Episodios

  • 317: What Would Lu Do?: Business Bravery: How to Take Action Despite Fear and Overwhelm

    317: What Would Lu Do?: Business Bravery: How to Take Action Despite Fear and Overwhelm
    Apr 28 2025
    Today With LuAnn Nigara: Every entrepreneur faces moments where fear and overwhelm stop you in your tracks. In this powerful episode, LuAnn Nigara dismantles the myth of fearlessness and introduces her proven "Business Bravery" approach developed over 40+ years of entrepreneurship. You'll learn practical strategies to take action despite uncertainty, including the morning intention that transformed LuAnn's business mindset and concrete steps to move beyond paralyzing self-doubt. Featuring real-world examples of business owners who pushed through fear and succeeded anyway, this episode delivers straight-talking advice and an actionable toolkit to break through overwhelm and make progress today. Stop waiting to feel ready – listen now and discover how to cultivate courage when facing business challenges. A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠ ⁠http://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠here⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Audiobook: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Book 2: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠ Pre-Order Book 3: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠ Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s ⁠Website⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠Blog⁠ ⁠Power Talk Friday⁠ Like Us: ⁠Facebook⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠Twitter⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠Instagram⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠Podcast⁠ Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠. Learn more about it ⁠here⁠! ⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠ ⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠ ⁠Chairman of the Board⁠ with LuAnn Nigara! ⁠Exciting Windows!⁠ Coaching and more! Other Shows: WTFP #309: Overheard: Inside a Window Treatment Mastermind: How 5 Experts Built a Powerhouse Support System WTFP #34: Nikki Greenwood: From Corporate to the Window Treatment Business
    Más Menos
    20 m
  • 316: What Would Lu Do?: How to Qualify Leads Without Disqualifying Your Future Revenue

    316: What Would Lu Do?: How to Qualify Leads Without Disqualifying Your Future Revenue
    Apr 21 2025
    Today With LuAnn Nigara: Hey friends—today we’re getting real about a critical part of running a profitable business: qualifying leads. Because let’s be honest—most of us are either letting go of clients who could have been ideal, or we’re wasting precious time on ones that were never a good fit to begin with. In this episode, I’m sharing three real-world stories from my own business journey that reveal the hidden opportunities in client interactions you might be misjudging. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re lessons hard-earned from decades of experience, and I want you to learn from them, not repeat them. You’ll learn how to: Spot a sleeper opportunity disguised as a “tire-kicker.” Avoid the time-suck of clients who’ll never convert. Reframe your qualifying mindset to one that protects revenue and positions your business for sustainable growth. This isn’t about saying “no” faster—it’s about saying “yes” smarter. So let’s sharpen your lead-qualifying skills—because your future revenue depends on it. LuAnn Nigara’s Ah-Ha Moments: “Qualifying is not about shutting the door. It’s about asking the right questions so we can make an educated guess on whether we should open the door or not.” - LuAnn “I’m not going to sell you knock-off products here to save a few bucks, and now what? The home you come to for peace and recreation has broken blinds that need servicing every time you show up here?” - LuAnn “Don’t you ever qualify a person, in or out, based on how they look when they walk into your store. Treat every person like your next VIP client—because they just might be.” - LuAnn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Chairman of the Board with LuAnn Nigara! Exciting Windows! Coaching and more!
    Más Menos
    41 m
  • 315: Leslie Excell: From Workroom to Vision Magazine: How to Build a Window Treatment Business Interior Designers Can Rely On

