Shows
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn Nigara317: What Would Lu Do?: Business Bravery: How to Take Action Despite Fear and OverwhelmToday With LuAnn Nigara:
Every entrepreneur faces moments where fear and overwhelm stop you in your tracks. In this powerful episode, LuAnn Nigara dismantles the myth of fearlessness and introduces her proven "Business Bravery" approach developed over 40+ years of entrepreneurship. You'll learn practical strategies to take action despite uncertainty, including the morning intention that transformed LuAnn's business mindset and concrete steps to move beyond paralyzing self-doubt. Featuring real-world examples of business owners who pushed through fear and succeeded anyway, this episode delivers straight-talking advice and an actionable toolkit to break through overwhelm and make progress today. Stop...2025-04-2820 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business® and WhyToday With LuAnn Nigara:After 9 years, 1,400+ episodes, and over 9 million downloads, A Well-Designed Business® is evolving.In this solo episode, LuAnn shares the next chapter of the podcast—and why this shift isn’t a step back, but a powerful step forward. She explains the two types of episodes you’ll hear in the coming months, and the all-new format she’s creating to deliver even more value for seasoned business owners.Whether you’re new to the show or have been with LuAnn since the beginning, this is an...2025-04-2539 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn Nigara316: What Would Lu Do?: How to Qualify Leads Without Disqualifying Your Future RevenueToday With LuAnn Nigara:Hey friends—today we’re getting real about a critical part of running a profitable business: qualifying leads. Because let’s be honest—most of us are either letting go of clients who could have been ideal, or we’re wasting precious time on ones that were never a good fit to begin with.In this episode, I’m sharing three real-world stories from my own business journey that reveal the hidden opportunities in client interactions you might be misjudging. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re lessons hard-earned from decades of experience, and I...2025-04-2141 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn Nigara314: What Would Lu Do?: How to Attract High-End Window Treatment Clients by Speaking to Their Priorities—Not Their WalletsToday With LuAnn Nigara:Are you stuck speaking price while your dream clients are listening for value? In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn gets real about how to elevate your messaging to match the elevated clientele you’re trying to attract. She walks you through the subtle yet powerful mindset and language shifts that can position you as the go-to expert for high-end window treatment projects—without ever having to “sell.”LuAnn dives into:
The one perspective shift that will completely transform how you talk about your services.
Why leading...2025-04-0738 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastJennifer Tokatyan: Building a Culture that Drives Business ResultsToday With Jennifer Tokatyan:Today on A Well-Designed Business, I speak with Jennifer Tokatyan, leadership consultant and partner with Eileen B Hahn. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer shares her proven 7-step framework for building strong company culture that drives team performance and business growth. Don't miss information about her upcoming LuAnn University course, "Build an Exceptional Team that Gets Results," starting January 2025.LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Tokatyan's Ah-Ha Moments“Culture matters the moment you have another human being you are interacting with because you are now interdependent on them to execute on th...2024-12-201h 07
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles!Today With LuAnn Nigara:We made it to the 1000th episode of A Well-Design Business, and can I just say...wow?!! What a road it has been!It really is incredible to have 1000 episodes under my belt. I can't express enough how honored I am to have met and interviewed so many wonderful people in this industry, many of whom have become lifelong friends.I also want to express my immense gratitude to JudeCharles for taking the time for this interview and expertly guiding me in sharing my story. Jude has played such...2024-07-121h 33
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraJessica Harling: Confronting or Firing Family Members in Your Business
Today With Jessica Harling: Hi, welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Firing someone is never easy. But when it’s a friend or family member, that situation becomes emotionally charged and even more difficult. It’s never easy. How do you let someone know this is their last chance? How do you set up the expectations that need to be met? How do you decide enough is enough? And how do you have that ultimate hard conversation if you end up having to let them go? Today, Jessica Harling is here to share her insights on how to nav...2024-01-2956 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastThe Power Talk Friday Tour: An Unforgettable Day of Insights and Inspiration Today With LuAnn Nigara: Today on A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn announces the return of the Power Talk Friday Tour! She makes some other announcements regarding LuAnn Live, and mentiones some of the dates for the PTF Tour: Dallas on Apr 5, 2024, NJ on Jun 7, 2024, Las Vegas on Aug 2, 2024 and finally, High Point on Oct 25, 2024. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and ex...2024-01-1615 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraWhat Would Lu Do?: Seven Strategies for Business Excellence in 2024: Steps 6 and 7
Today on Window Treatments for Profit Today we have a What Would Lu Do show about planning ahead for 2024. Today, LuAnn goes over the last two steps of her Seven Strategies for Business Excellene in 2024. We'll cover various aspects of planning, marketing, customer service, employee training, technology, partnerships, and personal development. LuAnn Nigara's Ah-Ha Moments “It’s not just about expanding your network; it’s about creating synergies, tapping into new markets, and ultimately boosting your bottom line.” -LuAnn “When you join … whatever it is, you need to show up, get involved and...2023-12-2521 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Erin Moore: A Personal Approach to Sales in the Design Industry Today With Erin Moore: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Erin Moore. After more than a decade of experience as a sales leader in the often male-dominated tech, Erin developed a female-focused approach that she wasn't finding in traditional sales books. Now, she passionately teaches women how to sell in an authentic and personal way through her business, A Sales Conversation. Erin is here with actionable steps on how we can open our minds, expand our skill sets, and practice the art of effective selling by navigating through the three modes of selling: transactional, neutral, and...2023-12-221h 18
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do: How To Turn Your Aha’s into Action Today With LuAnn Nigara: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In this episode, we'll talk about how to turn your aha moments into actionable steps that will help you achieve your goals for your business and your life. You will hear some of the amazing insights from Amber De La Garza, a productivity coach who was a guide at LuAnn Live, and how she taught us to get our CRAP together. LuAnn's Ah-Ha Moments: “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.” -LuAnn “The best version of...2023-11-2137 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraWhat Would Lu Do?: Create a Trade Partner Kit to Build Relationships With Interior Designers
Today on Window Treatments for Profit Today we have a What Would Lu Do show, all about how to initiate industry partnerships with interior designers through an industry partner kit. Much like a media kit, this is a great way to present your brand so that you can capture the attention of your ideal partners and elevate your client experience. We’re walking through what to include, how to deliver, and of course, why it’s important to be ready with systems and processes in place when the phone starts ringing Pick It Apart [0...2023-11-2026 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraWhat Would Lu Do?: Leveraging Industry Relationships for Success
