Designed by Wingnut Social | Interior Design Business

Grow Your Interior Design Team The Smart Way - Episode 255

Is it time for you to grow your team? What are the signs it’s time to hire another team member? What process should you use to hire the best candidate for the job? Jamie Van Cuyk—the owner and lead strategist of Growing Your Team—is an expert in hiring and onboarding teams within small businesses. She shares some spectacular tips and strategies that you can implement immediately to grow your team the right way. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:05] Check out our next webinar with Stacey Martin!
[3:03] Mini News Sesh: TikTok rolling out LONG videos
[6:28] Learn more about Jamie Van Cyuk
[9:36] 4 signs it’s time to hire another team member
[13:54] Is your waitlist working for you—or against you?
[16:11] How to craft the perfect job description
[22:37] How to afford the help that you need
[27:20] Myth-busting: Should you hire for passion over skill?
[30:15] How to ensure someone is the right hire
[38:42] Jamie’s opinion on the use of personality tests
[42:27] How many candidates should you interview?
[45:50] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[49:03] How to connect with Jamie Van Cyuk
[53:40] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Jamie Van Cyuk
Growing Your Team
Friend on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Check out her Pinterest
Connect on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
Check out our next webinar with Stacey Martin!
Stacey Martin’s Formula for Rockstar Interior Design Presentations
Turn the Ship Around! by David Marquet
Easy Render
4 signs it’s time to hire another team member
Jamie shares that there are 4 things to watch out for that are clear signs you need to grow your team. But they aren't things that are normally top of mind during your day-to-day work. So Jamie recommends that you review these signs quarterly to see if it’s time to hire:
Are you saying no to your ideal clients? If you’re saying no because your team is at capacity, it’s a problem. These people want to give you their money today. You don’t want to be losing clients that are the ideal fit for your business. 
Are you losing customers due to poor customer service? Are customers pulling out of projects or backing out of contracts? If you’re not communicating and meeting their expectations throughout the process, you not only lose their business but you lose them as a referral source. 
You want to do something new but you can’t. Maybe you want to start offering coaching, education, or open a retail store but you can’t because you don’t have time. 
You lack skill or knowledge that is needed in your business. You can go and learn something yourself—or you can hire for that skillset. Are you the right person to learn and execute that skill? Sometimes paying the expert is worth the money because it lets you spend your time where it should be focused. 
Once you’ve decided it’s time to grow your team, what are your next steps? A great hiring process. 
How to craft the perfect job description (and where to post it)
Jamie believes that you shouldn’t use a templated job description when creating a job description. The job post may attract someone who can do the skill you’re hiring for but likely doesn’t speak to the right fit for your team and culture. Their style and personality have to mesh with you and your team values. So what do you do? Walk through these questions:
What is your ideal candidate? 
What are their roles and responsibilities? 
What does success look like in your business? 
Who will you be happy to give your money to? 
What’s unique about your company?
What will make someone say, “Yes, this is the place for me!” The goal of a job posting is to attract the right candidate and turn away the wrong ones. Once you develop your ideal person your job posting should speak to that person. 
You can design a room that you love. But is that the right room and right design for every client? No! It might not work in their home. You may use the same concepts, materials, and create a similar flow but things will look different. A role might have similar responsibilities but will look different in each company. 
Where is the best place to post a job opening? Should you hire for passion over skill? Listen to hear Jamie’s take. 
How to ensure someone is the right hire
Ask questions that produce answers of value. You need to reduce the number of hypothetical questions you use, i.e. “What would you do if…?” Instead, ask questions that have them support their answers with examples: “So tell me about a time when…?” Ask them about something they will experience working for your business. Have they worked with high-end, demanding clients? How did they handle the experience? If you’re hiring someone entry-level, they may not have had those experiences in an interior design company but have had similar experiences where they have worked. They can transfer those skills to your business. 
Develop a case study or opportunity for them to present their skill. If they say they know how to do CAD drawings, give them everything they need to sit down and complete a quick project. What are they able to put together? You have to know what you’re testing them on. Are you testing their ability to think through the information they’re given? Their ability to use a tool? Their thought process? You can’t test them on something that aligns with your brand because they don’t know that yet. 
Move through the process quickly. Align a case study with an interview so they knock out everything immediately. But Jame is careful to note that you can’t ask too much of them before you’ve spent time with them. Don’t waste their time—and yours—if they won’t make it to the next round of interviews anyway. 
What’s an easy way to weed talent out of the process (not necessarily in a good way)? Should you use personality tests in your hiring process? How many candidates should you interview? Jamie covers these questions—and so much more—in this episode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
786-206-4331 (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Metaverse Interior Design: The Future of the Design Industry with Tom Puukko - Episode 254

