Have you ever thought to yourself, “This is all I know how to do?” I have. And therein lies the opportunity to find someone who knows more than you do about that topic. Maybe you have lots of time, then you might want to investigate, listen to podcasts or read books – perhaps even take a course. But what do you do when you don’t have time, and you do have money as a resource? On the podcast today we are going to dig into the question, “Have I taken my design business as far as I can alone?”

Profit Is A Choice

Have You Taken Your Design Business As Far As You Can Alone

165: Why Relationships are Key to Scaling Your Design Firm with Sarah Walker With me today on the podcast is Sarah Walker of Nuance Interiors in Washington State. Sarah has just opened high end showroom in the Pacific Northwest catering to builders and other designers. We are going to discuss her journey in design, how she chose to step out of the comfortable and take a risk, and what she would do differently next time. Topics Mentioned: Pre-planning Relationship building Luxury experience  Key Thoughts:   I think every designer needs some level of business class. It's understanding what it takes for that firm or your own firm to stay in business. Michele (08:35)   I would say a lot of my successes as a designer is who I know and who I'm connected with, and really supporting my vendors as they support me. Sarah Walker (15:48)    I also partnered with a Profit First accountant, and we actually review costs quarterly. I can categorize my expenses on a weekly basis so I'm really aware of what's going out, cost wise right now. Sarah Walker (30:28)   Another point is to look at the SBA loans like you did. Do you buy the building? Do you rent the building? There's a lot that goes into those conversations. Michele (34:10)   Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Sarah: Website: nuanceinteriors.com Instagram: @nuanceinteriors Facebook: nuanceinteriors Pinterest: nuanceinteriors Email: sarah@nuanceinteriors.com References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7 Figure Case Study - Download here Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port 

Why Relationships are Key to Scaling Your Design Firm

164: How to Prepare for a Deep Dive Strategy Session with Michele Williams There comes a time for every business owner where they know a cursory glance over their business is not enough. They must do a deep dive into the company to check for workflows, profitability, products, services and more. And this deep dive can be overwhelming if not done methodically – because there are rabbit trails that quickly show up! On today’s podcast I am going to share with you my recent deep dive strategies, how they worked, and what could be improved. Enjoy! Topics Mentioned:  Strategy session Agenda Document Prioritize Key Thoughts: Step one in preparing for a deep dive session is to create an agenda. Michele (2:11)    Step two was to leave room on the agenda for new items to emerge and for the scope to morph. Michele (2:54)    Step three is to create a plan to take notes and capture outcomes. Michele (5:05)    Creating time to step back from the day to day and to revisit workflows, processes and documents can be difficult – but the investment is amazing. Michele (10:29)   Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams   References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now ReMarkable 2 Tablet  

How to Prepare for a Deep Dive Strategy Session

163: How to Leverage Leadership in Scaling Your Design Firm with Jenni Egger With me today on the podcast is Jenni Egger of Jenni Egger Designs. Jenni is one of my coaching clients and she has built a wonderful business in Indiana. Jenni had a career prior to her design firm working with the Estee Lauder Corporation. We are going to discuss what she learned from that company that gave her a specific insight into building and scaling her current firm. Topics Mentioned: Managing for results Talent management Family  Key Thoughts:   We don't want to cram people into a position, we want to align the position with the talent so that people are working in their zone of genius in an area, they love doing the things that they're well suited for, and have a skill set. Michele (6:42)    Identifying the talent and then fitting them in the right job times investment equaled growth. Jenni Egger (7:04)    If you take care of your staff and your team members, they will take care of your clients. Michele (15:28)    Something I believe in is you look at what you already own, what you already have what you already possess, that you can just make better. Jenni Egger (28:39)    Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Jenni: Website: JenniEggerDesigns.com Instagram: @jennieggerdesigns Facebook: jennieggerdesigns Email: jenni@jennieggerdesigns.com References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7 Figure Case Study - Download here The Company I Keep by Leonard A. Lauder Ways to Make Your Interior Design Business More Fun - EP 149 with Michele Williams 

