Shows
Staging SipsMomentum Isn’t Magic, It’s a Management SystemRhythm, predictability and structure could not feel any better! If you're running your home staging business week to week, feeling dizzy at the thought of planning beyond 7 days, that is not where you should be. Most staging CEOs think structure will slow them down, but here's what neuroscience reveals: your brain is literally hardwired to crave predictability. And when tasks that feel urgent are carried into days? You are stuck in threat response mode resulting in decision fatigue, overthinking, and burnout! Today you'll discover why business owners who install simple rhythms; weekly CEO hours, monthly...
2025-07-2622 min
Staging SipsWant vs. Need: Building a Website That Converts With Cathleen BarnesIs your website just sitting pretty or is it actually working for your business? If you've ever felt like your site doesn’t reflect your growth, doesn’t bring in the right clients, or still feels like it belongs to your “just getting started” era, this conversation is for you. Lori’s conversation today is with Cathleen Barnes, the founder of Cathleen Barnes Consulting, a web and brand design studio known for creating strategy-first, high-converting websites for interior designers and creative business owners. After climbing the corporate ladder for over a decade and reaching the role of eC...
2025-07-1934 min
Staging SipsHow to Build a Team That Believes in the Mission—Not Just the JobYou didn’t start your business to manage chaos—yours or anyone else’s. And yet, even with a team in place, delegation doesn’t always feel like relief. You find yourself double-checking tasks you’ve already assigned, mentally tracking details you thought you handed off, or stepping back in when something feels off. Exhausting and far from the freedom you imagined! Often, the root of this tension isn’t just about team performance. It’s about connection. When team members don’t fully understand how their role supports the mission of your staging business, it’s easy for their act...
2025-07-1222 min
Staging SipsYou Weren’t Meant to Build This Alone: Why Coaching Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a LeverYou’ve built your business with grit and a whole lot of resourcefulness. You’ve taken in all the free advice, downloaded the templates, maybe even brought on a little help and yet something is not just clicking. If you're in that messy middle where you’re no longer starting from scratch but nowhere near where you want to be, constantly beating yourself up with "I should be able to figure this out by now”, you are not alone. What you may not just know right now is that even the most successful business owners don't bui...
2025-07-0511 min
Staging SipsAre You Solving the Right Problem? (And how to know!) Today’s episode hits close to home for so many of us juggling team mishaps, last-minute chaos, or repeating the same fire drill. Every business hits rough patches; let’s be honest. However, it becomes an issue, a source of concern and a need to re-evaluate things when the same problem keeps showing up. Then, in contrast to “how can I solve this”, it is time to ask the question: Am I fixing the right problem? Here’s the kicker: If you’ve been fixing the same problem again and again… odds are, you’re solving the wrong...
2025-06-2826 min
Staging SipsYou Don’t Need More Time. You Need Better ProtocolsHave you ever caught yourself saying, “I just need more time”? If you’re in the growth or acceleration phase of your staging business, this episode will lovingly challenge that thought. Because what if time isn't the issue at all? Today, we’re diving into one of the most important mindset and structural shifts a CEO can make. If your days feel like a non-stop game of calendar blocks, your team still needs you to make every decision and your brain is carrying the entire operating manual, you’ll want to listen to this episode mindfully. This is...
2025-06-2126 min
Staging SipsSpring Nearly Broke You? Here’s Why That’s a Good SignHave things felt… messy lately? You’re booked out, your client list is growing, and you should be celebrating—but instead, you’re overwhelmed, behind on admin, and wondering how long you can keep this up. If that’s you, hit pause on the panic because this episode is your permission slip to see that chaos as progress. In today’s episode, we’re unpacking what most business owners never talk about: how growth often looks like disorganization before it looks like success. I’ll show you why a chaotic season, especially in spring, when staging demand spikes—isn’t a f...
2025-06-1417 min
Staging SipsWant to Sell Your Staging Business? Here’s What Buyers Actually Look For with Steven DennyHow do you know what your staging business is really worth — and how can you make it worth more? If you’ve ever assumed that your revenue or hard work alone determines the value of your business, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew. Today, I am joined by valuation expert Steven Denny, who has worked behind the scenes with staging business owners at every level—from those just getting established to those preparing to exit at seven figures. Gleaning from his experience of what makes a sellable staging business, you’ll hear exactly...
2025-06-0640 min
Staging SipsBurned Out and Booked Out: The Staging Trap No One Talks AboutIs being booked out six weeks straight really the holy grail of business success? While a packed calendar might look like winning from the outside, many staging business owners find themselves stressed, stretched thin, and wondering if this is truly success. Today, I talk about the difference between being "booked out" and being "booked right." You'll discover why a constantly full calendar might actually be limiting your growth potential and keeping you trapped in a cycle of overwhelm. Beyond that, I also talk about the strategic shift from being an overworked founder to becoming a...
2025-05-2417 min
Staging SipsWhy You’re Closer to a Breakthrough Than You Think (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)Are you feeling like your business growth isn't as smooth as you hoped? Like you're taking two steps forward and a couple back? You're in what I call "the messy middle" – that challenging phase where you're growing your team, but things still feel chaotic. This week, I am guiding you into a candid look of what it really takes to build a team that can run your business without you. Frankly, even established businesses like mine went through bumps, hiccups, and hard conversations to get where we are now! I hope that a peek behind the curtain of...
2025-05-1010 min
Staging SipsHow to Delegate Like a CEO (Without Feeling Like You’re Letting Your Team Down)Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list but guilty about delegating to your team? You're not alone. Many leaders struggle with what’s known as delegation guilt. But in reality, effective delegation isn’t about offloading work; it’s about empowering your team and investing in their development. High-performing teams thrive when they’re trusted with responsibility. They don’t want to be shielded from challenges—they want to grow through them. So, while you are holding back from delegating, the ripple effect includes burnout for you, team members you cannot trust your business with and a business t...
2025-05-0315 min
Staging SipsThe Truth About Perfectionism: Why Showing Up Beats Doing It PerfectlyCan you believe it? Today, you’re listening to the 100th episode of the Staging Sips podcast. And while there’s no confetti cannon, we’re celebrating something even more meaningful: the power of consistency. What began as a simple promise to show up — no matter what — has grown into a journey filled with lessons, imperfect action, and a whole lot of value for staging business owners like you. From recording in parking lots to pushing through tough personal moments, this podcast has been built on messy but committed action. In this episode, I’m sharing a de...
