Designed by Wingnut Social | Interior Design Business

Master Marketing: Strategies You Can Learn From Your Dog

You heard that right—you can learn savvy marketing strategies straight from your dog! How they behave and how they interact with you could be the key to mastering client relationships. Intrigued? Listen to this special minisode of Wingnut Social as Natalie walks through what your dog(s) can teach you about marketing. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:38] What dogs can teach you about marketing
[1:30] A lesson in trust and patience
[2:17] Interact, engage, and draw your client in
[4:37] Be as attentive as your dog
[5:24] Forget and forgive
Fetch: the ultimate lesson in trust and patience
If you’re a dog owner, you know they love to play fetch. Many dogs will bring the ball back—but stay at arm's length. They have to learn to trust you before they’ll drop the ball. You have to be patient and let them become comfortable.
Soon enough, they’ll happily drop the ball for you to throw again.
In the same way, a client has to learn to trust you. You must be patient and work to build a relationship with them. Let them control the game and decide when to put the ball in your hands. 
Dogs make you feel like you’re the only person in the room
Dogs are affectionate creatures. When they see you, you become the most important thing in their world. They wag their tail, they lick you, they jump—they let you know how happy they are to see you.
Clients need to know that you’re excited to interact with them. Shake their hand, smile, and be warm and engaging. Do you follow them on social media? What’s new in their life? Ask them questions and show you’re interested in who they are, not just landing a job. 
Learn to listen—and yap a little less
Dogs are attentive creatures. When you speak to them they may tilt their head or move their ears—but they can’t talk back in a way that humans can understand. That’s makes them the BEST listeners.
You should give your clients the opportunity to speak and listen. Let them vent, let them share frustrations or joys, and be attentive. Don’t interrupt them. Show them that you truly care about how they feel and that you value their thoughts on the project.
Forgive and Forget
If you accidentally step on your dog’s tail—which every dog owner has inevitably done—it stings. They may yelp in pain. But ten minutes later, they have no memory of the event. They curl up next to you and snuggle close. 
If a client makes a snide remark or comment out of frustration or anger (or try to place blame on you for their mistake) let it go. Be the bigger dog, maintain professionalism, and let it roll off your back. 
Want to learn more? Listen to the whole episode for the full rundown of Natalie’s tips!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
www.WingnutSocial.com/services
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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

Behind the Scenes of the One Room Challenge™ with Veronica Solomon

The One Room Challenge™ is a biannual event that gives designers (and design enthusiasts) the chance to showcase one room in their home that they’ve redesigned (in a six-week timeframe). Linda Weinstein launched the One Room Challenge™ in 2011 and the popular event is now in its 16th season. In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, Veronica Solomon joins Darla and Natalie to talk about her experience being a featured designer in the challenge. 
Veronica’s story is compelling—she lost her husband to cancer in 2004 and subsequently dropped out of design school to care for her two young children. But her passion for design never waned and in 2008 she completed her degree in design. Veronica launched Casa Vilora Interiors and over the last 11 years has acquired an impressive list of accomplishments. Don’t miss this vibrant episode of the Wingnut Social podcast!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:50] The One Room Challenge™ with Veronica Solomon
[4:45] Veronica Solomon’s background
[5:50] What is the One Room Challenge™ all about?
[9:00] How to become one of the 20 featured designers 
[10:15] Best advice to get your foot in the door
[11:30] What the blogging process consists of
[12:30] Should a baby designer join the One Room Challenge™?
[14:25] What does the budget look like?
[17:25] Veronica’s experience working with sponsors
[20:10] What to do to become a featured designer
[23:00] Can the design challenge help build your client list?
[25:35] What up Wingnut round
Connect with Veronica Solomon
Veronica on Instagram
Veronica’s website
Facebook group for designers
Resources & People Mentioned
One Room Challenge™
Beautiful Places, Spiritual Spaces by Sharon Hanby-Robie and Deb Strubel
What is all the hoopla about the One Room Challenge™?
It originally started as a way to keep herself accountable to finish a room in her home, but Linda Weinstein created a fun and interactive design movement. Now there are over 30 sponsors for the event and the media partner is Better Homes & Gardens. 20 designers get the opportunity to be featured twice a year. 
You need to register to participate and apply to be a featured designer. If chosen, you get to work with a minimum of 5 of the sponsors to create a stunning room. You commit to posting a blog (or a story on Instagram) for 6 weeks as you show the ‘behind the scenes’ of your design.
At the end of the 6 weeks, each designer’s carefully crafted rooms are revealed on the One Room Challenge™ website. It is a creative outlet where designers get to share their unique aesthetic and design trends with the world.
Should a ‘baby designer’ get on board? 
Veronica says this is an absolute yes! When she originally joined her first challenge she was looking to build her audience and eventually bring in more clients. It is ideal for budding designers to build their portfolio and gain an audience they wouldn’t have otherwise. 
Veronica pointed out you shouldn’t let the platform scare you—you can transform a room even with the smallest budget. She estimated she only spent around $2,000-$3,000 on her first go-around. You can start small and build what you can with what you have. 
Veronica’s latest One Room Challenge™ reveal was a bedroom design—that likely cost near $70,000. Many pieces were donated by the sponsors she worked with, but she was definitely opting for a more lavish and luxurious design. 
So how do you become one of the featured designers?Veronica’s #1 tip is to create memorable rooms. Design beautiful spaces that stand out and accurately portray your unique aesthetic. To hear the rest of her tips, how she designs the rooms, and how the challenge helps bring in clients, check out the whole episode now!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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

