Shows
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 60: Your Team cannot read your mind. Do something about it.It is always a treat when you hire people you genuinely like until you realize you now have to train them while juggling active projects, client demands, and the never-ending to-do list already sitting on your desk. Cheryl and Liz give you a look at what is going on at In Detail right now and what onboarding really looks like inside a busy studio. Some days your processes may feel like it has to re-evolve by the hour, or hot-potato tasks reveal who’s thinking and who’s parroting, and then other days you have to determine the fine line...
2025-12-0251 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 59: If you confuse them, you lose them. Period.The confusion you accidentally create long before the proposal ever hits your clients inbox is the real reason clients hesitate. Your price is not the problem. You can unintentionally create confusion through discovery calls, the way you talk about freight, receiving, vendors, timelines, your value, etc. This causes your clients to be constantly collecting clues about whether saying yes to you feels SAFE or SCARY. Learn how your language, tone, and timing shape the emotional architecture your clients make decisions in, and why being clear is your most powerful sales tool. AND if you loved this episode--we...
2025-11-1755 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 58: ASKED & ANSWERED - I'm scared to tell potential clients we aren't taking new projects right now. What do I do?Every designer has run into this situation before—the panic of too many projects, too little time, and clients who “need it done now.” Your timelines aren’t the enemy; but poor planning is. When you managed your schedule with purpose instead of panic it means you are understanding your own process. This means before you promise anyone else a date, you know how to communicate timing in a way that builds trust instead of tension.This episode will help you rethink what it means to be “busy,” and see how managing your capacity actually protects your profit and l...
2025-11-0420 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 57: Should we, just because we can?Just because you can take on another project doesn’t mean you should. In this episode, Cheryl and Liz unpack what it really takes to manage your firm’s capacity—not just your time, but your energy, your team, and your profitability. There must be a level of discipline to say no, even if they are a great lead because saying yes to every project is not always helping your business. Consider this episode your permission slip from Cheryl to stop trying to do it all—and to create a new paradigm in our industry. We believe you have to forge...
2025-10-1649 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 56: ASKED AND ANSWERED - My client is finding everything going wrong & I can’t get ahead of it, help me before I fire her!One of the the biggest challenges designers face with managing client expectations is how to stop overpromising and start being intentional with your process. After a recent coaching call with one of our designers, Liz had the idea to create this podcast based on why intentionality is more than just “showing up with a good attitude”. Instead, you should be setting clear expectations, mapping out project steps, and slowing down enough to plan properly. By exploring how intentional processes, like job site visits or weekly updates, will improve your communication with clients and streamlines collaboration with subs--this ultimately protects your...
2025-09-3025 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 55: ASKED AND ANSWERED - I am losing leads. What am I doing wrong?Liz is going solo again and giving you her expertise into the art of handling new lead calls with intention and strategy. Liz handles our discovery calls at In Detail and we do a great job at converting our prospective clients because it is not about rattling off your services or rushing into pricing—it’s about active listening. By asking the right questions, paying attention to tone and word choice, and guiding the conversation toward clarity, designers can uncover what a client really needs. We give practical tips (NOT SCRIPTS) for structuring calls, following up effectively, and positioning your...
2025-09-1716 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 54: Are You Afraid to Define Your Value?Little did we know our Pricing and Salary Survey results were going to give us great nuggets of information that we could share for many future podcasts to come! One of the biggest challenges we found designers face is defining their product. Too often, “full-service design” means something different to every designer—and that inconsistency makes it nearly impossible to set confident fees, manage scope, or show clients the real value of design work. The secret lies in creating clear deliverables with a written scope of work, and structured meeting agendas that are always advancing the project. If you are no...
2025-09-0249 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 53: Why Selling Yourself Short in K&B Costs You BigKitchen and bath design must be treated — and priced — as the high-level specialty it is. These are not "just another room" — instead, they are some of the most complex, high-stakes, and profitable part of your business if you treat it that way. Too many designers undervalue their skills, we discuss how flat fees protect both your expertise and your bottom line, and why being the expert in the room changes everything. From navigating subs and code changes to troubleshooting “transitions up the wazoo,” we are sharing our real stories from the trenches that prove kitchen and bath design demands higher fee...
2025-08-1957 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 52: ASKED AND ANSWERED - I Like Hourly, Why Should I Charge Flat Fees?In this Ask and Answered episode, we break down the real reasons flat fees can transform your business—and why hourly billing might be keeping you small. The mindset shift designers need to make is to stop thinking like a technician and start pricing like a CEO. Flat fees protect your time, boost your authority, and create a better experience for your clients. This isn’t about guessing—it’s about building a smarter, scalable business model that reflects the transformation you deliver. If you're tired of trading hours for dollars, this episode is your call to change the game.
2025-08-0508 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerREPLAY! How to Make Money Selling Project Management - Top Fave of 2025!How can you be team player without giving up your own rights? Working with contractors can be a tricky relationship when they want you to stay in your lane--BUT it doesn't have to be. Creating a team approach with positioning in your marketing, the copy that you use, the verbiage that you talk about, and how you talk about it with other people, all of that is so important. We discuss how important positioning to the client about it being win-win-win and how to sell this to the client and they actually need both components of this is because we...
2025-07-2238 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 3 Ep 51: ASKED AND ANSWERED - I'm so busy, I don't have time to answer every lead. Do I really need to?We have another asked and answered topic this week! We are talking about reframing what many designers see as “wasted” discovery calls. Just because a lead isn’t a fit for full service doesn’t mean it’s a dead end. Consider this as a chance to position your firm as a resource, build brand equity, and generate revenue—especially when you offer varied tiers of service. Start looking for smart strategies to redirect leads, educate potential clients, and how to stay visible—even when they say no. This episode is a must-listen for designers who want to create income stabili...
2025-07-0811 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 50: How to Get Press: The secret door to getting your interior design work published with Alex AbramianPublic relations isn’t just about getting published—it’s about what you do after the feature goes live. We thrilled to welcome our special guest who we have been working with for over a year. Alex Abramian, founder of The PR Collaborative, talks with us about the evolving landscape of PR for interior designers. With years of experience as a writer and editor for major national publications, Alex shares real-world insights into what editors are looking for right now and how designers at any stage of business can get press without big budgets or agency retainers.A non...
2025-06-2444 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 49: ASKED AND ANSWERED - My client is nit-picking. What am I doing wrong?Another Asked & Answered segment today and our very own Liz going solo! One of the biggest balancing acts designers face is pairing creativity with structure. Your vision is what SELLS the client, but your process is what DELIVERS on that promise. Clients remember the feeling, not the portal or the lists or the emails—but having strong systems behind the scenes is what ensures a smooth, mistake-free experience. Your process and creativity don’t compete—they collaborate to create organization and provide a better client experience. We believe processes should are the invisible scaffolding, while the vision is the star o...
2025-06-1012 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 48: Why your "welcome packet" isn't very welcomingWe believe one of the most underrated parts of a client journey is the intake process. This isn’t about a boring list of preferences like if they prefer black over blue or which kitchen they like best. Instead, it's about asking the right questions to uncover how clients live, communicate, and make decisions. Our unique and customized client questionnaire goes FAR beyond aesthetics and dives deep into behavior, values, and lifestyle—ensuring a strong foundation for collaboration and killer design. This is how you can turn your 'welcome packet' into helping avoid client disconnects, set the tone for trus...
2025-05-2736 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 47: ASKED AND ANSWERED - There is no one right way--but there is a better wayThere’s no one right way to run a design business—but there is often a better way.This is not to say if something is working for you—great. Keep going.But if you're stuck or wondering why the same problems keep popping up? It might be time to challenge the models you’re using. How can you challenge the traditional business models, such as cost plus pricing and hourly billing? These are not the most sustainable or scalable options for growth. Instead we discuss considering alternative models that prioritize communicating value to clients. Determin...
2025-05-1312 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 46: The Best Marketing Tool Hiding in Plain SightSocial proof from your clients is important for building trust and credibility in a business. Reviews and testimonials from happy clients, while also being mindful of how and when, can be used to showcase the success and unique offerings of your business. This not only helps attract the right clients, but also addresses common pain points and frequently asked questions. Reviews can also serve as a helpful tool for evaluating and honing in on your strengths, showcasing your value, and even areas for improvement. We share our tips--and even what Liz wrote a client just this week--about how to...
2025-04-2935 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 45: ASKED AND ANSWERED - Why cleaning the toilet might help your creativity more than you thinkYou can't lead clients from survival mode---well you can, but not well and not for extended periods of time. how How you feel directly impacts how you lead, sell, and scale. The mindset shift I have to use is to keep my business steady is the "attitude of gratitude."This "Asked and Answered" topic this week is slightly more personal but a question I get asked often when I am balancing all the moving parts of running a business. By redirecting negative energy into gratitude and giving back to others in some way, rather than staying focused...
2025-04-1516 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 44: ASKED AND ANSWERED - The most damaging thing you can do in your businessThis week we are answering questions from our audience--first up is one of my FAVORITE hills to die on and what I consider one of the most damaging things you can do for your business.It is not a smart business practice to sell blocks of time as a designer because this is not an effective way to market and value creative brilliance. Selling based on the end product or creative vision is a better approach for setting yourself apart from competition. By selling transformational spaces and having confidence in your pricing will show your clients you...
2025-04-0116 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 43: The Hidden Mindset Mistakes Killing Your Team’s MomentumSometimes the simplest of truths is what is going to move the needle and this begins with understanding who you are and your own weaknesses. We all have them right??If you have a team, or even if you are a solopreneur, you are still consistently working with others and there are always going to be challenges of working together. However, being able to understand their strengths and weaknesses is going to make you a better business owner. It is important for you and those that you work with to be honest and...
