Shows
Designers Getting CoffeeQ&A Session #5: Ask Us Anything LIVE (The Farewell Episode)We. Love. You. Thank you SO MUCH for being part of coffee and conversation with us! This is the last episode of Designers Getting Coffee, but all of the episodes will still be available for you to go back and listen to. 🖤
🌟 View full show notes and links at https://designersgettingcoffee.com/50/ 🌟
Stay connected with Kate at Designers Oasis and on Instagram.
Stay connected with Lesley with #BizTipMonday emails and on Instagram. 2020-08-2857 min
Designers Getting CoffeeWhat's Next for Designers Getting CoffeeToday's episode is major. We've got news to share about this podcast, Kate's Designer's Oasis, and Lesley's business coaching.
Also, we want you to join us for a LIVE Q+A session next week on Instagram! We'll be live @designersgettingcoffee on Thursday August 27 at 2pmET. See you there!2020-08-2148 min
Designers Getting CoffeeGetting Ahead Financially with Sherry WilsonFeeling behind financially? You're not alone. Without help, it's easy to get behind on invoicing, payments, and taxes (eek). Lesley's bookkeeper Sherry Wilson from Business By the Book joins us today with solid advice (and loving encouragement) to help you get a handle on your business finances.2020-08-1454 min
Designers Getting CoffeeAre Your Design Services Energizing - or Draining You?Let's be real - some design projects leave you energized and wanting more, and some leave you feeling exhausted, resentful, and straight-up cranky. Today we're breaking down the 6 most common interior design services out there, and weighing the pros and cons of each. Spoiler alert: you're the boss, and you can say no the ones you hate doing!2020-08-0756 min
Designers Getting CoffeeBody Language Expert Nancy GanzekauferHaving trouble closing sales with potential clients? It may be because you're gazing towards their nose more than their foreheads. (Whaaa?) Today we're psyched to bring you business coach and certified body language expert Nancy Ganzekaufer, whose tips on using body language - and reading body-language - will open your eyes to the hidden meanings behind seemingly insignificant behaviors.2020-07-3157 min
Designers Getting Coffee5 Helpful Money Habits for Your BusinessMoney is the lifeblood of your business. If you don't have money, you don't have a business. (Ouch.) Both Kate and Lesley have struggled with money management over the years, and have developed these 5 helpful money habits to ensure that they pay themselves first, have a healthy operating budget for expenses, and don't waste time on projects that aren't profitable.2020-07-2439 min
Designers Getting CoffeeTransform Your Relationship with Money with Jenny KarlssonWhat's your money type? What "money blocks" are holding you back in business? 🤑
Certified Money Coach Jenny Karlsson shares her wealth (pun intended!) of knowledge in helping creative entrepreneurs improve their relationships with money. After six years as a professional pet photographer, Jenny realized that being creative with an MBA uniquely qualified her to help women entrepreneurs transform their relationship with money. She founded Financials for Creatives to help women gain confidence and know-how to manage the ebbs and flows of being an entrepreneur.2020-07-171h 02
Designers Getting Coffee5 Tips to Handle Uncomfortable Money ConversationsMoney conversations can be weird - but they don't have to be. Talking about money with your clients (or vendors) gets easier with practice, and with these 5 tips in your back pocket. (Also, be prepared to hear Lesley say "5000 chickens" a lot...)2020-07-1047 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHabits, Routines, & Boundaries to Keep Your SanityHealthy habits and daily routines are a huge part of how Lesley has "more hours in the day than anyone else" (as Kate puts it). Today we're sharing in detail all about the daily, weekly, and family routines and schedules we've implemented, and also the boundaries we have in place to keep us sane. Grab a pen and paper - you'll need it.2020-07-031h 10
Designers Getting CoffeeWhat We've Learned During QuarantineThese past few months of social distancing, sheltering in place, and living through the Coronavirus crisis have challenged us all (to say the least!). We've both learned important lessons during quarantine about life, motherhood, and business.
Here's a real, raw look at the hard lessons we've learned, and how we're finding the beauty in this new season.2020-06-2652 min
Designers Getting CoffeeQ&A Session #4: Referral Programs, Business Coaching, & Client BoundariesQ&A time! Every 10 episodes we're answering YOUR emails and DMs. Today we're discussing if referral programs are worth the investment, how to find the right business coach, and how to set boundaries with a client whose project is dragging on.