2025-04-1932 min
Staging SipsStaging Success Stories: Unfiltered Conversations with the BluebirdsKristin and Vanessa of Bluebird Design Company join me today to talk about everything they have experienced about building their business, both from a personal and professional perspective. They share their journey from friendship to successful business partnership, and how they have transformed almost overwhelming business challenges into sustainable success. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a business from scratch with a best friend, how they have founded theirs on 13 years of friendship provides insights into lessons, what challenges may arise, and how best you can stay true to your vision – each other included. W...
2025-04-1250 min
Staging SipsHow to Be a Pleasure to Work With While Preserving BoundariesAre you struggling to balance client satisfaction with your own sanity? In this MVP episode, I tackle the misconception that being "easy to work with" means saying yes to everything. Instead, I show you how we maintain excellent client relationships while preserving strong boundaries at Rethink Home Interiors. Through years of trial and error, I have developed systems that create predictability clients love without the burnout that comes from constant availability. Today, I am excited to share those with you. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: Why being "rid...
2025-04-0528 min
Staging SipsVideo Marketing Made Easy: Partnering with a Virtual Assistant for Success with Kristen GrahamWe both know that you are great at what you do—turning empty spaces into homes that buyers cannot resist. But marketing your staging business? That’s another story. If it feels like you’re constantly shouting into the void, struggling to get noticed by the right real estate agents and homeowners, you’re not alone. Chasing leads is exhausting—and frankly, it’s not sustainable. What if, instead of hunting for clients, they came to you? In this episode, I’m sitting down with video marketing expert Kirsten Graham, who has helped real estate professionals...
2025-03-2946 min
Staging SipsHow to Streamline Staging Schedules Without the ChaosMost staging business owners have experienced it—the excitement of landing a new project quickly overshadowed by scheduling complexities. What should be straightforward becomes a logistical challenge of coordinating teams, access details, and client expectations. The reality is that scheduling vacant stagings can be more manageable with the right approach. It's not about eliminating complexity entirely, but creating systems that make it predictable and efficient. In this episode, I talk about a comprehensive five-step system for transforming your scheduling processes. This framework has helped staging businesses create consistency for their teams while setting clear expectations wi...
2025-03-2223 minStaging SipsHow to Finance Your Staging Inventory Without Hurting Your Cash FlowEffective financial planning is essential for any home staging business looking to scale sustainably. Rather than worry about how to afford your inventory or be limited by insufficient funds, strategic financing can be a tool that helps you grow. I have seen many staging business owners rely on credit cards or cash reserves to purchase furniture, but this approach can only create financial strain. Today, I speak with Rod; a financing expert with over 30 years of experience, with a strong focus on home staging. Rod provides a deep dive into how staging businesses can leverage...
2025-03-1556 minStaging SipsHow To Help Employees Struggling With ChangeEver rolled out a brilliant new system, expecting excitement, only to get resistance, complaints, or worse—silence? Yep, I’ve been there. You know the change will make things better, but getting your team on board? That’s the hard part. People naturally resist change—not because they’re difficult, but because uncertainty triggers stress and fear of failure. And here’s the kicker: leading change isn’t just about processes or tech—it’s about leadership. In this episode, I am delving into why employees resist change and, more importantly, how to turn that resistance into bu...
2025-03-0833 minStaging SipsStruggling to Lead Your Staging Team? Here’s How to Turn Challenges Into WinsDo you, as a staging business owner, have the necessary skills to lead a team effectively? More like, “what if the muddy waters of team building you are wading through right now is actually the scaffold of a staging business that really thrives". No one is born leading a staging business (or any other), so I understand how hard it may sometimes be and why even though we love our businesses, this part may not be our everyday love. Just like in every other organization where people are brought together and will experience so...
2025-03-0129 min
Staging SipsTricky Client Requests? How to Set Boundaries & Refine Your Policies"Can I pay at closing?" If that question and a dozen others like it sound familiar, this episode provides practical solutions for handling “sticky” client requests in your staging business. Often, we are tied between maintaining professional boundaries while building strong client relationships. For new stagers especially, these requests often turn into self evaluations and comparison thoughts, arising from not knowing whether our “NO”s are driving our clients into the arms of other stagers who are at their beck and call. Yet, beyond the instant people - pleasing joy, for stagers like yourself...
2025-02-2225 min
Staging SipsLove 'Em Up List – A Systematic Approach to Keeping in Touch and Creating DemandIn this Valentine's Day special episode, let's explore a love story of a different kind – the art of nurturing client relationships! More often than not, service-based businesses like ours miss crucial opportunities by failing to maintain meaningful connections with past clients. Yet, these relationships form the bedrock of sustainable business growth and lasting success. The concept of "loving up" on your clients goes far beyond basic marketing tactics. It's about creating intentional, systematic approaches to staying top-of-mind with both past and potential clients. Today, I'm excited to share not just the 'why' but the 'how.' W...
2025-02-1522 min
Staging SipsWhat’s Really Holding You Back? Overcoming Hidden Limiting BeliefsIt is a pleasure to bring out from behind the scene, Anna Huff - a dear business mindset coach, for an honest conversation about the internal work that shapes our entrepreneurial journey. From being a Pinterest manager to mindset coach, Anna shares her personal evolution and the crucial lessons she learned about the role of belief in business success. Going into the challenges that came up with her pivot - much like those you may encounter while building your staging business, she shares powerful insights about viewing "failure" as data and embracing the journey of building your...
2025-02-0833 min
Staging SipsMVP: Optimizing Growth: Strategic Moves and Strategic Halts in Your Staging BusinessI've been taken down by the flu, so today we're running one of our Most Valuable Podcasts Enjoy! I don't think I have ever said this, but this is one masterclass session that you want to grab a journal and pen for. As we prepare to tackle our marketing issues in the upcoming episodes, it is my concern to ensure that all the wheels of your business are properly functioning. Why? Because a staging business or any other is not worth running on a broken process, defunct pricing model or a debt you cannot get a...
