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The Science Behind Intuition with Sunil Godse - Episode 210

What is intuition? Is it the same thing as a gut feeling? Is intuition the same for everyone? After making a series of bad decisions that led to the death of a friend, Sunil Godse spent thousands of hours researching how to help people stop making poor decisions by sharpening their intuition. Intuitionology was born. 
In this episode of Wingnut Social, Sunil talks about how to define intuition, the science of intuition, the four intuitive hurdles, and the four types of intuition. Whew. The episode is jam-packed with fascinating science and intuition-based information. Don’t miss it!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:30] FREE visibility training
[3:08] The dos and don’ts of Instagram
[8:53] The science of intuition 
[9:23] All about Intuitionology 
[16:34] How accurate is a gut feeling?
[21:47] The four intuitive hurdles
[28:26] How to differentiate fear
[33:27] The four different types of intuition
[39:41] Intuition is a two-way street
[45:27] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[51:41] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Sunil Godse
Sunil’s TEDx Talk
Intuitionology Seven Day Challenge
Follow on Twitter
Connect on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
FREE visibility training on March 3rd at 1 pm Est. with Amanda Berlin
Amanda Berlin’s Wingnut Social Episode #190
The Brain-Gut Connection
BOOK: Power vs. Force
Intuition is defined by individuals
How do you view intuition? When Sunil was 5, he wanted video games, which his Dad said were expensive. A voice in his head told him to go door-to-door to raise money. Other times, he had “things” in his mind telling him what not to do. What are these “somethings?” How do you define it? For some people, it’s a voice from God, spiritual manifestation, etc. But that didn’t resonate with Sunil. He refers to these “somethings” he felt as “signals.” 
Sunil started interviewing people about intuition. He went to a neurologist and talked to him about the science of the gut and neurons. More and more research shows that intuition happens before we’re even conscious of it. Intuition hits you at the amygdala—the fight or flight portion of the brain. 
All the amygdala knows is fear. There is no language in that part of the brain. If there’s no language, how can you give the experience a definition? Because you can understand what it feels like. Because of this, you get to construct your own language and definition of intuition. 
How accurate is a gut feeling?
Sunil interviewed over 1,000 people and found that there are positive and negative signals associated with intuition. Those signals are unique to each person. Positive signals are there to help you decide a decision because the decision is the right one. For Sunil, it feels like dots connecting or being in flow. Others refer to it as a gentle pull. One person referred to it as an omen. What are your positive signals?
Negative signals warn you that a decision you’re about to make is a bad one. For Sunil, a gut feeling is a negative signal. Negative signals can be subtle in nature. Everyone has gotten an instant “something is wrong feeling.” It can be so subtle that we tend to ignore it. But those signals get louder until they can’t be ignored. In some cases, people get headaches and one person heard the words “get out.”
That gut feeling may be signal #3 for Sunil. If it’s signal #3, that means he missed two signals—two opportunities to make the right decision. We need to take the time to figure out what our signals are. Or the consequences can cost you.
What are the four intuitive hurdles? How does this impact your decision-making? Keep listening to learn more!
The impact of listening to your intuition
In his research, Sunil found that infants as young as 2 months old have intuitive capabilities. Intuition takes experiences and puts them in your subconscious. It’s like a library. When you make a decision, your intuition goes into that personalized library and sorts through past decisions. You may think it’s a split-second decision, but your brain tells you that you’ve been there before. 
Sunil knows a man with cerebral palsy who finally got a chance to sink his toes into the sand on a beach. It was a lifelong dream of his. His friends wheeled him up to the sand and he fell flat on his face. He had two choices: he could succumb to fear and sit back in his wheelchair and leave. OR, he could trust his intuition, face the fear, and step into the water. 
So he walked in the water until the water got to his neck. Then he turned around. When he looked back, he saw how far he had come. That’s what happens when you listen to your intuitive signals. You take steps to battle the fear. If it’s a positive signal, take it. You develop confidence and shed fear. Anything you do is driven by intuition. If you start trusting your intuition, life will be great every single day.
What are the four different types of intuition? How do you know if a gut-feeling is negative intuition or you simply staying in your comfort zone? We’ve barely scratched the surface on this post. Listen to the whole episode to learn more about the power of intuition!
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

Want to Become a Thought Leader? Here’s How [Carol Cox Shares] - Episode 209

How do you become a thought leader? Is there any benefit to your bottom line? In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, Carol Cox shares how you can become a thought leader in your space. She covers the definition of a thought leader, the power of sharing personal experiences, and how to speak your brand with her VOICE method. Don’t miss it!
Carol Cox is the founder of Speaking Your Brand®, a coaching and training company that helps high-performing, purpose-driven women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and thought leadership platform, so they can grow their businesses, make a bigger impact, and become influencers in their fields.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:05] LuAnn Live + Book
[2:05] Wingnut hourly consulting
[2:48] Mini news sesh: Pinterest Story Pins
[8:59] Who is Carol Cox?
[10:49] Carol’s definition of a thought leader
[15:52] The power of sharing personal experiences
[21:40] What “Speaking Your Brand®” means
[24:19] Carol’s “VOICE” method
[27:13] The container for your thought leadership
[30:28] How to start writing your message
[35:30] What Up Wingnut! Round
[38:16] How to connect with Carol Cox
[43:28] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Carol Cox
Get Carol’s thought leadership workbook at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/darla/
Speaking Your Brand® Podcast
FREE Live Virtual Summit on April 1st, 2021
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
Friend on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
A Well-Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts Vol. 2
A Well-Designed Business Podcast
BOOK: Me and White Supremacy
BOOK: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
BOOK: The Signature of All Things: A Novel
Carol’s definition of a thought leader
What is a thought leader? According to Carol, a thought leader is someone who talks about things in their niche or circle of influence that aren’t often discussed. Maybe this person has a unique take on it. They’re direct + bold and put out original content. 
They’re presenting that content in a “thought leadership container.” They’re creating something that their audience can participate in. A thought leader must be passionate. What do you get on a soapbox about? Sharing that message can help other people and ultimately help them understand themselves better. You become a mirror or reflection so they learn more about themselves through your journey.
When Brene Brown’s TEDx talk took off years ago, she talked about her research around shame and vulnerability. Her talk became so popular because she put herself into it. She applied her research to herself and shared her story. 
Sue Monk Kidd (a novelist) said, “The deeper we go into our own personal experience, the more it becomes a universal experience.” The more you share the details of your story—not generically—the more the audience puts themselves in your shoes. 
Speaking Your Brand®
Carol takes a broad view of the term “speaking.” It can mean traditional public speaking, podcast interviews, panel discussions, and even sales conversations. Speaking Your Brand® means, “How are you communicating to your audience what you do, why you do it, how it helps, and who it helps?”
Think about the audience on the other side. What is their goal? What is it that they want? How can you have a dialogue with them so that they understand that you are a great fit for them based on your process, your expertise, and your values?
How do you do that? With Carol’s VOICE method. 
V: Your viewpoint that’s unique. What is it that you get on a soapbox about that otters aren’t talking about or doing?
O: Open, bold, and direct communication. Don’t sugarcoat the information that you provide. 
I: What is your individual story that you universalize? 
C: What is the container for your message? 
E: Be emotive, real, and vulnerable in your content and your delivery. 
How do you figure out what your container for thought leadership is? How do you get your audience involved in what you’re doing? Listen to hear Carol’s thoughts!
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