Today on Window Treatments for Profit Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! In this episode we'll talk about the benefits of cultivating strong relationships in the design industry, as we go over the 5 most common and tangible reasons to do so. LuAnn's Ah-Ha Moments “Strong relationships open the door to collaboration. Partnering with other businesses or professionals can lead to new opportunities and increased revenue.” - LuAnn “When you have a solid reputation and trust with clients, they are more likely to refer you to others and become repeat custom...2023-10-0914 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraWhat Would Lu Do?: The Top 5 Challenges Experienced by Small Businesses and How to Overcome Them
Today on Window Treatments for Profit Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today, I am sharing my tried and true strategies for operating your business and managing it, with intention, at the same time. In this episode, I'll share a guide for small business owners who are looking for solutions for the Top 5 chanllenges many small businesses deal with everyday. We'll talk about financial stability, competition, government, hiring and retaining employees, and technology and digital transformation. LuAnn Nigara's Ah-Ha Moments “Create a compliance calendar that includes all the important da...2023-10-0232 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Fred Berns: The Five Things All Successful People Do Today With Fred Berns: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Fred Berns. Fred has been on the show many times, and I often refer to him when I talk about finding your Fred Berns Only. Knowing your “only” is essential. After working in the interior design industry as a business coach, speaker, and copywriter for 35 years, Fred has spent the past five years traveling the world. He visited 33 countries on four continents, and talked to business owners everywhere he went. Fred has studied the most successful business professionals across many industries around the...2023-09-2950 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastRama Dandamudi: Why Predictability Matters More than Pricing for Interior Designers Today With Rama Dandamudi: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know the value of relationships in business—but what about the HOW? How are people going about building solid business relationships that make a difference? My guest today, Rama Dandamudi, is someone who believes in relationships. Rama is here today to talk about predictability—specifically why predictability matters more than pricing. But as you’ll hear in this conversation, the way you create predictability is by focusing on relationships. Pick It Apart [5:39] Rama and LuAnn talk about the importance of execution. [10:56] Rama shares why being predic...2023-08-0859 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraElizabeth Gerdes: The Powerful Impact of Peer Relationships When Building Your Window Treatment Business
Today With Elizabeth Gerdes: Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit, today with Elizabeth Gerdes, owner and operator of Stitch Above the Rest, an award-winning custom drapery workroom in Woodstock, Georgia. After designing and fabricating custom window treatments for residential and commercial clients for almost 20 years, Elizabeth is handing over the needle and thread, hiring employees, and moving out of her basement workspace into a storefront and workroom. Elizabeth is smack in the middle of pivoting her business, and she is here discussing what she is doing, whose advice she is seeking, and how she is making all of those...2023-05-2956 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWindow Treatment Friday: Vita Vygovska: The Straight Talk About Unstable FabricsToday With Vita Vygovska: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Window Treatment Friday, which means I am joined by Vita Vygovska. Vita is the founder of Vitalia Inc. and a regular here on the podcasts. She is an expert in all things window treatments, and today Vita will share her knowledge of unstable fabrics to help us better understand the qualities of these linens, wools, open weaves, and anything viscose. Window treatment professionals can’t guarantee the results when working with these fabrics, so neither should you as the designer. But don’t worry, Vita is...2023-05-0559 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraShannon Lopez: The ERC Program - Do NOT Skip This Episode!
Today With Shannon Lopez: You’ve heard of the PPP, but did you know that there’s another government program waiting to give you as much, if not more money back? It’s called the ERC. Today, Shannon Lopez breaks down the program, who it’s for, how you can take advantage of it, and the deadlines you need to know. Pick It Apart [8:55] Shannon breaks down what the ERC is and why it matters. [13:53] LuAnn and Shannon discuss the challenges of running a business at the beginning of the pandemic. [31...2023-03-131h 10
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraVita Vygovska: Market to Interior Designers by Building RelationshipsToday With Vita Vygovska:Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. As window treatment professionals, partnering with interior designers just makes sense. The one and only Vita Vygovska of Vitalia, Inc, joins me to discuss the benefits of building relationships with interior designers, sharing the steps she uses to initiate, establish, and foster these relationships in her own business and how you can do the same in yours.Pick It Apart[6:51] Vita shares the language and phrases she uses and encourages listeners to swipe her ideas to aid in their businesses.[15:37] Vita...2023-03-061h 16
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Shannon Lopez: The ERC Program - Do NOT Skip This Episode!Today With Shannon Lopez: You’ve heard of the PPP, but did you know that there’s another government program waiting to give you as much, if not more money back? It’s called the ERC. Today, Shannon Lopez breaks down the program, who it’s for, how you can take advantage of it, and the deadlines you need to know. Pick It Apart [8:55] Shannon breaks down what the ERC is and why it matters. [13:53] LuAnn and Shannon discuss the challenges of running a business at the beginning of the pandemic. [31...2023-03-031h 10
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastNicole Salceda: You Don’t Need to Have All the SuperpowersToday With Nicole Salceda: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I’m joined by Nicole Salceda! Her career in interiors began as a passion for making the polished, functional design more accessible. She is going to share with us how she built the amazing team that is behind her brand, the “not so pretty” things she had to overcome during the first years in business, and how she manages her Instagram account of over 295,000 followers. LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Salceda's Ah-Ha Moments “The error isn’t in investing in your business, the error was in und...2023-02-141h 01
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastKellie Burke: If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not RiskingToday With Kellie Burke: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Join me this week as I sit down with Kellie Burke, owner of Kellie Burke Interiors. One of Kellie's philosophies when designing a home is that "it should feel like a well-traveled home and not have a matching, store-bought look." Tune in to hear about her journey, the importance of failure, and the ups and downs of having a business. LuAnn Nigara and Kellie Burke's Ah-Ha Moments “The failure comes the lessons.” - LuAnn Nigara “I think we mistakenly see all the be...2023-01-2457 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastSusie Novak: Mastering Your Success With A MastermindToday With Susie Novak: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am speaking with Susie Novak, owner of Susie Novak Interiors on a variety of topics. One being what it’s like being a part of a mastermind group. Spoiler alert: it’s fantastic to be a part of a mastermind. And hey, why not start your own? Susie has a good size design team too, so we also talk team tips, sustainability and networking. Pick It Apart [1:50] Susie shares with us how she formed her mastermind group. [11:20] How accountability plays a rol...2022-12-201h 00