3 Tips to Overcome Stage Fright and Record a Video

Does stage fright keep you from recording videos for your audience? Are you worried that you’ll look dumb or stumble over your words? What’s holding you back? 
In this minisode of the Wingnut Social podcast, Darla and Natalie aim to help you overcome your fear of being in front of the camera. Learn to shoot a video with confidence. If you’re struggling to hit that record button, this is a can’t-miss episode!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:23] 3 tips to overcome stage fright
[2:35] Tip #1: Get over yourself!
[5:15] Tip #2: Pretend you’re talking to a friend or family
[7:00] Tip #3: Give the viewer something of value
Tip #1: Get over yourself to overcome stage fright
Many Wingnut Social clients are scared to death of shooting a video of themselves. For various reasons—anything from how they look to what to say—they are petrified. Darla points out that you just need to get over yourself. 
People are obsessed with themselves. They don’t care how you look in a video! The ladies point out that nobody is perfect. Your imperfections are what make you interesting. So embrace them, don’t worry about what other people are thinking about, and record that video!
Tip #2: Pretend you’re talking with a friend or family
83% of social media in 2020 will be leveraged towards video. So it is imperative that you overcome your fear. Another tip: act like you’re talking to a close friend or family member. 
How do you act when you’re doing a video chat with them? Are you relaxed and comfortable? 
Of course! If you try to channel that feeling, your video will feel natural. You can practice recording to work out the jitters and slow your heart rate down. Then try again!
Tip #3: Give the viewer something of value
Focus on the reason you’re recording a video in the first place. Is it content for Instagram or YouTube? You’re probably offering something of value, such as a how-to video. Or you’re making an announcement. 
Whatever it is, remember that it is all about what you are offering your viewer. 
They’re likely watching to learn something. They aren’t focused on what you’re wearing or your hairstyle. When you focus on what you’re giving the people on the other side of the video it can ease your anxiety.
For the full low-down on overcoming stage fright and recording video for your interior design business, listen to the whole minisode now!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Check out the services we offer!
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Dive into the World of Product Licensing with Stacy Garcia

Product licensing is a world that every designer dreams of joining. It can be seen as the ticket to retirement—passive income that brings in a pretty penny. But according to Stacy Garcia, it’s a little more complicated than that. Dive into this episode of Wingnut Social as Darla and Natalie converse with Stacy about the ins and outs of product licensing. 
Stacy Garcia made her way into the design world 20 years ago when she launched LebaTex—a textile company. She knew she wanted her own collections and a branded product line, so she made it happen. Tune-in to hear how she went from a bootstrap business to successfully licensing products with multiple big-name designers. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:35] Product Licensing with Stacy Garcia
[4:30] Stacy Garcia’s background in the biz
[8:20] You might have to take some big risks
[10:30] What Stacy would do today
[15:30] Why hire a publicist?
[17:25] It takes time to build momentum
[20:50] What are high-end vendors looking for?
[24:00] Make sure you own your designs
[27:15] Is licensing a numbers game?
[33:15] What up Wingnut round
[35:35] New fabric collection with Calico Corners
Connect with Stacy Garcia
The Stay Collection on QVC
The Calico Collection
LebaTex
Stacy’s Website
Stacy on Instagram
Stay on LinkedIn
Stacy on Facebook
Resources & People Mentioned
Color Marketing Group
Hunter Douglas
Crypton Fabric Intelligence
Book: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Book: Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L. Weiss
Inspire Me! Home Decor Instagram
Inspire Me! Home Decor
You need to create your own opportunities
20 years ago, Stacy struggled to break into licensing. So she put everything on the line and took out a $50,000 line of credit against her home and launched her textile company, LebaTex. She put every last penny into that business (and consequently didn’t sleep for two years). She designed a professional trade-show booth and hired a publicist—and then she landed her first deal.
It took some moxie to put everything on the line. But what do designers look for now? 
Stacy points out that you can launch something small with a lot less money. If you can get one licensing deal, it gives you leverage. It gives you more access to the market. But you have to remember you’re relying on distribution and manufacturing from whomever you sign with.
They’re looking for something unique. Here are some questions she points out they will consider: Why should they choose you over someone else? Is it your design aesthetic? Your social media following? Do you know how to forecast what will be trending in materials, colors, and consumer buying habits? 
What you NEED to know about product licensing
If you desire to get into product licensing (and excel at creating beautiful and unique products) there are a few things you need to understand:
It takes time to build traction and momentum. You’re probably not going to achieve the passive income you desire with one or two deals. You have to consider the lifetime of the deals, whether or not the products will take off in the market, and more. 
Make sure you own your designs. Stacy has seen designers partner with companies to manufacture their creations, only to be taken advantage of. Hire an intellectual property attorney, own your design, and make sure it’s in a contract that a manufacturer is just producing the design for you. 
Consider who you already work with. Who do you like working with in your network? Who excels at marketing? Takes great care of you? What if you leveraged your connections and pitched a collection to that person instead of waiting to be discovered?
There is a lot to consider when it comes to product licensing. You have to remember that it’s not just a creative decision—it’s a business opportunity. You want to get the lay of the land when considering a deal (What would a collection look like? How many pieces? Royalties? What is the lifetime of the collection?) and manage your expectations.
To hear the ladies full discussion on product licensing, the deals you should shoot for, social media considerations—and much more—listen to the whole episode with Stacy Garcia now!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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 Deal with a Bad Google Review (Hint: Don’t Lose Your Cool)