2025-02-0129 min
Staging SipsSmart Revenue Allocation: How to Reinvest, Pay Yourself, and Plan for GrowthLet’s talk about how to use strategic financial management as a key driver of success in your home staging business. I’ve encouraged you to start paying attention to your numbers, but now it’s time to take it further. In this episode, I’m sharing actionable strategies to help you manage your revenue in ways that fuel growth. I challenge conventional, overly complex accounting advice that doesn’t serve small businesses. Instead, I’ll share a straightforward and effective approach to managing your business accounts. From smart revenue allocation to debt repayment, tax planning, and paying yours...
2025-01-2526 min
Staging SipsHow to Use Your Last Year’s P&L to Crush This Year’s GoalsI know numbers are not the cutest things for you to look at; not when we are stagers. But we will today, and you can trust me to make it enticing. “Do my numbers matter?” YES! Because believe it or not, your P&L is telling the story of your business - the wins, the learning curves, and most importantly, where the golden opportunities are hiding! Think of it as your business's report card. Just like it helps students understand their academic journey, your business numbers tell you exactly where you're acing it and where ther...
2025-01-1824 min
Staging SipsTwo Tools for a Purposeful Year In Your Staging BusinessYayyyyy, it’s a brand new year! New energy, new goals, and maybe even a chance to reflect and arm ourselves with all the tools we need to crush it in our businesses this year! Now, I’m not sure where you are at this time—maybe the new year energy is still just settling in, and you're finding your balance. Or, maybe you're already hitting the ground running with a new team member, new goals, new numbers, and all the exciting new things! Today, I want to take a moment to share two incredible tools t...
2025-01-1128 min
Staging SipsRefine Your Home Staging Business in 2025Shall we talk about 2024 at Rethink Home Interiors…the year I stepped out from my role literally and almost completely? Beyond just sharing the story behind that, I’m excited to bring you along and reflect on the experience, the lessons I learned, and how it’s shaping the future of the insights and strategies I share with all my students, including you! From both sides of the past seasons—including one where my business ran without me—I’ve gathered valuable insights that you can trust to guide you and refine your home staging business. I’ll help you sta...
2024-12-2119 min
Staging SipsHow to Do Social Media Marketing Right With Emma TeslerThere could not have been any better expert to answer your questions on how to do social media marketing right, make your DM a money hotspot, and have fun while at it. A one time interior designer turned SM Guru, Emma Tesler of Ninety Five Media joins me today to share tried and true strategies for letting people know you are right here! Both offline to deliver exceptional staging services, and online to show them how you do it! Leaning into industry stats, Emma shares the components of what drives results now on social media, and how...
2024-12-1440 min
Staging SipsThe Secret to Setting Goals and Actually Achieving ThemWhat are your goals for 2025? Whether you are clear or still unsure about those big next steps, ICYMI, this conversation is exactly what you need. You’ve probably heard me say it before: setting goals is one thing, but making them happen? That’s where the magic lies. And it’s not just about motivation or discipline; which of course they matter. More than often, it is about understanding how your brain works and using that knowledge to unlock a goal-getting superpower. Call it a Brain-Hacking System for Peak Performance Listen in, get directi...
2024-12-0729 min
Staging SipsHow to Effectively Communicate Business BoundariesWhat if you could handle dicey client interactions with confidence and calm, without the stress or frustration? As a staging business owner, you know that you’ll encounter all kinds of personalities. With that comes clients and team members who might unintentionally cross boundaries or push your limits. Most of the time, it’s not personal—they may just forget what they agreed to or don’t fully understand your process. Rather than respond emotionally, would it not be better to navigate those moments from a place of neutrality and groundedness? In today’s episode, I...
2024-11-3024 min
Staging SipsHow to Set Business Boundaries that StickYet another vulnerable episode today! My staging lead once called quits — my fault, because my staging business was all too accommodating. I - and technically her too, would scramble to rearrange weekend plans or even work beyond and outside office hours to meet last - minute client demands. Yep! That often happened. Until it felt like the business was running us, instead of us it. A situation you might be in if you have no business boundaries in place. But here’s the good news: setting clear deliberate boundaries, backed with policies can change...
2024-11-2326 min
Staging SipsThe Proven Formula for Optimizing Your Business GrowthGrowth is exciting, but it can quickly become overwhelming without the right systems in place. To truly harness growth, sometimes the best thing you can do is pause. Use these moments of non-growth to refine your processes, clarify your pricing, and prepare your business for sustainable growth. Whether you're already stretching your capacity or planning to soon, remember that successful growth relies heavily on numbers. When you know the financial landscape of your business inside and out, you’ll be better equipped to make smart, strategic decisions that support long-term success. To help you avoid sca...
2024-11-1629 min
Staging SipsWhy Slow Phases Are Necessary for Business GrowthJust as in life, business is not without its challenges. We all experience those moments when we feel depleted, stuck, and unsure of the next step. It could be a really tough time where everything is slow, making you feel like you’re pushing a boulder uphill. Although these phases are real, our feelings about them are completely not. These cycles are all actually a natural (and sometimes necessary) part of building a thriving business. To navigate these difficult phases, we can take a better approach. Beginning with what a positive mindset can do, I sh...
2024-11-0919 min
Staging SipsUnlock Bookkeeping Success With Insights From Melissa San Roman"Wonder what aspect of this staging business isn’t my strongest jam? Bookkeeping. Our beloved not-so-comfortable but very-important component that can make even the toughest CEO weak in the knees. Going through the books can often be accompanied by a range of emotions—and let’s be real, they’re often not the positive ones!"... Especially as a new tax season year approaches. To help us turn those feelings into power moves that drive growth and the profitability of our staging business, we’ve got QuickBooks guru and all-around financial superstar Melissa San Roman share her inside...
2024-11-0237 min
Staging SipsBoost Your Business Growth by Using a Project Management ToolIf you have to think about where to start to execute your staging or other projects as they come, then it is high time to do away with that limiting act. Limiting I say? Yes it is. I know that from making my first five-figure the month I started to implement a standard operating procedure. Whether you are in the growth or accelerate phase, if you do not have one already, my top recommendation is to establish a project management tool and system now. For mundane tasks, consistency helps. For a staging business wi...
2024-10-2626 min
Staging SipsCreative Ways to Use Google Calendar for your Staging BusinessGoogle products have been a game changer for my business; Google Calendar especially. Periodic evaluations of whether I have the right tool for delivering the best service at Rethink You leaves me satisfied with all that Google Calendar offers, and much more than my team can do with it. You might think it is all about scheduling. For a staging business owner, it’s more than that! It’s about seamless team collaboration and coordination on the go. Imagine having a complete overview of your team's availability, client bookings, and appointments—all in one place on the...
