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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! 
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

Rex Rogosch’s Take on the Future of Hospitality Design - Episode 195

The Coronavirus pandemic brought to light many things that were lacking in the hospitality industry that will need to change. Rex believes you’ll begin to see different rules and regulations—and hospitality designers will need to know these things. What are the easiest materials to keep clean? How will social distancing change design? What temporary changes will become permanent? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Darla, Natalie, and Rex take a deep-dive into the future of hospitality design. 
Rex Rogosch is an award-winning interior designer and the creative director at Darla Powell Interiors. Rex has over 20 years of experience in hospitality, including the architectural side of hospitality. He’s worked with commercial, restaurants, casinos, and hotels and is known for his eye for detail and completing design projects in an exquisite fashion. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:54] Rotten potatoes + the Mandalorian 
[2:27] Badges on TikTok
[5:41] All about Rex Rogosch
[9:27] Rex’s experience in hospitality design
[10:27] Why go into hospitality design?
[11:38] How the hospitality industry is changing
[13:07] Will hospitality move smaller?
[17:21] How to keep your design timeless
[21:25] Technology in the hospitality industry
[23:50] The impact of virtual events on the industry
[26:16] The psychology of the host + user
[30:20] What up Wingnut! Round
[38:23] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Rex Rogosch
R Squared Design
Connect on Facebook
Connect on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
AutoCAD
How the hospitality design industry is changing
Rex emphasizes that designers in the hospitality industry have to be at the forefront of change. Regulations are changing at the state and local levels. So designers need to stay up-to-date on local requirements and think creatively. They must engage with their clients and brainstorm unique ideas. 
Designers often rely on the architect to know these things, but Rex points out that you can‘t rely on someone else's knowledge. You need to know. Some clients will want to adhere to the bare minimum requirements and throw up a plastic sheet. Others will want to build plexiglass dividers. Rex emphasizes that you will see a multitude of extremes until things even out. 
Rex is a huge proponent of technology. He thinks it will play a huge role—and not just in the sense of doing things virtually on your computer. He thinks a step toward microband and antimicrobial materials will become more prominent in hospitality design. You’ll see fabrics that are bleach-resistant. 
Most people don’t know that porcelain tiles exist that have coatings on them so when water touches them it releases ozone into the air. Why? It blocks out the chlorine smell at pools. He believes these types of products will become more widely available in the market. That tech will show up on a more global scale at a better price. 
The psychology of the host + user
With hospitality design in general, you have to look at how people interact. Part of your job is to visualize how you want to move people through a space in your design. You have to look at how your design choices will impact people. Humans like to feel cozy and secure. How do you make them feel that when the closest person is 10 feet away? 
Rex points out that you should look at a building like it’s its own city. Look at the psychology of the host and the user: What is it that you want them to experience? Look at new ways of giving them experiences that are enjoyable—but safe. What about creating rooftop gardens? It’s good for the environment, it’s outdoors, and allows you to socially distance. What do you want your buildings to convey in a respectful and insightful way? Designers can help hotels and other venues reinvent their spaces. 
When the ADA first came out, people didn’t know what they were doing. Now it’s common knowledge and practice. This is our next ADA. Rex shares ‘I look at requirements that are happening now and am like, “Why weren’t we doing this in the beginning? Why weren’t we doing these things that seem like common sense?”’ Why did mass hysteria point out what we should’ve been doing in the first place? 
For the full discussion on the future of hospitality design in this post-COVID world, listen 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

How to Rewire your Mindset [Jarrod Haning’s Nobel-Nominated Process] - Episode 194

