Designed by Wingnut Social | Interior Design Business

How Choosing An Interior Design Niche Could Maximize Your Mojo, with Jen Obermeier

You may be aware that some designers choose an interior design niche, but have you ever considered doing the same in your business? There are many reasons (fears) NOT to niche down, but are they valid?
This episode is a conversation with Jen Obermeier, a professional organizer who has learned how fulfilling and profitable it can be to drill down into a niche that enables you to do the specific kind of work you love, and to work with the exact type of people who fit you. Sound too good to be true? Then you’ll have to listen to this episode to understand how it might work in your business.
AND, as a special bonus, you’ll get to hear from the Jedi Master himself, Yoda. We’re not kidding.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:35] Darla’s Yoda impersonation: REALLY!
[7:29] Why organizers are the nerdy little sister of interior designers
[10:38] Is niching going to reduce your pipeline?
[12:47] Is there such a thing as a niche that’s too small?
[14:58] Marketing approaches to help you find your niche client
[19:41] A searchable niche is important for finding new clients too
[21:03] Show me the money! Is it truly profitable? How does pricing figure in?
[25:59] The “What Up Wingnut” Round
[29:30] We may have accidentally niched and didn’t know it
Connect with Jen Obermeier
Pro Organizer Studio
The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast
Inspired Organizer Course
BOOK:Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself
BOOK:Profit First
BOOK:Ask And It Is Given
Resources & People Mentioned
Stacey McKenna’s episode on Wingnut Social
Entrepreneur On Fire
Sara Lynn Brennan episode on Wingnut Social
Marie Kondo
Is an interior design niche something you should consider?
As you consider the possibility of choosing a niche for your design business you likely have quite a few reservations. Among the most important is this: Doesn’t choosing a niche eliminate a lot of potential business from my pipeline?
The answer is: “Yes, it does.” But that can be a GOOD thing. Seriously.
Jen explains that to your potential clients, a niche means “specialization” - it puts you into a class of professionals who are in demand and highly desirable. It’s like becoming the “brain surgeon” of designers in your area, you get the unique jobs, the special situations, or better said - the jobs that require the specialized touch and expertise that ONLY you can give. How does it feel to think about your work THAT way? And what do you think that kind of specialization could do for the prices you're able to ask for your stellar work? 
Once you get clear on your interior design niche and find the clients you love, you’ll get more
Here is one of the most exciting things about choosing a niche for your interior design business. Once you find a client who is your “ideal” and do great work for them, they will be eager to talk about the work you did (because they are so delighted with your work, right?). When they do, who will they be talking to? Other people who are like them.
That’s more ideal clients hearing about your work. More fun projects for you to work on (and they’re fun because they FIT your preferences and skills). More niche clients to work with. And once you’re done with that next project, you have yet another ideal client who is willing to refer you to others - and the cycle continues, and the influence of your niche grows broader. See how it works?
Niche marketing tip: Choose a specialty you’re willing to talk about forever
When you’re considering a niche you want to focus on, make sure it’s an area of interior design that you especially enjoy or are especially good at. When you take the time to do this, you’ll discover tons of energy for your work that overflows into your marketing.
Then, whether it’s print media or social media, you’ll be talking about what you do non stop because it’s fun for you and because you have the enthusiasm about what you do. And THAT attracts clients.
Don’t miss what Jen has to share on this episode. Her insight into the benefits of niche-ing (is that even a word?) go deep and will help you decide if choosing a niche for your interior design business is going to be worthwhile or not.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

What To Do About Instagram’s Declining Engagement - Are Instagram Promotions Worth It?

There’s lots of complaining out there in social media land about buying followers. On some level we all kinda resent it, because getting followers used to be kind of automatic or organic. But no more - organic is going away.
So instead of swimming against the tide of the inevitable Darla decided to go surfing - and tried out a 2 day experiment using Instagram’s promotional feature. And she reeled in 70 followers in two days.
How? Glad you asked…(but you should listen to hear all the nuance of how this works)...
This approach only works from the mobile app, not desktop (no clue why)
Go to your Instagram profile and click on the “promote post option”
You’ll see a gathering of your best posts, so pick one to promote and click “next”
Then you’ll be asked where to send people who see your post - and you have three options - your profile / your website / or a Direct Message (Darla did the profile)
Next, select your target audience from the two options - automatic / or custom (Darla chose specifics relating to her geography, etc.)
Then you set a budget and duration (Darla did $5 daily for 2 days)
Click “next,” wait for approval, then sit back and wait for the follower floodgates to open
Is it worth it?
Darla got 70 followers in two days - so you have to gauge how much each follower is worth to you to know, But besides helping you build your followers this approach enables you to dial in who those follower ARE through targeting the post. That means more of the people seeing your posts are the kind of people who might buy from you.
So you figure it out. And listen. And subscribe. And join our Wingnut Social Media Lab.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:37] The stuff that went down in the Wingnut Social Media Lab (and why you should care)
[2:34] Engagement on Instagram is getting more difficult - there’s a reason for that
[3:48] How we got 70 new followers in just 2 days - here’s how to do it.
Resources & People Mentioned
The Wingnut Social Media Lab (on Facebook)
Get in touch with us: 1-877-Wingnut
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Should An Interior Design Podcast Be Part Of Your Strategy? with Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole

Wingnut Social is an interior design podcast for designers - but there are other types of podcasts produced by designers that go at it from a different angle. Kendrac and Kole have been producing “Inside Design” (their podcast) for just over a year and are using it to a different end - to make themselves known for speaking opportunities and other industry-level events.
Have you considered starting your own podcast? Should you? This conversation is laser focused - we’re talking with Joann Kendrac and Kelly Kole about the why, what, and how of starting a podcast. They had never considered it but when they continued to get encouragement that they’d be great at it, they took the plunge. Should you?
Joann and Kelly share their experience, tell how they got started, explain the equipment and help they need to pull it off (and you WILL need help at some point), and more. Don’t miss this conversation. We promise, you’ll have no smoke blown up your you-know-what. They tell you the truth about the hard work of starting your own podcast - but encourage you to do it all the same. Find out why - listen now!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:35] Our first confirmed speaking engagement at High Point Market
[5:14] Why we’ve invited Kandrac and Kole on the podcast
[8:17] The motivation behind starting “Inside Design” (Karma involved)
[12:33] Why a podcast? What’s the ultimate goal of the show?
[17:51] The challenges that came with starting the show
[24:40] Should new designers even consider a podcast?
[27:06] Recommended gear and services
[31:00] How a blog helps you promote and support a podcast
[33:27] The “What Up Wingnut” round
[39:51] That was a nothing-held-back conversation - no smoke blown up your butt
Connect with Kandrac-Kole
Kandrac Kole website
Inside Design Podcast
K & K on Facebook
Twitter account of K & K
Instagram of K & K: @KandracKole
K & K Youtube channel
Pinterest too!
Resources & People Mentioned
Our High Point Market Mini-Poddy episode
Textures podcast
The Design Mastermind
Produce Your Podcast - K & K’s preferred production house
Audio Technica 2100 (NOT 2700 like Darla said)
Libsyn - media host
Podbean - media host
Podcast Fast Track - OUR production house (We love them!)
Curry and Company
Zoom H6 Digital Recorder
BOOK: Living A Beautiful Life
BOOK: Things I Want My Daughter To Know
BOOK: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
BOOK: Excellence Wins
The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast
YOUR interior design podcast should reflect YOUR experience
During this conversation Natalie asked Joann and Kelly if a newer designer should even consider starting a podcast and they had a very interesting response: Maybe, but not likely. What does that mean? They could see situations where someone with a very specific niche with very specific skills within the industry might be able to add value to an audience as a beginner, but in most cases they feel that a new designer simply wouldn’t have the experience needed to add value to their listeners.
But - they could be wrong.
Listen for yourself and decide if you agree with them, and to hear what it takes to get your podcast started, keep it going, market it, and more. If you’ve been considering a podcast of your own to support your interior design work, this may be the resource you’ve been looking for. 
You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment or crazy audio editing skills to start a podcast - honest
If you’ve got something to say and think you have an audience that’s eager to listen, you really need to put in the work to serve them well through a podcast. But don’t let that statement scare you away - it’s not that you need to develop an entirely new skillset (in most cases). There are services out there to help you with the audio and writing and even the publication of the podcast once you get it started. That allows you to focus on your area of genius - the great content you have to share.
On this episode we cover all of that and more - telling you how we (and our guests, Kendrac and Kole) organize and prepare for recordings, how we get the recording sessions done in a simple way, and then hand it off to be done by professionals (who fix all our mistakes). If that sounds like something you could do then you need to make sure you hear what we share on this episode. It’s worth your time - and your future podcasting audience will thank you!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website 
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