2024-10-1918 min
Staging Sips5 Simple Steps to Create Core Values for Your Staging BusinessHow do you ensure that every one who represents your business conveys the vision you have for it? Maybe before they even become employees, do you have guiding principles that help to attract and lock in like-minded people? If not, now is the time to create the Core Values that guide your staging business operations. A key foundation to improved and uniform business culture, apart from coming in handy when hiring the right team member, core values can help align your team and guide decision-making - just like my Accelerate student and I have had to do. S...
2024-09-2819 min
Staging SipsSupercharge Your Business Growth with Human DesignI first came across Human Design a few years ago and was instantly intrigued. But then, I was quite skeptical “is this just another trend or something genuinely valuable”. Guess what? It is. And Stacey Rowan from Custom Built Life has been a pivotal guide for me in navigating how these concepts can be applied to my business. With my special guest and friend, today, we will be exploring why not all business advice is created equal and how understanding Human Design can give you the edge in growing your business. Perhaps a “proven...
2024-08-3148 min
Staging SipsExpert Tips for Creating Client Filters in Your Staging BusinessImagine having a personalized "bouncer" for your business, whose only role is to ensure that only the best-fit clients enter and stay in. How dreamy? Yes, that's what a Client Filter does. Whether you are in the growth or accelerate phase, client filters are an important component of establishing and running a dependable clear cut low maintenance business for your team and clients. Just as your realtors and clients try to handpick the right stager for themselves, you can also choose whom to work with, ensuring that your quality services are delivered to...
2024-08-2425 min
Staging SipsHow to Handle Negative Business ComparisonOn the beats of the soundtrack added by the lawn mower next door, we’re tackling a biggie: comparison. Right! A sneaky little monster that can mess with our minds and our business growth. I’ve seen it come up in my coaching sessions and even experienced it myself—just this morning at the gym! Seeing someone do something different that I perceived as higher than mine made me doubt my own routine. But then I had to remind myself why I was doing what I did, while considering my own fitness journey. And here’s the deal: we...
2024-08-1727 min
Staging SipsHow To Make Your Business Systems More MemorableIf there's one thing that stuck with me from my undergrad classes, it is the application of FORMULAs. They are the cheat code for solving equations and they also function for simplifying business operations. I know my team is not more magical than anybody else's team, but we have, over the years, done a pretty good job of implementing systems. How? By making the process as seamless as possible with memorable formulas, acronyms, and quirky nicknames. This unconventional method has not just helped us stay organized, but it has significantly cut down on decision fatigue, making up f...
2024-08-1019 min
Staging SipsHow To Understand Your Changing Role In Your Staging BusinessWhatever level you are in right now, you are filling a job description inside of your staging business. It could be a low level, but I am absolutely sure that as you strategically market and grow your business, you graduate into a high level experienced employee who takes on less technical roles. But the hierarchy is not one to be jumped. To transition into the hands off ownership status and lifestyle, understanding the evolution of leadership roles within your staging business is very important. Using the case study from my private coaching client who was...
2024-08-0321 minStaging SipsHow To Prioritize Using The Staging Sips InformationThe news got to me. That you find the Staging Sips podcast so valuable, eagerly watching out for and consuming all new episodes as soon as they are released. But I also heard that you sometimes feel frustrated at not being able to fully apply all the good stuff that you learn. Not to worry, because today, I'm here to help. I'm reviewing one of the frameworks I use in my business, the FIX IT protocol, to help you pinpoint the exact challenges facing your business and then find those episodes in Sips t...
2024-07-2718 min
Staging SipsHow To Advocate For Your Staging BusinessJust like you someday have to have your best friend's back (maybe not hit someone in the face for them cos we are past that age), one day and everyday, you will have to have your business’s back no matter what. As our staging services revolve around people, there will be difficult situations. There will be times where you have to make tough decisions, set boundaries, and communicate effectively - all while staying grounded and professional. For all such instances; either it's responding to a ridiculous change request or dissatisfaction with your operational policies, I...
2024-07-2030 min
Staging SipsHow to Navigate Grief While Running a Business with Matt MittmanDealing with grief is hard enough. But going through it when you have to take responsibility for the running of a business could not be harder. Today, we have Matt Mittman, a real estate business owner with over 20 years of experience, shares his heart-wrenching story of losing his 20-month-old son, Julian, and how he managed to navigate his grief while keeping his business afloat during the pandemic. He discusses the importance of seeking help, building resilience, and finding support in unexpected places. In addition to the resources that helped him, he also shares the mindset ma...
2024-07-1333 min
Staging SipsHow to Be Ridiculously Easy to Work WithNo! This isn't one of the “be available 24/7 or shelve your child's birthday party hoping that this client finally shows up after missing three appointments in a row” kinda advice. Why? Because they are all a recipe for disaster. Based on my personal experience of this no gain venture, I would not recommend you starting or upholding this kind of unsustainable business practice. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that one of the most important client acquisition and retention strategies is a streamlined process that makes it easy to work with you. Whether in neuroscience or through the...
2024-06-1528 min
Staging SipsHow to Master Your Business Numbers for Maximum Profitability with Melissa San RomanMelissa San Roman has sold two different businesses - one for over $8 million and another to a public company. Now, as a bookkeeper who has seen everything behind the scene, her goal is to help other entrepreneurs see their numbers as more than tax time burdens but as the key to business growth. Today, we discuss all things related to profitability by mastering your numbers. What things are acceptable or not in your business finance, what decisions you can take from looking at your numbers and tax advantages you are probably missing out on.
2024-06-0837 min
Staging Sips11 Powerful Ways Lead Magnets Can Grow Your BusinessWe've come quite a long way on our Keeping in Touch series. Remember, we began from how you can promote your staging services without feeling salesy and last talked on how to batch your content creation so that you spend less time and effort being consistent at it. In continuation, we're exploring the power of a dual purpose valuable resource - Lead Magnets, in nurturing relationships with your home staging business ideal clients. As a home stager who once struggled and has now fully understood the “turning prospects into paying clients inertia”, believe me, you can r...