Have you gotten a bad Google review? Does a 1-star review have you down in the dumps? If you’re about to blow your top, take a step back and give this minisode a listen. Darla and Natalie tell you where to start, how to get a review flagged if it’s inappropriate, and how to handle the situation the right way. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:40] Darla got her John Wick action figure!
[1:55] Bad Google reviews
[2:30] What to do when you get a bad review?
[7:10] How do you flag an inappropriate review?
[8:15] How Natalie put out the fire
Resources & People Mentioned
Wingnut Social’s ‘Google my Business’ minisode
Google my Business
Instructions on how to flag a review
Google’s Prohibited and Restricted Content Policy
BONUS: Springerle Cookie Recipe
How do you deal with a bad Google review? 
Up until recently, Wingnut Social had 5-star reviews across the board. Google notified Darla and Natalie that they had received a poor review. They immediately dove in and figured out what went wrong. But how did they address the bad Google review? With three simple steps:
Acknowledge the issue or concern: The reviewee had a very poor experience dealing with the answering service Wingnut uses.
Address the issue: They’re addressing the issue internally with the sub-contractor.
Resolve the issue: Apologize to the reviewer/client if necessary and let them know corrective action is being taken. 
Other people looking at reviews for your business will see how you address issues. A bad review will crop up here and there and you need to know how to address it—and do it quickly. 
Natalie identified the problem and bent over backward to address the concern with the reviewer. Miraculously—and this doesn’t always happen—the reviewee removed the poor review and replaced it with a 5-star review. 
Did you know you can flag an inappropriate review?
Google has a policy on ‘Prohibited and Restricted Content’ that they use to comb-through a flagged review. If a review is explicit, inappropriate, or even simply aimed at a different entity, it can be removed. You simply need to go into your Google my Business account to flag the review and fill out a policy violation form. 
If the review doesn’t fall under prohibited or restricted content, do your best to remedy the situation without being snarky, confrontational, or accusatory. Handle it to the best of your ability, then move on. After all, you’re only human. Plus, people have learned to distrust a perfect score. And if you’ve properly displayed how you’ve handled the situation, people will move past a bad Google review. 
To hear the full story on how to deliver exceptional service, tune-in to the full Monday minisode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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 Best of Wingnut Social: Natalie’s 5 “AHA!” moments