The Top 5 Books to Inspire You and Your Design Business

Everyone needs a good book recommendation, but the problem is that everyone always recommends the same five business books. Today Darla makes some off-the-beaten-path recs that will help your interior design business.
While Natalie loves the open seas and the sun, Darla would much rather be curled up with a book, so this episode is her five favorite books that have helped her in life and in business. The episode starts off with Do the Work by Stephen Pressfield, a book that will help you stop procrastinating and get the big projects you’re dreaming of done.
The other books on the list are designed to help you get over other mental blocks that might be keeping you back. The Alter Ego Effect, for instance, is a book about how you can create another persona to help you dodge your fears about, say, public speaking. All of the books contain great advice, but none have as many words in the title as Why Quantum Physicists Play "Grow a Greater You": Learn How to Live the Most Truly Fulfilling Life Humanly Possible. But you’ll want to hear the story of how this book helped Darla, in a personal way, achieve professional success.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:33] Darla can be plied with food
[3:12] Book #5
[4:42] Book #4
[5:42] Book #3
[7:20] Book #2
[9:30] Book #1
[13:40] A little Amish wisdom
Resources & People Mentioned
Naviphobia
Do the Work
Eat that Frog!
The Alter Ego Effect
The Big Leap
Why Quantum Physicists Play "Grow a Greater You": Learn How to Live the Most Truly Fulfilling Life Humanly Possible
Natalie Reddell on the Wingnut Social Podcast
Wingnut Social Media Lab
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

How to Market Your Interior Design Business with Packages featuring Mydoma Studio’s Stacy McKenna

There’s an old saying in business: If you don’t have a system for it, it doesn’t get done. Or we just made that up. Regardless, Mydoma Studio’s Stacy McKenna is on the show today, talking about how automation can help your bottom line.
Stacy McKenna is an account executive with Mydoma Studio, a project management suite made by interior designers for interior designers. She has 12 years experience as both a design consultant and a furniture store owner. She has firsthand experience growing a business, and loves to work with designers on helping them systematize their processes and become more profitable. And unlike Darla, she is able to say the word “packages,” without dissolving into giggles.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:05] The crime-fighting giraffe is in the studio
[3:00] Should Natalie become a GC?
[4:53] About Stacey
[6:15] Stacey comes off a red eye
[9:10] What beginning designers struggle with
[10:30] Pros and cons of packages
[12:35] Using packages to onboard clients
[17:05] How packages can make you money
[20:30] The Mydoma learning curve
[25:00] Differentiating your packages
[31:20] Whut up, Wingnut?
Connect with Stacy McKenna
Mydoma Studio
Mydoma on Facebook
Mydoma on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
LuAnn Nigara
Sara Lynn Brennan on the podcast
Nancy Ganzekaufer on the podcast
Start with Why
Wingnut Social Media Lab
How to use packages for your interior design business
Some interior designers may be hesitant to adopt packages, because they think it may be difficult to attract high-end clients using them. But as Stacy says on this week’s episode, there are many different ways to present your packages, or even to use them for very narrow purposes. For instance, you could use Mydoma just to onboard clients, and as a way to communicate with them all in one place (no more email chains).
Packages can also keep some of the guesswork about payment out of your meetings with clients. All of the information is upfront for the clients to see, which can be particularly useful when working with someone who has never hired an interior designer before.
Figure out what problems you’re solving
One way Stacy recommends interior designers use packages is to think about what problems they’re solving for their clients. Once you identify the four or five ways you help clients, you can design your packages around those problems. You can even create a ladder of services for potential clients to choose from, ranging from “designer for a day” consultations to full-service work. 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

Why You Should Go to High Point Market

You’ve heard about it, you’ve seen the Instagram photos, but is hitting up High Point Market worth it for interior designers? The answer, yes, on this week’s Monday Minisode (not poddy).
Today, Darla and Natalie issue a public service announcement. High Point Market may not be until October, but you should be thinking about it and booking your hotel, etc., now, because lodgings go quickly. In fact, if you’re new to High Point, you can do what Darla and Natalie did their first year there, and use High Point’s concierge to book a room and dinner reservations. 
But beyond the logistics, why should you go to High Point, and what is it? High Point is a giant furniture showroom, and they open it up for interior designers at a massive conference. There are events, speakers, etc., and it’s a rare opportunity for designers to test out furniture you only see online. Of course there’s also ample opportunity to learn, to take photos for your Instagram accounts, and to network like crazy. Darla and Natalie went to their first High Point two years ago, and now they both might be speaking at it again (details coming soon). High Point should be on every interior designer’s calendar, and this episode shows why.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:33] Never call this a minipoddy
[2:18] High Point basics
[3:31] Why it’s worth it
[5:30] Get your room booked
[7:35] The High Point app
[10:18] Networking at High Point
Resources & People Mentioned
High Point Market
High Point’s app
Wingnut Social Media Lab
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

