Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

Katie Decker-Erickson, MBA, IACC-NA

As an interior designer, do you struggle with balancing your passion for creativity with the practical demands and hopes of running a successful business? Whether starting a new venture or scaling an existing firm, the complexities can be overwhelming. Welcome to “Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design,” a podcast designed to bridge the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship.
This masterclass is hosted by the dynamic Katie Decker-Erickson, a seasoned expert with nearly 20 years of experience in interior design, a Master's degree in Business Administration, and creator and owner of a multimillion-dollar interior design firm.
Each episode offers innovative and actionable business strategies, engaging conversations, and practical guidance to help you build and grow a successful design business. Tune in every other Friday on YouTube or any of your favorite podcast platforms to ignite your creative spark and sharpen your entrepreneurial skills. (Topics and language are kid/family friendly.)

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Top 10 Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

21: Target Audience Personas & Marketing with Bill Gelgota

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

03/29/24 • 43 min

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The target persona in your marketing is maybe the most critical piece of your business foundations. It’s just like the old adage says, if you’re speaking to everyone, you’re speaking to no one. But how are you supposed to determine your target market when you’re just starting your design business? How do you discover their wants and needs? And how does a SWOT analysis come into the mix? We are answering all this and more in today's episode with my guest, Bill Gelgota. Stick around for the rapid fire “but, Bill” questions and to see if this week’s Colorful Question is yours!

In this episode, you will be able to:

Learn why having a target market matters when you're starting or running your business.
Discover how to use demographics, sociographics, psychographics, and geographics to help you discover your target audience.
Uncover how to know if you should continue with the same target audience or pivot in a new direction.

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources

The Studio
Coaching Strategy Session
Census Data
Esri
Futurist Predictions for Design & Business with Rebecca Ryan
S.W.O.T. Analysis Journal
Marketing: Target Client Persona Interactive Guide

📲Connect with Bill:
LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by Nello Marelli - Nel Colore Color Trend Book

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel!Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website
Some links mentioned are affiliate links. This helps to support this podcast at no additional cost to you.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

20: Business Insurance Basics for Designers with Stephen Wisocky

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

03/15/24 • 39 min

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Insurance should grow alongside your business—it’s not a set it and forget it situation! So let’s talk about the insurance needs of interior designers. What insurance must you have as soon as you open your design firm? How do your insurance needs change as your firm grows? And what rates can you expect to pay? Stephen Wisocky (the exclusive Insurance Partner of the Interior Design Society), joins me for this conversation—perfect whether your design business is new or has grown in recent years! Stay til the end of the episode to hear about the wildest liability claim Stephen’s ever seen and to see if the Colorful Question is yours!

In this episode, you will:

Uncover a range of rates you could expect to pay for insurance as a designer.
Learn examples of situations you might face in the field and want to have insurance coverage for.
Discover different types of business insurance interior designers need to have (and might want to have).

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
The Studio
Ep 17: The Legal Side of Running a Design Firm with David Adler
Ep 19: How to Hire a CPA for Your Design Firm with Kate Snelson
Book your Coaching Strategy Session with Katie!
Grab your GUIDE: Essential Insurance Guide for interior designers

📲Connect with Stephen:
Home Furnishings Insurance Group

This episode is brought to you by Nello Marelli - Nel Colore Color Trend Book

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

3: Relaying your Brand as a Mom-preneur

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

08/04/23 • 45 min

Send Katie a Text Message!!

In this episode, we sit down with Becca Ellison to discuss elevating your brand. Becca is a remarkable brand strategist and photographer who shares invaluable insights on crafting a compelling personal brand as a solopreneur or entrepreneur.

Join us as we explore the significance of authenticity, leveraging unique strengths, and finding balance in the chaotic world of juggling parenthood and entrepreneurship. Becca’s expertise shines as she guides us through defining and refining our personal brand to attract the right audience, make a meaningful impact, and close the deal.
Full Show Notes Here📚Expand your Knowledge:
Interior Design Resources: https://colorworks.design/resources-2/
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy
FREE Personal Brand Checklist for Coaches and Service Pros from Becca
📲CONNECT with Becca:
Website: https://rebeccaellison.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaellisoncreative/

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

15: The Benefits of Starting a Business with Mark Bernheimer

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

01/05/24 • 43 min

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If you had the chance to shape what your days, weeks, months, and life looked like—would you go for it? Becoming an entrepreneur is perfect for when you want to do something differently, do it better, and just be who you are! It gives you such freedom. But, truth be told... it isn’t the perfect fit for everyone. Mark Bernheimer, one of my journalism mentors, joins me in this conversation.
We jump straight into what you need to know and be prepared for as you enter the world of entrepreneurship. We also shine a light on the unexpected benefits of becoming a business owner and what it truly means to be happy. Whether you’re newer to business, just taking a peek to see if you like the idea, or have been in business for a couple years—this first episode in our Creating a Design Business Series gives you a fresh perspective you can take with you into 2024!

In this episode, you will:

Uncover the secrets to starting and running a truly successful business.
Discover what you need to be prepared for as a new business owner.
Learn the biggest difference between being an employee and an entrepreneur.

Full Show Notes Here!

📲 Connect with Mark:

MediaWorks Resource Group

Facebook

Twitter/X🖥️ This episode is brought to you by DBM Consulting.

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

14: Futurist Predictions for Design & Business with Rebecca Ryan

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

12/22/23 • 46 min

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Our world is rapidly evolving. We’ve got AI and a whole host of other innovations coming on board and shaking things up. If we're not evolving in our business, we will be left behind. Instead of being fearful of the uncertainty that lies ahead in 2024 and beyond, what if we could hear predictions from someone who studies the future and create a game plan?

As a professional futurist, Rebecca Ryan is no stranger to predictions. I’m so excited she’s joining me for this conversation where we’re going deep on questions like: What will design in public spaces look like in the future? What do design firms need to know moving into 2024? And what is this futurism-meets-design project she’s been working on with Libby Castro? This episode is a must-listen for all entrepreneurs, small business owners, design professionals—and humans.

In this episode, you will:

Learn futurist predictions for 2024 for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Uncover how designers can lead the charge against schismogenesis (and what that is).
Discover the impact a futurist (like a designer) can have on a community and society.

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Links & Mentioned Resources
10 Trends for the next ten years
The Work Better Project
NeoCon 2023 Review
Interview with Treger Strasberg of Humble Design
The Little Red Ball
The Zen Leader

📲Connect with Rebecca:
Instagram
Threads
LinkedIn
Instagram (NextGenerationConsulting)

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

12: Giving Back Through Corporate Social Responsibility with Treger Strasberg

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

11/24/23 • 42 min

Send Katie a Text Message!!

What exactly is corporate social responsibility? Ever heard of Humble Design? This organization furnishes and decorates up to 13 homes each week in five cities across the country. Back in 2009, Treger Strasberg created a nonprofit and established a system that helps thousands of veterans, women, children, and families stop the revolving door of homelessness. The belief is simple: individuals emerging from homelessness deserve to come home each day to a clean, friendly, and dignified home.

How does the 99% success rate of Humble Design really impact a family and a community? I can’t think of a more beautiful way to celebrate the day after Thanksgiving than by realizing we are all so incredibly blessed. And the responsibility and privilege that comes with that blessing is giving back to others through corporate social responsibility. Hear all that and more in today’s conversation!

In this episode, you will be able to:

Learn how Humble Design came to be and how they support those exiting homelessness.
Discover ways you can give back to your local community.
Uncover the benefits of corporate social responsibility—for your firm, yourself, & those in need.

Full Show Notes Here👉 Mentioned Resources
Humble Design
Fast Company article
Humankind by Rutger Bregman
📲 CONNECT with Treger:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

2: Color Trends of 2024

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

07/20/23 • 26 min

Send Katie a Text Message!!

In this episode, we sit down with Susan Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at the Americas Group, to discuss the color trends of 2023. Susan shares her expertise and insights into the captivating world of color and its impact on the design industry. An exclusive announcement is unveiled: the highly anticipated 2024 color trends are set to launch next month in a completely new and reimaged way that is even more designer-friendly!
Full Show Notes Here📚Expand your Knowledge:
Interior Design Resources
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

29: Grow Your Interior Design Business Using Collaborations & AI with Jenny Cano

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

07/19/24 • 25 min

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Your design business will grow faster, go further, and be more successful when you embrace 2 things: collaborations and technology. You may not want to admit it, but AI is here to stay! It can even have a positive impact on your firm—if you let it. And that’s just one collaboration you can engage in! There’s also the opportunity to join professional organizations which can keep you inspired, get you out of creative burnout, or provide educational resources. If you're curious about how collaboration and technology can benefit your business, you will not want to miss this episode with Jenny Cano! Stick around for the Coaching Corner where I’m sharing my own insecurities around collaboration and competition. Enjoy the conversation!

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how a collaborative mindset is propelling designers to become 7-figure business owners.
Uncover the best way to move past the fear of technology for the sake of your firm.
Learn how to strategically use collaboration and technology tools to grow your business.

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
The Studio & Coaching Strategy Session
WSJ: AI & Design article
Interior Design Society
Interior Designers Pricing & Project Estimation with Michelle Lynne Pant

📲Connect with Jenny:
Instagram
LinkedIn
This episode is brought to you by Nello Marelli - Nel Colore Color Trend Book

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

25: Networking Tips for Interior Designers with LuAnn Nigara

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

05/24/24 • 38 min

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Networking as an interior designer can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Not if you’re armed with the perfect questions to ask, a plan of action, and all the rest of the advice LuAnn Nigara shares with us in this insightful and inspiring conversation! Hear from one of the most connected women in the industry just how to navigate in-person and virtual networking events so you get the most out of the experience and foster lifelong relationships. Be sure to stick around for the Coaching Corner. Alright, grab your notebook and press play!

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the #1 question to ask at a networking event to build connections.
Uncover the mistakes interior designers make at networking events.
Learn how to effectively use social media marketing as an interior designer.

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
The Studio
Coaching Strategy Session
Michelle Lynne Pant’s episode

📲Connect with LuAnn:
Website
Window Treatments for Profits
A Well-Designed Business
YouTube

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

8: Branding: The Power of a Name with Corey Fuller

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

09/29/23 • 34 min

Send Katie a Text Message!!

What is the importance of branding? Whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a design firm, having a brand makes you memorable. But good branding doesn’t happen by throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks—it’s strategic and thoughtful. My friend and branding expert, Corey Fuller, is sharing that with us on this episode! We touched on everything from naming a business to finding the perfect typography. This conversation is an incredible resource for anyone looking to brand a new business or rebrand an existing one.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Uncover the most critical components of branding.
Learn the business branding mistakes you must avoid!
Discover the importance of branding whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a firm.

Full Show Notes Here

👉 Links & Mentioned Resources
Ep 3: Relaying your Brand as a mom-preneur with Becca Ellison
Jaber Crow by Wendell Berry
Deep Work by Cal Newport📲CONNECT with Corey:
Website
Instagram

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design have?

Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design currently has 41 episodes available.

What topics does Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design cover?

The podcast is about Entrepreneurship, Design, Podcasts, Arts, Business and Interior Design Business.

What is the most popular episode on Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design?

The episode title '24: How to Close Sales Using Body Language with Nancy Ganzekaufer' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design?

The average episode length on Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design is 36 minutes.

How often are episodes of Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design released?

Episodes of Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design?

The first episode of Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design was released on Jun 27, 2023.

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Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

Katie Decker-Erickson, MBA, IACC-NA

Top 10 Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design have?

What topics does Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design cover?

What is the most popular episode on Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design?

What is the average episode length on Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design?

How often are episodes of Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design released?

When was the first episode of Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design?

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