Business of Design ® | Interior Designers, Decorators, Architects & Landscapers
Kimberley Seldon
465 episodes
2 days ago
In the design industry, clarity is power. Whether you’re running a firm with a business partner, leading a solo practice with or without a team, or collaborating with your spouse, like today’s guests, how you divide tasks can make or break your projects and your business. Marli Jones and Michael Kreuser share how they define their roles, delegate responsibilities like procurement and project management, and rely on trusted team members to keep every project running smoothly. There’s real value in having clear job descriptions—for project managers, operations managers, and even for yourself—so that creativity can flourish without chaos.
In this episode:
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities—clarity eliminates confusion.
- Define ownership and decision-making authority from the start.
- Use contracts and agreements to keep partnerships clean and professional.
- Build systems and processes before you delegate.
- Separate creative work from operations for balance and efficiency.
- Foster a culture that accepts mistakes and learns from them.
- Choose clients based on fit, not just project size or budget.
- Let process create space for creativity and innovation.
- Empower your team with trust, autonomy, and shared accountability.
- Nurture strong relationships with clients, trades, and vendors.
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In the design industry, clarity is power. Whether you’re running a firm with a business partner, leading a solo practice with or without a team, or collaborating with your spouse, like today’s guests, how you divide tasks can make or break your projects and your business. Marli Jones and Michael Kreuser share how they define their roles, delegate responsibilities like procurement and project management, and rely on trusted team members to keep every project running smoothly. There’s real value in having clear job descriptions—for project managers, operations managers, and even for yourself—so that creativity can flourish without chaos.
In this episode:
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities—clarity eliminates confusion.
- Define ownership and decision-making authority from the start.
- Use contracts and agreements to keep partnerships clean and professional.
- Build systems and processes before you delegate.
- Separate creative work from operations for balance and efficiency.
- Foster a culture that accepts mistakes and learns from them.
- Choose clients based on fit, not just project size or budget.
- Let process create space for creativity and innovation.
- Empower your team with trust, autonomy, and shared accountability.
- Nurture strong relationships with clients, trades, and vendors.
Business of Design ® | Interior Designers, Decorators, Architects & Landscapers
46 minutes 7 seconds
3 months ago
EP 441 | Sales is Service with Nikki Rausch
Let’s talk about a topic that gives many designers the cold sweats—sales. Offering your services authentically is not pushy—it’s service. It’s not ick, it’s sales. From handling rejection to reviving client pipelines and learning how to spot subtle buying signals, this conversation is packed with real strategies that feel good and get results. Whether your projects are booming or business feels a bit slow, it’s time to reframe your mindset, reconnect with past clients, and approach sales with clarity and confidence.
In this episode we learn:
- Sales is not sleazy—it's service. You're not "convincing"; you're solving a problem your client already has.
- Reframe rejection. A "no" is often just a "not yet." It’s your job to follow up respectfully and leave the door open.
- Understand your client's “convincer strategy.” People need to see or hear something multiple times before they say yes—so follow up strategically.
- Spot buying signals. Comments, objections, or questions can all indicate interest. Learn to recognize and respond without fear.
- Don’t ignore past clients. It’s easier to earn repeat business than find new clients—reach out with genuine value and suggestions.
- Your network is gold. Happy clients will refer you—if you ask. Don’t rob them of the joy of helping you.
- Soft selling works. Ask permission to make suggestions and always offer a next step without pressure.
- Watch your email tone. Reduce “I” statements and shift to client-focused language with questions that invite engagement.
Learn more to transform your business at https://businessofdesign.com/membership
Business of Design ® | Interior Designers, Decorators, Architects & Landscapers
In the design industry, clarity is power. Whether you’re running a firm with a business partner, leading a solo practice with or without a team, or collaborating with your spouse, like today’s guests, how you divide tasks can make or break your projects and your business. Marli Jones and Michael Kreuser share how they define their roles, delegate responsibilities like procurement and project management, and rely on trusted team members to keep every project running smoothly. There’s real value in having clear job descriptions—for project managers, operations managers, and even for yourself—so that creativity can flourish without chaos.
In this episode:
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities—clarity eliminates confusion.
- Define ownership and decision-making authority from the start.
- Use contracts and agreements to keep partnerships clean and professional.
- Build systems and processes before you delegate.
- Separate creative work from operations for balance and efficiency.
- Foster a culture that accepts mistakes and learns from them.
- Choose clients based on fit, not just project size or budget.
- Let process create space for creativity and innovation.
- Empower your team with trust, autonomy, and shared accountability.
- Nurture strong relationships with clients, trades, and vendors.
