165: Why Relationships are Key to Scaling Your Design Firm

Systems & Strategies
Written By Michele Williams
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165: Why Relationships are Key to Scaling Your Design Firm

with Sarah Walker

With me today on the podcast is Sarah Walker of Nuance Interiors in Washington State. Sarah has just opened high end showroom in the Pacific Northwest catering to builders and other designers. We are going to discuss her journey in design, how she chose to step out of the comfortable and take a risk, and what she would do differently next time.

Topics Mentioned:

  • Pre-planning

  • Relationship building

  • Luxury experience 

Listen to the Episode

Key Thoughts:

  • I think every designer needs some level of business class. It's understanding what it takes for that firm or your own firm to stay in business. Michele (08:35)

     

  • I would say a lot of my success as a designer is who I know and who I'm connected with, and really supporting my vendors as they support me. Sarah Walker (15:48) 

     

  • I also partnered with a Profit First accountant, and we actually review costs quarterly. I can categorize my expenses on a weekly basis so I'm really aware of what's going out, cost wise right now. Sarah Walker (30:28)

     

  • Another point is to look at the SBA loans like you did. Do you buy the building? Do you rent the building? There's a lot that goes into those conversations. Michele (34:10)

Contact Michele:

Contact Sarah:

References and Resources:

Click here to read the transcript for this episode.

Michele Williams
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166: Have You Taken Your Design Business As Far As You Can Alone
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