Should Interior Designers Become General Contractors with Nicole White

General contractors are a necessary partner when hiring trades to complete the project you designed. But what if you were a general contractor? Today, on the podcast, heading back to school with Nicole White.
Nicole White is the principal of Nicole White Designs, which was recently voted a top Southern Florida design firm and one of 10 designers to watch by the Black Interior Designers Network. Nicole and her team specialize in renovation work and transforming client spaces. Nicole was born in Jamaica, and is constantly inspired by the bold colors of the Caribbean. She’s also the #renovationqueen.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:15] Get yourself a handy ginger
[4:05] Should Natalie become a GC?
[7:03] Nicole and Darla may have met in the streets
[12:15] Why it was good to smell like a dump
[15:50] GCs drive you nuts
[19:44] Nicole does the work on her projects
[22:00] The savings from becoming a GC
[26:05] The renovation queen
[31:30] Natalie’s hangup
[34:40] Whut up, Wingnut?
Connect with Nicole White
Nicole White Designs
Nicole on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
LuAnn Nigara
Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now
Wingnut Social Media Lab
Getting your hands dirty as a general contractor
Nicole is first and foremost an interior designer, but when she first got into the business, her partner was a general contractor. That meant that often times, she was pitching in and helping out with some of the tradecraft on the job. She cut tile, she help put up walls, everything. So this type of work is in her blood.
And as she says on the podcast, she manages her projects as a pseudo-general contractor already (no phone calls, please). She has her own trades, so while the GC still needs to be there to get the permits, etc., Nicole sees becoming a GC herself as the next logical step.
Being a general contractor allows interior designers to be one-stop shops
Nicole specializes in renovations, which often means clients are out of the house while she and her team are doing the work. So, as she points out, if she can say she’s a general contractor, then the client can just hire her, and not have to worry about signing more contracts and managing more work with a general contractor.
There’s also a cost-savings to becoming your own general contractor. How much does Nicole estimate she’ll save by becoming a GC? And did she convince Natalie to head back to school? Find out on this week’s episode. 
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

When to Hire for Your Interior Design Firm

On this week’s Marketing Monday Minisode, the Head Wingnut and the Hungry Ginger talk about the first time they delegated work. Darla was asked to do a 3D rendering of a room, and it took her way longer than could be financially justified. And after hiring out that work, and consulting with a copy of The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, Darla realized she should be focusing on the work that leverages her strongest talents.
And nearly two years ago, Darla Powell Interiors made its first hire of an interior designer, without actually having the financial means to do so. And that was because they were juggling so many clients, they needed someone to not only take some of that work, but fill in gaps in the company’s skills. It’s worked out great, and now that they can work with so many more clients, that hire has paid for itself again and again. But this episode isn’t just about hiring designers, Darla and Natalie also give tips on small ways you can delegate so you’re doing what you should be doing.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:33] Natalie’s a hungry ginger
[3:00] Juggling clients early on
[7:57] When to hire without the means
[11:10] What’s your vision for your company?
[13:45] Other ways to delegate
Resources & People Mentioned
The Big Leap
Wingnut Social Media Lab
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