In this episode of Wingnut Social, Natalie shares her top 5 “aha” moments from 2019. Natalie will cover the tips she learned from Nicole Heymer in episode 5 on brand voice ALL the way to the sales pointers she learned from Nikki Rausch in episode 97. Don’t miss the valuable lessons she learned—listen to this episode!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:40] Natalie hosts this episode of Wingnut Social!
[2:25] Nikki Rausch on sales techniques
[5:30] The “Bless and Release” 
[6:35] Closing the loop with clients
[7:25] Carla Aston on blogging
[9:00] Brand voice with Nicole Hymer
[11:35] How to become an HGTV design star
[13:20] Corey Damen Jenkins project pointer
Resources & People Mentioned
Episode #97 with Nikki Rausch
Episode #25 with Carla Aston
Episode #5 with Nicole Heymer
Episode #38 with Abbi McCollum
High Point Market
Step outside of your comfort zone
Natalie is kicking off 2020 and hosting the first episode of Wingnut Social solo—when she’s usually Darla’s co-host. She’s used to offering extra insight and questions that complement Darla. Darla pushed her to do this solo episode to make her “grow”. 
Natalie humbly admits that hosting is a lot more difficult than it seems.
She’s stopped and started recording more than she cares to admit. 
It takes a lot of effort and learning to master something new.
But she’s launching the new year with a push to grow and expand her expertise and killing it in the process. So listen to hear her “AHA” moments—and hopefully have some of your own as you apply these tips to YOUR business. 
Natalie’s top 5 “AHA” moments
Without further ado, here are Natalie’s moments to remember: 
Episode #5 - Brand Voice with Nicole Heymer: Be authentic and consistent across all platforms. Clients will get to know you and learn to trust you before even connecting for a consultation. 
Episode #25 - Blogging for Interior Designers: Your blog needs to answer a question or solve a problem. You need to offer something of value to your reader. If they can’t do it themselves, they may just reach out to you—the brand expert!
Episode #38 - Be an HGTV Star with Abbi McCollum: Abbi is always on the hunt for the next big thing in design! If you want to be a star, the easiest way to get in front of her is to use the #HGTV hashtag on your social media posts!
Episode #97 - Stellar Sales Techniques with Nikki Rausch: Schedule a follow-up call with a potential client before you wrap up a presentation. It increases the odds of them following through and making a decision. 
BONUSTIP from Corey Damen Jenkins: Natalie heard him speak at High Point Market on the subject of posting your projects. Instead of posting in real-time document the journey with photos. Then—towards the end of the project—slowly drip the photos out over a few weeks. Instead of your followers losing interested trying to follow along over 6 months, you’ll keep them engaged.
To hear more in-depth details on each of Natalie’s favorite moments from the last year of Wingnut Social, 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
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

[Here’s Why] You NEED to Engage with Fans on Social Media

Learning to engage with fans on social media could be the difference between having ZERO fans to having a platform full of superfans. We know followers, likes, and comments are important—so they can’t be neglected.
So what’s the scoop? How do you engage with your fan base to cultivate a loyal following? Darla and Natalie dive into the topic in this holiday re-released minisode of the Wingnut Social podcast.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:55] All about engaging with fans
[4:40] How do you get superfans?
[7:50] An example of what NOT to do
[9:00] Someone who has mastered engagement
[11:30] Establish yourself as the brand expert
Resources & People Mentioned
Superfans by Pat Flynn
MoonPie on Twitter
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
Brittanie Elms episode on Wingnut Social
How to create superfans for your design business
Superfans are the people who love you—and everything you do—and don’t hesitate to like or comment on your posts. They’ll be the first people to bring up your name and recommend you to a potential client. They are the key to growing your business!
So how do you foster such a loyal following? It’s simple. Engage with your fans. Reply to comments, direct messages, or emails. Take 5 minutes a day to give them a thoughtful response. Even if it sits in your inbox until you can respond, nothing makes someone feel more included than a personalized response. 
Why is engaging with your fans so important?
Engaging with fans on social media isn’t always the #1 thing on your to-do list. But they need to be high on your list of social media priorities. Because money can’t buy you what superfans provide for your business. 
Your fans want to feel as if they are a part of the community and that you value them. You can give them that with a few short minutes of your time! If you treat people with the importance that they deserve, you’ll gain a loyal following.
Every business—design or otherwise—needs superfans. They are essential to the growth of your business. They are your word of mouth. So focus on cultivating those relationships. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with people!
Darla and Natalie chat about the best and worst examples of social media engagement that they’ve seen and go in-depth on the power of engagement. Be sure to listen to this valuable minisode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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

Merry Christmas: The Wingnut Social Blooper Reel

It’s no secret that Darla and Natalie are quite the characters (*cough* special brand of crazy *cough*) and love injecting a little good-natured insanity into their podcast. This special Christmas edition of the Wingnut Social podcast is a compilation of their goofiest moments in Wingnut Social History. Pour a glass of eggnog (or whiskey) and tune in for some holly jolly laughs. Merry Christmas from Wingnut Social!
...Darla hopes you enjoy unwrapping your limited edition John Wick action figure...
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
Follow along—see if you can guess who said what!
Welcome to our wacky Wingnut Christmas
“The wingnut social podcast fueled by the fat in my a$%.” 
“I had a shot and I'm chasing it with Red Bull right now.”
“North Carolina go on and raise up. Take your shirt off to surround your hand like a helicopter.”
“Hold on. I'm taking another sip of wine.”
“If we're rubbish, it's not because we're rubbish.”
“I have a face for radio. I'm ready.”
“I'll tell you what—this podcast here is hard work.”
“Ethel! Ethel I need some help! Can you help me do my hair? I can't quite get my arms up there anymore. My shoulders are dead.”
“You're going to be in a pine box.”
“That's all I need. I don't need nothing fancy because when you're dead, you're dead. Who am I trying to impress? Am I right?”
Natalie the Giraffe Masters Kung Fu
“It’s straight up Kung Fu and we just Judo and we just get ‘em and we like to really kick them where it counts. I mean, that's the best to just go kick a criminal straight in the balls.”
“Now where does a giraffe learn Kung Fu raised in a zoo?”
“Well, there was the panda at the zoo. I forgot to tell you about the Panda…”
“The Kung Fu Panda?!”
We resume the abnormal broadcast
“So Far away. Doesn't anyone podcast close anymore?” 
“So excited, going to Disney World, gonna see Star Wars Land. Yeah!” 
“They love us. He works hard for the money!” 
“Hello, my honey! Hello, my baby! Hello, my ragtime gal. Send me a kiss by wire. Baby, my heart's on fire…”
“Natalie, can you hear me?”
“It’s the hard-knock life for us!”
A love for Little Debbie
Hi, my name is Darla and I have a problem. Hello my name is Darla and I am a Little Debbie addict.
“I offered her a little Debbie and she said no.” 
“How can you say no to that? “
“Cuz I don't like them.” 
“Yeah. Me neither, actually,” 
GASP.
 
