Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. paid initial consultations for interior design projects. Here are the key takeaways: Purpose of Initial Consultations: To assess the client's needs, budget, timeline, and constraints. It sets the stage for the future scope of work. It’s not to create a “design in an hour” Importance of Charging: Charging for consultations ensures that the designer's expertise and time are valued. It includes travel time, on-site consultation, and post-consultation w...
Mar 25, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. If you listen to just one episode of this podcast this year and action all of the tactics to help your business grow. This will be my top pick. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of topics covered ; Pinterest's Relevance for Interior Designers Setting Up a Pinterest Account Board Organisation and Strategy Keyword Research Content Creation Strategies The Value of Consistent Pinning Leveraging Idea Pins Cross-Promotion with Other Platforms Pinterest for Cli...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Framework for Effective Time Blocking Self-Assessment: Begin with a moment of honest reflection. Time blocking isn't one-size-fits-all. If it feels like a fit, let’s, do it... If not, that's okay too. Visulaise and Scheduling: Imagine your ideal week. What tasks are non-negotiable? Schedule these into your calendar, using colours to differentiate between tasks like marketing, admin, creativity, and personal time. Batch Similar Tasks: Cluster similar...
Mar 18, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In this episode I'm chatting with Belinda Botzolis - renowned property valuer and social media standout, exploring the impact of interior design on property valuation, the art of content creation for professional services, and strategic advice on property investments. Belinda shares her expert insights on whether renovations truly add value, the importance of market research, and how interior designers can enhance their business visibility through e...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In this solo episode, I’m workshopping all things partnerships and pitching for collaborations, especially valuable for interior designers who haven’t reached out to look at networking with builders, real estate agents, and other professionals. I’m sharing tips on how to approach potential partners with a clear understanding of mutual benefits rather than just seeking client referrals. Key highlights include: Identifying Mutual Benefits : Understand...
Mar 11, 2024•27 min
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. This chat with Crystal Bailey, was so much fun. - Hold on for insights and real talk about kicking off and running an interior design biz. Crystal's been everywhere - from solo projects to the big leagues, designing interiors that are straight-up dreamy. She spilled the beans on how keeping things real with your clients, especially when you're deep into those big, fancy projects, is super key. She talks about the challenges of running a business as ...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Bringing some easy tactics to help tighten your wasted time and get more into your week. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand the limits of what can be achieved within a given time frame to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Time Blocking and Task Blocking: Utilise dedicated days for specific tasks (e.g., Marketing Mondays) to streamline focus and efficiency. Use Voice Notes for Content Creation: Leverage voice-to-text for authentic communication that cap...
Mar 04, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. I am sitting down with Emma, an architect turned interior designer, about her transformative journey within the Oleander & Finch Framework. Emma shares her leap from architecture to establishing her own interior design business, Formery Architecture and Interior Design, emphasising the crucial role of backend systems and processes for business success. The conversation delves into the nuances of starting a design business, highlighting Emma's fi...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. This week I’m tackling the delicate topic of recognising and addressing red flags in client relationships for interior designers. I’ll talk through the importance of trusting one's instincts when a project doesn't feel right and offer strategies for gracefully declining work that doesn't align with your vision. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, listeners get a taste of how to communicate effectively, maintain professional boundaries, ...
Feb 26, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Please enjoy this interview with Kelly Donagher, founder of 13 Interiors, to explore her remarkable journey from a mining career to becoming a celebrated interior designer. Kelly's transition, fueled by her creative instincts and desire for change, spills the tea on the business of design. She talks to her approach to running 13 Interiors, influenced by her diverse career experiences, and shares invaluable ‘gold nugget’ advice on getting published, ...
Feb 21, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. DM me the word 'Leads' on instagram to get the full detailed 9 step strategy to build leads in your interior design business. Clients Confidence and Content Marketing Workshop https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/trade-supplier-list/#Workshop Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business. Gra...
Feb 19, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. AI Transformations in Interior Design with Stacy, of @intelligent.designer.ai - We're exploring AI's role in revolutionising design efficiency and creativity. From leveraging AI in business to ethical considerations and future predictions, this episode offers invaluable insights for designers eager to embrace technology, enhance workflows, and push creative boundaries. A must-listen for every interior designer committed to growth. you can connect wi...
Feb 14, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. How do you know when enough is enough? How can you tell the difference between "normal" feelings of startup business and actually no progress? When do you say, "okay, I'm done, I gave it my best" Today's ep is heavy, it discusses feelings of failure and inadequacy. Please reach out if it brings up similar feels for you and you need support. Explore New Access Beyond Blue's free service for small business https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/new...
Feb 12, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. The conversation between two designers one interior and one landscape garden design. We discuss several topics including the challenges and rewards of running a creative business, the importance of mentoring and professional development, and the need to balance business and creative aspects. We also suggest ways to tackle overwhelm, offer budgeting advice, and discuss the growing impact of technology like AI in their field. Tips are provided on how ...
Feb 07, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In 2023, I learned some big lessons, I’ll be taking into 2024 with me. Kicking things off, launching my own online course for budding interior designers was a wild rollercoaster ride—packed with learning curves, a dash of copycat drama, and tons of grit. I did my best, stood firm on the side of authentic, quality-driven online education for creatives. And made a major shift towards safeguarding my mental health and sparking personal growth. I dialed...
Feb 05, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In the season finale of Designing Success, Season 1, I'm letting you all in on a recent mentor session (well, half of it) with the hopes that something shared might support your business journey too. In this session we worked on how to conceptualise your content pillars and how to use them to match to your potential clients pain points and teach them that your business is the exact answer to the problem. Every Mentor session I run is totally differe...
Dec 04, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business. Grab more insights and updates: Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oleander_and_finch Like Oleander & Finch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oleanderandfinch For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visi...
Nov 27, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business. Grab more insights and updates: Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oleander_and_finch Like Oleander & Finch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oleanderandfinch For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visi...
Nov 20, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In this special episode, I'm excited to share excerpts from my recent webinar, "Chat's that Convert," specially designed for solo interior designers like you! We delve into a few ways to level up discovery calls, transforming these initial conversations into signed contracts. This episode is packed with real-life examples, role-plays, and actionable tips. Whether you're struggling with confidence or just working on your conversions, these insights a...
Nov 15, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Something different this week -you're getting two opinion pieces from me. Today's topic - what is appropriate to share for free and what would you hold back inside of your paid services. In a world where you always here "give more value" how much is too much and when do you cross a line into giving away your best kept secrets? if you're looking for private coaching, my group mentorship or to work with me in 2024 - let's chat https://oleanderandfinch...
Nov 13, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In today’s episode of Designing Success, we shine a light on another real life story of interior design entrepreneurs who are making their mark in the industry. We're diving into the inspiratiinal new (ish) designer who’s making waves,—meet Gaylene. Less than a year ago, she embarked on a journey with our framework, investing in her future with an unwavering commitment to her dreams. She’s just celebrated 12 months in business, so of course, I wante...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Trying out something new this week, I uploaded nine FAQ's to my phone, shuffled them and then read them out blind and answered them on the spot (picture in the style of celebrities reading out mean tweets, but a lot less mean girl vibes.) Check out the client database here https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/trade-supplier-list/#project join the framework below, or come chat in my DM's for more info. Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing S...
Nov 06, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Johanna, the powerhouse behind Pink Nade, joins me to drop wisdom bombs on lifelong learning, boss-level multitasking with FIVE kids, and reviving that creative spark. She's the ultimate business bestie, serving up joy and actionable tips. Get ready to feel seen, inspired, and armed with a whole new approach to success. You can connect with Joh via her Earring business https://instagram.com/pink_nade Or coaching at https://instagram.com/johannaglenn...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. This week I've gone back to the coaching archives and decided to share (with permission) snippets from an anonymous frameworker's 90 minute zoom session. This wasn't all we discussed in her mentor session, however it felt like a hugely beneficial part that could really help others feeling pressure to post and who just need a striped back and simple strategy to approach consistency on Instagram, This mentor session included a pretty universal brand s...
Oct 30, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In today's episode, I sit down with Gemma, the mastermind behind Studio Gemma. We delve into her 15-year journey from London's top design studios to launching her solo venture in Sydney. This is a must-listen for tips on work-life balance, navigating client expectations, and mastering social media marketing. Plus, get the inside scoop on Gemma’s game-changing Joinery Guide—your new go-to resource for interior design Find Studio Gemma on Insta here; ...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Real talk time, I’m exploring all the parts no-one tells you about before you go out on a limb and start a business! Let’s get into the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship, from the social media grind to feeling like a lone wolf. Marketing & social media hustle Keeping up with TikTok & AI Being your own IT & HR, customer service, admin, reception, marketing, dept +more The loneliness & culture void The pitfalls of too many idea...
Oct 23, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Join me as I get the scoop on what it's like for the students of the Interior Design Institute. I'm chatting with Jasmine Abel and Vicki Mullins and we are discussing life and concerns from a design students perspective as well as a little about what you can expect in the course and I get their take on industry trends and more. If you are looking to study design you can check out the course here; https://www.theinteriordesigninstitute.edu.au/landing...
Oct 18, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. This week I’ve gone agony aunt style and unpacked some of the questions I get asked the most. These questions usually always start with ‘this is probably a stupid question but…” and yet they are not silly questions - especially while you’re working with hypothetical clients and trying to nut out what documents you need and what you offer etc. Let’s unpack Investment guide versus welcome guide - what’s the difference anyway? What is the difference be...
Oct 16, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. This week I am having a chat to a friend and you're invited! Vienna dishes out on her experiences living and working in Norway. Imagine having killer design instincts but facing language barriers that turn job interviews into sitcom episodes. Thankfully, Vienna took it in stride, pivoting to e-design and turned her hand to working internationally instead. Imagine a long dark winter in lockdown keeping your eyes on textbooks while the world was flipp...
Oct 11, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. You know that nerve-wracking feeling when you're about to hit a major life milestone, like having a baby, and you're scared it might sink your interior design business? If having a baby i on your futur on on your radar but you’re panicked about what it end l your solo biz, Ont panic! I’ve been there. So in this episode, I’m getting real about those pre-baby jitters and how I turned them into a business strategy. I’ve p be effect pre leave can inject...
Oct 09, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 28