What is mindset? Mindset is different from attitude, personality, and positive thinking. In Jarrod Haning’s world, mindset is a strategy. Mindset is a specific way of thinking that generates a specific result. If you can access different levels of your brain on-demand, it shifts levels of resourcefulness and innovation when it comes to solving problems. You think at a higher level and come up with more effective solutions. 
So how can you leverage your mindset to access different parts of your brain? How do you change the results you’re seeing in your every-day life? Jarrod is a performance coach that specializes in a Nobel-nominated process that allows you to access different parts of your brain on-demand. 
Jarrod is an award-winning speaker who’s been featured on ABC Nightline, spoken on stages all across the country, and has clients around the world. He’s also delivered 4 TEDx talks related to Mindset Performance. To get a glimpse into his process, listen to this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:02] A tribute to MacDuff
[4:12] TikTok Teams Up With Shopify
[6:40] All about Jarrod Haning
[8:31] Why Jarrod’s an expert about Mindset
[12:04] Why Jarrod hates “work smarter—not harder”
[25:20] Mind Pushups: an exercise to rewire your mind
[35:00] How is it different than looking outside of the box
[35:53] Why to-do lists are the enemy. 
[41:09] The What up Wingnut! Round
[44:38] How to connect with Jarrod
[51:51] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Jarrod Haning
The Mindset Performance Website
The Mindset Performance Podcast
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
Resources & People Mentioned
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Why Jarrod hates “work smarter—not harder”
Jarrod believes “work smarter—not harder” is deceptively dangerous and misleading advice. It’s like praising your kids for being smart or getting good grades. That is kneecapping your own children. Why? Being smart is something that you have no control over. It’s why kids who are praised for being smart grow up to be quitters. Why? Because the first time they try something that doesn’t come naturally, they give up. It’s why you should say, “I’m proud of you, I can tell you worked really hard.” Because you can always work harder at something. 
There are almost always 3 reasons that you’re stuck in the situation you are (that work smarter not harder is NOT the answer to):
You don’t have enough time.
You don’t have enough money.
You don’t have the support you need. 
You’re doing everything you know to do. Working harder wouldn’t make a difference or it would have by now. It’s likely that everything you’re doing is logical, rational, well thought out, etc. So working smarter won’t make a difference—or it would have by now. A breakthrough in your situation will not make sense to you. Because you’ve done everything that does make sense. You have to get out of your head. 
If something isn’t working, Jarrod notes that your gut reaction is to do more of it faster. But if you’re driving and get lost, driving faster doesn’t get you back on track. You have to stop and look at a map. Rather than run faster in a corn maze to get to the end faster, stand on a ladder, and look at the maze. In a split second, you have an “aha moment” and everything clicks. You need to change your altitude of perspective. 
In the work that Jarrod does, they map out your thinking patterns. Once they do that, it will get you out of your head and unto the paper. You can see your blind spots. A blind spot makes sense on the surface, but the fact that it makes sense is why you keep running into obstacles. Jarrod walks through his powerful mind pushups method that can rewire the way you think. To walk through the exercise with him, listen to the whole episode. 
Why to-do lists are the enemy
Why does Jarrod hate to-do lists? He believes that checking things off of your to-do list actually lowers your income. A to-do list builds on the belief that getting things done is what matters. It’s the belief that more action leads to more results and more success. But coal miners work hard and all they get in the end is emphysema! 
Working hard causes the brain to look for more work to do. It’s why you can make a to-do list in the morning and by afternoon it’s just as long. The brain gets a hit of dopamine and takes pleasure in getting things done—when your brain is wired that way. 
Here’s why Jarrod believes it doesn’t work: doing something doesn’t address the reason it needs to be done to start with. Returning emails today doesn’t prevent you from returning emails tomorrow. The dopamine hit you get from crossing something off your list is the distraction that keeps you stuck. On the surface it makes sense. The problem is that it doesn’t move the ball forward in a meaningful way. 
What should you do instead? Jarrod emphasizes “Instead of looking for more things to do, cause more things to be done. Consequently, when you are working you’re working on things that scale and produce free time as a byproduct.” It’s a totally different way of thinking. He shares a simple yet practical way to demonstrate his point in this episode. To learn more about Jarrod’s mind-boggling strategies, listen 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

