'm here to help with an easy 3 step process for you!

In this teaching episode you will learn:
* How To Create Your Processes
* The Actual Processes I Use In My Company
* Why They Work
* How To Use Processes With Our Trades & Vendors
* How To Use Processes With Our Internal Team
* How To Use Processes With Our Clients

If you are interested in the download mentioned, you can grab it HERE: https://members.designsuccessacademy.com/freesystemsdownload

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Let's talk about finding specific ways to find success with our trades and vendors!
Welcome to the episode my lead designer, Heather Rau. In this episode, Heather and I discuss the backbone of a design project that involves any sort of labor and materials: your trades and vendors.

The delicate dance of finding both trades/vendors that align with your values, meet your company and client needs, and also represent you and your brand can sometimes be difficult.

This episode has detailed, actionable ways to:
* Find your own company values in order to know who you should be working with
* Specific ways to find trades and vendors when you have none
* How to retain quality vendors and trades persons
* How to "give back" to vendors and trades
* What good trades and vendors can do for you

This episode will help you grow your relationship with your trades and vendors no matter if you are new to the design industry or a veteran designer. It's a must listen for sure.

Enjoy!

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Welcome Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors to this episode of The Designer Within podcast! Nicole is the founder of R. Nickson Interiors and has over 10 years of experience in the design field. With a degree in construction, Nicole has interned with a luxury developer building and spent time working for a team of construction companies heading up their business development & marketing. To say that Nicole recognizes the full scope of a design project would be an understatement. With hands-on experience in construction, renovations & interior design - Nicole has done it all.
In this episode Nicole and I have a great conversation about how she has found huge success in a small town setting.

Here are just some of the highlights of this fabulous interview:
-  How Nicole switched education paths (and geographic locations) mid-stream to find her true calling
-  How Nicole uses her Construction Management degree to her advantage in her very small town.
- The marketing methods Nicole finds helpful.
- The unique way Nicole decided to take control of receiving her products
-  Nicole's message of collaboration over competition even in a tiny town.
-  How Nicole sources from great vendors when there are no design centers around her.

I KNOW you will find so many great insights into ways you can grow your own business when listening to my interview with Nicole. Now, sit back and enjoy this open hearted convo with Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors.

Find Nicole on her website:
https://rnicksoninteriors.com/
Fine Nicole on Instagram:  https://rnicksoninteriors.com/

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

They say "you don't know what you don't know," but I'm here to flip the script and remind you that you "DO know what you DO know!" And that's a lot!

It's time we take pride in our past and value our skills and accomplishments. Bettering ourselves is great, but also let's remember to take stock of what we already bring to the table!

In this uplifting episode you'll learn:
*What is your "sliding scale of skills"
* How to take count of the past successes that are a part of you now
* How to notice successes that occur TODAY
* When you might want to consider opportunities for learning and growth and how to best choose those  growth opportunities.
* How the people you surround yourself with are a link in the chain of your success.

Now, get comfortable and pat yourself on the back! You're here and there's a lot to be proud of for what you DO KNOW!

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Welcome to an interview episode of The Designer Within with Valerie Darden.
Valerie founded Brexton Cole Interiors in 2014. As the founder, Valerie named her company after her two sons Brexton and Cole. Brexton Cole Interiors have completed multiple residential and commercial design projects all over the US.

Ya'll know me and I love to find out the nitty gritty of the BTS of business operations and the thought process of design, and Valerie delivers!

In this very insightful and informative episode we discuss:
* Client Red Flags: How to notice them and how to deal with them
* Valerie's not-so-great situations with some clients and how her business procedures saved the day
* Valerie and I chat about the importance of transparency and when it perhaps might be "too much" for clients
* Valerie has a brand new book out this fall called "Beautiful Living" and we will talk all about they what, why, and how of her book publishing journey.

Welcome to the podcast, Valerie Darden of Brexton Cole Interiors!

For more on Valerie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brextoncoleinteriors/
Website: https://brextoncoleinteriors.com/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brextoncoleinteriors
Pre-Order Her Book: https://amzn.to/43eds8S

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

Tech has become a huge part of my business success. It's actually like it's another employee in my firm! From scheduling appointments to signing agreements, technology has fully been embraced in John McClain Design, and for the better!

If you have not gotten on the tech bandwagon for fear of it being too complicated, well fear no more! I'm going to share my top 7 pieces of technology that I can't work without AND that are easy to install and use.

Here are the tech I will discuss today:

⚙️Showit Website Design: CLICK HERE for free month of Showit https://account.showit.com/r/vp5kkwgm

 Website Adjacent: Tonic Template Shop: CLICK HERE to save 15% with code JOHN15        https://tonicsiteshop.com/?ref=john

⚙️ Canva: Graphic Design Software. https://www.canva.com/

⚙️ Scheduling Software (Calendly or Acuity) Calendar Scheduling

⚙️ Snipping Tool Image and Video Clipping

⚙️ Google Drive Online Storage

⚙️Whereby Video Conferencing

⚙️ Slack Team Communication

Good luck on your tech journey! Let me know what you think!

John

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

On this episode, well over half a year after launching this podcast, I decided to pull out my very first episode to help explain my "why." If you have not listened to this episode, it's a must listen. If you have listened to it, well, maybe it's time for a cautionary tale refresher! Either way, here's the WHY for this episode:

🤔 Why did I start this podcast?
🤔 Why did I start a learning program for designers?
🤔 Why did I decide to overhaul my entire design business?
🤔 Why do I operate my design business as a business?
🤔 Why do I place such stringent policies and processes in place for my clients (and me) to follow?

Well this episode will explain my why in all it's gory detail! 😬
This episode talks about my lowest point in life and career. And boy was it low! 

The very moment when I knew I had to make a choice to either slither away and lose everything or make big changes and begin the rest of my design career the right way. At this point, you know what my choice was, but let me tell you how I came to that decision and the steps I took to get there. Grab a strong drink, and sit back and listen to the most pivotal moment in my life and career. 

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/

After Market... Marketing. What in the world am I talking about? Well it's actually simple! After Market Marketing is a technique I use to create more awareness around a piece of press or any marketing exposure you have received for yourself or your business.

In this episode, I will discuss WHY you need to initiate a plan for After Market Marketing and 3 easy techniques you can implement right now for marketing your marketing.
I will discuss using :
1) Social Media
2) Blog Posts & Newsletter
3) Thank You's to those who gave you the press.

Don't miss the action-oriented episode on how to REALLY Market your Marketing while also increasing the Top of Mind Awareness for you, your company, and the brands that you partner with.

Download my Free One Page Guide to After Market Marketing HERE: https://john.myflodesk.com/aftermarketmarketing

Text Me a Message!

 Download your free checklist:
 “Stop Sabotaging Your Marketing: 6 Ways to Get Aligned with the Clients You Want”
👉mcclainmethod.com/fixmybrand

Support the show

🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, and more!

📄 For Podcast Downloads & Freebies: https://mcclainmethod.com/freebies

🍸 To join The McClain Method for courses, coaching, and more: https://mcclainmethod.com/work-with-me

📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://stan.store/johnmcclain/p/order-johns-book



Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/