    315: Leslie Excell: From Workroom to Vision Magazine: How to Build a Window Treatment Business Interior Designers Can Rely On
    Apr 14 2025
    Today With Leslie Excell: In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn is joined by interior designer and entrepreneur Leslie Excell, founder of Excell Design + Co, for an honest, grounded, and inspiring conversation about building a business rooted in clarity, boundaries, and heart. Leslie shares the pivotal moments that helped her reshape her business—from learning to say “no” without guilt, to letting go of the comparison trap, to honoring her own definition of success. She opens up about the mindset shifts that allowed her to stop chasing every opportunity and start creating a business that supports her life, not just her bottom line. Whether you’re in a season of burnout, transition, or simply feeling called to realign with your core values, Leslie’s story will remind you that you are allowed to evolve—and that the most powerful business decisions often come from the quiet confidence of knowing yourself. What You’ll Learn: How to release clients, projects, and mindsets that don’t serve you Why your version of success doesn’t have to match anyone else’s The power of clarity and alignment in your pricing, process, and vision How to shift from reacting to leading—on your own terms More About Leslie Excell Leslie Excell, President of Excell In Design Group, embodies the perfect balance of passion, creativity, and an open heart. With a natural gift for adapting to new ideas and embracing fresh perspectives, Leslie leads her talented team to inspire and elevate the world-class designers they serve, creating a space where artistry and collaboration flow seamlessly. "Imagine a project where the designer and artisan are in total alignment” ✨ This guiding philosophy is at the core of everything they do. As a full-service drapery workroom to the trade, Excell In Design Group offers expert consultations, exquisite craftsmanship, and professional installation, all grounded in years of deep industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence. Connect with Leslie Excell Website Facebook Instagram A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows: WTFP #309: Overheard: Inside a Window Treatment Mastermind: How 5 Experts Built a Powerhouse Support System WTFP #286: Julie Murphy: From Home Sewing to Million-Dollar Workroom WTFP #34: Nikki Greenwood: from Corporate to the Window Treatment Business WTFP #122: Jill Ballew: Her System for Chasing Post Installation Issues WTFP#276: Vita Vygovska: The Pain Points and “Watch Outs” When Working With an Interior Designer WTFP #268: Vita Vygovska: Empower Your Window Treatment Sales Force WTFP #262: Vita Vygovska: Understanding the Challenges of Working with New Designers in the Window Treatments Industry WTFP #261: Vita Vygovska: Production Workroom Vs Concierge Workroom WTFP #257: Vita Vygovska: Working With Designers: Process vs Service Vita's Tips in Ten - Entire Podcast Collection!
    Más Menos
    1 h y 9 m
  • 314: What Would Lu Do?: How to Attract High-End Window Treatment Clients by Speaking to Their Priorities—Not Their Wallets

    314: What Would Lu Do?: How to Attract High-End Window Treatment Clients by Speaking to Their Priorities—Not Their Wallets
    Apr 7 2025
    Today With LuAnn Nigara: Are you stuck speaking price while your dream clients are listening for value? In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn gets real about how to elevate your messaging to match the elevated clientele you’re trying to attract. She walks you through the subtle yet powerful mindset and language shifts that can position you as the go-to expert for high-end window treatment projects—without ever having to “sell.” LuAnn dives into: The one perspective shift that will completely transform how you talk about your services. Why leading with budget talk is sabotaging your value. How to align your messaging with the emotional and lifestyle priorities of your ideal clients. This is a must-listen if you’re ready to stop being a commodity and start being a category of one. ✨ And if this resonates, check out Episode 897 with Fred Berns where we talk about defining your “Only”—the exact thing you do better than anyone else. It's the perfect companion to today’s insights. LuAnn Nigara’s Ah-Ha Moments: “The high-end client isn’t asking, ‘Can I afford this?’ They’re asking, ‘Is this worth my time, energy, and trust?’” - LuAnn “When you speak to someone’s lifestyle priorities, they stop looking at your price tag—and start looking at your expertise.” - LuAnn “You don’t have to justify your pricing when you’ve already proven your value.” - LuAnn “The moment you stop selling and start serving is the moment you attract the right clients.” - LuAnn “Price is a factor. But priority? That’s the decision-maker.” - LuAnn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Chairman of the Board with LuAnn Nigara! Exciting Windows! Coaching and more! Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Other Shows: WTFP #305: What Would Lu Do?: Ghosted After the Quote? The Pricing Conversation You’re Avoiding
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • 313: What Would Lu Do?: 5 Traits Every Standout 7-Figure Window Treatment Entrepreneur Has in Common

    313: What Would Lu Do?: 5 Traits Every Standout 7-Figure Window Treatment Entrepreneur Has in Common
    Mar 31 2025
    Today With LuAnn Nigara: What separates the window treatment pros who build wealth from those who just build stress? In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the five non-negotiable traits I’ve seen in every successful entrepreneur I’ve interviewed, coached, or worked alongside. After 1,300+ podcast interviews, dozens of coaching clients, and decades building Window Works, one truth is clear: success isn’t magic—it’s math. It’s made of actions, habits, and decisions. Today, I’m walking you through the exact traits you need to cultivate if you want to scale with purpose, lead with confidence, and build a business that actually works—for you, your family, and your future. This is the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to thrive in this business. So grab your notebook and let's get to work. In this episode, I’ll share: Why you can’t skip the hard lessons (and how to grow from them) What WD-40 has to do with your pricing strategy How a branding breakthrough transformed Window Works after 35 years The Sandra Funk pivot that launched a movement And how Carrie Underwood can teach you something about showing up (yep, really) A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Chairman of the Board with LuAnn Nigara! Exciting Windows! Coaching and more! Other Shows: AWDB #26: Kae Whitaker- Branding Your Business- Finally I Understand It! AWDB #259: Kae Whitaker – Get New Clients with the Right Email Sequence AWDB #274: Power Talk Friday: Kae Whitaker- Part 2 of Email Marketing for your Interior Design Firm AWDB #1040: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: 5 Steps to an Exceptional Hire AWDB #589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million AWDB #363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team AWDB #520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! AWDB #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems AWDB #660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • 312: Bound By Business: Amy Cramer: The Legal Side of Family Business