How Interior Designers Can Get Featured in Magazines with Sara Lynn Brennan

Getting published in magazines can be huge for an interior designer’s business? So how has one designer, who’s only been in the biz 18 months, been published so much? Find out on today’s episode!
Sara Lynn Brennan is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors, the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxhaw, North Carolina who specializes in transitional design. She and her design-build team take spaces from bare bones to beautiful by utilizing her exclusive, approachable and stress-free design process, transforming and renovating homes from start to finish. She’s also been published in magazines a bajillion times.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[5:30] How much is a bajillion?
[7:25] Why Sara niched her design style
[10:23] What do you do if your client doesn’t like your style
[14:15] How Sara landed her first publication
[18:50] Sara still sends out her own pitches
[21:15] Patience with editors
[24:00] Send your vision boards
[28:05] What Sara does to promote her publications
[30:30] Credibility boost
[34:00] Applause for Sara
[37:12] Whut up, Wingnut?
Connect with Sara Lynn Brennan
Sara Lynn Brennan
Sara on Facebook
Sara on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
LuAnn Nigara
Amy Flurry
The Lean Startup
Wingnut Social Media Lab
Build relationships
Sara first got started publishing her work in magazines by first focusing on her own home. Her very first feature was her own house, and from there she was able to establish a relationship with that editor so her client work could be featured as well. And how did she do that? By making it very easy for the editor to work with her. She keeps in touch with editors to foster a relationship, and she lets them in early in the process, sharing vision boards so they know what she’s working on for their upcoming editorial calendars.
How does getting published change things?
The short answer from Sara is that it doesn’t. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t been good for business, but she says she hasn’t seen any clients come through her door saying, “I saw you featured in this magazine.” But the benefits go beyond direct client bookings. For instance, Sara throws events in her hometown, so people can “meet the designer” who has just been featured in a magazine. And getting into magazines has helped her establish her aesthetic in a clear and easy-to-communicate way.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

The Top 4 Apps for Interior Designers

Apps make life easier for you in 100 different ways. But for interior designers, there are four that can really be game changers. Darla and Natalie break them down on this episode.
The first app the two recommend is a graphic design program that is cop- and firefighter-proof: Canva. Canva is an online app that’s plug and play and allows you to make pro-level graphics with a minimum of sweat. Up next is a task-tracking app that has made a huge difference at Wingnut Social, allowing everyone to see who needs to do what to keep a project moving. 
The third app Darla and Natalie recommend is Slack. If you’ve never used Slack, it’s like a group-text for work, where everyone can see what’s happening. It’s a really powerful tool that allows you to discuss projects even if some of your staff are remote, you can create different channels for different clients or topics. You can DM and you can have public conversations. It really does change how a workplace communicates. And the fourth app? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out what that is (and don’t scroll down any further).
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:55] Can a plug not be shameless?
[1:35] The #4 app for interior designers
[2:40] The #3 app
[6:00] The #2 app
[8:45] The #1 app
Resources & People Mentioned
Cheryl Kees Clendenon on the pod
Canva
Asana
Slack
Mydoma Studio
Wingnut Social Media Lab
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

Could A Showhouse Be In The Future Of Your Design Career? with Corey Damen Jenkins

One of the most prestigious showhouse projects in the nation is the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse - a project that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This past year Corey Damen Jenkins received a personal invitation to participate in the project - and the work his team did in that house was UH-MAY-ZING!
In this episode of Wingnut Social, we talk with Corey about how he became involved with the project, what is typically involved in doing a showhouse project from a practical standpoint, and what he recommends you do if you are considering participation in a showhouse project as part of your business strategy. You’ll learn what is needed in terms of budget, participation, marketing, and more - and hear why we politely declined a showhouse invitation early in our design career.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:12] Our 4th of July recap (and the PTSD and K9 terror that ensued)
[4:18] The amazing Corey Damen Jenkins on this episode!
[6:18] Corey’s experience doing the Kips Bay Showhouse
[9:56] The uptick in business since doing the showhouse project
[14:14] How can local designers get started working on showhouses?
[20:11] When a designer should NOT participate in a showhouse
[27:39] How Corey determined the design for his room
[33:26] The marketing balance needed when participating in a showhouse project
[38:50] The Whatup Wingnut round
[44:01] Wrap-up and summary of the conversation
[47:54] Blooper reel
Connect with Corey Damen Jenkins
Corey’s website: https://coreydamenjenkins.com/
On Instagram: @CoreyDamenJenkins
On Facebook
On Pinterest: @CoreyDamenJ
On Twitter: @CoreyDJenkins
Resources & People Mentioned
Leathercraft
Hudson Valley Lighting
HGTV: Showhouse Showdown
The Kips Bay Showhouse Corey worked on
Corey’s spread on Traditional Home Magazine
Junior League
Holiday House
Design on a Dime
Theodore Alexander
Kravet
Courier Company
Arteriors
Lee Industries
The Fisher Mansion showhouse Corey worked on
BOOK: The Bible
Participating in a showhouse project can radically grow your business
As you might expect, a showhouse project as prestigious as the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse can garner a lot of attention for the designers who participate, and Corey made the most of his opportunity by being on-site during the tour. He stayed in his room the whole time, interacting with those who came through, discussing his inspiration and purpose for the room, and answering any questions those touring the house may have had.
As a result, the phone has been ringing off the hook ever since. That’s what you’d hope for but given the quality and stunning nature of what Corey was able to create, you’d also expect that to be the case. On this episode, Corey generously shares how he made the most of the opportunity and gives sensible and practical advice about how to get your foot in the door with showhouse organizers in your neck of the woods.
The strength of your showhouse participation is your relationships
While the prestige and notoriety of being involved with a showhouse are typically very beneficial to you as a designer, you can’t do it alone. Corey explains that much of his success with the Kips Bay project flowed out of the existing relationships he had with General Contractors, photographers, manufacturers, and more. In his mind, the real strength behind your participation will come from the relationships you’re able to forge.
Corey explains why you should work to ally yourself with reputable vendors and manufacturers long before a showhouse project comes on your radar, how to go about it, how to negotiate donations or cost-splits for the showhouse design, and what it takes to work as a team to pull off an incredible effect from your room(s).
The secret behind successful press coverage for your showhouse room
When Corey approached the design of his room in the Kips Bay project - the library - he approached it from a very different angle than you might expect. Historically, the library would have been a gentleman’s office or “man cave” of the day, so Corey wanted to bring a 21st-century approach to the room. He reversed that traditional approach into a way to pay homage to the significant role women have played in society.
He suggests that designers have a very clear plan and inspiration behind their room design in a showhouse so that they can easily and passionately talk about it with those who are interested - including the press. There’s nothing more un-press-worthy than a designer who only talks about color palettes and furniture choices for their room. Engaging with reporters about your room’s theme and inspiration provides a spin on the work that interests a wider audience and attracts press coverage.
Listen to hear the entire conversation. Corey is a gifted, generous guest who made this episode a delight for both of us… and we’re confident you’ll feel the same as you hear it.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Is Your Design Business Missing In Google Local Search? You Need Google My Business

Let’s do a little experiment: search for “Interior Design YOUR CITY” right now on Google - and you’ll see Google Local Search listings right at the top. Is your business shown there? It SHOULD be… but if it’s not, never fear. This minisode is all about helping you get set up on what’s now called “Google My Business.”
Listen to learn what Google My Business is and where it appears on search results, why it’s a good idea for you as a designer, how to set it up so that it’s accurate and helpful to searchers, AND why it’s important to stay on top of the details of your GMB profile so that you can always be found in Google Local Search.
What You’ll Hear On This Monday Marketing Minisode of Wingnut Social
[1:41] What IS Google My Business (and why is it important)?
[3:40] Why GMB is a good idea for interior designers
[4:58] How to set up your Google My Business account
[7:57] Why you need to stay on top of your GMB profile
Resources & People Mentioned
Google My Business (set yours up NOW)
You do design work in a particular area, so you need to be sure you can be found in that area
These days most people find everything they need through a web search. That includes interior design services like yours. It’s important that your business shows up in the local results when people search for a local designer.
Google My Business is a special service that you have to tap into beyond just having a website. When you go to their site, you can actually submit your information and get listed in their results for local businesses - stuff like your address, phone number, hours of operation - you get the idea. On this episode we share the quick and easy way to get your interior design business listed. 
Once your business is listed in Google My Business, stay on top of it
Just a few days ago we referred someone to an architect we’ve worked with before. He does fabulous work. That person called us later in the day saying that our friend architect looks like a great person to work with but that his business is closed. We were shocked because we’d just talked to him the day before.
The problem is that when she searched for him on Google, his local search results page said that the business was permanently closed - because he’d changed physical locations and had not updated his Google My Business profile. The same thing could happen to you if you’re not able to stay on top of your GMB listing. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by failing to keep your business in the public eye through Google local search results. Listen to find out how!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Why You Should Be a DesignHound with Veronika Miller

Ever see pictures of an incredible event with, say, brands, designers, and a cupcake buffet? That was probably hosted by today’s guest, Veronika Miller, and you probably want to be a part of it.
Veronika Miller is a kitchen and bath designer, and marketing specialist, who combined those two superpowers when she founded Modenus Media in 2010. Modenus is a marketing platform that seeks to pair designers and bloggers with forward-thinking brands. After years of hosting wildly successful blog tours, Veronika founded DesignHounds, an events and touring company that connects bloggers, designers and brands at amazing events.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:25] Consultations from Instagram
[6:02] The Veronika Coup
[7:33] How she got started
[12:10] Twitter’s early days
[16:00] Veronika is not a business strategist
[21:15] Release the DesignHounds
[28:00] How designers get picked for events
[31:10] How to become a DesignHound
[26:10] Rendering converts
[35:00] Whut up, Wingnut?
Connect with Veronika Miller
Modenus
DesignHounds on Instagram
Veronika Miller on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
DesignHounds
The Goldfinch
Wingnut Social Media Lab
Making Social Media Social
Veronika was a pioneer when it came to proving the value of social media to brands. She took to Twitter when many still weren’t sure what to make of it, and was able to forge relationships there that turned into real-life friendships. Those friendships then formed the basis of what she does today: Bringing people together in real life, and connecting them at amazing events.
One of the things Veronika became best-known for were her blog tours, that would allow designers and bloggers to connect with brands in meaningful ways. As blogging has risen and fallen over the years, she’s faded out the blog tours and moved on to creating DesignHounds, a platform that connects brands, design pros and bloggers on trips around the world.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

How to Get Your Trades on Instagram (Seriously)

How to Get Your Trades on Instagram (Seriously)
It can be hard to find the right general contractor or tradesman for your interior design projects. So today, Darla and Natalie give tips on how to find trades on, you guessed it, Instagram.
On this week’s Marketing Monday Minisode, Darla and Natalie admit that when it comes to working with trades, they’ve kissed a few frogs and have the warts to prove it. But they found their current general contractor through Instagram. And that’s vital because then Darla can say that her firm has vetted the workers who will actually execute the project.
Finding a great general contractor can feel impossible, but Darla did it through social media. She opened up Instagram and started searching for trades in Miami, Florida, and found contractors whose work she admired. She then DM’d them and asked them for coffee. And the important, crucial step: She trusted her gut when meeting them. And now one of the GCs she works with came from one of those meetings. But don’t ask her or Natalie who that contractor is. Those are fighting words.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:55] Natalie’s birthday wishlist
[2:00] Question from the media lab
[3:00] You have to make out with some frogs
[5:10] Don’t share your trades with your mother
[6:45] Working with the trades goes both ways
Resources & People Mentioned
Julie Lampe
Wingnut Social Media Lab
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

How Outsourcing Renderings Can Save You Time and Money with Kelly Fridline

Rendering can be key for communicating with a client on how a space should look. But it’s also time-consuming and resource-intensive. Should you outsource it, and how does that work? Ace architectural artist Kelly Fridline tells Darla and Natalie.
Kelly Fridline is an architecturally trained interior designer who specializes in providing 3D-renderings for interior designers and their clients. Kelly partners with interior designers, architects and contractors to help their clients see their vision in all its 3D glory prior to implementation. Kelly is based in Texas but works with designers from all over.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:25] Consultations from Instagram
[4:59] How Kelly got her rendering business started
[8:48] Laurie’s first business
[10:05] How Kelly works long-distance
[11:50] When should renderings be used?
[15:05] Should you let clients keep drawings?
[18:00] When to work with a chief architect
[21:10] Renderings for marketing
[26:10] Rendering converts
[35:00] Whut up, Wingnut?
Connect with Kelly Fridline
Kelly Fridline Design
Kelly Fridline on Facebook
Kelly Fridline on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
RevIt
Kick Ass with Mel Robbins
A Knight in Shining Armor
Wingnut Social Media Lab
How to work with a rendering pro
Kelly obviously doesn’t fly around the country to visit every site for which she’s creating a rendering. So how does she create accurate renderings without being in the room? She says the more information she can get from the designers the better. So that’s room dimensions, product information, etc. She’s actually gotten pretty good at figuring out dimensions off a few bits of information, but the more you can provide the better.
When are renderings a good thing?
In addition to rendering designs in 3D, Kelly provides an extra layer of quality control for designers. So a designer may have a great idea, but once it’s rendered, it may look a little wonky, which allows Kelly to flag that for the designer, or the designer to change it on the fly. It’s also really great for a designer (or client) who’s having a difficult time making up their mind. By creating a 3D rendering, they can see how something would look and make a switch if necessary.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn