Spelade
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Every interior designer has a different opinion when it comes to charging for the design consultation. Darla has charged for the consultation from day one—but has been beta-testing free-of-charge consultations. Why? Find out in this episode of Wingnut Social, with special guest Sandra Funk!
Sandra is the founder and principal designer of House of Funk, a design firm based in NYC and New Jersey. She is an award-winning designer with over two decades of experience in the industry. Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020—described as a template for building your business. Give this one a listen!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social[0:58] Sandra Funk joins Darla & Natalie![8:31] Sandra’s philosophy on design consultations[11:26] The consultation is a way to vet the clients[14:11] How to let people down softly[16:21] Sandra offers online design[17:36] Tips for designers who are just starting out[21:36] What happens in Sandra’s consultations[24:21] How does Sandra account for loss of consultation income?[27:07] The Interior Design Standard launching spring 2020[30:06] How easy is the program for a new design student?[34:08] What up Wingnut![35:31] Connect with SandraConnect with Sandra FunkHouse of FunkSandra on InstagramResources & People MentionedMake Every Man Want You by Marie ForleoSandra Funk’s Trade ResourcesWhat does a consultation look like with Sandra Funk?Sandra has never charged for a consultation.
Her focus is on high-end design with projects that take between 8-18 months to complete. She believes that if you charge for a consultation, you’re pressured to have a complete design proposal ready immediately. Sandra believes it diminishes the bigger project. By not charging, she can focus on getting to know potential clients.
By the time she meets a client, she’s already done the research, had conversations and is 99% sure she wants to work with them.
The goal of her consultations is to gauge communication style, responsiveness, how the clients each other, and learn the scope of the job. She does this by asking scripted questions, such as:
What emotions do they want to feel in the space?
How do they want the space to function?
Who uses it? When is it used? How many people use it?
Do they have children? Dogs?
What, if any, rooms reflect their style?
She’s looking for someone who knows what they want, is decisive, and has the necessary budget—with no capacity or interest to execute the project themselves.
How do you say no to people who aren’t a good fit?Sandra works with very specific high-end clientele. She sets a minimum project budget for $100,000—but her average client is renovating 3+ rooms with a $300,000 budget. The home must have a million-dollar or higher valuation. Lastly, the work needs to make logical sense for her firm. She calculates that based on overhead costs, how many clients she can handle at one time, and projected salary for the year.
So what does Sandra do when people aren’t a good fit?
She refers them to her online design option and has had great success driving traffic to it. Her firm is still working with the client on all of the design—but none of the execution. It is a win-win for both sides and she’s not sending away unhappy prospects.
Sandra points out you must always remember that “when you say yes to the little things that don’t make sense for you, you actually close yourself off to the big things that do make sense”.
To hear her tips for new designers and about the design program she’s launching in the spring, listen to the whole episode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Socialwww.WingnutSocial.comOn FacebookOn Twitter: @WingnutSocialOn Instagram: @WingnutSocialDarla’s Interior Design Website1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
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You can reinvent yourself and launch a design career at any age—as long as you have drive, determination, with a little bit of moxie thrown in. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make the switch, let today’s guest be the inspiration that you CAN make it happen. Lauren Brown joins Darla and Natalie to share how she built a business and launched a design career at 65.
Lauren had a long career in luxury sales and design (making, on average, close to a million dollars a year). After settling into retirement—or what she likes to call her ‘sabbatical’—she felt restless. She knew she had more to give—but she had given away ALL of her client-base to colleagues. So she used a combination of research, workshops, and listening to podcasts to launch a new design business. Listen to this episode of Wingnut Social to hear her story.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social[3:55] How Darla reinvented herself at 47[6:36] Lauren Browns God-wink moment[9:45] How Lauren launched her design career[12:36] The unusual marketing Lauren has embraced[19:17] Why digital marketing is worth the learning curve[22:38] How to overcome ‘Imposter Syndrome’[25:18] Put a system and process in place[25:50] Shayla Copas’ Impact on Lauren[30:28] Connect with Lauren[31:15] What Up Wingnut! Round[34:32] This is YOUR time to shine[38:06] Blooper Reel!Connect with Lauren BrownLauren’s WebsiteLauren on TwitterLauren on FacebookLauren on InstagramADesignersTouchByLauren(at)gmail.comResources & People MentionedEverything is Figureoutable by Marie ForleoMartha O’Hara InteriorsJeffrey Fisher HomeShayla Copas InteriorsJoan Ravasy DesignLauren launched her design career after a ‘God-wink’ momentWhen Lauren hit 65 she had an ‘aha moment’. She realized she was getting older and had to redefine what life was all about. She knew she’d been given a gift for design and understanding color. She couples that with passion and enthusiasm, and a love for life and people. She drew inspiration from Darla’s story and how she reinvented herself after a long career in law enforcement.