2024-06-0125 min
Staging SipsHow To Batch Your Content CreationI had an investor on my mailing list for 3 years before he ever reached out for business. That long? Yes, it was. For me, what's intriguing is not the number of years he took him to try out our staging services. What is, is that if there had been radio silence from me through those years, that's a prospective client (or even more) lost. However, since daily creating content for 3 years is something I did not do nor will recommend, batch content creation is the way to staying in the face of your i...
2024-05-2532 min
Staging SipsHow To Create a Solid Keep In Touch PlanAs we continue our “Keep in Touch” series, today, let’s build on the established momentum of the knowledge of how valuable your services and contributions as a home stager are. To lay a concrete foundation of a solid keep in touch plan, I will discuss what to focus on for when you stay in touch, and what vehicles to use. All so that the action does not overwhelm you or become mechanical. I speak about fundamental brainwork tips for success while experimenting on what works for your business, how to approach evaluating an existing plan a...
2024-05-1835 min
Staging SipsKeeping In Touch In A Non Salesy WayWhile talking about the simple marketing essentials for your home staging business, I had mentioned “keeping in touch” as one of the core steps to attracting new clients. However, if you are a bit like me, the first few steps of this queasy but productive journey can be impeded by limiting beliefs, the fear of judgment, or the desire to not come across as desperate. How then do you stay on top of the mind of the people you want to serve while maintaining professionalism, authenticity and consistency? You'll find out in this episo...
2024-05-1121 min
Staging SipsCreate A Successful Business Growth Mindset with Rachel MooreI truly have not found a Staging CEO in either of the 3 phases of business with no challenge. It could be worries about a slow season, the demands of your clients, or even the general volatility of the real estate market. If you have ever had to forfeit a good night's sleep for any of these, know that you are not alone. At least, Racheal Moore who has struggled with that and overcame it, will share what mindset and strategies helped turn the situation around, yielding rewards for future business growth. Come hear w...
2024-05-041h 07
Staging SipsUnlocking Simple Marketing Essentials For Your Home Staging BusinessWith Brock Johnson's episode reiterating the fact that overwhelm doesn't equal success, I wonder if you agree with me that it's time to go back to the basics. I have had several business coaches teach the power of learning the essentials first over the year - it's after all the first step to doing anything great. As a business owner too, it is important for you to recognize the marketing essentials of where you are now, so you can map out the fastest cash path to where you want to be. Today, I'll...
2024-04-2725 min
Staging SipsHow to Harness the Power of Instagram in 2024 With Brock JohnsonNo matter what phase your business is in, far gone are the days of shying away from harnessing the power of social media for your growth. To me, the innumerable benefits - increased brand awareness, opportunity to build brand loyalty and future projections are all simply too huge to miss out on! So, today, I could not think of anyone better than Brock Johnson to diffuse the fears you have about marketing your business on Instagram. Did I just hear you say “But Lori, I just can't get a hang of it!” Not to worry, I go...
2024-04-2055 min
Staging SipsDecoding Growth: Exclusive Survey Results from Staging Business OwnersI was quite surprised by the responses from the Staging Sips survey. Well, maybe more than quite, because here I am sharing what business owners in varying phases are putting in place for themselves so you can learn from them. But it's not just that. You will also hear what their challenges are and what we're going to do with the podcast episodes coming up as solutions to those challenges. Kindly fill out the survey if you haven't, so I can gather insights on how to help you meet your own needs. Happy...
2024-04-0616 min
Staging SipsHow To Create Empowering Beliefs For Your Staging BusinessNext to knowing your craft, possessing healthy beliefs and habits is very important to your business success. What does that even mean, Lori?! I'll say it's just some refocusing work done on your brain, feelings and tasks so you can feel better empowered to take your business to the next level. However, since we all know that it might be harder than it sounds, this episode crafted from one of the courses in the Staging Business School provides all the actionable tips to help you. If you have been struggling with adopting more...
2024-03-3021 min
Staging SipsHow to Confidently Cover Your Business Assets with Leah CheckDespite the common perception that insurance is a dull topic, I could not be more excited to share this conversation which Leah Check of Villa Nova Insurance brought a fresh and engaging perspective to. We start with the switch from Pen-Ex to Villanova to fully serve staging business owners, what locations they cover, what general liability policy you should have, details of your inventory coverage that you should never miss, to insights on having workers' compensation insurance. For stagers who do not want to put themselves at risk of disclosing to every client what their...
2024-03-2342 min
Staging SipsHow To Soft Sell Your Staging Business ServicesHey there, my Staging Sips Community! It was such a delight to have you all at the Staging Sips 10k downloads celebration Open House. What a blast we had! Today, I am excited to share all the juicy details with everyone who could not be there. Apart from the Q&A session following the workshop; which I highly recommend you do not miss because someone might have asked that question on top of your mind, included is a TOUR of the Staging Business School Backend + a BIG announcement + a FREE Digital Swag Bag...
2024-03-091h 14
Staging SipsBeing Open to New Revenue Streams with Sarah BowmanI and the award-winning Sarah Bowman of Spaces by Sarah Bowman have been together for almost all of her years in business. As someone who has come so far, it's an honor to sit with her to hear firsthand and share with you her incredible business journey and the amazing ways she has evolved. From first practicing on her friend's flip to attaining success as a staging business owner with multiple streams of income, she'll share what she has implemented to take her business to new heights, not underestimating the mentorship and guidance that she has had...
2024-03-0246 min
Staging SipsUnveiling the Top 10 Best of Staging Sips (Part 2)This is the second half of our top 10 best episodes of the Staging Sips podcast. Just like the first (Unveiling the Top 10 Best of Staging Sips (Part 2), this is also full of valuable actionable gems to propel your staging business forward with ease. Remember to save your spot for the Staging Sips Open House holding on the 29th of February, 2024. There, you and other staging business owners can ask me questions, get troubleshooting help, and hear about some exciting updates regarding the Staging Business School. Also, take a minute to fill out our survey for t...
2024-02-1724 min
Staging SipsUnveiling the Top 10 Best of Staging Sips (Part 1)We've reached a major milestone of 10,000 downloads at Staging Sips! All thanks to every one of you who make up this amazing community. In the spirit of celebrations, today, I am bringing back 5 valuable gems from our top episodes. To show my appreciation, I'll also be hosting an open house where you can ask me questions, get troubleshooting help, and hear about some exciting updates regarding the Staging Business School. Isn’t this your cue to go listen to those episodes if you missed them? Also, take a minute to fill out our sur...