“Should we do it now or afterwards?” 
“Let's not take over Robert.”
“Oh, you got called Robert!” 
“Ooooooooh”. 
 
“Come on Tubby.”
“Oh, you just did not…”
 
“I like saying giraffe as your last name.” 
“I'll change it legally.”
“To what, rhinoceros?!”
“Badoom boom, try the veal.”
“Aren't you hilarious Darla?”
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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

Kenny Rogers Remix: All about Instagram Strategy

Did you know that in Kenny Roger’s song, “The Gambler”, he says a lot about Instagram strategy and social media marketing? No? Well, Darla and Natalie dive into the social strategy outlined in his song in this special re-release of the Wingnut Social Podcast. Listen to gain some new insight! 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:55] Know when to hold ‘em
[5:10] Delegate your social media
[6:00] Know when to walk away
[7:30] Money Money Money, Money!
Resources & People Mentioned
Kenny Rogers ‘The Gambler’
If you’re gonna play the game—learn to play it right
You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, and know when to walk away. So what does it look like when you’re doing things right?
When 50% of non-followers are seeing your Instagram posts.
When your engagement rate is 5-10% of your followers.
If these two things line up, it ain’t broke—don’t fix it. Hold your cards and play out the hand. So when do you fold ‘em? When Instagram strategy is eating up time better spent designing. Get an intern or outsource the work. Delegate. 
When do you walk away? When comments have you down in the dumps and you’re about to blow your top, cool off. Let your audience see you take the high road.
Never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table
When you’re making money and your business is profitable it’s easy to stay the course. But when your chips are low (or a recession hits) you may start to waiver. That is when it’s most important to stick to your strategy. Continue to put money into marketing so your pipeline is full.
You need new leads coming in. This is where many designers are reluctant to spend their money. It’s hard to see it’s immediate impact, but in a recession, your pipeline will dry up if money isn’t consistently budgeted for marketing. 
For the rest of their tips and takeaways, listen to the whole special minisode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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 5 Step Sales Strategy Plan with Brian Robinson

A sales strategy plan that applies to designers is hard to come by. Even worse, knowing what to say and how to say it can be stressful and daunting. Is there an easier way to approach sales that is less anxiety-inducing? Brian Robinson joins Darla and Natalie to share his 5-step plan for success. 
Brian is a best-selling author and sales coach, specializing in helping businesses capture lost marketing opportunities. His sales formula—discussed in depth in his book—is a helpful approach for anyone looking for a better way to sell. He discusses his approach in this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast. Don’t miss it!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:25] John Wick poll and Christmas decorations 
[4:30] A sales formula with Brian Robinson
[8:05] Make sales a conversation—not a presentation
[9:25] Brian’s 5-step formula for success
[12:40] The psychological concept of anchoring
[16:25] Takes notes with pen and paper
[20:40] How to discuss solutions for your clients
[24:25] Closing: discounts and deadlines
[29:35] A less aggressive option
[31:30] Money money money, money!
[36:50] What up Wingnut round
Connect with Brian W. Robinson
Get the first 3 chapters of Brian’s book FREE!
Brian’s Website
Brian on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
The Selling Formula by Brian W. Robinson
The Compassionate Samurai by Brian Klemmer
The 5-step sales strategy plan
Brian points out that you need to make your sales pitch a conversation—not a presentation. Viewing it that way can take a weight off your shoulders. He lays out a 5 step strategy:
Step #1: Connect with your prospect and set the agenda
Step #2: Master the client interview: ask for permission to question them about their home, desires for the remodel, and so forth. Take notes with pen and paper.
Step #3: Present your solution: based on the client interview, present a solution that solves their specific design problems.
Step #4: Share pricing and guarantees (Brian shares some impressive strategies in this episode).
Step #5: Close the deal. Brian notes, “you must always have an offer—and a deadline.'' 
Most people struggle with closing the deal because it’s awkward. It’s hard to look someone in the eye and ask them for their business, even when you’re offering an amazing service. If you struggle to ask clients directly if they’d like to work with you, Brian said you can phrase it this way: If I could provide you with an incentive to choose one of our packages today, would you be open to discussing that? Most people are going to say yes. It’s a nice segue into your offer and being able to schedule a follow-up.
Understand the psychological concept of anchoring
Pricing can be another tricky subject, especially when so many potential clients have no idea what the true cost typically is. One tip Brian gives to help mitigate the sticker shock is to have potential clients complete a questionnaire. It should present the client with an option to choose their budget range or write in what their budget amount. This allows you to know their budget mindset before scheduling a consultation.
The other strategy when dealing with pricing is that of anchoring. You present your packages and pricing from the most expensive to the least expensive. This anchors their mindset to the highest price so that anything offered that’s lower is more appealing. Just like in design and photography, make your pricing follow the “rule of thirds”. Anything that is presented in threes is appealing to the eye—and the wallet.
Listen to the entire episode as Brian walks through his strategy in-depth and gives designers a great layout for selling their services the easiest way possible. 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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 ABCs of Shooting an IGTV Video with Shana Heinricy