What is the metaverse? How will the metaverse impact the interior design industry? Is designing a virtual world the future of architecture and design as we know it? Tom Puukko joins Darla in this episode of Wingnut Social to have a conversation about virtual architecture and design. Don’t miss this futuristic conversation!
Tom is a British entrepreneur who's been working in digital innovation since 1998. He founded interiors brand Feathr.com, a marketplace where artists monetize their artworks as wallpapers and fabrics. Most recently, he's created Metaverse Interior Design, the world's first interior design marketplace for the metaverse.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:40] Upcoming webinar with Stacey Martin
[2:55] Mini News Sesh: Instagram reels from stories
[5:12] Learn more about Tom Puukko
[9:00] Learn the basics of the metaverse
[15:24] How the metaverse impacts the interior design industry
[19:16] The necessary skills to succeed in the metaverse
[24:04] Is metaverse design the design of the future?
[26:51] Where designers and architects should get started
[29:53] NFTs and Cryptocurrency in the metaverse
[33:03] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[34:17] Learn more about Tom and Metaverse Interior Design
[38:22] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Tom Puukko
Metaverse Interior Design
Feathr.com
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
Resources & People Mentioned
Check out our next webinar with Stacey Martin!
Stacey Martin’s Formula for Rockstar Interior Design Presentations
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Oculus Quest 2
The Sandbox
Decentraland
Horizon Worlds
Unity
Blender
So what IS the metaverse?
The metaverse consists of 3D worlds where you can interact and live a digital life. You can choose a life that’s richer, more engaging, and more entertaining than a 2D platform. You can do almost all things that you can in the real world—gamble at casinos, dance at nightclubs, visit an art gallery, build a home, etc. 
Currently, you’re able to experience the metaverse through some sort of headset. We currently have proto-metaverses—the early inklings of what’s to come. If you’re in the US, you may have access to Meta’s Horizon Worlds or Decentraland. But these worlds still lack functionality and the renderings are underwhelming. But the seeds of what will come have been planted. 
So how is the metaverse applicable to interior designers and architects?
Metaverse interior design: the impact on the interior design industry
Digital technology has allowed architects and interior designers to connect with customers and market themselves transactionally. But the metaverse will open up a whole new world. The metaverse is currently being built but the people building it are coders. They don’t understand how spaces and subjects interact. They don’t understand how proportions can change a building. They don’t have the knowledge architects and interior designers are trained with. Because of this, the current experience in a metaverse feels like a gimmick. 
Architects and designers should be the people designing and creating the spaces. Doing so will create a whole new revenue stream. There’s no limitation of the potential volume that can be put into the space. You can sell multiple versions of different models. Designers become content creators. You can sell spaces to hundreds of thousands of people. Tom’s community—Metaverse Interior Design—will be the destination to source interior design and architect services and products. 
The necessary skills to succeed in the metaverse
Luckily, metaverse interior design doesn’t necessarily rely on coding. But designers do need to have an advanced understanding of how 3D models work. If you are competent with 3D modeling and own space in a metaverse, you can move a 3D model from a computer to the metaverse. The challenge in moving between the real world and metaverse design is understanding the technical limitations of space. 
Each “world” has its own set of technical specifications. Tom points out that it all boils down to low poly count (polycount is the total number of polygons found in a three-dimensional model). 3D models in the real world have a high polycount. Currently, everything in the metaverse must be simplified to a lower polycount. So you have to learn how to take a 3D model and simplify it. 
Just as in real-world design, you must understand the creative vision of the client and make their vision a reality in the space you have to work with. The limitations of the real world—building codes, fire regulations, gravity, etc.—can go out the window in the metaverse. People will buy creative and conceptual ideas that can't exist in the real world. Design in the metaverse is both artwork and architecture.
Is this the design of the future? Where should designers and architects get started? Learn why you should become an early adopter of metaverse interior design in this episode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
786-206-4331 (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