[Replay] Betsy Helmuth’s Guide to 10x Your Influence - Episode 208

Things are crazy in the Wingnut world, so this episode is a throwback to a popular episode: Betsy Helmuth’s Guide to 10x Your Influence. If you missed it the first time—don't miss it this time! Betsy Helmuth joins Darla in this episode to share exactly how she broadened her reach and got local and national exposure—and how you can too. Check it out!

Sean Castrina Shares Why You Should Never Say “No” to a “Yes” - Episode 207

Why should you never say “no” to a small project? How can you walk away without leaving money on the table? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Sean Castrina shares how he lands the clients and projects he wants—which means saying a lot of “yes.” If you’re ready to level-up your business, don’t miss this episode. 
Sean Castrina is a serial entrepreneur, having started more than 20 companies over the last 20 years, and still seeks to launch a new venture annually. He is the author of 8 Unbreakable Rules for Business Startup Success, The Greatest Entrepreneur in the World, and the World’s Greatest Business Plan. He hosts one of the most popular business podcasts on the planet—The 10 Minute Entrepreneur. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:57] A Well-Designed Business Vol. 2
[3:24] Shoppable posts on Instagram
[10:48] All about Sean Castrina
[12:55] Don’t leave money on the table
[14:12] How to upsell your design services
[19:05] Vetting high-end interior design clients
[22:12] Why you should never turn down a yes
[28:47] The relationship with the designer
[31:40] Employ the right advertising
[35:25] Should you list pricing online? 
[37:02] Sean’s genius marketing strategies
[41:24] What Up Wingnut! Round
[43:19] Learn more about Sean Castrina
[48:38] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Sean Castrina
Get a FREE book from Sean: The 8 Unbreakable Rules For Business Startup Success
The 10-Minute Entrepreneur Podcast
Advantage Home Contracting
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
A Well-Designed Business: The Power Talk Friday Experts Vol. 2
LuAnn Live
Facebook Guidelines for Merchants
BOOK: Rich Dad Poor Dad
BOOK: Think and Grow Rich
BOOK: The Speed of Trust
Upsell your design services with these simple steps
80% of the work is out of the way once you meet with a client. The cost to acquire a customer is the heavy lifting. Why wouldn’t they want to give you more business? It’s more convenient for them to use you in the process. It’s not to their advantage to have five different contractors in this process. Wouldn’t they rather have him control the project and be responsible for it? 
Sean emphasizes that “Customers want convenience, deadlines, and adhering to a budget more than any other thing.” They perceive that it will be simpler to hire multiple people or that they’ll save money. But speed and the right outcome will override money any time. Sean establishes a budget they can bet their life on. He will guard their money like oxygen. 
He’s giving them the convenience of having only one person to be accountable to. Once you bring other people in, it becomes a nightmare. So Sean uses his own subcontractors/employees. What if the client insists on using their own contractors? How does Sean vett his clients? Listen to hear what Sean thinks you should do.
Never turn down a “yes”
Sean implores you: Never turn down a “Yes” of a target customer. The customer is saying “We want to see how this goes.” He knows he will exceed their expectations so he’ll gain all the money later anyway. What do you gain by leaving? You’ll lose a customer indefinitely. If they only want a small project completed and you’re still getting your hourly rate? Just say yes. 
There is no job too small if you have your target customer. You are trying to collect the most people that like and need what you offer. Sean loves having small jobs in-between large jobs. It’s a great way to introduce your business to a target customer and develop a relationship that can lead to more work down the road. 
Why you need to employ the right advertising
Sean knows that their advertising lets people know that they’re not cheap from the get-go. That’s the point. They run regional super-bowl ads and radio ads. They have brand new vans. They have a huge corner office. You can define your credibility from the beginning with the right advertising. 
His target customer needs to understand that every purchase won’t be the least expensive thing. If they’re going to buy everything from Wayfair, they don’t need Sean. The image you put out in your advertising can project pricing. You can frame your ads to make yourself look the next tier that you are. 
What are some more of Sean’s genius marketing strategies? How does he continuously deliver value for his clients? Listen for more of Sean’s expert business advice.
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