2025-03-1853 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 42: How to Stop Wasting Time on Marketing that doesn't WorkYour marketing dollars are important. There are many elements to successful marketing and it starts with becoming part of the DNA of your business. This week we met with Denise Grothouse, the founder and CEO of Perfect Six Marketing, a company specializing in marketing strategies for the kitchen and bath design industry. In this episode we discuss the importance of having a strong brand voice and understanding your target clientele when it comes to marketing while also optimizing your #1 marketing tool--your website. You cannot be putting all your eggs in one marketing basket--but instead diversifying and leveraging where your...
2025-03-0439 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerREPLAY of Season 1 Ep 10: What is the Cost of Doing Business? (Re-Release of top 5 episodes!)Optics matter. Client's trusting you know how to manage money--matters. Understanding there is no free lunch--matters. Here is the drum roll take away. It takes money to make money. Ta da! Professional designers understand that it costs money to travel to market to learn about the products they specify ( and usually sell for a profit) -- or how important it is to pay for a good attorney in your state to develop a contract to suit your needs--or to get a CPA help to know when to become an S corp. -- Yes...
2025-02-1145 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerREPLAY! of Season 1 Ep 14 Passion Rules, Mediocrity Sucks ( ALL TIME FAVE RERELEASED!)I am PASSIONATE--and if you have gotten my weekly newsletter the past two weeks then you would know all those years ago in college my young professor's advice stuck. So we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes and trying to reignite the flame in those that may feel it dwindling!Are you giving clients the yearning for more? Showing passion is one of the most important things you can do as a business to demonstrate to your clients what it is that you are bringing to the table. Passion for my work is...
2025-01-2154 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 41: The Top 5 Marketing Musts for 2025Happy New Year! What better way to start off the year than with my top 5 marketing strategies for small business owners grow their businesses. Marketing is a mindset and not just an activity, and it takes time and effort to see results. This is not simply a standalone entity, it is ingrained in the essence of any business. Every interaction, from the moment a potential lead first encounters your brand, contributes to your marketing efforts. To build a brand that resonates and connects, you need to define who you are and who you aim to...
2025-01-0718 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 40: Stop Running Your Business like a Popsicle StandThe process of procurement in a busy design firm is NO joke. You are not running popsicle stand, you are running a firm with various moving parts and you have to be able to have a way to track what is coming and going through your business. This is where checks and balances come into play to avoid costly mistakes and keep the firm running smoothly.We know discussing purchase orders can be a little bit boring but by practicing a proper purchasing process and using purchase orders can make or break your interior design business.
2024-12-2439 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 39: Don't Blame Your Client--it's your show. Own it.Cheryl is going solo this week while Liz takes a well-deserved little vacation. Cheryl is discussing managing client expectations and making sure you are not keeping them in the dark--you need them to trust the process! There is a level of professionalism that comes with the importance of managing clients' expectations during their project. Setting clear expectations with clients from the beginning, communicating clearly, defining project timelines, and always guiding the client through the process will manage the client's needs and manage the potential risks in the project. By creating a plan and forecasting future steps in a...
2024-12-1835 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 38: How to Make Money Selling Project ManagementHow can you be team player without giving up your own rights? Working with contractors can be a tricky relationship when they want you to stay in your lane--BUT it doesn't have to be. Creating a team approach with positioning in your marketing, the copy that you use, the verbiage that you talk about, and how you talk about it with other people, all of that is so important. We discuss how important positioning to the client about it being win-win-win and how to sell this to the client and they actually need both components of this is because we...
2024-12-0338 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 37: The Icing on the CakeWho doesn't love an install day!? Sure, it can be hectic and exhausting but this is where you get to see the fruit of your labor come together. Cheryl went solo this week talking about In Detail's top tips for a successful install day! Having a team in place for installation that understands the logistics and are able to convey it to your movers AND your client is one of the keys to success. A strong install day is the icing on the cake for clients, so it's important to plan ahead and communicate clearly with your...
2024-11-2617 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 36: Selling a client on the value of project managementHow important is project management in interior design? Bottom line: Very. Because it saves your client money in the long run! This starts with having a clear and cogent scope of work to be able to refer back to when issues arise within the project. Project management, how it is handled and why you do it can make or break a project. This means being able to handle a client's question without running for the hills and not only reminding them but also affirming their decision in why they hired you. This will allow you...
2024-11-1933 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 35: Are You Sabotaging Yourself?Have you ever stopped to think where your time is spent vs your energy output? The truth is we could be sabotaging ourselves and our capacity to work if we are not managing our energy. We all have relentless demands and unexpected challenges we deal with on the daily and we all tend to slip into negative emotions—the fight-or-flight mode—often multiple times in a day. We must take little and simple steps to recharge to recognize the costs of energy-depleting behavior and actions and then take responsibility for changing them, regardless of the circ...
2024-11-0553 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 34: How to Create Your Brand Identity with a Competitive EdgeThis week was a bit of a whirlwind coming home from High Point! We had the pleasure of having Jude Charles as a guest and we got to meet in person while we were attending Market.Jude Charles is a filmmaker and for over 18 years and has been producing documentaries for entrepreneurs. He has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, LuAnn Nigara, Rick Campos, and dozens of visionary CEOs. He is also the author of Dramatic Demonstration. This book is a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no one else...
2024-10-2950 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2 Ep 33: Why the vendor relationship can make or break youHow good of a partner are you to your vendors? Strong vendor relationships are a secret to success! Many designers do not think about their vendors until there is a problem. This approach does not allow to maximize the partnership. Getting to know your reps, your customer service people, and marketing team can enhance your bottom line and the customer experience you provide to your own clients. Learn Liz and Cheryl's eight best tips for getting the information you need from your vendors and not getting just want you need but how to make it...
2024-10-2240 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2-Ep 32: Roadblocks to Closing the SaleCheryl and Liz are exploring five key roadblocks to bringing a new client on board and signing that contract. By showing your expertise to the client earlier than later, you remove many difficulties from the sale itself and you set yourself up for being able to deliver your best work. You cannot rely on the lead to peruse every detail of your website. Take the time to understand your leads, who you are selling to and put yourself in their shoes in how you would want to be treated.Have a question--click here to ask us.
2024-10-1555 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2-Ep 31: The Power of PositioningAre your clients receiving and perceiving what you say to them properly? What you say, how you say it, and why you say it is vital to communicate the value and professionalism your firm offers through strategic and consistent positioning. This means understanding and committing to your target audience, being aware of how you position your firm, and not trying to appeal to everyone. Why?Positioning is incredibly important for attracting and retaining clients who truly appreciate your work--the key to successful client relationships! Learn how Cheryl uses strategic positioning in her every aspect of her business...
2024-10-0116 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2-Ep 30: Retail is NOT for sissies! with Christina Van BlakeIf you have known me for a while you may have heard my "Top 12 Truths for Being a Shopkeep" and one of my faves that I stand by is "Retail is not for sissies!" And I know that our special guest, Christina Van Blake of Home Design Dover feels the exact same way. Christina, or as some call her Christi, is the own and prominent designer serving the Maine and NH Seacoast area for over 22 years. Her specialties in color, pattern and texture come from 3 generations of designing women which you will learn from listening. Christina truly...
2024-09-1051 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2-Ep 29: How are you staying relevant? with special guest Darla PowellListen up folks--we all have a love-hate relationship with social media right? Yes we do! It is a changing animal, and if you don't keep up with it you may be missing out on amazing leads because you are not staying relevant in our industry. Liz is off handling projects and Cheryl seized the opportunity to speak with a pro podcaster and social media guru, Darla Powell of Wingnut Social. Darla was a police officer, turned interior designer, to now founder and director of her social media agency. Being well-versed in the design industry, Darla saw a...
2024-08-2854 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2- Ep 28: The Truth About Client Changes: Protecting Your Profit and ProcessWhat should you do when a client starts sending you items to evaluate? In this episode we discuss handling changes that the client initiates in design projects and the importance of respectfully evaluating items that the client provides to ensure they fit the design plan and overall project goals. We recently had a similar client experience (yes, we are in the trenches with you!) and share how we approached this client who wanted to save money by selecting a less expensive item for their project. Communication is key and we must, as professionals, assess these items, even...
2024-08-1440 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2- Ep 27: The #1 Marketing Asset of Your Business with special guest Victoria MarcouillierWhat is the #1 marketing asset of your business? Your website! It is a living breathing entity of our firm. Join us with our special guest Victoria Marcouillier, owner of Brandwell and host of the Branding Business School podcast, as we discuss the importance of branding, the value of marketing throughout the client relationship lifecycle why your the website's role is a crucial marketing asset. Learn how there are strategic aspects of design that are not merely about aesthetics but also about influencing client perceptions and behaviors. Your branding should combine creativity with strategy, aiming to boost your...
2024-08-0654 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY) The Power of Positioning - Ep 39Are your clients receiving and perceiving what you say to them properly? What you say, how you say it, and why you say it is vital to communicate the value and professionalism your firm offers through strategic and consistent positioning. This means understanding and committing to your target audience, being aware of how you position your firm, and not trying to appeal to everyone. Why?Positioning is crucial for attracting and retaining clients who truly appreciate your work--the key to successful client relationships! Learn how Cheryl uses strategic positioning in her every aspect of her business and...
2024-07-3001 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 2- Ep 26 : Never Stop Learning with Special Guest Diane BianchiniIt is never too late to start over. This week we have a wonderful special guest from New York! I have known and coached Diane Bianchini of Dream Interiors NY for a number of year and she is here to talk with us this week about her path to becoming a designer with a background in Aeronautical engineering--talk about weathering the seasons of change (see what I did there?!) We discuss the importance of resilience and adaptability throughout her careers and how her varied experiences have enriched her approach to design.My team and I have loved...
2024-07-2352 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) Are you keeping your client in the dark? Ep 37Cheryl is going solo this week while Liz takes a well-deserved little vacation. This week in our private podcast we discuss managing client expectations and making sure you are not keeping them in the dark--you need them to trust the process! There is a level of professionalism that comes with the importance of managing clients' expectations during their project. Setting clear expectations with clients from the beginning, communicating clearly, defining project timelines, and always guiding the client through the process will manage the client's needs and manage the potential risks in the project. By creating a plan and forecasting f...
2024-07-1602 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 25: Finding your people: When is it time to hire?Are you hiring too late? What I have found is that most designers do not hire soon enough! Hiring a team challenges and helps elevate your business to a level where sustainable growth and scalability are achievable. When we look to hire we are looking to cater to some bonus projects and also the way that our current team is developing in terms upward mobility for other team members. This is where we need the extra support to help push that along. Learn our top tips in determining when to know it is the right time to hire for...
2024-07-0949 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 24: Weathering the Seasons of ChangeAre you facing new challenges or going through a season of change? We are--yes we are in the trenches with you, really! Weathering the seasons of change is unpredictable and it is in these moments where we find out how resilient and adaptable we are. If you are not not prepared, then one of these events such as maternity leave, death in the family or a career change can disrupt your business to a point you cannot recover.How are you going to be prepared and how can you tackle this when these seasons fall into your...
2024-07-0242 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) Where do your priorities lie? Ep 34Prioritizing, managing the alligators closest to the boat, and effective communication are critical to managing your business and your team (if you have one!). When you are redesigning a home for a remodel and NOT starting from scratch--we can't simply start over completely but must work within constraints, similar to how we must manage our time. Understanding the value of our time can lead to better decision-making and business efficiency. We all have the same 24 hours in a day--we must be utilizing them in a way that benefits us AND our clients!Make a one time purchase...
2024-06-2502 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1-Ep 23: How are you protecting yourself? with special guest Attorney, Wendy EstelaThe legal aspects of a business are super important to me as a business owner. We will always face project delays, especially in the last couple years, and we must be thinking about how we can protect ourselves. In my world, clients have to recognize the delays in executing are unrelated to our performance and we must get new bids/pricing or get the job up and running again after potential delays, and most importantly keep the client on the books despite pricing increases or the workload capacity being impacted. This week we are chatting with Attorney...
2024-06-1849 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) Are you sabotaging yourself? Ep 32Have you ever stopped to think where your time is spent vs your energy output? The truth is we could be sabotaging ourselves and our capacity to work if we are not managing our energy. We all have relentless demands and unexpected challenges we deal with on the daily and we all tend to slip into negative emotions—the fight-or-flight mode—often multiple times in a day. We must take little and simple steps to recharge to recognize the costs of energy-depleting behavior and actions and then take responsibility for changing them, regardless of the circumstances or excuses. Our ener...
2024-06-1102 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 22: A Unique Business Structure with Special Guest Michele Doyle & Jay VolzCheryl is passionate about what she does and loves seeing other small business owners and creative entrepreneurs succeed. We often get to hear success stories and want to be able to share this with others while also focusing on the unique market, business and experience other designers have around the country. This week we are starting a "DESIGNER FEATURE" series where once a month we will introduce you to designers Cheryl has met and coached in the last six years. Michele Doyle and Jay Volz, designer and architect, created a partnership and business called Bluefoot Architecture & Design...
2024-06-041h 11
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) How to run a design firm like you should - A business! - Ep 30We are hitting a hot button this week and it is definitely too juicy for public consumption. Charging hourly is dead - yes, we said it. We are seeing too many coaches out there appealing to the low hanging fruit, NOT BELIEVING IN YOU or thinking you can handle flat fee pricing. We are here to tell you, you can! We are here to help you shift your mindset, helping you believe in your business model so your clients will also. We want to make you a better business owner and this is your first step in doing so!
2024-05-2104 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 21: What is "The Cheryl Show"?We're trying something new this week and Cheryl is in the hot seat while Liz interviews her about her process for initial consultations, also known as "The Cheryl Show." Cheryl goal is simply to get to know the potential clients and see if her firm can help them. She doesn't worry about being overly prepared for these meetings because they are organic--this is IMPORTANT! You must find the balance between being the designer that discusses the process, emphasizes the need to establish oneself as an expert AND build a relationship with the client. You must use the initial consultation...
2024-05-1446 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) The Ultimate Win Win Ep 28In this episode, we discuss the significance of project pricing and minimum spend requirements for achieving profitability in your design firm. But what exactly do these terms mean, and how can you integrate them into your design business? Today, they will discuss the strategy of implementing this business model and explain why this can be a major win/win for both you–and your clients if you are going about it with intention. Make a one time purchase to listen now! Click HEREClick here to listen to our EXCLUSIVE podcast on "The Ultimate Win Win"...
2024-05-0702 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 20: Why is your client ghosting you?Are your clients dragging their feet, hemming and hawing after the presentation and maybe even ghosting you--what do you do? In this episode we discuss five considerations when a client is not making decisions and how to handle them. Designers need to ask themselves certain questions to help determine exactly where the problem lies and if the indecision rooted in something deeper than uncertainty. There may be more than meets the eye and it is up to us, as the expert, to come up with a solution rather than blaming a client's indecision. Have a question--click here...
2024-04-3052 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) Creating the Game Changer Ep 26What exactly is a visual scope of work? Cheryl and Liz discuss how theirs has become a game changer not only for In Detail but many other designers Cheryl has coached over the years. In this episode they dive into strategies for creating a successful scope of work and how it can be a powerful marketing tool for your business, how useful they are in setting expectations with clients, showcases the services offered by the design firm, and how this serves as a guide for both the client and the designer, ensuring that everyone is on the same page...
2024-04-2303 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) Stay in your lane Ep 25How can you be team player without giving up your own rights?Working with contractors can be a tricky relationship when they want you to stay in your lane--BUT it doesn't have to be. Creating a team approach with positioning in your marketing, the copy that you use, the verbiage that you talk about, and how you talk about it with other people, all of that is so important. We discuss how important positioning to the client about it being win-win-win and how to sell this to the client and they actually need both components of this...
2024-04-1604 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 19: Are you talking too much?Our firm, In Detail Interiors, gets a lot of leads and I am grateful for every single one of them. However, that doesn't mean we take on every job of every size and every type--and neither can you. You must have guidelines (NOT A SCRIPT PLEASE RUN FROM THOSE WHO WANT YOU TO HAVE A SCRIPT! ) on how you determine what will work for your set up of your firm, your bandwidth and your resource capacity. Learn how we focus on asking the lead questions, listening to their needs, and finding the key talking point to help us qualify...
2024-04-0949 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 18: What is the best investment you can make for your business? --Special Guest Tammy Covington NagemGoing to High Point Market and learning about what you sell is the BEST investment you can make for your business! After 29 markets Cheryl had the honor of talking with Tammy Nagem, CEO of High Point Market authority, to tell you why market is still one of the best business investments you can make. Learn how Tammy and her team help optimize the experience for designers and why it is important for all of you to attend. We discuss vendor relationships, the experience, the events, and how networking is important in this industry. Hear how Tammy and her team...
2024-03-2940 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) To Charge or Not to Charge Ep 22In the way of the word today you need to be able to stay competitive and take into consideration allowing clients to use credit cards. Cheryl and Liz discuss the importance of this for anyone who sell products if you want to grow.Are you analyzing your costs effectively with the cost of doing business? You should be--here we deep dive into the cost of making the sale and creating a reasonable profit.Some episodes are too bold for public consumption! Make a one time purchase to listen now! Click HERE...
2024-03-1902 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 17: Unmasking the fearSuccessful businesses, do not operate on a basis of having to trick people--so why are businesses doing this? Fear. We have to consider where we are as an industry if we are so fearful of clients finding something out about the names of our vendors or comparison shopping. Interior design is about creativity, expertise, and creating unique spaces that reflect the client's personality and needs. It's a service, not just a shopping list. But as long as you do things that makes clients see you as the person holding a shopping list and not delivering a creative vision, you...
2024-03-0539 min
SteamStories by MrSteamThe Key to Elevating Lifestyle and Home Value Using Steam with Cheryl Kees Clendednon and Liz LapanIn this exciting podcast episode, we delve into the misconceptions of steam and integrating steam into your designs with Cheryl Kees Clendenon and VP of "everything”, Liz Lapan of In Detail Interiors, and their podcast Damn Good Designer (DGD). In Detail Interiors excels in new construction, remodels, renovations, furnishings, and kitchen and bath redesign. Their expertise lies in space planning, sourcing innovative materials, and creative problem-solving. In this episode, we explore: Why steam isn’t scary when you have the right resources and education Using steam for communal wellness and the idea of a "wellness family room" C...
2024-02-2932 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY) Roadblocks to Closing the Sale Ep 20Cheryl and Liz are exploring five key roadblocks to bringing a new client on board and signing that contract. By showing your expertise to the client earlier than later, you remove many difficulties from the sale itself and you set yourself up for being able to deliver your best work. You cannot rely on the lead to peruse every detail of your website. Take the time to understand your leads, who you are selling to and put yourself in their shoes in how you would want to be treated. Some episodes are too bold for public consumption!