2024-02-1026 min
Staging SipsHow To Figure Out If You Need A Virtual Assistant For Your Staging BusinessI have virtual assistants from different places, even as far as Nigeria. All fantastic and helping me meet one need or the other. When you are starting to feel like a bottleneck in the Accelerate phase of your business, then this is the time to think about hiring one. I have had awesome experiences, but also with a note of things I would have done better - like knowing when to let go. Are virtual assistants worth it? I will be providing insights from my personal experience to help you know when to...
2024-02-0326 min
Staging SipsBusiness Lessons Learned With Rachel Moore of Mad Mod HomeI interviewed LA's Top Home Staging Company Lead Designer. A part of a trio renowned for their love of architecture, good design and great lines, Rachel Moore can walk into a room and know exactly what it needs with a glance. Nestled in LA’s much-hyped Northeast neighborhood, Madison Modern Home is a staging company that averages 100 homes each year, staging more than $100 million worth of real estate in 2022 alone. All beginning from leasing a 7,000-square-foot warehouse. Sitting with Rachel to talk about their origin story, lessons learned, struggles, and the systems they've imp...
2024-01-271h 05
Staging SipsHow To Start Creating Systems For Your Staging BusinessYou are a fully booked staging business owner. That's what you want and that's who you are. However, growth comes with challenges and that's why you must start implementing systems in your staging business to avoid the challenges I faced while growing mine. Remember, one of my reasons for doing this is to help you create a thriving business without missing out on any ball games. 😉 In today's episode of the Staging Sips podcast, I touch down on the root of setting up systems and provide tips and insights on how to g...
2024-01-2025 min
Staging SipsHow To Achieve Your Staging Business GoalsWelcome to the beginning of our exciting episodes for 2024! It's raining "goals" at this time of the year, everywhere. "How to set goals", "Things to keep in mind when setting your goals" etc. But that's not where it ends, right? In fact, setting goals is just the beginning. According to statistics, 92% of people fail to achieve their goals. For the other 8%, I am sure it is not because goals are fun to ace. As a geeky neuroscientist, I attribute that to their understanding of the intricacies of the human brain and how it p...
2024-01-1329 min
Staging SipsA New Way To Approach Marketing Your Staging Business_EPISODE REPLAY_ Have you ever heard business advice that just didn't make sense for you? Or tried a "proven" strategy that just never worked for you? Maybe you've been confused by a lack of results doing something that a fellow business owner reaps tons of results from. Well, there may be a very clear and tangible reason why and today's guest, Human Design Expert and Certified Life Coach, Stacy Rowan of Custom Built Life, is going to dive into what might be going on. I have personally been working...
2024-01-0648 min
Staging SipsHow To Take Waaaay Better Action In Your Staging Business_EPISODE REPLAY_ Have you ever wondered why--even when you know what you should be doing to grow your staging business--you don't do it? Today, we're going to dig in and start to uncover the mystery of your inaction. If you learn nothing else from any other episode in this podcast, this one thing will be a game changer! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: What our business results are made up of My Result Triad for evaluating my business results What to do when you find yourself undermining your own goal...
2023-12-3018 min
Staging SipsHow To Prepare For Time Off In Your BusinessHolidays and vacations are necessities! Regardless of whether you manage a team of one or many, there will inevitably be those delightful days when no operations are carried out. But taking time off isn't as simple as packing your bags and leaving. There are systems and processes that you need to put in place for an enjoyable time off and to ensure that your business is not compromised while you are away. In this episode, I walk you through practical tips and strategies to ensure a smooth transition before and while you're away. From how...
2023-12-2321 min2023-12-0911 min
Staging SipsThe Best Way To Handle Any Client's QuestionsNot only kids ask the darndest questions. Adults do too! Think of it. What unpredictable questions have your clients posed to you? "Can I supervise your staging?" "Can you stage tomorrow?" Ah, the joys of being a staging business owner! But not to worry. Rather than be annoyed, stressed or taken by surprise, there are tricks for responding to such client inquiries and scenarios with finesse. Let's talk about how to prepare for these curve balls, understand where these questions are coming from, and create communication plans that'll save the day when you...
2023-12-0224 min
Staging Sips4 Ways To Evaluate Any Potential New HireThere is no use hoarding good stuff, so, today's episode is an exciting special replay targeted at helping you hire the best new team member. Your marketing efforts are beginning to pay off, and now, more clients need to be served. To shed some loads, deliver magic to these clients and have fun while at it, isn't it crucial to have a top-notch team to assist you? Again, I share my golden tried-and-true "Red Velvet Rope" application process at Rethink Home Interiors. If you have ever wondered why I take so much pride in my t...
2023-11-2530 min
Staging SipsHow A Project Management Tool Is Amazing For Your Staging BusinessI have seen several business owners (not only in the staging industry) who are overwhelmed with the countless tasks and processes involved in running their businesses. But that is not only what lacking a system does to your business. For example, in mine, I made my first five-figure as a one-man team the month I started to implement a standard operating procedure. With a team, you have more to do. You have to work with multiple people on different projects with different end goals, but with the same steps. In that case, rather...
2023-11-1826 min
Staging SipsMy Favorite Ways To Use Google DriveI don't think there is anything to not love about Google products, so pardon my nerdiness in this yet another episode of how I utilize it at Rethink Home Interiors. Today, I am sharing my favorite ways to use Google Drive. I have used it for several years, and I am still in awe of its awesomeness. More intriguing is the fact that whatever stage your staging business is at, it remains a highly versatile fantastic tool. Peculiar to my preferences, there are several reasons Google Drive is my favorite. But beyond that, I...
2023-11-1117 min
Staging SipsHow To Create A Training Library For Your TeamAs a business owner, the expression "you are the bottleneck of your business" should ring a bell. A good thing it can be. But if you are in the Accelerate phase where your time is needed to serve more clients, being a bottleneck can hinder your staging business progress. How then do you successfully shed this status? The solution lies in creating a training library. This library becomes a hub of knowledge, providing valuable training and tutorials for team members to learn about your business and its processes. In this episode, I walk you through h...