🌟View full show notes and links at https://designersgettingcoffee.com/40/ 🌟
Send us your questions about interior design, business, how to handle difficult work situations, and more! If you've got a burning Q, email us at hello@designersgettingcoffee.com or send a DM on Instagram @designersgettingcoffee.2020-06-1948 min
Designers Getting CoffeeBONUS: Get Referrals (Without Asking!) with Stacey Brown RandallHey designers - we're popping in with a special bonus episode because we KNOW you need help right now getting new clients and keeping your businesses afloat. (At least - full transparency - we do!) Stacey Brown Randall is an expert at helping small businesses flourish via referrals. Sounds boring, but OHMYGOSH the info she shares is genius - and could be a game-changer for your business right now.2020-04-171h 00
Designers Getting Coffee10 Ideas to Serve Your Clients in Unexpected WaysSo many businesses have gone from thriving to barely surviving right now in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis. Amazing service is the key to weathering this storm, and today we're sharing 10 ways that we go above and beyond to serve our clients and knock their socks off. Happy clients equal repeat clients and kickass referrals!
This is the last episode of Season 3 and we'll be taking a break for a while, and we'd love to hear your ideas for future episodes and future podcast guests. Please email hello@designersgettingcoffee.com - we love to hear from you.2020-04-0337 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Use Pricing Options In Your Design ProposalsYou know how we JUST talked about design proposals in Episode 36? Well, we've both had our eyes opened to a new way to present a proposal to a client that eliminates uncertainty, gives the client 'apples to apples' to compare, AND empowers them to choose the best design package for their needs and budget. Listen in for some stellar tips to use pricing options in your design proposals - and close a hella lot more sales!2020-03-2735 min
Designers Getting CoffeeBONUS: How to Prepare Your Business for Unexpected CircumstancesGuys, things are so crazy in the world right now. We wanted to chat with you about what's happening in our lives and businesses during the COVID-19 social distancing and shelter-in-place, and let you know how we're preparing our businesses and families during this unexpected circumstance. This episode is totally real and raw - we didn't plan, we just hit record. And yes, things get super vulnerable. We're all in this together, friends.2020-03-2039 min
Designers Getting CoffeeGet Published with Natalie NorcrossToday we're welcoming our very first guest, Natalie Norcross! Natalie is a former interior designer who now specializes in public relations for interior designers. She recently launched “Interior Design PR,” a DIY public relations platform, and she's sharing some juicy PR tips and ideas that are sure to help you pitch editors with the right content at the right time - and get your work the media attention it deserves.2020-03-1337 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Sell a Design Package With a Clear and Concise ProposalAt the end of the in-person consultation, it's time to take things to the next level and propose the right design package to your client. But, uh, how exactly do you do this? In person? By email, the next day? And how do you know what exactly to propose to them? Here's how Kate and Lesley do it - and why Lesley is switching to a new way of presenting proposals.2020-03-0629 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Rock The In-Person ConsultationThe first in-person consultation can feel a bit intimidating, but we're going to help you get over that fear. In addition to walking you through our consultation processes and best practices, we're also sharing what we wish we knew earlier, like what to bring, what to wear, how to start an end the consultation, and making sure you get paid before you go. Kate and Lesley do a lot the same, but there are some notable differences. Listen in and get some ideas to up-level your consultations!2020-02-2857 min
Designers Getting CoffeeThe Client Questionnaire: When to Send and What to AskYou gotta get to know your client, and a questionnaire is a great way to learn about them, their family, their needs, and their budget. Here's are the questions Kate and Lesley ask, how and when they send their questionnaires, and why a questionnaire is so darn useful.2020-02-2146 min
Designers Getting Coffee3 Common Client Objections (And How to Handle Them)What do you do when a client says your services are too expensive, or that they need to ask their partner? Or when they say the most vague thing of all: "Let me think about it." Today we are sharing the ways you can treat those objections with grace and move your “think about it prospect” to a “sign me up client”.2020-02-1436 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Nail Your Consultation CallsThe Consultation Call - your very first phone call with a potential client - is a MEGA IMPORTANT SALES OPPORTUNITY. Don't wing it and just hope for the best. Hear firsthand from Kate and Lesley the exact words, questions, and systems they use on a consultation call to convert potential clients to happily paying ones (and check out two awesome free resources for you!).2020-02-0749 min
Designers Getting Coffee10 Red Flags You Should Never Ignore🚩WARNING! WARNING! 🚩
Don't you wish it were that easy to spot when a potential client is going to be a nightmare?