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastClaire Ownby: How to Efficiently Run a Large Luxury Interior Design FirmToday With Claire Ownby: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Claire Ownby of Ownby Design, makes running a large, successful firm look easy. But it only appears that way because she has worked so hard to create flawless systems and processes that keep everything running smoothly. She’s sharing how she does it, and how she stays true to herself in her business in the process. Pick It Apart [1:07] Claire shares how she has worked to perfect her systems. [7:05] Claire gives insight into how she manages to produce high-quality wo...2022-11-2257 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast826: Tanya Smith-Shiflett: Finding Success & Switching Careers with ConfidenceToday With Tanya Smith-Shiflett: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchen & Bath Designs. Tanya has grown her design firm exponentially over five years, expanding to multiple showrooms, engaging in luxury collaborations, and working with high-end designers. Find out how she built her business and what’s next on the horizon for her. Pick It Apart [1:45] Tanya shares the story of how she transitioned from medical sales to kitchen and bath design [7:12] Tanya discusses her expansion and her showrooms [18:10] Tanya breaks down how...2022-11-1559 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: LuAnn's 60th Birthday Celebration: 3 Defining MomentsToday on A-Well Designed Business: Today LuAnn recaps her experience at High Point Market this fall and her top takeaways from the Power Talk Friday Tour 2022. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: B...2022-10-2839 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraBerek Awend: Staying Nimble In Your Window Treatment Business
Today With Berek Awend: Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Today, I’m joined by Berek Awend, CEO of American Drapery Systems in Minnesota. Berek is at the helm of the e-commerce side of the company, responsible for marketing, fulfillment, and sourcing. He’s sharing how he has perfected the art of finding opportunity and seizing it to grow his business, attract clients, and expand his offerings. Pick It Apart [14:33] Berek shares the importance of staying nimble in your business approach. [21:37] LuAnn and Berek discuss how to notice and seize opportunities to g...2022-10-1040 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastThe Complete Ladder of Services from LuAnn Nigara Inc Today on A Well-Designed Business Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, LuAnn lists all the different services and products she offers through the LuAnn Nigara Inc platform for you to enjoy! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word...2022-09-2039 min
Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn NigaraPeggy Morgans: How Do I Get My Business Ready to Sell?
Today with Peggy Morgans: Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit! Window treatment pro, Peggy Morgans shares the experts she hired and work she did to prepare her business for a sale. Previously doing 90% of the work herself, Peggy set a goal of taking herself out of the business and broke the action items into a checklist of just three simple to-dos to achieve her goal. The Breakdown: [13:07] Peg shares how she felt about the process documentation when work is so custom [22:54] Peggy details how she hired out some of her marketing ...2022-07-111h 05
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast777: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Leading from Your Future Self Today with Desi Creswell: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. If you’re anything like me, you have a neverending to-do list. There’s always something else to get done, another box to check, another urgent task to complete. But when we get bogged down in those tasks, it becomes impossible to work on the business. So how do we motivate ourselves to take a step back and work on the higher level needs? Interior Design Coach Desi Creswell shares her framework for getting big tasks done, even if it feels like you’ll never be able to. Learn more ab...2022-05-271h 20
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Michelle Feeney, Founder of Floral Street. To Succeed, Identify a Gap in the MarketplaceToday with Michelle Feeney: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. On this Power Talk Friday I am talking to Michelle Feeney, founder of Floral Street. Floral Street is a modern British fragrance that is both sustainable and eco-friendly. You’re probably wondering why I had Michelle on. Well despite her not being in interior design ,Michelle has provided me with a couple of aha moments that I want to bring to my listeners. She is an intelligent and accomplished business person and I can’t wait for you to hear about her experience to the top...2022-05-0649 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Leah Neaderthal: Sales Techniques for IntrovertsToday with Leah Neaderthal: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. As you probably know, I am as extroverted as they come—a trait which I believe plays into my sales success. But extroversion isn’t necessary to be a good salesperson. In fact, my guest today, Leah Neaderthal, would say that introverts possess several qualities that make them natural sales superstars—if they know how to tap into them and use them. She’s sharing how to do just that, teaching introverts how to sell with strength and confidence. Pick it apart: [2:00] L...2022-04-291h 03
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Monica Froese: Weaving Digital Products into Your Interior Design BusinessToday with Monica Froese: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Over the last few years, more and more designers have started finding ways to build passive income streams into their businesses, through e-design options, curated shoppable lists, and more. Today, we’re talking more about this idea—how you can create digital products to help solve problems for your clients, attract new ones, and add an income stream to your business. Pick it apart: [1:28] Monica shares her journey, from corporate marketer to mom blogger to digital product aficionado. [19:15] Monica gives...2022-04-2253 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastJessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment ProfessionalsToday with Jessica Harling: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about my favorite thing—sales. And I can think of nobody better to help me talk through sales than my colleague, Jessica Harling. She is walking us through the proven 7-Step Sales Process from Exciting Windows—the same process that she covers in her course at LuAnn University. You’re going to get a high-level look at every step along the way, its purpose, and how it folds into a successful sale. Pick it apart: [10:50] LuAnn and Jessica dive into the inquiry call and how...2022-03-291h 20
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPeggy Morgans: How Do I Get My Business Ready to Sell?Today with Peggy Morgans Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Window treatment pro, Peggy Morgans shares the experts she hired and the work she did to prepare her business for a sale. Previously doing 90% of the work herself, Peggy set a goal of taking herself out of the business and broke the action items into a checklist of just three simple to-dos to achieve her goal. Pick it apart: [13:07] Peg shares how she felt about the process documentation when work is so custom [22:54] Peggy details how she hired out some of her marketing 2022-02-221h 08