2023-11-0419 min
Staging SipsHow To Use Google Calendar For Your Staging BusinessLet's explore the world of systems and processes again with my secret weapon: Google Calendar! Cloud-based services, built-in encryption, secure storage, custom emails and flexible pricing plans tailored to one's business needs are not even the major benefits that my staging business enjoys in using Google Workspace. Perhaps you think you already know what this particular product is for: Scheduling. For a staging business owner, it goes beyond that. There is a lot of team collaboration and coordination for you. Having a system for everything and everyone, yet bringing them under an umbrella...
2023-10-2818 min
Staging SipsHow To Successfully Create A Weekly Workflow CadenceAs staging business owners, we have processes and systems that frequently occur. One for me is recording this podcast. It was my design assistant's wedding day at the time of recording this episode. But I still needed to record a podcast for you because I have a weekly cadence around when I record my podcast. Whether you are in the Growth or Accelerate phase, there are varying ranges of tasks for you in your staging business, and only implementing a well-defined cadence is what can help you create a structured and productive workflow that drives g...
2023-10-2119 min
Staging SipsHow To Train Your Team Through EmpowermentLet's talk about team development through empowerment! It is the first of a series aimed at helping you prepare for and raise the best team to support your staging business success. I have seen firsthand how having a solid team in place not only lets you drop the reins of the driver's seat, but also allows you to focus on higher-level tasks that drive your business forward. However, building a strong and capable team through empowerment is a process that requires time, patience, trust and a diverse range of skill sets. Today, I provide valuable insights on ho...
2023-10-1428 min
Staging SipsHow To Say No But Sound Like You're Saying YesIf you've ever found it challenging to say "NO!" to clients, rest assured, you're not alone. I've personally encountered my fair share of difficulties, and I understand how learning to navigate these situations can be one of the hardest skills to acquire in this staging business. Turning down requests can feel uncomfortable, and the accompanying sense of awkwardness and wrongness can make it harder to do. However, in this episode, I emphasize how to be better at it by saying a yes-like no. Join me as I dive into valuable insights and share a three-part...
2023-10-0711 min
Staging SipsHow To Create A Super Solid 90-Day Plan For Your Staging BusinessWelcome to another episode of the Staging Sips podcast as we enter the fourth quarter of the year! As we wrap up 2023, I am excited to guide you through the world of business planning specifically tailored for your staging business. In this episode, I share an intriguing fact about scheduled planning days at the beginning of a new quarter for my staging business. Surprisingly, these days are not dedicated to setting goals for that same quarter. I know it sounds weird, and you must be wondering why! Don't worry, I'll explain everything. I'll walk you t...
2023-09-3021 min
Staging SipsThe Absolute Best Way To Handle Change RequestsWelcome to an episode that addresses the inevitable: change requests in your business. Whether you've been lucky enough to avoid them so far or not, the reality is that change requests will come knocking on your door sooner or later. And how you handle change requests is key to your success. Join me as I unravel the intricacies of managing change requests within the staging business landscape. From minor adjustments to major transformations, we'll explore practical tips and insights to navigate these requests smoothly while keeping the right mindset at the forefront. I share the s...
2023-09-2325 min
Staging Sips5 Ways To Protect Your Staging BusinessIn this episode, I delve into the vital topic of protecting your staging business by implementing a strong client agreement. This is the first part of our "Cover Your Assets" series, where I'll explore various strategies, policies, and procedures to safeguard your people, profit, and overall business in the long run. Today, I'll specifically focus on how to protect your inventory and assets through your vacant staging client agreement. Even if you're an experienced business owner with an established agreement, this episode will serve as a helpful refresher, offering valuable additions to consider. I will...
2023-09-1618 min
Staging SipsWhy Growing Your Staging Business Slowly Could Be An Amazing AdvantageToday, let's explore the intriguing concept of slow growth in the staging business and why it shouldn't be seen as a bad thing in a world that often prioritizes rapid growth over sustainable success. Drawing from my own experiences, I share valuable insights on how to navigate the journey of slow growth, highlighting the key strategies and mindset shifts that can make a significant difference. I debunk the fallacy of fast growth, prepare you to embrace slow growth, and also see how it can pave the way for long-term success in your business. I...
2023-09-0927 min
Staging SipsWhat's New at Rethink You (That's Just For You)Heyyyy there, it's great to be back after a much-needed hiatus! In this episode, I share with you the reasons behind my recent break and the exciting changes happening in my business. During a mastermind session with my business coach, we discussed plans to expand and grow my business consulting programs. That meant creating a Staging Business School. This transition required some serious contemplation about the future and gathering more support to take me out of roles that could be handled by others—including being the project manager of the Staging Sips podcast Taki...
2023-09-0220 minStaging SipsI've Been Through So Many Slow Seasons In My Staging Business. Here's How To Get Through Them. Staging businesses are seasonal. If you offer staging services only, this is reality. We have businesses running 12 months out of the year with services that have big bursts of work and then much quieter times. I call these quieter times "Integration Phases" because we can begin to deep dive into our finances, systems, and service mix. In today's podcast, I share all of the ways our team has used these Integration Phases over the years to make our business stronger. And g...
2023-06-0325 minStaging SipsLow Value Work CyclesWe all experience low value cycles in our businesses: Those times when we feel depleted and can’t give more. When we don’t know what to do. We don’t understand why things aren’t working. We fear that it’s all going to fall apart or never get off the ground River of misery This is normal. This is running a business. Nothing has gone wrong. If you go back to the first 4 episodes, you will le...
2023-05-2719 minStaging Sips4 Ways To Create A Successful (and fun!) Home Staging Consultation After more than a decade in business, one of my favorite things to hear is that our clients think our home staging consultation is fun! I love hearing this because I specifically designed our home staging consultation (we call our home staging consultation a Styling Evaluation) process to create fun and empowerment. And I did this intentionally. When I first started my home staging business, staging was still new in my area. Most people had no idea what staging was or what the process looked like. This was great because I could carve...
2023-05-0629 minStaging SipsWhy Even My Business Advice Might Not Be Right For YouToday I'm going Unstaged on the podcast. Unscripted and riffing on what I see as a pitfall when newer business owners get advice from those of us who have been running our businesses for longer. We simply forget. We forget what it's like to be where you are. And, while well intended, we can give advice that isn't realistic for a newer business owner. Listen in to find out why. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: The lens that you need to put eve...