How to Leverage Leadership in Scaling Your Design Firm

162: 3 Strategies to Fit Your Design Business Into Your Life with Michele Williams If you are following along with my newsletter challenges, then you are working to determine what is critical for you and your team to complete this year. (By the way, if you don’t get my newsletter, go to www.scarletthreadconsulting.com and sign up or download any of my free offerings.) And as you are focusing on what is really critical you may be looking at a task list that is longer than your calendar has months left in the year. Today we are going to talk about fitting your business into your life instead of fitting your life into your business. I hope you find some great take-aways to lighten the load. Topics Mentioned:  Calendar Create boundaries Identify What You Want Key Thoughts: We start our business to live the life that we desire, but quickly, we find that we are always working and not living. So how do we keep the tension between these two areas in a safe place? . Michele (2:00)    At the beginning of each year, I go to my work calendar (or actually a personal Google calendar that is linked to my work calendar), and I mark off every day I want to take off – for any reason. Michele (3:44)    I had not created the space in my own life to have joy, love, kindness, and peace show up as a natural byproduct.  Michele (6:42)    I learned to create boundaries around work and life. My life was scheduled, and then I scheduled my work. This allowed me to fit in work – not fit in my life. Michele (9:51)   Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams   References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7 Figure Case Study - Download here 3 Reasons to Take Your Design Business on Vacation - EP 142 with Michele Williams Dynamics of an Entrepreneurial Family - EP 77 with Brantley and Harrison Williams 

3 Strategies to Fit Your Design Business Into Your Life

161: How to View Your Relationship with Money in Your Design Firm with Aimee LaLiberti With us on the podcast today is Aimee LaLiberte. Aimee is the owner of My Virtual CFO and is also a life and money coach. We are chatting about having a relationship with money – the good and the bad. Listen in as we talk about money being neutral and amoral. Afterward, leave yourself some time to reflect on how money was viewed by your family during your childhood and how that influences the type of business you run today. Topics Mentioned: Beliefs  Money mindset  Comparison  Resistance  Key Thoughts:   Money doesn't have a morality. It's what we do with it and how we handle it. It's our choices that that are morally inclined, but money is just an object. Michele (10:51)    I think sometimes breaking apart the constructs that we've held, can really kind of shake us when we realized that they were never true. Michele (17:22)    What I found every time I've grown my business, it has been when I've let go of this pre-determined agenda that I've had about myself, that you need to work really hard in order to get ahead. As soon as I dropped that and said, I believe in myself, it's always unfolded. Amy LaLiberte (19:40)    Price it properly and serve them and the rest is going to take care of itself as far as the ability to make money. Michele (22:14)    When I really started to examine my work hard attitude and work life balance, I realized this is not what I preach to my clients. Why is it that I would never want to hear my clients doing this, and yet it's acceptable to me? It was really that moment where I had to take a step back and say, okay, something's got to give, what do I need to do?   Amy LaLiberte (23:30)   Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Aimee: Website: My Virtual CFO Instagram: @MyVirtualCFO Facebook: MyVirtualCFO LinkedIn: Aimee LaLiberte Email: aimee@myvirtualcfo.co References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, Fix This Next, Profit First, Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz Pricing Without Emotion® Understanding Your Financials™ Master Your Profit® 

How to View Your Relationship with Money in Your Design Firm

160: Building Profitability Into Your Design Business with Michele Williams When I started my podcast journey in September of 2018, I knew I would only do it if I could have the time and resources to do it well and consistently. I have now wrapped up 3 full years of podcasting and this is the start of year 4. Thank you all for continuing to be willing to listen, share, and talk about the choices that make our businesses and lives profitable. I would love for you to leave a review of the podcast on your favorite listening device. I believe there is more to be done and uncovered – so cheers to the beginning of year 4 of Profit Is A Choice. Topics Mentioned:  Review Profitability Strategic Plan Key Thoughts: In episode 112 I shared 6 ways to remove overwhelm in your business. Two of my favorites are to stop and breathe, then focus on the next ONE thing. The other four ideas aren’t too shabby either. Michele (3:24)    Strategic plans are the conversation of the year for me. In episode 129 I share with you why you need one. Actually – I share 5 reasons you need one. Michele (8:48)    Reviewing a year like this really reminds me of the varied experiences in our industry and it allows me to think bigger than I might sometimes think on my own. It can do the same for you.  Michele (19:46)    Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams   References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7-Figure Case Study Play to Your Strengths - EP 35 with Darren Virassammy Who Should I Hire First: Admin Assistance or Junior Designer? by Michele Williams StrengthsFinder Assessment 

