The Affluent Creative

By: Melissa Galt
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  • Summary

  • What if you had a business coach who was a creative just like you, and could ask them about how they built a successful business they love? That’s what we do each week on The Affluent Creative. Hosted by Melissa Galt –– award winning business coach, marketing consultant, and interior designer with over 3 decades of creative experience –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to create systems and processes, increase your confidence, and build a quality team to support you. The goal is to give you the information and resources you need to avoid being overworked and undervalued, and help you earn more in less time with less stress.
    2022
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Art Marketing Economics
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Episodes
  • 104: Your Interior Design Feasibility Package

    104: Your Interior Design Feasibility Package
    Sep 16 2024

    Are you tired of doing unpaid work for clients? Do you create preliminary plans, gather estimates, and offer advice, all without compensation? What if you could get paid for that upfront work? Most designers don’t realize they can (and should) charge for the early stages of a project. A Feasibility Package ensures you’re paid while helping clients understand their project’s scope and costs. Imagine no longer giving away your expertise for free and instead getting paid for the valuable work you're already doing.

    In this episode, I explain how you can implement a Feasibility Package in your design business to get paid for your time and expertise. I dive into the structure of the package, what it should include, and how to price it effectively. You’ll also learn how this package can help you manage client expectations, build trust, and give you an early opportunity to assess whether a client is the right fit for you.

    IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

    - (02:00) – What is a feasibility package and when to use it?

    - (03:17) – Pricing guidelines for feasibility packages

    - (04:14) – What’s included in the package

    - (06:06) – Importance of trades days and package fees

    - (08:39) – Repurposing past work for efficiency

    - (10:07) – Advising clients on contingency costs

    - (15:27) – How to introduce the feasibility package to clients

    - (19:38) – Using the feasibility package to qualify clients

    When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.
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    24 mins
  • 103: Profitable Interior Design Discovery

    103: Profitable Interior Design Discovery
    Sep 9 2024

    Your website inquiry form is your first opportunity to learn about potential clients and set the tone for your relationship. Asking the right questions is essential to ensure a successful project. From project details to budget expectations, your questions can make or break the start of a collaboration. It's also important to be selective with clients, as your time and expertise are valuable.

    In this episode, I explain how to improve your inquiry form to gather key information, conduct structured Zoom consultations to build trust and qualify leads, and charge for home reviews or assessments to demonstrate your expertise. I also discuss how to recognize red flags early and choose clients who align with your values and goals. Each step in the discovery process, from initial contact to assessments, helps you secure clients who are a good fit, ensuring your business is both profitable and enjoyable to manage.

    IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

    - (01:32) The proper way to do design discovery

    - (02:08) Optimizing your website inquiry form

    - (03:43) Building trust with a structured Zoom consultation

    - (04:45) How to price your home reviews and assessments

    - (07:01) How to handle pushback from your prospects

    - (08:57) How to approach offering the letter of agreement

    - (10:13) The importance of having money conversations

    - (12:10) A walkthrough of all the questions in your website inquiry

    When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.
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    35 mins
  • 102: 7 Myths of Client Money Talks

    102: 7 Myths of Client Money Talks
    Sep 2 2024
    Talking about money with clients can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of running a design business. A lot of designers shy away from these conversations or avoid them altogether, but here’s the thing…most of the fear is based on common myths. What if, instead of fearing the “money talk,” you embraced it as an opportunity to build trust and value with your clients? Shifting your perspective could be the game-changer your business needs. In this episode, I break down seven myths about client money talks that hold designers back and show you how to turn them into strengths. We’re covering everything from value-based pricing versus hourly fees to setting clear expectations. We’ll also cover why selling your services is actually a form of education and service. Plus, we will dive into how to tap into clients’ emotions and create a design process that feels like a memorable, meaningful journey. VALUE-BASED PRICING OVER HOURLY FEES Hourly fees are not the best way to run a design business. You might think charging for your time makes sense, but here’s the reality - if you’re a fast designer (and many are), you’re actually getting paid less for being efficient. That doesn’t seem fair, right? Here comes value-based pricing to save the day! Instead of billing for hours worked, you’re charging based on end result. Clients pay for the outcome, not the time it took to get there. It’s a win-win because they understand the value of your expertise, and you get paid for the result you deliver, not how long it took. The bottom line? You get paid what you’re worth. SETTING CLEAR CLIENT EXPECTATIONS Setting expectations with clients is a make-or-break move. Miscommunication is one of the biggest reasons clients feel unhappy or confused. So, it’s up to you to set things straight from the start. Talk about money early - before the contract is signed. Share your design process, walk them through potential challenges, and most importantly, be upfront about what they’re investing in. This way, your clients won’t be blindsided by costs or project timelines. Trust me, clients will appreciate your honesty, and you will save yourself a lot of headaches down the road. SELLING AS EDUCATION AND SERVICE Selling doesn’t have to feel slimy or uncomfortable. It’s not about pushing services or trying to make a quick buck. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to educate your clients on the value you bring to the table. When you’re selling your services, you’re actually helping clients get what they truly want…a beautifully designed space that improves their life. It’s about guiding them toward the best solutions for their needs. So, don’t be afraid of the word “sell.” You’re offering them something they need, and that’s service in itself. TAPPING INTO CLEINT’S EMOTIONS Clients will tell you what they need from a practical, logical frame of mind. It’s your job to listen to what they’re saying as well as what they’re not saying. When you can deliver on that emotional level, clients will not only love the design, but they’ll also be willing to invest more because you’ve given them something they didn’t even know they needed. DESIGN AS A MEMORABLE JOURNEY Design isn’t just about the finished product. It’s also about the journey to getting there! From the moment a client hires you to the big reveal, it’s all about creating a memorable experience. Sure, there will be bumps along the way, but how you navigate these with your client is key. By making the design process feel exciting and special, you’re giving your clients memories they will cherish long after the project is done. When you focus on the experience, clients will be thrilled with not just the outcome, but the entire ride. Remember, that the myths you have bought into are not facts. They are merely beliefs. It’s time to release these beliefs and replace them with the truth! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: (3:16) What it looks like to be the expert/voice of reason (6:12) Why you need to release your own limited beliefs about money (13:26) The cost of the project isn’t the only thing your client cares about (24:00) Changing the narrative and speaking to yourself with confidence (29:07) Why you deserve to be paid in advance (38:09) Selling can be easy, fun, and empowering (41:44) The power of emotions when making purchases Links: VIP DESIGNER TOUR at High Point When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.
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    47 mins

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