2023-04-2921 min
Staging SipsHow To Schedule Your Home Staging Consultations Tech alert! This week's podcast is a little tech heavy but...learning how to create this process I'm sharing will save you hours of headaches for the resto of your business. This episode is a deep dive into how we have our clients schedule their home staging consultations. On the face of it, it doesn't seem like scheduling a consultation should be that hard. But, my word, it really can be! I thought hiring an administrative assistant would make the process of scheduling consultations so much better for our...
2023-04-2216 minStaging SipsWhat's A Lead Magnet? And 11 Ways To Use One To Grow An Amazing Home Staging Business 08Having a lead magnet is an important part of your marketing strategy. One of the unexpected surprises I had, when I was growing my staging business, is that I actually had to be the Chief Marketing Officer even ahead of being the Lead Stager in my business. And as you grow your business, the scale will be tipped for a period of time in the direction of spending way more time marketing than staging. In the beginning, I really resented the amount of time I spent marketing because it nev...
2023-04-1525 min
Staging SipsHow To Change Course When Systems Aren't Working in Your BusinessAre the systems in your business not working the way you want them to? Systems in business are the equivalent of habits in life. If you think of systems in this way, they automatically begin to make more sense. The beautiful thing is you can tackle creating and maintaining systems the same way you would in creating and maintaining a habit—start with improving the smallest thing, repeat it over and over, get back on track quickly when you lapse. But inside a business, there’s one more piece of the equation. In order to improve systems that...
2023-04-0122 minStaging SipsA New Way To Approach Marketing Your Staging Business Have you ever heard business advice that just didn't make sense for you? Or tried a "proven" strategy that just never worked for you? Maybe you've been confused by a lack of results doing something that a fellow business owner reaps tons of results from. Well there may be a very clear and tangible reason why and today's guest, Human Design Expert and Certified Life Coach, Stacy Rowan of Custom Built Life, is going to dive into what might be going on.
2023-03-2548 min
Staging SipsHow To Answer Your Client's Most Frequently Asked Questions One of the most exciting things is getting new clients. But with new clients come questions and sometimes some sticky situations. For many of us, we can get frustrated and bothered when questions arise about discounts, refunds, appointment requests out of our typical hours, etc. But...if we can reframe our minds to think about these questions as due diligence and not devaluing us and what we do, we can communicate so much more effectively and more like a staging business owner who is grounded and in demand. Learn more...
2023-03-1825 min
Staging SipsHow To Never Worry About The Real Estate Market AgainYou can have a thriving staging business regardless of the real estate market. In the book Good To Great by Jim Collins he talks about companies going from good to great. There were several factors that helped companies make that transition but one is super relevant to our staging businesses. They were realistic about market forces impacting their business negatively and they made plans to adjust. Based on this, I'd like to offer something. Because the real estate market is sensitive to seasonal shifts and larger economic shifts, you ne...
2023-03-1119 min
Staging SipsHow To Get More Out Of Your Project Management Tools In the Results Triad, we learn that your Results are a combination of Knowledge, Beliefs and Actions. Today's episode totally taps into the Knowledge and Action parts of the formula. And you know me, I like teaching you the little (and big) hacks that have helped me grow our staging business in a way that gets me as the CEO out of the way so that my team can manage the business without me. So, in this episode, I'm sharing 6 super simple ways that we use our Project Management...
2023-03-0416 min
Staging SipsHow To Get More Done In Your Staging Business Today I'm geeking out about how you can get soooo much more done in your home staging business even if you are still a team of one. It doesn't seem very sexy or interesting when you call it "Systems" but what systems give you back in time, energy and effort is beyond thrilling! They are also the foundation for a professional business. Inside our mentorship program, RethinkYou we dive deep into systems because they are the heart and soul of a well-operating home staging business. You can join our waitlist for the next...
2023-02-2517 min
Staging SipsHow To Evaluate Your Team Better One of the most important tools to improve your home staging business is conducting regular Employee Evaluations. In my corporate life, I experienced a ton of evaluations and the most effective were the ones where it was a two way conversation with a manager who had been great at giving me feedback well before the formal evaluation process. AKA nothing was a surprise. By creating an environment where feedback is just a daily part of your organization, the better your business will be.
2023-02-1821 min
Staging SipsHow To Show Your Employees You Care In A Really Big Way Loving up on my team is one of my absolute favorite things to do as a business owner. They are making my dream a reality and it's so important to me to show my appreciation. It's also one of our corporate core values. Today I'm sharing why loving up on your team is important to your bottom line business results and how you can begin to plan for showing the love. You know I'm all about systems so you can even create a Gratitude SOP...
2023-02-1122 min
Staging Sips3 Phases of Growing A Successful Staging Business Part 3 | Leverage PhaseIntro Hey, everybody! Welcome episode 4 of the Staging Sips Podcast. I’m your host, Lori Fischer, and I started this podcast to share the lessons that I’ve learned along my staging business journey so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes I’ve made while reaching for your ultimate goal. In today’s episode, I talk about the third and final phase of business - the Leverage Phase. This is your time! Everything you worked for in the Growth and Accelerate Phases of your business begins to come to frui...
2022-10-2225 min
Staging Sips3 Phases Of Staging Business Growth Part 2 | Accelerate PhaseIntro Hey, everybody! Welcome episode 3 of the Staging Sips Podcast. I’m your host, Lori Fischer, and I started this podcast to share the lessons that I’ve learned along my staging business journey so that you don’t have to make the same mistakes I’ve made while reaching for your ultimate goal. In today’s episode, I talk about the second of three phases of business - the Accelerate Phase. I will be walking you through what you can expect to see in your business during this phase, and we take a look at growing...
2022-10-1546 min
Staging Sips3 Phases Of Staging Business Growth Part 1 | Growth PhaseHey, everybody! Welcome to episode 2 of the Staging Sips Podcast. I’m your host, Lori Fischer, and today starts a three-part series that I’ve put together on growing a staging business. In today’s episode, I walk through the the first of three phases of business - the growth phase. I will also be sharing some of the benchmarks of this phase, how to stop your brain from stopping your growth, and how to overcome some of the most common hurdles that your business could come across. Listen in to find out how to effect...
2022-10-0836 min