Building Profitability Into Your Design Business

159: How to Create Profit in your Design Firm with SideDoor with Chad Smith Joining me today is Chad Smith of SideDoor. Chad is an entrepreneur with a long background in the design industry. On today’s podcast we are discussing how to monetize and streamline the ordering and procurement process by using an online tool that has digitized the order process. SideDoor can be used in a multitude of ways in your business, and I hope you are as excited about learning and considering the opportunities as I am. Topics Mentioned: Purchasing product Ease of process Digital ordering and catalog Key Thoughts:   We're all trying different things, in shifting our business practices and industries around us are shifting. But we learned from each one of those endeavors, and then take that into the next one. Michele (3:03)    That's what's so helpful for programs like yours, teachings like yours podcast like this, because the reality is, what drives success for the business owner is, frankly, the repetition of like some of the boring basics, if you will, those are the things that make the difference. Chad Smith (11:11)    I can assure you, in my experience, people aren't going to solve your problem. They may help once you have those processes in place you help your firm grow. Chad Smith (15:05)    In this whole microcosm of design, SideDoor gives an opportunity for vendors, even smaller vendors, the opportunity to get in front of designers, to sell their product. Michele (31:35)    Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Chad: Website: On SideDoor Instagram: @onsidedoor Email: chad@onsidedoor.com References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7-Figure Case Study - Download here 

How to Create Profit in your Design Firm with SideDoor

158: How to Get Unstuck in Your Interior Design Business with Misty Molloy Joining me on the podcast today is Misty Molloy of CoCreative Interiors. Misty began her design business a little over a year ago and has had rapid growth both in the development of her business and in her designs. After working through her financials, Misty experienced some overwhelm which lead to her getting stuck with how to move forward. Listen in as we dissect her challenge, remove obstacles, and make a path forward for her. Topics Mentioned: Growth Plan Action Overwhelm Key Thoughts: I started my business with the foundation in mind because I recognized how important the business principles and the foundation are to the success of a business. Misty Molloy (6:38)    How do I recognize and achieve the challenge of a business plan, and accomplish it without exhausting and killing myself? Michele (15:10)    The more that you know, and recognize what you are perfectly poised to do, the more you're going to recognize it when it hits your desk and you get to talk to the client about it. Michele (25:58)    One of the things that are interesting is this idea of balancing what you want and what the market wants. That's part of where I get stuck - just because you build it doesn't mean they will come. Misty Molloy (28:06)    I think that in our businesses, we can hit that same wall, like I've made so many decisions, I just don't want to make the next one. And then whatever comes up, we put a block up against it. Michele (35:56)    I think that's the ultimate value of coaching is having someone who can help identify the roadblocks and create that framework for busting through those roadblocks. Misty Molloy (53:46) Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Misty: Website: CoCreative Interiors Instagram: @cocreativeinteriors Facebook: CoCreative Interiors Email: misty@cocreativeinteriors.com References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7-Figure Case Study - Download here 

How to Get Unstuck in Your Interior Design Business

157: How to Hire for the Weaknesses in Your Design Firm At some point we all need to consider hiring. But have you considered hiring for the weaknesses in your firm? In this episode we will look at how to identify the weaknesses of your firm, how to use the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment tool to gain clarity on what is missing, and how to choose between two weak areas to determine which position to hire for first. Topics Mentioned:  Hiring StrengthsFinder Decision making Key Thoughts: The more stress put on an object, the more the weak areas present. And the same holds true in business. Michele (1:48)    Knowing my weaknesses, has really helped me in hiring people who had a natural ability that I did not, and then create processes and systems to assist me in meeting the needs of my clients and my business for the areas that do not come as naturally to me. Michele (5:49)    Hiring when you're overwhelmed where you can't fully train or onboard could lead to disaster. Make sure that you have a training plan created in advance before bringing on your next team member. Michele (9:44)    Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams   References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7-Figure Case Study Play to Your Strengths - EP 35 with Darren Virassammy Who Should I Hire First: Admin Assistance or Junior Designer? by Michele Williams StrengthsFinder Assessment 

How to Hire for the Weaknesses in Your Design Firm

156: How to Have a Successful Brand Photo Shoot for Your Design Firm with Catrina Maxwell Catrina Maxwell from Cat Max Photography is joining me on the podcast today to talk all about how to create a successful brand and lifestyle photo shoot. Cat and I recently worked together to create my new photos and her process was top-notch. I loved crafting the story lines, then taking the pictures to tell the story. Listen in as Cat shares her journey in photography and how we can take photos that allow us to make human connections. Topics Mentioned: Story Pre-planning Human connection Joy Key Thoughts: Sometimes those yeses that seem a little bit off the beaten path can sometimes become the path later. Michele (10:38)    Highlighting women entrepreneurs and helping them to be successful in telling their story through those editorial pieces, just kind of lit a fire in me. Catrina Maxwell (11:59)    It's not just your interiors, you have a headshot, you have lifestyle, you have behind the scenes, you have personality that's going to go with all of this. And it tells your whole story. Catrina Maxwell (13:57)    Sometimes, some things that we do, we almost take for granted that either everybody knows we do it, or that it maybe doesn't hold the level of importance. Michele (45:11)    I think it's amazing how God doesn't waste anything. Michele (1:01:02)     Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Cat: Website: Cat Max Photography Instagram: @catmaxphoto Facebook: CatMaxPhotography LinkedIn: Cat Max Photography Email: catmax@catmaxphotography.com References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7 Figure Case Study - Download here 

How to Have a Successful Brand Photo Shoot for Your Design Firm

155: 3 Ways to Protect Your CEO Position in Your Design Firm Each firm needs a CEO. A Chief Executive Officer. Perhaps, the position does not use that label – but the work of the CEO is still needed. On the podcast today we are going to look at the role of the CEO, why it is needed, and how to protect it no matter the size of your firm. Topics Mentioned:  CEO Job responsibilities Ownership Key Thoughts: We need to recognize that the role and the position of CEO in your company exists. Michele (4:53)    You need to set aside time to consider the future, work on guiding your firm and your team and building up your leadership skill set. Most of this work starts with how you think and the mindset you have towards leadership. Michele (5:18)    We want to identify the responsibilities of CEO in your firm, we may not all do it the same. Michele (6:05)    It takes more than doing the work of the day to day to be successful. It takes oversight, management, planning and making a path forward for everyone. Michele (7:44)    Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams   References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7 Figure Case Study - Download here The E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber Traction by Gino Wickman Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack 3 Reasons to Take Your Business on Vacation - EP 142 with Michele Williams 

3 Ways to Protect Your CEO Position in Your Design Firm

154: How to Restart Your Interior Design Firm with Lesley Myrick With me today is Lesley Myrick of Lesley Myrick Interiors. Lesley is fun and has a super cool style. She is going to share with us on today the challenges of moving 3 times in 5 years and constantly restarting her business. There are some lessons learned and insight gained from these moves that can assist us all, no matter where we are in business. Listen in as Lesley shares how simplifying her offerings has been freeing and more profitable in her business, and as she shares the one big thing that helped launch her business in a new state. Topics Mentioned: Vulnerability and putting yourself out there  Moving to a new state  Simplifying your offerings  Coaching  Key Thoughts: We talk about profitability in more than one way. Meaning we're not looking at just money, but the profitability of doing what we love and the profitability of relationships and the profitability of communication and all the other aspects of business and life where profitability matters. Michele (2:22)    I recommend to any designer who is new in the city or just trying to get more local exposure is reach out to your local magazines, they're always looking for content if you can come to them with great projects to photograph or photos, and a story idea. Lesley Myrick (11:18)    I want to encourage all of us the profitability of taking the step even when you're afraid like there is sometimes doesn't always work out. Michele (19:30)    When I have been open to adventure when I have been open to what God has next for us what opportunities come up, it has been way more fun. It's been terrifying, and horrible and awful and difficult too. Don't get me wrong. But it has been way more exciting and gratifying. Lesley Myrick (26:36)    Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Lesley: Website: LesleyMyrick.com Instagram: @lesleymyrick Facebook: Lesley Myrick Interior Design YouTube: Lesley Myrick Email: lesley@lesleymyrick.com References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 