How to Write Email Campaigns that DON’T Suck [with Abbi Perets] - Episode 206

How many of you swipe and delete emails without giving them a second glance—but expect your mailing list to read yours? How do you write email sequences that don’t get immediately trashed? The founder of Successful Freelance Mom—and email sequence genius—Abbi Perets shares her secret sauce in this episode of Wingnut Social (HINT: It’s NOT about a killer subject line). 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:20] Invite-Only: Clubhouse
[12:51] All about Abbi Perets
[14:52] Two rules Abbi lives by
[17:45] How do you create value?
[21:33] Make it about the reader
[27:04] A discussion on frequency
[29:44] Send an email sequence with a purpose
[35:10] The platform(s) Abbi recommends 
[37:01] What up Wingnut! Round
[38:46] How to connect with Abbi
[42:05] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Abbi Perets
Successful Freelance Mom
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Check out LuAnn Live!
Clubhouse app
ConvertKit
ActiveCampaign
Dr. Squatch
BOOK: The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty
Abbi’s two rules for email campaigns
Before Abbi even thinks about open rates, she focuses on two key things:
Don’t lie—ever. Don’t say something is only for sale for two days if it’s always on sale. Don’t say a webinar expires if it doesn’t. Don’t send emails saying “We broke the internet.” everyone sees through it.
Embrace the golden rule. Treat people the way they want to be treated. Don’t send an email you wouldn’t want to receive. If you don’t want to look your kids in the eye and say “I sell snake oil for a living”—don’t. 
What makes people open an email? 
What do you look at first when you get an email? You don’t look at the subject line, you look at who the email is from. The subject line isn’t as important as your name. Abbi emphasizes that you want people to associate your name with value. So how do you create value?
The first email someone gets from you is usually because of a lead magnet. You’re sending them the thing that they asked for. So start your email by giving them what they asked for!
Then, set the stage for what’s coming. Let them know what the sequence will include—and what’s in it for them. How are you going to make their lives better? Videos aren’t the answer. Worksheets aren’t the answer. People want outcomes. Focus on the benefits, not the features. Always think: would I want to read this?
Another expert tip? Take the word “I” out and replace it with “you.” Instead of saying “I had the worst week. I lost two clients and I had the flu,” say “Did you ever have a week where you lost two clients and had the flu?” Now, suddenly, the reader is in the center of the story.
How else can you make it about the reader? How frequently should you send emails? Listen to learn more!
Create email campaigns with a purpose
When the internet was new—and people were still excited to get email—you signed up for newsletters, right? People don’t want that anymore. They want content that has a purpose. How do you do that? According to Abbi, you should start with the end in mind. Where are you taking someone at the end of a sequence? It doesn’t have to be about selling. Maybe you want to push them into a free Facebook group. 
What does Abbi do with subscribers who are new and may not be “ready” to dive into her weekly subscription? She sends them into her “hidden” or “big love” sequences. What are those? How does it change her email campaign game? Find out by listening to this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast!
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

Wendy Woloshchuk’s Time Blocking Tips for Designers - Episode 205

Are you familiar with the concept of time blocking? Will it make you more productive and efficient with your time? Or are you set in your ways and happy with your current routine? Wendy Woloschuk knows that blocking her time makes her more efficient. In this episode, she shares her tips and tricks for optimal time-blocking success. After all, time is money—how much are you wasting?
Wendy Woloshchuk is the owner of Details Interiors. In addition to running a busy design firm, Wendy is a frequent speaker on Market panels and tele-summits and is now teaching other designers through online courses. She is one-third of the Design for Today Collaborative, a group committed to educating Interior Designers and Home Stagers.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[3:04] Mini News Sesh: The Instagram Algorithm
[9:45] Who is Wendy Woloschuk?
[11:54] What is time blocking?
[16:43] How to handle time-sensitive communication
[19:55] How to track your time-blocks
[22:00] Self-discipline will lead to habit
[24:00] How Wendy handles sourcing for clients
[27:42] Should you schedule a break each hour?
[28:45] The Design for Today Collaborative
[31:07] What Up Wingnut! Round
[35:24] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Wendy Woloshchuk
Details Interiors
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Unleash the Power Within
Design for Today Collaborative
Wingnut Social Episode 36
Book: Unleash the Power Within
mydoma
Wendy Woloschuk’s version of time blocking
Time blocking is a way of intentionally planning out every minute of your day. It forces you to manage your time efficiently and helps you focus on what you’re doing. If you are multi-tasking, you are focusing on a million different things and not doing any of them at 100%, right? The premise of time blocking is that when you give one task 100% of your attention, you’re more effective. 
At Wendy’s firm, they break down each specific day into a time-block. She starts every day with a cup of coffee, time on Facebook and Instagram, exercising, showering, and getting to the office. On Mondays, her assistant blocks time for social media, their blog, and the newsletter. She has another block for emails. They block in lunch and move on to client work. They check email and social media one more time at the end of the day.
How do you know where to start? Wendy shares these simple steps:
Start with a list of your regular weekly tasks
Plug in the most important tasks first
Fill other tasks in around those
What’s the key to optimal success? Listen to find out!
How Wendy handles sourcing for clients
If you’re taking 3 hours to find something that should take you half an hour, then you’re losing money. So Wendy gives herself a set amount of time—half an hour—to find a certain product. Why? If you can’t find it in half an hour, your brain needs to move on and you come back to it. 
Sourcing takes time and practice. It requires knowing your vendors. Giving yourself half an hour helps you get it done more quickly. Once you’ve found something that will work perfectly, don’t keep looking. You can always go back and adjust if necessary. 
She always works on one client at a time. While she’s sourcing for one person—if she sees something that’s a good fit for someone else—she makes a note and moves on. 
Self-discipline becomes habit
When you have a schedule set and you’ve ben time blocking for a couple of weeks, Wendy notes that it will become a habit. It’s saved her many hours a day. When you get lost in a rabbit-hole, it’s hard to get refocused. But time blocking gives you something to reference to help you get back on track. She notes that it does get easier—and is 100% worth the effort. Hear the rest of her time blocking tips by listening to the whole 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!
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

Richard Tarity Shares Why Now is THE Time to Embrace eDesign - Episode 204

Should you add eDesign to your portfolio—if you haven’t already? 2020 was a hot year to embrace eDesign. If you haven’t already jumped on the bandwagon, Richard Tarity shares WHY you need to in this special bonus episode of the Wingnut Social podcast. He also shares how Foyr is changing eDesign with its groundbreaking capabilities.
Richard Tarity has been a technology thought leader for over two decades. He is a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur and the President of North America for Foyr—the world’s fastest-growing online cloud-based design software. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:17] Who is Richard Tarity?
[3:46] Richard’s background with Foyr
[6:07] New and experienced designers are on board
[741] Are you leaving money on the table?
[9:37] What is a “down and dirty” render?
[11:20] Does Foyr have a learning curve?
[16:00] WHY you should offer eDesign
[23:55] The product catalogs that Foyr uses
[25:41] What makes Foyr better than any other platform
[29:40] Foyr’s gift to Wingnut listeners!
[34:42] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Richard Tarity
Connect on LinkedIn
Foyr Neo
Foyr Talk Series
Fory on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Use Promo code DARLA35 for 35% off your quarterly or annual FoyrNeo Subscription!
Wingnut Social Episode #150
Are you leaving money on the table?
Designers are still not necessarily offering eDesign as a standalone service. Should that change?
Richard has noticed that “The designers that have aggressively pursued getting themselves into a position to offer eDesign are taking advantage of a much wider audience.” You don’t have to stay niched in your community or region. eDesign gives you reach.
You will need to market differently. You have to watch how you’re presenting your brand and your style because it becomes about attracting the right personas to you. It’s opened up a new revenue stream for some interior designers. If you’re not taking advantage of it, you might just be leaving money on the table.
How does Foyr work? How is it different from other rendering programs? Does it come with a learning curve? Does this work for high-end interior designers? Listen to learn more about it!
Why should you offer eDesign?
Richard emphasizes that with eDesign, you aren’t limited by geography. You aren’t tied down and can work with anyone, anywhere. What does that mean? More potential revenue. When you design with a signature style, you want to attract people in your spectrum wherever they are.
Before the pandemic, many high-end designers would have to travel somewhere OR the consumer would only find someone local to them. Now, you can do work around the world without physically being there. You can still engage at a higher level.
eDesign is a collaboration tool that allows you to change things on the fly. Richard also points out that“As we go forward, you have to think more about what the consumer is going through and less about how we want to function doing the actual activities.” How do they want to consume design?
It’s not all or nothing. You can offer eDesign and in-person design. You can still provide a high-end luxury service. Why not embrace a hybrid method?
Foyr Neo in action
Richard redid his basement last year and did the design himself in the Neo software. The company that he hired to complete the basement did designs in SketchUp. After he finished up Neo, he asked them to look at the software and test it out. They still use Foyr Neo today. Not only that, but they’ve signed 11 basements because of it. 
The software has been a game-changer for them. They show people what their spaces could look like, they collaborate, and then they share their pricing. All of the other contractors in their region still use a paper board. The value add—by integrating their software—has paid off exponentially. 
What product catalogs does Foyr use? What makes them different from any other platform? 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!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Wingnut Social Podcast Sponsor 
Foyr Neo
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Jessica Harling's Genius Hiring Process for Small Businesses - Episode 203

How do you make your first hire? What processes should you have in place to avoid making mistakes? Should you simplify the process and use a recruiting agency? Jessica Harling shares her expertise in hiring in this episode of Wingnut Social! If you’re running a small business ready for growth, do not miss this practical and oh so important episode.
Jessica Harling is a 4th-generation window treatment specialist and founder of Behind the Design. She is a leading expert in employee engagement for design organizations. She specializes in recruitment, training, and process development that drives results. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:09] Mini News Sesh with Shana Heinricy
[13:29] What makes Jessica an expert in hiring
[15:19] What you want versus what you need
[18:12] Where to start with hiring
[20:13] Should you put an ad on Indeed?
[23:03] Should you use personality assessments in hiring?
[31:15] Having the conversation about money
[32:45] The legalese: non-competes
[35:33] The advantages of using a recruiter 
[42:06] The importance of following a process
[43:03] What Up Wingnut! Round
[44:44] How to connect with Jessica
[49:31] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Jessica Harling
Go Behind the Design
Connect on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
BOOK: Traction by Gino Whitman
How to Fascinate Personality Test
The Predictive Index
Indeed
ZipRecruiter
Where do you even start with hiring?
What are you good at? Where are your weaknesses? What thing doesn’t bring you joy? Jessica recommends hiring people that fill your weaknesses. If you’re awesome at the books, don’t delegate the books. For most interior designers, they need admin support. Look at your day-to-day. Of all the tasks, which can be delegated?
Jessica recommends utilizing your network to look for candidates. You have clients, contractors, and vendors that you can leverage to help you find what you’re looking for. Let your network know that you’re actively looking to hire. Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn are great resources to use. 
Jessica suggests implementing some sort of hoop to jump through to weed out those who aren’t serious, such as requiring them to submit a cover letter with the application. If you get 1,000 applications but only 100 have a cover letter, it immediately helps you narrow the search. 
Should you use personality assessments in hiring?
Jessica believes that it is critical for you to use personality assessments. You want to learn about someone’s characteristics and whether or not they’re capable of doing the role. If you’re hiring an admin who’s going to be making 20 calls a day and they aren’t good on the phone, they won’t be a good match. Jessica likes using the Predictive Index and How to Fascinate, but there are numerous other personality tests that you can try. 
Want to weed out more candidates? You can have them do homework along the way as part of the process. You can even ask someone to bring a portfolio or a resume with them. It’s a test that they follow instructions. If you aren't sure they’re cut out for it, bring them in and have them shadow you for the day. It’s like a ride-along. Jessica wouldn’t recommend doing more than 3–5 steps in your recruiting process. You should know by that point if someone is a good fit. 
The advantages of using a recruiter 
Recruiters could be on the phone with 20–30 people a day to find the one person that you want. Because of that, recruiters know more about candidate responses and how to cut through them. Jessica knows when someone will be wishy-washy. But what would Jessica need to know about your business to find the best match?
Jessica will dig into the brand and how they operate. Is the owner present every day? What is the culture of the company? What are the benefits, compensation, and schedule? From there, she aligns the company with the best prospect. She won’t give the company a candidate that could be a great salesperson but won’t work in the company culture. 
How else does Jessica’s business fill a missing gap in recruiting? What legalese do you need to know to protect your small business? Listen to the whole episode to take advantage of Jessica’s expertise!
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

The Design World Hot Topic: Free Design Consultations [Sandra Funk Replay] - Episode 202

Do you charge for a design consultation? Or do you offer it free-of-cost? Does a free consultation go against everything you believe in? This widely-debated highly-controversial topic is THE topic of conversation of late, which is why Darla chose to replay this amazing episode with Sandra Funk. 
Sandra has been in business for 20+ years. In those 20 years, Sandra has NEVER charged for design consultations. Darla and Natalie stopped charging for consultations as a beta-test—and decided to stick with it. Listen to this episode of Wingnut Social to find out why!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:41] Sandra’s FREE design consultations
[7:00] The consultation is for vetting clients
[9:45] The wise way to choose a project
[11:42] Why Sandra offers online design
[13:16] Tips for designers who are just starting out
[17:27] What Sandra’s design consultation looks like
[20:30] How does Sandra account for loss of consultation income?
[23:00] The Interior Design Standard program
[26:08] How easy is the program for a new design student?
[29:59] What up Wingnut! round
[31:23] How to connect with Sandra Funk
Connect with Sandra Funk
House of Funk
Sandra on Instagram
The Interior Design Standard
Resources & People Mentioned
Make Every Man Want You by Marie Forleo
Sandra Funk’s Trade Resources
Tips for designers who are just starting out
Sandra’s typical project takes between 8–18 months to complete. She includes full drawings and a timeline of the scope and scale of the job in the consultation. But if she is already giving design suggestions at that first meeting, it’s telling the client she already has the whole design in her head. Offering ideas in 90-minutes diminishes the entire project. Sandra prefers to carefully craft a design that will unfold over the course of the project. She will come up with something incredible for them—and it won’t be designed in just one hour in their home. 
But how do you decide what to charge if you’re just starting out? In her Interior Design Standard program, Sandra offers a wealth manifestation spreadsheet (AKA a budget). It starts by helping you identify your overhead like rent, staff, and utilities. Then you offset it with what you want to make for the year. It allows you to see where your sales need to be to make your business succeed. You can play around with your margins, but this is a great starting point. Sandra’s overhead dictates that she has to take on projects in homes over $1 million with projects at least $100,000 in scope.
She emphasizes that everyone else will be different depending on your region, price point, overhead, etc. It is important to only say yes to the clients that fit your ideal client avatar. They need to be a fit for you. Sandra notes that “It’s not about ‘Can they afford it’, it’s about what makes sense.” How does Sandra account for loss of consultation income? Listen to hear her solution! 
The Interior Design Standard program
Sandra brought her finance degree and 20 years of experience to the table when she created this program. She sought to set the standard for the interior design industry. It lays out a great business model to be profitable and efficient. It also includes systems, scripts, and everything she uses to run her business. It’s one of the most comprehensive programs Darla has ever seen. It’s perfect for baby designers as well as seasoned experts. 
The program is intended to be the backbone of your business. It can be everything you need to run an interior design business but it is scaled to you. There’s not a single thing you need to do in the process that doesn’t have a task assigned to it. Learn more about free design consultations and Sandra’s Interior Design Standard by listening to the whole episode! 
Disclaimer: Darla has switched to a FREE design consultation at Darla Powell Interiors. Miami is a different beast and free consultations led to more bookings. The bottom line? Do what works for you and your business!
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

How to Use Influencers to GROW Your Business - Episode 201

How do you use influencers to grow your business? How do you tap into your local influencer market? How do you nail down your value proposition to decide what influencer is THE best fit for your business? 
Darla has talked about how to become an influencer in your space. Now, it’s time to flip the script and learn how to partner with someone to build your brand awareness. Eric Dahan joins Darla in this episode of Wingnut Social to share his expertise in the space. Check it out!
Eric Dahan is a serial entrepreneur who is the CEO and co-founder of Open Influence. He’s an authority in the influencer marketing space. Dahan has established Open Influence as the premier influencer marketing company. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:55] The end of the year is near!
[3:23] Darla’s New Years Resolution 
[5:07] The mini news sesh [with Shana Heinricy]
[15:34] Is Influencer still a dirty word?
[20:34] But first—you MUST know your audience
[24:04] How to find an influencer that aligns with your brand
[29:47] How do you determine the value of influence?
 [38:25] What up Wingnut! Round
[41:55] How to connect with Eric
Connect with Eric Dahan
Open Influence
Open Influence on Instagram
Eric on Twitter
Eric on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
Get an SEO Audit!
LuAnn Live
The Power Talk Friday Experts Vol. 2
Episode 172: How to Cultivate a Healthy Mindset
BOOK: The World is Flat
Step #1: Know your brand + know your audience
How are you trying to communicate your brand? You need to consider where your audience is and understand them implicitly. So where do you start? Ask the question: What’s my value proposition to my audience? You work backward from there. It’s simple advice, but people tend to glaze right through it. Choosing an influencer to work with needs to be a strategic decision. This exercise forces you to refine what you know about your business and articulate it. 
Eric points out that you need to lean toward influencers that have an audience in your market. You need the message, the messenger, and the audience to align for an effective result from a campaign. He notes that “Finding the right influencer that talks to the right audience isn’t enough. You need to then craft the message and the call-to-action that will resonate with them.”
You also need to understand the customer journey of your audience. Are they on Pinterest looking for inspiration? Are there certain accounts they follow from a lifestyle standpoint? You want to find an influencer with a similar audience that talks about topics that are interesting and relevant to your audience. Eric and Darla talk through some examples and ideas—so listen for inspiration!
How do you determine the value of influence?
Everyone wants to barter or trade with influences and no one wants to pull out their wallet. Maybe the first or second post for your business could be a favor if you have an established relationship. But the truth is, influencers need to get paid—they can’t pay their bills with free stuff. 
How do you determine the value of their influence? In terms of dollar amounts, Eric shares that there are so many variables, including:
Follower size
Impression rates
Audience breakdown
Past performance
Vertical/category
Content format
You could be looking at $500 to $1,500 for one to several posts. Layer in the relationship aspect with a payment. Make sure the content being produced is as good as it can be. 
You also have to consider, what is the education curve of your product? If it’s an impulse buy—like a toothbrush—you get the value proposition instantly. But if you’re selling interior design services, people don’t just scroll through and add it to their cart. It takes a lot of consideration—maybe even 3–6 months’ worth. You’ll never convert with one story or video.
In that case, you may want to look for an ambassadorship and ongoing relationship with an influencer. Doing so keeps you top of mind for your audience. It always comes back to: What does the customer journey look like? And how do you adjust your strategy to fit into that journey? 
Hear the full conversation on tapping into your local influencer market in this episode of Wingnut Social!
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

Happy Holidays from Wingnut Social! – Episode 200

2020 has been a difficult year for much of the world. Darla has faced her own share of personal difficulties throughout the year. But she always falls back on this bible verse:
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Whenever Darla feels like she can’t get through the struggle or overcome the hurdles she’s facing, she thinks of that verse. She just lets God take control. But Darla wanted to leave listeners with a challenge:
“What personal and professional challenges have come your way, and how are you handling them? How are you showing up? What are your goals for 2021? Are you just listening to them and nodding your head? Or are you actually taking action? Are you going outside of your comfort zone to grow into your potential? And now at the end of the year here, it's time to decide, do we accept that challenge going into 2021? Or do we stay comfortable?”
Only YOU can answer that. But Darla hopes that in some small part that this podcast has given you some value, entertainment, and tips to help you achieve your goals personally and professionally. 
“I do know that I am so grateful for you. And let me tell you—we got this—you and me together.”
Tune in to this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast for a heartwarming message from Darla—and a lot of belly laughs as you get to listen to a year full of bloopers. 
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

Jeff Harry: Why You Need to Infuse More Play in Your Day - Episode 199

Jeff Harry defines play as “Any joyful act where you are fully present in the moment. It has no purpose or result.” You are fully in love with what is actually happening. Your play moments are the best moments of your life when you feel most alive. You are in flow. 
What is the work where you forget about time? How much of that work do you do on a given day? Jeff shares that identifying the work that you LOVE to do and increasing it by even just 1–2% has a ripple effect. Play can make you more productive, creative, and successful in the long run. It gives you momentum. How do you do that? Learn how in this episode of Wingnut Social!
Jeff Harry shows individuals and companies how to tap into their true selves to feel their happiest and most fulfilled—all through the medium of play. He has worked with Microsoft, Google, Southwest Airlines, the NFL, Adobe, Facebook, and Amazon, helping them learn how to infuse more play into their day.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[3:36] Instagram has launched keyword search
[6:19] All about Jeff Harry
[8:29] Play can help you reach your zone of genius
[10:20] Do you have to rewire your brain? 
[13:09] Why don’t adults play enough? 
[17:17] How to integrate play into business
[21:31] What do you do with your employees?
[25:38] Determine your team’s appreciation language
[33:10] Does play factor into growing your business?
[35:51] How to infuse more play in your day
[50:06] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[53:33] How to connect with Jeff Harry
[56:33] Delegate outside of your zone of genius
[1:00:56] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Jeff Harry
Jeff’s Website: Rediscover Your Play
Follow on Twitter
Watch on YouTube
Jeff’s TikTok
Resources & People Mentioned
LuAnn Nigara
BOOK: The Power Talk Friday Experts Vol. 2
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
Hubspot article on Employee Feedback
BOOK: The Artist’s way
BOOK: The Big Leap
BOOK: Tuesdays with Morrie
Overcome the “shoulds” to get to you
Why is play such a lost art? Jeff points out that by the time you reach the age of 18, you will have heard the word “no'' 148,000 times. On top of that, every adult in your life piles “shoulds” on you. Then you go to school where you’re told to raise your hand, ask for permission, etc. You hit your teens and you’re bombarded with social media. You get more information in a day than people in the 1950s got in one year. It tells you you’re not enough, you need to buy this, etc. All the answers are external.
Anytime you try to do anything that is “you”, you are considered mischievous or weird. You’re considered “too much” or “extra.” It’s such a rebellious act to simply be yourself. Ask yourself: What do I love to do? What makes me come alive? What makes me feel good about myself? Do something because you want to or because it brings you joy. It doesn’t have to have productive value, a sense, or a purpose. But you’re having fun. It puts you in a positive mindset and you’re priming your brain to look at every opportunity as play.
How do you integrate play into business? How do you encompass a play-oriented mindset in the workplace? How do you determine your team’s appreciation language? Jeff Harry takes a deep-dive into these topics—don’t miss it!
How to infuse more play in your day
Jeff walks through some exercises in this episode that HAVE to be shared. Where do you start? He notes that you cannot play until you’ve calmed yourself down. If you’re angry or in an anxiety-ridden state, you can’t play. 
You have to soothe yourself and calm yourself down first. Side note: make sure it’s a healthy form of calming yourself down. Jeff soothes himself by taking showers. Other people go on a walk or run or free-write. 
Get bored. Your best ideas come when you’re bored. Shut off social media and stop binge-watching Netflix. When you consume, you can’t create. It makes you feel like there’s nothing left in the world to create. 
It’s easier to create when you aren’t listening to everyone else. Practice listening to yourself. Start listening for that whisper, your inner curiosity. It will suggest something both exciting and really scary. Create a video. Start a side business. Start a podcast. Email someone. You have to strengthen the ability to live in your own intuition.
Three exercises to kickstart creativity
Another exercise? Get 3 people that know you really well and ask them these questions:
What value do I bring to your life? We often don’t know what we do for people. Why are we friends? Why did you hire me?
When have you seen me most alive? When have you seen me most engaged, most playful, most creative, most present? Most happy?
When you get 3–5 people to give you that information back and you look at it, you get so many answers and gems of wisdom. 
You can also get your friends together and do what Jeff calls a “Tipsy Storm” over Zoom. You get tipsy on alcohol, chocolate, ice cream, whatever it is, and brainstorm together. Write down ideas. Go to bed, wake up, and return to that list. Circle the one that resonates the most with you and see where it takes you.
Bonus exercise: What did you do as a kid that brought you joy? How can that be tied to the work you love to do now? Take those “play” values from your childhood and find the work that you love to do most that encompass those values. 
Jeff’s final challenge: Allow your emotions to fully envelop you. When you fully feel it, you can let it go. When you allow emotion in, you live a more fulfilling life. Let your grief and sadness out. People haven’t mourned 2020. Write down everything you wanted to accomplish in 2020 that you didn’t get to, mourn them, fold it up, fold it into an airplane, and let it go. What do you want to do with the last 23 days of 2020? What impact do I want to have?
Are you ready to stop “shoulding” on yourself so much? Are you ready to show up? Listen to the whole episode for more of Jeff’s amazing insight into positive psychology. 
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