No Interior Design Degree? KD Reid Shares His Take - Episode 253

Do you need an interior design degree to successfully run an interior design firm? If you don’t get a formal education, where do you get an education? KD Reid is a successful interior designer with a passion for art and architecture and a reputation for crafting beautiful and functional spaces. Guess what? Zero formal design education. He shares how he grew from intern to business owner in this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast! 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:24] Check out our FREE photography webinar
[2:40] Mini News Sesh: Liking stories on Instagram
[5:50] Learn all about interior designer KD Reid
[9:21] A unique way to gain interior design experience
[14:53] How KD broke out on his own
[17:51] Advice for designers without an extensive network 
[19:50] How KD delegates large projects 
[24:54] Where KD’s innate talent stems from
[26:52] Where will KD’s future lead? 
[29:21] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[30:41] How to learn more about KD
[33:27] Blooper Reel!
Connect with KD Reid
KD Reid Interiors
Follow KD on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
FREE Webinar with Linda Holt on 2/24: How to Take Magazine-Worthy Smartphone Photos 
Dekar Design
Mikel Welch
B Squared Harlem
Gail Doby Coaching
Parsons Yellowbrick Program
Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem: A Memoir
From Craigslist to creator
KD graduated with a degree in Sociology from Montclair State University. After graduating, he spent eight years providing mental health services in the LGBT community. Throughout his career, interior design was a hobby he enjoyed. But he never saw it as a lucrative career path. He would design spaces for friends and family.
At a time when Craigslist was popular, KD came across some design internship opportunities. He'd snag one here and there which allowed him to learn some interior design skills. Then he came across Dekar Design, a woman-led design firm focusing on hospitality and commercial projects. It was his first real look into the world of interior design. They saw that he had an eye for design and immediately let him jump on projects and learn hands-on. 
KD’s journey from design assistant to principal interior designer 
After working with Dekar Design, KD had the opportunity to meet Mikel Welch. One of Mikel’s first projects in NYC was a Harlem restaurant called B Squared. KD had the opportunity to work on the project which led to working with Mikel for five years. He started as a design assistant, transitioned to project manager, and became a lead designer. 
Mikel gave him hands-on experience and allowed him to learn other facets of interior design. KD got to dive into set design, staging, virtual merchandising, and more. This job gave him the confidence he needed to take on projects by himself. Because of COVID, many people in KD’s network wanted to invest in building out home offices, which propelled KD to start his own business. 
Where will KD’s future lead? KD wants to be clear that he is not anti-education. He simply learned that it’s not necessary to find success in the industry. But KD has goals. To reach them, he’s attending Parson’s Yellowbrick Design Program to take a product design course. One of his strengths is home decor, accessories, and styling. They’re the jewelry of a space, right? KD’s dream is to launch his own home accessory line.
What is KD’s advice for designers who don’t have an extensive network? What does his team look like? What marketing strategy does he employ? Listen to the whole episode to learn more!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-786-206-4331(connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Attract Affluent Clients Doing What You LOVE with Melissa Galt - Episode 252

Are you an interior designer just clamoring to work with the rich and famous? Do you want to be the designer to the stars? If you’re ready to work with affluent clients, Melissa Galt is the business coach to turn to. She loves the business of design more than design itself, which is why coaching is 95% of her business. She helps designers learn how to earn more in less time—and love their businesses a whole lot more in the process. In this episode of Wingnut Social, she shares the unique strategy she uses to attract her ideal clients (HINT: It’s all about doing what you love). 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social: Interior Design Podcast
[1:23] Check out our FREE photography webinar
[3:27] Mini News Sesh: Pinterest’s augmented reality feature
[6:15] Learn more about Melissa Galt
[9:02] The top three personas of affluent clients
[17:32] The key to attracting affluent clients
[20:18] How to determine a persona’s value system
[23:55] What these clients look for when hiring a designer
[25:52] How to work smarter, not harder
[29:19] Hooking affluent clients on social media
[35:25] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[36:40] How to connect with Melissa Galt
[40:32] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Melissa Galt
Melissa’s website
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Instagram
Get Melissa’s book
Resources & People Mentioned
FREE Webinar with Linda Holt on 2/24: How to Take Magazine-Worthy Smartphone Photos 
It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden
The top three personas of affluent clients
Most affluent clients aren’t obvious. In many cases, they’re the ones that are earning and saving. They are selective in where they invest their money. Melissa has nailed down five groups of avatars and nine overall personas of affluent clients based on personal experience. What are the three most common she’s come across? 
The “millionaires next door.” These are the clients that are easy to educate on why next-level services are warranted. They are always learning and growing their knowledge base. They are grounded, down to earth, and make the best choices for themselves. They are the perfect clients to have because they’re loyal. 
The “got rich quick.” These are the fast spenders. They’re often star athletes, musicians, startup entrepreneurs, etc. They tend to select things that are flashy and lower-quality. Melissa’s tip? Make sure they pay you upfront. Melissa has had multiple clients who were swindled out of their money. 
The “Sinks and Dinks.” They are either single-income or dual-income families with no kids. Kids are a large investment, right? When you don’t have them, it makes a huge difference. Melissa’s best clients were sinks and dinks. 
You select your clients as much as they select you. Melissa emphasizes that “It doesn’t matter how much money I make if I’m not proud of it.” Rich or not—choose wisely. 
How to work smarter—not harder—to attract your ideal client
You need to be clear on your ICP and only work to attract those clients. The millionaires next door are low-key, private, and confidential. Marketing to them is going to be far different than the fast-spenders who are flashy in everything they do. You have to choose one persona to chase to position yourself correctly in the market. 
Then you need to get clarity on where to meet and connect with your avatar. Who is already serving them that isn’t competing with you? Then you work to build your own circle of influence (or what Melissa likes to call your “Profit Posse”) and connect with these people. Co-market, co-promote, and create opportunities for introductions. 
Another simple strategy? Look at your lifestyle. What do you like to do? What if you took that to the next level? If you love wine-tasting, skip the free tasting and shell out for the $250 dinner with wine pairings. You’re far more likely to rub elbows with affluent clients there. Melissa considers this “net-living” not networking. She states that “Doing what you love at a higher level will deliver the affluent clients that you most want in a very aligned and authentic way.” 
How do you determine a persona’s value systems? What do affluent clients look for when hiring a designer? How do you hook them on social media? Check out the whole episode to learn more!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-786-206-4331 (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