How to Restart Your Interior Design Firm

153: 3 Reasons to Set New Goals For Your Design Business Every July Here we are, midway through the year. And the question becomes, are you on track to meet your goals? I believe that July is a great time to renew your energy and also to renew your goals with a goal setting session. Listen in as we chat about the 3 reasons to set new goals in July. Topics Mentioned:  New information  Monitoring  Energize your team  Goal setting    Key Thoughts: When we are creating strategic plans and doing our best to manage to them over time, what we really uncover is that the closer we get to the end point we are measuring to – the more we know. Michele (1:38)    Review the prior goal setting exercise you did. Regardless of whether you did it in November of the past year or January or March of this year. Pull it out and look at it. Michele (2:35)     New information brings new decisions. Hopefully if you have been monitoring to the goals you set before, you can see the changes that are now coming about with intentionality. Michele (4:29)    When we set goals at the beginning of the year, and then never look at them until December they can almost become meaningless to the team. By doing quarterly check-ins and opening up our goal setting in July for any necessary revisions, we are indicating to our team that we are serious about creating a roadmap for our success. Michele (7:56)     Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams   References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now 7 Figure Case Study - Download here 5 Reasons Successful Interior Designers Use a Strategic Plan - EP 129 with Michele Williams How to Easily Create a Strategic Plan for Your Design Firm - EP 131 with Michele Williams Reasons to Take Your Design Business on Vacation - EP 142 with Michele Williams Ways to Make Your Interior Design Business More Fun- EP 149 with Michele Williams 

3 Reasons to Set New Goals For Your Design Business Every July

152: How to Choose the Best Insurance for Your Design Firm with Michelle O’Connor With me today is Michelle O’Connor of O’Connor Insurance Associates located in Charlotte, NC. Michelle and I are going to talk about what insurance is, and why we need it, discuss the different types of insurance available, when to get insurance, and when to make a claim against it. There are so many different types of insurance and knowing what serves our company best will allow us to make the best decisions to protect the business we are building. Topics Mentioned: Liability Workers’ Compensation Auto Employer Practices Liability Key Thoughts: The more that your company grows, almost the more it's really about taking care of your people, and your people will take care of your clients. Michele (04:50)    The goal of insurance is to make you whole again, specifically when you had a covered insurance claim, which is the magic word there, is that it has to be something that is covered. Michelle O’Connor (12:24)    You do have to know your state guidelines when it comes to workers comp, but I will tell you, regardless of what your state guidelines are, when you hire the first employee, you really need workers compensation. Michelle O’Connor (34:49)    It takes a second, I mean if anybody's ever had a toddler you know, it takes a second for anything to happen with them. Same thing in your business. Michele (39:01)    Flood policies are separate policies. So they are not built into your business owner policy. They're not built into your homeowners’ policy. They are separate policies. So unless you have purchased and paid a premium for a flood policy, you don't have it. Michelle O’Connor (41:32)    The cost of having the insurance is negligible compared to the cost of the claim. Michele (46:44)    Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Michelle O’Connor: Website: oianc.com LinkedIn: O'Connor Insurance Associates, Inc. Michelle LinkedIn: Michelle O’Connor Instagram: @oconnorinsuranceassociates Facebook: O’Connor Insurance Twitter: O’Connor Insurance YouTube: O'Connor Insurance Pinterest: O'Connor Insurance Email: michelle@oianc.com References and Resources: AIM Masterclass - Watch now E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber 

How to Choose the Best Insurance for Your Design Firm

Owning every choice in your business is not for the faint of heart. Each Monday, join Michele Williams, strategic profitability coach for the interior design industry as she interviews guests who are taking control of their business one decision at a time to increase their profits. If you are an entrepreneur who wants to make money while working in your passion, this is the podcast for you.

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Profit Is A Choice

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