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastFlash Back Friday: Cheryl Janis : Defining and Owning Your NicheOn Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Flashback episode, we revisit episode 41 with Cheryl Janis. After an accident left her searching for help in the world of natural medicine, Cheryl realized that there was a powerful niche waiting for her—designing for boutique visionaries in the holistic health world. Niching opened up a world of possibility for her, and brought more joy to her business than she had experienced in her 19 years of design. Pick it apart: [5:45] Cheryl shares her story of how a frightening accident and a difficult recovery led to her nic...2021-11-1354 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business VideosToday with Jude Charles: We’re welcoming Jude Charles back to the show! Jude Charles, the video brand strategist, is back and this time, he’s walking us through how to take that special, differentiating moment and express it through a three-part documentary-style video series he calls “dramatic demonstration”. Pick it apart: [8:09] Jude recaps the why behind his storytelling framework [14:20] Jude gives an example of how he did a storytelling video for an interior design client [18:09] Jude reviews the three-part documentary video series for LuAnn’s podcast...2021-11-0554 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Mickie Kennedy: Increasing Visibility & Credibility Using Press ReleasesToday with Mickie Kennedy: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For Power Talk Friday, small business PR pro Mickie Kennedy joins us to share a unique angle we can use to help get the attention of publications. Learn how to reverse engineer an effective press release that starts with ditching everything we know about design, allows us to gather feedback from consumers, and positions us as a thought leader in the industry. Pick it apart: [2:38] Mickie talks about why focusing on PR strategy matters [8:03] LuAnn summarizes how HARO and proactive PR differs2021-09-0357 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastKate Rasmussen: Breaking into New Interior Design ProjectsToday with Kate Rasmussen: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about how to take on new projects—specifically projects that you don’t have experience or expertise in. It can seem almost impossible to break into new avenues in your business. But with the right strategy in place, you can find and land new projects, even without the specific expertise in that area. I’m joined by Kate Rasmussen of Wade Weissmann Architecture, who has quite a bit of experience doing just that! Pick it apart: [1:16] Kate talks about putting together pricing...2021-08-171h 09
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastMelinda Marquardt: The Ideals You Need to Thrive in Your Interior Design BusinessToday with Melinda Marquardt: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by Melinda Marquardt of the Vale London, a line of exquisite textiles and wallpapers for the luxury interiors market. Melinda struck out on her own after years in the corporate world, determined to lean on her creativity and passion to fuel her business. She buckled down, learned the business side, and figured out how to thrive. Today, she’s sharing what she believes entrepreneurs need to remember to succeed! Pick it apart: [2:17] Melinda shares her story and discusses why believing in your...2021-07-271h 02
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Ethan Beute of BombBomb: Using Video to Share Your Amazing Self Today with Ethan Beute: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Ethan Beute, Chief Evangelist at BombBomb shares how a simple video tool can be used to differentiate yourself and showcase the best sales asset you have - yourself! Learn the framework for creating a video response to web inquiries and walk with Ethan as he shares how you can use video in the place of email and text. Pick it apart: [18:49] Ethan reviews when one would send video vs. email/text. [26:05] LuAnn summarized where interior designers can use BombBomb in their business...2021-07-091h 21
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: LuAnn University, Even When You’re Slammed. June 2021Today on A Well-Designed Business Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Business for 90% of us is absolutely bonkers right now, isn’t it? Why is it when we are busy, we so easily throw aside the time to work on our business? Today, I want to talk about the importance of working on your business always, not just when it’s convenient. On today's show, I am letting the LuAnn University instructors tell you about their amazing courses, and why now, more than ever, it is critical that we focus on our businesses. LuAnn University Summer...2021-06-2547 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast675: Mark Lavender: Standing By Your Interior Design ProcessToday with Mark Lavender: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In his 25 years working in institutional medical design, Mark Lavender learned a few things about sticking to processes, creating estimates, and getting over the fear of asking for payment. In business for himself for the past six years, Mark is an open book - he shares the details of his markup, when to think twice about signing a client, and how he keeps his clients coming back. Pick it apart: [14:11] Mark shares advice on always utilizing a contract [19:29] Mark tells about warning signs with clients redlining h...2021-06-081h 04
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: LuAnn University: What You Need to Know!Today on A Well-Designed Business® Welcome to a Well-Designed Business®. Today, I am telling you all about LuAnn University. We are getting ready to launch our Summer Session of courses on July 6th, 2021, and I can't wait for you to learn more about our extraordinary instructors and our growing list of value-packed courses! LuAnn University Summer 2021: 5 Departments offering 8 courses for targetted instruction for profit and growth: Process Leads to Profit Department How to Build Systems Into Your Services, taught by Sara Lynn Brennan Design-Build 201, taught by Kathleen Anderson Profit is in the Numbers Department Project Profitability 101, tau...2021-06-0414 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastCathy Maready: Listen and Observe Your Client to Unlock Your Interior Design InspirationToday with Cathy Maready: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Cathy Maready shares a special piece of relationship-building wisdom she’s gained from running her North Carolina interior design business called Elephant Ears, since 1990. She also has a clever way to take the ick-factor out of your budget conversation with clients. She’s stacked several key skills to produce a successful business and thrilled clients. Pick it apart: [19:22] LuAnn recaps the importance of integrating a client’s passion and story into their design [35:52] Cathy shares how she has the budget conversation with clients [42:07] LuAnn and Ca...2021-05-041h 00
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Michael Schneider: Virtual Matchmaker for the Interior Design IndustryToday with Michael Schneider Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Michael Schneider founded BDNY and now he’s in the business of connecting interior designers and suppliers in a whole new way with Next Virtual Meetings. Using the speed dating concept, Michael offers designers an easy way to source new products and build vendor relationships right from your living room. Pick it apart: [8:03] Michael review what happens at the Next Virtual Meetings 30-minute session [15:34] Michael shares the process an interior designer uses to sign up for his service [19:40] LuAnn asks Mich...2021-04-3042 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastApril Jensen: How to Establish Client Expectations for Successful Projects Today with April Jensen Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. April Jensen of St. Louis-based ADJ Interiors was in business for 25 years before she created an onboarding doc for her high-end interior design business. April and LuAnn walk step-by-step through her onboarding doc as April lets us in on how it has helped her handle client expectations and sticky situations. Pick it apart: [16:13] April shares her response to a client who is unsure of their budget [22:44] Why mutual respect with clients is necessary for a successful project [27:40] April advises how to r...2021-04-061h 01
