In Good Space

Alisa Sparks
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In Good Space explores the business behind home staging and interior design. Hosted by Alisa Sparks, founder of Linden Creek, the show breaks down what it takes to build a profitable, scalable creative company in the home industry. Episodes cover staging strategy, real estate marketing, pricing, systems, team growth, and franchising, grounded in real-world experience. Homeowners, real estate agents, builders, staging professionals, and entrepreneurs exploring franchise opportunities will gain a clearer understanding of how successful staging and design companies are built.

  1. 16H AGO

    Why We Expanded Beyond Home Staging And How It Changed Everything

    Betting our whole income on one service leaves us one market swing away from a real crisis, especially in real estate. We walk through how staging evolved into interior design and why having both creates stability across boom and bust cycles.  • real estate market swings as an unavoidable reality for service businesses  • how staging conversations naturally open the door to interior design  • losing builder and agent staging demand when homes sell too fast  • homeowners choosing to stay put and investing in design instead of moving  • staging and design as counterbalances across economic seasons  • diversification as a strategic playbook rather than doing everything  • questions to pressure-test risk exposure and add a second revenue stream  Love design, but think like a business owner? If you're ready to leave your nine to five and want to do something that's buildable and scalable, check out linden-creek.com/franchise and see if Linden Creek is the right fit for you.  If you found this episode useful, share it with somebody who's in the early stages of building.  Support the show

    8 min

  2. APR 28

    Three Smart Questions To Ask Before Buying A Franchise

    We break down the three questions franchise buyers often fail to ask, starting with whether a model works for average owners or only top performers. We also share what real franchisor support looks like and how to judge lifestyle fit before you commit to a long-term deal. • Asking whether the franchise model is profitable for average owners • Using the bell curve to understand franchisee performance • Looking for real support systems after the sale • Building community through coaching calls and mastermind sessions • Expecting the franchisor to evolve the model and seek franchisee buy-in • Checking lifestyle fit, work-life harmony, and long-term goals • Thinking early about an exit strategy and what “success” means Thanks for listening today! If this is something that interests you as you're pursuing your franchise opportunities and journey, and Linden Creek is one that might spark your interest, definitely reach out. You can check us out at lindencreek.com/franchise.  Support the show

    13 min

  3. APR 21

    How To Grow A Home Staging Business Through Real Relationships

    “Digital is dead” sounds scary until you realize what it frees you to do: stop chasing clicks and start building a business people actually talk about. We dig into what we’d focus on first if we were launching a home staging or interior design business from scratch today, and why relationship building beats paid ads for long-term, repeatable growth. If you’ve felt like Meta ads and Google paid search don’t hit like they used to, you’re not imagining it. The online space is louder, more expensive, and harder to win with pure spend.  We break down grassroots marketing in plain terms: show up, network, and have authentic conversations that aren’t sales pitches. The three questions that change everything are simple but powerful: what keeps you up at night, how can I make your life better, and how can I help propel your business. For home staging marketing and interior design lead generation, we explain why real estate agents and builders are often the best “hub” relationships to build first, even if your end goal is more design work. Realtors know who is moving and what they need, and that referral web can fuel steady projects.  We also talk through the common fear of hearing “no.” The fix is to stop asking for the sale too early and focus on becoming useful: improving listing photos, supporting tough client moments, and making your partners look good. Over time, staged homes become your live portfolio, other agents see your work in person, and word of mouth starts compounding into a true referral snowball. If you’re in the early grind, this is your reminder: you’ve got this, and the labor pays off. Subscribe, share this with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review with the relationship-building tactic you’re trying next. Support the show

    8 min

  4. APR 17

    4 Corporate Skills That Transfer Directly to Franchise Ownership (No Design Experience Needed)

    We talk through the most common fear we hear from prospective franchise owners: not having an interior design background. We share why transferable business skills often matter more than technical design at the start and how passion for design becomes the multiplier that helps you win clients and grow.  • Reframing sales as service that creates real client value  • Building trust through customer service and managed relationships  • Using leadership to set culture and scale a team  • Leaning on drive and tenacity when skills are missing  • Applying marketing experience and learning marketing basics fast  • Hiring for weaknesses and educating yourself to close gaps  • Prioritizing work with strong time management as you grow  Love Design, But Think Like A Business Owner? If You’re Ready To Leave Your Nine To Five And Want To Do Something That’s Buildable And Scalable Check Out Linden-Creek.Com/Franchise And See If Linden Creek Is The Right Fit For You  If You Want To Continue Listening To More Conversations Like This, Subscribe  Support the show

