Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
show episodes
 
Artwork

1
Damn Good Interior Designer

Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan

icon
Unsubscribe
icon
Unsubscribe
Monthly+
 
Join Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the dynamic duo behind the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer. Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time we’re heading into the Multiverse for a look at X-Men, released in 2000, and joining Tim for a chat about Rogue's White Streak's origin …
  continue reading
 
We believe one of the most underrated parts of a client journey is the intake process. This isn’t about a boring list of preferences like if they prefer black over blue or which kitchen they like best. Instead, it's about asking the right questions to uncover how clients live, communicate, and make decisions. Our unique and customized client questi…
  continue reading
 
There’s no one right way to run a design business—but there is often a better way. This is not to say if something is working for you—great. Keep going. But if you're stuck or wondering why the same problems keep popping up? It might be time to challenge the models you’re using. How can you challenge the traditional business models, such as cost pl…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time it’s What If...?, first seen in 2024, and joining Tim for a chat about a mindbending glimpse of alternate realities with their own Deadp…
  continue reading
 
Social proof from your clients is important for building trust and credibility in a business. Reviews and testimonials from happy clients, while also being mindful of how and when, can be used to showcase the success and unique offerings of your business. This not only helps attract the right clients, but also addresses common pain points and frequ…
  continue reading
 
You can't lead clients from survival mode---well you can, but not well and not for extended periods of time. how How you feel directly impacts how you lead, sell, and scale. The mindset shift I have to use is to keep my business steady is the "attitude of gratitude." This "Asked and Answered" topic this week is slightly more personal but a question…
  continue reading
 
This week we are answering questions from our audience--first up is one of my FAVORITE hills to die on and what I consider one of the most damaging things you can do for your business. It is not a smart business practice to sell blocks of time as a designer because this is not an effective way to market and value creative brilliance. Selling based …
  continue reading
 
Sometimes the simplest of truths is what is going to move the needle and this begins with understanding who you are and your own weaknesses. We all have them right?? If you have a team, or even if you are a solopreneur, you are still consistently working with others and there are always going to be challenges of working together. However, being abl…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time we’re heading into the Multiverse for a look at Madame Web, released in 2024, and joining Tim for a chat about Anya Corazon's origin sto…
  continue reading
 
Your marketing dollars are important. There are many elements to successful marketing and it starts with becoming part of the DNA of your business. This week we met with Denise Grothouse, the founder and CEO of Perfect Six Marketing, a company specializing in marketing strategies for the kitchen and bath design industry. In this episode we discuss …
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time we’re heading into the Multiverse for a look at Spider-Man 3, released in 2007, and joining Tim for a chat about Peter Parker's internal…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time we’re heading into the Multiverse for a look at The New Mutants, released in 2020, and joining Tim for a chat about Iliyana Rasputin mor…
  continue reading
 
Optics matter. Client's trusting you know how to manage money--matters. Understanding there is no free lunch--matters. Here is the drum roll take away. It takes money to make money. Ta da! Professional designers understand that it costs money to travel to market to learn about the products they specify ( and usually sell for a profit) -- or how imp…
  continue reading
 
I am PASSIONATE--and if you have gotten my weekly newsletter the past two weeks then you would know all those years ago in college my young professor's advice stuck. So we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes and trying to reignite the flame in those that may feel it dwindling! Are you giving clients the yearning for more? Showing pass…
  continue reading
 
Happy New Year! What better way to start off the year than with my top 5 marketing strategies for small business owners grow their businesses. Marketing is a mindset and not just an activity, and it takes time and effort to see results. This is not simply a standalone entity, it is ingrained in the essence of any business. Every interaction, from t…
  continue reading
 
The process of procurement in a busy design firm is NO joke. You are not running popsicle stand, you are running a firm with various moving parts and you have to be able to have a way to track what is coming and going through your business. This is where checks and balances come into play to avoid costly mistakes and keep the firm running smoothly.…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time it’s I Am Groot, first seen in 2022, and joining Tim for a chat about Groot's increasing frustrations with a considerable assortment of …
  continue reading
 
Cheryl is going solo this week while Liz takes a well-deserved little vacation. Cheryl is discussing managing client expectations and making sure you are not keeping them in the dark--you need them to trust the process! There is a level of professionalism that comes with the importance of managing clients' expectations during their project. Setting…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time we’re heading into the Multiverse for a look at Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer, released in 2007, and joining Tim for a chat …
  continue reading
 
How can you be team player without giving up your own rights? Working with contractors can be a tricky relationship when they want you to stay in your lane--BUT it doesn't have to be. Creating a team approach with positioning in your marketing, the copy that you use, the verbiage that you talk about, and how you talk about it with other people, all…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time we're heading into the Multiverse for a look at Venom: The Last Dance from 2024, and joining Tim for a chat about Eddie Brock failing to…
  continue reading
 
Who doesn't love an install day!? Sure, it can be hectic and exhausting but this is where you get to see the fruit of your labor come together. Cheryl went solo this week talking about In Detail's top tips for a successful install day! Having a team in place for installation that understands the logistics and are able to convey it to your movers AN…
  continue reading
 
How important is project management in interior design? Bottom line: Very. Because it saves your client money in the long run! This starts with having a clear and cogent scope of work to be able to refer back to when issues arise within the project. Project management, how it is handled and why you do it can make or break a project. This means bein…
  continue reading
 
Have you ever stopped to think where your time is spent vs your energy output? The truth is we could be sabotaging ourselves and our capacity to work if we are not managing our energy. We all have relentless demands and unexpected challenges we deal with on the daily and we all tend to slip into negative emotions—the fight-or-flight mode—often mult…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time we’re heading into the Multiverse for a look at Fantastic Four, released in 2005, and joining Tim for a chat about Victor Von Doom's bid…
  continue reading
 
This week was a bit of a whirlwind coming home from High Point! We had the pleasure of having Jude Charles as a guest and we got to meet in person while we were attending Market. Jude Charles is a filmmaker and for over 18 years and has been producing documentaries for entrepreneurs. He has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, LuAnn Nigara, R…
  continue reading
 
How good of a partner are you to your vendors? Strong vendor relationships are a secret to success! Many designers do not think about their vendors until there is a problem. This approach does not allow to maximize the partnership. Getting to know your reps, your customer service people, and marketing team can enhance your bottom line and the custo…
  continue reading
 
Cheryl and Liz are exploring five key roadblocks to bringing a new client on board and signing that contract. By showing your expertise to the client earlier than later, you remove many difficulties from the sale itself and you set yourself up for being able to deliver your best work. You cannot rely on the lead to peruse every detail of your websi…
  continue reading
 
Are your clients receiving and perceiving what you say to them properly? What you say, how you say it, and why you say it is vital to communicate the value and professionalism your firm offers through strategic and consistent positioning. This means understanding and committing to your target audience, being aware of how you position your firm, and…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time it’s Black Widow from 2021, and joining Tim for a chat about Yelena Belova not quite managing to break her 'eating stale biscuits' condi…
  continue reading
 
If you have known me for a while you may have heard my "Top 12 Truths for Being a Shopkeep" and one of my faves that I stand by is "Retail is not for sissies!" And I know that our special guest, Christina Van Blake of Home Design Dover feels the exact same way. Christina, or as some call her Christi, is the own and prominent designer serving the Ma…
  continue reading
 
Listen up folks--we all have a love-hate relationship with social media right? Yes we do! It is a changing animal, and if you don't keep up with it you may be missing out on amazing leads because you are not staying relevant in our industry. Liz is off handling projects and Cheryl seized the opportunity to speak with a pro podcaster and social medi…
  continue reading
 
What should you do when a client starts sending you items to evaluate? In this episode we discuss handling changes that the client initiates in design projects and the importance of respectfully evaluating items that the client provides to ensure they fit the design plan and overall project goals. We recently had a similar client experience (yes, w…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time we're both heading into the Multiverse and not with Deadpool And Wolverine from 2024, and joining Tim for a chat about Wade Wilson someh…
  continue reading
 
What is the #1 marketing asset of your business? Your website! It is a living breathing entity of our firm. Join us with our special guest Victoria Marcouillier, owner of Brandwell and host of the Branding Business School podcast, as we discuss the importance of branding, the value of marketing throughout the client relationship lifecycle why your …
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time it’s Echo from 2024, and joining Tim for a chat about Maya Lopez never quite seeming to be able to decide which leg to get stuck in scaf…
  continue reading
 
It is never too late to start over. This week we have a wonderful special guest from New York! I have known and coached Diane Bianchini of Dream Interiors NY for a number of year and she is here to talk with us this week about her path to becoming a designer with a background in Aeronautical engineering--talk about weathering the seasons of change …
  continue reading
 
Are you hiring too late? What I have found is that most designers do not hire soon enough! Hiring a team challenges and helps elevate your business to a level where sustainable growth and scalability are achievable. When we look to hire we are looking to cater to some bonus projects and also the way that our current team is developing in terms upwa…
  continue reading
 
Are you facing new challenges or going through a season of change? We are--yes we are in the trenches with you, really! Weathering the seasons of change is unpredictable and it is in these moments where we find out how resilient and adaptable we are. If you are not not prepared, then one of these events such as maternity leave, death in the family …
  continue reading
 
The legal aspects of a business are super important to me as a business owner. We will always face project delays, especially in the last couple years, and we must be thinking about how we can protect ourselves. In my world, clients have to recognize the delays in executing are unrelated to our performance and we must get new bids/pricing or get th…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time it’s X-Men '97 from 2024, and joining Tim for a chat about Jean Grey's battle to save a timeline where Blame It On The Weatherman by B*W…
  continue reading
 
Cheryl is passionate about what she does and loves seeing other small business owners and creative entrepreneurs succeed. We often get to hear success stories and want to be able to share this with others while also focusing on the unique market, business and experience other designers have around the country. This week we are starting a "DESIGNER …
  continue reading
 
We're trying something new this week and Cheryl is in the hot seat while Liz interviews her about her process for initial consultations, also known as "The Cheryl Show." Cheryl goal is simply to get to know the potential clients and see if her firm can help them. She doesn't worry about being overly prepared for these meetings because they are orga…
  continue reading
 
Are your clients dragging their feet, hemming and hawing after the presentation and maybe even ghosting you--what do you do? In this episode we discuss five considerations when a client is not making decisions and how to handle them. Designers need to ask themselves certain questions to help determine exactly where the problem lies and if the indec…
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time it’s Avengers: Endgame from 2019, and joining Tim for a chat about Ant-Man's determination to restore Universal balance and bring back c…
  continue reading
 
Our firm, In Detail Interiors, gets a lot of leads and I am grateful for every single one of them. However, that doesn't mean we take on every job of every size and every type--and neither can you. You must have guidelines (NOT A SCRIPT PLEASE RUN FROM THOSE WHO WANT YOU TO HAVE A SCRIPT! ) on how you determine what will work for your set up of you…
  continue reading
 
Going to High Point Market and learning about what you sell is the BEST investment you can make for your business! After 29 markets Cheryl had the honor of talking with Tammy Nagem, CEO of High Point Market authority, to tell you why market is still one of the best business investments you can make. Learn how Tammy and her team help optimize the ex…
  continue reading
 
Successful businesses, do not operate on a basis of having to trick people--so why are businesses doing this? Fear. We have to consider where we are as an industry if we are so fearful of clients finding something out about the names of our vendors or comparison shopping. Interior design is about creativity, expertise, and creating unique spaces th…
  continue reading
 
We are not holding back this week - the term "red flag" is banned! (at least in my book) Stop the mob mentality that a client is a "red flag" for asking questions about your contract or process. Your mindset must shift from "run, run, get out now!" to "they do not know, what they do not know". You must be educating your client and positioning your …
  continue reading
 
It’s Good, Except It Sucks is a movie by movie – and television series by television series – hurtle through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hosted by Tim Worthington with a series of superpowered guests. This time it’s What If...?, first seen in 2023, and joining Tim for a chat about a mindbending glimpse of alternate realities with their own very …
  continue reading
 
Loading …
Listen to this show while you explore
Play