Designer's Oasis

Kate Bendewald
  • 5.0 (2)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Designer's Oasis Podcast

How do I build an interior design business? How do I get portfolio-worthy projects? Do I “have to” offer full-service interior design? How do I charge for my services? What if I want to do things differently with my interior design business? How do I take my design business to the next level? Feeling overwhelmed? I got you friend. Welcome to the Designer’s Oasis Podcast. Consider this your place for a fresh drink of water for the inspired, creative, ambitious, and let’s admit it, occasionally overwhelmed interior designer. Whether you are just starting your interior design business or you’re looking to grow or scale, here you’ll find actionable, real-world, and above all SIMPLE ways to launch, establish, and scale your interior design business with confidence. Introducing your host, Kate Bendewald of Kate Bendewald Interior Design, real-life interior designer, mama, and CEO who grew her 6-figure interior design business on word-of-mouth referrals. Kate doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to running your business. Instead, she offers authentic, approachable advice to help you start where you are.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    #91 | 3 Things I Obsess Over with Interior Design Clients

    Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I am sharing the top 3 things that I OBSESS over when it comes to my interior design clients. These are the things that I truly believe make your business sustainable and keep it fun and enjoyable without all of the overwhelm and frustration. So what are the 3 things I obsess over?   Here’s a glance at this episode… I share how to make sure clients are the right fit and what I do to vet each client. I discuss how I dig into finding out if a client has a realistic budget and timeline. I share the red flags that you shouldn't ignore! I dive into how to communicate well with clients before, during, and after a project to ensure there are no loose ends. I share my process for getting client feedback every step of the way throughout a project. Mentioned in this episode:  DOORS ARE OPEN!: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show! EPISODE 32: 7 Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore SHOP: Renovation Reality Guide SHOP: Ultimate Email Template Suite 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/3-things-i-obsess-over-with-interior-design-clients

    36 min

  2. 5 SEPT

    #90 | How to Create A Paid Waitlist for Interior Design Clients

    Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I walk interior designers through why I believe that a paid waitlist is a good idea when you have that ideal client you want to work with but you just aren't able to take them on immediately. By creating a paid waitlist opportunity, you offer both yourself and the client the ability to commit to working together. I have found that clients who are willing to be put on a waitlist, are going to naturally prioritize design over a timeline, which is exactly who I want to work with. I use a paid waitlist anytime I can't start on a project for at least 4 - 6 weeks.   Here’s a glance at this episode… I share the benefits of building a paid waitlist for both yourself and your clients. I discuss the steps I would take to implement a paid waitlist and how to share with clients. I dive into how and why to charge for a waitlist project. I share how I support clients while they are waiting for their project to begin. Mentioned in this episode:  JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show! 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-create-a-paid-waitlist-for-interior-design-clients

    23 min

  3. 29 AUG

    #89 | That's Not Working Anymore - How to Pivot In Business

    Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   "Pivoting is a sign of growth"   In today's episode, I share why we sometimes need to pivot in business and then dive into how we can pivot. Often, when it comes to our own business, we find that we get stuck doing the same things repeatedly even if they aren't working anymore.   Just a few scenarios where this may happen include being unrealistic with client budgets, timelines, and expectations or our systems for creating and developing proposals and presentations. When we take some time to reflect on how we are doing specific tasks in our business, we find that they aren't as effective as they may have once been and it's time to pivot. This may include small micro-changes or it may involve big sweeping changes.   Here’s a glance at this episode… I share how to be objective when deciding what may be working and what may not be working for your business when looking to pivot. I discuss how to get comfortable with being different in the interior design business and how you offer or deliver services to client in your own way. I share how to allow your core values to guide your decisions to pivot in business. I talk about ways to apply creativity to problem-solving in your business while including your team in the brainstorming process. Remember, pivoting is a sign of growth. It's acknowledging that something has an opportunity to improve, and it means you have your ear to the ground with clients, your team, and yourself, which is a huge part of creating a long-standing successful interior design business.   Mentioned in this episode: Join us at the A-List for Interior Designer's Summit on September 5 - 6, 2024! JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show! BOOK: Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-pivot-in-business

    27 min

  4. 22 AUG

    #54 | Revenue Generating Activities for Interior Designers [REPLAY]

    Interior Designer's Business Blueprint  Energy begets energy. Money is energy.  If we know that energy begets energy, what happens in your business when you sit down and you spend the time to commit some energy towards revenue generating activities and lead generating activities? In today’s episode  we are talking about revenue-generating activities and what that means, how and when to do these activities and how they keep your business thriving! This episode was inspired by a listener question that we received from Julia,  “Hi Kate, I’ve followed your advice and starting batching my days so that I have more focus and not drawn in 100 different directions at once. I’ve set aside Mondays as my Marketing & Money Mondays. The problem is, I don’t always know what to do with this dedicated time. Can you provide some specific examples of revenue generating activities that I can be focusing on during this time? Thanks so much. I appreciate everything.”    Here’s a glance at the episode: We dive into a list of revenue-generating activities and get started with following up with leads. I share about putting together proposals and my methods for getting these done in a time efficient manner.  Invoicing clients can occasionally drop by the wayside when you’re deep into projects and a one-off invoice or an invoice outside of the regular schedule pops up so keeping these front of mind is necessary. I discuss how I make time to reach out and cultivate strategic partnerships on a regular basis. I share how utilizing facebook groups can help build your clientele and the right methods for trying to both share helpful information and build relationships while also promoting your services. Sometimes the key is in the follow up and continuing to follow up with past clients. I share how this has worked for my interior design business. Mentioned in this episode:  REGISTER for the A-List for Interior Designer's Summit JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint Ask Kate a question! FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint Have a question you want to ask Kate? Head over to designersoasis.com/askkate. We want to hear from you. We particularly love helping you with mindset shifts, dealing with tricky situations, and all things interior design business related.  WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube  ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/54

    26 min

  5. 15 AUG

    #52 | 5 things I'd do differently if I was starting from scratch [REPLAY]

    Interior Designer's Business Blueprint  Today’s episode is all about looking back and sharing with you all the 5 things I would do differently if I was starting from scratch again. I reflected back on what I would tell a new interior designer getting started in the industry. Here’s a glance at the episode: I share how important it is to truly invest in your business early on. I share how I invest in my business regularly now and how I wish that I had started to do this earlier. Perfectionism is the antithesis of progress. I share how it affects me as well and how it an hold us back from just getting started in business so dive in! I share all about how to get comfortable with self-promotion even if it is inherently uncomfortable for you. I discuss how important it is to get clear on your goals and what success really looks like for you! Remember - it’s key to build the business you want that fits into your lifestyle. I share with you how to be more selective with the types of clients you take on and how to determine where to spend your energy. Mentioned in this episode:  REGISTER for the A-List Interior Designer's Summit JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube  ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/52

    26 min

  6. 8 AUG

    #50 | 3 Reasons Interior Designers Stay Stuck and Broke [REPLAY]

    Interior Designer's Business Blueprint  Have you been at this a while, but for some reason you can’t seem to either get to that next level revenue goal you’ve set and you feel stuck at the level you’re at? Today’s episode is all about the habits that keep you stuck and broke. Those habits that keep holding you back and are keeping you from really thriving in your business. I want to share what I see often that keeps interior designers in a perpetual loop and how to make mindset shifts to really make some adjustments and gain some clarity. Here’s a glance at the episode: I discuss how leaving money on the table is the first reason I have seen interior designers stay stuck, which can happen with scope creep and change orders. I share a few ways to address this in the future. I share how to use value-based proposals to ensure your clients can see what each level of service really includes. I share about tracking time and how important it is no matter how you are charging for your services. I dive into the importance of the follow up plan and staying connected with your prospective clients. I share how follow up is part of the selling process.  talk about all things undercharging. So many interior designers are perpetually undercharging and I share all the ways you may be doing this and how to make sure you are aware moving forward. I wrap up with questions to ask yourself if these topics resonated with you and how to start making adjustments. Mentioned in this episode:  REGISTER for the A-List Interior Designers Summit JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint 3 Ways to Price Your Projects (Hourly, Flat Fee, & Hybrid) How to Make More Money with Time Tracking Part I - Why & How to track your time How to Make More Money with Time Tracking with Time Tracking Part II - How Audit your Project’s Time   How to Raise your Design Fees without the "Ick"   4 Ways Designer's leave money on the table  4 Myths About Selling   🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube  ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/50

    32 min

  7. 1 AUG

    #8 | Services & Pricing Guide - Why your Business Needs On [REPLAY]

    Years ago, I had a wonderful Discovery Call with a photographer who I was interviewing for a project.  When we wrapped up, she sent me a drop-dead gorgeous PDF that showcased her work and also broke down her process and all of the investment details.  She offered premium services and it was a huge investment for me. I wasn’t ready to commit over the phone; however, after spending time reviewing the guide she sent, I decided to proceed and guess what…she got the job.  It was at this point, that I decided, I needed to create my own  guide, which I call the “Services & Investment Guide.”  And let me tell you my friend, it has been a game changer in my business. I convert more potential leads into happily paying clients faster and with greater ease.  In this episode we answer questions like… How does your Design Services and Investment Guide work with a Discovery Call? What are 3 Things the guide helps you achieve in terms of potential clients? What’s Inside the Guide? If you already have a services guide, keep listening b/c you may have some important information missing that you might want to add.   Here’s a glance at this episode… [05:05] We discuss how I use the guide in my Discovery Call to complement what we discuss and what may be ideal for their project. [06:30] I share 3 things the Design Services and Investment Guide helps you achieve in your business. [09:50] I start answering some of the commonly asked questions like “isn’t this info already on my website?” and why this guide is necessary to help present the right information at the right time. [11:50] How is the Design Service and Investment Guide different than your Welcome Guide? I share a few reasons why I use both and how they differ. [13:52] I jump into what is included, how to create, and how to grab a template if you don’t want to start from scratch! [24:58] My Challenge for you this week! If you don’t already have a Services and Investment guide for your business, get started on that this week! Resources mentioned in this episode:  JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business BLOG - 4 Ways to get photos for your interior design business  BLOG - Why your business needs a services and investment guide SHOP - Design Services and Investment Guide Template  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/8

    28 min

  8. 25 JUL

    #5 | How to Create a Successful Client Welcome Packet [REPLAY]

    Think about what your clients are experiencing. (Hint - Your clients will give you these words.). Look back at their intake forms and use their words.  This episode focuses on all things involving the welcome packet that you deliver to your clients. We will talk about how to create a professional, beautifully designed welcome packet and how to use it best as well as dive into some of the specifics of what pages to include. We will also talk about a few misconceptions surrounding the welcome packet.  In this episode we answer questions like… What is the welcome packet? What is its purpose? When should the welcome packet be delivered? What must be included in the welcome packet? Here’s a glance at this episode… [03:00] How the welcome package sets the stage for what it will be like working with you and gets your clients really excited for what’s to come. [03:54] I share with you 2 common misconceptions about the welcome packet. (Hint: when should it be delivered and the purpose of the welcome packet) [07:40] I break down what’s included in the welcome packet and how to use each piece. [26:30] I share about my favorite ways to print and source for my welcome packets so that you can print the best product for your client facing packets! Resources mentioned in this episode:  JOIN: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers FREE Masterclass: 6 Part Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business Canva Templates - www.designersoasis.com/shop  My Favorite Client-facing Printer Paper  Zazzle Folders   🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/5

    33 min
See All (107)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

How do I build an interior design business? How do I get portfolio-worthy projects? Do I “have to” offer full-service interior design? How do I charge for my services? What if I want to do things differently with my interior design business? How do I take my design business to the next level? Feeling overwhelmed? I got you friend. Welcome to the Designer’s Oasis Podcast. Consider this your place for a fresh drink of water for the inspired, creative, ambitious, and let’s admit it, occasionally overwhelmed interior designer. Whether you are just starting your interior design business or you’re looking to grow or scale, here you’ll find actionable, real-world, and above all SIMPLE ways to launch, establish, and scale your interior design business with confidence. Introducing your host, Kate Bendewald of Kate Bendewald Interior Design, real-life interior designer, mama, and CEO who grew her 6-figure interior design business on word-of-mouth referrals. Kate doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to running your business. Instead, she offers authentic, approachable advice to help you start where you are.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Bendewald
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Designer's Oasis

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada