588: What Would Lu Do: Leading your Business Through an Unprecedented Growth Spurt
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
Release Date: 09/10/2020
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
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Today With Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Overheard episode, I’m joined by Charles Pavarini III, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola. We rarely talk about design itself on the podcast—we’re much more focused on the business sode of things. But the conversation about creativity has popped up several times over the years in discussions I have had with many of you. I have often wondered, is creativity something you just have or you don’t? And if you do have it, how do you know, and how do you channel...
info_outlineWelcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the difficult questions and LuAnn gives the expert answers you’ve been wanting. Today’s episode is sponsored by Mydoma Studio.
Today’s dilemma comes from Virginia, a self-described #babydesigner. Virginia had a good working relationship with a contractor on commercial projects, and he brought her into one of his residential deals. Everything went great. She returned the favor by inviting him into one of her residential projects. The contractor ended up sending the client a proposal behind Virginia’s back, before she even had the design work presentation ready. This confused the client and made her look bad. Virginia is looking for the best way to handle this situation.
Today’s episode will capture your attention because Lu explains how having too much business isn’t always good. Really? Tune in to hear LuAnn explain.
Show Highlights:
- LuAnn provides the details regarding a scary scenario Window Works faced during the World Pandemic
- Lu shares the “miracle” that happened when business turned around in May
- Marketing the business was where LuAnn’s team doubled down its focused energy
- Successful marketing efforts paid off for the month of June!
- Business was booming and the factories couldn’t meet demand.
- The Window Works team was stressed and stretched to the max often pulling double duty
- Deadlines were stretched and it was an emotional roller coaster!
- But, oh, the lessons Lu sees in hindsight:
- * The marketing blitz worked!
- * Hiring a replacement admin was the right decision for the business
- * Team communication was imperative
- * Employees had to be flexible with job roles and pitch in where/when needed
- Lu says not to be afraid to raise your prices during this environment
- Turn down jobs if they don’t seem like a good fit for you
- Be honest at all times within the business and to clients, vendors, etc.
- Document everything said and follow-through to meet client expectations
- Be willing to walk away and return money if necessary
- Be assured that the situation will eventually turn around!
If you are not working with a coach or perhaps you don’t have a business mentor or business bestie to provide guidance, this is the perfect opportunity to email LuAnn the burning issues that you need insight on and she’ll answer them on air. Please send your questions to LuAnn Nigara WWLD!
Links :
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A Big THANK YOU to MyDoma Studio for sponsoring this episode!