Darla sharing her story gave Lauren the courage she needed to take the leap and start over.
So Lauren Googled “How to start your own business” and began building a binder full of different resources. She learned about social media, hashtags, and everything design-business related. She started listening to WingnutSocial, following Shayla Copas, and attending workshops at Market. She drove full-speed ahead, determined to make her dream a reality.
Her mantra to herself has become, “Lauren, you can do this too. You have God-given gifts and talents and you need to keep using those until you can’t breathe any more on this earth”.
Lauren’s marketing is a combination of ‘old’ and ‘new’Digital marketing is a whole new world for Lauren, which is one reason why she listened to the Wingnut Social podcast relentlessly. She now has her business on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and has invested in a website. One month after launching her design career, she’s being featured on this episode of Wingnut Social. This gal knows how to make waves. She’s building a steady following and has learned how to make an impact across platforms.
She’s also embraced print media, and sent out press releases to various magazines and papers in her area, eventually getting her story published. Before recording this episode she was featured on the radio. She also advertises her design business on an area billboard—and has gotten some traction because of it. It goes to show a mesh of old and new marketing tactics can be effective. Trying something different can get you recognition, so learn to be creative.
Listen to the whole episode to hear how Lauren is navigating the journey and overcoming the mindset struggles you can face. The ladies also chat about getting systems and processes in place, and the impact podcasts have made on her journey.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Socialwww.WingnutSocial.comOn FacebookOn Twitter: @WingnutSocialOn Instagram: @WingnutSocialDarla’s Interior Design WebsiteCheck out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)Wingnut Social Podcast Sponsor www.curreyandcompany.comOn FacebookOn Twitter: @CurreycoOn Instagram: @CurreycoSubscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
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The Coronavirus pandemic is making waves around the world and shaking up many industries. Restaurants and bars are shutting down, big-box retailers are debating closing their doors, and whole cities around the US are going on lockdown. Countries are closing their borders and banning travel. Everyone is left wondering: how in the world will our design business survive?
In this special bonus episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, Jane Dagmi—the Editor in Chief of Designer’s Today—joins Natalie and Darla to talk about surviving COVID-19. Listen to the whole episode for a discussion about High Point Market, supporting small businesses, and how to operate a design business during social distancing protocols.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social[2:32] Jane Dagmi shares how Designer’s Today is moving forward[6:03] How to mitigate financial loss from businesses closing[8:50] How to help vendors and showrooms impacted[11:13] Take the time to polish your social media[13:03] Use the technology tools available to you[15:24] Develop a strategic plan for moving forward[17:37] Ideas for commercial designers[22:55] How to keep yourself and your client’s safe[29:20] How the Coronavirus will impact High Point Market[37:38] What up Wingnut round![41:00] How to handle your social media during this crisisConnect with Jane DagmiJane on LinkedInJane’s InstagramDesigner’s TodaySomething About Interior Designers PodcastJane’s 1st episode on Wingnut SocialResources & People MentionedHow to Handle Your Social Media During the Coronavirus CrisisWingnut Social Design Harmony EpisodeMartha O’Hara InteriorsLisa Kahn DesignsShannon Ggem DesignHigh Point MarketKeep yourself and your clients safeThe ladies agree that technology is a life-saver—email, phone calls, zoom, and virtual tours make this uncertain time manageable. Take advantage of the tools available to you. If your client doesn’t feel comfortable meeting in person, do a zoom meeting. Do a consultation over FaceTime. If you do still meet in-person, you must do things differently to protect each other.
Darla tries to lighten the mood with humor. She jokes that she usually greets potential clients with a kiss and a hug—but for now, she’ll give them a virtual fist-bump (with the disclaimer that down the road they’ll get a good hug). Wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, and always leave the ball in the client’s court. Even if you’re comfortable continuing with a meeting, they may not be. It’s okay to reschedule or switch to a virtual meeting.
A fellow designer, Shannon Ggem, started sending her clients an email stating how she’s carrying on her business during the pandemic. She even goes so far as to let them know that she travels directly from her home to theirs, outlines what she brings with her, and lets them know that it’s all been disinfected regularly. While it is a very detailed option, something simple and straightforward outlining precautions you’re taking can help reassure your clients.
Tips for your business—and how to support each other’sMany people are now working from home with their children in tow as schools and businesses are closing. Darla and Natalie point out that it can be a great time to spend quality time with your family. You could also take a design class, complete a certification, or perhaps finish editing a podcast episode you’ve been working on.
Natalie and Darla also recommend taking this time to polish your social media. Double-down on your social and get your brand out there, so that you haven’t lost steam when the pandemic dies down. You could even double your marketing expenditure or launch an e-design program.
Many small businesses will find themselves struggling during this trying time. With the postponement of the High Point Market—a 6.7 billion-dollar industry—many vendors and showrooms were left high and dry. Natalie points out that you should try and find local showrooms or small businesses that carry what may have been featured at High Point and purchase from them.
If you’re struggling to navigate the sudden change (or are a baby designer that’s just launching their career) don’t be afraid to reach out to established designers and ask for help. Seek out advice—and listen to the whole podcast for more ideas.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Socialwww.WingnutSocial.comOn FacebookOn Twitter: @WingnutSocialOn Instagram: @WingnutSocialDarla’s Interior Design WebsiteCheck out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
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Do you have a blog and are looking to gain more exposure? Perhaps your site is SEO optimized, adored with images galore, and your writing skills are stellar. But people are becoming increasingly busy and just don’t have the time to read a blog post like they used to.
Creating a video isn’t necessarily the answer—but what about a blogcast? Have you heard the term? Jeri Cerutti co-hosts this Monday Marketing Minisode with Natalie to talk about her genius idea to turn her blog into an audio recording, AKA—a blogcast.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social[1:58] Blogging with a twist[3:54] Where did Jeri get the idea to record?[5:35] Why you should consider a blogcast[8:59] Jeri Cerutti is a genius[12:38] Blooper Reel!Connect with THE Jeri CeruttiJeri’s WebsiteJeri on InstagramJeri on TwitterBlogcasting—blogging with a twistIt all started when Jeri asked her son-in-law if he would read her blog and give her feedback. He said he didn’t have time to read, but if she recorded it for him, then he would listen. Natalie has also had the opportunity to listen to Jeri read to her grandchildren, and thought “I could listen to this”. She has the perfect voice for audio.
Also—to be honest—not everyone loves to read. Some people, such as Natalie, deal with Dyslexia. Others don’t have the time to sit down and read a blog. A lot of American’s have long commutes—so why not convert your blog to audio? Which led the ladies to this question: why not record all of Jeri’s blog posts to create a blogcast?
Podcasting can help broaden your reachCreating a podcast—or in this case, a blogcast—is one of the easiest ways to broaden your reach. It’s a great way for the visually impaired to get exposure to your content. Not only can they hear it, but they can hear it in YOUR voice, with your unique tone and inflection. It speaks to your authenticity.
Natalie and Darla think the idea is genius. After all, who doesn’t want to broaden their audience? It should be every blogger’s goal to reach more people with their content. We live in a busy world and whatever can be done to connect with more people should be done.
Alright Wingnuts, it’s time to weigh in: Would you rather read a blog or listen to it?
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Socialwww.WingnutSocial.comOn FacebookOn Twitter: @WingnutSocialOn Instagram: @WingnutSocialDarla’s Interior Design WebsiteCheck out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
