In this episode, marketing expert Mia Fileman of Campaign Del Mar explains why campaign marketing isn't just for big brands with big budgets. Learn how small businesses can create high-impact, low-cost marketing campaigns that deliver real results, and why relying solely on "always on" social media marketing often leads to frustration and minimal returns.I hope you enjoy the episode.Beth xxMia has kindly shared with my listeners a download to help with their marketing strategieshttps://www.campaigndelmar.com/focus-frameworkEpisode Highlights:• The crucial difference between "always on" marketing and campaign marketing • Why most small businesses are missing out on the power of campaigns • How to create high-impact campaigns without high budgets • The problem with relying solely on Instagram for business growth • Why in-person connections often deliver better results than social media • The current state of marketing ethics and authenticityKey Takeaways:✨ Campaigns are short, focused efforts with specific objectives ✨ Plan campaigns 10-12 weeks before launch for best results ✨ Become "customer fanatics" to develop effective campaign ideas ✨ Reuse campaign assets to maximize your investment ✨ Consider in-person events over expensive social media advertising ✨ Trust your instincts about marketing tactics that feel inauthenticPractical Insights:• How to plan a campaign timeline that works • Creating campaigns for businesses that only need a few clients per year • Building a bank of reusable marketing assets • Balancing online presence with in-person networking • Maintaining authenticity in your marketing approachPerfect For:• Small business owners frustrated with social media results • Interior designers looking for more effective marketing approaches • Entrepreneurs who want to stand out from competitors • Business owners uncomfortable with pushy marketing tactics • Anyone looking to get better returns on their marketing investmentQuote from Episode:"A campaign is a connected series of actions leading to the desired outcome... They are configured to capture attention for a short amount of time. They are short bursts of activity." - Mia Fileman
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
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098 Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Financial Systems to Protect Your Profit
The Reality of Design Business Finances• Why even the most talented designers can struggle financially • Common ways money slips through the cracks in design businesses • The mindset shift from "hobby" to "profitable business"Cashflow Tracking Essentials• How to set up proper accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB) • The importance of weekly cashflow reviews • Identifying patterns in your business finances • Common cashflow mistakes to avoid:Spending money before it's in the bankForgetting about tax and business expensesNot paying yourself firstInvoicing Best Practices• Invoice on time, every time - as soon as milestones are reached • Set clear payment terms (7 days vs. "due upon receipt") • Utilize automated invoicing and payment reminders • The "accounts department" email trick for following up on late payments • Recommended reminder cadence:3 days before due dateOn the due date7 days overduePricing for Profitability• Why undercharging puts a lid on studio growth • Factors to consider when setting your rates:Experience and expertise (including transferable skills)The value you bring to clients' livesTime spent on all aspects of projects • Questions to ask yourself about your pricing:Are you making a profit on every project?Are you including markup on sourced products?Would you be happy doing the project at this price again?Free ResourceDownload this month's free Project Tracker template to help monitor the financial health of your projects. This episode is perfect for interior designers who want to strengthen the financial foundations of their business, ensure they're getting paid what they're worth, and build a truly profitable design studio.
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
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097 Solo with Beth Why Your Studio Portfolio Is More Than Pretty Pictures
Why Most Portfolios Fall Short• The problem with showing only final images • Why a portfolio of just "after" photos is like "showing a wedding photo album to explain what marriage is like" • How clients view your portfolio differently than you might thinkYour Portfolio as a Communication Tool• How to bridge the knowledge gap between designers and potential clients • Why process-driven storytelling helps clients self-qualify • How a well-crafted portfolio saves you time in consultationsWhat to Include for Each Featured Project• Brief description of the client and their challenges • Clear explanation of your role and scope • Process highlights (mood boards, floor plans, behind-the-scenes moments) • Client feedback quotes • Visuals that show the journey from before to afterBuilding Trust Through Transparency• Why clients aren't just choosing a style—they're choosing a guide • How showing your process reduces client anxiety • The difference between a portfolio and a welcome guidePortfolio Refresh Tips• Start with 2-3 projects you're most proud of • Write client-friendly narratives that explain your process • Include progress photos that showcase your deliverables • Avoid industry jargon that might confuse potential clientsThis episode is perfect for interior designers who want to attract better-fit clients, set clear expectations from the start, and build trust before the first consultation. Your portfolio isn't just a marketing asset—it's the first step in your client experience.
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
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11:40
096 Why Every Interior Designer needs a Project Management System
Every interior designer knows the chaos of managing multiple projects simultaneously—design concepts to finalize, orders to place, client emails to answer, and site visits to attend. Without a centralized system, important details slip through the cracks, deadlines are missed, and stress levels rise.A well-structured project tracker gives you a bird's eye view of every project. So at any moment, you know what stage each project is at. No more guessing.I hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxDownload the FREE template here.Key Components of an Effective TrackerThe best project trackers include just enough information without becoming overwhelming:• Project Overview: Basic project identification including client name and address • Key Dates and Deadlines: Major milestones, builder deadlines, and order timelines • Task Breakdown: Clear responsibilities for each phase of the project • Communication Schedule: When you'll update clients to maintain trust and expectations"A project tracker isn't just a glorified to-do list. It's a system that helps you manage all the moving parts of a project in one place," Beth emphasizes.Choosing the Right ToolWhile many sophisticated project management tools exist, I recommend starting simple:"I actually use a good old Google Sheet or Excel. It's really simple. It's easy to customize. You can have tabs for multiple projects."The most important factor isn't which tool you use, but whether you consistently use it.Making It a HabitFor your project tracker to be effective, I suggest three key habits:• Start each day by reviewing your tracker before checking emails • Update it in real-time as you complete tasks • Schedule a weekly check-in to ensure everything is current"I can guarantee there is no better feeling than at the end of your work week... you make sure your project tracker is up to date and you can see exactly where you are on all your projects."This episode is essential for interior designers who want to reduce stress, improve efficiency, and ensure no important details fall through the cracks in their design projects.
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
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095 A Dialogue with Nikki McGar
In this week's episode, Nikki McGar shares her journey from Airbnb host to sought-after interior designer. Learn how she creates memorable vacation rental experiences through storytelling, incorporates vintage pieces with modern design, and builds a thriving design business in the Geelong area.I hope you enjoy the episode.Beth xxEpisode Highlights:• The transition from teaching to interior design through Airbnb hosting • Creating memorable vacation rental experiences through storytelling • The vibrant Geelong design scene and coastal inspiration • Balancing beautiful aesthetics with practical considerations for guest turnover • Incorporating vintage pieces to create spaces with character and soul • Current design trends including color experimentation and playful elementsKey Takeaways:✨ Say yes to opportunities that come your way ✨ Develop a clear "house story" to guide your design decisions ✨ Consider the architecture and location when styling spaces ✨ Mix vintage and modern pieces for spaces with character ✨ Don't be afraid to use color and express personalityPractical Insights:• How to approach Airbnb styling differently from residential design • Finding and repurposing vintage furniture • Creating spaces that photograph well but also function practically • Working with clients to develop their property's unique identity • Building a design business in a regional areaPerfect For:• Airbnb and vacation rental hosts • Interior designers interested in the short-term rental market • Anyone considering a career change to design • Designers looking to incorporate more vintage pieces • Property owners wanting to create spaces with personalityQuote from Episode:"Creating this other world for people to enjoy just for a short period of time" - Nikki's perspective on the magic of Airbnb styling.Connect with our guest:Nikki McGar - Nikki McGar InteriorsNikki McGar Interiors
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
The Design Dialogues Podcast is your go to interior design podcast. Through our conversations we will be inspired and educated so that you can build a succesful interior design studio.
New Zealand