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design Today with Rachael Bozsik: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Rachael is an international keynote speaker and thought leadership coach helping female entrepreneurs in the lifestyle space build personal brands. She joins LuAnn to share a practical plan for positioning your brand, honing your activities, and attracting your ideal client. Pick it apart: [17:05] Rachael tell about how she started her first business from her dorm room [26:55] Rachael shares exactly how her client process works [28:26] Rachael explains why press is so important to building trust 2021-03-1900 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastAymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd: Building a Friendship and An Interior Design Partnership Today with Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Aymee and Molly of Light and Dwell, an Oregon based full service and virtual design firm were friends before they were business partners. They’re sharing what they’ve learned about themselves, about each other, and about how to mesh opposites together to grow a business from nothing to something amazing in just five short years. Pick it apart: [24:55] LuAnn recaps the tactics Aymee and Molly used to get their first clients [30:09] Aymee and Molly share how they figured out how to work togeth...2021-03-021h 05
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWindow Treatment Friday: Scaling to Your First Million Dollar Year Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to a Well-Designed Business®. On today’s WTF— Window Treatment Friday, Vita and I are talking about scaling to your first million-dollar year. As most of you probably know, scaling is not an easy task. It takes hard work and lots of blood, sweat, and tears. But when you can learn from someone who has already done it, it cuts the time and effort down and makes scaling attainable far before you thought it was possible. Today, Vita shares with us her five core pillars for scaling your business and how her course in LuAnn...2021-02-261h 15
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastKat Anderson: Design Build and Bookkeeping Classes for Interior DesignersToday with Kathleen Anderson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Kat Anderson of Material Design, an interior design business specializing in design-build projects, shares her experience as a recently-graduated interior design student struggling to find her way in the design world. You’ll hear Kat tell how she succeeded by growing her skillset in more than just design. Kat also walks through the classes she teaches at LuAnn University. Pick it apart: [12:45] Kat shares why having a good understanding of your bookkeeping also helps with job costing [17:40] Kat explains why her class ben...2021-02-231h 11
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastThom Sweeney: Sage Advice About Salesmanship And The Upside of Failure in Interior DesignToday with Thom Sweeney: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Thom Sweeney’s unconventional path to interior design started after a 30-year career in advertising. Thom shares what brought him to design and how he lost his design business before rising again to build something even greater. He also has great advice on salesmanship and how to build meaningful relationships with clients. Pick it apart: [22:45] Thom and LuAnn discuss the importance of design that matches the client’s expectations [34:18] Thom and LuAnn both shares their respective experiences navigating a failing business [43:20] LuAnn suggest how to de...2021-02-1653 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren't Made to Be BrokenToday with LuAnn: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the difficult questions and LuAnn gives the expert answers you’ve been wanting. Today, LuAnn gives her expert advise on what to do when a client won't pay. Is there something more you can do to protect yourself? What’s new with LuAnn Nigara http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on...2021-02-0539 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWindow Treatment Friday Ep. 13: On-Air Coaching with VitaToday with Vita Vygovska For Window Treatment Friday, LuAnn and Vita conduct a live coaching session around a big issue that so many businesses encounter when they scale—clients wanting you on their project, not your staff. Listen to see how LuAnn advises Vita and prepares her to eliminate her problem with confidence and some carefully chosen words. LuAnn and Vita's Aha-Moments “Having the combination of a virtual hug and a little bit of a whip is very unique.” - Vita Vygovska “If you only get comfort, then you don’t learn how t...2021-01-2954 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New HireToday with Jessica Harling: Stop the turnover in your business! Listen in as Jessica Harling, founder of Behind the Design, and a leading expert in employee and process development for design organizations guides us through a simple (not easy) and actionable process of hiring, training, and retaining top staff. Pick it apart: [16:52] Jessica reviews week 1: Process [25:31] LuAnn reviews how she would use Shadowing at Window Works [29:35] Jessics reviews week 2: Product/Services [33:05] Jessica reviews week 3: Paperwork and Pricing [37:58] Jessica reviews week 4: People [47:35] LuAnn and Jessica review how to s...2021-01-221h 13
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior DesignToday with Jude Charles: We’re welcoming Jude Charles back to the show! Jude is a video storyteller and he’s showing us how he works his magic for brands by using LuAnn as his guinea pig! Don’t miss this journey through LuAnn’s heart and mind as we discover what makes LuAnn LuAnn and how the simple moments of her life inform her why. Pick it apart: [14:31] LuAnn gives advice on being patient and working hard while you’re finding your way [29:21] LuAnn talks about when she realized her...2020-12-251h 18
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastIs LuAnn Live Worth It?Today on A Well-Designed Business®: Have you been wondering if LuAnn Live 2021 is worth it? Well, on today’s episode I am going to address your concerns and tell you exactly why it’s worth it! What's new with LuAnn Nigara Luannlive.com www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuA...2020-12-2222 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do: The All Important, Project AutopsyWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”! LuAnn received a request from a window treatment professional to review the “autopsy” process that LuAnn’s team does at Window Works, so this episode is dedicated to covering the review of a project once it’s completed. Whether you are a photographer, web developer, architect, or blogger, it is essential for each and every business owner to review their projects for profitability, deficiencies, processes, and client satisfaction. LuAnn discusses this process mostly from the perspective of a window treatme...2020-10-2240 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastCelebrating the 600th Episode, LuAnn is Interviewed!Welcome to the 600th episode of A Well-Designed Business! In this milestone conversation, LuAnn is the guest today! Deb Mitchell and Betty Marton are two writers and #smartladies who are talking to LuAnn today about the 599 episodes she has under her belt. LuAnn shares how much her life has changed since she aired her first episode back in February of 2016, how appreciative she is for her guests and listeners who have played such a big part in making this podcast a success, and how grateful she is that you invite her into your lives and your businesses...2020-10-091h 24
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do: Should I Spend My Inheritance?Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the difficult questions and LuAnn gives the expert answers you’ve been wanting. Today’s dilemma comes from an anonymous listener who has been a faithful listener of the podcast since she started her business in 2014. At that time, she took the least expensive options in setting up her business and hasn’t invested since. She received an inheritance right before COVID hit, so this designer is looking for words of wisdom on whether it’s better to hold on to...2020-10-0838 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do: Leading your Business Through an Unprecedented Growth SpurtWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the difficult questions and LuAnn gives the expert answers you’ve been wanting. Today’s episode is sponsored by Mydoma Studio. Today’s dilemma comes from Virginia, a self-described #babydesigner. Virginia had a good working relationship with a contractor on commercial projects, and he brought her into one of his residential deals. Everything went great. She returned the favor by inviting him into one of her residential projects. The contractor ended up sending the client a proposal behind Virgi...2020-09-1044 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do: My Contractor Went Behind My Back!Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s dilemma comes from Virginia, a self-described #babydesigner. Virginia had a good working relationship with a contractor on commercial projects, and he brought her into one of his residential deals. Everything went great. She returned the favor by inviting him into one of her residential projects. The contractor ended up sending the client a proposal behind Virginia’s back, before she even had the design work presentation ready. This confu...2020-08-2734 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Amber de la Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot SeatWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! LuAnn has a very special episode for you today. Amber De La Garza is back with her on the show. Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist. She is also one of the co-authors of LuAnn’s third book coming out this fall, which is A Well Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2. This episode is a little bit different than most, because today LuAnn and Amber are going to be talking about the work that they have accomplished, the internal stories and b...2020-08-141h 13
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do: My Client Ghosted Me, Again!Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from Carol Ann Hirvat. Carol worked with a client a few years ago on a $45,000 job that ultimately never went anywhere. Then out of the blue, the client reaches out with an apology and requested for a second chance. Guess what happens after Carol invests another 15 hours into the deal? Yep! So Carol would like to know her next best steps. Listen in as LuAnn...2020-08-1318 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do: How Do I Prepare My Solo Interior Design Business for Maternity Leave?Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from Griffin Dorner, who is pregnant and due in October. Furthermore, she is the only one in her business so she’s looking for tips on how to prepare for maternity leave. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions. If you are not working with a coach or perhaps yo...2020-07-1624 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do? Adjusting to Changes & Lost Business Due to Covid-19Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from Angela in Pennsylvania. Angela has 20 years of experience in design but considers herself somewhat of a baby designer since she only opened her own business two years ago. The Covid-19 event has had a huge impact on her virtual close rate, and she’s needing some guidance. Listen in to hear more about the dilemma that Angela faces, as LuAnn digs into the detail...2020-07-0228 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do? When Clients Don't Understand the Value of Full Service DesignWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from Leslie, a designer that LuAnn happened to meet last winter in Chicago at the Power House Luxury Conference. Leslie is struggling to educate customers who walk into her hybrid full-service design firm / large retail showroom and expect free design services. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions. If you a...2020-06-1823 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast550: What Would Lu Do? Tough Emails with ClientsWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from another one of LuAnn’s coaching clients, who was experiencing a late invoicing issue due to some extremely hectic circumstances in her life. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions. If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business...2020-06-1120 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast546: What Would Lu Do? How to Handle a Trade That Hijacks Your ProjectWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from LuAnn’s coaching client, Jill, who gave LuAnn her blessing to share this sticky situation on the podcast. Jill has a new client who is the daughter of a very good client (and friend) of hers. The new client had a general contractor present at an in-home consultation for window treatments and the GC was very opinionated, contradicting Jill's advice at every turn. To make matte...2020-05-2821 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastLaurel Smith: Permission to SucceedWelcome to A Well-Designed Business! Last year at LuAnn Live, LuAnn gifted each of the VIP Attendees with the headset which she requires when you do an interview with her, then challenged her attendees to take action in their business and come onto the show and share about it. Today’s guest is Laurel Smith, the principal of Farrington Avenue and she is doing just that! Laurel will be sharing the ups and downs and the stops and starts of her entrepreneurial journey that will seem so familiar to many of us. She discusses some of the as...2020-05-261h 04
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do? LuAnn Answers Listener QuestionsWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from listener Amanda, who has lost a couple of jobs due to the costs of freight and taxes outside of a client’s budget. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolutions. If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business...2020-05-1413 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWindow Treatment Friday: Look to Your Window Treatment Partner to Sell RemotelyWelcome to A Well-Designed Business! LuAnn’s co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska, joins her today to chat about some of the things that interior designers can be thinking about in relation to window treatments during this time of quarantine. Whether you’re settling nicely into virtual consultations or you can’t wait for the brick-and-mortars to open back up, you’ll want to listen in to this conversation to learn how important window treatments are to your business! Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, an...2020-05-0848 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do? LuAnn Answers Listener QuestionsWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s questions come from listener Christina, who struggles with expanding her prospects beyond client referrals. Christina is asking for tips on finding a space where she won’t be competing with architecture firms with in-house designers, and would like LuAnn’s opinion on the best social media platform. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resoluti...2020-05-0716 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do? LuAnn Answers Listener QuestionsWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s questions come from listener Samantha, who would like some suggestions on how to find income when your projects have been put on hold during this COVID-19 event, the top ten recommended processes and systems to be putting in place, and the best practices for social media presence when you have no active projects. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays...2020-04-3023 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastLuAnn Nigara: Thoughts on Leading Your Business Through the Covid-19 CrisisWelcome to A Well-Designed Business! Did you miss the amazing “19 Hours” free virtual business summit that ran the week of April 6th through April 9th, 2020? If so, LuAnn will be filling you in on the industry’s answer to the COVID-19 crisis that contains all of the incredible presentations and panel discussions that was originally planned for High Point Market Spring 2020. Today’s show is a replay of the solo presentation that LuAnn did on Thursday, April 9th, on “How to Lead Your Business Through the COVID-19 Crisis”. She has some perspective here that is sure to interest you...2020-04-2351 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWhat Would Lu Do: Listener QuestionsWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for an episode of “What Would Lu Do?” where you ask the questions and LuAnn helps out with the answers. Today’s question comes from listener Jane, who would like to know how to handle a client who is refusing to pay a bill. Listen in as LuAnn digs into the details, susses out the situation, and lays out her reasoning on the resolution. If you have a burning issue that you need some insight on, please send your question to LuAnn Nigara! Show Hig...2020-04-1613 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Investing in Your SuccessWelcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this episode, LuAnn recounts the way that Sara Lynn Brennan, from Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors, went from being a stranger to her, to someone she treasures as a friend, all in less than two years. As an entrepreneur, Sara stands out as one of the most unusual LuAnn has met during her entire business career and her podcast journey. You may have noticed lots of collaboration with Sara over the last few months, and wondered why. There’s a lesson to be learned here, and LuAnn is ea...2020-02-2858 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWindow Treatment Friday: Drapery HardwareWelcome to A Well Designed Business! It’s WTF, Window Treatment Friday! It’s been a while since LuAnn has had a window treatment episode, so she’s super-excited to have her co-host of WTF, Vita (Vitalia) Vygovska back on the show. Hardware is the subject of today’s show, and if talking about ripple folds, pinch pleats, stationary rods, rod pockets, and rods with c-rings make your heart beat a little faster, then you’ve found your people! Drapery rods can be a super-complicated thing, but LuAnn and Vita have a way of making this a fun...2020-02-2159 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: LuAnn Notices 3 Traits of Smart Business OwnersWelcome to this episode of Power Talk Friday! Today, LuAnn shares her findings on coaching a diverse group of entrepreneurs. As it turns out, they have several tangible things in common that she was so impressed by that she decided to dedicate a podcast to complimenting these special people and laying out for you what she has discovered in their time together. As she relates, this has been an ‘A-ha!’ moment for her, and she hopes it will be for her listeners, as well. If you don’t already see yourself in these descriptions, perhaps it’s time tha...2020-02-1423 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastEpisodes of A Well-Designed Business® - LuAnn's Aha MomentsWelcome to the epic 500th episode of A Well-Designed Business! So far, it's been a wild ride, and we've fully enjoyed every minute of it! Even LuAnn, the consummate positive thinker, ever-optimistic dreamer, and earnest believer in the truth, could not foresee all the joy she has experienced, and the delightful connections she has made, because of this podcast! Join us today, for this truly memorable episode! Recently, LuAnn has been spending time reflecting on all the pleasure that this podcast has brought her. She's been thinking about all the people she's met, the invaluable relationships she's...2020-01-141h 02
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Let’s be Profitable in 2020!Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, LuAnn will be talking to us about the kinds of problems and obstacles that stand in the way of designers with the running of their design firms. Although everyone is unique, there are still certain themes that play out, and problems that we all tend to share, as entrepreneurs. Listen in today, to learn what you can do to overcome the challenges that we, as designers, all face in our businesses. LuAnn has put a lot of thought into the best way to address these things in a precise way that...2019-12-1336 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastDesign Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the ConversationWelcome another episode of Power Talk Friday and Design Biz Live, with Judith Neary and Corey Klassen. It's been several months since the last episode of the Design Biz Live series and today's show is really going to be fun, especially if you were one of the 200 people attending LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation, last March, where Corey and Judith were both guest designer panelists. Tune in to today's episode of Design Biz Live, to find out why everyone really needs a Vin man! Judith and Corey are usually the ones to come up with...2019-07-231h 04
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastWindow Treatment Friday: A New Series featuring Vita Vygovska and LuAnn NigaraWelcome to the first episode of Window Treatment Friday! For some time now, designers have been reaching out to LuAnn and asking her to share some of her window treatment expertise, because the window treatment business is a pretty complicated area of business for many designers. So about once a month, LuAnn and Vita Vygovska will be producing an episode of Window Treatment Friday, where they will explain how designers can increase their bottom line by incorporating custom window treatments into their projects. In each episode, they will break down and unravel the intricacies of an aspect of the...2019-07-1935 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Systems: A Love Hate RelationshipWelcome to today's show! We're turning things around a bit and sharing a replay of LuAnn being interviewed by Amber De La Garza, aka the Productivity Specialist, a while back, when LuAnn was a guest on Amber's show, Productivity Straight Talk. Listen in today, to hear their conversation. In today's episode, LuAnn talks to Amber about the way that she's blended structure, systems, and processes into her business, Window Works, to help it grow to become a two-million dollar company. She talks about her success and her challenges, she shares ways to create structure in your business...2019-06-0750 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: LuAnn Nigara: Should I Be Worried? The 26 Episodes You Should Not MissWelcome to another solo Power Talk Friday! We hope you're ready for a really out-of-the-box episode today! This morning, as on most weekday mornings, LuAnn was reading the Dear Abby column. She's often thought about it and wondered why she reads it because it's such a crazy, mindless column. People write in with very real and heartbreaking problems and yet they are willing to wait for months to get an answer. That really boggles LuAnn's mind! So, this morning, she was talking out loud and ranting about it, in the very same way she did at the LuAnn Nigara...2019-05-3147 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: LuAnn Nigara: Your Client Is Wrong, Now What?Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we're talking about what to do when you know the client is wrong. For the health and success of your business, it's really critical that you know how to handle conflicts successfully. In episode #430, we talked about what to do when you are wrong. In today's episode, you will learn what to do when you do everything right but the client doesn't like it. Listen in, to get LuAnn's expert advice. Do you want to be right or do you want to get what you want? Over the years, this little...2019-05-2441 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: LuAnn Nigara: You Made A Mistake. Now What?Welcome to Power Talk Friday! Today, we're talking about when things go wrong and how to fix them. If you'd like your business to be really successful, with loyal, long-term clients who keep coming back year after year, you have to differentiate yourself from the rest. There are two kinds of situations where you can make this happen if you're willing to conduct yourself in the way that LuAnn advises and if you're willing to spend the time perfecting the necessary skills to do so. Listen in today, to learn what LuAnn has to teach you about what to...2019-05-1729 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastPower Talk Friday: Pep Talk from LuAnn: Turn Inspiration into ActionWelcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday. Today, we're having a solo show because LuAnn has some things to share about her event, LuAnn Nigara Live, which was held in New Jersey a month ago. She would also like to talk about some of the things you can do to take action in your business, in order to do better and become more profitable. Luann's event was a really special experience and an outstanding success! Almost 200 designers, speakers, panelists, sponsors, as well as LuAnn's team, attended the event and for two-and-a-half days, the room was filled with an e...2019-05-1039 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast405: Power Talk Friday: The Who’s Who of LuAnn Nigara LiveWelcome to another episode of Power Talk Friday! Today we're going tease you by sharing all the details that are coming together for LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About the Conversation. In today's episode, you will hear about LuAnn's co-authors, the awesome emcees for the event, the incredible line-up of sponsors of the show, and also the designer panelists who will be there with us for the entire weekend, for you to meet, talk to and connect with. Tune in now for all the details! LuAnn will be leading the rock star team of experts in twelve live...2019-02-2222 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast400: Celebrating 3 Years & 400 Episodes!: LuAnn NigaraBig Day, Big Show, lots of news!! 400 hundred shows! I’d like to say I never believed this day would come but the truth is I did believe it. And more than that, I planned for it, I set goals around it, I tracked the milestones and the steps needed to reach it. Am I bragging? No, no, I am not. I am hoping to teach and inspire you by example. Just like you, I love what I do and as much as I love it and could do it for free for the fun an...2019-02-0548 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast387: The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed BusinessWelcome to Power Talk Friday! LuAnn has a special announcement to make on the show today. As most of you know, her second book, The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business, is coming out soon. It was initially going to be released in February next year, but this has changed. On the show today LuAnn explains why the plans have changed and she talks about the big event, LuAnn Nigara Live, It's About The Conversation, that has been planned instead, for the launch of the book on the 30th of March. She also explains what the book will...2018-12-2134 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast355: Power Talk Friday: LuAnn Nigara: Crush The 4th Quarter Of 2018Are you ready to crush the last quarter of 2018? And are you really ready to make this the very best quarter of this year? Well, if you're the rare designer who is deciding to act, rather than to stay with the status quo, and to do, rather than wish, today's show is just for you! We have two very specific opportunities for you, and two different ways that we're making it possible for you to be the best you can be. Listen in now to find out how to take your game to the next level. The...2018-08-3122 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast271: Power Talk Friday: Husband & Wife Teams- This Week is LuAnn & Vin NigaraWelcome to today's episode of Power Talk Friday! LuAnn has a really special treat in store for you today - her husband, Vince will be joining her on the show! LuAnn has recently had a lot of people asking her to address the topic of husband and wife teams, working together. She recently interviewed Syd and Shea McGee, of Studio McGee (#270) and there are also a few more interviews scheduled with husband and wife teams, which are to be aired in the near future. Vince has already appeared on the show once before, where he talked to...2017-12-1551 minA Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast225: Live Coaching Course with LuAnn: Money, Mindset & SalesYou're probably wondering what LuAnn's doing here on a Thursday, right? Well, this is a news flash that needed it's own show and its own announcement, so here it is: LuAnn, together with Nancy Ganzekaufer, the first person on the show to introduce the concept of niching in Interior Design (episode #9), is launching a ten week, Live Coaching Session and it's called Money, Mindset And Sales. LuAnn really wants to make sure that you've heard about it and that you have the chance to be in on this program, so listen in now- it's going to be killer! ...2017-08-3112 minA Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast200: LuAnn Nigara: Excellence is a Decision- Keynote from IWCE 2017Today's show is taken from LuAnn's presentation that she gave at the I.W.C.E. LuAnn starts her presentation by explaining the mix that goes into creating a really successful business. She points out that you are actually your own magic pill and that you really do have the ability when it comes down to making decisions. All that you need is to have confidence in yourself and to know that you have a good business and that you're a good business leader. Then, you have to identify the obstacles and make a plan, rather than...2017-07-0557 minA Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast196: LuAnn Discusses Setting Clear Goals on Blissful Bites PodcastToday's show is a very different one. LuAnn is airing someone else's podcast on her feed and she really hopes that you will like it! She was a guest on Nicole Culver's podcast, called A Few Blissful Bites, a few weeks ago. Nicole is a podcaster and business person who teaches food bloggers how to turn their blogs into profitable businesses. LuAnn listens to Nicole's podcast because she truly believes that business principals are business principals and anybody who does a good job of expressing and teaching them, is worth listening to. So she asked Nicole to be a...2017-06-2636 minA Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast140: Today We Celebrate the 1st Birthday of A Well-Designed Business! Carol Cox of Speaking Your Brand Interviews LuAnn!Today is the one year birthday for A Well Design Business! IT’s been quite a journey with so many challenges and victories along the way. It’s like the best roller coaster you have ever been on. For the one year birthday show I have been thinking “what should I do?” I wanted it to be different from regular scheduling. I remembered what I did for the 6 month show and for the 100th episode and I decided I can’t do what I did on those shows again. Then I was listening to Natalie Eckdahls BizChix Podcast. I...2017-02-151h 11
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast78: Power Talk Friday: Vince & LuAnn Nigara - Work with the people you love and care for as they will also care for your businessIf you’re planning to set up a family business, this podcast will give you valuable insights to help make your business a phenomenal success. LuAnn presents the one big factor that has contributed to the success of the family business, Window Works. It’s the vital role played by her husband Vince. He’s the so-called “Systems Nazi” in the company and his role-- accounting, finance, and systems administration—keeps the business organized, efficient, and effective. The role of the family members is to provide a strong, effective teamwork. Everyone’s commitment (including their extended family of employees) is strong. The p...2016-09-2348 min
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast52: Turning the Tables - An Interview with LuAnnLuAnn Nigara is an award winning window treatment authority, author, and host of the 5 star-rated podcast, A Well-Designed Business, which serves the design industry as an overall business dynamo. Based in Livingston, New Jersey, LuAnn got her start in 1982 when she, her husband, and cousin, purchased a franchise of the Florida based, full service window treatment company, Window Works. With LuAnn at the helm of sales, they quickly expanded from New Jersey to serving the entire metro area from Philadelphia, to the Hamptons to Connecticut and became the leading showroom in gross sales of the more than 120...2016-07-2533 min