Business of Design ® | Interior Designers, Decorators, Architects & Landscapers

Kimberley Seldon
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  • BUSINESS
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Business of Design® is the #1 trusted business training resource for design professionals around the world. Join thousands of design professional already using our field-tested project management strategies and enjoy increased confidence, improved client retention, greater profits and a business that thrives. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

  1. 5D AGO

    EP 443 | Outsmarting Overwhelm with Skye Waterson

    What if your “creative brain” feels like 42 browser tabs open—none playing music you like? Kimberley chats with Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, about why ADHD-style thinking is so common among entrepreneurs and designers. They dive into why traditional productivity advice often fails creative minds, and how understanding your brain (diagnosis or not) can help you finally get things done. Expect science-backed tips, relatable laughs, and real strategies for working with your brain, not against it—plus, why rewards like ice cream should come before the work. In this episode we learn: - ADHD strategies benefit everyone—especially creative entrepreneurs. - Start with a brain dump, then narrow down to what’s truly urgent. - Reward yourself first to create momentum (yes, treats count). - Break big tasks into micro-steps with clear, easy instructions. - Use dopamine wisely—your playlist or workspace matters. - You’re not lazy, your system might just be broken. - Give yourself permission to work differently—your brain’s not wrong, it’s wired for creativity.

    34 min

  2. AUG 19

    EP 442 | From Hustle to Sustainability with Kimberley Seldon

    In this episode, Advocate in Chief, Kimberley Seldon, shares the story of my personal burnout moment—right in the middle of what should have been a dream project. She opens up about the emotional toll of saying yes too often, working past capacity, and losing the spark that made her fall in love with design in the first place. You’ll hear about her efforts to shift from hustle to sustainability and how that helped her reclaim her energy and restructure her business. In this episode we learn: - burnout doesn’t always look like a breakdown—it can happen quietly, even in beautiful spaces. - sustainable change often starts with one small but bold decision. - defining your true capacity (and honoring it) is a business strategy, not a luxury. - raising your rates can reduce your workload and increase your revenue. - a signature process saves time, builds confidence, and elevates the client experience. - protecting your energy is not selfish—it’s what allows your creativity and business to thrive. Learn more to transform your business, and your life, at https://businessofdesign.com

    28 min

  3. AUG 11

    EP 441 | Sales is Service with Nikki Rausch

    Let’s talk about a topic that gives many designers the cold sweats—sales. Offering your services authentically is not pushy—it’s service. It’s not ick, it’s sales. From handling rejection to reviving client pipelines and learning how to spot subtle buying signals, this conversation is packed with real strategies that feel good and get results. Whether your projects are booming or business feels a bit slow, it’s time to reframe your mindset, reconnect with past clients, and approach sales with clarity and confidence. In this episode we learn: - Sales is not sleazy—it's service. You're not "convincing"; you're solving a problem your client already has. - Reframe rejection. A "no" is often just a "not yet." It’s your job to follow up respectfully and leave the door open. - Understand your client's “convincer strategy.” People need to see or hear something multiple times before they say yes—so follow up strategically. - Spot buying signals. Comments, objections, or questions can all indicate interest. Learn to recognize and respond without fear. - Don’t ignore past clients. It’s easier to earn repeat business than find new clients—reach out with genuine value and suggestions. - Your network is gold. Happy clients will refer you—if you ask. Don’t rob them of the joy of helping you. - Soft selling works. Ask permission to make suggestions and always offer a next step without pressure. - Watch your email tone. Reduce “I” statements and shift to client-focused language with questions that invite engagement. Learn more to transform your business at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

    46 min

  4. AUG 5

    EP 440 | Handling Difficult Clients Like a 90s Action Star with Dr Ganz

    Want to handle difficult clients and challenging situations with total authority? Well then, channel your inner 90’s action star (think Steven Segal)! Using a simple and effective technique, you can diffuse any challenging situation and turn an uncomfortable exchange into an affirming and positive step forward in your relationship. The bonus: this technique works with friends and family too. In this episode we learn: - how to diffuse a bad situation that is escalating. - stress-reducing strategies that will keep you in top-shape for the challenging work you do. - why hiring a coaching and/or psychologist is a sign of strength. - 5 reasons you absolutely should charge more money. Get the systems you need to attract ideal clients at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

    1h 1m

  5. JUL 29

    EP 439 | Success can Happen with Lindsay Kjellberg

    In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the fluff and getting real about profit, pricing, and what it actually takes to run a design business that pays you well and feels good to run. Interior designer Lindsay Kjellberg shares how she went from nonstop hustle and just $30K in profit on $800K in revenue… to working 30 hours a week, taking vacations, and pocketing $250K a year (without working harder!)  Spoiler: joining Business of Design® was a total game-changer. We’re diving into the smart decisions she made—like charging for consultations, tracking all her time, and raising rates with confidence. If you're ready to work smarter, earn more, and finally feel in control of your business, you’re going to love this one. In this episode we learn: - profit matters more than revenue - charging for consultations attracts serious clients and boosts conversions - billing for every minute of your time can double your income without raising rates - higher rates and smarter project selection create more freedom and less stress - mindset shifts—like valuing your time and ignoring outside opinions—fuel real growth Transform your business at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

    47 min

  6. JUL 22

    EP 438 | Full Money Mode with Cheryl Horne

    Business of Design® is in full money mode with the launch of a 6-week Financial Intensive, kicking off October 16th. In this episode, Cheryl Horne, Director of Operations, shares real-world strategies and practical advice to help you take immediate control of your business finances—no matter where you’re starting from. Whether you’re struggling to price confidently, unsure how to track profitability, or simply tired of feeling overwhelmed by the numbers, this episode offers tools you can implement today to move your business toward long-term success. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why understanding your numbers is the foundation of a thriving design business • Practical tips to build financial clarity and confidence • How setting time limits on tasks improves productivity and profitability • The power of tracking your billable hours—and regularly reviewing them • Why separating revenue streams boosts both insight and income • The key difference between salary and profit—and why it matters • How to create a system of regular financial check-ins that drive smart decisions 🎯 Ready to go deeper? Join the upcoming Financial Intensive beginning October 16th and start building the systems that will lead to lasting financial success. Register at https://businessofdesign.com

    33 min

  7. JUL 15

    EP 437 | Visibility is a Growth Tool with Will Leonard

    In this episode, Kimberley gets real about her money management journey—yes, even the messy parts—and shares how getting clear on your numbers can be a total game-changer. Will Leonard introduces Zena, a smart new pre-funded spending card that makes tracking expenses way less painful (and dare we say...kind of satisfying?). From expense categories to regular money check-ins, financial visibility isn’t just about bookkeeping—it’s a secret weapon for growth. If you’ve been avoiding your finances, this episode might just change your mind. In this episode we learn: - how centralizing your business purchases can tame the chaos and bring clarity - why a pre-funded spending card like Zena might just be your new favorite business tool - how organizing expenses by project can save you serious time (and sanity) on bookkeeping - the surprising way expense categories can actually boost your bottom line - how real-time tracking keeps your financial house in order—without the stress - a smarter, calmer way to prep for tax season (bye-bye, last-minute panic) Learn more to grow your business at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

    35 min

  8. JUL 8

    EP 436 | Wealth and Worth with Carla Titus

    As an interior design professional, you create beauty, function, and transformation for your clients—but are you building the same for yourself? In this episode we dig into the powerful connection between your sense of worth and your ability to build true wealth. If you’ve ever questioned what you should charge, struggled with confidence in business, or felt stuck on the income treadmill, this episode will shift your perspective—and help you design a business as intentional as your interiors. In this episode we learn: - why undercharging isn’t just a pricing issue—it’s a self-worth issue - how wealth isn’t just about money, but about time, freedom, and choice - the hidden costs of burnout and overdelivering - practical ways to increase your profit margins without compromising your creativity - how to reframe your mindset around money, value, and success as a creative Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your business blueprint at https://businessofdesign.com/membership

    41 min
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4.6
out of 5
199 Ratings

About

Business of Design® is the #1 trusted business training resource for design professionals around the world. Join thousands of design professional already using our field-tested project management strategies and enjoy increased confidence, improved client retention, greater profits and a business that thrives. It’s time to take control of your business. Become a member of Business of Design®, today: https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

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