In this episode of Wingnut Social, Shana Heinricy takes a deep-dive into shooting an IGTV video. She’ll share how to prepare for the video, basic formatting and structure, equipment needed, the shooting process, and how to post on Instagram. If shooting a video gives you stage-fright—or you just need some simple tools and strategies to dive in—this is a must-listen! 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:05] Shooting a video for IGTV
[2:25] The 4 places to post videos on Instagram
[4:10] Prepping for an IGTV video
[7:00] Basic structure your video should follow 
[9:10] Equipment to invest in
[10:55] Tips and tricks for the shooting process
[14:30] How to post the video on IGTV
[17:00] Video is THE way to communicate
Resources & People Mentioned
Window Works
Gimbal Stabilizer on Amazon
Wireless Lavalier Microphones
Cell Phone Halo Light
Phone Tripod
IGTV
How do you prepare to shoot an IGTV video?
Shana cannot emphasize enough—don’t write a script for your video. How a person writes is 100% different than how they speak. The perfect grammar and word choice are important for writing. What’s important for video (and podcasts) is being informal and conversational. Here are a couple of things Shana recommends:
Write keywords or phrases to guide your video
Cover the main points—using numbered steps is a great option!
Include transitions into new topics
Give clear and useable takeaways for your audience 
What do the viewers want to know? What questions are they asking? Shana points out you need to keep these questions at the forefront of your mind when preparing a video. She notes you can also take some pointers from a recent blog post and transform them into a video. 
What should the basic structure of an IGTV video look like? 
YouTube and Instagram influencers alike use a particular formula for the videos they create: an introduction, the body of the video, and a conclusion. What should each of those look like?
The introduction: Introduce the topic of your video and ask listeners to comment with questions they’d like you to answer. This is a great place to ask them to subscribe to your channel! It’s all about engagement.
The body: Go through your main points (using transitions) and answer listener questions—and post your next one!
The conclusion: Give a quick recap of your topic, remind them to like your video and subscribe, and leave them with a challenge (a specific action to carry out). 
If you shoot your video in this format, you should develop an interactive following of subscribers.
Listen to the whole episode for tips on the shooting process, how to post it to IGTV, and why designers NEED to be using IGTV as their primary video platform! It’s time to join the video bandwagon!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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

Tech Tools Designers Need to Embrace with Jarret Yoshida

If you’re stuck in an old-school way of running your business, it’s time to begin embracing some tech tools. Gone are the days of just using Quickbooks. There are multiple project management systems available geared towards designers. If you’re ready to update some antiquated systems and embrace the technology that’s available, don’t miss this 100th episode of the Wingnut Social Podcast!
Jarret Yoshida joins Darla and Natalie to chat about the systems and tools he’s integrated into his design business. Jarret is an interior designer in New York City, specializing in high-end residential spaces. His background in the tech space drove him to fully embrace tech tools to drive his business forward.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:00] Special Blooper Reel episode for Christmas!
[4:50] Jarret Yoshida joins Darla and Natalie
[6:30] Project Management Software for designers
[15:40] Find what works best for your firm
[18:15] Jarret’s Interior design style
[19:30] How Jarret schedules meetings
[23:05] Client communication
[25:45] Client presentations
[30:20] Internal communication
[36:55] Google Suite for emails
[38:30] Embracing technology will make your life easier
[40:40] What up Wingut Round!
[43:15] Connect with Jarrett
Connect with Jarret Yoshida
Jarret’s Website
Twitter
Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Design Manager
Mydoma Studio
Ivy Business Management Software
Asana Work Management Platform
Book: Becoming a Man by Paul Monette
Slack
G Suite
Project Management Software for designers
If you’re like most designers, the majority of your time is spent designing and being creative. No one likes to take time away from what they love to invest time into bookkeeping—especially on a platform that doesn’t serve you. Jarret found that Quickbooks was too generic, and began searching for a system that better served the needs of a designer.
So he started using Design Manager, and the difference was astounding. It was easy to learn. The financial tracking and project management was geared towards the design industry. It helped him become more productive and efficient. He points out that you can’t be afraid to stray from the industry standards to find something better. 
Darla and Natalie have tried Ivy and currently use Mydoma and adore it. The goal is to find what works best for you and your firm. To hear more about how Design Manager and Mydoma integrate with the design world, be sure to listen to the whole episode!
Tech tools: shiny, new, and unexpected
Jarret, Darla, and Natalie all advocate embracing technology and the tools that simplify your life and business. Slack is a great tool for internal communication within your business. Asana is a platform that Darla and Natalie love for keeping on-task with projects. G Suite (Google) is great for client presentations, email, and much more.
While advocating for technology, Jarret also points out that we cannot forget the human element. There is something special about the human touch and engaging with clients face-to-face. After all, they hired you because they like you, who you are, and what your design aesthetic is. It is all part of the luxury experience you want your clients to feel.
Jarret loves being surrounded by his team. It’s so much easier to collaborate, critique ideas, and be productive when you can communicate in-person. His firm is small and intimate enough that this is still feasible. Embracing technology is not about forgetting your roots or removing the human touch. It’s about integrating tools into your system that allows you to focus on what you do best.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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 Lowdown on Pinterest Rich Pins

What are Pinterest Rich Pins? Why would you want or need them for your business? Darla and Natalie tackle Rich Pins in this minisode of the Wingnut Social Podcast. You’ll learn what they are, why they’re useful, and how they can greatly benefit you. Don’t miss it!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:20] What are Pinterest Rich Pins?
[4:05] Is it hard to make a Rich Pin?
[4:45] 4 different types of Rich Pins
[6:45] The benefits of Rich Pins
[8:05] Adding metadata to your account
[9:35] Rich Pin Validator
Resources & People Mentioned
LuAnn Nigara’s Window Works
Yoast SEO WordPress Plugin
Pinterest Instructions
Pinterest Rich Pins Validator 
Website Instructions with Yoast plugin
Website Instructions done manually
What are Rich Pins? Will they make me rich?
The jury is still out on that one, but anything is possible! Rich pins are pins that pull metadata from your website and the information is displayed directly on a pin. It also gives pinners a better picture of what they’ll see on your website. It is shown to improve engagement, and possibly even lower your bounce rate. 
There are four different types of Rich Pins: App pins, Product pins, Recipe pins, and Article pins (designers are more likely to use article pins). The pin links to your article, drops your website name on the bottom of the pin, shows the author, and is even capable of more. Better yet—adding Rich Pins to your Pinterest account is completely free.
It seems like a win-win. Keep listening as Darla and Natalie share more benefits!
How do I set up Rich Pins?
The very short version is this:
Pinterest needs to be able to access meta-data on your account. There are a couple of ways to do this. You can install the Yoast SEO plugin on your site, update a couple of settings, and voilà! If Yoast is not an option, you need to add specific coding to the header of each page on your site. Detailed instructions are linked in the resources. OR pass the task to your web developer and watch them work their magic!
Once you’ve got your metadata sorted out on your website, you head on over to the Pinterest validator and enter a single URL from your website.
Click ‘apply now’! Once Pinterest has validated your account (it may take 2-3 weeks) you’ll see that Rich Pins are enabled when you create one. 
The long and short of it is this: you NEED Rich Pins. The simple fact that it increases engagement as much as 40% should convince you. But, if you need more convincing, listen to the whole mini-episode now!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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

Understanding Biophilic Interior Design with Michelle Castagna and Jeffrey Allis

This special bonus episode of the Wingnut Social Podcast is a panel on Biophilic design that was recorded LIVE at the DCOTA fall market. Darla and Natalie sit down with Michelle Castagna and Jeffrey Allis to discuss Biophilic design, why it’s risen in popularity, and how to incorporate it into your design.
Michelle Castagna is the owner of Muse Design Studio with over 20 years of experience in the design industry. Her goal is to make every individual's unique story shine through in their design. She wants to encourage her clients to experience life in a positive and balanced way through Biophilic design. 
After 25 years with the Chicago Board of Trade, Jeffrey Allis shifted industries and became a Biophilic Designer and Horticultural Consultant. He provides his expertise in the US, Canada, and Latin America. His life-long love for plants and gardening is apparent in his beautiful designs. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:05] Biophilic Design Panel at DCOTA Market
[3:05] Michelle’s start in the design industry
[5:10] Jeffrey’s beginnings in the world of design
[5:55] What is Biophilic design?
[9:15] How has the movement risen in popularity
[12:30] The science of Biophilic design
[18:00] How do you educate yourself and clients?
[20:30] How do we incorporate Biophilic design
[31:15] Biophilic design in cold climates
[34:25] Maintenance and upkeep
[38:50] What to look for in a professional?
[42:30] Where is Biophilic design headed?
[47:00] Vertical plant walls
[51:05] IFDA implementing a certification program
[52:10] Reason for the resurgence
Connect with Michelle Castagna
Muse Design
Michelle on LinkedIn
Connect with Jeffrey Allis
TruVine Design
Jeffrey on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
DCOTA Market
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
The Seattle Spheres
1 Hotel South Beach
WELL Building Standard
What in the world is Biophilic design? 
Biophilic design’s most simple definition is a love of nature and incorporating natural elements into your interior design. It is about bringing nature back into the built environment. It is about your wellbeing and the emotion you feel when you’re in your space. People want to feel grounded in their homes and enveloped in a sense of calm. 
There is so much “gray” in people’s lives. They are hungry for texture, color, and life in their homes.
The way the human brain functions in beautiful spaces has a direct impact on health and well-being. Because of this, Michelle points out that you must incorporate how a client wants to feel in their space. You answer that by providing natural elements the evoke the emotion they seek to feel. It can be with direct elements, such as live plants. Or you can incorporate faux greenery, wood elements, natural shapes, etc. 
How to incorporate Biophilic design
Americans have become so detached from nature that most people don’t know how to keep a plant in their home alive. Jeffrey points out that the right plants in the right space is key. Once you’ve identified the correct plant, it’s as easy as feeding and watering to the proper specifications. There are even low-maintenance plants for those without a green thumb (cough—Darla—cough). 
To do this properly, you need to seek out an expert in the space—or become an expert yourself. 
Even if you don’t have the knowledge and know-how to choose the proper living plants, you can focus on bringing the outside in (continuum theory). Your home doesn’t need to be a jungle to be biophilic. If you’re in Miami, it could mean simply incorporating the right wood, seashells, natural elements, or even images that connect you with the nature outside your window. 
This special bonus episode is full of content about the world of biophilic design. Don’t miss the value it can add to your design process!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
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

Stellar Sales Techniques for Interior Designers with Nikki Rausch

Mastering sales techniques can be something that feels out-of-reach for those in the design industry. Many people find it downright terrifying. Even the terminology around the topic of “sales” can scare people away. So how do you master selling your services? How do interior designers need to change the conversation? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Nikki Rausch joins Darla and Natalie to help you learn some simple sales techniques that will transform the way you sell.
Nikki runs Sales Maven—and with over 24 years of experience—she is a seasoned expert in the sales world. She is the author of 3 books (one of which you get for FREE) and is passionate about helping entrepreneurs learn to sell. It’s no longer about the aggressive sale but about being conversational and invitational. If you’re ready to step-up your sales game, check out this episode now!
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[3:00] Sales techniques with Nikki Rausch
[5:40] Nikki’s background in sales
[7:50] What is the biggest struggle?
[10:15] Be conversational and invitational
[15:55] Offering a solution to someone’s problem
[18:00] How to mitigate sticker shock
[26:10] How sales have changed
[29:15] Is email enough of a follow-up?
[32:30] What up Wingnut Round
[35:10] How to connect with Nikki
Connect with Nikki Rausch
Sales Maven Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Resources & People Mentioned
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann
The Selling Staircase by Nikki Rausch
Nikki’s free ebook just for Wingnut Social Listeners!
A Well-Designed Business Podcast
Sales techniques include being conversational and strategic
Sales have garnered such a tarnished reputation and most people equate salespeople with being aggressive and pushy. In this changing world, it’s important to flip that skewed worldview upside down and make your sales strategy conversational. If you struggle with what to say and how to say it, you aren’t alone. 
Nikki desires to help make the sales process simple by coaching you through the conversations.
Not only do you want your interactions with clients to be conversational and not pushy, but you want it to be invitational as well. Nikki says it may not feel natural, but you want to invite the client to work with you. If you don’t ask them to hire you, it leaves them feeling unsatisfied. 
To hear how Nikki suggests navigating the sales conversation with clients, be sure to listen!
Remember that the sales process isn’t about you
Darla points out that it’s so easy to let your internal critic tear you down: You sound like an idiot. You’re bombing this presentation. But instead of focusing inwards, you must remove yourself from the equation. Your proposal is about meeting the client’s needs, solving a problem, offering a solution, etc. It is not about you.
You want to be constantly moving the conversation in the direction of a sale. Consumers are more savvy and skeptical than ever before. Nikki points out that people know when they’re being sold—so ask the right questions, give recommendations, and give the opportunity to buy. 
Remember that potential clients who have sought you out are looking for an expert willing to take the time to assess their needs. Give them what they’re looking for in a conversational and invitational way, and you’re already taking the necessary steps to simplify the sales process.
To hear more of Nikki’s sales techniques and specific examples, listen to this amazing 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
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