While a pain-in-the-butt client isn't going to be shouting "WARNING!" from the rooftops, they probably ARE sharing subtle signs that they're not the right fit for you or your business.
On today's episode we've got 10 Red Flags You Should Never Ignore. Listen up, because we've learned the hard way to spot these 10 signs and we don't want you to have to do the same!2020-01-3158 min
Designers Getting CoffeeQ&A Session #3: Ask Us AnythingQ&A time! Every 10 episodes we're answering YOUR emails and DMs. Send us your questions about interior design, business, how to handle difficult work situations, and more!
If you've got a burning Q, email us at hello@designersgettingcoffee.com or send a DM on Instagram @designersgettingcoffee.2020-01-2440 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Reach Out to Potential ClientsYou knowwwww they're out there! But how do you reach out to potential clients and turn them into paying clients? Kate and Lesley are sharing some great - and not so great - things you can do to connect with potential clients.2020-01-1745 min
Designers Getting CoffeeDesign Trends We Love...And Trends We Wish Would Die AlreadyTo kick off Season 3 of Designers Getting Coffee, Kate and Lesley are sharing some of their favorite design trends for 2020 - and some trends they wish would go away already. (Shag rugs, we're looking at you.) This is all in good fun, and we hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording this episode!2020-01-1039 min
Designers Getting CoffeeBusiness Planning to Slay The New YearSLAY, QUEENS! Here's how we plan our business goals and editorial calendars for an entire year. Use December to your advantage and you'll be set up to knock your business out of the park in 2020.2019-12-0635 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow Can You Take Time Off and Keep Your Business Going?The holidays are coming up - how can you take time off from work without your business grinding to a halt? Here's how Kate and Lesley prepare to take time off AND keep their businesses running.2019-11-2950 min
Designers Getting CoffeeMust-Read Books for Interior DesignersDesigners, time to make your holiday wishlists! Here are 12 of Kate and Lesley's must-read books that have massively influenced their businesses (and lives).2019-11-2254 min
Designers Getting CoffeeCommunicating Your Value with ConfidenceAs designers, we save our clients time, money, and mistakes. But how do we effectively communicate that in a way that hits home and helps the client truly understand - and invest in - our value?2019-11-1547 min
Designers Getting CoffeeWhy Automating Is Awesome to Grow Your BusinessYou might be a little freaked out about the idea of automating your business, but stay with us. From client onboarding to questionnaires to emails to selling design packages, automation allows you to be a profitable design boss with much less time and energy.2019-11-0856 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Find Your Dream Clients on Social MediaInstagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube. What social media channels are best? Should you be active on all of them? Kate and Lesley talk social media strategies and networking online to attract your ideal client.2019-11-011h 06
Designers Getting CoffeeWhen Is It Time to Hire Some Help?Who is the right first hire - a junior designer? An administrator? A bookkeeper? It can be intimidating to take the plunge and grow your team, but it's totally worth it! Here's who Kate and Lesley recommend hiring first, what tasks to delegate, and why independent contractors are the way to go.2019-10-2555 min
Designers Getting CoffeeQ&A Session #2: Ask Us AnythingQ&A time! Every 10 episodes we're answering YOUR emails and DMs. Send us your questions about interior design, business, how to handle difficult work situations, and more! If you've got a burning Q, email us at hello@designersgettingcoffee.com or send a DM on Instagram @designersgettingcoffee.2019-10-1841 min
Designers Getting CoffeeAn Inside Look at Our E-Design ProcessWhat does it look like to run an E-Design project from start to finish? Here's how Kate and Lesley handle virtual E-Design projects and knock their clients' socks off (even without working face-to-face).2019-10-111h 03
Designers Getting CoffeeSelling Without the SleazeHow can you share what you do in a way that doesn't feel like you're shoving it down someone's throat - or strong-arming them into paying you? If you're going to run your own design firm, selling your services is an essential skill to learn. Here's how to do it without the sleaze.2019-10-041h 01
Designers Getting CoffeeWhat Design Services Should You Offer?There's no rule book for interior designers - we get to create and sell whatever design services we want! If you're feeling overwhelmed by packaging and presenting your design offerings, here's how to create your "ladder of services" and nail down your design packages to sell like the confident boss you are.2019-09-2744 min
Designers Getting CoffeeIs your website turning away potential clients?Is your website a turn-off? Do you have poor quality photography, off-brand colors, or missed opportunities to capture leads? Kate and Lesley have some tips on how to make your website a sexy, client-attracting tool to help your business grow and thrive.2019-09-2057 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Find Your Dream Clients with In-Person NetworkingHow do you find dreamy clients that understand the value of what you do - and pay you well for it? We're talking about that four-letter word today: NETWORKING. (We promise, it's not as bad as you might think!)2019-09-1345 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Stand Out as an Interior DesignerYes, of course, you do interior design - but what makes you stand out from the crowd? Why should a client hire you instead of the next guy? Here's how to figure out your unique selling proposition and create an "elevator pitch" to quickly share what you do, and how you do it differently.2019-09-0649 min
Designers Getting CoffeeMinisode: Simplifying for SummerWhen it's time to simplify, what can you do in your business to take a break or slow down so you can restore and rejuvenate.2019-06-2126 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow Do You Start a Business In a New City?Have you ever found yourself needing to relocate or would like to move but feel stuck or overwhelmed about how that would work,? If so, tune in. Kate has already made the move across the country and Lesley is in preparation for a cross-country move now. In this episode they provide actionable tips to help you relocate your business without feeling like you are totally starting over.2019-06-141h 06
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Accurately Estimate Hours for A Design ProjectWhat does it really look like to manage a design project from start to finish? In this two-part series, Kate and Lesley break down their design process step by step and share what's working for them. While the general process is the same, there are some key differences and they each embrace.
Brought to you by The Interior Design Business Kickstart Kit2019-06-0753 min
Designers Getting CoffeeQ&A Session #1: Ask Us AnythingQ&A time! Every 10 episodes we're answering YOUR emails and DMs. Send us your questions about interior design, business, how to handle difficult work situations, and more! If you've got a burning Q, email us at hello@designersgettingcoffee.com or send a DM on Instagram @designersgettingcoffee.2019-05-3150 min
Designers Getting CoffeeAn Inside Look at our Design Process: Part 2What does it really look like to manage a design project from start to finish? In this two-part series, Kate and Lesley break down their design process step by step and share what's working for them. While the general process is the same, there are some key differences and they each embrace.2019-05-241h 15
Designers Getting CoffeeAn Inside Look at our Design Process: Part 1What does it really look like to manage a design project from start to finish? In this two-part series, Kate and Lesley break down their design process step by step and share what's working for them. While the general process is the same, there are some key differences and they each embrace.2019-05-1757 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow Do You Charge for Your Design Services?We wish there were an easy answer, but there's no "right" way to charge for your design services. Hourly? Flat fee? Value based? Lesley and Kate dive into some #realtalk about how to present your fees to clients, how to handle price objections, and how to charge a client you know is going to be difficult.2019-05-1053 min
Designers Getting CoffeeHow to Manage Being a Working Mom (or Dad!)It ain't easy managing your own business AND a family. But we know it's doable if you've got the right strategies - and help - in place. Listen in as Kate and Lesley discuss how to make it work as a working mom.2019-05-0356 min
Designers Getting Coffee10 Things To Do When Business is SlowIs your client pipeline woefully empty? Is your interior design business not exactly booming? Kate and Lesley have 10 things you can do TODAY when your business is slow to kickstart things into gear.2019-04-2647 min
Designers Getting CoffeeOvercoming Jealousy and Fear of CompetitionKate and Lesley both run residential interior design businesses IN THE SAME TOWN. Here's how they met and chose collaboration over competition. Spoiler alert: it wasn't always easy, and yes, jealousy has crept in.2019-04-1939 min
Designers Getting CoffeeDesign And Business Tools: What We Use That Are The Same, And What Are DifferentThere are a zillion ways to run an interior design business. Here are the design and business tools Kate and Lesley use. Some are the same, but many are different. Grab the full list of our go-to tools at designersgettingcoffee.com.2019-04-121h 03
Designers Getting CoffeeDo You Need a Degree to Be An Interior Designer?It's the million-dollar question - do you need a degree to be an interior designer? Kate and Lesley have differing opinions on whether or not you need a degree to run an interior design business. Grab your coffee and listen in.2019-04-051h 02
Designers Getting CoffeeHow We Knew We Were Ready to Work for OurselvesHow do you know it's time to finally start your own interior design business? Kate Bendewald and Lesley Myrick share their stories - and actionable advice - on going from design employees to business owners2019-03-271h 22