    312: Bound By Business: Amy Cramer: The Legal Side of Family Business
    Mar 24 2025
    Today With Amy Cramer: In this special episode of our Bound By Business series, Jessica Harling sits down with Amy Cramer of Cramer Law Group to explore the essential legal structures family businesses need. Amy breaks down why proper documentation matters in succession planning, how to match estate plans with business documents, and the importance of clear roles and decision-making authority. This practical conversation covers everything from the dangers of nepotism to implementing appropriate compensation structures, helping family business owners avoid costly mistakes while preserving both their company and family relationships. Amy's concept of a "stewardship mindset" provides a powerful framework for viewing family business leadership as a responsibility rather than an entitlement. More About Amy Cramer Amy Cramer is passionate about providing a voice for those who face discrimination, harassment or reprisals in the workplace. A powerful advocate for her clients, she uses all of the legal tools at her disposal to vigorously fight for them. Amy practices primarily in the representation of victims of discrimination based on factors including skin color, sex, age, religion or disability. In addition, she focuses on those who have been harassed in the workplace or faced retaliatory conduct by their employers. Amy has successfully litigated in both federal and state courts on behalf of those who feel their voices have been silenced. She is tenacious in her representations, tirelessly appearing before courts and administrative agencies to support her clients’ claims. In fact, Amy has a history of helping others. A native Chicagoan, she taught high school English in an inner-city school before attending The John Marshall Law School. The experience gave her the ability to listen to the challenges faced daily by the young people she was teaching and to relate to their stories, including how to encourage them in the face of so much adversity. One of her clients described Amy as calm, but powerful – both traits that served her well in education and now in her legal career. Connect with Amy Cramer Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn More About Jessica Harling With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line. Connect with Jessica Harling Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design WCAA Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Other Shows WTFP #288: Bound By Business: Mark & Laura Perel: Married & Building a Window Treatment Empire AWDB #454: Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal – Lawyers That Speak Designer WTFP #308: Bound by Business: Tim Yurek: Succession Planning Made Simple: Ensuring a Smooth Transition Without Financial Strain WTFP #255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy WTFP #253: Tim Yurek: Three Disturbing Trends That Put Small Businesses at Risk
    Más Menos
    1 h y 6 m
  • 311: What Would Lu Do?: Your Window Treatment Showroom Opening & Beyond—How to Build a Community Hub for Clients, Trades, and Partners

    311: What Would Lu Do?: Your Window Treatment Showroom Opening & Beyond—How to Build a Community Hub for Clients, Trades, and Partners
    Mar 17 2025
    Today With LuAnn Nigara: Opening a window treatment showroom is more than just a ribbon-cutting—it’s the launch of a space that can become the heartbeat of your business. Done right, your window treatment showroom can evolve into a thriving community hub where clients, industry partners, and trade professionals come together. In this episode of Window Treatments for Profit, I’m sharing proven strategies for making your showroom a destination—whether you’re planning your grand opening, celebrating an anniversary, or looking for ways to keep momentum going all year long. We’ll cover: ✔️ Who to invite & how to get them there ✔️ Creative event ideas for building lasting connections ✔️ Hosting tips to make your showroom THE place to be ✔️ Why relationship marketing is key to long-term success And if you want more ideas on turning customers into lifelong fans, don’t miss Episode #78 with Georgiana Schwandt, where she shares her powerful strategies for customer appreciation and repeat business. Listen now and start turning your showroom into an industry hub! A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows: WTFP #78: Georgiana Schwandt: Create the Life You Love for Your Business and Personal Life
    Más Menos
    34 m
  • 310: What Would Lu Do?: If You’re Tryin’, You Ain’t: It Takes Action to Build a Profitable Window Treatment Business

    310: What Would Lu Do?: If You’re Tryin’, You Ain’t: It Takes Action to Build a Profitable Window Treatment Business
    Mar 10 2025
    Today With LuAnn Nigara: Are you trying to grow your business, or are you actually doing it? In this episode of Window Treatments for Profit, we’re tackling one of the biggest mindset shifts that separates successful business owners from those who stay stuck: the difference between trying and doing. Inspired by the Toby Keith song If You’re Tryin’, You Ain’t, this episode will challenge the way you think about hiring, pricing, sales, leadership, and decision-making. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✔️ The Hesitation Trap—how subtle indecision is keeping you from success ✔️ How to step up as a leader and gain confidence in your decisions ✔️ Why hesitation kills sales (and the simple shift that will increase your closing rate) ✔️ The exact language to remove from your vocabulary today to start taking action It’s time to stop “trying” and start “doing.” Listen now and take the challenge—commit to eliminating hesitation from your business today! A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Join LuAnn University!
    Más Menos
    19 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup