Publish December 2, 2023
Navigating Success as a Steward of Your Client’s Money: Appearance on Brad Leavitt Podcast
dining room

Thank you to Brad for having me on his podcast! It was a pleasure to share my insights and experiences in the design industry. Today, I want to emphasize a crucial attribute that is often overlooked by most designers: becoming a steward of your client’s money. In our conversation, we discussed the significance of this approach and how it can lead to successful relationships with clients.

With over 20 years of experience in the design industry, I have had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, ranging from large corporate buildings to retail design and bespoke residences across the U.S. However, my expertise goes beyond design. As a business coach running Elevate! Interior Circle, I help interior designers run better businesses by utilizing magnetic marketing techniques to attract their perfect clients.

Setting Expectations for Successful Client Relationships

One of the first aspects we touched upon in our discussion was the need for business owners to educate potential clients about what to expect when entering into a partnership. It is crucial to set the right expectations right from the beginning. By using effective storytelling, building rapport, and putting ourselves in our client’s shoes, we can forge successful relationships based on trust and understanding.

In my experience, one of the best practices for attracting affluent clients is gaining clarity on your vision and mission as a business owner. When you are clear about the kind of projects and people you want to work with, everything changes. You feel appreciated, and in turn, you go above and beyond for those clients. This mindset allows you to deliver your best work and establish a strong reputation in the industry.

In today’s digital age, marketing plays a vital role in educating clients before they even approach you. Unfortunately, many designers fail to utilize the power of storytelling in their marketing efforts. We need to move away from just being reporters on social media and start telling meaningful stories that resonate with our target audience. By doing so, we build trust and establish ourselves as experts in our field.

Marketing Beyond Social Media: Harnessing the Art of Storytelling

Another valuable technique I shared was the concept of creating an avatar for your perfect future client. By understanding their needs, desires, and pain points, you can tailor your services to meet their expectations. Additionally, I mentioned the power of the “shock-and-awe box” when meeting with promising prospects. This unique approach leaves a lasting impression on potential clients and sets you apart from your competitors.

As creatives, we have a natural intuition that we often overlook when it comes to our business. We must harness this intuition and use it to further our success. By combining our creativity with sound business strategies, we can create a thriving design business that attracts the right clients and delivers exceptional results.

Becoming a steward of your client’s money is an invaluable attribute that all designers should embrace. By educating clients, building rapport, and showcasing our expertise through storytelling, we can forge successful and long-lasting relationships. Remember to clarify your vision, create an avatar for your perfect client, and utilize unique techniques like the “shock-and-awe box.” Thank you again to Brad for providing this platform to share my insights. Listen to the full episode here. Tune into my podcast on iTunes here or on my website and keep up with my other blog posts.