    13 min

  5. APR 14

    3 Home Staging Stats in 3 Minutes

    We break down the real home staging numbers that explain why some houses sell quickly while others stall, and how furnishing changes the entire buyer experience. The big takeaway is simple: buyers decide with emotion first, and smart staging turns that emotion into offers and stronger sale prices.  • vacant walkthroughs averaging six minutes and how buyers use a checklist mindset  • furnished or staged homes keeping buyers in the space longer and building emotional connection  • why buyers picture future memories in key rooms like dining and living spaces  • staging ROI for sellers and what 5% to 15% can look like in real dollars  • staged homes selling faster and why speed protects your time and your carrying costs  • how days on market can pressure price and why faster sales help keep top dollar  Love design, but think like a business owner? If you're ready to leave your nine to five and want to do something that's buildable and scalable, check out linden-creek.com/franchise and see if Linden Creek is the right fit for you.  Subscribe if you want to keep hearing the real numbers behind creating spaces that sell.  Support the show

    4 min

  6. APR 7

    Why Neutral Home Staging Helps Buyers Say Yes

    Neutral design isn’t boring, it’s a smart way to help a home appeal to more buyers and sell with less friction. We break down why taste-specific rooms can stall a sale and how texture-driven neutrals create warmth without forcing an emotional reaction.  • why “neutral” works as a staging strategy that appeals to the masses  • a Parade of Homes story where a stunning but specific design sat longer  • how working in creams and warm whites pushes us to use texture and materials  • practical ways to add warmth with layers like pillows and throws  • the psychology of color and why strong hues can trigger reactions  • how neutrals help buyers picture their own furniture and style  If you're ready to leave your 9 to 5 and want to do something that's buildable and scalable, check out linden-creek.com/franchise and see if Linden Creek is the right fit for you.  Subscribe and let's keep the conversation going on smart and impactful designs.  Support the show

    5 min

  7. APR 3

    How AI Is Changing Work and What It Means for You

    We share takeaways from the International Franchise Association conference and why we see AI as a tool that amplifies people rather than replaces them outright. We dig into what automation means for white-collar jobs, why service-based work may grow, and how real human connection becomes the advantage. • reflections from IFA and where leaders see AI going  • AI as a productivity multiplier that turns employees into managers of tools  • why AI targets tasks and repetition more than entire roles  • stats and projections on job automation and shifting knowledge work  • slowing hiring for some entry-level roles and underemployment concerns  • the split between AI power users and those who avoid it  • why human interaction and experience-based services may become more valuable  • staging and interior design as examples of deeply human work  • virtual staging versus in-person emotion and buyer conversion  Love design, but think like a business owner. If you're ready to leave your nine to five and want to do something that's buildable and scalable, check out linden-creek.com/franchise and see if Linden Creek is the right fit for you. Support the show

    14 min

  8. MAR 30

    Three Questions Before You Stage

    We break down the three questions that matter most before hiring a home stager so you can protect your price and speed up your sale. We focus on staging as a marketing strategy and we push for results you can measure. • asking for a clear strategy to sell the home • prioritizing marketing impact over making rooms look pretty • checking inventory style for fit with the target buyer • matching furniture quality to the price point • requesting proof through days on market and case studies • using staging to shape the first impression at the door Love design, but think like a business owner? If you're ready to leave your nine to five and want to do something that's buildable and scalable, check out linden-creek.com/franchise and see if Linden Creek is the right fit for you. If you want more guidance on how to position your home for the strongest offer, stay tuned and subscribe. Support the show

    5 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

In Good Space explores the business behind home staging and interior design. Hosted by Alisa Sparks, founder of Linden Creek, the show breaks down what it takes to build a profitable, scalable creative company in the home industry. Episodes cover staging strategy, real estate marketing, pricing, systems, team growth, and franchising, grounded in real-world experience. Homeowners, real estate agents, builders, staging professionals, and entrepreneurs exploring franchise opportunities will gain a clearer understanding of how successful staging and design companies are built.

Information

  • Creator
    Alisa Sparks
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 In Good Space
  • Show Website
    In Good Space