Betsy Helmuth’s Guide to 10x Your Influence - Episode 198

How do you broaden your influence? How do you get exposure with local and national media? Where do you start? Betsy Helmuth joins this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast to share exactly how she broadened her reach—and how you can too. If you’re ready to 10x your influence, this is the episode for you. 
Betsy is the owner of Affordable Interior Design and a nationally celebrated interior designer. She can transform modest spaces into beautiful environments—on a budget. She’s appeared on The Today Show, HGTV, DIY Network, CBS, NBC and in dozens of magazines and newspapers. She heads up AID academy and wrote the book Affordable Interior Design. She also hosts an interior decorating podcast. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:53] All about Betsy Helmuth
[4:06] Instagram Guides are here!
[7:48] How to be a fresh slice o’ pie
[14:10] Press and media give you credibility
[15:49] Printed papers are still viable promotion
[19:22] What are the ingredients of the pie? 
[23:12] Betsy’s books impact on her business
[29:46] Betsy’s advice to the camera-shy
[33:39] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[36:17] How to connect with Betsy Helmuth
[40:00] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Betsy Helmuth
Affordable Interior Design
Affordable Interior Design Podcast
The AID academy
Betsy’s website
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Episode 194: How to Rewire your Mindset
Episode 153: Instagram Guides
Episode 191: Can Writing a Book Catapult Your Career?
BOOK: The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz
60 Days In
Be a fresh slice o’ pie
Betsy has been on TV—almost from day one. She loves all things TV. It’s the language she speaks. If you want to get on tv, it helps to be in a place where there’s a ton of media. But if you’re in smaller towns, the bonus is that there’s less competition. News and media outlets constantly need content. They’re looking for stories. But most people approach them the wrong way.
Betsy emphasizes that you need to come to them with “A fresh slice of lemon pie.” When you bite into it, it needs to be refreshing and delicious yet creamy and decadent. You need to give the media something timely and fresh and you can’t make them do the work. You can easily get to anyone’s mailbox through a Google search. Show up in that mailbox with a baked pie. How do you do that? 
What are the ingredients of the pie? 
Here are a few tips to craft a pitch that your local media will want to gobble up: 
Become familiar with the outlet. They want to know you understand them.
Speak to them the way they speak to others. What’s their vibe? What words do they use? Speak their language. 
Do they love transformations? Doing craft projects on air? Pitch them something they haven't done before. Give them something fresh. 
Who are you? What resonates with your brand? What are you an authority on? 
Betsy cautions that you have to be prepared to spend hours on this and never get a response. Be prepared to pitch repeatedly. Be prepared to get the door slammed in your face many times. But when you finally hit it, it gives you legitimacy in your client’s eyes for years to come. How do you reach out? What do you say? Listen for all of Betsy’s tips!
Did Betsy’s book 10x her influence?
Betsy cannot stress this enough: Don’t write a book hoping to make money. If you do make money, you are one of the rare few. She sees her book as the shiny version of a business card. It helps people get to know you. It lends credibility to your expertise in the space. Think of it as a key that can open some doors. It can introduce you in a new way. But now that self-publishing is so popular, writing a book isn’t so special anymore. 
She points out that there are so many other ways to be relevant—like hosting a podcast. You can start a podcast covering your core ten principles and you still get visibility. According to Betsy, you should “Choose what comes organically to you. I love to write and I love to present. Those things are things that fill me up whether or not I make money, whether or not they get me anywhere.” 
Give something fresh that’s you. Do you have anything new or innovative to share in the space? She states that life is too freaking short. Don’t do what other people say legitimizes you. Do what feels valuable to you and the people you want to reach. Are you still achieving what you want to achieve? Don’t run anyone else’s race. Betsy notes “The time and energy that it takes to make something good is not worth it if it’s not authentic.”
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

Social Media Copyright Guidelines: How to Protect Your Content with Jamie Lieberman - Episode 197

Do you share other people’s content on social media? Are you familiar with social media copyright guidelines? Do you know how to protect your own work if the situation arises? Jamie Lieberman shares her expertise on the legality of all things social media in this episode of Wingnut Social. To learn more about the basics of copyright law, handling inspiration posts, getting bland collaborations, and protecting your content—listen now!
Jamie Lieberman is the owner and founder of Hashtag Legal and has been a practicing attorney for more than 15 years. She’s currently on the Board of Directors for The Influencer Marketing Association. Jamie is well-versed in the legal hangups that haunt creative-based businesses. She’s also a co-author—along with Darla—in the upcoming book A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume II. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:43] Choosing Images for Instagram
[3:40] All about Jamie Lieberman
[5:25] Legality and influencer marketing
[7:54] Jamie’s chapter in LuAnn’s book
[10:27] Understand the basics of copyright law
[11:47] How to handle “inspiration” posts
[15:18] Brand collaborations + licensing
[20:13] What’s more important: followers or engagement? 
[22:55] The DMCA Takedown Notice
[26:50] Facebook: claiming copyright ownership
[28:39] The future of social media
[31:52] What up Wingnut! Round
[33:46] How to connect with Jamie Lieberman
[38:28] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Jamie Lieberman
Hashtag Legal
The (un)business school™
Follow on Twitter
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
DMCA Takedown
The Influencer Marketing Association
BOOK: The War of Art
BOOK: My Own Words
The basics of copyright law
Jamie emphasizes that you have to think about the goal of your social media. What is it doing for your business? Is it your whole business as an influencer? Or simply a marketing tool? You then have to think about:
What content am I creating?
Who is creating it? 
Who owns it?
If you’re creating it yourself, then you own it. If someone else is creating it for you, you have to make sure you still own it. You must only use other people’s content with permission. It’s intellectual property that is copyrighted. You need a general understanding of copyright rules. 
The dos and don’ts of inspiration posts
How should you handle inspiration posts? Jamie’s “lawyer” answer is that you cannot share anyone’s content that you do not have permission to share. Attribution is NOT the same as permission. If you want to use someone else’s content—ask them if you can share it. Sharing on an Instagram story is fine because it’s sharing their content. But a lot of people copy and paste someone else's work and put it in an original post—which is NOT okay. You have to be careful about how you’re using someone else’s content. 
Photographers have become very sensitive about this. Their images get shared and used without their permission over and over again—and many aren’t standing for it anymore. Jamie had a client with over a million followers on their Facebook page. He posted a photo—with attribution—that led to a protracted fight. He just said it was a beautiful photo and wasn’t trying to monetize it, but the bottom line is that he didn’t have permission. 
DMCA Takedown Notice
If you are the owner of the image, you have the right to require someone to remove it—even if you haven’t registered a copyright. By nature, when you create an original work, it’s yours. So how do you handle it? Collaborative negotiation. Unless there’s a contentious background, reach out without a lawyer. You can simply send an email and request they take down your image.
If that doesn’t work, you can file a DMCA Takedown Notice. All of the social media networks can do it. If you own copyright protected material and someone is using it without permission, you can file the notice. It’s the same with a website host. It gets it done. But what if your end goal is monetary compensation?
Jamie points out that it’s more difficult to get monetary damages without a copyright registration. If you have it, you may be eligible for damages. You can send the demand yourself or have your lawyer help you. But at the end of the day, you have to question what your end goal is. Jamie emphasizes that “Your intellectual property is only as strong as you’re willing to protect it.” If someone is infringing on that, Jamie recommends asking them to take it down. 
How do you claim ownership of your own work on Facebook? How do you cultivate long-term collaborations with brands? Where is the future of social media headed? Jamie answers all of these questions and more in this episode. 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!
1-877-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

How to Fuse Traditional + Digital Marketing with Steven Glaze - Episode 196

Have you found the perfect blend of traditional marketing and digital marketing in your business? How do you know what to leverage—and when? In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, Steven Glaze shares how his business blends the two styles of marketing to create a highly successful marketing process.
Steven is an expert in the home exterior remodeling industry. He started working at his father’s roofing company at the age of 16 and was managing crews by 18. Today he is the VP of Sales at Smart Exteriors LLC, an award-winning design company in Kansas City. He’s also the author of The Home Owner's Buying Guide to Exterior Siding in Kansas City. Don’t miss his innovative marketing ideas—give it a listen!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:27] Snap Connect
[3:42] Who is Steven Glaze?
[4:35] Steven Glaze’s background in marketing
[8:13] Facebook marketing: you can’t beat it
[8:56] Direct mail marketing vs. digital marketing
[10:23] Community outreach as a marketing tool
[13:33] Leveraging organic SEO
[16:33] How the pandemic impacted their marketing
[18:46] What their marketing budget looks like
[21:55] Why you NEED to ask your clients for reviews
[27:52] Write a book
[28:58] What up Wingnut! Round
[33:14] All about Houzz
[36:00] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Steven Glaze
Smart Exteriors
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
Steve’s eBook
Resources & People Mentioned
Episode #37: Get Your Foot in the Door
Episode #144: Digital Marketing Budget
Episode #191: Writing a Book
Kansas City Web Designer
Snap Connect
Houzz
Thumbtack
HomeAdvisor
Google My Business
Grade.us
Nothing Bundt Cakes
BOOK: Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Community outreach as a marketing tool
Steven has been highly successful with seasonal direct mail marketing. But another innovative idea that he’s found to be successful is community outreach. His company will go into a neighborhood where they’ve recently done a siding or roofing project (because they can often see that everyone in the neighborhood needs work done as well).
So they come into the community and bring in a food truck and a bounce house for the kids. They’ll promote the event through that particular neighborhood’s Facebook page. They provide it as a meet and greet to get to know the neighborhood. It’s a great way to connect with people, create networking relationships, and bring in new business. 
Steven shares that a local organization hosts a fundraiser where they get 5 houses to host an event where you move from house to house and eat food and drink wine. It’s the hottest ticket in town. They bring in designers to stage each house. So people are drinking wine and walking through these beautifully staged homes. It’s a great opportunity for designers to show off their skills and bring in new business. 
How does Steven leverage organic SEO as part of his marketing strategy? How did the pandemic impact their business? What does their marketing budget look like? Listen to learn more!
Why you NEED to ask your clients for reviews
Is your review game strong? Steven emphasizes that reviews of your business are incredibly helpful as a marketing tool. Steven didn't request them for customers in the beginning. But they’ve gained close to 50 reviews over the last two years. It’s changed their margins, closing percentages—it’s changed everything.
If customers are willing to leave you a review, you want to request they do it on Google (at the bare minimum). You need Google my Business in order to do that. The easiest thing you can do is send your customer a link to fill out. Steven likes to use Grade.US to make the process easier. 
How do you incentivize customers to complete reviews for you? One thing that Steven loves to do is reach out between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He’ll ask them to fill out a review and he’ll send them a $25 gift card to use for Christmas shopping if they do. It’s worth the investment. Another tactic he uses? When he drops off a final invoice he mails brownies or cookies—or a Nothing Bundt Cake. The ROI of reviews is worth the cost. 
What other traditional and digital marketing options does Steven leverage for his business? How can designers implement them? Listen to the whole episode to find out! 
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