Andrea Freeman’s Method: Shift Your Mindset to Scale Your Business - Episode 193

Everyone wants to show up as the best version of themselves, in life and in business. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. Andrea Freeman believes that everyone is on a journey to expand and learn more about themselves. She likes to say “Let your personal evolution fuel your business revolution.” She emphasizes that your business can only be as successful as you are. So how do you shift your mindset and realign with your purpose? How does doing that help you scale your business? Listen to this episode of Wingnut Social to learn more!
Andrea Freeman is a business coach who created the HOST Method. She’s on a mission to help service-based business owners realign with their purpose, create greater financial freedom, fulfillment, and make a difference in the world. She’s worked with clients to integrate mindset techniques, refine their business models, and scale quickly. Andrea’s clients experience more clarity in their purpose, they see their revenue stream increase and they achieve much more sustainable success.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:54] Knaus Berry Farm Shoutout
[3:08] Facebook’s guide to successful ad campaigns
[4:35] Andrea Freeman’s background
[5:55] Andrea has been a life-long entrepreneur
[7:06] What it’s like working with A-list celebrities
[9:35] The difference between a negative and positive mindset
[11:29] “Who should I be” versus “what should I do”
[15:34] Strategies to deal with an in-the-moment crisis
[19:48] What is the HOST method?
[22:34] Meditation + mindset
[26:45] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[28:22] How to connect with Andrea Freeman
[32:33] Blooper Reel! 
Connect with Andrea Freeman
Andrea’s Consulting Business
FREE 5-Minute Journal 
Follow Andrea on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
BOOK: You are a Badass at Making Money
Facebook’s Guide to Ad Tactics
Knaus Berry Farm
Mydoma Studio
Transcendental Meditation 
Headspace
Calm
“Who should I be” versus “what should I do”
Andrea feels that in life there is a lot of emphasis on doing. Traditional business advice is all about doing. Instead of focusing on doing Andrea says your foundation should be built on who you’re being. Are you being magnetic? Are you being engaging? Are you a joy to be around? She believes you should be the kind of person you want to do business with.
One of the first questions she asks her clients is: “What’s your ‘why’ and how are you honoring it?” She often finds that people either have no idea what their why is OR they know what it is but aren't honoring it. Honoring it is just getting to the core of why things are important to you—and bringing it into your business. 
People can see through you if you’re putting on a veneer of how you think you should be. Andrea felt she was leaving herself out of her business. When she pivoted and only offered services that aligned with her purpose, her business began to thrive. Authenticity took her business to another level. 
Shift your mindset with meditation and affirmation 
Do you have moments when you need to shift your perspective? Andrea points out that you need to implement in the moment crisis strategies. After all, we can’t all go sit on a mountaintop and meditate when stuff happens in life. Andrea notes that you can take 5 minutes and use a simple affirmation to help you deal with what you're going through:
“Everything always works out for me.”
“I am divinely guided and protected.” 
“Peace begins with me.” 
You also want to remember that some business isn’t meant for you. She notes that entrepreneurs get sucked into feeling they have to win every piece of business. But Andrea firmly believes there is a reason some things don’t work out: “Getting the business is divine. Not getting the business is divine.”
There’s something else that Andrea recommends implementing to change the trajectory of your every day—listen to find out what it is. 
What is Andrea’s HOST method?
The HOST Method plays on Andrea’s background. It’s the concept of being able to be a host in your own life or a guest at someone else’s party. When you’re a guest you don’t get a say on the food or the music. When you’re the host, you have a say in everything. It’s also an acronym:
H = Honor your why
O = Own who you are
S = Shift your perspective
T = Take inspired action
When you find clarity on your why and own it fully, you’ll naturally start to take notice when limiting beliefs and self-doubt begin to creep in. That’s when you use techniques to shift your perspective (prayer, meditation, affirmations, visualizations, moving your body, spending time in nature, etc.). Do whatever you need to shift back into being who you are. Take inspired action from that place of clarity. 
Andrea notes that above all you should know that you deserve all the success in the world. There is a reason that you have a desire to do something. Give yourself the permission to go for it and shine your light. 
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

Travel + Interior Design Photography Tips [Pro Ralph Velasco Shares] - Episode 192

How important is good photography for interior design marketing? How important is it for the travel and tourism industry? How do you craft the perfect image that portrays what you see? In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, professional photographer Ralph Velasco joins Natalie and Darla to share his expertise.
Ralph is a professional travel photographer who’s led over 100 international tours over the last 12 years. He is the founder and CEO of PhotoEnrichment Adventures and Alla Campagna. Ralph crafts tours that not only immerse you in another culture, but teaches you how to capture what you see in stunning images. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:04] The latest and greatest in social media marketing
[4:00] The importance of good imagery in marketing
[6:53] Ralph’s background in photography
[7:59] The importance of professional photography
[11:14] What works and what really doesn’t
[14:25] How to develop an eye for photography
[17:15] The impact of social media
[22:17] How Ralph navigated safe travel during COVID-19 
[23:56] Top mistakes people make with photography
[27:47] The What up Wingnut! Round!
[30:39] How to connect with Ralph Velasco
[37:28] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Ralph Velasco
PhotoEnrichment Adventures
Alla Campagna
Ralph’s blog: Continental Drifter
Ralph on Instagram
Ralph on Facebook
Ralph on Twitter
Ralphy’s YouTube Channel
Ralph’s book: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye and More
Resources & People Mentioned
BOOK: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Travel + Interior design photography: images sell
Images sell your home. Images sell the experience. People want to know what they will see and experience and great photography is the best way to convey that. Ralph scouts his trips at least a year in advance. He captures photographs, takes video, meets people, stays in the hotels, and eats at the restaurants. Then he picks and chooses the best for his tour groups.
Ralph emphasizes that “A travel photographer has to be a jack of all genres, master of some.” Photographers specialize in architecture, people, food, and much more. But a travel photographer has to be good at everything. Photographers are story-tellers. They have to tell the story of a place, a region, or a country. 
Perhaps you’re telling the story of the interior of a home. To do that, Ralph notes that you want to start with big wide establishing shots. Then take the medium shots that show a portion of the room. Then you dive into the detail shots. The way to differentiate your photography is always in the details. Everyone gets the “postcard” shot. But the people that capture the details in the photos differentiate themselves from everyone else.
How do you develop an eye for photography? How do you learn to drill down deeper into the scene and capture the soul of it? Listen to hear Ralph’s advice. 
Two tips that will transform your photography
Ralph jokes that “If you don’t like getting up early, be a writer.” But it’s actually true. Photography is all about taking advantage of the best possible light. In the morning, the sun is low in the sky and you experience golden hour with long soft shadows. Think about how the light impacts your subject and get proper exposure. 
When you’re photographing something or someone, Ralph advises looking beyond them. How does the background or the foreground impact the photograph? Is there something that will ruin the composition of the photo? Ralph will move around to see how the scene is changing in relation to his subject. He is in control of the scene. He recommends that you place your subject against a clear background whenever possible. 
People would get 10x better photographs if they cultivated an awareness of the light and the background. 
Listen to the whole episode for more of Ralph’s tips + tricks. He also shares how his business has transformed and how social media is his #1 marketing stream. 
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

Can Writing a Book Catapult Your Career? LuAnn Nigara Shares Her Thoughts - Episode 191