2024-02-2703 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 16: Is it me??We are not holding back this week - the term "red flag" is banned! (at least in my book) Stop the mob mentality that a client is a "red flag" for asking questions about your contract or process. Your mindset must shift from "run, run, get out now!" to "they do not know, what they do not know". You must be educating your client and positioning your company for your ideal client. This episode will have you take a look in the mirror at your business to be sure you are refining your senses and messaging to...
2024-02-2043 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY) What does the client get when they buy your creative vision? Ep 18Some episodes are too bold for public consumption! Click here to listen to our EXCLUSIVE podcast on reinventing your client presentation! 3 ways to join us on this journey. No need to wait. There is a price point for everyone! How do you determine what your client is really entitled to when they are buying your creative skills? We are discussing the value of an intellectual property, what it is, why it’s important and how to deal with clients with the finish deliverables, and the work that goes along behind it.You...
2024-02-1301 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 15: Get your sh!t together!It is a choice to be professional. One you make to uphold professional standards and practice in such a way that you are advancing your firm. No one is going to do it. In order to advance as a strong contender in the marketplace and someone that is respected and viewed as a serious business owner, then you must be aware of what is happening in the industry. Hear what makes Cheryl’s Top Ten Troublesome Transgressions list and how to make sure YOU are not doing one of these!Want to hear more podcasts that are to...
2024-02-0640 min
Damn Good Interior Designer(TRAILER ONLY!) 5 Ways to Disrupt Your Presentation Process Ep 16Some episodes are too bold for public consumption! Click here to listen to our EXCLUSIVE podcast on reinventing your client presentation! 3 ways to join us on this journey. No need to wait. There is a price point for everyone! Leaders are going to grow their business by continuously assessing what might need to be disrupted in their current business--what might need to be reinvented or what might need to be reimagined in a different way. We are starting with the disruptive reinvention of your presentation process! We never knew we did t...
2024-01-3000 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 14: Disrupting the Status Quo to get back on trackLiz and I have decided that the holidays need to be further spread apart. How do we talk to Congress about making that happen? Just kidding! We don’t need to go down that rabbit hole--we are already busy enough. This is about being in control and how we are going to respond to certain situations that are going to come up in your business. What actions can you take and be prepared for when it affect our clients, subs and ourselves? This means hitting the reset button now so you can be ready for anything 2024 throws at you!...
2024-01-1649 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 13: Passion Rules, Mediocrity SucksAre you giving clients the yearning for more? Showing passion is one of the most important things you can do as a business to demonstrate to your clients what it is that you are bringing to the table. Passion for my work is why I get up in the morning and being excited about what the day holds---and have an eagerness to jump into it. It’s not always roses and mai tais but still--I am passionate about what we do so it keeps me going. Do not be afraid to be excited about what is...
2024-01-0254 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1-Ep 12: Why your clients should not hire youCheryl the “easy-chair” psychologist is back today and we are going to throw a little reverse psychology at you! Have you ever thought about throwing all the negatives on the table to reinforce positive thoughts in your client? Whoa--I know it seems a little crazy. BUT disarming people with an approach that is not expected can work beautifully, if done right, to relax your potential client with your honesty and sincerity. This helps them be able to truly listen to what you are saying and you will gain more respect from telling the truth. Being up front give...
2023-12-1236 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 11: What got you here isn't going to keep you here in 2024Are you really considering where the interior design industry (and market) are going today? How you got started in this business is NOT what is going to keep you relevant. This is one of the fastest growing and ever-changing industries out there and we as business owners must be thinking about and asking your clients for feedback. Feedback should be considered a gift in how to understand and meet the client where they are. You must take it in stride and use it to grow. The balancing act is REAL, but if you continue to...
2023-12-0547 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1-Ep 10: What is the Cost of Doing Business?Today's episode is about the cost of doing business.Optics matter. Client's trusting you know how to manage money--matters. Understanding there is no free lunch--matters. Here is the drum roll take away. It takes money to make money. Ta da! Professional designers understand that it costs money to travel to market to learn about the products they specify ( and usually sell for a profit) -- or how important it is to pay for a good attorney in your state to develop a contract to suit your needs--or to get a CPA...
2023-11-2848 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1-Ep 9: The Price is the Price - Selling products for the winWhy are selling products a win? Cheryl and Liz delve into the balance between selling design services and products and unveil key strategies for successful navigation of the procurement process. Selling product is not for the faint of heart - you will face challenges in managing inventory, shipping and managing vendor relationships but is worth it in the long run. And here is the biggest win of all---Creating a dynamic where "the price is the price". We rarely have issues with pricing. In fact we never have issues with pricing-- because we create the win for the...
2023-11-2146 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 8: Charging What You Are Worth Is a Crock of Cheese CurdsToday, Cheryl and Liz focus on the difference between the calls to "charge what your worth" vs charging your value. Are you choosing to engage with a client simply because they are willing to pay your hourly rate, or is it because their project will bring real currency in terms of value to your firm? Have you set an hourly rate arbitrarily with no concrete reason? Cheryl underscores the significance of the “education of experience” in accepting a job that might not be your typical project. Still, it allows you to solve problems and build value for your business. Don’t...
2023-11-1445 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1 Ep 7: How to get your clients to trust the process every single timeSummaryDo your clients have a fear of creativity? In this episode, Cheryl and Liz dive into the art of building strong client relationships by addressing and alleviating the client's fears during the design process. The episode demonstrates the importance of understanding clients' psychology and the need to create unique, growth-inducing experiences while considering the importance of empathy and highlighting the challenges of balancing innovation with budget constraints and timelines. Cheryl and Liz provide valuable strategies and examples to enable business owners to navigate client concerns, foster trust, and deliver outstanding design outcomes.RESOURCE LINKS:
2023-11-0746 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1-Ep 6: This Just Takes the CakeThe word “transparency” has been hijacked. Cheryl and Liz discuss the cake story and how it relates to business by stressing the importance of clear communication, pricing, and setting expectations with clients. They emphasize building trust from the start and having a structured business plan to succeed in the design industry. Designers should be asking themselves "How can I improve transparency and communication in my business to build trust and better serve my clients?" Cheryl provides invaluable insights into solving this problem and achieving success in the design industry.The Damn Good Designer magazine is out! C...
2023-10-3144 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 5: Say No to the Big "O"Cheryl does not hold back today on how she feels about being “overwhelmed.” In their conversation, Cheryl and Liz discuss the influence of negativity within our language on one's mindset, self-assurance, teamwork, and client relationships. As you reflect on their discussion, remember two key points: Resilience is king & Confidence is the currency of success.RESOURCE LINKS:Damn Good Designer - WebsiteThe Business of Kitchen & BathWant to recession proof your business? Become the expert in the room. Let Cheryl and Liz help YOU...
2023-10-2446 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerSeason 1- Ep 4: You are not a personal shopperIf your goal is to become a full-service design firm, it's important to embrace innovative design and challenge your clients to do the same. You must push yourself beyond your comfort zone to persuade clients to explore unfamiliar territory. You're not merely a personal shopper but a designer who brings ideas to life, overseeing a project from inception to completion. Stick around until the end for Cheryl's Damn Good Truth to find out where success lies!RESOURCE LINKS:Damn Good Designer - WebsiteThe Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business co...
2023-10-1747 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerEp 3: The secret weapon you never knew you needed!"Are you ready for this?? I think you are! My contention is designers do not hire soon enough. They are driving the boat trying to navigating the rough currents alone. Don't let this be you--Look for an integrator to climb into the boat with you. ( And if you are an integrator and need the visionary to get you onto a bigger boat--well that can happen too! ) If so, consider bringing an Integrator on board! Cheryl and Liz delve into an Integrator's pivotal role in this episode. Cheryl characterizes an Integrator as a collaborative partner, working alongside her “in t...
2023-10-1046 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerEp 2: The Biggest Marketing FailIf you are dissatisfied with your current client base or having issues with clients not trusting the process, consider reframing your marketing efforts. In this episode, Cheryl and Liz discuss the importance of how you market your firm in the ways that you probably do not often think about.. When you undervalue your creative skills by “discounting” your services into generic “packages” or “blocks” you inadvertently convey that you're just another commodity. . If you're eager to attract clients who truly value your talent and aren't fixated on , discounts or lowest cost, join us for today's discussion. Stay to the end for Chery...
2023-09-1635 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerProject Pricing, Flat Fees and the Minimum Expenditure business model Ep 2Cheryl and Liz from In Detail Interiors discuss the significance of project pricing and minimum spend requirements for achieving profitability in your design firm. But what exactly do these terms mean, and how can you integrate them into your design business? Today, they will discuss the strategy of implementing this business model and explain why this can be a major win/win for both you–and your clients if you are going about it with intention. Stay tuned to the end to hear this episode's Damn Good Truth!Read the latest issue of the Damn Good...
2023-09-1637 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerEpisode 1: Owning the Initial Client ConsultationWelcome to the inaugural episode of the Damn Good Designer, where Cheryl and Liz of In Detail Interiors will share invaluable insights on building your successful design business with no topic off the table. Today they focus on a successful initial consultation. It might surprise you what Cheryl refuses to do or discuss when meeting the client for the first time. So, "Get ready to challenge the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary!” Stay tuned to the end to hear this episode's Damn Good Truth!KEY TAKEAWAYS:Cheryl’s goals in her first consultation are to make the...
2023-09-1633 min
Damn Good Interior DesignerDamn Good Designer TrailerJoin Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the dynamic duo behind the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer. Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take you on a roller coaster of discovery, considering success from a different lens, breaking free from groupthink, an...
2023-09-1305 min