It’s Time to Tackle Renovation Projects with Renée Biery - Episode 251

When Renée Biery entered the interior design industry, she thought everyone did renovations. It wasn’t until she moved back home to Delaware that she realized she—especially as a woman—was the anomaly. She had to work hard to show how much value she could add to a renovation project for both the client and the contractors. She believes that Interior designers CAN and should do more. In this episode of Wingnut Social, she shares how you can learn to master those tricky renovation projects (and the clients that come with them).
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:25] Check out our FREE photography webinar
[3:30] Mini News Sesh: Scheduled live displays on Instagram
[5:10] Learn more about Renée Biery
[7:29] Why you should be an expert in project management
[15:33] Why don’t more designers take on renovation projects
[23:46] How this business model can fill your pipeline
[26:26] How Renée charges for her projects
[30:10] Market your services with social media + networking
[36:55] The What Up Wingnut round!
[38:22] How to learn more from Renée Biery
[44:35] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Renée Biery
Only Girl on the Jobsite podcast
Only Girl on the Jobsite course
Follow Renée on Instagram
Friend on Facebook
Resources & People Mentioned
FREE Webinar with Linda Holt on 2/24: How to Take Magazine-Worthy Smartphone Photos 
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Book of Boba Fett
Why you should become proficient in project management
As the owner of deVignier design, Renée has almost 30 years of experience in the industry. She’s formally trained in practical interior architecture with advanced technical and rendering proficiency. She sought to be a one-stop-shop that offers everything from project management and design to decorating. She loves being part of the design and build. It also sets her apart from other women in the industry. 
Despite her formal education, Renée believes that it isn’t necessary nor should it be a barrier to entry. She learned more from the women she’s worked with over the years. You simply learn as you go. You can find contractors, architects, etc. who will work with you to get a permit or draw a design. 
Renée believes that offering renovation projects will sustain the industry. Why? Because procurement is becoming a problem. Many firms are giving up that revenue stream. But what does that leave them? There are only so many billable hours in design. If you’re trying to salvage your billable hours, managing renovation projects is a great way to get started. 
Why don’t more designers take on renovations?
Renée believes that many designers lack confidence in their skills. Plus, it can be intimidating. Everyone watches HGTV and every episode of any show features some great challenge to overcome. Those challenges get expensive. That’s why Renée encourages people to gain experience in numerous ways. She started “The Only Girl on the Jobsite” because as the only woman among 20 guys on a worksite, you feel like the odd man out. So you have to build skills to level the playing field. 
Where do you get your feet wet? Do you intern under someone with the experience necessary? Some people have renovated their own spaces and feel comfortable learning as they go. Plus, if you have some experience, you can build on it. Price yourself at an obtainable level until you’ve built a portfolio. There will be clients that are excited about getting a great price and don’t mind that you’re learning. But above all, do not fake it til you make it or you’ll end up making expensive mistakes. 
Taking on renovation projects sets you apart and gives you a leg up. What else can you do to break the mold? If you decide to add renovations and project management to your portfolio, how do you market yourself? Renée shares a plethora of advice in episode #251—don’t miss it!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-786-206-4331 connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Stacey Martin’s Formula for Rockstar Interior Design Presentations - Episode 250

Interior design presentations are not easy to knock out of the park. If you’ve spent hours on a presentation only to receive a lackluster response from a client, you’re not alone. Stacey Martin has a mind-boggling 95% approval rating—without revisions—on her presentations. What’s the secret to her success? She shares the mind-blowing systems and processes she uses in this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast! 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:07] Check out our FREE photography webinar
[3:15] Mini News Sesh: Subscriptions on Instagram
[7:22] Learn more about Stacey Martin
[12:02] Stacey’s interior design presentation
[20:44] Brand storytelling is the key
[26:06] Feeling out a client’s budget
[30:42] 3 pitfalls to avoid in your presentations 
[34:53] The What Up Wingnut Round!
[40:38] Blooper Reel! 
Connect with Stacey Martin
Follow Stacey on Instagram
Stacey’s design business: The Freshmaker
Resources & People Mentioned
FREE Webinar with Linda Holt on 2/24: How to Take Magazine-Worthy Smartphone Photos 
BOOK: The Legacy of Luna
BOOK: How to Win Friends and Influence People
Nikki Amodio
Take your potential clients on a journey
Before Stacey became an interior designer, she was in trend forecasting and design for sports brands. The higher-ups were notorious for being naysayers—many designers didn’t get their designs approved. But Stacey soon realized that the blame wasn’t always on the management. The designers didn’t know how to present their ideas in a manner that would get them a “yes.” 
So Stacey took note. When it was her turn to present, she started with the “why.” She started her presentation focusing on the brand’s pain points before she shifted to the goals of the line. By the time she got to her ideas and solutions, the VP had already been agreeing with everything she said. She took him on a journey. 
She sold him on why her idea was the solution to their problems. He knew how it would lead them to make them more money. When Stacey transitioned to interior design, she used this same process with her clients.
It’s about the design AND the client
In addition to hearing someone’s design woes, Stacey asks questions that are NOT related to design. She wants to learn who they are.
What music do they like? Favorite song? Favorite band? 
Where do they like to travel? What are their favorite trips? Where do they want to visit?
What do they do for fun? Do they like to cook? Is yoga their jam?
Do they have kids or pets? 
These things help Stacey build a visual story and build an aesthetic direction. She distills what she’s learned down to three images that define the direction they’ll take. So when they get to the design presentation, she knows who they are and what problems they want to solve. 
How to nail your interior design presentation
She labels their project with three keywords that hone in on the goal for the design. It might be modern, timeless, and family-friendly. This sets the tone for the presentation. She iterates the problem they’re looking to solve (i.e. lack of storage space) and shares her solution. 
Stacey may include a “tortoise-shell side table” as a nod to this person’s trip to Aruba where they swam with sea turtles. As she explains the choices she made, she talks specifically about how each element reflects and solves their problem(s). The details tie back to their memories and things that make them happy. It’s creating a story about who they are and how the room reflects their personality.
The more you can show your client the “why” of your selections and how you’re making choices based on who they are, the more they feel understood. That leads to trust. Every piece is a thoughtful choice based on who they are. As a designer, Stacey emphasizes that “You’re using your talents and your skillset to curate those choices to create an immersive environment that really feels like who they are.”
What are three pitfalls you should avoid in your presentations? Listen to the whole episode for more of Stacey’s strategy. 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-786-206-4331 (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Clean Design Home: Robin Wilson’s Incredible Story - Episode 249

Robin Wilson grew up in Austin, TX with awful asthma and allergies. Her parents found a holistic pediatrician that said, “You can raise a strong child or you can raise a child on strong medicine.” So she started swimming, biking, walking, track, etc. to strengthen her lungs instead of taking strong medication. Because of her background, she became an advocate for clean construction. Any number of things on a site can lead to an asthmatic episode. So she dove deep into hypoallergenic design.
Now, Robin Wilson is a U.S. lifestyle brand, author, designer and real estate developer. Named to the Inc. magazine Female Founders 100 List in 2020, she is a world-class thought leader on hypoallergenic, sustainable and eco-conscious options for the B2B and B2C marketplace. She is a two time #1 Amazon bestselling author and has been featured on multiple news segments as an expert on eco-friendly design and allergy-focused segments.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[4:29] Mini News Sesh: Vertical Stories on Instagram
[6:40] Designer Robin Wilson’s origin story
[14:21] Robin’s thoughts on design school
[22:20] From project management to Clean Design Home
[33:42] Robin’s marketing process
[36:47] Clean Design Home x Martex
[47:57] How Robin’s marketing focus has shifted
[54:38] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[56:50] How to connect with Robin Wilson
[58:45] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Robin Wilson
See an overview of Robin’s company at https://ablueegg.com/
Robin’s Book: Clean Design: Wellness for your Lifestyle
Clean Design Home x Martex
Follow Robin Wilson Home on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Photography webinar coming up Feb. 24th!
Wingnut Social Episode #12 with Linda Holt
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
Resource Furniture
Robin’s story: following her passion
Robin had a wonderful mentor/sponsor that helped her navigate her future. He asked her, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” followed by, “What is your passion?” Her answer was real estate. So he taught her how real estate worked and how to build wealth. She went on to get her Master’s in Real Estate Finance. She was one of three women in the graduate program. 
One of her professors told her that she wasn’t going to have an easy road because she was a black woman in a man’s world. Instead of being offended, she decided to listen to him. He advised her to figure out something she could do immediately to make her degree worth something. He recommended she become a project manager—the busy homeowners’ best friend. She made $1.2 million in her first year in project management.
From project management to Clean Design Home
Part of Robin’s design signature started because she worked on tiny New York apartments that had doors everywhere. So she started implementing pocket doors in her design. On one particular project, she bought a Murphy bed that looked like a desk. She found a table that expanded to fit six people. She treated this client like royalty, not realizing she had connections in the industry. 
After this project, Robin got a phone call from Adam Glassman, the creative director for Oprah. She didn’t return his phone calls because she thought she was being pranked. He called three times before she realized it was the real deal, so she called him back. One project changed the trajectory of her future career. 
Robin firmly believes, “If you do great work, people will tell four people. If you do poor work and you’re nasty, mean, and rude—they will tell 20 people at a dinner party…If you do great work they will tell someone that’s a likely customer in the future.”
Clean Design Home
Clean Design Home came about when Robin wrote her book, “Clean Design: Wellness for your Lifestyle.” It became a #1 best-seller on Amazon. Clean design is everything she does. She puts clean products in people’s homes. She supports hypoallergenic lifestyles. 
Robin had a legacy brand, Robin Wilson Home. But she saw a shift in consumer spending from paying for quality to paying for cheaper products on Amazon. She felt her brand was gone and she was close to quitting. But Robin ended up being featured in articles about the top 10 black businesses to support. 
She changed to a generic name (Clean Design Home) to speak to her niche. She dug deep into the hypoallergenic space and created luxury products. She found a licensing partner and saw a 3,000% sales increase after the New York Magazine article. She made $80,000 in 30 days. Then she was signed by West Point Home (Martex) and they created “Clean Design X Martex.” In 2020, she was ready to quit. Now she has a global brand in Macy’s. 
What does Robin believe was the secret to her success? How has Robin’s marketing focus shifted since she launched her businesses? What tips does she share to help your business grow? Listen to the whole episode to hear more of her awe-inspiring journey. 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-786-206-4331 (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Change Your Mindset—Raise Your Rates [Danielle Hayden] - Episode 248

Does the thought of raising your rates leave you saying “Uh-uh, no way?” Are you worried that the covid-induced interior design “bubble” may pop? What if you raise your prices and the bubble does burst? These questions contribute to the mindset struggles designers face when considering raising their rates. So how do you determine if you should make a change? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Danielle Hayden shares some exercises that can help you make the decision.
Danielle is a reformed CFO on a mission to help rule-breaking female entrepreneurs understand their numbers to gain confidence to create sustainable profits. She’s the co-owner of Kickstart Accounting, where she helps her clients with bookkeeping, financial analysis, and provides education to help them make informed decisions. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[3:22] Mini News Sesh: An algorithm-free Instagram feed? 
[8:20] Learn more about Danielle Hayden
[15:28] Thinking about raising your rates? Do these exercises.
[22:50] Determining your take-home pay depends on your goals
[30:12] It’s time to change your mindset about raising your rates
[36:47] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[41:38] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Danielle Hayden
Kickstart Accounting Inc. 
Connect with Danielle on Instagram
The Entrepreneur Money Stories Podcast
Resources & People Mentioned
Built to Sell by John warrilow 
Wingnut Social Episode #26
Thinking about raising your rates? Do these exercises.
Exercise #1: How much of your time and energy goes into a single project? What are your average operating expenses per month? Multiply the time you spend in your business by your hourly rate. Add your operating expenses to that number. This is your break-even number. Divide that by your number of clients each month. This gives you an idea of whether or not you’re profitable.
Secondly, what are your goals? Is it your goal to outsource parts of your business, such as social media or bookkeeping? Do you want to be hands-on with every project? Or do you want to oversee a team of designers? What will that cost you? 
Grab a piece of paper now and add up how many clients you need to take on to hit the numbers you need to reach your goals. You may see that if you don’t raise your rates, you’ll never meet those goals. It’s a clear way to see whether or not you need to raise your prices. 
Exercise #2: Danielle recommends that you go into your accounting system and run a P&L report for the last 24 months. Looking at your history helps you determine your average spend per account and what you need to spend to keep your business moving forward. Your history helps determine the steps you take today. 
Change your mindset about raising your rates
If you don't want to raise your rates, that’s okay. But think about your goals. What if you can serve fewer clients at a higher price tag and be happier doing it? You may lose a client in the short term but the long-term impact will be worth it. Your mindset will change. The client paying more for your service will value you and your brand. 
Darla doubled her rates after she gained some experience which helped her land more clients. Their perception of her value increased with her rates. You don’t have to make a bold move like Darla’s. Figure out what works and what doesn’t, track the numbers, and make an adjustment. There’s no such thing as failure—there is learning and growing. Changing your mindset and changing your rates can be transformative. 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-786-206-4331  (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Is a CoWorking Workspace Right For Your Design Firm? with Mara Hauser - Episode 247

The pandemic shutdown sent so many of us home to work but designers were a bit ahead of that curve, generally speaking, since many worked from home already. But regardless how we got there, home can become a bit lonely and distracting when it comes to productivity and accomplishment. How do you deal with it? Mara Hauser says a CoWorking space may be your solution. Mara is a designer herself. She guides her client’s big ideas into executable designs that focus heavily on brand-building and high-level analysis, including programming, product and amenities mix, adjacency diagrams, and determining “who you serve.” But she’s also CEO of 25 North CoWorking Spaces and understands the powerful benefits a coworking space can be to anyone, including designers and their teams. On this episode we discuss the possibilities, how to make the transition, how to benefit the most from involvement at a CoWorking space, and more. Listen up, Wingnuts!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:02] This episode’s topic: Gettin’ out of the house!
[2:48] The Mini-News Sesh!: Facebook profiles can become professional profiles
[6:51] Who is Mara Hauser?
[11:09] Is the trend toward home-working going to continue?
[13:12] A hybrid work approach interior designers may be able to use
[20:08] How large of a design firm could use this model?
[22:20] How important is the design aspect of a coworking or office space?
[25:22] Mitigating the sense of anxiety that can occur making this transition
[30:15] Reasons you will benefit from utilizing a coworking space
[33:20] The WHAT UP WINGNUT? round
Connect with Mara Hauser
25 North Coworking Spaces - Mara’s company
Workplace Studio Interior Design - Mara’s design studio
Follow Mara on Twitter 
Resources & People Mentioned
BOOK: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Wingnut episode with Rex Rogasch - Hospitality Design
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Working From Home
If you’ve worked at home, you know the pain. Fido is barking outside your door. The cat walks across your keyboard when you’re out of the room. Netflix is right out there in the living room, beckoning you to continue your latest binge. These are some of the irritations but there are also limitations. It’s hard to host professional meetings at home, especially with clients. It’s also problematic to have your team work out of your home without turning your street into a used car lot every day. Mara says these are exactly the things a CoWorking space is designed to solve. Listen to learn if a CoWorking option is a good fit for you. You might be surprised how adaptable and collaborative it could be for you and your team.
Multipurpose spaces are massively important in your working space and the CoWorking space you choose
Most designers understand the principles behind good design (of course), so they get the realities around spaces designed to serve specific purposes. That reason alone may have you on the skeptical side of the fence when it comes to using a CoWorking space. But it doesn’t have to, especially when it comes to Mara’s locations. Being a designer, she’s done everything in her team’s power to create flexible spaces that can be transformed into what each client needs. They utilize casters to move things around and remake the space. The lighting, HVAC, and amenities are provided with comfort and productivity in mind. They also include outdoor work and meeting spaces to enable teams to make the most of fresh air and natural surroundings. If you were to visit one of her locations you would be impressed with the flexibility and effectiveness of the spaces she’s created. Listen to this episode to learn if a CoWorking space is right for you and your team!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-786-206-4331  (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

How To Develop Your Working Knowledge As A Designer, with Andrea Hysmith - Episode 246

One of the many challenges for up-and-coming designers (and those of us who have been in the industry for a while, too) is in the area of “working knowledge.” There’s a LOT to know and it seems like nothing but time is going to help you know it. But the guest on this episode proves that even though she’s been in the industry for over 20 years, there are clear things you can do to accelerate your learning curve.
Andrea Hysmith of A.S.H. Designs (in Ellicott City, MD) is an Interior Specialist, Kitchen and Bath Designer, Manufacturer Representative, Speaker, and Presenter, and has been sharing her knowledge of luxury design for over 20 years. She focuses on residential and light commercial spaces and recently opened her own design space in Ellicott City as the first woman of color to do so. She’s a hard-working, hustling woman who has done the work necessary to educate herself about her craft, all for the sake of serving her clients with excellence. You’ll learn a lot about developing your own working knowledge, faster, from her intentional approach, so be sure you listen.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:42] Where I’ve been… answering the common question, “Why the break???”
[2:09] The Mini-News session: Instagram Reels (reply with another reel)
[5:16] Andrea Hysmith: Designer extraordinaire
[13:04] The movement to curate antiques and how Andrea got into it
[21:25] What is “Certified Aging in Place?”
[28:27] How did Andrea become an independent manufacturer rep?
[36:58] Why it’s important to be true to yourself as you being your design career
Connect with Andrea Hysmith
Andrea’s company: ASH Design in Ellicott City, MD
Andrea on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Andrew Joseph
Toma Clark Haines 
Certified Aging In Place Specialization
T.D. Jakes
Highpoint Market
What They Don’t Teach You In Design School Facebook Group
BOOK: Wild by Cheryl Strayed (affiliate link)
Taking a proactive approach to design by getting into the trenches
It’s easy to feel that you are handicapped when you need to know more about a specialized area of design but simply don’t. Andrea never let that stop her. She’s a “go get it” kind of woman. She takes the initiative to find the resources and open the doors that will provide her with the knowledge she needs — and you can do the same.
For example, at one point in Andrea’s career, she needed to know more about custom cabinetry so she reached out to establish a relationship with a custom cabinet builder and worked shifts in his facility to learn what she needed to learn. She’s done the same with painters, a plumbers, and other specialized tradesmen, all for the sake of educating herself at the source. Though it may seem that’s a lot of irons in the fire, Andrea says it’s all cohesive if you keep things integrated within a common goal or mission.
Special certifications can help you stand out in a crowded area
Andrea holds a special certification that Darla had never heard of. The National Association of Home Builders offers a “Certified Aging in Place Specialist” certificate and Andrea is one of those who have completed the course they offer. It’s a specialty in the design and refurbishment of homes to enable those who are aging or otherwise disabled to continue to live in their homes rather than having to move.
Andrea says this is especially important to her because she has clients who have been with her for many years. Her certification enables her to serve them in new, fitting ways as they age and the relationship continues. She’s also had people reach out to her specifically because she holds the certification, and at one community event a realtor who works primarily in retirement communities asked if Andrea would serve as a recommended service provider for those the realty group serves. Are there certifications that would serve the community where you work or the clientele you specialize in serving? If so, go get them!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Carol Cox Shares Why Thought Leadership Still Matters - Episode 245

Carol Cox is the founder of Speaking Your Brand®. Her mission is to help women create thought leadership platforms to have the impact they desire in their field. But how do you get to that point? Is becoming a thought leader worth the time and effort? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Carol speaks about the power of sharing your personal experiences, what container you should use for your thought leadership, and the basics of her VOICE method. Don’t miss this awesome replay.
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Abbi Perets: How to Write Email Marketing Campaigns that Get Read - Episode 244

What does a successful email marketing campaign look like? How do you get people to read your emails and not just immediately trash them? Abbi Perets—The founder of Successful Freelance Mom—shares the secret to her successful email campaigns in this special replay of the Wingnut Social podcast! She’ll cover her TWO big rules, what makes people open emails, and why it’s important for there to be a purpose behind your content. Don’t miss it! 

Digital vs. Physical Product Libraries: Rex Rogosch Weighs In - Episode 243

With over 20 years of experience in the design industry, Rex Rogosch knows a thing or two. In his expert opinion, digital product libraries are the way of the future. Sourcing online is a breeze and many clients already have Pinterest boards plastered with the furniture and pieces they love. But is there still a place for physical product libraries? Are you ready to transition to a digital library? Learn more from Rex in this Wingnut Social Replay!

REPLAY: Up-Level Your Social Media Marketing with Pinterest [Kate Ahl] - Episode 242

When it comes to social media, Instagram gets a lot of the focus these days. But you can’t forget how successful Pinterest can be for interior designers. So in this Wingnut Replay, you’ll get to revisit episode #218 with none other than Kate Ahl—Ahl about boosting your social media marketing with Pinterest. Check it out!  

Kate Doster’s Attention-Grabbing Email Marketing Strategies - Episode 241

Is email marketing still relevant? How do you grow and nurture your email list? How important are lead magnets? These are just a few of the many topics Kate Doster covers in this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast. If you’re struggling to build email campaigns that convert, Kate is the go-to expert. Don’t miss her take! 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:24] Mini News Sesh: Facebook Update
[3:40] Learn all about Kate Doster
[4:44] Is email marketing still relevant? 
[7:18] How to compose a “Yeah, but…” email
[12:54] The lowdown on email lists
[17:33] How to attract the right subscribers
[20:27] Why you should work with Wingnut Social
[21:31] The importance of lead magnets
[26:13] How to grow and nurture your email list
[29:24] How often to use a call-to-action
[31:51] How the Apple iOS update impacts email
[33:41] The What Up Wingnut Round
[36:16] How to connect with Kate Doster
[40:12] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Kate Doster
The Inbox Besties Podcast
Kate Doster’s Courses
Connect with Kate on Instagram
Follow Kate on Twitter
Resources & People Mentioned
ActiveCampaign
MailChimp
ConvertKit
MailerLite
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Your emails need to grab someone’s attention
Why is someone going to their inbox? They’re bored, procrastinating, stuck watching their kids boring tv shows—who knows. But Kate knows that people go to their inbox for a hit of dopamine. Because you’re shooting for a dopamine hit, you want to give them a quick tip or anecdote. When people go to their inbox, they want a quick escape. 
People think emails need to be a large elaborate story. It doesn’t need to be that. But you do want to make sure your emails are relevant. If someone signs up for Kate’s email list, they get emails about email marketing and sales psychology. If she started talking about her fitness journey to her subscribers, people wouldn't care. They’d unsubscribe.
That being said, you can give them a random piece of information that’s tied back to your topic. You must be entertaining and stay true to your brand. You have to treat your subscribers like they’re one in a million, send relevant emails, and include the hit of dopamine. How can I make this person feel good today? How can I make them interested? How can I get them thinking? Start with an attention grabber.
Kate’s secret sauce: The “Yeah, but…” email
You want to give your subscribers something that answers the, “Yeah, but…” question. Yeah, I want this, but this is in the way. People always have “yeah, buts…” You have to identify what’s holding people back from making a decision. You can then share simple guides that give them the answer to their questions and leave them saying, “She gets me. She understands.” 
If someone is truly interested in getting their living room redesigned but can never agree on something with their spouse, you can share a guide that touches on how to mesh two different styles. Think of something that’s holding people back. Listen to hear what Kate’s specific tips for interior designers are!
The importance of lead magnets
If you have an interior design blog and want to share some dupes for a crazy expensive couch, that could be a lead magnet. You want to share an exclusive thing that people can only get if they join your email list. It can be hard to brainstorm ideas, so Kate shares some genius hacks. 
If you have a popular and relevant piece of content, upcycle it. If something on social media got a lot of engagement, can you turn it into a PDF? You can use that in an email. It doesn’t have to be reinventing the wheel. Create permanent versions of things that are excelling and offer that as your freebie.
Another pro tip? List out all of the excuses and concerns that people have around what you’re ultimately going to sell. Is it working with an interior designer? Is it sourcing? Is it doing something on a budget? Is it finding high-end dupes? If you aren’t sure, look at 2 and 3-star reviews on Amazon or snoop around in Facebook groups. What are people complaining about? When you address the “Yeah, but...” that someone has, it works. It all comes from knowing your ideal client. You want someone to say, “How did you know that’s what I needed?” 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com