Today on the podcast, we are going to talk about the saying, “You Are Enough”. Just to be clear, I think that is a lie stated like that. And it is a lie that keeps us down, trapped, feeling less than and encouraging the imposter syndrome to grow larger in our minds. Listen in as I tell you why I believe this to be a lie, and I balance it with some truth.

With me today is Katie Saunders of Pop and Grey. Katie is a brand strategist and website designer who partners with interior designers to elevate their strategic brand design and messaging so that their brand presence reflects their style and story in every unique detail. Katie is a southern girl, so get ready for the double southern accents between the two of us.

We are going to discuss why our style is not our brand, how we start to define a brand, and why it matters. Enjoy the podcast.

Why is Why So Important?

Jack Canfield wrote the book, “The Success Principles” in 2005. I remember reading the book and just being blown away by the title of the first chapter, which was “Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life.” I will just let that one sit with us for a minute.

For the third year, Ceil DiGuglielmo, of the Sew Much More podcast is joining me to review the year we have just had, what made it different, how we approached moving forward, and lessons learned. Make sure to go back and listen to the last two-year end recaps, they all have something to teach. I hope you enjoy!

With me today is Anastasia Harrison, Principal Architect of AHD and Co. Through her extensive experience in complete home design, Anastasia has created a unique niche for her design firm incorporating architecture and interior design together. Her team strives to help clients live beautifully through outstanding design and to provide complete custom spaces that set a mood throughout the entire home.

In addition to running AHD & Co, Anastasia heads up the New Jersey chapter of Savvy Giving by Design, creating safe and cheerful environments for medically fragile children to heal.

Our conversation is going to focus on how she created a firm that mixes architecture and interior design as well as the steps she is taking to grow her firm with intention. Enjoy the podcast.

Joining me on the podcast today is Tracie Bresnahan of Custom Creations. Tracie owns a full service, turn-key, to-the-trade workroom supporting designers. Tracie is the President of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) and she is sharing with us today some of her challenges in scaling a workroom. As you all know, these are the same challenges in many cases that we have no matter the business type. Listen in as we discuss changing locations, hiring, adding project management solutions and the timing of it all.

This is the third episode I am dedicating to going through a year-end review. I believe this process is instrumental in creating a business plan that we desire and doing it with intention. Today we will focus on some of the review process necessary in the areas of human resources, marketing, and financials.

Joining me on the podcast today is Krissy Peterson of K. Peterson Design located in Seattle, Washington. Krissy offers full-service design to her clients and today we are going to tackle a business challenge she is having. My guess is that each of us has had a similar question at some point, and this one has a very detailed answer. Take notes, because there is a lot to untangle.

On the podcast today is Kris Plachy of Kris Plachy Coaching. Kris’s focus is to guide leaders through the tricky path of learning to lead a team. We talk about her Five-Step Management System on the podcast as well as many other aspects of leading, coaching, and managing a team. This is such a great topic because many of you are growing your teams and focusing on this aspect of your business. Kris and I think alike on these topics so it was fun to dig in.

This podcast is part of a series to assist you in planning for the new year in your business. We are going to jump in and talk about a SWOT analysis, goal planning, how to preserve our energy, and how to say no.

Joining me today is Shanna Quinn of East Orlando Bookkeeping. Shanna is Profit First certified and she works with many contractors and sub-contractors, builders, and designers. Today we are going to discuss job costing; what it is and why it could be instrumental in helping you determine the true profit in your company.

Each year around this time, November, I begin the planning process for my business the next year. In the next few solo podcasts, I am going to share with you the steps I use to make sure that on January 1, I can move forward with confidence. Enjoy the podcast.

On the podcast today are Chandler and Jeremy Quarles of Peach and Pine Interiors. They were on the podcast back in episode 80 where we talked about them building a business together that integrated their family life and business life. Today we are going to look at a business challenge they are facing. And this is a challenge that many face – the messy middle. What do we mean by this? This is the place where you are not where you were – but also not where you ultimately want to be. The messy middle. And why do I call it that? Because this is the place that we are in the most, and that takes perseverance to get through. This is the dash between when your business starts and when it is done. This is where your business life is lived. Listen in as we look at this place, create a new perspective, and actually celebrate this climbing up the staircase to our business mastery.

If you have ever read the book, Book Yourself Solid, by Michael Port, you may be familiar with his velvet rope policy. This policy is created to establish boundaries for working with your ideal client. You identify your client and give them access to cross the velvet rope to work with you. In this podcast, we are going to dig into creating barriers and then removing barriers for entry to working with your company.

With me on the podcast today is Brad Clinard of High Point Financial Design located in, you guessed it, High Point, NC. Brad’s firm supports interior designers in the journey to financial independence. We will talk more about what financial independence means, the building blocks to creating this, and how Brad’s firm differs from others. You will easily see the connection as well as the overlap between your business financials and family financials. Lot’s to consider with this topic. Enjoy!

Have you ever been in a place where you were getting all the jobs you wanted and dreamed of? All you have been working for. And the challenge is that it all came in at once – and now you are completely overwhelmed. Maybe you can feel your heart rate speeding up and a light sweat breaking out even as I say these words. Well, if so – this is the podcast for you. We are going to talk about how to manage and overcome the overwhelm in your business.

Joining me today is Traci Reuter of Divine Social. Her firm supports businesses in growing their brands through authentic, meaningful social advertising. We are going to discuss Facebook and Instagram ads. We will be looking at the difference between organic posts, boosted posts and paid advertising. Listen in if you think your company is ready or might be soon for digital paid advertising.

In Steven Covey’s book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the second habit is this; begin with the end in mind. We are going to talk about this habit and see how it applies to the business we are building not only at the strategic level but at the tactical level. Enjoy the podcast.

With me, today on the podcast is Brandi Bernoskie of Alchemy and Aim. Brandi is a digital strategist, web developer, and tech expert. Our conversation is focused on updating your digital strategy. Many of us have a plan to show up online, but how often do we refine it, and what prompts us to do so? These are the questions we will be digging into.

As many of you know, I contemplated two years before even starting this podcast in 2018. I purchased everything I needed, put it on a shelf, and waited. Because at that time, I did not have the bandwidth to produce it and keep it going. It took me two years to clear my head and schedule to be able to commit to what it would take for a podcast. It is a lot of work, but well worth it. While some podcasters watch the number of listeners and subscribers, I check it very little. Why? Because if you are the only one listening and if you are able to shift your mindset around profitability – then it is worth it. You. I decided at the very beginning, and still hold this dear – I am willing to do this work and share it as long as I am learning and offering the same to you.

So, like the two years before, I would love to share with you my favorite highlights of each episode from the last year. This offers not only a refresher on my guests, but if you are new to the podcast, a hint of what you might want to go back and listen to.