The Affluent Creative Melissa Galt

Free: what does it make you think of? A bargain? A steal? Now consider…are those concepts really the ideas you want your clients to associate with your brand? Whether we like it or not, words are loaded with associations and, starting now, this is one word I want you to avoid in your branding. Free does not encourage engagement or investment into your services. A complimentary gift, however, is priceless.
Let's talk about how the subtle art of offering 'complimentary' services, rather than ‘free’, not only upholds the value of your work but transforms the way clients see your business. In this episode, I'll share, from my own blunders and triumphs in the world of design, the transformative power of terminology in the services you offer. From the overlooked digital downloads that clutter our inboxes to the impactful strategy of nurturing client relationships with value-packed, complimentary offerings, you’ll learn how to avoid diminishing your worth and instead, position your work as the generous gift it is.
Remember the last time a simple act of kindness turned a good day into a great one? That's the feeling you should be striving to recreate for clients with special, unexpected surprises that foster a sense of exclusivity and appreciation. We'll discuss how to weave this art of surprise into your design business, creating an exclusive client experience that not only fosters loyalty but also ignites word-of-mouth. Whether you're looking to refine your approach or seeking inspiration on how to enrich client interactions, join me as we redefine the standards of service and success in the creative industry.
In this episode, you will hear:
The difference between "complimentary" and "free" 
The psychological effects of freebies and how they can lead to clutter and diminished appreciation of your services
Strategies for using complimentary offerings to enhance client relationships and maintain the integrity of your work's worth
The importance of surprise and thoughtful gestures in creating a memorable and loyal client base
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Supporting Resources:
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Ever felt lost in the maze of design decisions, wondering if you're making the right choices for your clients? As a designer, it is important to embrace your role as a navigator, steering your clients towards the beautiful and functional spaces they dream of. This episode is brimming with insights on how to assert your expertise from the get-go, ensuring your clients see you as not just a designer, but as a visionary leader. From the thrill of the discovery phase to confidently handling challenging proposals and redlines, I'll share the secrets to solidifying client relationships that thrive long after the last piece of furniture is placed.
The landscape of interior design is evolving, and staying ahead means adapting with grace and innovation. Today, I delve into the art of transforming spaces with detailed renderings that bring your vision to life, and the shift towards leveraging online resources. Discover how to set the stage for success with strategies that showcase your adaptability and meticulous planning. I'll also discuss the art of setting clear expectations through disclaimers, ensuring your designs are not only protected but poised for enhancement, with the vast selection of resources at our disposal.
In a world where choice can overwhelm, we can save our clients from the dreaded decision fatigue and keep their journey toward a perfect home enjoyable and stress-free. As your guide through these intricacies, I aim to empower you to maintain control, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve a harmonious final installation that reflects your vision as a creative expert. So, whether you're an emerging designer or a seasoned pro, join us in this conversation for insights that will help you lead your clients with confidence.
In this episode, you will hear:
Why you need to take the lead in the discovery process
How standing your ground in agreement negotiations can reinforce your expertise and pave the way to successful project completion
Ways to streamline your design process
Smart strategies that you can use to more effectively manage the delivery and placement of your clients’ pieces
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Did you know that there are three actionable ways to guarantee every project that you take on will grow your business? Leveraging client testimonials, referrals, and photography are the best ways to use your prior successes to propel your future ones. Today, I’m deep-diving into each so that you can be more successful with every project you take on.
From the art of amplifying your brand's credibility using client testimonials to the value of top-notch photography, my tips will have you securing referrals that will blossom into your dream client list. You won’t have to wonder where your next project will spring from because you’ll have a steady stream of ideal clientele already dying to work with you. 
Discover how to deepen client relationships with personalized touches, ensuring your work remains etched in their memory. I’ll share methods for seeking referrals that reflect your past triumphs and set the stage for a thriving future filled with projects you adore. Prepare to elevate your presence in the industry with strategies that do more than just showcase your talent! Tune in today and let's ensure your client list is as curated and impactful as the work you put out into the world.
In this episode, you will hear:
How to deepen client relationships and leverage client testimonials effectively to enhance your brand’s credibility 
The significance of professional photography in showcasing projects to grow your client base
Techniques for acquiring client referrals that align with your desired project types and clientele
Strategies for getting your work published in both digital and print media
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Testimonial Writing Service
How to Get Press, Amy Flurry
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
 

What if I told you that at this time next year, you could be taking a client Zoom call while in Thailand, with another trip to Italy planned for the following month, all without missing a beat–or a profit–in your creative business? My special guest today, Megan Siason of M Studio Interior Design is here to prove that such a claim isn’t a pipe dream, it can be your reality!
On this episode, we’re revealing the ins and outs of Megan’s innovative approach to building a flourishing design practice that doesn’t just sustain but truly complements an adventurous lifestyle filled with travel. Discover how she's navigated the challenges of enhancing her rates and establishing systems that empower her to roam freely, while her remote team ensures the business thrives. As we unravel the fabric of digital innovation, Megan and I discuss how tools like Proposify and Dubsado have been game-changers in the design world, bringing client interactions into the modern age. This digital shift, partly propelled by the pandemic, has made it entirely possible to manage projects and teams from any corner of the globe–meaning that all those trips you’ve been putting off can finally be achieved without sacrificing any of your business’ success. And, we’ll share ​​the art of seamless client communication across time zones, and how personal touches from your travels, like sending postcards to clients, can solidify professional relationships with your clients.
So, embark with us on an inspiring voyage through the realms of creative entrepreneurship. This episode is an invitation to reimagine your passion for design as a gateway to a well-traveled and joy-filled entrepreneurial life.
In this episode, you will hear:
Tips to find the balance between travel, play, and keeping clients happy and updated
Strategies for planning and scheduling client communication while traveling
The importance of open, clear communication with clients when traveling
Why discernment of clients and understanding your own value is the first step in opening your business to travel
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

As we round out our tour of the design discovery process, it’s time to explore the art of the home review report. In guiding you through the third installment of our design discovery series, I’ll explore the art of conducting a thorough home review to assess the style and comfort of your new clients. Though this is a straightforward process, you must take the right steps to vet the project for compatibility and give your clients the security they need to agree to your vision enthusiastically. 
Ensuring you're punctual and prepared to document every detail is just the start of this process. As we walk through the systematic approach to each room, I'll show you how to offer expert design recommendations that provide real value to your clients. These insights are then transformed into a comprehensive graphic report that serves as both a visual aid and a scope of work, setting the stage for a successful and collaborative design journey.
Throughout this episode, I share the ins and outs of creating design boards for client projects, highlighting the significance of inspiration platforms and the necessity of having a design assistant. You’ll learn how to set project priorities, timelines, and budgets before moving to the contract phase, and discover how affirming these details with clients during report presentations can lead to a smoother transition into the design process. Finally, I’ll share my strategies for balancing your client roster, ensuring a thriving design practice that doesn't sacrifice your well-being. Prepare to capture every nuance with precision, from the welcoming embrace of the foyer to the intimate corners of personal spaces. The home review isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's the cornerstone of a collaborative design process that promises to bring your client's dream to life.
In this episode, you will hear:
How to conduct a thorough home review to assess style and comfort.
The importance of creating robust visual reports as a tool for collaboration with clients
Tips for utilizing design boards and inspiration platforms like Pinterest to streamline the design discovery process and report
Strategies for managing a client roster to avoid burnout and maintain work-life balance
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

As creatives, we often fall into the temptation of leapfrogging the business aspect of a new project in order to dive right into the creative. However, if you want the most creatively satisfying projects, you need to take care of the business side of things with your client first. This means crafting rapport and a quality relationship with your clients that will allow them to trust your vision wholeheartedly so that your creative prowess can shine.
In today’s episode, I’ll reveal my most effective blueprint to gather the intel you need to create a proposal that your client will sign with enthusiasm, guaranteeing that you land every project and nab those creative opportunities of your dreams. The art of the design discovery process is an invaluable step that goes far beyond a simple phone call. It's about building a bond of trust and rapport, setting you up to craft irresistible proposals that clients will jump at the chance to accept.
I’ll guide you through the intricacies of client-designer dynamics to help you take control of the design process and steer your clients toward success. Learn how to select clients who resonate with your services, ask the right questions concerning their home attachment and budget, and manage the common misconceptions shaped by home improvement shows. By asserting your role as the expert, you'll lead your clients to make sound furniture investments and ensure the design journey is smooth sailing. We’ll also tackle the profound influence of varied landscapes of decision-making styles on design projects and I'll share strategic insights on aligning with clients whose decision-making speed complements your work rhythm. This will help you to set realistic expectations, and gracefully bow out of projects that don't match your brand. By conducting a meticulous home review, you position yourself for a successful partnership and a project that stands as a testament to your expertise. Tune in, and let's take this step together toward becoming the affluent creative you are destined to be.
In this episode, you will hear:
The importance of a comprehensive design discovery process to build trust and rapport
Tips on managing client-designer dynamics and guiding clients through the design process
How to identify and align with clients' decision-making styles to ensure smooth collaboration
Strategies for tactfully declining projects that don't match your brand without losing additional client opportunities
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.