Have you always wanted to write a book? Have you also wondered if it’s worth the investment? LuAnn Nigara has written two amazing books and is about to launch her third book, A Well-Designed Business - The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 (which Darla wrote a chapter in). In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, LuAnn talks about the process of writing and self-publishing a book—and whether or not it’s worth the ROI. 
LuAnn is the co-owner of Window Works in New Jersey and created an award-winning podcast for interior designers, A Well-Designed Business. She is a sought-after keynote speaker with over 30+ years of experience in the industry. LuAnn gave Darla the education, strength, and courage to start her design business. If you’ve had dreams of becoming an author, this is a can’t-miss episode. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:48] The GOAT: LuAnn Nigara
[5:55] LuAnn’s book coming out Nov. 12th
[7:51] Why LuAnn decided to write her first book
[11:10] The impact of the 1st book on LuAnn’s business
[13:49] The process of writing a book
[19:39] How to self-publish your own books
[22:06] The Power Talk Friday Book 
[24:20] What to budget for writing a book
[26:30] How LuAnn is marketing her book
[28:10] Don’t set unreasonable expectations
[31:47] What up Wingnut! Round
[32:27] How to connect with LuAnn Nigara
[33:51] Know what your end-game is
[37:35] Blooper Reel!
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
A Well-Designed Business podcast
Get on the email list for LuAnn Live!
The Power Talk Friday Experts (Book #1)
The Making of A Well-Designed Business
Resources & People Mentioned
Book Launchers
How writing a book impacted LuAnn’s business
According to LuAnn, “Writing your own book definitely is a game-changer. There’s no question.” LuAnn believes—4.5 years in—that the book has opened doors for her. Every single speaking engagement she’s had (50+) she has never had to pitch herself. LuAnn’s niche and credibility is business and she comes into the world as a business expert. The book solidified that credibility. It opened a door that she didn’t have to knock on.
LuAnn is a story-teller at heart. No matter the medium she is using, she emphasizes that she is going to tell a story. That’s the core of how she communicates information. She tells you what she wants you to know and drives the point home with a story. She’s a big-picture thinker. She wants the reader to know how marketing mattered for her business, what she did, and what her results were. 
Her book is the journey of an entrepreneur. When she wrote the book, she worked backward. She didn’t want to sit there and break down statistics and numbers associated with building a business. She made a list of two pages worth of funny and poignant stories and the hard lessons she’s learned. Then she said, “Can I put a business lesson around that story?” Listen to learn about her whole writing process—including self-publishing a book. 
Why you NEED to set realistic expectations
Writing a book is becoming a way to establish yourself as a thought leader in whatever space you’re in. But you can’t expect the book itself to be a money-maker. LuAnn wrote a book for the interior design industry. She has no illusion that this book will have a far and wide reach. She’s gone into it with open-eyes. 
You have to be open to the ROI being speaking engagements and other opportunities. If you’re thinking the ROI is the book, it’s an unrealistic expectation. Everything together creates the opportunity. But LuAnn points out that you want to know how you’ll convert the book into making money. 
How does she market her books? How do you build out a comprehensive plan for what your book will do for you? 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)
 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Differentiate Yourself: Amanda Berlin Says to Tell Your Story - Episode 190

“There is something valuable about who you are and what you do. It warrants being told. It warrants being unearthed and it deserves to be out there...Your story may be the key that unlocks someone else's prison.” — Amanda Berlin
Do you know how to differentiate yourself in the design niche? How do you stand out from the crowd? According to Amanda Berlin, you have to connect with your clients. She believes that connection begins with telling your story. In this episode of Wingnut Social, Amanda shares tips, tricks, and tools to implement to differentiate yourself and tell your unique story.
Amanda is a visibility and business consultant for entrepreneurs. She is also the host of the Empowered Publicity Podcast, which arms soul-powered business owners with the ideas and skillsets they need to become recognizable and trusted experts. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:19] All about Amanda Berlin
[2:56] LuAnn Nigara’s upcoming book
[4:16] How important is it to differentiate your brand? 
[8:25] How to share your story authentically
[10:43] WHY can’t you craft a compelling narrative?
[13:47] How to connect with your audience
[17:52] What if you’re afraid to be visible?
[20:30] Finding tactics to bring in dollars
[29:00] What up Wingnut! Round
[35:02] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Amanda Berlin
The Empowered Publicity Podcast
Amanda’s Website
Follow on Instagram
Connect on Facebook
Resources & People Mentioned
BOOK: Know My Name
Being unique means telling your story
Amanda believes that one of the easiest ways to distinguish yourself is to lean into your story. You’re the only person who has done what you have done and had the experiences you’ve had that led you to where you are today. Your story will resonate with the right clients if you use it appropriately. 
No one will see the world the way you do. Your upbringing, relationships, experiences, etc. inspire your life and how you view the world. They are relevant to the people who will be the best fit to work with you.
When you’re developing your brand story, you don’t share things you haven’t processed yet. You want the energy of your story to be clean, inspiring, and connective. This is a carefully curated version of your story that doesn’t white-wash everything but DOES present a version of your story that’s relevant. 
WHY can’t you craft a compelling narrative? Why are you hitting roadblocks? Listen to hear Amanda’s thoughts! 
Amanda’s three circles of visibility
Amanda teaches a strategy that uses three circles of visibility. But before you focus on the three circles, you need to determine what your goals are. It’s challenging to put yourself out there if you don’t know what result you’re going for. So you need to nail down what you want to get out of this. It drives your tactics. So what are Amanda’s three circles?
The innermost circle represents collaborations and alliances: your strategic partners who will refer clients or become clients themselves. They generate word of mouth for your business. When people feel connected to you, they invest in working with you.
The middle circle is speaking and events: conferences, virtual presentations, speaking to associations, etc. You are creating your own stage. 
The outermost circle is media: The traditional media relations such as getting featured in a magazine, interviewed on tv, or speaking on a podcast. 
As you move away from the innermost circle the connection to the audience becomes looser. But which circle you choose to leverage depends on your individual goals. Amanda also points out that you must find visibility tactics that resonate with you—but also embrace things that challenge you. 
What if you’re afraid to be visible? Which tactics can bring in more clients? When do you hire a publicist or a coach? How are relationships so important to growing your business? Amanda shares her thoughts on ALL of these questions and so much more. Don’t miss 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!
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

Market Your Brand to Land a Licensing Deal [Victoria Larson's Strategy] - Episode 189

How do you market your brand for maximum visibility? How do you land a licensing deal when you’re not a celebrity designer? What does it take to make the collaborations successful? Victoria Larson stumbled into her first licensing deal but has since perfected her strategy. What does she recommend? How does she land licensing deals? Listen to this episode to learn more!
Victoria is a textile and wallcovering designer. She launched her collection of printed fabric, printed grasscloth, wallpaper and wovens in 2010. She often collaborates with brands and is on her second licensing deal with Stout Brothers. All of her work is crafted in the US and is perfect for classic or modern interiors. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:50] Natalie’s medical scare [She’s OK!]
[6:05] Marketing yourself to get a licensing deal 
[7:22] Victoria’s background in design 
[10:04] Was getting a licensing deal a strategy?
[14:42] Marketing your brand for visibility
[16:05] Victoria’s social media strategy
[18:32] How she’s getting licensing deals
[21:52] What are licensing deal-breakers?
[23:11] Does the type of product matter?
[26:28] Don’t cannibalize your own brand
[27:07] What up Wingnut! Round
[29:10] How to connect with Victoria
[32:05] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Victoria Larson
Victoria’s Website
Connect on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Stout Brothers Co.
AutoCAD
Adobe Illustrator
BOOK: Home: A Short History of an Idea
From architectural interior design to textile design
In the beginning, Victoria dabbled in production and began creating a lot of test prints. She made pillows for her friends and caftans for her daughters—which is how she stumbled into her first licensing deal. She was introduced to a friend of a friend who loved her daughter's caftans. This person happened to run the US side of a children's swimwear company. She asked Victoria to create their custom designs. She said yes because it sounded like fun. 
So Victoria grabbed books and learned what she could. She reached out to as many people as she could who knew anything. She learned Adobe illustrator. She ended up working with that swimwear company for 8 years doing one big launch—and one mini launch—a year. It was fun for her and grew her creativity. Because it was so easy, successful, and fun, it became part of her plan moving forward. She decided she’d always do licensing in addition to her brand. 
Marketing your brand to land a licensing deal 
Victoria believes that it’s become far easier for smaller boutique brands to get a licensing agreement. You don’t have to be a celebrity designer anymore. She states that “There’s more emphasis on the process, on the craft, and on the story.” Brands are seeing the value of partnerships.
Victoria’s goal is to create relationships—not just sell a product. She doesn’t have a giant Instagram following. But social media isn’t just about likes and followers. It’s about creating relationships and engagement. Engagement is feedback for a smaller brand. If you use it the right way, you get instant feedback. 
It’s also about being clear about your intentions. Make sure that you’re using Instagram for your brand story—not your dog photos and vacation pictures. 
Choose your collaborations carefully
Where do you look for brand collaborations? Victoria points out that you can start with your existing relationships. Do you do a lot of custom work with a vendor? Who are like-minded brands? What are their brand values? Will they be a good fit? 
Victoria is very careful about who she collaborates with. She’s had successful collaborations and some that haven’t done well. She notes that you have to know what your goals are going into the agreement. You have to understand the time-commitment and marketing commitment that’s necessary to make it a valuable and successful venture. 
Victoria believes it’s important to lay out both parties' expectations to find out the commitment level on each side. It will take more time than you think it will. She likes to lay out a timeline for marketing: When do sneak peeks start? When do we put it on Instagram? Who posts what? What additional marketing will there be? Who does what and when? When expectations are out on the table there are no surprises. 
But Victoria emphasizes that you shouldn't cannibalize your own brand. You can’t go all-in on someone else's brand and forget about your own. Make sure the offerings are different so you’re not directly competing. You don’t want to confuse your customers or upset your sales channel.
Who handles the marketing expenses? How do you get clear on unified goals? Does the product you choose matter for landing a deal? Victoria shares so much valuable insight into marketing and licensing 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

WHY the New Facebook Business Suite is Sweet - Episode 188

The Facebook Business Suite may just make apps like Hootsuite and Later obsolete. How? Facebook’s new “Business Suite” allows you to manage Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger from one app. Learn ALL about it in this week’s Wingnut Social Monday Marketing Minisode! 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:36] Guava Jelly + Weddings
[1:35] Facebook Business Suite
[2:08] How it helps small business owners
[2:51] The functionality + options
[3:48] Things to keep in mind
[5:07] How is it different?
[7:21] Blooper Reel!
Resources & People Mentioned
Facebook Business Suite
Sprout Social
Hootsuite
Later
Facebook Business Suite Deets
The Facebook Business Suite is a hub that you can utilize via mobile and desktop. How does this help you? It will save you time. It saves you from having to log in and log out of multiple profiles. The inbox feature will also organize your messages, comments, alerts, and notifications in the same place. 
You can manage ads, feed posts, appointments, events, jobs, settings, etc. You can edit page info or ban users. If you can control everything from one place you’ll miss less and be more productive. You can see ALL the activity that you select to see. You can choose a different business simply by tapping the icon in the top left corner. 
What sets the Facebook Business Suite apart
There are TWO reasons why this app will be a gamechanger. First, small businesses get first dibs. They're only allowing this feature to be used by small businesses until 2021. It’s Facebook’s way of helping small businesses first. 
How is it different from the Pages Manager app or Creator Studio? You get a more comprehensive view of activity from both Facebook and Instagram + you can do a lot more. If you’re looking for a free app, this is the way to go.
How else can it help you? What doesn’t it do? Find out by listening to the whole minisode!
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